Book description
October 12, 2023
7:45 PM, curled up with my coffee and earbuds
I just finished The Surrogate Mother on audiobook, and I'm still shaking. Not from the cold-though it's a chilly night-but from the sheer, heart-pounding force of it. I'd heard whispers, but wow. This isn't just a thriller; it's a full-body immersion.
I started it while making dinner, thinking I'd just listen for twenty minutes. Three hours later? I'd forgotten the pot was boiling. The narrator's voice-quiet, urgent, like she was leaning in to share a secret-made every twist feel terrifyingly real. I'd pull over while driving, just to hear the next line. "She gave you a life. Now she wants yours." Chills. That line alone hooked me.
What struck me most? How human it all felt. Abby's desperation to be a mother-oh, I felt that. I've held my own baby, so when the audiobook described her quiet tears over empty baby clothes, my throat tightened. And Monica... Monica. That voice, so calm, so helpful at first, then this icy, calculating edge creeping in? The narrator made you trust her... then twist the knife.
I read the Amazon reviews before starting, but I didn't believe it. "Read in one sitting?" I thought. "Unputdownable?" Yeah, right. Then I hit the ending. I literally gasped out loud. The last chapter? I had to replay it twice. Not because I didn't get it-but because my brain was still racing, trying to catch up. How did she do that?
It's not just "another thriller." The characters live. You'll love Abby's quiet strength, hate Monica's smile (and you'll want to shake her), and cheer for the ones who fight back. The pacing? Perfect. Short, sharp chapters that felt like the audio version breathing with you. One minute you're in a quiet kitchen, the next-bam-a car screeching, a whispered threat. You're not just hearing it. You're there.
I've read thrillers for years, but this? This felt new. Fresh. The kind that stays with you long after the last word. I've already started The Surrogate Mother again, this time just to hear that narrator's voice. It's like having a secret friend whispering the most dangerous story you've ever heard.
I'm not exaggerating when I say I haven't been this gripped since... well, since Before I Go to Sleep, but this is better. It's smart, it's scary, and it's got a heart that'll punch you right in the gut. If you're even thinking about skipping this, don't. Just press play. You won't stop until the very end. And then... you'll beg for the next one.
Can't wait to see what McFadden writes next.
Your fellow thriller addict,
A.
Fiend Oblivion
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality.
ThoughtTrailblazer
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. I can't imagine my life without this app β it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer β my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
Metal Lady
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Prometheus
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations β it's like the app knows me! Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Beetle King
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ
Sleepwalker
This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Joker's Grin
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
Voodoo Queen
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. I'm hooked on this app β it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³
Intimidation Station
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings.
DragonBlood
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. 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.
CuriousCoder
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's design is a reader's dream. Iβd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Arsenic Coo
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
Suicide Crusher
This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. π Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking β this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! π²π πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§ As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§
Digital Equinox
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
StorySculptor
ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it. An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Kawaii Red
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
ThoughtTracer
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings.
Pinball Wizard
Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
Lucky Brandy
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Essex
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
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