Book description
You step into Tokyo's neon-drenched streets with Richard Lloyd Parry's voice, not as a reporter but as a companion unraveling a truth that still chills. This isn't just a true crime story-it's a slow, devastating immersion into the heart of darkness that swallowed Lucie Blackman. Parry, who covered this case for over a decade, doesn't just recount events; he lets you feel the rain on Tokyo's sidewalks the night Lucie vanished, hear the hollow click of a suitcase closing as she walked toward her final moments, and sit in the tense silence of a Tokyo courtroom where justice felt more like a whisper than a verdict. His audiobook is masterful because it's not about the crime alone-it's about the weight of silence: Lucie's family holding their breath for years, detectives navigating Japan's labyrinthine legal system, and the chilling portrait of Joji Obara, described by a judge as "unprecedented and extremely evil." You hear Parry's voice lower, almost reverent, as he describes Obara's mind-a place where kindness and cruelty coexisted like shadows in a single room. The true horror isn't just the act, but the way it exposed a city's hidden fractures, the way grief and indifference could both thrive in the same teeming streets. Publishers Weekly called it "In Cold Blood for our times," and it's impossible to disagree. Parry's decade-long journey-gaining trust, peeling back layers-makes every revelation feel earned, every sentence a carefully placed stone in the path toward understanding. You don't just learn what happened to Lucie; you feel the suffocating reality of a world where a young woman's life could be reduced to a legal footnote, where evil doesn't roar but lingers in the quiet spaces between sentences. This audiobook doesn't just inform-it lingers, long after the final words fade, leaving you with the echo of Tokyo's rain and the unsettling question: How many stories like this are buried just beneath the surface, waiting for someone to listen?
Take Away
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
StorySculptor
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Gov Skull
ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. 🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner.
Street Squirrel
The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Friday Fox
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Judge
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. 🎉📚 ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
Twisty Freesia
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. Audiobook pleasure without the fuss – this app's functionality is top-notch.
Swampmasher
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats – this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. 🎉🔊 ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Spit Turanga
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Rocky Highway
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. 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!
Texas Butterfly
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. 🏝️ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side – beach days just got better! 🏖️📖 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
Sly Bible
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection.
Trouble Mittens
My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. 🎉 This app is a testament to thoughtful design – its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. 📚✨ The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature! The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Find It Girl
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. 👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Lightening Trip
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Mafia Princess
I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. 🌟📚 ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best!
DreamDasher
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have!
Hoboken Nightingale
No more fighting over the radio during family trips – we're all hooked on audiobooks now. I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
RealmRanger
ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Daisy Stick
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
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