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Chilling listens for every taste, from crime fiction laced with folkloric and cosmic terrors to epic postapocalyptic gore.
Exhilarating listens, from classic high fantasy to thrilling tales of intrigue in extraterrestrial settings.
Audio horror, fantasy, mystery, social sciences, and more. This winter’s audiobook stars offer auditory delights across a wide range of subjects and genres.
Winter wanders in with a new resonance, ushering before it shorter days, celebrations, and moments of reflection. This issue of Audio in Depth, both in print and online, matches those moods with listens full of comfort and joy.
PREMIUM
Business Casual
Though there’s some unevenness between the narrators, fans of the series’ previous audiobooks should enjoy this satisfying series finale.
PREMIUM
What a Fool Believes: A Memoir
An underdog tale that is a must-listen for all jazz-rock and soul fans.
PREMIUM
Swift River
Chambers’s poignant debut captivates. Listeners will be invested in Diamond’s situation, cheering her on as she becomes herself.
An urgent, funny, and relatable collection, interweaving keen observations of modern crises with personal reflections on family, mental health, and grace. Recommended for fans of R. Eric Thomas’s Congratulations, the Best Is Over!
PREMIUM
Grown Women
A resonant and reflective story, highly recommended for fans of literary fiction in the vein of Diane Marie Brown’s Black Candle Women.
PREMIUM
A Talent for Murder
Thrilling action and suspense combined with complex, well-developed characters make for a book that listeners won’t want to put down. Swanson’s fans will be shocked, horrified, and utterly captivated.
Fans of Golden Age mysteries should really enjoy this modern, metafictional take on the locked-room mystery.
PREMIUM
Wordhunter
This fast-paced novel is recommended for anyone wanting an engaging plot full of excitement and its fair share of drama.
PREMIUM
The Knockout Artist
This is Crews at his finest. An excellent recommendation for literary fiction readers and those who enjoy grim humor, thought-provoking characters, and compelling plots. Suggest to those who enjoyed Michael Farris Smith’s The Fighter.
Examining three generations of Vega family lore, this audiobook cleverly juxtaposes four narrative voices through moments of Mexican political turmoil, COVID days in Los Angeles, and post-2020 upheaval to weave an unforgettable must-listen. Fans of Luis Alberto Urrea’s The House of Broken Angels won’t want to miss this.
A complex, atmospheric mystery that will keep listeners engaged, searching for clues, and thinking about the plight of others. This is an essential purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
The Gilded Crown
With strong voice acting, this dark fantasy debut is sure to be well-received by fans of books like Adalyn Grace’s “Belladonna” trilogy. Listeners will be eager for more from this talented writer.
PREMIUM
Chaos Terminal
An unpredictable and uproarious tale, sure to please both mystery and sci-fi fans.
Despite the somewhat uneven presentation, this audio resonates with conviction. Recommended for those who enjoyed Jessi Hempel’s The Family Outing.
PREMIUM
Knife River
A slow-paced, fully realized novel with complex familial relationships at its core. Recommended for fans of Tana French and Jane Harper.
An audiobook to recommend to all thriller listeners and those who enjoy twisty podcast-style audios such as L.J. Dorn’s The Anatomy of Desire.
PREMIUM
The Codger and the Sparrow
An appealing story of friendship, family, age, loss, and redemption.
PREMIUM
The Fiancé Dilemma
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a slow-burn small-town rom-com with a Runaway Bride vibe. Recommended for fans of Olivia Dade, Lynn Painter, and Simone Soltani.
PREMIUM
Lost in China: A Memoir of WWII
While this audiobook has an intriguing premise, it falls short of fulfilling its promise.
Hendrickson’s account will appeal to listeners interested in World War II and the psychological aftereffects of war.
Listeners touched by Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures but wanting more mystery will be enchanted.
PREMIUM
Given Our History
A cute friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story that falls short of rom-com greatness.
For fans of New England family dramas like those by Ann Patchett and Ethan Joella, and listeners looking for a mystery with a summer setting and plot depth.
PREMIUM
The Night the River Wept
This sardonic Southern mystery about an amateur cold-case investigation is an optional purchase for most libraries. May appeal to fans of Delia Owens and William Kent Krueger.
PREMIUM
Mina’s Matchbox
The story of Tamoko’s temporary place in this strange household is beautifully written and distinctive in content.
PREMIUM
Toxic Prey
Contagion, ecoterrorism, and a relentlessly ticking clock make this latest installment in Sandford’s series well worth a listen.
PREMIUM
The Life Impossible
Some fans of Haig’s The Midnight Library may be perplexed at the fantastical turns in his new novel, but others will find this gracefully narrated audio a balm. Expect many holds and consider purchasing multiple copies.
PREMIUM
Lady Macbeth
This woman-centered portrait of Shakespeare’s complicated Lady Macbeth should appeal to listeners who love to hear the other side of the story.
PREMIUM
The Silence Factory
Queer love unfulfilled doesn’t preclude an optimistic ending in this resonant Victorian gothic.
