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)

Journey back to when people believed in witchcraft

I took a gamble on this one as I had never before read this author, and was pleasantly surprised. It is a longer book, but has a lot of depth to all the characters and occurrences within. Matthew grew up in an orphanage, but was rescued by a judge due to the boy's aura of curiosity and willingness to learn. Over the years, Matthew becomes the judge's court reporter, so to speak, but also develops bonds of family because each has lost their own. In this story, they are traveling together to a new town that has experienced murders, suspicious illnesses, and a supposed witch is in captivity. The town leader seeks to do everything in a lawful way and invites the magistrate to hold trial and place judgement. (The town members hoping for a guilty verdict meaning the witch will burn at the stake for a glorious spectacle for all to see!) There are other adventures along the way outside of the town/trial happenings and even though this book was a longer one, I found enjoyment throughout. I'm glad I stuck with the length of the book and I now am delighted to see that this is not the end of the adventures of Matthew Corbett. I enjoyed this book and will be curious to see where his next journeys take him with the rest of the series by this author. In the meantime, I'll be sure to be able to recite the Lord's Prayer should anyone ask, lest I be accused a witch and burned at the stake. Don't forget to keep your birthmarks covered as well!

A new favorite author and narrator!

Any additional comments?

Besides the witty banter, the emotional interplay between individuals, the biting humor, and the fantastic mystery woven by Robert McCammon, the narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, brings to life a whole cast of lively characters in the most believable way. One finds oneself plunked right down in early America of the late 17th century, authentically slogging through the grime and filth and alternatively enjoying the benefits of a gentleperson’s life. It’s impossible to choose a favorite characterization, as Ballerini so adroitly expresses personalities, but as much as I felt incessantly irritated by over-the-top preacher Exodus Jerusalem, I couldn’t help but enjoy the portrayal of him. Likewise, though Bidwell was a vociferous bully, his conversations with protagonist Matthew Corbett often elicited a chuckle. I cannot reveal here without ruining the story the most touching moment for me between Matthew and his mentor, magistrate Isaac Woodward, but it brought me to tears. Never since reading Aztec by Gary Jennings have I experienced an author so skillfully weave the graciousness with the savageness of human nature. McCammon is a new favorite, and I was thrilled to be brought to an ending that hinted at a continued story. I will also be listening to everything Ballerini has ever or will ever narrate. Bravo!

Wonderful

This was one of the best books I have ever listened to and the reading was phenomenal. Thank you both for such an excellent job. I have already purchased the second in the series,

started slow, but soon made up for it!

this book was a struggle for me to start, I was having a hard time following it and at one point actually went to my account to return it and found that my returns were used up so I figured what the heck I might as well finish it. so glad I did! as I started getting into it it just kept getting better and better by the end I didn't want it to stop. Great writing! this will be one I listen to again.

Very well written & Very well performed

Outstanding narration adds to a superbly well written and engrossing tale that captures and keeps your interest throughout.

Epic novel

Artful prose, interesting characters and a fascinating story of truth and redemption.
Well worth the time.

Fantastic!

I can’t wait to get started on the next one in the series - I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in quite a while.

Wow! What an intriguing story!

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to dig into the next book in the series. “Speaks the Nightbird” is reminiscent of Ken Follett masterpieces. I know this one is something I’ll read over and over.

Great

Wonderful reader plus great story-got me through a lot of traffic-well done period

So entertaining!

Much more than I expected. Really top-notch narration, intriguing story, great characters, interesting historical details, and a romp in the hay. Well, two — but let’s not mention the other one. Now to start Book 2.