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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
    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
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    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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A New to Me Series

Any additional comments?

What a great start to a new (to me) series. I picked up this audiobook when Audible was having a sale last month. When I first started listening, I wasn't sure if I was going to like the story, as it was quite the departure from his other books. But it didn't take long for me to realize how wrong I was. I was fascinated with the narration, which absolutely brought the characters to life. The story was intriguing as well as intense, and kept me wanting to know what happened. I loved the characters in the story and look forward to listening to the next book in the series. I am so glad that I started this series.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic EVERYTHING

I enjoyed this book so much.
The narration was OUTSTANDING! Among the very best narration I've ever listened to.
The story included so many interesting pieces- 1690's law, justice, medicine, prejudices, fears, fashion, housekeeping, cooking, city development... I really could feel the world back then!
At just over 30 hours, it's a bit of an undertaking but I loved it!

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Perfection

Speaks the Nightbird is quite possibly my new favorite book of all time. McCammon fleshes out an elegant, precise, and wholly engaging mystery set in a period of American history I normally shy away from. Matthew Corbett is a fantastic protagonist: rational, witty, doggedly determined. The stakes in this story are raised, and raised, and raised again, until the reader is all but certain that Matthew will fail.
I laughed, I cried, I shuddered with terror. I came away somehow imperceptibly but most assuredly changed as a human being.
Brilliant.

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

Could not put down

This book held my attention and I could not put it down.. there was everything going on .. so much so I got my 200 tulips planted, I was consentrating so hard I could not beleive I was finished.
Another great book .. I am addicted now I have to listen to them all.

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Wow, enjoyed from beginning to end.

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

Of course the story line. It is not the 'usual' historical novel. I truly enjoyed the whole story. I think what made the book even better...was the narrator. Top notch in all his characters. He is now my favorite narator for sure. I plan to listen to the whole series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matthew was my favorite character.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Matthew and Rachel are in the Indian camp. But there were so many favorites.

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

At the end when Matthew and Rachel were saying goodbye and also the times where Matthew stood up for his principles.

Any additional comments?

I have to say I was hesitant, but I am very happy that I did listen to this book. As I said in the beginning...wow.

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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

Love the entire series

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

I enjoy historical period mysteries and this one really got me hooked from the very start. The vivid language paints scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting to hear more at every sitting. Matthew Corbett is my favorite character and the performance by Edoardo Ballerini really brings him to life in my minds eye. Everytime I thought that I figured out "who dun it" I was surprised with twists and turns that had me going in a different direction. What a FUN listen. I have listened to the four books of this series and am looking forward to the next installment.

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

too long

jumped shark 3 chapters before end. words words words words words words words words el.

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