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jbliv's review against another edition
5.0
One of the true pleasures of my reading life the past 8 years or so has been the re-emergence of Robert McCammon to writing. Known primarily for his horror novels in the 80s (Swan Song being the best of that lot), he went on to write a highly effective coming-of-age tale called Boy's Life, a classic for many, then moved on to a few suspense thrillers before he sort of vanished in the mid 90s. What happened, we now know, was that McCammon had moved on to writing historical fiction, which he had dabbled with before in The Night Boat and The Wolf's Hour, but publishers were wary of these non-McCammon novels, and McCammon essentially quit for a while. Well, I hope those publishers are gagging on their crow about now, as McCammon emerged in 2002 with Speaks the Nightbird, a tale of witchcraft set in Colonial America featuring Matthew Corbett, a magistrate's assistant. Matthew has since become the character in an ongoing series of novels set in this time frame, the latest of which is Mister Slaughter, a novel that is so beautifully never what it seems that you'll be reading in joy right until the last page. McCammon combines history, mayhem, grisly murder, mystery, adventure, love, honor, betrayal, slavery, Native Americans, and so much more into a tale that never lags but practically sags with emotion and relevance. I cannot wait for the next Matthew Corbett adventure. If you have yet to read one, please pick up Speaks the Nightbird and start the adventure.
readandlisten's review against another edition
4.0
A worthy third installment in the Matthew Corbett series. McCammon is a talented story tell, to be sure. This audio edition was exceptionally narrated. I look forward beginning the next adventure.
dmiller8980's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! To be fair, I have loved everything Mr McCammon has ever written and knew I would especially love this based on the title and because it was part of the exceptionally wonderful Matthew Corbett series. I saved it for a long weekend when I could really indulge myself and I’m glad I did. Warning, it had some hard to read violence but it was part of the plot. All in all, highly recommended!
mnyberg's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy these characters and this series. Although this particular installment starts out quite predictable and without the self assured, intelligent Corbett I was used too, the story winds up at a fast pace with much more mystery and Corbett applying his deductive reasoning skills I admire.
jared_the_jerry's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
barbtrek's review against another edition
5.0
My favorite of the three Matthew Corbett books I've read. Couldn't put this down!
tolkosegodnya's review against another edition
5.0
В первых главах я подумала, что Маккаммон начал сдавать, а это он, оказывается, разгонялся. Пожалуй, первая книга из серии, где так много жестокости и неожиданных поворотов, что помогает главному герою и в то же время ломает его. Понравились и маленькая мистическая зарисовка в конце — очень в духе того времени и атмосферы всех книг.