Best audiobooks of 2020 so far

The Top 50 Best Audiobooks on Audible

These audiobooks were hand-picked by our Audible Editors for their unpausable stories, gripping plotlines, and incredible narration. We’ve crunched the data, heard from our members, and thought audio-first—yes, narrators played a pivotal role in our consideration!— when selecting this list. Towards the bottom of the page you'll find options to navigate between the #50-#31, #30-#11 and #10-#1 sections. Let’s dive into our best Audible books and listens.
Product list
  • Life cover art

    • Life

    • By: Keith Richards
    • Narrated by: Johnny Depp, Joe Hurley, Keith Richards
    • Length: 23 hrs
    • Release date: 26-10-2010
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 328 ratings
    • #50
    • The Rolling Stone’s Keith Richards and Hollywood star Johnny Depp. If that’s not a recipe for an entertaining audiobook then nothing is. Richards is recognized as one of the best guitarists in history and his memoir is as powerful as his on-stage performances.

      A rollicking structure allows the music to guide the listener through this audiobook, exploring memories, musical influences, his relationship with Mick Jagger and struggles with drugs. What makes this story so powerful is the access into the emotional and mental psyche of Richards. He’s an open book in which the profane and the profound collide in equal measure. A stream of consciousness audio experience delivers a true authenticity that can’t be found elsewhere.

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  • Beach Read cover art

    • Beach Read

    • By: Emily Henry
    • Narrated by: Julia Whelan
    • Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
    • Release date: 18-05-2020
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 762 ratings
    • #49
    • Beach Read is the perfect beach read. It does what is says on the tin and it does it very, very well.

      A romance writer and a literary novelist spend a summer swapping their literary genres in the hopes that it will address their writer’s block. Despite their striking differences they find common ground in a modern love story that explores friendship, regret, and betrayal with startling nuance. Actress Julia Whelan navigates the hilarious and awkward moments with precise and sincere narration.

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  • One Hundred Years of Dirt cover art

    • One Hundred Years of Dirt

    • By: Rick Morton
    • Narrated by: Rick Morton
    • Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
    • Release date: 01-04-2019
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 336 ratings
    • #48
    • Author Rick Morton recalls his traumatic childhood and turbulent family experiences in his memoir. Sparked by a shocking incident, Morton’s comfortable family life suddenly implodes—leaving psychological damage and leading to years of struggles.

      Throughout his detailed accounts of family breakdown, public housing, frequent dire emergencies, and never-ending financial issues, Morton’s humour and wit shine through —providing an engaging and moving experience. Narrated by Morton himself, the audiobook evokes strong emotions and acts as a testimony to the strength and power of family love.

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  • Interior Chinatown cover art

    • Interior Chinatown

    • A Novel
    • By: Charles Yu
    • Narrated by: Joel de la Fuente
    • Length: 4 hrs and 20 mins
    • Release date: 28-01-2020
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 40 ratings
    • #47
    • In Interior Chinatown, American writer Charles Yu tells the story of Willis Wu, a Chinese American actor stuck being cast as the stereotypical ‘Generic Asian Man’ and longing for his big break to play an exciting new role: ‘Kung Fu Guy’.

      Openly mocking the casting processes of Hollywood, Yu exposes the inequalities and prejudice in the entertainment industry through the format of a TV script – a unique approach that creates a vivid motion picture tableau in the mind’s eye. This blurring of on-screen and behind-the-screen is an innovative way of tackling the complexity of racial discourse in America. The audio is expertly narrated by the child of Filipino immigrant parents, actor Joel de la Fuente.

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  • The Sandman cover art

    • The Sandman

    • By: Neil Gaiman, Dirk Maggs
    • Narrated by: Riz Ahmed, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, Neil Gaiman, James McAvoy, Samantha Morton, Bebe Neuwirth, Andy Serkis, Michael Sheen
    • Series: The Sandman, Book 1
    • Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins
    • Release date: 15-07-2020
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,550 ratings
    • #46
    • This is the closest that you’ll get to experiencing a Hollywood blockbuster movie entirely in audio. Complex and ambitious, The Sandman takes the listener down into a deep, complicated rabbit hole of a universe, full of fantastically dark themes, violence, and fascinating characters.

      Written by iconic English fantasy author Neil Gaiman, The Sandman traces its origin story to DC Comics. The groundbreaking depth of audio world-building means you hear every footstep, the whoosh of every gust of wind and the roar of every dark beast. Outstanding performances by James McAvoy, Michael Sheen, Kat Dennings, and Riz Ahmed are the icing on the cake.

