Book description
With echoes of Lonesome Dove and News of the World, the riveting story of a pregnant young mother, her child, and the frontier tradesman who helps them flee vengeful outlaws, even as an unlikely love blossoms, in "a brilliant, beautiful page-turner" (Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Double Blind). Texas hill country, 1868. As nineteen-year-old Benjamin Shreve tends to business in his workshop, he witnesses a stagecoach strand a passenger. When the man, a treasure hunter, persuades Benjamin to help track down the vanished coach--and a mysterious fortune left aboard--Benjamin is drawn into a drama whose scope he could never have imagined, for they discover on reaching the coach that its passengers include Nell, a pregnant young woman, and her four-year-old son, Tot, who are fleeing Nell's brutal husband and his murderous brothers. Having told the Freedmen's Bureau the whereabouts of her husband's gang--a sadistic group wanted for countless acts of harassment and violence against Black citizens--Nell is in grave danger. If her husband catches her, he will kill her and take their son. Learning of their plight, Benjamin offers to deliver Nell and Tot to a distant port on the Gulf of Mexico, where they can board a ship to safety. He is joined in this chivalrous act by two other companions: the treasure hunter whose stranding began this endeavor and a restless Black Seminole who is a veteran of wars on both sides of the Rio Grande and who has an escape plan of his own. Fraught with jeopardy from the outset, the trek across Texas becomes still more dangerous as buried secrets, including a cursed necklace, emerge. And even as Benjamin falls in love with Nell and imagines a life as Tot's father, vengeful pursuers are never far behind. With its vivid characters and expansive canvas, The Madstone calls to mind Lonesome Dove, yet Elizabeth Crook's new novel is a singular achievement. Told in Benjamin's resolute and unforgettable voice, it is full of eccentric action, unrelenting peril, and droll humor--a thrilling and beautifully rendered story of three people sharing a hazardous and defining journey that will forever bind them together.
Minty Devil
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
MindfulMingle
I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. π§ββοΈ Finding zen in the art of listening β this app takes mindfulness to a new level! π§ββοΈπ§ Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± ListenBookβs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Spitfire
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance β it's a must-have for any reader. πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. π±π The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Trixie
Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Pitfall
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app.
New Cycle
ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Mrs. Voltage
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
180
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story.
Pockets
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. 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.
Flame OUT
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ± Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable.
Blistered Outlaw
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life.
Accidental Genius
No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app!
SunVolt
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient!
Mad Viral
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. 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.
VisionVortex
I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly.
Die Slice
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Dez Bonbon
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Swedish Twizz
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
Sherwood Gladiator
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§ ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Kawaii Red
I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ
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