The Letter of Marque cover art

The Letter of Marque

Aubrey-Maturin Series, Book 12

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The Letter of Marque

By: Patrick O'Brian
Narrated by: Ric Jerrom
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About this listen

Captain Jack Aubrey, a brilliant and experienced officer, has been struck off the list of post-captains for a crime he did not commit. His old friend Stephen Maturin, usually cast as a ship's surgeon to mask his discreet activities on behalf of British intelligence, has bought for Aubrey his former ship the Surprise to command as a privateer, more politely termed a letter of marque. Together they sail on a desperate mission against the French, which, if successful, may redeem Aubrey from the private hell of his disgrace.

©1988 The Estate of the late Patrick O'Brian CBE (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Action & Adventure Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Sea Adventures War & Military Adventure Pirate

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All stars
Most relevant  
I think I'm falling hoplessly in love with Diane Villiers. A splendid story of the Aubrey/Maturin saga.

Splendid.

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...now I'm listening to them all. Fantastic yarns with magnificent detail and extremely well read.

I've read them all...

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Ric Jerrom excels here. He is by far the best narrator of the Aubrey Maturin series. Patrick O Brien wrote the series masterfully and Mr Jerrom brings the characters to life.

Absolutely excellent.

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Loved the action and the quieter moments that were written in such a skillful manner. What great heroes the two of them are in this tale.

For me this is the best book in the series

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Another great yarn from Patrick O'Brian. The books become more and more enjoyable as one gets to know the characters, something that is made much easier by Ric Jerrom's wonderful narration.

Fine story, masterly narration

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This is a wonderful romp! A terrific seafaring tale, a gastronomic delight brimming with excitement and tension that only laudanum and a mouthful of well chewed coca leaves and tincture of hellebore could assuage.
As always Ric Jerrom’s dulcet tones does the saga proud..... Thank you! Oh, and be so good as to pass another slice of that truly excellent Strasbourg pie.

Patrick O’Brian at his best

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Would you listen to The Letter of Marque again? Why?

Yes. It is the kind of book you get lost in. The characters can be believed and you can see them in your minds eye

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Letter of Marque?

The emotional turmoil of Stephen Maturin and the character of Diana.

What about Ric Jerrom’s performance did you like?

Excellent I liked everything. He made the characters live. A good story well read and written

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Love favours the bold

Any additional comments?

O'Brien had such a good way of writing and a gauntlet of characters. The emotions are believable and he writes with depth of feeling, Thoroughly recommend the talking book.

Top Marques

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Would you consider the audio edition of The Letter of Marque to be better than the print version?

Yes, being able listen to the book on the move along with Ric Jerrom's excellent narration bring the book alive

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jack Aubrey, a complex but genuine character

Have you listened to any of Ric Jerrom’s other performances? How does this one compare?

As ever, excellent, brings this series of books alive

Another hit

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I love this series the characters are so well rounded and believable. I have listened so often I can now only hear Aubrey and Maturin read by Ric Jerrom. I have read the series and listened to it at least 3 times and I wish that he could finish the series. Recommended listening.

3rd time of listening, I think I'm hooked!

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The tales stay as strong as ever and if anything POCs stories develop increasing depth and wonder as the series goes on; a rare quality indeed.

Another strong outing for Jack and Stephen

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