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A triumph of an audio, this is a must-listen for Erdrich’s many fans and those seeking thoughtful literary fiction with hidden depths.
PREMIUM
Lazarus Man
An affecting portrait of urban life. While the audio requires close listening, it will resonate with those seeking literary fiction about community, purpose, and meaning.
PREMIUM
The Gardener’s Plot
A fun, lighthearted listen, perfect for fans of gardening and cozy mysteries. This entertaining novel pairs well with Marty Eberhardt’s Bones in the Back Forty.
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The West Wind
Listeners will get lost in Warwick’s finely described world. A fantasy centered on growth and sacrifice, recommended for those who enjoyed Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale.
In this lively memoir, Clinton provides a singular account of his commitment to improving people’s lives worldwide and considered reflections on how Washington, DC, power and politics have evolved (or devolved) over the last quarter of a century. At 78, Clinton continues to lead as a public servant and effect change; this memoir is a testament to his efforts.
PREMIUM
The Name of This Band Is R.E.M.
This well-narrated audio traces the arc of an influential band whose music expressed the political and cultural tensions of their time. Highly recommended for music enthusiasts and those interested in the history of the music of the 1980s and ’90s.
PREMIUM
Mr. Nice Spy
An unputdownable forced-proximity romance, full of intrigue, adventure, and chemistry.
PREMIUM
The Pretty Ones
Enhanced by Shalan’s expert performance, Ahlborn’s (Dark Across the Bay) psychological thriller/horror crossover delivers. Give to fans of Heather Gudenkauf, Catriona Ward, and Anna Bailey.
PREMIUM
Before We Forget Kindness
A feel-good, reflective novel offering a comforting take on grief, separation, and regret.
PREMIUM
Freedom: Memoirs 1954–2021
More than a political memoir, this is a testament to the pursuit of democratic ideals. An essential listen for those interested in politics, history, and the human side of power.
PREMIUM
The Improvisers
An exciting and energetic novel, melding magic, mystery, and even a touch of enemies-to-lovers romance. Glover’s fans and new listeners alike will be pleased.
PREMIUM
The Queen’s Cook
A gentle historical romance sure to entice foodies and readers of biblical fiction.
Gorton’s well-researched account offers fascinating insight into the history of family planning and its relevance in modern politics. Edwards’s narration does justice to both the topic and the book.
PREMIUM
Vampires Never Say Die
A fun paranormal romance, full of action, steam, and an empowering take on body acceptance and the power of confidence.
PREMIUM
April Storm
Though the ending is a little too pat, Meacham’s fans won’t want to miss her final, posthumously published book. Predictable, but compelling.
PREMIUM
The Business Trip
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a plot-driven doppelgänger thriller about envy and ambition. Recommended for fans of Lisa Unger, Paula Hawkins, and Janelle Brown.
PREMIUM
You Never Know: A Memoir
Selleck’s memoir will be of most interest to diehard fans of Magnum, P.I., but his lively narration makes this an appealing celebrity memoir for general audiences.
Listeners won’t know whom to trust or if they can trust anyone at all. Constantine’s many fans will love this new thriller.
A hilarious and heartfelt book about taking a chance on love after divorce and learning how to coparent amicably. This engaging rom-com should be just the ticket for fans of Falon Ballard’s Just My Type or Andie J. Christopher’s Not the Girl You Marry.
PREMIUM
The Wildes: A Novel in Five Acts
A fascinating imagined peek into the dynamic lives of Oscar Wilde, his family, and friends, performed with panache.
Randall’s meticulously researched story of a daring yet largely forgotten air race is a treat for those seeking a fascinating story of the resilience and ingenuity that changed the course of aviation history. A perfect listen for fans of Richard J. Goodrich’s L.A. Birdmen.
A gripping tale of survival and tenacity in the face of tyranny. Superb WWII fiction for fans of Sarah Ansbacher’s Wave After Wave.
Abrahamson delights with a humorous and heartwarming story about a group of women navigating political intrigue, interpersonal tensions, and ethical dilemmas. An excellent recommendation for listeners seeking a skillfully narrated comfort listen that blends folklore, fantasy, and social commentary.
PREMIUM
Once More from the Top
Immersive and psychologically rich, Layden’s novel offers piercing insights into the cost of ambition and the fragile bonds of friendship. For fans of Hayley Drischer’s Where Are You, Echo Blue??
