
Lady Macbeth
A Novel
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $17.62
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Wanda McCaddon
About this listen
Lady Macbeth takes listeners into the heart of 11th-century Scotland, painting a vivid picture of Gruadh, the last female descendent of the country's most royal line. Married, pregnant, then quickly widowed, she is forced to wed her husband's murderer, the warlord Macbeth. Determined to protect her interests and those of her infant son, she vows to preserve her family's legacy at any cost.
©2008 Susan Fraser King (P)2008 TantorListeners also enjoyed...
-
Macbeth: A Novel
- By: A. J. Hartley, David Hewson
- Narrated by: Alan Cumming
- Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Macbeth: A Novel brings the intricacy and grit of the historical thriller to Shakespeare’s tale of political intrigue, treachery, and murder. In this full-length novel written exclusively for audio, authors A. J. Hartley and David Hewson rethink literature’s most infamous married couple, grounding them in a medieval Scotland whose military and political upheavals are as stark and dramatic as the landscape in which they are played.
-
-
Narrator choice inspired
- By Beverly on 07-10-11
By: A. J. Hartley, and others
-
Sidroc the Dane: A Circle of Ceridwen Saga Story
- By: Octavia Randolph
- Narrated by: Nano Nagle
- Length: 16 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A discarded child fated to become a powerful Jarl - here is the story of Sidroc. Fate guides the path of his father, Hrald, to his meeting with the woman whose son would help change the face of ninth-century Angle-land. An ever-growing rivalry between Sidroc and his cousin Toki defines the boys' early years. Their young uncle, Yrling, knows success as a raider in far-off Angle-land, and trains his nephews in the ways of the warrior. Ahead of them is the perilous crossing of the North Sea, which stands between them and the plunder they seek.
-
-
Oh, to be a character in this book!
- By KarenW on 06-03-18
By: Octavia Randolph
-
The Great Witch of Brittany
- A Novel
- By: Louisa Morgan
- Narrated by: Polly Lee
- Length: 15 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There hasn’t been a witch born in the Orchière clan for generations. According to the elders, that line is dead, leaving the clan vulnerable to the whims of superstitious villagers and the prejudices of fearmongering bishops.
-
-
Great story, but horrible characters
- By Colton Salaz on 03-17-22
By: Louisa Morgan
-
Rhett Butler's People
- By: Donald McCaig
- Narrated by: John Bedford Lloyd
- Length: 18 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The publication of Rhett Butler's People marks a major and historic cultural event. Through the storytelling mastery of award-winning writer Donald McCaig, the life and times of the dashing Rhett Butler unfolds. Through Rhett's eyes we meet the people who shaped his larger than life personality as it sprang from Margaret Mitchell: Langston Butler, Rhett's unyielding father; Rosemary his steadfast sister; Tunis Bonneau, Rhett's best friend and a onetime slave; Belle Watling, the woman for whom Rhett cared long before he met Scarlett O'Hara at Twelve Oaks Plantation, on the fateful eve of the Civil War.
-
-
Unconvincing
- By FMS on 04-10-19
By: Donald McCaig
-
The King's Pleasure
- A Novel of Henry VIII
- By: Alison Weir
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 23 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The New York Times bestselling author of the Six Tudor Queens series explores the private side of the legendary king Henry VIII and his dramatic and violent reign in this extraordinary historical novel. Young Henry began his rule as a magnificent and chivalrous Renaissance prince who embodied every virtue. He had all the qualities to make a triumph of his rule, yet we remember only the violence. Henry famously broke with the Pope, founding the Church of England and launching a religious revolution that divided his kingdom. He beheaded two of his wives and cast aside two others.
-
-
Love this author
- By Amanda on 06-17-23
By: Alison Weir
-
Antoinette's Sister
- By: Diana Giovinazzo
- Narrated by: Marisa Calin
- Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As Marie Antoinette took her last breath as queen of France in Paris, another formidable monarch - Antoinette’s dearly beloved sister, Charlotte - was hundreds of miles away, in Naples, fighting desperately to secure her release from the revolutionaries who would take her life. Little did Charlotte know, however, that her sister’s execution would change the course of history - and bring about the end of her own empire.