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  • Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell cover art

    • Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

    • By: Susanna Clarke
    • Narrated by: Simon Prebble
    • Length: 32 hrs and 30 mins
    • Release date: 23-09-2005
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 504 ratings
    • #45
    • The immense hype around the book was well deserved, but the audio version transcends print. With playful language and complex characters leaping through headphones and permanently into the imagination.

      Narrator Simon Prebble smashes it out of the park. He is just dry enough for the Austen-esque humour to land, and just fragile enough for the strangeness and terror of magic to come through to the listener.

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  • Master and Commander cover art

    • Master and Commander

    • Aubrey-Maturin Series, Book 1
    • By: Patrick O'Brian
    • Narrated by: Ric Jerrom
    • Series: Aubrey/Maturin, Book 1
    • Length: 15 hrs and 49 mins
    • Release date: 01-01-2012
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 393 ratings
    • #44
    • Dare we say the audiobook is better than the movie? Absolutely, we do. This is adventure at its sharpest and most poignant. A tribute to the complexities of humanity so well written that listeners are transported and transfixed long after the audiobooks ends.

      Through O’Brian’s shockingly real descriptions of battle, squalor, and sea life you can almost feel the sea spray on your face or the listing decking under your feet. British actor Ric Jerrom captures the sly wit, irony and action packed moments perfectly. His robust accents in particular are a triumph. Get on board with this one.

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  • Atomic Habits cover art

    • Atomic Habits

    • An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones
    • By: James Clear
    • Narrated by: James Clear
    • Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
    • Release date: 18-10-2018
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 14,840 ratings
    • #43
    • In a world infatuated with big gains in productivity, author and entrepreneur James Clear takes the focus away from monumental changes and focuses on pivotal small steps: the Atomic Habits.

      In this New York Times best seller, Clear examines how tiny commitments, such as doing two push-ups every day, can lead to life-changing outcomes. Using real-life examples from people such as athletes, business leaders, and scientists, he shows the listener that even they can reach this high level of success by simply taking life changes one small step at a time.

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  • The Pillars of the Earth cover art

    • The Pillars of the Earth

    • Kingsbridge, Book 1
    • By: Ken Follett
    • Narrated by: John Lee
    • Series: Kingsbridge (Publication Order), Book 1, The Kingsbridge Novels, Book 1
    • Length: 40 hrs and 56 mins
    • Release date: 18-10-2010
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 1,436 ratings
    • #42
    • This enthralling saga takes place during The Anarchy, a civil war between England and Normandy in the 12th century that led to a widespread breakdown in law and order. Ken Follett transports the listener to this fascinating and turbulent period in history and into the lives of fascinating characters, including the driven monk Philip, the tormented mason who becomes his architect, and an elusive woman who is haunted by a secret shame.

      Combining thrilling action with passionate romance and an intense battle between good and evil, this audiobook grips you from the very beginning. Professional voice artist John Lee narrates, bringing complex life and drama to this spectacular work. Truly an audiobook for the ages.

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  • Dark Emu cover art

    • Dark Emu

    • Black Seeds: Agriculture or Accident?
    • By: Bruce Pascoe
    • Narrated by: Bruce Pascoe
    • Length: 5 hrs and 36 mins
    • Release date: 10-01-2017
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,666 ratings
    • #41
    • Rarely does an audiobook come along that so thoroughly transforms the way we see our history, our world and our role in it. This is the power of Dark Emu. In his award-winning work, Aboriginal Australian author Bruce Pascoe takes the listener back to pre-colonial Australia, and reveals how indigenous culture was much more complex and advanced than most Australians were taught to believe.

      In this audiobook, Pascoe’s sheer passion for his subject fascinates with science and narrative. His meticulous research provides a valuable education too often omitted from our national collective memory.

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  • Your Own Kind of Girl cover art

    • Your Own Kind of Girl

    • A Memoir
    • By: Clare Bowditch
    • Narrated by: Clare Bowditch
    • Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins
    • Release date: 28-10-2019
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,023 ratings
    • #40
    • Active in the Australian music industry since 1998, Clare Bowditch has paved a name for herself as a powerful and successful musical talent who has worked with legends such as Leonard Cohen.

      By sharing her vulnerability and hard-won wisdom, Bowditch welcomes listeners to learn from her story and apply her secrets to find their own path to healing and success. Bowditch is an entertainer through and through and this quality makes this audiobook truly shine.

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  • Little Women cover art

    • Little Women

    • An Audible Original Drama
    • By: Louisa May Alcott
    • Narrated by: Emily Bauer, Laura Dern, Lauren Fortgang, Allison Hiroto, Carly Robins, Suzanne Toren
    • Series: Little Women
    • Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins
    • Release date: 23-12-2019
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 196 ratings
    • #39
    • A beloved novel for more than a century, Little Women is a classic that is hard to look past. This version, narrated by an all-star cast including esteemed actress Laura Dern (who played Marmee in the recent film adaptation), gives this timeless novel another fresh breath of life.

