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
Amal El-Mohtar
Grammar is magic in this fairy tale—but not the grammar you’re thinking of, the stuffy subject of our school days. In this story, grammar is the beauty and power of the way words meld together, play off one another, and construe meaning. What makes it extra special in audio (especially as this is, first, a story about sisters) is original music performed by author Amal El-Mohtar and her own sister, Dounya. El-Mohtar's lyrical prose positively sings, alive not only with Gem Carmella's gorgeous, lilting narration but with the hum of nature, making this listen a truly singular experience.
Grammar is magic in this fairy tale—but not the grammar you’re thinking of, the stuffy subject of our school days. In this story, grammar is the beauty and power of the way words meld together, play off one another, and construe meaning. What makes it extra special in audio (especially as this is, first, a story about sisters) is original music performed by author Amal El-Mohtar and her own sister, Dounya. El-Mohtar's lyrical prose positively sings, alive not only with Gem Carmella's gorgeous, lilting narration but with the hum of nature, making this listen a truly singular experience.
Our Top 20
Our Top 20
Kenya Barris, Malcolm Gladwell
Featuring unfiltered conversations with trailblazing business leaders, sports legends, and creative powerhouses, The Unusual Suspects goes far beyond surface-level stories of success. With award-winning producer Kenya Barris and bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell at the helm, this podcast is like a master class in ambition and perseverance.
Featuring unfiltered conversations with trailblazing business leaders, sports legends, and creative powerhouses, The Unusual Suspects goes far beyond surface-level stories of success. With award-winning producer Kenya Barris and bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell at the helm, this podcast is like a master class in ambition and perseverance.
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.
Margaret Atwood
Those searching for a grimoire of writerly wisdom in Margaret Atwood’s self-narrated memoir may be surprised to find something closer to an almanac of home economics, warnings about bear maulings, and guidance for mild revenges, along with poems, aphorisms and jokey asides. This woman contains multitudes!
Those searching for a grimoire of writerly wisdom in Margaret Atwood’s self-narrated memoir may be surprised to find something closer to an almanac of home economics, warnings about bear maulings, and guidance for mild revenges, along with poems, aphorisms and jokey asides. This woman contains multitudes!
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.
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.
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.
Stephen Graham Jones
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter brings an indelible Indigenous voice to classic vampire tropes through the story of Good Stab, a man seeking revenge for a massacre that left 217 of his people dead. It’s a towering achievement from Stephen Graham Jones, and the narration from Shane Ghostkeeper, Marin Ireland, and Owen Teale is flawless.
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter brings an indelible Indigenous voice to classic vampire tropes through the story of Good Stab, a man seeking revenge for a massacre that left 217 of his people dead. It’s a towering achievement from Stephen Graham Jones, and the narration from Shane Ghostkeeper, Marin Ireland, and Owen Teale is flawless.
Jane Austen
This immersive multicast dramatization 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 dramatization 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.
André Alexis
André Alexis narrates his own ingenious collection of nine stories that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. From a Trinidadian Obeah man reborn in a Canadian child's body to a town where residents hibernate in winter sacks, Alexis's own voice brings intimacy to tales exploring identity, belonging, and family secrets.
André Alexis narrates his own ingenious collection of nine stories that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. From a Trinidadian Obeah man reborn in a Canadian child's body to a town where residents hibernate in winter sacks, Alexis's own voice brings intimacy to tales exploring identity, belonging, and family secrets.
Eliezer Yudkowsky, Nate Soares
Whether or not you agree with their breathtakingly unambiguous level of "p(doom)," AI experts Eliezer Yudkowsky and Nate Soares lay out a lucid, informed, and highly entertaining argument for extreme caution on the issue of our time: the existential threat of artificial superintelligence. Rafe Beckley’s performance is pitch-perfect.
Whether or not you agree with their breathtakingly unambiguous level of "p(doom)," AI experts Eliezer Yudkowsky and Nate Soares lay out a lucid, informed, and highly entertaining argument for extreme caution on the issue of our time: the existential threat of artificial superintelligence. Rafe Beckley’s performance is pitch-perfect.
Carley Fortune
Carley Fortune has a flair for creating atmospheric settings. In One Golden Summer, it's the glimmering lakeside town of Barry’s Bay, where Alice hopes to reclaim a spark she felt one summer during her teens—when suddenly Charlie comes roaring back into her life. Narrator AJ Bridel brings warmth to every deliciously slow-burning moment.
Carley Fortune has a flair for creating atmospheric settings. In One Golden Summer, it's the glimmering lakeside town of Barry’s Bay, where Alice hopes to reclaim a spark she felt one summer during her teens—when suddenly Charlie comes roaring back into her life. Narrator AJ Bridel brings warmth to every deliciously slow-burning moment.
