Book description
Ever wondered what real spy work feels like? Not the glossy Hollywood version, but the tense, intricate reality where trust is the rarest commodity? Stella Rimington-the first female MI5 director general-doesn't just write about it; she lives it. In The Hidden Hand, her insider authenticity isn't just a detail-it's the heartbeat of a thriller that crackles with chilling plausibility.
Set against Oxford's ancient stones, the story follows Li Min, a Chinese student secretly recruited by a shadowy Chinese study center at St Felix's College, and its new head, who uncovers a terrifying mission: stealing cutting-edge research from British universities. When he turns to CIA agent Manon Tyler for help, the stakes skyrocket. Li and another student are pulled deeper into a lethal game where every whisper could be a betrayal.
What makes this audiobook essential is Rimington's voice-her own, clear and measured, delivering every tense exchange with the weight of hard-won knowledge. You don't just hear the plot; you feel the pressure in Manon's quiet resolve, the dread in Li's calculated choices. It races like Alex Gerlis called it: "intriguing and very cleverly-plotted," with insider details that make the world feel terrifyingly real. As M.W. Craven noted, it's a "breakneck" ride packed with the kind of authentic spy craft that only someone who's lived it could craft.
Forget fabricated thrills. This is spy fiction that prizes truth-the kind Mail on Sunday praised as "true to the character and spirit of intelligence work." You'll lean in as Rimington's narration reveals secrets in hushed tones, making you hear the footsteps outside the door, feel the weight of a hidden file. It's not just a story; it's a masterclass in suspense, delivered with the calm authority of a legend. For fans of smart, urgent spy fiction, this isn't just a must-read-it's a must-listen. You'll be turning pages (or pressing play) long after the last word.
Sweet Bacon
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
Coffee
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance β it's like having a personal audiobook curator. π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Cooger
This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Flint Cast-Iron
πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Midnight Bat
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³
Red Pepper
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre. An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
Highlander Monk
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Hoboken Nightingale
ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities. 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.
Virgo Moon
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Gro
Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now!
Alley Fiend
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word.
Troubadour
Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient! 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.
Little Cobra
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
Firefly
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§
Canine Hannibal
This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
BlacKitten
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Shamrock
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions.
Twinkle Cutlass
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers.
LifeRobber
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
WordWanderer
I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
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