      Combining Alcott’s vibrant, true-to-life characters and vivid historical setting with Dern’s engaging performance, it’s easy to disconnect from modern life and feel like an extension of the 19th century family.

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  • Talking to Strangers cover art

    • Talking to Strangers

    • What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know
    • By: Malcolm Gladwell
    • Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell
    • Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins
    • Release date: 10-09-2019
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,127 ratings
    • #38
    • No one mixes the world of audiobooks and podcasts quite like Malcolm Gladwell. The best-selling author of The Tipping Point and Outliers returns with an audiobook that examines the often dire and extreme consequences of miscommunication and misreading people who are different from ourselves.

      Diligently researched and immeasurably interesting, it includes not just Gladwell’s narration but also experts he interviewed – scientists, criminologists, psychologists – as well as re-enactments of court transcripts. It’s like attending one of the most interesting lectures of your life.

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  • Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy cover art

    • Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

    • By: Douglas Adams
    • Narrated by: Stephen Fry
    • Series: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Book 1
    • Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
    • Release date: 01-01-2012
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,575 ratings
    • #37
    • The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a title that will be recognised by the majority of people in the English-speaking world. And for good reason. It’s a gem of a novel. Following the adventures of Arthur Dent, the last surviving man after planet Earth is obliterated, you’re taken on Arthur’s bizarre escapades as he literally hitchhikes through the universe.

      This comedic science fiction literary classic is given a new lease of life in this thrilling version narrated by much-loved actor and comedian Stephen Fry. The iconic story will delight both dedicated science fiction fans, towel aficionados and those new to the genre.

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  • Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe cover art

    • Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

    • By: Benjamin Alire Saenz
    • Narrated by: Lin-Manuel Miranda
    • Series: Aristotle and Dante, Book 1
    • Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
    • Release date: 22-03-2021
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 110 ratings
    • #36
    • Lin Manuel Miranda, creator of the cultural phenomenon Hamilton, lends his voice to this moving contemporary story about two Mexican-American teenagers. His mastery of understated emotional delivery makes the relationship between Aristotle and Dante crackle with complexity and feeling.

      Love of family is the beating heart of this modern story that sees two individuals discovering truths about the universe and themselves.

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  • Greenlights cover art

    • Greenlights

    • Raucous Stories and Outlaw Wisdom from the Academy Award-Winning Actor
    • By: Matthew McConaughey
    • Narrated by: Matthew McConaughey
    • Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
    • Release date: 20-10-2020
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 12,618 ratings
    • #35
    • Many people weren’t ready for how moving and poignant a memoir this would be. McConaughey’s southern drawl is captivating as he shares important life lessons through his recollection of experiences, poetry, photography, prayers, and more. The idea of this audiobook emerged during his 52 days in exile in the desert, and much of his writing feels like a hazy, heat-induced dream.

      A refreshing and rare glimpse inside the mind of an esteemed celebrity, Greenlights has a surprisingly wide appeal for both entertainment fans and deep thinkers alike.

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  • How Much of These Hills Is Gold cover art

    • How Much of These Hills Is Gold

    • By: C Pam Zhang
    • Narrated by: Catherine Ho, Joel de la Fuente
    • Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
    • Release date: 07-04-2020
    • Language: English
    • 4 out of 5 stars 25 ratings
    • #34
    • One of Barack Obama’s favourite books of 2020, How Much of These Hills Is Gold is an often-overlooked star of modern fiction. This emotive audiobook earns a spot on our list by immersing you in the twilight of the American Gold Rush. It captures the arduous life of Chinese immigrants through the eyes of two sisters traversing the western wilds to find a place to bury their late father.

      Flipping between different times and character perspectives, this audiobook evokes questions of belonging, family and the early formation of the American Dream. The talented voices of Catherine Ho and Joel de la Fuente blur the lines of harsh realities and intoxicating magical realism.

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  • The Resilience Project cover art

    • The Resilience Project

    • Finding Happiness Through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness
    • By: Hugh van Cuylenburg
    • Narrated by: Hugh van Cuylenburg
    • Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins
    • Release date: 19-11-2019
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 8,307 ratings
    • #33
    • After noticing how underprivileged students from a school in northern India experienced more overall happiness and fewer mental health issues than their privileged Australian counterparts, van Cuylenburg was determined to improve the well-being of Australian students.

      The perfect listen for students, teachers, parents, and more, The Resilience Project helps young people everywhere restore balance to their world. In this author-narrated audiobook, van Cuylenburg’s passion rings through clearly. You can’t help but feel inspired.

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  • I'll Be Gone in the Dark cover art

    • I'll Be Gone in the Dark

    • One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer
    • By: Michelle McNamara
    • Narrated by: Gabra Zackman, Gillian Flynn - introduction, Patton Oswalt - afterword
    • Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
    • Release date: 22-11-2018
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,773 ratings
    • #32
    • If journalist Michelle McNamara has finished this true crime shocker before she died, she would have been incredibly proud of the final result. Her personal story of tracking the Golden State Killer provides fresh insights beyond the usual police procedural. She combines reports, victim interviews, and conversations with online true crime communities to create a rich and detailed investigation.

      But it all feels oddly haunting when you realise she wasn’t around to see her own evidence be used to bring the criminal to justice…

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  • This Is How You Lose the Time War cover art

    • This Is How You Lose the Time War

    • By: Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone
    • Narrated by: Cynthia Farrell, Emily Woo Zeller
    • Length: 4 hrs and 16 mins
    • Release date: 16-07-2019
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 256 ratings
    • #31
    • Joining forces, award-winning science fiction writers Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone have create a fresh take on the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers in this hidden gem. A slow-burning, dimension-bending exploration of love, this audiobook is playful and poetic in equal measure. It is presented as a series of letters between two time-travelling beings on opposite sides of a never-ending war that rages in and out of the past, present and future.

      Emily Woo Zeller, (winner of Best Female Narrator at the 2020 Independent Audiobook Awards) and Cynthia Farrell deliver subtle and varied performances. This audiobook surprises and challenges anyone who listens.

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  • Dolly Parton, Songteller cover art

    • Dolly Parton, Songteller

    • My Life in Lyrics
    • By: Dolly Parton
    • Narrated by: Dolly Parton
    • Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins
    • Release date: 17-11-2020
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 228 ratings
    • #30
    • Few people are as universally beloved as Dolly Parton. This audiobook is evidence as to why that is.

      In her soulful performance of Songteller, the country music star reflects on memorable moments from her life through the lens of her music. This one-of-a-kind audiobook features iconic songs from the American icon’s music catalogue and is peppered with warm anecdotes and inspiring wisdom that makes you feel like Parton’s in the room with you. Songteller is a heart-warming treasure trove of joy.

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  • Reckoning cover art

    • Reckoning

    • A Memoir
    • By: Magda Szubanski
    • Narrated by: Magda Szubanski
    • Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins
    • Release date: 23-09-2015
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,507 ratings
    • #29
    • Reckoning is far from being just another celebrity autobiography – this heartbreaking listen has been awarded two Australian Book Industry Awards for its powerful and intimate storytelling. In this poignant nonfiction title, iconic Australian comedian Magda Szubanski recounts her childhood as the daughter of Polish and Scottish immigrants who lived like a regular family in the Australian suburbs. Yet, her family was far from ordinary. Her father had a dark past, involving espionage activity in the Second World War.

      Szubanski picks up the mic to narrate, voicing different accents as she tells her story and unravels her family’s secrets in this engaging audiobook.

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  • Dare to Lead cover art

    • Dare to Lead

    • By: Brené Brown
    • Narrated by: Brené Brown
    • Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
    • Release date: 09-10-2018
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,513 ratings
    • #28
    • The Queen of Inspiring Self-development is required listening for anyone with two ears and a heart. In her ultimate guide to leadership and power she has you navigating personal and professional affairs like pro.

      Brené Brown’s invaluable insights and strategies will resonate with anyone in a leadership position, or who aspires to become a leader in their lifetime. Her southern accent is a charming boon, but the real magic comes from her actionable tips and techniques to transform lives.

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  • The Handmaid's Tale cover art

    • The Handmaid's Tale

    • By: Margaret Atwood
    • Narrated by: Amy Landecker, Ann Dowd, Bradley Whitford, Elisabeth Moss
    • Series: The Handmaid's Tale, Book 1
    • Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
    • Release date: 30-04-2019
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,547 ratings
    • #27
    • Transport yourself to the dystopian future world of the Republic of Gilead, where women are reduced to subservient roles, with those fertile being named Handmaids and assigned the sole purpose of bearing children. While the renowned TV series has received many accolades, it’s the claustrophobic, isolating first-person narration that sets the audiobook apart. With little context outside of Offred’s viewpoint you feel uniformed, trapped and helpless in a way that can’t be captured on screen.

      American actor Elizabeth Moss, who plays Offred in the television series, delivers an iconic narration with skillful use of volume, pace, diction, and tone. This gripping listen is not for the fainthearted.

