Book description
The audiobook of The Devil in the White City doesn't just tell a story-it coils around your ears, whispering secrets in the dark. Erik Larson's masterful non-fiction thrums with the same electric dread as his finest work, but hearing it spoken transforms history into something immediate, almost dangerous. You're not reading about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair; you're walking its manicured paths, feeling the weight of the White City's promise as the shadows deepen.
The narration is perfect-a calm, precise voice that makes the horror feel all the more real. As Larson weaves together Daniel Burnham's feverish ambition (building the fair's dazzling "White City" with Olmsted and Sullivan) and H.H. Holmes' grotesque parody of it-the "World's Fair Hotel" with its gas chambers and crematorium-you hear the contrast in every pause. Holmes isn't a cartoon villain; he's chillingly real, a man who lured young women to their deaths while the fair's glittering lights blazed just beyond his door. The narrator never shouts the terror; it seeps in through the details: the smell of sawdust and blood, the echo of a dissection table, the way Holmes' charm "melted" his victims like sugar in hot tea.
What lingers isn't just the murders-it's the atmosphere. Larson's prose, already rich, becomes a sensory trap in audio form. You hear the clatter of trolleys, the murmur of crowds at the fair's opening, then the sudden silence of Holmes' hotel corridors. The supporting cast-Buffalo Bill, Susan B. Anthony, even a young Thomas Edison-feel alive, their voices almost audible in the background of the narrative. The book's genius lies in how it makes you feel the Gilded Age's duality: its dazzling hope, its rotting underbelly.
This isn't just history; it's a ghost story with footnotes. And the audiobook? It's the perfect vessel. The pacing is deliberate, letting dread build like fog over Lake Michigan. You'll find yourself pausing the playback, just to sit with the chilling weight of it all-the sheer, terrifying coincidence of two men, one building paradise, the other its nightmare, both chasing glory under the same sky. Larson's research is impeccable, but the audio format makes it visceral. You don't just learn about Holmes' crimes; you hear the footsteps in the dark behind you. It's the kind of book that makes you check your locks twice after listening. A masterpiece of true crime storytelling, delivered with the quiet menace of a secret whispered at midnight. You won't just hear this story-you'll carry its shadow long after the final word.
Super Flick
π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is remarkable. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Mallow Man
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together.
Purity
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook.
Armed Hawk
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Hobo Samurai
With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Duchess
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience.
Lady Peach
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Po1son
This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience.
DanimalDaze
Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Senior Smurf
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ I love how I can create playlists. Itβs perfect for organizing my books. A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Stacker of Wheat
Audiobooks made simple β this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Natural Gold
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Apple Nola
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Flotsams54
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition! The app never crashes. Itβs reliable and stable.
Ember Rope
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks.
Spunky Chick
I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly.
Pinup Diva
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorβs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsβjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Miss Nova
I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly.
Virgo Moon
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations β it's like the app knows me! The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
PixelPilgrim
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true winner. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
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