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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
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
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 Women
A moving, skillfully narrated story about women’s friendships and the ongoing physical and mental consequences of war.
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
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
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
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
The best audiobooks of the season span fiction, mystery, horror, romance, SFF, and a range of nonfiction.
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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.
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
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
Evil in Me
Rockers who love horror (or horror fans who love rock and roll) should give this tale a listen.
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.
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.
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
My Darling Boy
For listeners seeking an intricate, unputdownable psychological thriller about female friendship and small-town secrets. Recommended for fans of Lisa Jewell, Paula Hawkins, and Shari Lapena.
PREMIUM
An Academy for Liars
Henderson (House of Hunger) crafts a unique magical system in a dark academia setting. The narrative performance provides a conflicting interpretation of the main character, so listeners may want to compare their audio experience to print.
PREMIUM
How To Leave the House
Insightful and dryly witty, this slice-of-life portrait of an occasionally raunchy but still endearing young man makes an impact.
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
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
Most Wonderful
A bighearted holiday romance with triple the happy endings. Fans of Ashley Herring Blake and Emily Henry will be delighted.
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.
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
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
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.
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
The City and Its Uncertain Walls
A quietly entrancing epic of disconnectedness, recommended for literary fantasy listeners.
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.
Shield’s inspiring and insightful narrative resonates. This fresh conversation will be a valuable addition to any collection focused on gender, personal growth, or aging.
This audiobook is a tale of the past and a cry for the future, urging listeners to appreciate and support these cherished spaces. Whether it’s discussing the unique smells of bookstores or sharing stories of literary spaces, this is a must-listen for anyone who loves books or bookstores.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
PREMIUM
Hampton Heights: One Harrowing Night in the Most Haunted Neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Though this is marketed as a horror book for adults, this has the feel of a younger listen, with an emphasis on nostalgic spookiness rather than gore. A perfect fit for fans of the Netflix series Stranger Things or Christopher Golden’s menacing, 1980s-set novel All Hallows.
PREMIUM
One on One
A thoughtful enemies-to-lovers romance, recommended for the ever-growing number of sports romance fans.
PREMIUM
Blue Graffitti
A literary meditation on small-town life, dotted with gorgeous, poetic prose. Recommended for those seeking bittersweet, character-driven fiction with a touch of romance, and perfect for fans of Kent Haruf’s Our Souls at Night.
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
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
Elaine
Wryly wrathful narration applied to an unflinching portrait makes this audio highly recommended.
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
To Die For
A must-listen for all Travis Devine fans, who will be anxious to dive into this fast-paced and twisty story.
PREMIUM
Queen MacBeth
Fans of Outlander and dramatic historical fiction will love this insight into one of Shakespeare’s most notorious couples.
PREMIUM
I’ll Be Home for Mischief
For listeners seeking a cozy Christmas mystery about a small-town innkeeper-cum-amateur detective. Recommended for fans of Vicki Delany, Ellie Alexander, and Jenn McKinlay.
PREMIUM
The Wedding Witch
Full of paranormal fun, magic spells, ghosts, and more, this fun time-travel romance is a strong addition to Sterling’s bestselling series. Highly recommended for fans of India Holton, Hazel Beck, and Kate Johnson.
PREMIUM
All’s Fair in Love and Treachery
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a fun, fast-paced Regency mystery with lots of suspense and a dash of romance. Recommended for fans of Amanda Quick, Ava January, and Stephanie Barron.
PREMIUM
Imposter Syndrome
Listeners will enjoy the complexities of this intricate story and twisty thriller.
PREMIUM
The Whitewashed Tombs
History and mystery combine in Quartey’s riveting, shocking, satisfying, and whip-smart crime thriller.
PREMIUM
After Oz
Though certainly not a traditional Oz story, this audio may resonate with listeners seeking a new twist on a beloved character. Recommended for those who appreciate retellings and are interested in exploring how one community might have responded to Dorothy’s return.
PREMIUM
All the Water in the World
Caffall takes her inspiration from the archivists and curators who stayed behind in Iraq, Leningrad, and other areas in wartime to preserve art and antiquities. All this, including Wong’s narration, makes for a heart-wrenching and all-too-imaginable scenario. Highly recommended for fans of Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven.
PREMIUM
The Black Bird Oracle
Fans of Harkness’s beloved series will be well satisfied with this beautifully built world and its ever-growing characters.
PREMIUM
The Serpent and the Wolf
Listeners who enjoy romantasies such as Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass or political intrigue like O.O. Sangoyomi’s Masquerade will devour Robinson’s heady debut.
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
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
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
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.
Fast-paced, fun, and unpredictable in the best way possible. Expect this intricately plotted, unputdownable psychological thriller to fly off the shelves.
PREMIUM
You Have Gone Too Far
O’Connor creates a complex psychological drama, underlining the lasting effects of trauma. This mystery will keep listeners guessing.
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.
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
The Thirteenth Husband
An excellent addition to any historical fiction collection, particularly where the works of Alison Pataki and Elise Hooper circulate well.
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
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 Repeat Room
A haunting listen, laying bare the full impact of unchecked judgment and totalitarian rule. Ball’s chilling depiction of the future is not to be missed.
PREMIUM
Exposure
Immersive crime fiction enhanced with outstanding character portraits. Emerson remains an author to watch.
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
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.
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.
With its blend of investigative journalism and cultural critique, this must-have audiobook will spark timely conversations. A richly told series of essays, essential for those interested in social justice, politics, and the personal narratives of the working-class United States.
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.
Listeners will enjoy the many hijinks of Frederick and his friends, laughing out loud at the absurdity while also hoping for the best for everyone. Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman.
A roller-coaster ride of a story, full of mystery and insight, recommended for fans of the author as well as Christopher Moore and Carl Hiaasen.
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