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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)

What listeners say about Speaks the Nightbird

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    4,421
  • 4 Stars
    2,214
  • 3 Stars
    694
  • 2 Stars
    216
  • 1 Stars
    193
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    5,098
  • 4 Stars
    1,360
  • 3 Stars
    352
  • 2 Stars
    88
  • 1 Stars
    86
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    3,998
  • 4 Stars
    1,912
  • 3 Stars
    670
  • 2 Stars
    197
  • 1 Stars
    180

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A good spin on a detective story

Would you listen to Speaks the Nightbird again? Why?

Yes. Intriguing story

What was one of the most memorable moments of Speaks the Nightbird?

When Matthew is taking chances investigating places of potential danger

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

NA

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Matthew and Rachel are making their escape

Any additional comments?

Good reader

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Slow at first

But definitely picks up. Kinda wordy in places but definitely a good ride. Looking forward to reading the next in the series

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

Excellent and Satisfying

I loved this book! Initially attracted to the subject matter and the hefty length, I nearly stopped listening after the first 15 minutes. Nothing seemed to be happening of interest. I like strong female protagonists and at the rate it was going, I felt we would never get to the witch.

But I became 'bewitched' by the richness of the narrator's voice and the finely drawn characters. I love a book that is like watching a movie, and this one includes vivid imagery, wonderful dialogue, and some characters who you would like to know and some you would detest. Historical details make it seem like you are actually there!

Although the author never really draws the female psychology as realistically as the male, I forgive him because I just liked the book so much.

So glad there are more books about the main character, Matthew Corbett. I hope for the same engrossing experience.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • KP
  • 10-21-15

One of the best books I have ever read!

Any additional comments?

I actually tried to find an autographed copy of this book after I finished it! I only do that with very special books!

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

Excellent Book!

Gripping, poetic, mesmerizing! The characters are drawn so completely, the story so full and satisfying, I couldn't stop listening! More please!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Freudian slip

What could have been a good story was marred by the obsession with carnal deprivation and innuendo

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

Well worth initial effort

A little slow to start and get into the historical world, but really enjoyed it and plan to continue series.

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

An engrossing tale that leaves one wanting more.

A fascinating study of evil in pre-revolutionary South Carolina. Can't wait to see what Matthew Corbett does in Book Two. A slow start, but stay with it and you'll be hooked.
Exceptionally well narrated by Eduardo Ballerini.

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

Ballerini Adds Stars To Every Book He Performs

I got the book because I have become a fan of Edoardo Ballerini’s artistry as a narrator. The story was a great match for his talents. It was everything I hope for when I choose a book, whether in print or spoken word. I will have to exercise great discipline not to binge-listen to the whole series.

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

Just couldn't get into it characters dull

What did you like best about Speaks the Nightbird? What did you like least?

Everything, it is dull and I went thru 4 chapters and still had no real life in it

If you’ve listened to books by Robert McCammon before, how does this one compare?

No, and I am not sure I want to

What about Edoardo Ballerini’s performance did you like?

Mr. Ballerini does a great job with what he had to work with, I did enjoy his reading and even he couldn't make the story move along

Was Speaks the Nightbird worth the listening time?

No, not really kind of slow and the characters in 1699 who can't do anything for themselves, fight or even run or saddle a horse are too much for me

Any additional comments?

I kept waiting for the story to catch fire but only smoke

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