Listen free for 30 days
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $21.43
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Buy it with
-
Amari and the Night Brothers
- Written by: B. B. Alston
- Narrated by: Imani Parks
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Amari Peters has never stopped believing her missing brother, Quinton, is alive. Not even when the police told her otherwise, or when she got in trouble for standing up to bullies who said he was gone for good. So when she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet, containing a nomination for a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain the secretive organization holds the key to locating Quinton - if only she can wrap her head around the idea of magicians, fairies, aliens, and other supernatural creatures all being real.
-
-
100/100
- By Anonymous User on 2023-05-29
Written by: B. B. Alston
-
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
- Written by: Jessica Townsend
- Narrated by: Gemma Whelan
- Length: 11 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks - and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her 11th birthday. But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.
-
-
Quick, Fun and Magical Read
- By Shelby on 2020-04-27
Written by: Jessica Townsend
-
Below the Edge of Darkness
- A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea
- Written by: Edith Widder
- Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
- Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Edith Widder’s childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist was almost derailed in college, when complications from a surgery gone wrong caused temporary blindness. A new reality of shifting shadows drew her fascination to the power of light - as well as the importance of optimism. As her vision cleared, Widder found the intersection of her two passions in oceanic bioluminescence, a little-explored scientific field within Earth’s last great unknown frontier: the deep ocean.
-
-
Knowledgeable, and super interesting
- By Anonymous User on 2022-10-09
Written by: Edith Widder
-
Into the Wild
- Warriors, Book 1
- Written by: Erin Hunter
- Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews
- Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to the laws laid down by their ancestors. But the warrior code is threatened, and the ThunderClan cats are in grave danger. The sinister ShadowClan grows stronger every day. Noble warriors are dying - and some deaths are more mysterious than others. In the midst of this turmoil appears an ordinary housecat named Rusty...who may turn out to be the bravest warrior of them all.
-
-
Not just for kids!
- By Megan on 2020-06-16
Written by: Erin Hunter
-
The Magic Misfits
- The Magic Misfits, Book 1
- Written by: Neil Patrick Harris
- Narrated by: Neil Patrick Harris
- Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do you believe in magic? Carter doesn’t. He knows magic tricks are just that - tricks. And as a street magician he’s also pretty good at them. But then Carter runs away from his con man uncle, and he finds himself alone and in danger from dastardly carnival ringleader, B. B. Bosso. He could really use some magic now.... A chance encounter with the mysterious Mr Dante Vernon leads Carter to a magic shop, where he teams up with five other like-minded kids, and the Magic Misfits are born! Can the gang use their magical talents to save the day and stop B. B. stealing a priceless diamond?
-
-
Enjoyable
- By Hillary A. on 2020-12-30
Written by: Neil Patrick Harris
-
The Chronicles of Narnia: Complete Seven Book Box Set
- Written by: C.S. Lewis
- Narrated by: Victor Craig
- Length: 32 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Chronicles of Narnia is one of the most famous and beloved series of fantasy novels, having sold over 100 million copies. The seven-part series was published between 1950 and 1956. It tells the story of the fantasy world of Narnia and the child protagonists who help shape it's history.
-
-
Narnia is great
- By RG on 2022-07-26
Written by: C.S. Lewis
-
Amari and the Night Brothers
- Written by: B. B. Alston
- Narrated by: Imani Parks
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Amari Peters has never stopped believing her missing brother, Quinton, is alive. Not even when the police told her otherwise, or when she got in trouble for standing up to bullies who said he was gone for good. So when she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet, containing a nomination for a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain the secretive organization holds the key to locating Quinton - if only she can wrap her head around the idea of magicians, fairies, aliens, and other supernatural creatures all being real.
-
-
100/100
- By Anonymous User on 2023-05-29
Written by: B. B. Alston
-
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
- Written by: Jessica Townsend
- Narrated by: Gemma Whelan
- Length: 11 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks - and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her 11th birthday. But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.
