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Speaks the Nightbird  By  cover art

Speaks the Nightbird

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

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What listeners say about Speaks the Nightbird

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    4,420
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Story
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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Engrossing story; amazing performance!

Would you listen to Speaks the Nightbird again? Why?

Halfway through this book I bought the next three Matthew Corbett books! I thoroughly enjoyed them all. The performance by Edoardo Ballerini is phenomenal!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Entertaining, interesting and a captivating story

Other than being an extremely long story, it doesn't have dull parts or ramble. The characters are well-developed and as a historical fiction, very interesting. This would be a great book for a long trip.

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story. Excellent narration

I never leave comments but I want to RAVE about "Speaks the Nightbird". Giving only 5 stars feels like short-changing. I'll be watching for ore books by this author. I wonder if he'm take on another advent with Matthew Corbett

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best narrator and story

What did you like best about this story?

McCammon is one of my favorite authors, and his M.C novels are wonderful.

Have you listened to any of Edoardo Ballerini’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I love this narrator both my husband and I thought he did a great job, I would buy a book just for this narrator

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • 11-15-18

Edoardo Ballerini is a terrific narrator.

Two of Robert McCammon's books are among my favorites. One is post-apocalypse. One is fantasy. I am adding Speaks the Nightbird to that list. It is historical fiction. It is set along the coast of the colony of South Carolina in 1799. The border between the English colony and the Spanish held Florida is a fuzz line through swamps and Native American controlled territories. Matthew Corbett enters as a young clerk to a magistrate, set to a town a the side of a swamp to try a witch. What follows is a fantastic story, part horror (man against man), part detective, part history, and part "I don't know what to call it but I loved it". Edoardo Ballerini is a terrific narrator. He helps bring the story to life through his wonderful accents and distinct voices.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best I've heard

Well written, I try to take the clues and figure the puzzle for myself. But the author kept me guessing the whole time. I really brought out my emotions like a fine piece of art. The narrator added the perfect amount of hue and texture. ln all an absolute delight .

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I Loved This!

This was an engrossing audible book. The author has created a mixture of enthralling characters in a historical situation, all placed in the mystery genre. I have already bought the sequel as the main character is so appealing. It is not often that a mystery is as well written as this one. Enjoy!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Eloquent & intriging historical mystery novel

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

Set in American colonies in 1699 as the country was just developing. The depictions of what life was like are believable, yet at times brutal. The strength of writing is delicious in descriptions and language while engaging your interest in the characters, especially the inquisitive mind of the protagonist, as well as the believes values of the times. Delightfully narrated by Ballerini.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

I will take a break, but will continue this series

If you could sum up Speaks the Nightbird in three words, what would they be?

Credit Worthy!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Green; he was funny.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Ms. Nettles fought a good fight.

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

No.

Any additional comments?

Kept me interested from the beginning.

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

What a Find!

Would you listen to Speaks the Nightbird again? Why?

I was intrigued by the idea of an American mystery from 1699. The book exceeded all my expectations. Wonderful prose style, an engaging story and unforgettable characters combined to captivate me from start to finish. The narration was impeccable. For anyone who likes historical mysteries, this is a must-read! And the best part is that McCammon has more books in the series; I'm loading up my cart as we speak.

Any additional comments?

A must-read for lovers of historical mysteries.

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