Book description
The Last Ride is the first book ever written about the murder of prominent Nashville citizen W. Haynie Gourley on May 24, 1968, and the heart-stopping, controversial trial that riveted the city of Nashville, Tennessee, and caused a sensation during the summer of 1969. Set primarily amid the racial turmoil following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, the book traces the circumstances leading up to the killing of the popular, self-made millionaire Chevrolet dealer, the extensive manhunt and police investigation, and the improbable grand jury indictment of a popular former college football star. The work follows the life of Haynie Gourley, from before an unspeakable tragedy at age eight leads to a lonely, impoverished childhood in Cross Plains, Tennessee, to his 1915 arrival as a teenager in Nashville where he takes a job as an itinerant salesman of men's made-to-order suits, to his months in the trenches of France during WWI, to his prominence in the city's automobile industry, and his rise in the society of wealthy Belle Meade, becoming a member of the exclusive Belle Meade Country Club. The story is told against the backdrop of the founding and growth of Nashville, the nascent Civil Rights movement, the racial climate at Vanderbilt University during the still-segregated 1960s, along with the social history of the charmed Gourley family. The story centers around the events of the morning of May 24, 1968. Haynie Gourley, owner and founder of a successful automobile dealership, Capitol Chevrolet Company, agrees to go for a ride with his forty-year-old business partner. The two return to the dealership 15 minutes later. Haynie, 72, is dead of three gunshot wounds - one just below the left ear, a second to the neck, and a third to the chest. The shocking murder of a much-beloved citizen sets off a year of speculation: Where is the mysterious Black killer who vanished after jumping into the back seat of Haynie's car as he rode down Elm Hill Pike with his business partner? The murder occurred just as Haynie was about to realize his dream of having his only son take over and run his lucrative business. The timing of the murder is immediately suspicious, and the ownership of one of the most lucrative car dealerships in the South is in doubt. For the first time ever, the author pieces together the events and evidence that bring into question the outcome of this notorious case. The two families involved kept silent for 50 years, refusing pleas by journalists and authors hoping to write about the murder and trial. Haunted by memories of sitting through the nail-biting trial where Tennessee's legendary legal giants faced off in a tense courtroom drama, the author spent three years interviewing those involved who still survive and carefully studying the 2,400-page transcript and delving into countless news stories about the crime. This was Nashville's most publicized trial ever, covered obsessively by local broadcast TV stations and the two daily newspapers, the Nashville Banner and The Tennessean. Both papers printed the entire transcript of the trial as it happened. Even today, the story still fascinates. After reading this true-crime story, one is left to wonder whether or not justice was served in the end.
New Cycle
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience.
Sleepwalker
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Beo
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences β it's a fantastic touch. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic.
RDTN
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice.
Dewdrop Doll
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content.
Spoiler
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight.
Fire Fish
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³
Baked ZD
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Noise Toy
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream β simple and efficient. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
ShadowFax
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ 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!
West Warrior
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel.
LifeRobber
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
Shamrock
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Sleek Zelda
The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
CuriousCrafter
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. π This app has ignited my passion for reading β I can't get enough of its convenience! ππ₯ Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. No more interruptions β the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
Alberta
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ
Friday Fox
πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice.
Shady Lady
Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is remarkable. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings.
Delicious
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Master Jetson
I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
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