PREMIUM
Lola in the Mirror
Despite the grim violence, Dalton’s story of addiction, tragedy, and found family resonates with tenderness and empathy. A thorny but sweet coming-of-age tale for fans of Sofie Laguna’s The Choke.
With vivid storytelling and insights, this audiobook highlights the power of love and advocacy. It is a testament to courage, care, and justice that leaves a lasting impression.
PREMIUM
Five-Star Stranger
A moving portrait of a man coming to terms with the past and shedding his protective emotional armor.
PREMIUM
Bad Witches
Akumiah’s witchy fantasy debut introduces an intricate and intriguing world. Engaging characters and a cliffhanger ending will have listeners eager for more.
A must-listen memoir offering a moving account of life in Kabul during both Taliban regimes and the years in between when Mohseni’s groundbreaking company provided independent radio and TV for the Afghan people.
Reyes’s short stories take listeners down rocky paths to experience firsthand what it means to rebuild a life when faced with inhospitable elements. Each unique account gives a human voice to the Central American experience, blurring the Rio Grande boundary with heartache and humor to find a new middle ground.
A deftly told history of the horrific events of the 1830s and an Oklahoma murder case that resulted in long overdue victory for the Muscogee Creek nation. Essential for all audio history collections.
Chu’s intimate yet lively narration will charm film buffs and memoir lovers alike. Share with fans of Jimmy O. Yang’s How To American.
This thoughtful audio biography sheds light on Davis’s multifaceted career, offering valuable insights into Black history and the broader American political landscape during a period of social upheaval and transformation. Recommended for fans of Darryl Littleton’s Black Comedians on Black Comedy or those interested in the intersection of entertainment, race, and culture.
Although heartbreaking, this novel, told through anecdotes and vignettes, thrums with strength. A powerful audio that takes listeners on an unforgettable roller coaster of emotions.
PREMIUM
Libby Lost and Found
A moving debut about fandom, family, fiction, and writing. Despite some audio missteps, this should appeal to fans of Meg Shaffer’s The Wishing Game.
This genre-defying feminist novel is sure to appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction with elements of mystery, romance, and family secrets.
PREMIUM
Pickleballers
A feel-good sporty rom-com, sure to appeal to those seeking stories featuring women finding their groove in mid-life. Pickleball veterans and newbies alike will want to give this a try.
Listeners deeply rooted in the love of literature will relate to Edim’s reverence and appreciation for authors and their works. A memoir in books that should have a place in every audio memoir collection.
A dizzying narrative, dropping listeners into the middle of Palahniuk’s smartly dystopian landscape and leaving them to puzzle their way out. Exceptional narration makes for propulsive listening.
PREMIUM
Feast While You Can
Queer possession horror for those seeking an atmospheric and steamy paranormal romance. Recommended for fans of Rachel Yoder’s Nightbitch or Sheri Lewis Wohl’s She Wolf.
PREMIUM
Wild West Village: Not a Memoir (Unless I Win an Oscar, Die Tragically, or Score a Country #1)
Will appeal to listeners seeking a candid, conversational arts and entertainment memoir. Recommended for fans of Selma Blair’s Mean Baby or Jennette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died.
PREMIUM
The Third Realm
Boundary-pushing literary fiction for patrons seeking a thought-provoking dive into the human psyche.
PREMIUM
The Nightward
The action is intense, and the critique of power dynamics is sharp, but it’s the emotional weight of the characters’ struggles that leaves a lasting impression. Fans of myth-infused fantasy and character-driven epics will find this an unforgettable listening experience.
Bock’s memoir is a triumph, showcasing his talent for turning the deeply personal into something universally moving and profoundly relatable. It is a must-listen for new and seasoned parents alike, who will find themselves rooting for Bock and reflecting on their own experiences of love, sacrifice, parenthood, and self-discovery.
PREMIUM
Love in Bloom
The charming tale of a woman who exchanges city life for the messy countryside. This heartwarming novel about life and community is a must for contemporary romance listeners.
PREMIUM
Hate Follow
While Quinn-Kong’s timely debut offers an intriguing premise, her frustratingly unlikeable characters wear thin. A secondary purchase that may appeal where novels of dysfunctional family drama circulate well.
PREMIUM
Beast of the North Woods
This third entry in Ryan’s engaging mystery series does not disappoint. Recommended for fans of J.J. Dupuis’s “Creature X” novels or those seeking a cozy mystery with creepy creatures.
This spy thriller gives new life to a much-loved character. Harkaway, whose writing rivals his father’s, has delivered a treat for fans of classic spy thrillers.
