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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
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
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.)
This book will appeal to those with backgrounds in music and medicine and listeners curious about music’s effects on health.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
The Hearing Test
A debut novel for listeners seeking an emotionally rich stream-of-consciousness story full of poignant imagery and observations. For those who enjoy the work of Rachel Cusk and Fleur Jaeggy.
PREMIUM
A Sea of Unspoken Things
An evocative, suspenseful audio that will have listeners sinking deep into Young’s vivid worldbuilding and Lakin’s captivating narration.
PREMIUM
Now or Never
A fun and fast-paced adventure, blending romance and mystery. This is a must-read for series fans and anyone seeking a lighthearted mystery.
A blend of romance and mystery for the holiday season, enhanced by pitch-perfect narration. Suggest to fans of Knives Out or Falon Ballard’s All I Want Is You.
PREMIUM
Death in the Air
Murali’s debut is a richly detailed Himalayan mystery, recommended as an unusual addition to any audio whodunit collection.
A thoughtful and well-researched compilation of unsolved crimes, perfect for any true crime collection. Listeners interested in more of Renner’s work may also want to check out Little, Crazy Children and the forthcoming Scout Camp.
PREMIUM
Booked for Murder
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a gentle mystery about bookshops, small towns, and secrets. Recommended for fans of Tamara Berry, Amanda Flower, and Ellery Adams.
This well-researched work illuminates the deep connections between sexual politics and broader social and political movements. Recommended for social science collections everywhere.
PREMIUM
Perfect Fit
Despite the occasionally rocky narration, Gilmore’s (Love Interest) low-heat workplace romance may appeal to fans of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game or Emily Henry’s Funny Story.
PREMIUM
Memorials
With moments of tenderness and even levity, as well as true terror, longtime horror fans, including newcomers to Chizmar’s works, will enjoy this. Recommended for listeners seeking a sinister mix of folklore, nostalgia, and creeping dread.
PREMIUM
One on One
A thoughtful enemies-to-lovers romance, recommended for the ever-growing number of sports romance fans.
PREMIUM
The Close-Up
Beyond the plodding exposition, this audio becomes an intricate, atmospheric suspense. This may appeal to fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid or Janelle Brown, but it is an optional purchase for libraries on a budget.
PREMIUM
Batman: Resurrection
This entertaining yet brooding journey to a ’90s-era Gotham City will pull in fans of Burton’s Batman and others who enjoy the superhero genre.
Butler’s debut memoir is an enjoyable tribute to Little House on the Prairie and a testament to the life’s work of a thoroughly likable actor, director, and producer.
Short but packing an emotional punch, McGuire’s latest is a wonderful entry into her world of wayward children.
A sparkling mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Murder She Wrote, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Corzo’s command of Spanish adds immediacy and authenticity to this riveting story of how one woman’s wrongful imprisonment ignited a movement to legalize abortion in Argentina and bring worldwide attention to women’s rights.
PREMIUM
A Great Marriage
Love, betrayal, and seduction intertwine in this engaging, multigenerational romantic page-turner. Listeners can look forward to a journey that is both heartfelt and heartbreaking.
PREMIUM
Wedding Dashers
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an upbeat enemies-to-lovers rom-com with hilarious road trip hijinks. Recommended for fans of Jenn McKinlay, Christina Lauren, and Sophie Cousens.
PREMIUM
The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a fast-paced, farcical thriller with endless nonsensical twists. Recommended for fans of Katy Brent’s The Murder After the Night Before.
PREMIUM
Low-Hanging Fruit: Sparkling Whines, Champagne Problems, and Pressing Issues from My Gay Agenda
A recommended purchase, perfect for listeners who appreciate sharp humor and social commentary. Whether looking for a quick laugh or an insightful take on current events, this book provides both in abundance.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a self-described “snooty” celebrity memoir that chronicles a year in the kitchen, and in a life. Recommended for fans of Ina Garten’s Be Ready When the Luck Happens and Tom Colicchio’s Why I Cook.
PREMIUM
Elaine
Wryly wrathful narration applied to an unflinching portrait makes this audio highly recommended.
PREMIUM
The Favorites
Fargo’s standout, multi-layered work of fiction is especially suited to audio. Highly recommended for listeners seeking sports fiction with heart, suspense, and strong characterizations.
PREMIUM
Knife Skills for Beginners
Jessa Maxwell’s The Golden Spoon meets Colleen Cambridge’s Mastering the Art of French Murder in this gruesome cozy, sure to shoot to the top of the charts.
PREMIUM
City of Night Birds
A fierce, melodic performance of the sacrifices required to be an artist.
PREMIUM
Annie Bot
An intriguing story imagining an unsettling future and providing a glimpse into the insidious dangers of toxic relationships and the importance of knowing oneself.
