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.
Biscuit Meg
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VenusXX
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BearDrift
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
Pusher
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Pocket Mazda
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
21st Street
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Atlantic Rim
ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
Shadow Chaser
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
FRMhndshk
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Racy Lion
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Gabriel Dandelion
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Toxic-oxide
π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities.
Eerie
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
RiddleRanger
With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Electric Saturn
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. 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 The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. 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.
Chocolate Thunder
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights.
Ginger Chaos
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a standout. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
Kill Switch
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights.
High-Fructose
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
Dewdrop Doll
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! 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