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)

Great story

wonderful narration. Entertaining with so many twists and turns. unable to stop listening.Anxious to listen to other books by this narrator.

I'm glad there's a series!

I never thought I'd read a mystery for which the clever and satisfying denouement was almost secondary to my rich enjoyment of the characters and the milieu in which they live, but Speaks the Nightbird was such a story. Having said that, there's more suspense packed into unmasking and putting paid to the fascinating villain in one chapter than there is in any three urban "who's gone missing?" novels I've recently read.

And, Mr. Ballerini, please come forward as the master masker that you surely are, take off your wig with a flourish and bow for your devoted audience.

This is a fascinating. absorbing novel. Don't miss it!

Jay Thomas

Non-stop entertainment

Listening to this audiobook is so entertaining. I could not stop listening to and reading the book. I listened to Robert McCammon's Swan Song not too long ago and it was a very good listen. This one is many orders of magnitude better than Swan Song. It's the first book in a series and I'm already listening to the second one.

Read this now. And don't stop till it's done.

A near biblical work of humanity, cruelty, good and evil. Offer yourself the education of this story.

Speaks to my soul!

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

Only one flaw...(the flaw: matches were not commonplace until over 100 years later.)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matthew Corbett because he's obviously the HERO! But Mr. Bidwell reminds me of an old blusterbuss boss attorney for whom I worked.

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

OMG... what a VOICE! Mr. Ballerini, you are SO SPOT ON!

Any additional comments?

I need historical accuracy. Matches were not a common occurrence until over 100 years later. I highly advise you update your book to make note of that fact.

Great tale!

I love a great historical story, one full of action and intrigue. This one had it all.

Couldn't stop listening!

What made the experience of listening to Speaks the Nightbird the most enjoyable?

The story twisted and turned and I never quite knew who the culprits were. I loved the writing and the narration, which was perfectly suited to the story.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the fact that I can usually predict the ending in mysteries but was kept guessing right until the very end in this wonderful piece of fiction. I also loved the feel of the book. It just kept me engrossed throughout. A wonderful portrayal of the world's view of witches in the late 1600's.

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

No, I haven't. But I would seek out another after listening to this book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I had trouble putting it down, so to speak!

Any additional comments?

Read this book! It's wonderful.

Excellent narration, story rather tedious

I almost didn't finish this book. The author was overly fond of describing throbbing temples (or pulsing veins) in his characters when they are stressed; after a certain point, it became somewhat of a joke. This is not a book that you'll sit in the driveway listening to after you've arrived.

The best book I've listened to thus far.

What made the experience of listening to Speaks the Nightbird the most enjoyable?

The constant twists and turns, who could the fox be?

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

Yes! The clock was ticking for Rachel and you can feel the urgency.

Which character – as performed by Edoardo Ballerini – was your favorite?

Mathew for sure.

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

I laughed all the time, many of the characters are nuts and I found myself roaring with laughter.

Any additional comments?

If this book hasn't been made in to movie yet it really needs to be.

A FAVORITE

Would you consider the audio edition of Speaks the Nightbird to be better than the print version?

I would say "yes"...the narrator was terrific, probably one of the best I've ever heard.The print version would be wonderful, as the author os SO talented. His descriptions are delightfully rich. But the audio book adds another dimension to an already treasured story.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters...so rich. And, it was not terribly predictable! There were some great twists and turns that really peaked one's interest. I couldn't wait to get back to the book!

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

He captured each character perfectly. His "voices" unique for each! I' read other books he narrates,as it makes all the difference!

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

Yes, without a spoiler, moments between Matthew and the Magistrate, especially at the end of the book

Any additional comments?

I can't wait to read the sequel, which I've already downloaded. I had other books on my wish list, but ignored them. I'm so grateful that Audible suggested this book, as it goes to the top of my list to recommend to others.