Book description
To find the answers, the meek and hapless sergeant must step out of the inspector's shadow. Aided by Octavia Hillingdon, a steely and resourceful journalist, Bliss will uncover truths that test his deepest beliefs. Hypnotic and twisty, Paraic O'Donnell's The Naming of the Birds will ensnare you until the final pages and leave you questioning what matters most--solving a case or serving justice.ReviewO'Donnell writes a sequel to the Victorian London-set The House on Vesper Sands. Sergeant Gideon Bliss has now worked with Inspector Henry Cutter for 13 months, and he can see that Cutter's upset after receiving a note; instead of his usual outbursts, he has become silent and withdrawn. Regardless, Bliss and Cutter begin looking into a series of murders of retired civil servants, all of whom have been killed in unusual, gruesome ways. Cutter seems to have a scattershot way of investigating, sending Bliss to search archives and records going back 20 years, even as the killer they are seeking claims new victims. Their journalist ally, Octavia Hillingdon, deploys her own research skills to discover a key monument and a fire at an orphanage. Cutter, Bliss, and Hillingdon are followed as they investigate, and shadowy government departments try to interfere. Despite violence and danger, Cutter is determined to find answers, although identifying the killer might not lead to justice.--Lesa Holstine he dynamic latest entry in O'Donnell's gothic Victorian series featuring Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Cutter and Sgt. Gideon Bliss (after The House on Vesper Sands) finds the duo perplexed by a particularly macabre murder scene. After receiving word of Sir Aneurin Considine's death, Cutter and Bliss arrive at his home to find not one but two bodies, Considine's and his servant's, and the bones of a child clutched in Considine's hand. The pair seek help from journalist Octavia Hillingdon, a skillful investigator whose research leads her to conclude that the murders are connected to a decades-old fire that killed 36 children at an asylum. The body count rises with another murder, of a civil servant, and again a child's bones are found at the crime scene. Soon, Bliss and Cutter discover evidence of abuse at the asylum and consider the possibility that the killer may be a survivor out for revenge. O'Donnell's expert pacing never falters as he explores what makes his characters tick, including Cutter's regret over letting a murderer go free years earlier and Bliss's decision to hide his orphan roots. Along the way, the narrative also delves into the motivation behind murder and questions of morality when it comes to avenging abusers. Series fans will be captivated.--Library JournalAbout the AuthorParaic O'Donnell is the author of The House on Vesper Sands and The Maker of Swans. He lives in Wicklow, Ireland, with his wife and two children, and can usually be found in the garden.
Take Away
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
K-Tin Man
I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature! The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly. I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Heavenly Connection
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Crazy Rox
The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion.
Nightmare King
Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Dredd
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
MuseMaster
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. 📚 Turning my phone into a portal of stories – this app's ease of use is remarkable! 📱💫 🚶♀️🎧 Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales – walking never felt this magical! 🏞️📚
Vicious Street
⭐️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. 🎶📖 Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. 📚🎧 Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
Accidental Genius
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
ThoughtTracer
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. 🎉🎧
Papa Smurf
With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. 🏝️🎧 Packing for vacation just got better – this app is my getaway entertainment! 🌴📖 Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Wings
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
QuestWeaver
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Eye Candy Kitten
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly.
Doughboy, Esq
ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
Howitzer Rise
This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. 📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟 ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Sky Herald
ListenBook has given me the gift of time – turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Palomino
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
RiddleRanger
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. No more carrying heavy books – this app has transformed my reading habits.
Mirage
Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style.
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