Over hundreds of poems, this expansive collection is a testament to Atwood’s lasting literary influence. Narrated with her signature blend of fierceness and contemplation, the audio is a timeless and essential addition to any poetry collection.
PREMIUM
Wish I Were Here
Wiesner’s latest stands out both as a romance for those craving a good love story and a reflective novel for anyone seeking a tale of personal transformation. A comforting, feel-good audio for those who enjoyed Denise Williams’s How To Fail at Flirting.
PREMIUM
The Time Keepers
Richman’s (The Thread Collectors) book about human connections and the healing power of time will engage listeners of all ages.
Yu offers whimsical and poetic commentary on what it is to be a cat. A must-purchase in the popular genre of healing fiction, to recommend to fans of Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s Before the Coffee Gets Cold.
PREMIUM
Because Fat Girl
A fun, flirty, and utterly charming romance that tackles issues such as fatphobia, anti-queer rhetoric, celebrity, and self-love.
PREMIUM
Entitlement
An unsettling novel about the corrosive power of wealth and the slippery nature of class, race, and social constructs. Recommended for readers of Yasmin Zaher’s The Coin or Romesh Gunesekera’s Suncatcher.
PREMIUM
Katharine, The Wright Sister
This fictionalized portrait of Katharine Wright captivates and is recommended for fans of aviation and women’s history. Pair with Patty Dann’s The Wright Sister, which has a different take on Katharine’s life.
PREMIUM
Plays Well with Others
Bringing to mind Emma McLaughlin’s The Nanny Diaries and Amy Poeppel’s Small Admissions, this is highly recommended for those who enjoy stories about how one’s love for one’s children can make any parent lose track of priorities and self.
PREMIUM
The Women
A moving, skillfully narrated story about women’s friendships and the ongoing physical and mental consequences of war.
PREMIUM
A Reason To See You Again
An intricate portrait of one family’s struggles and triumphs over nearly four generations. Recommended for fans of contemporary Jewish American fiction and authors such as Lynda Cohen Loigman, Taffy Brodesser-Akner, and Nicole Krauss.
PREMIUM
The Seventh Veil of Salome
While fans of Moreno-Garcia’s supernatural, horror-tinged novels may be surprised by the author’s foray into atmospheric historical fiction, this intricately plotted book about stardom, passion, and betrayal delivers.
The best audiobooks of the season span fiction, mystery, horror, romance, SFF, and a range of nonfiction.
Together with the Audio Publishers Association (APA), in September 2024 Library Journal and School Library Journal fielded a survey about audiobooks in the United States’ public libraries. Nearly 500 librarian respondents provided insight into audio format demand, budgeting, licensing terms, and selection influences.
Across a range of genres and subjects, skilled narrators deliver nuanced, striking, and comforting listens, as spring arrives with performances that reveal new insights about old favorites and introduce fresh aural experiences not to miss.
PREMIUM
Gaslight
Filmmaker Joris-Peyrafitte and YA author Shepard (the “Pretty Little Liars” series) offer a tense thriller that will have listeners deeply invested in the characters’ unraveling lives.
PREMIUM
The Crimson Crown
Walters’s (Misrule) slow-burn fantasy introduces a lush world and offers a captivating portrait of a young witch destined for villainy. Share with fans of fairy-tale retellings and those who enjoyed Marianne Gordon’s The Gilded Crown.
PREMIUM
All I Want Is You
Highly recommended for fans of The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley Austin Siegemund-Broka and for readers who enjoy open-door intimacy with their holiday romance reads.
PREMIUM
Karaoke Queen
A stellar queer rom-com, highly recommended for fans of Alexis Hall and Casey McQuiston or Andrew Grey’s Dragged to the Wedding.
PREMIUM
Exposure
A decades-spanning story exploring grief, guilt, and missed opportunities. This engaging coming-of-age tale is recommended for fans of the author and those who appreciated Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.
Harrington’s spellbinding performance of Stokes-Chapman’s gothic novel, which also brilliantly explores issues of class, religion, and science versus. folklore, makes this an excellent choice for historical mystery fans and listeners who appreciate richly drawn characters in lovingly crafted settings. (In her author’s note, Stokes-Chapman describes the book as a love letter to Wales.)
PREMIUM
The Heartbeat Library
With this heartwarming tale, Imai Messina reminds listeners of the enduring power of love and the transformative nature of shared experiences. This unforgettable tale is sure to resonate with anyone who has faced loss and sought healing through connection.