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  • A Promised Land cover art

    • A Promised Land

    • By: Barack Obama
    • Narrated by: Barack Obama
    • Length: 29 hrs and 10 mins
    • Release date: 17-11-2020
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 3,786 ratings
    • #25
    • Narrated by Barack Obama himself, this riveting and stirring audiobook is the highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs. From a young man searching for his identity to a powerful leader, Obama describes his journey in incredible detail.

      It’s hard not to get goosebumps as you hear about his earliest political aspirations, groundbreaking moments, and personal growth and transformation along the way. Listen along as Obama lets you into the Oval Office, the White House Situation Room, and even to Moscow, Cairo, Beijing and beyond. A Promised Land is a deeply personal account that gives incredible insight into one of the most inspiring and powerful figures of our time.

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  • Honeybee cover art

    • Honeybee

    • By: Craig Silvey
    • Narrated by: Harvey Zielinski
    • Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins
    • Release date: 29-09-2020
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 6,399 ratings
    • #24
    • Uplifting and unflinching, Honeybee captures the raw emotion of a desperate and lonely trans teenager who forges a new friendship in the most unlikely of circumstances: whilst attempting suicide. Timely and enlightening, Australian author Craig Silvey cuts right to the quick of our shared experiences and of what makes us human.

      In a powerful, yet delicate performance, trans actor Harvey Zielinski makes Honeybee unmissable.

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  • You cover art

    • You

    • You, Book 1
    • By: Caroline Kepnes
    • Narrated by: Santino Fontana
    • Series: You, Book 1
    • Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
    • Release date: 16-06-2016
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 504 ratings
    • #23
    • The unusual use of second-person is what sets this one apart. You’re in the driver’s seat as a creepy prowler, and it’s hard to not feel deeply involved in a story that has ‘you’ watch from across the street and ‘you’ follow her down the path. Looking out from the protagonist’s eyes in such an intimate way makes us convinced that the audiobook is superior to the book or TV series. Walking around listening to this will make you feel like a creep. If you’re willing to look past that, it’s an exceptional listen.

      Winner of the 2020 Audie Award for the Best Thriller/Suspense performance, American actor Santino Fontana captures the ins and outs of Joe’s complex and conflicted mind, as well as the mounting tension and terror surrounding his actions.

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  • Milkman cover art

    • Milkman

    • By: Anna Burns
    • Narrated by: Bríd Brennan
    • Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins
    • Release date: 13-06-2018
    • Language: English
    • 4 out of 5 stars 843 ratings
    • #22
    • A strong sense of place, incredible narration and a deft examination of social prejudices is what makes Milkman a stand out. Set in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, it revolves around the question: How does a community treat a woman who receives unwanted advances from a powerful man?

      Winner of the prestigious Man Booker Prize, Anna Burns explores the political unrest and delicate themes of religion, sex, and violence that divided and devastated her home country for decades in this slow-burning audiobook.

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  • The Flatshare cover art

    • The Flatshare

    • By: Beth O'Leary
    • Narrated by: Carrie Hope Fletcher, Kwaku Fortune
    • Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins
    • Release date: 10-04-2019
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 825 ratings
    • #21
    • Romance at its best. Not overly steamy (but still a bit saucy!) not too saccharine (but still sweet!). Much like Goldilock’s porridge, The Flatshare is just right. Follow two strangers, Tiffy and Leon, as they dive headfirst into a strange but intimate cohabitation situation.

      The he-said, she-said format of the book lends itself perfectly to audio, and the dual narrators do a stellar job of creating a warm intimacy. Featuring a striking but relatable storyline packed with laugh-out-loud moments and dramatic twists and turns, this audiobook has you believing in true love again.

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  • The Tattooist of Auschwitz cover art

    • The Tattooist of Auschwitz

    • By: Heather Morris
    • Narrated by: Richard Armitage
    • Series: The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Book 1
    • Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins
    • Release date: 20-02-2018
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 6,368 ratings
    • #20
    • Winner of the Audie Award for Fiction, The Tattooist of Auschwitz draws listeners into a heartbreaking tale of love and survival in the face of brutality. The events are inspired by a harrowing real-life story of a Slovakian Jew put to work as the tattooist at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, so Heather Morris’s award-winning historical novel truly hits home.

      This highly acclaimed and deeply affecting audiobook is brought to life through the calm and comforting voice of British actor Richard Armitage, considered by many to be one of the finest narrators of this generation.