-
-
Started off good, but I lost interest as time went
- By Tess of the D'urbervilles on 02-02-22
By: Diana Giovinazzo
-
Macbeth: A Novel
- By: A. J. Hartley, David Hewson
- Narrated by: Alan Cumming
- Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Macbeth: A Novel brings the intricacy and grit of the historical thriller to Shakespeare’s tale of political intrigue, treachery, and murder. In this full-length novel written exclusively for audio, authors A. J. Hartley and David Hewson rethink literature’s most infamous married couple, grounding them in a medieval Scotland whose military and political upheavals are as stark and dramatic as the landscape in which they are played.
-
-
Narrator choice inspired
- By Beverly on 07-10-11
By: A. J. Hartley, and others
-
Sidroc the Dane: A Circle of Ceridwen Saga Story
- By: Octavia Randolph
- Narrated by: Nano Nagle
- Length: 16 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A discarded child fated to become a powerful Jarl - here is the story of Sidroc. Fate guides the path of his father, Hrald, to his meeting with the woman whose son would help change the face of ninth-century Angle-land. An ever-growing rivalry between Sidroc and his cousin Toki defines the boys' early years. Their young uncle, Yrling, knows success as a raider in far-off Angle-land, and trains his nephews in the ways of the warrior. Ahead of them is the perilous crossing of the North Sea, which stands between them and the plunder they seek.
-
-
Oh, to be a character in this book!
- By KarenW on 06-03-18
By: Octavia Randolph
-
The Great Witch of Brittany
- A Novel
- By: Louisa Morgan
- Narrated by: Polly Lee
- Length: 15 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There hasn’t been a witch born in the Orchière clan for generations. According to the elders, that line is dead, leaving the clan vulnerable to the whims of superstitious villagers and the prejudices of fearmongering bishops.
-
-
Great story, but horrible characters
- By Colton Salaz on 03-17-22
By: Louisa Morgan
-
Rhett Butler's People
- By: Donald McCaig
- Narrated by: John Bedford Lloyd
- Length: 18 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The publication of Rhett Butler's People marks a major and historic cultural event. Through the storytelling mastery of award-winning writer Donald McCaig, the life and times of the dashing Rhett Butler unfolds. Through Rhett's eyes we meet the people who shaped his larger than life personality as it sprang from Margaret Mitchell: Langston Butler, Rhett's unyielding father; Rosemary his steadfast sister; Tunis Bonneau, Rhett's best friend and a onetime slave; Belle Watling, the woman for whom Rhett cared long before he met Scarlett O'Hara at Twelve Oaks Plantation, on the fateful eve of the Civil War.
-
-
Unconvincing
- By FMS on 04-10-19
By: Donald McCaig
-
The King's Pleasure
- A Novel of Henry VIII
- By: Alison Weir
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 23 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The New York Times bestselling author of the Six Tudor Queens series explores the private side of the legendary king Henry VIII and his dramatic and violent reign in this extraordinary historical novel. Young Henry began his rule as a magnificent and chivalrous Renaissance prince who embodied every virtue. He had all the qualities to make a triumph of his rule, yet we remember only the violence. Henry famously broke with the Pope, founding the Church of England and launching a religious revolution that divided his kingdom. He beheaded two of his wives and cast aside two others.
-
-
Love this author
- By Amanda on 06-17-23
By: Alison Weir
-
Antoinette's Sister
- By: Diana Giovinazzo
- Narrated by: Marisa Calin
- Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As Marie Antoinette took her last breath as queen of France in Paris, another formidable monarch - Antoinette’s dearly beloved sister, Charlotte - was hundreds of miles away, in Naples, fighting desperately to secure her release from the revolutionaries who would take her life. Little did Charlotte know, however, that her sister’s execution would change the course of history - and bring about the end of her own empire.
