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)

Absolutely Compelling!

Would you listen to Speaks the Nightbird again? Why?

This story is one I tell others often. I speak so much about this book, I will have to listen to it again.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

There wasn't a dull moment.

What does Edoardo Ballerini bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Flesh and Blood

I luv luv Matthew C!

Best series ever! Interesting characters , plot and narration spot on! Give it a go already!

Winning Combination!

Edoardo Ballerini knocks another one out of the park. A literary masterpiece written by Robert R. McCammon. And what better than the mastery of Edoardo Ballerini to transcend us, via the author's words, into the lives and evils characteristic in this distinct period of history.

Narration was amazing!

I was amazed by how well the narrator was able to portray the characters in this very lengthy story. Despite it’s length, I remained engaged throughout the entire story. Great book!!!

Salem didn’t hold a candle to this story.

1699 and the new world was just opening its eyes, but still blinded by old world superstition. This book was so well written and introduces the reader to unimaginable hardships, medical practices of the times, scoundrels, murderers and yes, witches. One of my most enjoyable reads of the year.

Compelling story and wonderful narration

Highly recommend. The narrator is one of the best I’ve ever heard and the production of the highest quality. The story keeps you hooked from beginning to end. I am excited to continue this series.

Outstanding

Everything about this book, story and the narration of this book is excellent!!
Well worth its time!!

Is It Gone With the Wind

Isn’t it funny how Robert McCammon nails it every time, I mean really nails it. I have read several, not all , but a few of McCammon’s books. So I am far from an authority on his writings.
But between this book and Boys Life they are just perfect novels. You are just right there in the thick of it, I mean there in the action.
When reading this you get the feel for what it may have been like in 1699. You get a little bit of historical feel, as Mathew Corbett seems to always be on receiving end of a beating. But he holds back so not to reveal his thinking to much.
But is I guess that is tactical for the writers to keep it interesting.
But I truly enjoy McCammon books and the Mathew Corbett are great.
I don’t want to give it a five star because I think are just handed out way too much. I save the five for books like the Bible and Gone With the Wind. Maybe this is a five. I will come back later and review my review.

Come back later

I enjoyed.

I enjoyed this book. I will recommend to others. It was interesting from start to finish.

3 and a half stars

Another reviewer said this book was like Outlander. I seriously disagree with that. It was an interesting tale but nothing like Outlander. I found little difference between the depictions of the characters of the towns people, the story dragged on far too long and not always believable. Not bad, i was just expecting better.