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.
K-9
This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. ๐ Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner โ this app adds flavor to every meal! ๐ฒ๐ The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Jigsaw
Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. 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 featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Good William
๐๐ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration โ this app keeps me engaged on the road! ๐๐ง ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends.
PixelPathfinder
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. ๐ Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey โ thank you, this app! โจ๐ Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
Feral Filly
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content โ it's my new favorite app. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Unseen
๐ Adding excitement to everyday tasks โ this app is my partner in productivity! ๐๐ ๐ฑ It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ๐๐ฅ Iโd 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.
Sleek Zelda
๐๐ Reigniting my passion for books โ this app is my newfound reading obsession! ๐ฅ๐ง ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly.
Demo Tequila
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly โ this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Lady Petal
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available โ so much to learn! ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine โ it's my ultimate audio companion. Audiobooks have never been this immersive โ this app transports me to different worlds. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Short Firecracker
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal โ unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ๐ฑ Carrying stories wherever I go โ this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. ๐๐๏ธ I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Red Heroine
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge โ talk about efficiency! Audiobook multitasking simplified โ this app's ease of use is a true asset. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
Potato Sub
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. ๐ฑ๐ The app's performance is remarkable โ it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use.
Necessary Momentum
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
Unseen
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ๐ผ Workday blues? Not anymore โ this app turns my office hours into reading time! ๐ป๐ Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
Sass Burst
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience.
Viceswerve
No more straining my eyes โ this app lets me 'read' with my ears! I can't get enough of this app's convenience โ it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. 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. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Little Drunk Girl
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine โ thank you! The statistics feature is a fantastic addition โ knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Predator
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Vortex
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. ๐ก This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts โ it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ๐๐ง I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
21st Street
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences โ a thoughtful feature. This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go โ it's my daily companion. This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
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