-
-
Started off good, but I lost interest as time went
- By Tess of the D'urbervilles on 02-02-22
By: Diana Giovinazzo
-
The Last Queen
- A Novel of Juana La Loca
- By: C. W. Gortner
- Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
- Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of history's most enigmatic women tells the haunting, passionate story of her tumultuous life. Juana of Castile is just thirteen when she witnesses the fall of Moorish Granada and the uniting of the fractured kingdoms of Spain under her warrior parents, Isabel and Fernando. Intelligent, beautiful, and proud of her heritage, Juana rebels when she is chosen as a bride for the Hapsburg heir.
-
-
A NEUROTIC BIT OF PULP FICTION
- By The Louligan on 11-19-09
By: C. W. Gortner
-
The Phantom of the Opera
- By: Gastón Leroux
- Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
- Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The story begins with an investigation into some strange reports of an "opera ghost", legendary for making the great Paris opera performers ill-at-ease when they sit alone in their dressing rooms. Some allege to have seen the ghost in evening clothes moving about in the shadows. Nothing is done, however, until the disappearance of Christine during her triumphant performance.
-
-
Heads Up #4!
- By Dr. Daniel Chapman on 09-24-14
By: Gastón Leroux
-
Henry VIII: King and Court
- By: Alison Weir
- Narrated by: Phyllida Nash
- Length: 25 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This magnificent biography of Henry VIII is set against the cultural, social and political background of his court - the most spectacular court ever seen in England - and the splendour of his many sumptuous palaces. An entertaining narrative packed with colourful description and a wealth of anecdotal evidence, but also a comprehensive analytical study of the development of both monarch and court during a crucial period in English history.
-
-
A concise focus with tremendous detail
- By kwdayboise (Kim Day) on 05-24-17
By: Alison Weir
-
The Secret History
- A Novel of Empress Theodora
- By: Stephanie Marie Thornton
- Narrated by: Patricia Santomasso
- Length: 13 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In sixth-century Constantinople, one woman, Theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a great kingdom - the most powerful woman the Roman Empire would ever know. The woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was a scrappy, clever, conniving, flesh-and-blood woman full of sensuality and spirit whose real story is as surprising as any ever told....
-
-
How very hard to sympathize with a narcissist
- By DrBon on 03-15-22
-
The Lost Queen
- A Novel
- By: Signe Pike
- Narrated by: Toni Frutin
- Length: 17 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a land of mountains and mist, tradition and superstition, Languoreth and her brother Lailoken are raised in the Old Way of their ancestors. But in Scotland, a new religion is rising, one that brings disruption, bloodshed, and riot. And even as her family faces the burgeoning forces of Christianity, the Anglo-Saxons, bent on colonization, are encroaching from the east. When conflict brings the hero Emrys Pendragon to her father’s door, Languoreth finds love with one of his warriors. Her deep connection to Maelgwn is forged by enchantment, but she is promised in marriage to Rhydderch, son of a Christian king.
-
-
Lost no more!
- By Beckersly on 09-13-18
By: Signe Pike
-
Courtesan
- By: Diane Haeger
- Narrated by: Corrie James
- Length: 22 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Court of François I is full of lust, intrigue, and bawdy bon temps—a different world from the quiet country life Diane de Poitiers led with her elderly husband. Now a widow, the elegant Diane is called back to Court, where the King's obvious interest marks her as an enemy to the King's favorite, Anne d'Heilly. The Court is soon electrified by rumors of their confrontations. As Anne calls on her most venomous tricks to drive Diane away, Diane finds an ally in the one member of Court with no allegiance to the King's mistress: his teenage second son, Henri.
-
-
Heart Breaking
- By Anonymous User on 11-29-23
By: Diane Haeger
-
The Secret Bride
- In the Court of Henry VIII, Book 1
- By: Diane Haeger
- Narrated by: Polly Lee
- Length: 13 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mary Tudor, the headstrong younger sister of the ruthless King Henry VII, has always been her brother's favorite—but now she is also an important political bargaining chip. When she is promised to the elderly, ailing King Louis of France, a heartbroken Mary accepts her fate, but not before extracting a promise from her brother: When the old king dies, her next marriage shall be solely of her choosing. For Mary has a forbidden passion, and is determined, through her own cunning, courage, and boldness, to forge her own destiny.
