2025 has taken us to space, back to the reaping, and even made us contemplate leaning out. Our editors have enthusiastically debated the best listens of the year (so far!), and now, with the help of your ratings and reviews, we're delighted to share our top 25 picks. While you'll see a range of genres, one thing these titles all have in common is brilliant performances that moved us, changed us and made it impossible to press pause. We can't wait to hear what the rest of 2025 will bring.
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Careless People is my hill to die on for this year's list. Sarah Wynn-Williams's riveting account of her time as Facebook's director of global public policy offers a rare glimpse into Silicon Valley's immature decision-making. This listen resonated deeply with me, exploring the unmet promises of the World Wide Web, the limits of good intentions and the grim side of "lean in" culture. Through compelling narration and honesty, Wynn-Williams crafts a book that is part corporate tell-all, part cautionary tale about unchecked ambition. Its timeliness, depth and personal impact solidify its position as one of the year's best, offering a unique perspective on tech's societal influence. —Rachael X., Audible Editor
I’ve clinked glasses with many a wine snob, but never a master sommelier—a title so difficult to attain, it might be easier to become an astronaut or Olympic athlete. I never much wondered why, until the Walkley and James Beard Award-winning journalist Marc Fennell did. In his latest Audible Original, our ever-relatable guide (his go-to wine is the menu’s second-cheapest bottle) investigates a cheating scandal that marred the 2018 master sommelier exam, and the resulting documentary exposes the gatekeeping, secrets, destructive obsession and even ghosts in the world of fine wine. Corked is like a twisty true crime podcast without the murder, or maybe a full-bodied red without the hangover. —Kat J., Audible Editor
Check out our interview with Marc Fennell.
Ronni Salt’s impressive debut begins with what should be a simple assignment for aspiring journalist Adelaide Hoffman: to delve deeper into an irrigation project. But what bubbles to the surface brings intense turmoil to a tight-knit farming community. Gunnawah, a gripping crime novel, seethes with the same sharpness that followers of Salt’s online commentary have come to expect, plus plenty of unexpected turns to keep us on our toes. Put on your flared jeans because Jenny Seedsman’s pitch-perfect performance elevates this quintessentially Australian story, set in the 1970s, to the next level. —Haley H., Audible Editor
There wasn’t a moment when I wasn’t consumed with emotion while listening to Broken Brains by Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland. From Jamila's rare brain tumour to Rosie's trauma-induced symptoms, this memoir is both powerful and inspiring. As narrators of their own stories, they create an incredibly intimate listening experience, their voices adding layers of empathy and authenticity that, in my opinion, print simply can't match. What's truly remarkable is how this audiobook resonates with so many listeners, helping them shine a light on their own struggles. It's a masterful blend of personal narrative, humour and insightful research, offering hope and understanding to anyone on a healing journey, regardless of their specific experiences. —Rachael X., Audible Editor
In the wake of her smash-hit stand-alone thriller What Happened to Nina?, Dervla McTiernan brings us back to Ireland for a fourth Cormac Reilly mystery, a series that just keeps. getting. better. This time, Detective Reilly and his mentee, Garda Peter Fisher, are investigating a mutilated body found in a bog, which just might put them on the trail of a serial killer. But McTiernan’s books are always so much more than police procedurals. They are layered with several plots that come together in satisfying and creative ways, inhabited by fully-fleshed-out characters juggling life and love, and who continue to evolve from book to book. Aoife McMahon has narrated this whole series to perfection, capturing Cormac’s steadfast, measured sleuthing and all the characters he encounters in Galway’s dark underbelly. —Phoebe N., Audible Editor
Cara Veloce's thrilling debut is an enemies-to-lovers romance that pairs Formula One engineer Sienna Skye and driver Finn Di Santis. Travelling the world together while competing to win a Grand Prix, their reluctant working relationship transforms into a swoon-worthy love story. The immersive audio experience features an all-star cast led by podcaster Maddy MacRae and actor Ryan Corr. You hear cars racing, crowds cheering and the crackle of radio comms as Sienna and Finn banter back and forth and fall in love. If you enjoy the thrill of dangerous speeds, exotic locations and smoking-hot F1 drivers, The Winning Formula is a pulse-pounding ride that will have your heart racing. —Margaret H., Audible Editor
Check out our interview with Cara Veloce.
