Book description
Set in rural Vermont in the volatile 1960s, Agony Hill is the first novel in a new historical series full of vivid New England atmosphere and the deeply drawn characters that are Sarah Stewart Taylor's trademark. In the hot summer of 1965, Bostonian Franklin Warren arrives in Bethany, Vermont, to take a position as a detective with the state police. Warren's new home is on the verge of monumental change; the interstates under construction will bring new people, new opportunities, and new problems to Vermont, and the Cold War and protests against the war in Vietnam have finally reached the dirt roads and rolling pastures of Bethany. Warren has barely unpacked when he's called up to a remote farm on Agony Hill. Former New Yorker and Back-to-the-Lander Hugh Weber seems to have set fire to his barn and himself, with the door barred from the inside, but things aren't adding up for Warren. The people of Bethany--from Weber's enigmatic wife to Warren's neighbor, widow and amateur detective Alice Bellows -- clearly have secrets they'd like to keep, but Warren can't tell if the truth about Weber's death is one of them. As he gets to know his new home and grapples with the tragedy that brought him there, Warren is drawn to the people and traditions of small town Vermont, even as he finds darkness amidst the beauty.
About the Author
SARAH STEWART TAYLOR is the author of the Sweeney St. George series, set in New England, the Maggie D'arcy mysteries, set in Ireland and on Long Island, and Agony Hill, the first in a new series set in rural Vermont in the 1960s. Sarah has been nominated for an Agatha Award and for the Dashiell Hammett Prize and her mysteries have appeared on numerous Best of the Year lists. A former journalist and teacher, she writes and lives with her family on a farm in Vermont where they raise sheep and grow blueberries.
Dark Burn
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π
Sleepwalker
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
ThreadTrail
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Poptart AK47
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way.
BlackExcalibur
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Hoboken Nightingale
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
CuriousCraft
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Slint FUBAR
πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience.
Mud Eye
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is β it's like being inside the story. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Springheel Jack
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey.
Landfill Max
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier β this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. π§ποΈ Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream!
Tokyo Dream
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work! Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Devine Melon
ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
GoldTouch
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Tacklebox
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Silent
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Doz
I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Dewdrop Doll
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Midnight Rambler
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. ποΈ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn β I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ππ
White Dragon
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience