Presenting our Audiobook of the Year, plus an obsessively curated selection of editor and listener favourites–each one boasting a standout, not-to-be-missed performance–to help you find your next great listen.
Presenting our Audiobook of the Year, plus an obsessively curated selection of editor and listener favourites–each one boasting a standout, not-to-be-missed performance–to help you find your next great listen.
Audiobook of the Year
Audiobook of the Year
Trent Dalton
For the first time, Trent Dalton narrates his own novel—and holds nothing back. You feel every beat of this thriller wrapped in a suburban love story. As in Boy Swallows Universe, Dalton takes us back to his hometown of Brisbane to walk the not-so-mean streets—or are they? Question everything. Noah, the lead character, is strikingly like Dalton, making it his "most personal novel yet," the author says. Few writers capture everyday life’s darkness tempered with such love and hope. Hearing Dalton voice his words elevates Gravity Let Me Go to the next level, earning the spot as our top pick for 2025.
For the first time, Trent Dalton narrates his own novel—and holds nothing back. You feel every beat of this thriller wrapped in a suburban love story. As in Boy Swallows Universe, Dalton takes us back to his hometown of Brisbane to walk the not-so-mean streets—or are they? Question everything. Noah, the lead character, is strikingly like Dalton, making it his "most personal novel yet," the author says. Few writers capture everyday life’s darkness tempered with such love and hope. Hearing Dalton voice his words elevates Gravity Let Me Go to the next level, earning the spot as our top pick for 2025.
Our Top 20
Our Top 20
Jacinda Ardern
Jacinda Ardern's journey from a small-town Mormon girl to New Zealand's youngest PM—narrated by Ardern herself—is profoundly moving. You can hear the conviction in her voice as she recounts tackling crises from the mosque attacks in Christchurch to COVID-19, all while juggling motherhood and self-doubt, and redefining leadership through empathy and kindness.
Jacinda Ardern's journey from a small-town Mormon girl to New Zealand's youngest PM—narrated by Ardern herself—is profoundly moving. You can hear the conviction in her voice as she recounts tackling crises from the mosque attacks in Christchurch to COVID-19, all while juggling motherhood and self-doubt, and redefining leadership through empathy and kindness.
Suzanne Collins
As politically sharp and utterly heartbreaking as the rest of the Hunger Games series, this prequel reaffirms Suzanne Collins’s gift for dystopian world-building and complex character development. Jefferson White brings fan-favourite character Haymitch Abernathy to life with masterful narration that balances the optimism of youth with a wry edge.
As politically sharp and utterly heartbreaking as the rest of the Hunger Games series, this prequel reaffirms Suzanne Collins’s gift for dystopian world-building and complex character development. Jefferson White brings fan-favourite character Haymitch Abernathy to life with masterful narration that balances the optimism of youth with a wry edge.
Mel Robbins
This is Mel Robbins’s best yet. Her signature blend of relatable anecdotes and actionable advice is enhanced by a newfound depth and tranquillity in her narration. Her fresh perspective on letting go is both enlightening and liberating, guiding listeners to tap into their internal approval systems. It's no wonder it has resonated with millions.
This is Mel Robbins’s best yet. Her signature blend of relatable anecdotes and actionable advice is enhanced by a newfound depth and tranquillity in her narration. Her fresh perspective on letting go is both enlightening and liberating, guiding listeners to tap into their internal approval systems. It's no wonder it has resonated with millions.
Fredrik Backman
Fredrik Backman crafts a touching dual-timeline story about four teenagers who find solace together on a forgotten pier. Their summer days become immortalised in a painting that changes a young woman’s life decades later. Narrator Marin Ireland beautifully renders these intertwined stories about friendship, transformation, and how art connects people across time.
Fredrik Backman crafts a touching dual-timeline story about four teenagers who find solace together on a forgotten pier. Their summer days become immortalised in a painting that changes a young woman’s life decades later. Narrator Marin Ireland beautifully renders these intertwined stories about friendship, transformation, and how art connects people across time.
J.K. Rowling
The beloved stories that have enchanted a generation, brilliantly presented in a way that delights die-hard fans and new audiences alike. This captivating production features hundreds of unique voices, immersive sound design, and an all-star cast that bring the wizarding world vividly to life in Dolby Atmos.
The beloved stories that have enchanted a generation, brilliantly presented in a way that delights die-hard fans and new audiences alike. This captivating production features hundreds of unique voices, immersive sound design, and an all-star cast that bring the wizarding world vividly to life in Dolby Atmos.
Marc Fennell
James Beard Award-winning journalist Marc Fennell 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. This author-narrated true crime podcast without the murder is like a full-bodied red without the hangover.
James Beard Award-winning journalist Marc Fennell 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. This author-narrated true crime podcast without the murder is like a full-bodied red without the hangover.
Tasma Walton
Inspired by true events in the life of author and narrator Tasma Walton’s ancestor, I Am Nannertgarrook is the tale of a woman kidnapped and uprooted from her Boonwurrung family and land. It’s a story of resilience, highlighting the fundamental importance of honouring one’s origins, and Walton's connection to the narrative makes for uniquely powerful storytelling.
Inspired by true events in the life of author and narrator Tasma Walton’s ancestor, I Am Nannertgarrook is the tale of a woman kidnapped and uprooted from her Boonwurrung family and land. It’s a story of resilience, highlighting the fundamental importance of honouring one’s origins, and Walton's connection to the narrative makes for uniquely powerful storytelling.
Sarah Wynn-Williams
This book has everything: a shark attack, global political unrest, behind-the-scenes conversations with the rich and famous—and it's all true. Sarah Wynn-Williams's self-narrated account of her time as Facebook's director of global public policy offers a rare glimpse into Silicon Valley's early startup culture, exploring the unmet promises of the World Wide Web and the grim side of "lean in" culture.
This book has everything: a shark attack, global political unrest, behind-the-scenes conversations with the rich and famous—and it's all true. Sarah Wynn-Williams's self-narrated account of her time as Facebook's director of global public policy offers a rare glimpse into Silicon Valley's early startup culture, exploring the unmet promises of the World Wide Web and the grim side of "lean in" culture.
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set in 1980s Houston amid the first wave of women scientists and pilots in NASA’s space shuttle programme, Atmosphere won’t let you go once you’ve entered its orbit. Julia Whelan and Kristen DiMercurio deliver deeply moving performances, enriching this high-stakes love story brimming with nostalgia and hope.
Set in 1980s Houston amid the first wave of women scientists and pilots in NASA’s space shuttle programme, Atmosphere won’t let you go once you’ve entered its orbit. Julia Whelan and Kristen DiMercurio deliver deeply moving performances, enriching this high-stakes love story brimming with nostalgia and hope.
Arundhati Roy
Born out of the memories and emotions surrounding her mother’s death, this memoir from Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy is one of the most moving audiobooks of the year. Narrated by Roy herself, the story of how she became the woman and writer she is today is as inspiring as one of her novels.
Born out of the memories and emotions surrounding her mother’s death, this memoir from Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy is one of the most moving audiobooks of the year. Narrated by Roy herself, the story of how she became the woman and writer she is today is as inspiring as one of her novels.
Stacey McEwan
BookTok sensation Stacey McEwan has crafted a genre-bending, slow-burn romantasy about magicians Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson, who discover that people aren’t born with magic—they’re chosen. Billie Fulford-Brown and Joshua Riley deftly capture the grit and compelling world-building that have thrust McEwan onto a global stage.
BookTok sensation Stacey McEwan has crafted a genre-bending, slow-burn romantasy about magicians Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson, who discover that people aren’t born with magic—they’re chosen. Billie Fulford-Brown and Joshua Riley deftly capture the grit and compelling world-building that have thrust McEwan onto a global stage.
Maulik Pancholy, Zackary Grady, Achilles Stamatelaky
With a fantastic ensemble cast, including co-writer Maulik Pancholy, Richard Kind, Anna Camp, and Padma Lakshmi, this Agatha Christie-style tale blends humour with heart. Mixed in with the mystery is a touching story of a gay son who reconnects with his family after having vowed never to return home.
With a fantastic ensemble cast, including co-writer Maulik Pancholy, Richard Kind, Anna Camp, and Padma Lakshmi, this Agatha Christie-style tale blends humour with heart. Mixed in with the mystery is a touching story of a gay son who reconnects with his family after having vowed never to return home.
Naima Brown
Author Naima Brown’s nail-biting Audible Original is a dark, fun revenge thriller. From the multicast production of 16 performers, to the reality-TV-driven plot, to women supporting women’s rights (and wrongs), you’ll be immediately ensnared in the action and twists of this story.
Author Naima Brown’s nail-biting Audible Original is a dark, fun revenge thriller. From the multicast production of 16 performers, to the reality-TV-driven plot, to women supporting women’s rights (and wrongs), you’ll be immediately ensnared in the action and twists of this story.
Tracy Westerman AM
In her extraordinary self-voiced memoir, Tracy Westerman draws on her experience as one of Australia’s foremost psychologists—and the country’s first Aboriginal person to complete a PhD in clinical psychology—to deliver a message of healing, affirmation, and resilience in the face of intergenerational trauma.
In her extraordinary self-voiced memoir, Tracy Westerman draws on her experience as one of Australia’s foremost psychologists—and the country’s first Aboriginal person to complete a PhD in clinical psychology—to deliver a message of healing, affirmation, and resilience in the face of intergenerational trauma.
Jane Austen
This immersive multicast dramatisation is set to become your repeat comfort listen. The chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth—voiced by Harris Dickinson and Marisa Abela—is off-the-charts. Also featuring Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Bill Nighy, and Glenn Close, the all-star cast rivals any other Jane Austen adaptation.
This immersive multicast dramatisation is set to become your repeat comfort listen. The chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth—voiced by Harris Dickinson and Marisa Abela—is off-the-charts. Also featuring Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Bill Nighy, and Glenn Close, the all-star cast rivals any other Jane Austen adaptation.
Mary Fowler
Twenty-two-year-old soccer star Mary "Mazzy" Fowler won us over with her inspiring memoir about being a young adult in the spotlight. With thoughtful prose and palpable emotional reflection, her fresh perspective is imbued with both a sense of nostalgia and a glimpse into the future of one of Australia's favourite sports.
Twenty-two-year-old soccer star Mary "Mazzy" Fowler won us over with her inspiring memoir about being a young adult in the spotlight. With thoughtful prose and palpable emotional reflection, her fresh perspective is imbued with both a sense of nostalgia and a glimpse into the future of one of Australia's favourite sports.
Sally Hepworth
Behold the curious case of Mabel, an octogenarian suspected of murder for at least the second (or is it the third, or fourth?) time in her remarkable life. Artfully voiced by Hannah Fredericksen and Jenny Seedsman, Sally Hepworth’s latest is a virtuoso story of family secrets, vicious rumours, and the power of friendship.
Behold the curious case of Mabel, an octogenarian suspected of murder for at least the second (or is it the third, or fourth?) time in her remarkable life. Artfully voiced by Hannah Fredericksen and Jenny Seedsman, Sally Hepworth’s latest is a virtuoso story of family secrets, vicious rumours, and the power of friendship.
Vincent Fantauzzo
Renowned artist Vincent Fantauzzo's origin story is a must-listen. From navigating illiteracy and childhood sexual abuse to his jaw-dropping ascent in the art world, Fantauzzo's memoir, performed by award-winning actor Richard Roxburgh, will break your heart and put it back together until it resembles something new.
Renowned artist Vincent Fantauzzo's origin story is a must-listen. From navigating illiteracy and childhood sexual abuse to his jaw-dropping ascent in the art world, Fantauzzo's memoir, performed by award-winning actor Richard Roxburgh, will break your heart and put it back together until it resembles something new.
Cara Veloce
This is a pulse-pounding love story between F1 engineer Sienna Skye and driver Finn Di Santis, whose reluctant working relationship turns into something more as they travel the world trying to win a Grand Prix. The immersive audio is anchored by a full cast of Aussie talent, led by Maddy MacRae and Ryan Corr.
This is a pulse-pounding love story between F1 engineer Sienna Skye and driver Finn Di Santis, whose reluctant working relationship turns into something more as they travel the world trying to win a Grand Prix. The immersive audio is anchored by a full cast of Aussie talent, led by Maddy MacRae and Ryan Corr.
qntm
This fascinating novel portrays a world full of "antimemes"—entities that are impossible to remember—the more nefarious of which are devouring teams of scientists. The story, moving back and forth in time and peppered with classified documents, makes for a rich audio experience, helmed by Rebecca Calder's exquisite narration.
This fascinating novel portrays a world full of "antimemes"—entities that are impossible to remember—the more nefarious of which are devouring teams of scientists. The story, moving back and forth in time and peppered with classified documents, makes for a rich audio experience, helmed by Rebecca Calder's exquisite narration.
Browse our top picks in your favourite genres
Browse our top picks in your favourite genres
Explore more of the Best of 2025
Explore more of the Best of 2025
Our favourite interviews and podcasts, plus staff picks.
A note from your editors
A note from your editors
We get to spend the whole year listening and offering up recommendations; it's a fun and never-ending gig that we're so grateful to call ours. But aligning on the Best of the Year? That really challenges our hearts and our headphones. As editors, we immerse ourselves in all genres and styles—nothing is off the table. And, of course, we look to you, our passionate listeners, to see what you've been loving most. Then, we come together for our favourite tradition: gathering as a team for heated debate and heartfelt advocacy, culminating in an obsessively curated audio-first list full of amazing storytelling and performances.
Cheers to the Best of 2025!
The perfect personalised gift
The perfect personalised gift
This season, give them an Audible membership or a title they'll love.