Few writers can pull off morally grey anti-heros that you can’t help but love like Joe Abercrombie can, and The Devils may be his best yet. A fast-paced, gloriously bloody fantasy adventure tinged with Abercrombie’s signature dark humour, it takes place in an alternate version of our world, ripe with monsters and mayhem. Listeners already familiar with the author’s First Law series have rejoiced to hear Steven Pacey’s performance, and it’s hard to imagine any other voice for this motley crew of characters. Thank the devils this is only the first in the series. —Sam D., Audible Editor
An annual tradition between friends goes awry in this suspenseful thriller by Holly Wainwright. He Would Never follows a group of women on their yearly camping trip to Green River, a tradition started by Liss and her husband, Lachy. However, as the trip goes on, it becomes increasingly clear that strange behaviours are emerging among the group, particularly with Liss’s husband. The story is told from multiple perspectives, and narrator Hannah Vanderheide does exceptionally well at delivering distinctive voices for the many relatable characters. With great attention to detail and timely revelations that propel the mystery forward, He Would Never leaves you on the edge of your seat until the very last moment. —Nicole R., Audible Editor
This pitch-perfect book arrived in my library as if by divine force. Not my usual genre, I barely recall downloading it. All I know is that from the first words—“The farmer is dead”—and an unforgettable incident involving a small boy, his dog and some sheep, Broken Country held me spellbound (and sobbing). Clare Leslie Hall spins a story that’s part circle, due to the brilliant cyclical nature of its alternating timelines, and part triangle: the love kind. Beth is torn between a formative old flame and her adoring husband, while two children and twin tragedies complicate matters enormously. Like the plot, Hattie Morahan’s narration is flawless, from explosive start to gut-punching finish—and just like that, I’m crying again. —Kat J., Audible Editor
Consider Yourself Kissed is a love story that begins after the happily ever after, marriage and kids. Coralie, 10 years married, realises she has lost touch with herself and needs to find her way back. Plus, her marriage needs a new spark. What ensues is a journey back to the beginnings, when love was fresh and life was full of zest. Listeners are praising narrator Lydia Leonard for her portrayal of Coralie’s gentle and compassionate inner monologue. This romance will squeeze your heart and remind you why life is meant to be lived to the fullest. —Melissa B., Audible Editor
Jacinda Ardern's A Different Kind of Power is a revelation. Her journey from a small-town Mormon girl to New Zealand's youngest PM is extraordinary. Narrated by Ardern herself, you can hear the conviction in her voice as she recounts tackling crises from the mosque attacks in Christchurch to COVID-19. What struck me most was her candour about balancing motherhood with leadership, and her courage in addressing climate change and child poverty. This isn't just about politics, it's about redefining leadership through empathy and kindness. Ardern's reflections on self-doubt and her decision to step down are profoundly moving. This audiobook doesn't just tell her story, it challenges us to reimagine our own potential. —Rachael X., Audible Editor
This “crackship” is setting sail! Hattie Murton and Anthony Rafe are starring in a hit television show—and they are the furthest thing from friends. But that doesn’t stop the TV writers from pairing them together. Hattie never expected their characters to romantically cross, and neither she nor her co-star are prepared for the intense chemistry on- and off-screen. Lucy Parker’s Misdirected is a romantic story where listeners really feel the building tension in this unlikely couple, and the delightful slow-burn of it all is punctuated by hilarious side characters. Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) and Gwilym Lee (The Great) perform Misdirected in such an enjoyable and authentic way, it’s hard to not get swept away. —Nicole R., Audible Editor
Geraldine Brooks and Tony Horwitz were a star literary couple, sharing two Pulitzer Prizes, two kids, multiple bestselling books and a charming home on Martha’s Vineyard. That all changed in May 2019, when Horwitz suddenly collapsed and was soon pronounced dead. Brooks, who went on to publish her acclaimed novel Horse in 2022, tells the personal story of her grief in this profound memoir, which is all the more affecting in her own voice. Elegantly alternating between timelines and geographies—from America to remote Flinders Island, where the native Australian went to grieve—this deep and searching portrait of mourning across cultures is a stunning tribute to love and loss. —Kat J., Audible Editor
As a long-time follower of Mel Robbins, I can confidently say The Let Them Theory is her best listen yet. The audiobook's zen quality suggests Mel has reached a new level of personal growth. Her signature blend of relatable anecdotes and actionable advice is enhanced by a new-found depth and tranquility. Her fresh perspective on letting go is both enlightening and liberating, guiding listeners to tap into their internal approval systems. Mel's authentic narration and potentially transformative insights make this a timely tool for navigating life's complexities. It's no wonder it has resonated with millions. —Rachael X., Audible Editor
Check out our interview with Mel Robbins.
Jessica Townsend returns with the fourth book in her Nevermoor series, Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow. There’s a bit of fun to be had for every listener as young Morrigan Crow navigates her role as a scholar of the Wundrous Society within the magical city of Nevermoor. Her powers are proving hard to control, and she finds a mystery about her family that needs to be solved. With the help of her friends, she dives into the wealthy and mysterious Silver District to unearth the truth of her past. Powered by the colourful narration of Gemma Whelan, Morrigan Crow’s story continues to be a hit that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. —Melissa B., Audible Editor
In My Next Breath, Academy Award-nominated actor Jeremy Renner details his recovery from a harrowing snowcat accident, which almost took his life on New Year’s Day 2023. Listening to this memoir is a visceral experience. Renner’s emotions are palpable, and he decided to include the entirety of the stunning 911 call from the accident, in which you can hear him fighting for his next breath on the ice. Throughout the book you forget that you’re listening to an actor who literally plays a superhero, and instead are left in awe of Renner’s own superhuman strength and deep love for his family, which motivates his remarkable recovery. —Katie O., Audible Editor
Check out our interview with Jeremy Renner.
The genius of Wild Dark Shore is how it takes a Gothic premise and places it in a compelling 21st-century setting. The Salt family are the only remaining human inhabitants on a remote, weather-beaten island that’s sinking into the rising seas of climate change when a mysterious woman washes ashore looking for her missing husband. Every character has a secret, and the plot’s possibilities teeter between violence and reconciliation, making for a tense and atmospheric story, punctuated by moments of dazzling sweetness from youngest son Orly. In the expert hands of narrators Cooper Mortlock, Katherine Littrell, Saskia Maarleveld and Steve West, the characters’ regrets and hopes are as palpable as the fog in this haunting, elegiac story of a family trying to hold on to their home, and each other. —Phoebe N., Audible Editor
Check out our interview with Charlotte McConaghy.
Perfect for fans of true crime and reality television alike, Not a Very Good Murderer is a standout audio documentary from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow that unravels the stranger-than-fiction story of a former beauty queen at the centre of a killer conspiracy. But the alleged murder plot of the title is only one of the mysteries, secrets and scandals that swirl around socialite Cece Doane. Farrow’s singular voice and inimitable perspective guide listeners through every turn of this deftly reported character study, and his ability to vet, research and compellingly unfold a narrative makes for an absorbing work of investigative storytelling. —Alanna M., Audible Editor
Tina Knowles’s aptly titled memoir, Matriarch, is a deeply personal portrait of the head of one of the world’s most high-profile families. Starting with her childhood in 1950s Galveston, Texas, Ms. Tina shares how she overcame the constraints of poverty and racism to pursue her dreams far beyond the borders of her segregated hometown. I was riveted not only by her revelatory journey but also by the raw emotion heard in her voice as she narrates the intimate details of her life story. She doesn’t hold anything back, divulging the ups and downs of her marriages, the challenges of motherhood and the tumultuous road to her family’s success. You’re left with an awe-inspiring message of how the mothers who came before her fueled her ability to nurture her own daughters into the incredible women and mothers they are today. —Margaret H., Audible Editor
Released in time for Sir David Attenborough’s 99th birthday and showcasing the broadcaster’s iconic voice alongside Colin Butfield’s equally engaging narration, this listen shines as a significant addition to the repertoire of a true audio legend. Ocean spans the seven seas—plus a century’s worth of personal insights—to examine the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. Ultimately, it immerses listeners in the nostalgic comfort of a nature documentary, with a splash of optimism for future conservation efforts, making it a perfect vessel for exploring urgent global issues without spiralling into an eddy of anxiety. —Haley H., Audible Editor
Two women with missing sisters join forces to find their respective siblings. There are no bodies. Have they been kidnapped and living in hell? Ashley Flowers sure knows her way around a twisty plot and family drama. Leads go nowhere fast. Every now and then she throws something promising the listeners’ way, but don’t be fooled by her clever storytelling. Uber-talented narrator Saskia Maarleveld doesn’t disappoint with her stellar skills. What is very touching about this story is the power of sisterhood and its unbreakable bond. —Yvonne D., Audible Editor
As politically sharp and utterly heartbreaking as the rest of the Hunger Games series, Sunrise on the Reaping reaffirms Suzanne Collins’s gift for dystopian world-building and complex character development. This prequel follows a teenaged Haymitch Abernathy as he is selected to participate in the second Quarter Quell, setting in motion his lifelong role in the rebellion. Actor Jefferson White (Yellowstone) brings the fan-favourite character to life with a warm, masterful narration that balances the longing and optimism of youth with a wry edge, his performance laying bare not only the deadly stakes of the Games but the undying promise of hope and love in spite of it all. —Alanna M., Audible Editor
Jack Bergin is back in his latest big hit, The Big Fix. This follow-up to the all-star multicast listen The Big Lie follows FBI Special Agent Jack Bergin as an old fling leads him down the rabbit hole of a violent murder case. As a fan of the more immersive audio experiences, I felt ensnared in the sounds of mid-century Los Angeles and the story’s distinct characters. Jon Hamm gives a thrilling performance alongside huge names like Alia Shawkat, Omar Epps and Jeanne Tripplehorn, to name a few. Delivering suspense, drama and comedy, The Big Fix feels reminiscent of everything I’ve loved about old, gritty police films. With the no-nonsense agent that is Jack Bergin and the unique cast of characters helping him crack the case, the only thing you can do is sit back and enjoy! —Nicole R., Audible Editor
Stephen Graham Jones is in a class of his own—he’s so damn good, it’s scary. (He’s also so scary, it’s scary.) But even at his level, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is a towering achievement. Were you thirsting for a new vampire? Meet Good Stab, a code-switching, blood-sucking Blackfeet man seeking revenge for a historical horror, based on the 1870 Marias Massacre, which left 217 of his people dead. The nested narration is flawless—Marin Ireland plays Etsy Beaucarne, who discovers the diary of her Lutheran pastor grandfather, performed by Owen Teale, who in turn recounts the disturbing confessions of Shane Ghostkeeper’s Good Stab. Haunting, ingenious, dense and merciless, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter brings an indelible Indigenous voice to classic vampire tropes (hello, epistolary novel!) as well as an iconic new character and high-water mark from a horror legend. —Kat J., Audible Editor
OH, MY—what a ride! Even before pressing play on one of my most anticipated romantasies of the year, I knew Onyx Storm would be intense, but I wasn’t ready for everything it delivered. The story picks up right where Iron Flame left off. Determined to protect their cause even as everything around them unravels, Violet, Xaden and their closest allies embark on a mission to the Isle Kingdoms outside of Navarre. Officially, they’re there to gather support for Navarre’s fight; secretly, they have their own plan. Rebecca Soler and Teddy Hamilton deliver exceptional performances that not only made this an unpauseable listen but upped the emotional stakes. And those last few moments of the story? Ms. Yarros, ma’am, the group chat and I, we are not okay. —Patty R., Audible Editor
