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.
Devil Blade
I've been recommending this app to all my friends – it's a true game-changer. It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
Risen
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great! ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Show Off
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. 📱📖
Marshmallow
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is remarkable.
Trick Baron
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection – it's a parenting win! The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! This app has revolutionized my daily routine – I can't imagine life without it.
Cumulo
I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧
Highway
Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
Jade Fox
I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. 📚🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Mr. Wholesome
Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
All Natural
CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
GiddeeUP
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. 🎉 This app is a testament to thoughtful design – its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. 📚✨
Jack Cassidy
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! 📚 Embracing reading in the digital age – this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. 📱🎉 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets!
Commando
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Spunky Comet
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime – I'm truly grateful. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Twix Esses
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
Eight Patrol
I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient.
Pexxious
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I love the statistics feature. It’s fun to see how much I’ve listened.
WanderWord
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature.
Tabasco Dracula
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖
Ginger Chaos
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
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