-
-
This is a sadly dull listen
- By Amazon Customer on 04-16-25
By: Diane Haeger
-
The Beaufort Bride
- By: Judith Arnopp
- Narrated by: Tessa Petersen
- Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As King Henry VI slips into insanity and the realm of England teeters on the brink of civil war, a child is married to the mad king's brother. Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond, takes his child bride into Wales, where she discovers a land of strife and strangers. At Caldicot Castle and Lamphey Palace, Margaret must put aside childhood, acquire the dignity of a Countess, and, despite her tender years, produce Richmond with a son and heir.
-
-
Extremely Engaging Novel
- By Drew M on 08-19-20
By: Judith Arnopp
-
Lily of the Nile
- The Cleopatra's Daughter Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Stephanie Dray
- Narrated by: Kyla Garcia
- Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With both of her parents dead, Princess Selene and her two surviving brothers are left at the mercy of their captors, taken from Egypt and put on display as war trophies in Rome. Trapped in an empire that reviles her heritage and suspects her faith, Selene struggles for survival in a court of intrigue. She can't hide the hieroglyphics that carve themselves into her hands nor can she stop the emperor from using her powers for his own ends.
-
-
Simple & basic storytelling that fell short of expectations!
- By Kris on 02-17-19
By: Stephanie Dray
-
The Last White Rose
- A Novel of Elizabeth of York
- By: Alison Weir
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 19 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Elizabeth of York is the oldest daughter of King Edward IV. Flame-haired, beautiful, and sweet-natured, she is adored by her family; yet her life is suddenly disrupted when her beloved father dies in the prime of life. Her uncle, the notorious Richard III, takes advantage of King Edward’s death to grab the throne and imprison Elizabeth's two younger brothers, the rightful royal heirs. Forever afterward known as the princes in the tower, the boys are never seen again.
-
-
Much Better Nonfiction Writer
- By Elizabeth on 03-26-23
By: Alison Weir
-
The Mists of Avalon
- By: Marion Zimmer Bradley
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 50 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A posthumous recipient of the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, Marion Zimmer Bradley reinvented - and rejuvenated - the King Arthur mythos with her extraordinary Mists of Avalon series. In this epic work, Bradley follows the arc of the timeless tale from the perspective of its previously marginalized female characters: Celtic priestess Morgaine, Gwenhwyfar, and High Priestess Viviane.
-
-
Davina Porter brings an old favorite back to life!
- By Carolina on 07-13-12
-
China
- The Novel
- By: Edward Rutherfurd
- Narrated by: Daniel York Loh, Zheng Xi Yong, Andrew Wincott
- Length: 34 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Edward Rutherfurd has enthralled millions of people with his grand, sweeping historical sagas that tell the history of a famous place over multiple generations. Now, in China: The Novel, Rutherfurd takes listeners into the rich and fascinating milieu of the Middle Kingdom. The story begins in 1839, at the dawn of the First Opium War, and follows Chinese history through Mao's Cultural Revolution and up to the present day. Rutherfurd chronicles the rising and falling fortunes of members of Chinese, British, and American families, as they negotiate the tides of history.
-
-
Simply outstanding
- By Serenissima on 06-20-21
Editorial reviews
The historical Lady Macbeth was an altogether more nuanced woman than the striving, difficult character in Shakespeare's play. As novelist King reveals in this thoroughly researched and intriguing tale, the real eleventh-century Lady Gruadh turned a forced marriage to Scottish King Mac Bethad into a powerhouse partnership. Wanda McCaddon's fine, perceptive narration is key to the work's success. Her voice lilting, she enlivens the paragraphs of historical information and drives the narrative vividly through adventure, romance, and danger. She also imbues the main characters with enough personality - here an inflection, there a shift in accent - to clarify a character's motivation without getting in the way. This is just the ticket for lovers of the best-quality historical fiction.