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  • Neverwhere cover art

    • Neverwhere

    • By: Neil Gaiman
    • Narrated by: Neil Gaiman
    • Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins
    • Release date: 17-05-2012
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,185 ratings
    • #19
    • This epic and enchanting must-listen explores the twisted tale of two cities: the familiar metropolis that is London and the fantastical underworld that lurks beneath it. Filled with magic, intrigue, and unforgettable characters, Neverwhere is gripping urban fiction blending the real and the magical.

      British writing legend Neil Gaiman is the rare fiction author who is also a masterful narrator, creating a whimsical experience for listeners of all ages. The audiobook makes it easy to get lost amongst the twists and turns of the action-packed storyline as you navigate Gaiman’s imaginative world, quirky characters and vivid detail.

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  • The Ruin cover art

    • The Ruin

    • By: Dervla McTiernan
    • Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
    • Series: The Cormac Reilly Series, Book 1
    • Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
    • Release date: 14-03-2018
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 6,257 ratings
    • #18
    • The first instalment of the Cormac Reilly series, The Ruin grips listeners from the very first line. Named the Amazon Best Book of 2018, it details the sudden and unexpected reopening of an unsettling cold case after 20 long years.

      Lawyer-turned-writer Dervla McTiernan demonstrates her expertise, drawing from her legal background to craft convincingly real murder scenes and capture the tension of criminal investigations. And that’s where the magic happens in this well-crafted whodunit. The masterful Aoife McMahon lends her Irish accent, precision pacing, and talent for building tension to round out a top-notch audio experience.

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  • A Life on Our Planet cover art

    • A Life on Our Planet

    • My Witness Statement and Vision for the Future
    • By: David Attenborough
    • Narrated by: David Attenborough
    • Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
    • Release date: 01-10-2020
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 1,416 ratings
    • #17
    • A voice like no other. Anything he lends his voice to turns to gold. And his urgent and poignant memoir is no exception. Iconic broadcaster and British national treasure Sir David Attenborough translates his decades of research and experience into this must-listen audiobook. In his sobering reflection of the status of our ever-changing world, Attenborough outlines his vision for the future and what society and individuals can do to make a difference.

      Narrated by the familiar and soothing voice of Attenborough himself, it is an eloquent but sobering performance. This audiobook leaves you with a heightened awareness of both the responsibly and hope needed to save the natural world.

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  • We Are Legion (We Are Bob) cover art

    • We Are Legion (We Are Bob)

    • Bobiverse, Book 1
    • By: Dennis E. Taylor
    • Narrated by: Ray Porter
    • Series: Bobiverse, Book 1
    • Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
    • Release date: 20-09-2016
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,687 ratings
    • #16
    • Named Audible’s Best Science Fiction Book of 2016, the first instalment of Dennis E. Taylor’s hit Bobiverse series is a roaring adventure. The remarkable audiobook introduces listeners to the world of the late Robert Johansson (Bob) who gets killed crossing the street and comes back to life 117 years later as part of a computer program.

      Be prepared to laugh out loud at the lighthearted fun as well as the many voices of the talented Ray Porter. The voicing of the various Bobs is what makes the audio version come alive, creating better range and character clarity. Even those who aren’t sci-fi fans would be hard pressed to not be charmed by this romp.

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  • Where the Crawdads Sing cover art

    • Where the Crawdads Sing

    • By: Delia Owens
    • Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
    • Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
    • Release date: 08-11-2018
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 12,275 ratings
    • #15
    • This complex yet empowering listen is a fan favourite on Audible, and it’s not hard to see why. The New York Times best seller tells the exceptional story of a reclusive ‘marsh girl’ in the southern USA as she navigates love, loss and survival.

      Author Delia Owens has worked as a zoologist, and it really shows. She draws on her experience to detail the natural world in subtle and potent ways that leave you transfixed. Audiobook veteran Cassandra Campbell keeps listeners wanting more with her soothing and captivating performance of each character.

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  • Born a Crime cover art

    • Born a Crime

    • Stories from a South African Childhood
    • By: Trevor Noah
    • Narrated by: Trevor Noah
    • Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
    • Release date: 17-11-2016
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 4,656 ratings
    • #14
    • Born a Crime is the perfect balance of laugh-out-loud humour and sobering sadness. In this award-winning memoir, celebrated comedian and television personality Trevor Noah recounts his coming of age in South Africa as the oppressive system of apartheid finally came to an end.

      The popular comedian brilliantly performs his debut, and his deft ability to bringing each characters to life with authentic accents and dialects is remarkable.

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  • The Happiest Refugee cover art

    • The Happiest Refugee

    • By: Anh Do
    • Narrated by: Anh Do
    • Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins
    • Release date: 24-05-2017
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 2,531 ratings
    • #13
    • One of Australia’s most-loved comedians, Anh Do takes listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of his early years, from living in poverty and fear to escaping post-war Vietnam with his family as refugees. In a passionate performance, Anh Do recounts the brutal and heartfelt events that have shaped his life and career to date. The Happiest Refugee is a one-of-a-kind listen that is equally moving and entertaining.

