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Speaks the Nightbird cover art

Speaks the Nightbird

By: Robert R. McCammon
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
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Summary

Audie Award Nominee, Fiction, 2013

Judgment of the Witch

The Carolinas, 1699: The citizens of Fount Royal believe a witch has cursed their town with inexplicable tragedies - and they demand that beautiful widow Rachel Howarth be tried and executed for witchcraft. Presiding over the trial is traveling magistrate Issac Woodward, aided by his astute young clerk, Matthew Corbett. Believing in Rachel's innocence, Matthew will soon confront the true evil at work in Fount Royal....

Evil Unveiled

After hearing damning testimony, magistrate Woodward sentences the accused witch to death by burning. Desperate to exonerate the woman he has come to love, Matthew begins his own investigation among the townspeople. Piecing together the truth, he has no choice but to vanquish a force more malevolent than witchcraft in order to save his beloved Rachel - and free Fount Royal from the menace claiming innocent lives.

©2002 Robert McCammon (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Edoardo Ballerini performs this story of accusation and fear flawlessly. He effortlessly switches his pitch, accents, and timbre to suit the unfortunate Rachel Howarth, the endless curious Corbett, and the various determined characters, good and evil.” (AudioFile)
"a compelling story that should find a wide readership. Highly recommended for popular fiction collections." (Library Journal)
"An excellent story, full of tension and suspense.” (Stephen King)

What listeners say about Speaks the Nightbird

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First rate historical suspense thriller

I became totally absorbed in the story of 1699 and something evil is afoot. The characters are beautifully drawn and believable for that time in history. My favourite has to be Exodus Jerusalem - a fire breathing preacher who wishes to cure witches of wickedness with his 'mighty sword'.

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Couldn’t stop listening

This is a long book but well written and performed. I loved McCammon’s other books and was expecting supernatural shenanigans, but was pleasantly surprised by the dark elements he brought with human characters alone.

Great performance, good cast of characters, an intriguing story and plenty of darkness.

Bring on book 2!

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Best I’ve heard in a long time

The narrator is best I’ve heard so far, a great actor brilliant at accents he really brings the story alive. A very long book yet I could have carried on listening & listening. I loved the story & will now listen to the others. I thought because if the author it might have a horror aspect but it’s not needed as the horror man can do to man is enough. I can’t praise this enough

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Excellent

One of the best books I have read, truly memorable. Didn't want it to end - which is saying something for a book which has nearly 800 page.

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wow, what a book

the best audio book I've listened to. was slightly put off by the length, 30 hours and the period this is set in, but with loads of miles to drive during November, thought I'd give it a go.
Warning, don't be put off by the first hour or so, the story soon gets into a wonderfully descriptive pace that put you also bang into the last year of the 1600s in colonial America. Beautiful descriptions throughout with great attention to detail whilst keeping you fully engaged.
And huge praise to the narrator too who brings the written word to life with creative and engaging style.
Already got the next two books to listen too, they'll have to be exceptionally good to beat this one.
There were times I was almost pleased for traffic jams so I could get another hour or so under my belt.

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brilliant

What made the experience of listening to Speaks the Nightbird the most enjoyable?

its twists and turns

What other book might you compare Speaks the Nightbird to, and why?

Company of liers

What about Edoardo Ballerini’s performance did you like?

very good easy to listen to very clear

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no just enjoyed it

Any additional comments?

I liked this book so much I have bought the whole series so far as I thin this will be a good series

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  • Overall
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Exceptionally intriguing book!

Really good mystery, brilliantly narrated. Each character is brought vividly to life and Matthew makes an excellent detective!

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fantastic

fantastic narration. totally absorbing novel. loved it and look forward to the next in the series

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My First Audio Book

this was marvellous, the narrator threw himself headfirst into all the characters, even if one of those characters sounded a bit like Terry Wogan to me! I listened to the book over a period of days while I was working in my studio and now I'm hooked on working like that evermore.

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Marvellous storytelling.

Such a great story and excellently narrated. The characters were brought to life perfectly. A thrilling, rollercoaster of tension, twists and turns. Loved it.

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