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)

Another great one from Mr. McCammon

I don’t even like historical fiction but after I finished this, I wanted to listen to the next one. Rich characters and a good mystery plot. The narrator was remarkable. His vocal ability is the best I’ve come across and it’s a major factor in my future listening of this series. Loved it.

Entertaining

I like to listen to long books and this one delivered. The narration was excellent. The story dragged a little but the author put a lot of detail in the writing. It was enjoyable and I'm moving on to the second one.

Excellent listen!

Captivated from the start. It could get a bit whiney at times, but otherwise, very descriptive, very detailed and read beautifully.

Very Adventuristic

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

This book had many facets of intrique, there was a mystery around every corner a lot of suspense and romance to boot

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

The plot always kept me on the edge of my seat, not knowing where the story would take you next.

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

This is the first of any Edoardo Ballerini"s performances, but if this is an example of his future presentations yes I would gladly listen to more

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

it follows what makes any good book a good listen, it brought out most every emotion.

Any additional comments?

must listen

This One Will Be a Favorite for Many Listeners

Matthew serves as clerk for a magistrate. He's not only a clerk but a remarkable thinker. What makes Matthew unique among so many literary heros is that Matthew's thoughts don't always lead him to the right conclusion, but always to conclusions that will interest the listener.

McCammon offers listeners well fleshed out characters, characters you will come to appreciate. In addition, he spins a tale worth listening to and listening to again.

Although his tale is set in a time of hardship and superstitions, McCammon touches many of the weaknesses and strengths of people of any era. Greed and murder are balanced by love and tenderness in a timeless story.

I highly recommend "Speaks the Nightbird."

This nightbird sang!

What a great story. Well-written characters, good plotting, intriguing view of life in 17th century America. I chose this because I had just finished "Beautiful Ruins" (which I loved) and I liked the narrator so much I wanted to hear him read again. I was not disappointed -- Edoardo Ballerini is the best narrator I've heard! I did not want to stop listening...now I can't wait to hear the next book in the series. Matthew Corbett is a great protagonist.

Great story - terrible narrator

Good story but the guys accents are terrible and his mispronunciation of a plethora of words is extremely irritating, however, the story makes it a worthwhile listen. I nearly returned it and bought the book... which is what I may do for the sequels.

Long story

This story goes on and on. I didn’t mind the pace of the narrator or the wordy descriptions, but the story did seem to drag quite often. Sometimes I look at how much time is left on a book because it feels like it’s ending but I don’t want it too. That is not the case with this one. At one point I looked to see how much could possibly be left and there was still 4+ hours to go - ugh. Too many soliloquies and monologues.
The narrator was good with his accents and I felt the pacing fit the way the story was written. Some people thought it was too slow, but that what the x1 button is for.

Excellent

This was an excellent book in every way. The narration was beyond excellent. He was wonderful with the voices of all even the Indians.
The story was a bit long and I wanted him to get the girl in the end but the story was great. It tells about the superstitions of people no matter what time or age. They go with a spot of gossip and before you no it, someone is a witch. Even thou you no there is no such of a thing. Rumors can get so big that no one really has an idea what is really going on. Doesn't matter if it's 2015 or 1699. We will always be the same. Our evil ways will always be our downfall.

Great story and narration

Really enjoyed this story. The narrator was very good and made the village come to life. I'd love a sequel.