Book description
My Dark Places isn't just an audiobook-it's a descent. James Ellroy pulls you down into the wreckage of his childhood, his mother's murder, the silence that followed. You hear his voice, raw and unfiltered, cutting through decades of buried pain.
The man behind L.A. Confidential brings that same brutal honesty to his own story. His mother, Jean, found dead on a roadside in 1958. A ten-year-old boy who hated her in death even as he grieved. The crime that shaped everything-he became obsessed with violence, with dead women, with the darkness that lived in plain sight.
What hits hardest is how Ellroy doesn't romanticize any of it. He hated his mother. He ran from her memory. He tried to write her back into existence through fiction and failed. So he did something braver-he faced the real story head-on.
The audiobook format works perfectly here. You're not just reading about his pain-you're hearing it. His staccato prose, that telegrammatic style he's known for, translates into something almost musical when spoken aloud. Short sentences hit like hammer blows. Missing words force you to lean in closer.
He teams up with detective Bill Stoner to reopen the case. What unfolds is part investigation, part exorcism. Ellroy doesn't just investigate his mother's murder-he investigates himself. The result is unflinching, uncomfortable, necessary.
This isn't entertainment. It's confrontation. With loss, with memory, with the ways we survive trauma. Ellroy's voice, whether on the page or through your headphones, carries the weight of someone who's spent a lifetime running from ghosts and finally decided to turn and face them.
The darkness he explores isn't sanitized or softened. It's presented as lived experience-messy, contradictory, real. That's what makes this audiobook essential listening.
Scratch
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
High Heel Goddess
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RDTN
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Twister Hero
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience.
Snow Pharaoh
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Marine Dre
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Evil Smith
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again β but in a modern, convenient way. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
JK Friend
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Sofa King
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless.
Super Flick
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits β so cool! ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights β it's a true audio marvel. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content.
57 Pixels
ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Kawaii Red
The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Slacker Cat
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
Proper
Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. 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.
Howitzer Rise
Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience.
Bowie
This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
Avenge Paws
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Twin Blaze
I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
NightWonka
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Mosquit-No
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient.
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