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  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Book 3 cover art

    • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Book 3

    • By: J.K. Rowling
    • Narrated by: Stephen Fry
    • Series: Harry Potter, Book 3, Wizarding World, Book 3
    • Length: 12 hrs and 3 mins
    • Release date: 20-11-2015
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 6,183 ratings
    • #12
    • This one needs no introduction. Few audiobooks can claim to have had the cultural impact as Harry Potter. While we of course love all of the Harry Potter series, Azkaban has that something special that we return to again and again. The third instalment of J.K. Rowling’s widely acclaimed and wildly popular series takes listeners of all ages on a magical journey through Harry’s third year at Hogwarts.

      The legendary British actor, broadcaster, and comedian Stephen Fry brings is his typically brilliant best as the narrator. Listen out for the way he makes each character stand out as unique.

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  • The Alchemist cover art

    • The Alchemist

    • A Fable About Following Your Dream
    • By: Paulo Coelho
    • Narrated by: Jeremy Irons
    • Length: 4 hrs
    • Release date: 26-12-2004
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 4,168 ratings
    • #11
    • Brazilian novelist Paulo Coehlo has written numerous works over his extensive career but The Alchemist stands out from the rest. Following a shepherd boy named Santiago on his search for a hidden treasure, The Alchemist inspires anyone who hears it to explore the quest for success and happiness from a new perspective. Spanning different places and timeframes, this uplifting story is packed with pearls of wisdom and life lessons.

      British theatre and television star Jeremy Irons brings each vibrant character to life in his captivating performance of the audiobook. You can’t help but become immersed in this simple but profound tale.

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  • Sapiens cover art

    • Sapiens

    • By: Yuval Noah Harari
    • Narrated by: Derek Perkins
    • Series: Sapiens
    • Length: 15 hrs and 18 mins
    • Release date: 30-04-2015
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 10,361 ratings
    • #10
    • In Yuval Noah Harari’s best seller Sapiens, you dive deep into the nature of humans, from our Stone Age history to our modern day shortcomings.

      Narrated by the award-winning voice actor Derek Perkins, Sapiens is at its best in audiobook format. Perkins clearly and deftly handles the copious facts and research, making the immense weight of human history feel like an intimate and engaging story as much as an informative and enlightening listen. For those looking for deeper insights into just how far we have come, and how far we have to go, Sapiens is an immensely satisfying listen.

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  • The Great Gatsby cover art

    • The Great Gatsby

    • By: F. Scott Fitzgerald
    • Narrated by: Jake Gyllenhaal
    • Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins
    • Release date: 09-04-2013
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,329 ratings
    • #9
    • Not all print classics translate well into audio. And then, some really, really do. One of the best stories of all time that makes for one of the best audiobooks of all time is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, The Great Gatsby.

      A-lister Jake Gyllenhaal clearly understands the story, and brings focus, calm and presence to the narration. His deliberate pace lets the story naturally unfold, while pulling the listener into the roaring 20s and Gatsby’s great ambitions, wild parties, and tragically romantic dreams. Even if you’ve read the book and seen the movie, hearing The Great Gatsby is like discovering it anew.

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  • The Name of the Wind cover art

    • The Name of the Wind

    • The Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1
    • By: Patrick Rothfuss
    • Narrated by: Rupert Degas
    • Series: Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1
    • Length: 28 hrs and 3 mins
    • Release date: 06-03-2012
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 7,057 ratings
    • #8
    • Any fantasy fan will tell you. No ‘best list’ is complete without Patrick Rothfuss. In The Name of the Wind he creates a world of magic, mystery, and mayhem that’s easy to get lost in, and seasoned narrator Rupert Degas brings that world to life in such detail and with such style that it’s impossible to pause.

      Listen as the brilliant but flawed protagonist Kvothe shares his unbelievable past, from growing up in a travelling group of performers to arguing and tricking his way into a prestigious magic school he can’t afford. An immensely talented musician and a prodigy in the arcane arts, Kvothe becomes renowned in his world –and unforgettable in ours.

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  • Becoming cover art

    • Becoming

    • By: Michelle Obama
    • Narrated by: Michelle Obama
    • Length: 19 hrs and 3 mins
    • Release date: 13-11-2018
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 9,596 ratings
    • #7
    • Few people will be surprised this made the top 10. This powerfully authentic and unflinchingly honest memoir won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album in 2020 and an Audie Award for autobiographies/memoirs. It deserves every accolade.

