Book description
The Fifth Gospel - An Audiobook Review
Ian Caldwell's The Fifth Gospel is a thrilling ride from start to finish, and the audiobook version amplifies that excitement with stellar narration and sound design. From the very first page, the story launches at "ninety-mph" speed, pulling listeners into a labyrinth of Vatican intrigue, ancient scripture, and a race against time.
The plot centers on Father Alex Andreou, whose life is upended by two murders: the curator of a mysterious exhibit in Rome and a violent break-in at his own home. The only clue that connects them? A little-known fifth gospel called the Diatessaron-an early Christian text that could rewrite history if its secrets are revealed. Caldwell weaves this biblical mystery with deft pacing, turning every chapter into a new puzzle piece.
What makes the audiobook shine is the narrator's ability to keep each character distinct and emotionally resonant. Alex's quiet determination contrasts sharply with the menacing stalker who stalks him through shadowy corridors of power. The sound effects-church bells, distant traffic, the subtle hum of Vatican archives-create a palpable sense of place that transports listeners straight into Rome.
Critics have praised the novel for being "rich, authentic, erudite, and emotionally searing." And Caldwell delivers on all fronts: he grounds his thriller in real historical detail without bogging down the plot. The pacing never falters; each revelation feels earned, and the stakes climb steadily until the final confrontation.
If you love intellectual thrillers that mix history, theology, and pulse-pounding suspense-think The Rule of Four but faster-you'll find The Fifth Gospel an irresistible listen. Its audiobook adaptation captures the novel's energy perfectly, making it a must-play for fans of mystery, religion, or simply a good story told with skill and flair.
Gingersnap Woman
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FireBrang
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Sβmore Vixen
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Breadmaker
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Queen Ginger
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Cool Iris
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Dance Bloom
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Twix Bond
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling.
Kazami of Truth
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Gro
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Fire Feline
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Manimal
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Clover Rabbit
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Journeyman
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Dance Cannon
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Day Hawk
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Thrasher
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Little Granger
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Intimidating Presence
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π«
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