The Jester

By: James Patterson, Andrew Gross

Narrated by: Neil Dickson

Hugh De Luc, a poor innkeeper, returns home from the First Crusade wearied from battle and disillusioned by carnage. After journeying from the Holy Land back to his own small village, he finds his nightmare is just beginning.

In his absence, Hugh's son has been killed and his beloved wife, Sophie, abducted by a ruthless duke in search of a priceless relic dating back to the Crucifixion. Taking on the role of a jester, Hugh infiltrates the court where he believes Sophie is held captive. There he confronts men more evil than he ever imagined and embarks on an epic battle to restore his broken life.

©2003 James Patterson, All Rights Reserved. (P)2003 Time Warner AudioBooks, A Division of AOL Time Warner Book Group

Critic reviews

"From start to finish, this is supersmart popular fiction, slick yet stirring...unforgettable characters...Patterson's fans will love this one." (Publishers Weekly)

This is a good book.

I took a chance on this one and was not disappointed. It held my interest all the way through, with brilliant characterizations, lots of action, and some history thrown in. Not for the feint of heart. Improbable, but happy, ending. If you don't enjoy this time period, ca 1000 AD, avoid this book. It is about the Crusades.

Yet Another James Patterson

If you like midieval themes, this is one of the best out there. In Patterson's first delve into a quasi-historical fiction, he's done a pretty incredible job. It certainly is better than the Steven R. Lawhead Pendragon series and gets you thinking about the predicament his characters get in. From a historical point of view, it leads the reader through some pretty accurate accountings of landowner abuse of their citizens and what medieval times were like. The plot of one rising as the leader for the benefit of all leaves one, if you have that kind of imagination, cheering in your car seat. I have also read this in hard copy and think that if you are not expecting an Alex Cross novel, like historically based fiction, and can delve into the character development, this one is a barn-burner.

Great book

It is a story of the reluctant heroism of the common man, triumph in the face of tragedy, the encouraging power of loyal friends, and the ability to love again.
Hugh is a lowly innkeeper who joins the Crusade with his mind filled with the ideals of war and the cause behind it. However, reality brings with it disillusionment and sorrow as his friends are slaughtered. No longer filled with innocence, Hugh leaves the Crusade to be with his love and wife, only to find his inn destroyed, his wife taken away, and the infant son he never knew murdered.

With vengeance in his heart, Hugh seeks revenge. Apparent that the only way to get close to the murderers is to become a court jester, Hugh begins a path toward the final confrontation. Along the way, others join his cause and his quest becomes a battle cry for the entire country

ALL-TIME FAVORITE FOR ME!

This was one of my favorite books when I read it the first time years ago, and the audio version did not disappoint. As a lover of historical fiction, this has everything I enjoy!

great read

Loved it hung on to every word would love more like this from Patterson. Loved how it all ended.

Long But Worth The Time

Jester was a twisting and turning tale that kept my interest the whole way even though it took 12 CD's to finish it. Fun history with blood and guts and a romantic high ground, I was guessing until almost the end. The reader also did a nice job in switching between characters - excellent!

A good listen

I was surprised to be drawn in by this different sort of write for Patterson, but the story had enough twists and turns to keep my attention and enjoyment. I felt there was, however, a bit too much graphic drawn out gory battle scenes for my taste. I enjoyed the narrator very much, seemed perfect for the story.

Wonderful entertainment

The narration is excellent. Each voice fits the character perfectly and greatly enriches the experience. Romance, blood and guts, revolution,raunchy humor, history and religion in equal parts. What more could you want ? The good guy even triumphs! I didn't want to stop listening or the story to end.

A Best Love Story

I only read love stories. Nothing about this book's advertisements indicated that it was a love story, but a friend told me it was. Adventurous, historical, suspensive. This is a must get! Best hear this year.

Fantastic....Bravo!

This is the second time that I've gone through this book and it is just as great as the first time that I listen to it. The story is so rich in character and it is one of which would keep you Spellbound from the first 5 minutes all the way to the ending and will bring tears to your eyes with the heartfelt way in which the jester comes to life. I love this book and many others will too!