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  • Crowner's Crusade

  • By: Bernard Knight
  • Narrated by: Colin Mace
  • Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (76 ratings)
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Crowner's Crusade

By: Bernard Knight
Narrated by: Colin Mace
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Summary

1192: Returning from the Holy Land at the end of the Third Crusade, Sir John de Wolfe, finds England simmering with rebellion and the body of the king’s courier washed up on the shores of the River Exe. Tasked by the Chief Justiciar to discover why the man died and who killed him, Sir John is drawn unwillingly into affairs of state. His new career as a king's coroner is about to begin.…

©2012 Bernard Knight (P)2012 W F Howes Ltd

What listeners say about Crowner's Crusade

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Another great story

This is another in the Crowner John series. He is the equivalent of a coroner in mecieval England. The background is detailed and authentic, the characters develope over time and there is murder and other crimes to be solved - all leading to a very good read. This one ii really a prequel as it deals withe time before John became coroner in Exeter so can be enjoyed by people new to the series and to those who already enjoy it and want some questions answered.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

great book

great book which tells the story of the part played by the crowner in richard the lionhearts fateful attempt to return to england from the holy land

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

First in series

Nothing earth-shatteringly original but sometimes what you need is to slip into a book like a comfy pair of slippers. This does that perfectly.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Crowner's Crusade

This book was interesting, giving background to the character of Crowner John. I enjoyed it.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great book but don't judge the series by this one

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend but it's not one of the best and the series is much better than this one

What other book might you compare Crowner's Crusade to, and why?

The series is a fascinating one and you can learn so much about the period which is lacking in May other books.

Would you be willing to try another one of Colin Mace’s performances?

No, I didn't find his style of delivery interesting at all and his change of accents was not a patch on Paul Matthews. I found some of the accents positively irritating and he had a tendency to drone!

Do you think Crowner's Crusade needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No I don't think there is anything to add but it was informative for those of us who have read all the previous books as it gave detail to how Crowner John became what he was and his relationship with King Richard which has been alluded to throughout the series.

Any additional comments?

I found the Crowner John series, riveting and couldn't wait for the next one! I do hope that Bernard Knight finds another role for Crowner John so we can hear more of him and his interesting characters? The setting and time period is particularly fascinating as there is no better author for the realistic descriptions of medieval life than Bernard Knight.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A good introduction

Enjoyed the book but struggled a bit with the narration. Overall though a good listen

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Easy listening for me, easy money for the author.

This is a perfectly enjoyable book, which is probably of most interest to someone new to the Crowner John series by Bernard Knight. As a long time follower of the books I wasn't going to miss this prequel, but that said there is very little that will be new to fans. Most of the background as to how Sir John became Crowner has been given or alluded to throughout the series but it was still an entertaining listen.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Great Introduction to the Series

This is an excellent introduction to the Crowner John Series. There is quite a lot of detail on the return from the Holy Land which gives a good account of the roundabout journey the Lionheart took and his eventual capture.



Once back in Exeter we are introduced to all the characters who will play leading roles in the series- Nesta, Matilda and even Thomas and of course all the men at Rougemont castle. We even meet Richard de Revelle who tries to become Sheriff with the aid of Prince John.



While there are a few minor mysteries and murders for John to solve they are small but yet important to the role he will eventually play. All the future antagonism are shown in their beginning stages.



Anyone who has listened to any of the Crowner John books will surely want this book and if you are just starting the series this is a great introduction for you meet all the important character who are permanent features in the later books.



The only reason I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 is because of the reader. Paul Matthews has read all the previous books in the series and while Colin Mace is not bad, Paul Matthews had already created the voices for the character and is sorely missed not to be reading this introduciton.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Good

Good to listen to and we'll read . As are all of the Crowner John books

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A Crowner John prequel

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If they hadn't read the series, yes, if they had, no. It doesn't add anything but it would make a good starting point for those not familiar with the series.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Crowner's Crusade?

The ending.

Which character – as performed by Colin Mace – was your favourite?

Crowner John

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

As with all prequels, this doesn't tell the reader anything they didn't already know and the first half of the book is very slow going, but for someone who hadn't read Crowner John before, it's a good introduction to the characters and their world.

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1 person found this helpful