PREMIUM
Strange Folk
Dyer’s multigenerational tale is ideal for Appalachian fiction fans and readers of magical realism seeking atmospheric new settings.
PREMIUM
That Night in the Library
Bodies Bodies Bodies dressed up like The Secret History, but lacking the punch or social critique of either.
PREMIUM
The Secret Keeper of Main Street
Thomas’s layered novel explores complicated themes such as race, gender, and class, even as it offers a heartwarming look at finding love, friendship, and family in unexpected places. For fans of Rachel Eliza Griffiths’s Promise.
PREMIUM
Murder Most Owl
This entertaining cozy has many appeal points, including animals, small-town life, and a bit of magic. Listeners will be enchanted and excited for the next installation in Fox’s promising series.
PREMIUM
Children of Darkness and Light: Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell and the Story of a Murderous Faith
An intense, heartbreaking listen.
A surprisingly interesting take on a subject matter that has been examined many times before. The audio’s ability to add so much more experience of the subject matter makes listening to the book a much better experience than reading it. This excellent addition is a fun lecture that changes the way listeners will look at (and hear) animals.
PREMIUM
Maria
An excellent exploration of one of the world’s most beloved stepmothers, highly recommended for historical fiction collections everywhere.
This is a valuable work in print; nonetheless, the audio edition offers an engaging experience for listeners interested in LGBTQIA+ studies and literature.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a thoroughly researched, thought-provoking collection of true crime that highlights this country’s need for criminal justice reform. Recommended for fans of Barred by Daniel S. Medwed.
PREMIUM
Eruption
A captivating collaboration between two thriller greats, this cinematic action-adventure novel does not disappoint.
PREMIUM
A World of Hurt
Mejia’s (To Catch a Storm) latest suspense will be a hit with those who enjoy stories of crime-solving.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an immersive, impassioned nonfiction work about the miscarriages of justice and one man’s mission to help. Recommended for fans of Framed by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey.
PREMIUM
Under a Rock: A Memoir
A must-listen for fans of Blondie, music history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the vibrant cultural landscape of the late 20th century.
PREMIUM
The Scarlet Throne
Listeners who enjoy immersing themselves in richly described fantastical worlds will devour this. Share with fans of Ann Leckie’s The Raven Tower or Erika Johansen’s The Queen of the Tearling.
PREMIUM
The Truth According to Ember
A much-needed and welcome addition to contemporary romance library collections, which have had a decided lack of Indigenous-authored stories until now.
PREMIUM
Hard To Kill
Patterson and Lupica’s tense series second delivers, with plenty of fast-paced action, well-rounded characters, and a twisty murder case. Series fans will be pleased.
Though this is the first in a series, its characters are so unlikable that listeners might not clamor for more. A supplementary purchase for libraries looking for a new mystery series with a bit of a twist.
PREMIUM
Better by Far
A deeply emotional and satisfyingly layered story about different types of loss and the power to heal.
Fans of authors such as Mazey Eddings will enjoy this solid rom-com starring a complex and layered main character.
PREMIUM
Welcome to Glorious Tuga
Though this is an affecting story with charming characters and a vibrant setting, the mismatched accents make the audio a secondary purchase.
PREMIUM
The Murders in Great Diddling
An absorbing audiobook perfect for fans of Anthony Horowitz’s Susan Ryeland mysteries. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Echoes of Memory
While Quinn’s tale is an excellent thriller-mystery on an unusual subject with only minor writing issues, the narration lacks the feel of the characters and their experiences and falls flat.
PREMIUM
A Daughter of Fair Verona
An effervescent alternate ending to Romeo and Juliet. Dodd’s (Point Last Seen) amusing Shakespearean mystery will have fans of any genre chuckling.
PREMIUM
The Worst Duke in London
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a fun, fast-paced Victorian take on 10 Things I Hate About You (and thereby The Taming of the Shrew). Recommended for fans of Julia Quinn, Evie Dunmore, and Elizabeth Everett.
PREMIUM
The Lantern of Lost Memories
Beautiful and with plenty of lighthearted moments, this is a perfect listen for fans of Mitch Albom.
PREMIUM
A Kid from Marlboro Road
Will appeal to listeners seeking a bittersweet coming-of-age literary novel about love and loss on 1970s Long Island. Recommended for fans of Edward Delaney, Alice McDermott, and Russell Banks.
PREMIUM
Nightmare of a Trip
Fans of quirky suburban comedy like Christopher Moore’s work or those who’ve been on vacations from hell may find themselves laughing at and commiserating with the Somersets’ plight.
Though it’s a fascinating look at U.S. history, Olsson’s book will (unfortunately) mostly be of interest to those who love the Red Dead games. Still, it will make a great way to promote a library’s history section to an audience who might otherwise ignore it.
PREMIUM
Journey’s End
Despite some difficulty in following the quickly spoken dialogue, this is a powerful production that captures the raw intensity of war.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking thorough, thought-provoking science writing about eclectic Victorian-era paleontologists. Recommended for fans of richly detailed natural-history nonfiction, such as Roy Plotnick’s Explorers of Deep Time.
A rigorously researched and exceptionally narrated biography revealing the complexity of a storied U.S. icon.
