Speaks the Nightbird

By: Robert R. McCammon

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 30 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's 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)

Too long mystery/historical fiction

I like mysteries, and I like historical fiction, and this novel seemed like a great combination of both, with some witchcraft thrown in. There were engaging parts of this tale of a witchcraft trial in a small southern settlement in 1699. I liked the two main characters, a magistrate and his curious, smart, and precocious clerk. My problem was that there were not 30 hours of material in this story to keep it engaging the whole time. There were times I asked myself if I liked it enough to stick with it for another 20 hours. It barely passed that test. The novel did pick up near the end, even if it descended more into true pop fiction. In short, I give this a mixed review. I did stay with the whole thing, which says a lot. Still, it could have been a lot better 20 hour novel with better editing. The slow pace, though, was in keeping with the times, and the reader was quite good.

MY 2 FAVORITE HISTORY/MYSTERY DONE TO PERFECTION

Just found this series and have already started the second. It was so well done; the story was not only rich in early American life but flavored with an intriguing mystery. The book was packed full of interesting characters both heroes and scoundrels. The narrator Edoardo Ballerini was equal to the task in quality and depth. Also and I feel important to note - this is a great audio book, easy book to follow in this format.

Holy Plot Nightbird!

Any additional comments?

This book has been sitting in my library for over 6 months. I attempted to start the book when I first purchased it, but I found it too slow to grab my attention. My second attempt was much more successful.

This is a book that you need to invest in a few chapters before the story really hits its stride. But once it does, oh man! Think, Sherlock Holmes set in Colonial America. I don't do plot summaries in my reviews, but I will say that its been a while since I have come across a book with such a twisting plot...it kept me guessing the entire time.

The narrator was outstanding and very well cast for this story. He's one of my favorites!

Credit worthy!

A Hero with Class.

Loved this story. It was well written and the narration was outstanding. I fully intend to read more of Mr. McCammon, and Mathew Corbett's adventures. While I thought the book was overlong to begin with, once into it, I couldn't imagine any part which could have been eliminated. I hope the next one is as good.

One of my favorite books of all time

Great narrator, greater storytelling. A mystery that had me on the edge of my seat until the very end

Incredibly Written 1600’s legal thriller

Robert McCammon has got to be the most underrated writer out there. Every book I’ve read of his is outstanding and this one is no different. It is written so perfectly that I was immediately depressed when it ended. The characters were great, the plot what great and the accuracy of the language for the times was spot on. Use a credit on this book, you’ll be glad you did

Why isn’t this a Netflix series?

Wonderful! Great story kept me listening. I can see this a 12 part series on Netflix. The narrator was great. I kept thinking it must be several people reading but apparently it was just one.

amazing

it wasn't what I had expexted, and I'm glad. Held me all the way to the end

Excellent!!!

Kept me awake on nights I should have been sleeping. Well worth it though, the narrator was a perfect fit for Mathew

Wow what a great find!

This was a very pleasant book. It's is a murder mystery with a twist. It's not like other murder mysteries that I have read or listen to. Trust me this book is great from story to character development.