PREMIUM
The Muse of Maiden Lane
Series fans and those who love happy endings will enjoy this charming and satisfying novel.
PREMIUM
To Die For
A must-listen for all Travis Devine fans, who will be anxious to dive into this fast-paced and twisty story.
An atmospheric, eerie story for listeners seeking a gothic tale layered with literary references, social commentary, and suspense.
PREMIUM
Evil in Me
Rockers who love horror (or horror fans who love rock and roll) should give this tale a listen.
PREMIUM
Misinterpretation
Will appeal to listeners seeking intricate, issue-oriented literary fiction about marriage, mental illness, and cultural identity. Recommended for fans of Kaveh Akbar, Karin Lin-Greenberg, and Ocean Vuong.
PREMIUM
North Is the Night
Listeners may debate how successful the ratio of romantasy to epic fantasy is, but all can admit that Rath’s (“Jacksonville Rays” series) latest is impressive.
PREMIUM
Songs for the Brokenhearted
A poignant exploration of love, loss, identity, and self-discovery, and a deep dive into the richness of Yemeni Jewish culture.
The novel’s focus on character development and exploration of human nature will resonate with readers who appreciate Strout’s meditative style. Recommend to readers of Ann Patchett, Fredrik Backman, and Fannie Flagg.
PREMIUM
Dutchess Material
Recommended for libraries looking to expand their historical romance collections with strong women leads. Sure to delight fans of Julia Quinn, Erica Ridley, or Evie Dunmore.
PREMIUM
Toto
The perfect listen for fans of Wicked and other novels that retell well-known stories from different perspectives.
PREMIUM
The Thirteenth Husband
An excellent addition to any historical fiction collection, particularly where the works of Alison Pataki and Elise Hooper circulate well.
PREMIUM
Once Smitten, Twice Shy
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a Shakespeare-inspired rom-com with a sweet courtship and sizzling chemistry. Recommended for fans of Sarah Adams, Elena Armas, and Ali Hazelwood.
Hoffman’s journey in the French countryside will challenge listeners to consider what being “at home” really means. This captivating work will add flavor to any audio memoir collection.
PREMIUM
Deadbeat
While the audio may have benefited from more nuanced character voices, this twisty, fast-paced thriller will likely appeal to listeners seeking taut action and morally complex antiheroes.
PREMIUM
A Hell of a Storm: The Battle for Kansas, the End of Compromise, and the Coming of the Civil War
An incisive and adeptly narrated account of how the Kansas-Nebraska Act brought about the rise of the Republican Party, the election of Abraham Lincoln, and a deeply polarized nation into war.
PREMIUM
Our Evenings
Puwanarajah’s inflections change little as David and other characters get older, and this makes it difficult to determine how many years pass between chapters. However, his effective delivery enhances the story, which becomes somewhat tedious after David reaches 30. Give to Hollinghurst’s most devoted fans.
PREMIUM
The Last Room on the Left
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a shocking psychological thriller about women’s friendship and betrayal. Recommended for fans of Ruth Ware, Riley Sager, and Lisa Unger.
PREMIUM
Syndicate
Francis’s latest account of the dilemmas of the spoiled upper class entertains but may appeal most to diehard fans. An optional purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
Wicked Serve
Though the audio is somewhat flawed, this story is still recommended for fans of college sports romances from authors such as Elle Kennedy and Hannah Grace.
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.
PREMIUM
Bad Houses
Stintzi’s haunting collection invites listeners to question the boundaries of reality while reflecting on common themes of identity and home. A richly descriptive yet never overwrought narrative that lingers long after the book comes to a close.
PREMIUM
Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction
This feel-good holiday love story works as a stand-alone and is sure to please readers who like contemporary romance with adorable canine companions. Recommended for fans of Lizzie Shane, Susan Mallory, and Debbie Macomber.
PREMIUM
Perfect Storm
While it’s possible to read this as a stand-alone, listeners familiar with the action in previous series entries will derive the most enjoyment from this book. Pair with Margaret Mizushima’s “Timber Creek K-9” mystery series.
PREMIUM
The Spice Gate
Srivatsa offers a lushly described yet fast-paced debut fantasy, recommended for fans of Roger Zelazny’s Lord of Light or Tasha Suri’s “The Burning Kingdoms” series.
PREMIUM
Johnny-Boy
A raw and intense crime narrative, recommended for fans of suspenseful and gritty fiction by authors such as Tracy Clark and Karin Slaughter.
PREMIUM
Vilest Things
Listeners should prepare for the heavy lift of numerous characters and a slow-paced beginning but will ultimately be pleased with Yi’s strong pacing, spot-on sarcastic banter, and delivery of a tenacious heroine.
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