Critic reviews
What listeners say about Lady Macbeth
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- JE Tomlinson
- 01-05-19
loved it
I didn't want it to be over! loved it and will listen to it again!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Bella
- 02-14-17
Lady Macbeth
Enjoyed the historical story of Lady Macbeth. Learned a lot more of the history of Scotland.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lizzieb
- 11-04-17
Outstanding
The story was amazing, totally held your interest...Lady MacBeth was a true warrior & MacBeth was too. I can just imagine his thought about LADY!
And Wanda McCaddon was a wonderful narrator. Loved listening to the book. She gave it life!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Doug C
- 11-11-22
Know before you read
This book is not written like a modern story. It is closer akin to a folk story or an old Celtic tale. It’s a bit more than that, but you will find most of the character development, introspection and emotional craft of a story missing here. I would equate it to one of the lesser works of JRR Tolkien like Children of Huron as opposed to Outlander. I struggled to be captured by any character or personality in this story and besides a few scenes, this story is sparse for details and pacing.
Otherwise it’s enjoyable. It’s VERY CELTIC. If that’s what you’re after, this is definitely got it. There’s a lot of character names and places and mythology that can get jumbled when you’re reading audio but I think it’s one of the better modern Celtic stories I’ve ever read.
Nitpick- as a Scottish Gaelic speaker I just wanted to point out that there’s a few instances of mispronunciation in the Gaelic. Not a lot of it and I know Gaelic’s not the easiest but I thought that was interesting. I don’t have the spellings they use and maybe The Author went for an old Irish dialect I’m not familiar with but, aye, some of the Gaelic is mispronounced. Otherwise the Narrator did great at capturing the accent. I maybe would’ve gone with someone with a younger voice but it’s still good.
Buy: if you’re interested in medieval Scotland tales or if you love Celtic culture.
Pass if you’re looking for captivating characters and connections.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- KatPil
- 07-19-24
Lovely reimagining
Susan Fraser King has built a compelling story based on the thin skeleton that history has to offer. Well told and beautifully narrated.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- ivan
- 06-09-18
The narrator is to old for the book
Idk I wanted to enjoy this book but I couldn’t get pass the narrators voice sounded at least 50-60 years of age. I just read the highland blood book by Melanie karsak, so was looking to for a book till her third audio book came out . Clearly should of just waited .
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- nkevinsc
- 05-23-16
Predictible, derivative, politically correct.
Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?
No. King's Lady Macbeth is the formulaic spoiled and spunky heroine, blustering her way through difficulties with swordcraft and her pride in her lineage. Atavastic psychic premonitions and lack of reasoning coupled with scant knowledge of her times or the obligations of her rank are unbelievable. Here, Macbeth is merely a cardboard prop to a young woman of stubborn stupidity. I cannot help but compare it to the excellent novel, King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett. For complex characterization, historical detail, and richness of plot, Dunnett's King Hereafter has no equal.
What does Wanda McCaddon bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Pronunciation of more difficult names and Gaelic accents.
Could you see Lady Macbeth being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?
No.
Any additional comments?
Waste of a credit. Read the Dorothy Dunnett novel, King Hereafter. It isn't on audible, but the author doesn't write down to an ignorant audience.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Lanlady
- 11-27-09
boring
This is the kind of story where nothing much happens; you're supposed to be entertained by the mere fact that it takes place in an intriguing time and place--medieval Scotland. But the plot--such as it is--does no justice to the setting. It plods on in predictable, well-worn fashion, without a shred of originality. The characters are all Celtic clich?: a feisty heroine, a brave king and his warriors, an old woman who casts spells, and here and there a wicked Viking or Catholic priest. Ugh. One good thing is that you can play this audiobook in the background while you're doing yardwork or housework and not miss anything if your attention wanders.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
6 people found this helpful