Book description
When a 12-year-old girl's murder shocked a quiet Indiana town in 1992, it wasn't just a crime-it was a horrifying mirror held up to the darkness hiding in plain sight. Aphrodite Jones, the award-winning true crime journalist who's dissected cases like O.J. Simpson and Jon Benet Ramsey for decades, doesn't just tell you what happened in Cruel Sacrifice-she makes you feel the icy dread of that freezing January night. And listening to this audiobook? It's the most powerful way to experience it.
Jones' voice, calm but unflinching, guides you through the tangled web of twisted love, childhood trauma, and unthinkable violence that led four teenagers to commit a crime that still chills America. You hear the details not as cold facts, but as a visceral journey-how the girls' fractured lives collided, how Shanda Sharer, innocent and full of promise, became the ultimate sacrifice. Jones doesn't sensationalize; she illuminates. Her decades of reporting mean she knows the unspoken truths, the hidden scars, the moments that made this case unlike any other.
This isn't just another true crime story. It's a rare, intimate look at how small-town America can harbor secrets that explode with brutal force. You'll understand the why behind the horror-not to justify it, but to grasp how broken systems and desperate hearts can spiral into tragedy. And as Jones unravels each chilling detail, her narration makes you lean in, feel the tension, and confront uncomfortable truths about jealousy, abuse, and the fragility of childhood.
Hearing this as an audiobook transforms it. You're not reading words on a page-you're immersed in the story, guided by a master storyteller who's lived this world. The pacing, the pauses, the weight she gives to every revelation? It's like having a trusted expert walk you through the case file, step by step. You'll find yourself pausing to process, to reflect, long after the final chapter.
This is the kind of true crime that matters-a story that refuses to let Shanda's life be reduced to a headline. It's a testament to Jones' skill that she turns a harrowing case into a deeply human exploration of how darkness takes root. If you want to move beyond the headlines and understand the heart of a tragedy that still echoes, Cruel Sacrifice is essential listening. You won't just hear the story-you'll feel its weight, its urgency, and its profound, heartbreaking truth. Listen to understand.
Frosty
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience.
Electric Player
Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Gold Dahlia
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. This app's library is a treasure trove β I'm always discovering new favorites. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver!
Frosty Snazz
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook!
Gold Bentley
Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
Lime
π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. 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!
King Panther
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
Screwtape
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Trash Sling
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features.
Demo Zero
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Milan Call Back
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is remarkable. No more hassle with formats β this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§
Sun Lemon
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! 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!
Alias Stick
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
Sly Silvermoon
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
Mr. Gadget
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app β it's a companion. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Sun Washer
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
ThreadTrail
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Tweety Bun Bun
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
High Kingdom Warrior
Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§ ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Kitchen
The app's stability is impressive β it runs smoothly without any glitches. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
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