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.
Plum Moon
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Bat Magenta
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
AxelRoad
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Raid Bucker
Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's a convenient habit. 👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧 ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
Feral Mayhem
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Stickers
Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧 Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. 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!
RDTN
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
ManMaker
This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go – it's my daily companion. Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read – this app is always ready.
D-Hog-Day
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. 🚶♀️📖 Discovering new worlds on my daily walks – this app is my travel companion! 🌍🎧 ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
Pixie Soldier
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization – top-notch. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. 📱 It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. 📚🔥
MrOnsTr
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Pogue
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Kingfisher
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
Trixie
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. 💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a game-changer.
Ember Rope
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Handsome
I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. 🌌 Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking – this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! 🍲📖 Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Skylark
Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Prone
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. 🎉 Rekindling my literary flame – this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. 📖🚀 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a game-changer. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars! This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Sugar Apple
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension.
Lady Peach
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app.
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