This book will appeal to those with backgrounds in music and medicine and listeners curious about music’s effects on health.
PREMIUM
Colored Television
A rich blend of humor and social critique, recommended for those who enjoyed Percival Everett’s Erasure and R.F. Kuang’s Yellowface.
This is a must-listen for fans of Novik’s novels and those who appreciate new takes on fantasy and folk tales. With wide-ranging genres, appealing characters, and beautifully described settings, this collection offers something for every listener.
A sensitively narrated account, providing a window into the toll addiction takes and how it is possible to come out on the other side. Listeners will connect to Hoppe’s story of simultaneously longing for and losing control.
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The demand for audiobooks continues to grow year-over-year. Publishers are responding to consumers’ ever-increasing audiobooks appetite by looking beyond the latest front-list titles to expand catalogs and production in creative ways.
PREMIUM
We Shall Be Monsters
A bewitching and eerie fairy tale, sure to entice listeners eager for scenes of witches and curses, monsters and magic, and fae and heroes. Fans of Naomi Novik and Katherine Arden will want to take note.
PREMIUM
Most Wonderful
A bighearted holiday romance with triple the happy endings. Fans of Ashley Herring Blake and Emily Henry will be delighted.
The print version of this exploration of poetry and imagery won the PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry and an NAACP Image Award. This audio is equally impactful and is a must for any poetry or photography collection.
PREMIUM
Exposure
Immersive crime fiction enhanced with outstanding character portraits. Emerson remains an author to watch.
PREMIUM
The City and Its Uncertain Walls
A quietly entrancing epic of disconnectedness, recommended for literary fantasy listeners.
A tragedy in the truest sense and a testament to women’s rage and power. Fans of Madeline Miller and Natalie Haynes won’t want to miss this.
PREMIUM
Flirting with Disaster
Romance readers who appreciate new takes on popular rom-com movies will not want to miss this one, which is highly enjoyable on audio and guaranteed to be a popular addition to any contemporary romance collection.
A passionate, precisely narrated account of recent events in Gaza and what it means to be a daughter of Rafah. Alghoul provides listeners with substantive insight into the courage required to keep writing and speaking out.
PREMIUM
The Trip
With high-quality narration, this British domestic thriller is a recommended addition for libraries looking to expand their vacation thriller collections. Share with fans of Ruth Ware or Roz Nay.
This is an engaging listen with its premise neatly laid out, organized into easily consumable chunks, and delivered with tight narration. Howes’s work fills a gap in most library collections, and the audio could be a draw for fans of history podcasts.
PREMIUM
This Motherless Land
Perfect for readers who enjoyed Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half and Ishi Robinson’s Sweetness in the Skin, this heartfelt literary family saga is not to be missed.
PREMIUM
Against the Grain
This story about beginnings, endings, and possibilities will resonate with listeners contemplating change and those who just like a good mystery.
PREMIUM
Casket Case
Evans’s bittersweet paranormal romance debut is highly recommended for those seeking a warmhearted contemporary romance with an unusual premise. Fans of Ashley Poston’s The Dead Romantics will want to check this out.
PREMIUM
Anima: A Wild Pastoral
Narrator Pela skillfully conveys Kassabova’s vivid account of the harsh realities of mountain life and the impact of limited government subsidies and restricted grazing rights on Bulgaria’s shepherding population. A thoughtful account of a changing way of life.
Oates’s many fans will be enthralled by this pitch-perfect collection of that combines psychological thriller, mystery, and suspense. Oates doesn’t miss a beat.
Lewis’s work gives listeners a starting point to assess how visual stereotyping in the U.S. continues to shape views of the Other. Her rich account is well documented and draws on the work of Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois alongside Toni Morrison and critical race theorists who contend that visual persuasion became a normalizing strategy to make the United States a place where racial injustice thrived.
PREMIUM
Bournville
Coe’s (Middle England) rich historical novel examines the evolving lives of individuals set against the backdrop of larger events. Recommended for those seeking a complex and touching history of British society.
PREMIUM
Under Loch and Key
A highly recommended paranormal monster romance with an excellent setting, memorable main characters, and lots of open-door intimacy. This may also appeal to fans of monster-romance writers such as Ruby Dixon, Ashley Bennett, or Kimberly Lemming.
Though some listeners might wish for more hard evidence to back up the author’s accounts of the inexplicable, Milford’s debut memoir will appeal to fans of the paranormal and those seeking alternate lenses for approaching unexplained phenomena.
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