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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
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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Got this book on a wim and love it !!!!

This book is so good and very unpredictable Mr. Robert McCammon is a good writer very well put together plot. enjoyed the whole book and was signing up for the next one. Mr. McCammon real thinks out is story and give his listeners a good ride. looking forward to the next book. thank you Mr. McCammon.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

get the feeling you've done this before?

It's a total parallel with IT by Stephen King. change only a couple things & finished. .
dissapointed

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Don’t hesitate!

This is such a fantastic book! The story is excellent, with wonderful characters and a truly fabulous plot. The narration is exceptional as well which makes the story even better! You won’t regret this purchase!

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

This is no Swan Song

I picked this book because I so enjoyed another of Robert McCammon's books, Swan Song. While it held enough of my interest for me to finish it, it was a definite let down as I was expecting the character development and suspense that I experienced in Swan Song. What kept my interest was the historical setting, but apart from that the story and characters were just OK. I don't think I'll be bothering with any of the other books in the Matthew Corbett series.

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

Well woven tale.

Twenty-five hours seems like a long time for just about anything. However, once you get sucked into this tale, the time is irrelevant. When I listen to a story that I have no idea what I am in for, the narrator plays such an important role. If his or her voice is pleasing, and the characters are easily distinguishable, and accents aren't butchered...I'm in. This story starts with a stay over at a tavern that is out of a "Twilight Zone" episode. It builds from there to a tale of witchcraft, small town hysteria, murder, and a struggle for truth against high odds. I found myself listening to the story in every available moment. There are a few very tough scenes to listen to, so be prepared for a few "ewwww" moments. I don't listen to many period books, but I am glad I gave this one a try.

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

Edoardo Ballerini is amazing at reading stories

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

The story is well detailed, easy to imagine with such wonderful descriptions.

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

This story was so good I have purchased a printed copy to mail to my daughter.

What about Edoardo Ballerini’s performance did you like?

Edoardo has done a marvelous job of depicting the characters.

Any additional comments?

I think that the quality of writing and the reader's expression's makes this book endless. I will put it on my listen to again and again list.

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

Where does Speaks the Nightbird rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I don't usually like stuff from the 1600 about witches, yet this story made if difficult to put it down.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matthew the clerk intrigued me. His desire to solve the puzzle held my interest.

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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

Slow starter, but worth the read!

It took me awhile to get into this book because of it' slow start. I came back to it several times before finally giving it a chance to complete. Once I got through about the first 1/4 of the book, it go so much better and was a welcomed surprise. I will definitely read the rest of the series. I am eager to learn of the remaining adventures of the main character Matthew.

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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

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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I luv luv Matthew C!

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

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