PREMIUM
Broiler
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a gritty domestic fiction with an intricate, atmospheric plot. Recommended for fans of William Kent Krueger, Jennifer Herrera, and Kelly J. Ford.
Cordery’s well-researched biography, illustrating how Arden’s strategies continue to shape the beauty industry, is highly recommended for aspiring business leaders or anyone interested in cosmetics and fashion.
PREMIUM
The Sequel
This novel, filled with characters that are easy to hate, will keep listeners hooked awaiting the next pivot in its twisty plot.
For larger public libraries where patrons have an interest in books about race in the United States or product biographies.
Despite some audio imperfections, this debut memoir delights, offering a compelling story about science and passion, as well as fabulous information about sharks.
PREMIUM
Best, First, and Last
Recommend to anyone who enjoys a feel-good family novel like Camille Pagán’s Don’t Make Me Turn This Life Around or Rebecca Serle’s One Italian Summer.
This latest installment in MeatEater’s audio-only collection features passionate, gripping storytelling at its finest. Each tale is riveting, and the collection is highly recommended for outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and nature lovers everywhere.
An overdue guide for the disabled and chronically ill community that provides invaluable resources and knowledge on so many aspects of relationships. An essential book everywhere.
PREMIUM
Trust Her
An excellent addition to any mystery or thriller section. Recommended for fans of other Irish writers such as Tana French, Claire McGowan, and Dervla McTiernan.
Amusing and irreverent, this survey of obituaries, death rituals, and the funeral industry is a perfect recommendation for podcast fans or those who enjoyed Mary Roach’s Stiff or Sarah Murray’s Making an Exit.
PREMIUM
The Third Wife of Faraday House
For fans of Agatha Christie and tragic historical-fiction romances with depth.
Schaap depicts the profound impact a community can have on personal healing, offering listeners an intimate exploration of grief, recovery, and the power of place. The audiobook brims with compassion and an inviting spirit.
This detail-oriented narrative explores the numerous and unbelievable ways women have changed anicent and contemporary society. Recommended for people interested in herstory and the marginalized people that shaped today’s world.
While some stories resonate more than others, this collection of visceral literary horror haunts and provokes. Recommended for fans of Ananda Lima.
A window into the lives of people who take great joy from trees. Recommended for listeners who love nature and science or those seeking a deeper connection to the environment.
Candid and uplifting, Milholland’s thought-provoking work may have listeners seeking more connections with those within their own lives. Recommend to those who enjoyed Katie Hafner’s Mother Daughter Me.
PREMIUM
Shelterwood
Loosely based on actual events, this story sheds light on unsavory and intriguing aspects of American history. An excellent addition to any historical fiction collection.
PREMIUM
Haunted Ever After
DeLuca’s first entry in the “Boneyard Key” series should please listeners seeking laugh-aloud moments, not-too-scary chills, and a cozy paranormal romance.
PREMIUM
The Deading
Though it falters somewhat in its execution, this blend of science fiction, body horror, and eco-horror may appeal to listeners seeking an intriguing premise with echoes of Stephen King’s Under the Dome.
PREMIUM
Grounds for Murder
A secondary purchase for collections where audio editions of cozy mysteries are popular.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a blend of marine biology and business nonfiction and makes a convincing case that the fate of eels is reflective of and entangled with the fate of humankind. Recommend to fans of John Long’s The Secret History of Sharks.
PREMIUM
Summer Fridays
A sweeping big-city romance that crosses over to women’s fiction; perfect for fans of Nora Ephron films and NYC.
Fans of eerie podcasts, creepy stories, and unsettling happenings will be delighted by this compilation. Atmospheric and intriguing, this is an entertaining listen elevated by top-notch narration.
Despite its narration issue, this is a must-read for both professionals and general readers seeking a deeper understanding of binge-eating disorder.
PREMIUM
Just Some Stupid Love Story
While pacing issues occasionally detract from the back-and-forth rhythm of Seth and Molly’s interactions, romance fans should be pleased by the characters’ well-deserved HEA.
PREMIUM
The Full Moon Coffee Shop
This quick read is the first in a series, and readers will be eagerly waiting for the other books to be translated. Heartwarming and unusual, this is magical realism at its finest.
This gripping historical novel, told from the perspective of a young girl seeking connection to her family, has something for everyone.
PREMIUM
Burn
The fact that nothing is really ever explained and the novel ends before the men escape Maine adds to the helpless feeling conveyed by this dystopian novel that strikes a chord.
PREMIUM
The Mother of All Things
One to recommend to fans of literary fiction and feminist stories about the mental exhaustion of motherhood.
PREMIUM
One Year Ago in Spain
Highly recommended for fans of authors such as Rebecca Serle and contemporary-romance stories with a magical-realism twist.
PREMIUM
The Villain Edit
Fans of reality dating television shows will want to check out YA author Devore’s (A Better Bad Idea) adult debut. Perfect for those who enjoyed Christina Lauren’s The True Love Experiment.
PREMIUM
Bear
For those who enjoy reflecting on peculiar existential sagas, this is not to be missed.
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