Madelaine Drohan
Actor R.H. Thomson lends his considerable talents to Madelaine Drohan's insightful audiobook about US founding father Benjamin Franklin’s attempts to annex Canada in the 18th century. Is it just us, or does it feel like a perfect time to revisit Canada’s history of batting away threats from a certain North American neighbour?
Actor R.H. Thomson lends his considerable talents to Madelaine Drohan's insightful audiobook about US founding father Benjamin Franklin’s attempts to annex Canada in the 18th century. Is it just us, or does it feel like a perfect time to revisit Canada’s history of batting away threats from a certain North American neighbour?
Samantha Bee
We still have a ways to go before menopause gets the research and attention it deserves, but recent progress is very welcome—especially when it comes in the form of a one-woman show from Emmy-winning comedian Samantha Bee. Maybe laughter really is the best hormone replacement therapy.
We still have a ways to go before menopause gets the research and attention it deserves, but recent progress is very welcome—especially when it comes in the form of a one-woman show from Emmy-winning comedian Samantha Bee. Maybe laughter really is the best hormone replacement therapy.
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.
Linwood Barclay
A grieving mother and son seek refuge in a small town, only to discover a mysterious train set in their new home that unleashes inexplicable horrors. Linwood Barclay perfectly crafts this supernatural thriller, and Eva Kaminsky's outstanding narration makes every haunting moment crawl right up your spine.
A grieving mother and son seek refuge in a small town, only to discover a mysterious train set in their new home that unleashes inexplicable horrors. Linwood Barclay perfectly crafts this supernatural thriller, and Eva Kaminsky's outstanding narration makes every haunting moment crawl right up your spine.
Brynne Weaver
Brynne Weaver’s latest is an incredible start to a new series. Cape Carnage might look like a charming coastal town, but it runs on secrets, murder, and a suspicious tolerance for bloodshed. Narrators Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet are an absolute dream team, delivering all the sparks in this dark, twisted enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy.
Brynne Weaver’s latest is an incredible start to a new series. Cape Carnage might look like a charming coastal town, but it runs on secrets, murder, and a suspicious tolerance for bloodshed. Narrators Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet are an absolute dream team, delivering all the sparks in this dark, twisted enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy.
Dennis E. Taylor
Dennis E. Taylor’s Flybot is a murder mystery, an AI cautionary tale, and buddy-scientist adventure (if that’s not a thing, it should be) wrapped up in one compulsive package. Narrator Ray Porter is yet again at the top of his game, delivering a dynamic performance of the Bobiverse author’s techy stand-alone thriller.
Dennis E. Taylor’s Flybot is a murder mystery, an AI cautionary tale, and buddy-scientist adventure (if that’s not a thing, it should be) wrapped up in one compulsive package. Narrator Ray Porter is yet again at the top of his game, delivering a dynamic performance of the Bobiverse author’s techy stand-alone thriller.
Julian Brave NoiseCat
This deeply affecting blend of memoir, non-fiction, and Indigenous folklore from writer and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat is both a feat of personal storytelling and an essential document of Native history and culture. NoiseCat himself narrates, a gift that enlivens the heart of this ode to community, language, family, and survival.
This deeply affecting blend of memoir, non-fiction, and Indigenous folklore from writer and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat is both a feat of personal storytelling and an essential document of Native history and culture. NoiseCat himself narrates, a gift that enlivens the heart of this ode to community, language, family, and survival.
Maria Reva
Set in Ukraine in 2022, Maria Reva’s debut novel explores the environmental degradation inflicted by the region’s ongoing war. Yeva, a snail conservationist, funds her research by dating Western men in the market for docile brides. Saskia Maarleveld and Max Meyers enrich the story with stellar performances that evoke this intricate modern landscape.
Set in Ukraine in 2022, Maria Reva’s debut novel explores the environmental degradation inflicted by the region’s ongoing war. Yeva, a snail conservationist, funds her research by dating Western men in the market for docile brides. Saskia Maarleveld and Max Meyers enrich the story with stellar performances that evoke this intricate modern landscape.
Shari Lapena
A seemingly perfect couple’s façade is shattered when a shocking crime sparks neighbourhood paranoia. Shari Lapena masterfully peels back layers of suburban bliss in this gripping domestic suspense thriller, exposing hidden secrets and fragile trust. January LaVoy’s performance only heightens the unceasing tension.
A seemingly perfect couple’s façade is shattered when a shocking crime sparks neighbourhood paranoia. Shari Lapena masterfully peels back layers of suburban bliss in this gripping domestic suspense thriller, exposing hidden secrets and fragile trust. January LaVoy’s performance only heightens the unceasing tension.
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 personalized gift
The perfect personalized gift
This season, give them an Audible membership or a title they'll love.