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.
Wings
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
HighBomber
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
CZR
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Cougar Fuzz
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Voluntary
β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. 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.
Opulent Gamer
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app.
Pink Hopper
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
Starshine
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
InsightInkwell
π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Whipsaw
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Old Man Winter
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§ Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's functionality is a true delight. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Yellow Menace
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. π‘ This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts β it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ππ§ User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience.
Trigger Warming
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
RedFisher
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Mr. Wholesome
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ
Delicious Cupid
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§
Gentle Avenger
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams!
Kevlar Wanted
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Chapstick
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever.
Hobo Samurai
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
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