      Michelle Obama speaks of her childhood, her time as a working mother, and of course, her time as America’s First Lady. She doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics, but tackles them with the calm, self-assured, and personable style she is renowned for.

      Obama is a natural storyteller, and it’s as evident through her compelling narration as it is through the words themselves.

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  • The Martian cover art

    • The Martian

    • By: Andy Weir
    • Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
    • Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins
    • Release date: 01-01-2020
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 5,605 ratings
    • #6
    • Who knew technical details could be so transfixing? Andy Weir clearly did his research for this story of an astronaut named Mark Watney stranded on Mars. And it shows in every description.

      Watney records everything, including his seemingly futile attempts to stay alive: his successes, his failures, his heartfelt messages to home, his hilarious commentary of life on Mars, and his all-too-human emotions as he grapples with his very likely demise.

      Weir’s compelling writing and narrator Wil Wheaton’s fittingly sharp and sarcastic tone make a stellar combo. The power in this audiobook is that it combines the immensity of the universe and the immensity of the indelible human spirit all in one. You’ll never look at the stars the same way again.

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  • Can't Hurt Me cover art

    • Can't Hurt Me

    • Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
    • By: David Goggins
    • Narrated by: David Goggins, Adam Skolnick
    • Length: 13 hrs and 37 mins
    • Release date: 28-11-2018
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 20,026 ratings
    • #5
    • Part inspirational story, part motivational speech, and part phenomenal memoir, Can’t Hurt Me is, above all, a testament to the resilience and determination of its author. From a childhood of poverty and abuse to an adulthood marred by depression, Goggins powered through it all and achieved more than many would in several lifetimes.

      What stands out is his ability to channel his own power and potency through his voice and into the listener’s consciousness. The sheer amount of lives Goggins has transformed is a testament to great storytelling in it rawest, most honest form.

      His vulnerability and authenticity are on display in every line, lifting you up. Few inspiring true stories can compete with the sheer magnitude of this experience.

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  • Wolf Hall cover art

    • Wolf Hall

    • By: Hilary Mantel
    • Narrated by: Simon Slater
    • Series: The Wolf Hall Trilogy, Book 1
    • Length: 24 hrs and 15 mins
    • Release date: 16-10-2009
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 459 ratings
    • #4
    • Hilary Mantel’s sprawling historical epic, Wolf Hall, takes listeners on an engrossing trip back in time. Anchored in real events and coloured with fictional details, Mantel’s version of the rise of ruthlessly ambitious Thomas Cromwell is storytelling like no other.

      The audiobook version is narrated by Simon Slater, whose performance won him the Audie Award for Literary Fiction. Slater manages to expertly distinguish between multiple characters (even evolving their voices as they age) in a way that makes Mantel’s close third person style easily digestible.

      This first novel in the Man Booker Prize-winning trilogy is a detailed tapestry of Tudor England filled with romance, politics, and murder. There’s a reason devotees rave about it. It’s life-changing.

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  • World War Z cover art

    • World War Z

    • By: Max Brooks
    • Narrated by: Christopher Ragland, Rupert Farley, Nigel Pilkington, Jennifer Woodward, David Thorpe, Adam Sims, Robert Slade
    • Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins
    • Release date: 13-11-2012
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,716 ratings
    • #3
    • A documentarian traverses the world to record the voices of the survivors of a devastating pandemic. This audiobook is so well executed you’d be forgiven for forgetting that it’s fiction – if it weren’t for the zombies, that is.

      A full cast of acting greats provide the voices for interviewees from all walks of life, and the delivery is devastating, inspiring, and believable. The audiobook brings the stories to life in a way that no written work could.

      If zombies aren’t your thing, don’t let that deter you. This is a magnificent account of humanity’s struggles with itself and a crippling critique on the cost of war.

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  • Mythos cover art

    • Mythos

    • By: Stephen Fry
    • Narrated by: Stephen Fry
    • Series: Stephen Fry’s Greek Myths, Book 1
    • Length: 15 hrs and 25 mins
    • Release date: 02-11-2017
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 6,276 ratings
    • #2
    • It almost feels like cheating to have Mythos on the list, as it is a smorgasbord of so many beloved ancient myths. But don’t think for a second you’ve ever heard these classic tales quite like this. They are carefully and lovingly restored and revived in these fresh retellings.

      Fry’s narration is exceptional. He’s been on this list a few times already, and there’s few who can challenge his dominance in the narration space. Mythos is one of his best works, hands down. You can feel him reveling in every anecdote and characterisation.

      This is an audiobook you’ll listen to again and again.

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  • Daisy Jones and the Six cover art

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