Book description
June 12th, 2024
Just finished Fatal Vision on audiobook. Couldn't stop listening, even after the last word. McGinniss doesn't just tell the story of Jeffrey MacDonald's trial; he makes you live inside the unraveling of a life. The narrator's calm, precise voice - almost too calm for the horror - is perfect. It's not shouting; it's whispering the unthinkable into your ear, making the silence after a sentence feel heavier than any scream.
This isn't just about a murder. It's about the terrifying gap between the man everyone saw - the handsome, Princeton doctor, the perfect husband, the golden boy - and the monster the evidence painted. McGinniss, who knows how to dissect a story (remember The Selling of the President?), doesn't rush. He lingers on the details: the bloodstains on the rug, MacDonald's frantic phone calls, the way his friends just... stopped believing him. You feel that slow, sickening shift in the reader's mind, mirroring the public's own doubt.
What sticks? The sheer incongruity. How could this man, who seemed to have it all, be capable of such violence? McGinniss doesn't give easy answers. He just lays out the evidence, the conflicting testimonies, the baffling inconsistencies, and lets you sit with the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, the most ordinary face hides the darkest secret. The audiobook makes it feel intimate, like he's sitting across from you in a dim room, turning over the facts one by one, his voice steady but the weight crushing.
It's not sensationalism. It's meticulous. He shows you why this case haunted America for decades - not just because of the brutality, but because it shattered the idea that "good people" couldn't be guilty. The photos mentioned in the book? I almost wished I could see them, but the narration made the scenes vivid enough. The "special epilogue" feels necessary, a quiet echo after the storm.
Listening, I kept thinking: How do you live with knowing this? Or worse, How do you not know? That's the power here. It's not just a true crime story; it's a chilling exploration of how easily the facade of normalcy can crack. You won't forget the sound of that voice describing the scene, the way it makes you question every seemingly perfect person you know. It's haunting, as the book says, but in the best way - it stays with you, long after the final chapter fades. You'll find yourself checking your own locks at 2 a.m., wondering what secrets lie just beneath the surface. That's the mark of a truly great true crime work, and McGinniss delivers it with quiet, devastating precision. Don't just read it. Listen to it. Let it sink in.
Gov Skull
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Dove Dolce
CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Lunar Treat
๐ฅ Elevating my reading routine to new heights โ this app is a real page-turner! ๐๐ Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream โ simple and efficient. The appโs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Plenty Orange
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful.
DZE
This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Plum Moon
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime โ I'm truly grateful. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
NoiseFire
This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ๐๐ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. I love the ability to change the background color. Itโs a nice touch.
NexusNomad
Audiobook excellence simplified โ this app's functionality is a true delight. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. ๐ฑ๐ง Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. 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!
Helmet Destroyer
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. ๐ผ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives โ this app is my multitasking hero! ๐ป๐ Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Lord Nikon
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ๐๐ ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itโs a fun feature.
Wildcat Talent
Audiobook adventures simplified โ this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. ListenBookโs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
ByteBard
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. ๐ง Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ๐๐ฑ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Spoiler
I love the statistics feature. Itโs fun to see how much Iโve listened. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Dangle
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits โ truly impressive.
Metal Lady
Audiobook multitasking simplified โ this app's functionality is truly commendable. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Wiccan Trouble
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless.
Duke Electro
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
BoomerBox
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ๐๐ง The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go.
Count Eagle
With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move โ it's like having a tutor by my side. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorโs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnโt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
East Army
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. ๐งโโ๏ธ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks โ mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ง Audiobook multitasking simplified โ this app's ease of use is a true asset. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
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