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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)

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What listeners say about Speaks the Nightbird

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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.

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Very well written & Very well performed

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

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    4 out of 5 stars

Epic novel

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

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  • 01-01-23

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.

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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.

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Great

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

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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.

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Excellent!

Sherlock Holmes x Monty Python x Stephen King. This is the best book I’ve read in ages!!!! And it is loooong…. I love that!!! Looking forward to Book 2.

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Such a great story!

Just discovered the author and to my delight, read by one of my favorite narrators. Rich in characters that are brought to life incredibly well, plot twists that keep you listening and and a true feel for the time the story takes place. Thrilled that it's part of a series, I'm in!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Dark, Twisted Period Piece with GREAT Characters!

McCammon never disappoints. This story stays localized in the Carolinas, at a time when people still believed in witches. ---Yes, there was a time in this country when we believed in witches. The attention to detail is extraordinary. McCammon takes you to this dirty little backwoods town and leaves you there with no map...and you will LOVE it! The story itself is a mystery...of sorts.... but it feels like more of a journey novel. This is due to the fact that the characters are so incredibly unique and well fleshed-out, that you forget you're reading a mystery.

Warning--This book is VERY adult. Without getting too "spoiler-ry" about it, I'll just say that there are a few depraved acts that take place that I wouldn't want my child reading (listening) about.

The narrator is GREAT.

If you're itching for a good period piece, with a sprinkle of "who dunnit", then this is the book for you.

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290 people found this helpful