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.
Digital Goddess
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. 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!
Raid Bucker
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ
Tootsie Killer
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out. 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!
Roadspike
This app is a book lover's dream come true β a vast library right at your fingertips. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Bang Shift
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§
New York Mood
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day.
All Natural
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight.
CuriousCoder
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling.
Rosie Bird
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. ππ§
NemesisX
Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's design is user-centric. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
Uncle Psycho
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. I love the statistics feature. Itβs fun to see how much Iβve listened.
DARK HQ
Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! π±π§ Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
ManManMan
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
VPR
πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight.
FearLeSS
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
360
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight.
Good-lookinβ
The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Pocket Mazda
This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits.
Wiccan Trouble
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ«
Commando
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
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