Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine

A serial murderer has become obsessed with Frieda Klein, the consulting psychologist who is central to this mystery series by Nicci French. Narrator Beth Chalmers gives a marvelous rendition of Frieda, and her voice is crucial to this riveting audiobook.

Are you ready for the ultimate audiobook mash-up? This blend of science fiction, mystery, military strategy, and humor also has a ton of momentum. Science fiction fans and sci-fi skeptics alike will enjoy PLANETSIDE and R.C. Bray’s dynamic narration.

Come explore the bleak beauty of the Shetland Islands. This final book in the mystery series gives you a richer world than what you can find in the popular BBC TV show, but don’t worry if you haven’t read any of the others — start here and get sucked in.

Reese Witherspoon calls this “the ultimate mystery.” It’s set in the flashy, sinister Los Angeles art world, and it’s an audiobook that turns creepy quickly. Two-time Audie winner Tavia Gilbert says STILL LIVES is one of her favorite narration projects.

For fans of frighteningly believable stories, don’t miss today’s recommendation—a debut novel. We imagine ourselves in a world where half the population is allowed to speak only 100 words a day. A must for fans of THE HANDMAID’S TALE.

With the release of the blockbuster movie, we revisit the audiobook written by Kevin Kwan. Satire is at the heart of this romp of a novel and part of the fun. Narrator Lynn Chen enlivens a broad cast of characters.

Here’s an audiobook that snares us in a labyrinthine web of lies, deceits, betrayals, and truths that span decades. This engrossing listen explores relationships and secrets between mothers and daughters and will have you glued to your earphones.

With 2018 marking the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, we’re discussing THE PRISON LETTERS OF NELSON MANDELA. His letters will tear at listeners’ hearts, and actor Atandwa Kani’s Earphones Award-winning narration is not to be missed.

Two stories run parallel throughout this thoughtful audiobook, one unfolding during the early days of the AIDS epidemic in Chicago and the other taking place in a more contemporary time in Paris. A listen with strong emotional impact.

On this bonus episode we talk with actor LeVar Burton. LeVar considered Fred Rogers a friend and mentor and jumped at the chance to honor the creator and host of the iconic PBS television series “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” by narrating THE GOOD NEIGHBOR.

America is primed for this political thriller featuring a polarizing president. No, THE MIDDLEMAN isn’t a non-fiction audiobook recommendation but rather cerebral suspense. Narrator Ari Fliakos has a clear connection to literary work using emotional intimacy.

Don’t listen to this podcast in the dark! AudioFile shares an excerpt from Stephen King’s very creepy THE OUTSIDER, read by Will Patton. As we expect from the King and Patton combination the emotional intensity makes this audiobook a subtle powerhouse.

HARBOR ME, the new full cast middle-grade audiobook from Jacqueline Woodson, is an Earphones Award winner. Woodson narrates as a teacher who brings 6 students together in an experimental classroom to talk — no teachers around — for an hour every Friday.

Daniel Silva’s long-running thriller audiobook series features spymaster Gabriel Allon and master narrator George Guidall. One of our Golden Voices, he rips through German, Russian, and Israeli names with ease and keeps the tension high in THE OTHER WOMAN.

Beautifully written and performed, Anne Tyler’s novel reminds us that families come in all shapes and sizes. The Baltimore setting of CLOCK DANCE get special attention from narrator Kimberly Farr. Humorous and relatable, It’s an Earphones Award-winner.