Book description
The opening line of Dennis Lehane's Mystic River isn't heard-it's felt. In the audiobook, the narrator's voice, low and weathered like old pavement, drops you right into that childhood moment: "When they were children, Sean Devine, Jimmy Marcus, and Dave Boyle were friends." You hear the innocence crack before the sentence ends, the thump of a car door slamming too hard, the silence that follows. This isn't just a story told; it's a memory you're pulled into, the rain-slicked streets of Boston thick in the air around you.
The magic here is how the audiobook makes the unsaid scream. You hear Sean's detective calm in his voice, but also the weight of years in the way he pauses before asking a question. Jimmy's voice, rougher, carries the rasp of a man who's spent too long in the shadows of his own choices. And Dave? His voice, when it finally comes, is a whisper over the sound of rain hitting a window-fragile, desperate. The narrator doesn't just read the words; they let the silence between them echo with everything left unsaid: the fear, the guilt, the way a single night can poison a lifetime.
You feel the damp chill of the Boston rain as Sean walks the crime scene, the sticky heat of Jimmy's corner store where the air smells of stale coffee and regret. You hear the sharp click of a phone hanging up too hard, the distant wail of a siren that never quite fades. Lehane's prose is already vivid, but the audiobook strips it bare, letting the raw emotion land like a physical thing. When Dave walks home "covered in someone else's blood," the narrator doesn't shout it-the words hang, heavy and quiet, as if the air itself is holding its breath.
What elevates this beyond a great novel is how the audio makes the past feel immediate. The childhood trauma isn't a flashback; it's a ghost you hear in the background of every conversation, a sound like a child's laughter suddenly cut off. You're not just learning what happened-you're hearing the echo of it in the characters' voices, in the way Jimmy flinches at a car door slamming, in Sean's measured tone when he's trying to hold back the storm inside him.
This isn't just a thriller. It's a slow, devastating unraveling of how we carry the past in our bones. The audiobook's pacing is perfect-never rushing, never lingering too long, just letting the tension coil tighter with every word. You'll find yourself leaning in, not just to hear the next line, but to catch the tremor in a voice, the shift in a breath. The ending? It doesn't hit you like a punch. It settles in your chest, a quiet, aching truth you carry with you long after the final word fades. This is the kind of story that doesn't just play in your ears-it lingers, a cold hand on your neck, long after you've shut your eyes. You don't just hear Mystic River; you feel it in your bones.
Lil Rebel Ma
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
K-9
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Cuff Queen
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality β it's evident in every feature. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Gbbledgoodk
No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Tweety
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
The China Wall
I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
The Dude
I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Achilles Mountain
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion.
Pogue
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Dance Bloom
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable.
Friday Fox
π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Sokol
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. No more interruptions β the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening.
Phoenix Tetra
I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
ByteBard
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. 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§ Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Bug Fire
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Easy Mac
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to.
ThoughtTrail
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a triumph. Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is a marvel. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
Foot-long Fry
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Alley Fiend
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in.
Blade
This app is a book lover's dream come true β a vast library right at your fingertips. πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ π§ Navigating through narratives has never been simpler β this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. ππ« As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§
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