-
-
Quick, Fun and Magical Read
- By Shelby on 2020-04-27
Written by: Jessica Townsend
-
Below the Edge of Darkness
- A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea
- Written by: Edith Widder
- Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
- Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Edith Widder’s childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist was almost derailed in college, when complications from a surgery gone wrong caused temporary blindness. A new reality of shifting shadows drew her fascination to the power of light - as well as the importance of optimism. As her vision cleared, Widder found the intersection of her two passions in oceanic bioluminescence, a little-explored scientific field within Earth’s last great unknown frontier: the deep ocean.
-
-
Knowledgeable, and super interesting
- By Anonymous User on 2022-10-09
Written by: Edith Widder
-
Into the Wild
- Warriors, Book 1
- Written by: Erin Hunter
- Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews
- Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to the laws laid down by their ancestors. But the warrior code is threatened, and the ThunderClan cats are in grave danger. The sinister ShadowClan grows stronger every day. Noble warriors are dying - and some deaths are more mysterious than others. In the midst of this turmoil appears an ordinary housecat named Rusty...who may turn out to be the bravest warrior of them all.
-
-
Not just for kids!
- By Megan on 2020-06-16
Written by: Erin Hunter
-
The Magic Misfits
- The Magic Misfits, Book 1
- Written by: Neil Patrick Harris
- Narrated by: Neil Patrick Harris
- Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do you believe in magic? Carter doesn’t. He knows magic tricks are just that - tricks. And as a street magician he’s also pretty good at them. But then Carter runs away from his con man uncle, and he finds himself alone and in danger from dastardly carnival ringleader, B. B. Bosso. He could really use some magic now.... A chance encounter with the mysterious Mr Dante Vernon leads Carter to a magic shop, where he teams up with five other like-minded kids, and the Magic Misfits are born! Can the gang use their magical talents to save the day and stop B. B. stealing a priceless diamond?
-
-
Enjoyable
- By Hillary A. on 2020-12-30
Written by: Neil Patrick Harris
-
The Chronicles of Narnia: Complete Seven Book Box Set
- Written by: C.S. Lewis
- Narrated by: Victor Craig
- Length: 32 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Chronicles of Narnia is one of the most famous and beloved series of fantasy novels, having sold over 100 million copies. The seven-part series was published between 1950 and 1956. It tells the story of the fantasy world of Narnia and the child protagonists who help shape it's history.
-
-
Narnia is great
- By RG on 2022-07-26
Written by: C.S. Lewis
-
Little House in the Big Woods
- Little House, Book 1
- Written by: Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Narrated by: Cherry Jones
- Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Told from four-year-old Laura's point of view, this story begins in 1871 in a little log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Laura lives in the little house with her pa, her ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their trusty dog, Jack. Pioneer life is sometimes hard for the family, since they must grow or catch all their own food as they get ready for the cold winter. But it is also exciting as Laura and her family celebrate Christmas with homemade toys and treats, do the spring planting, bring in the harvest, and make their first trip into town.
-
-
great for all ages!!
- By Paul G. Jukes on 2018-08-05
Written by: Laura Ingalls Wilder
-
The Wizards of Once
- The Wizards of Once, Book 1
- Written by: Cressida Cowell
- Narrated by: David Tennant
- Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Once there was magic, and the magic lived in the dark forests. Until the warriors came... This is the story of a young boy wizard and a young girl warrior who have been taught since birth to hate each other like poison and the thrilling tale of what happens when their two worlds collide. Xar is a wizard boy who has no magic and will do anything to get it. Wish is a warrior girl, but she owns a banned magical object, and she will do anything to conceal it.
-
-
Absolute Favourite!
- By mum on 2022-08-20
Written by: Cressida Cowell
-
The Land of Stories
- The Wishing Spell
- Written by: Chris Colfer
- Narrated by: Chris Colfer
- Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Alex and Conner Bailey's world is about to change, in this fast-paced adventure that uniquely combines our modern day world with the enchanting realm of classic fairytales. The Land of Stories tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner. Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, they leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about.
-
-
Incredible story for the whole family!!
- By Aric p. on 2019-02-20
Written by: Chris Colfer
-
Howl's Moving Castle
- Written by: Diana Wynne Jones
- Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
- Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book and ALA Notable and Best of the Year in Young Adult Fiction, Howl's Moving Castle is by acclaimed fantasy writer Diane Wynne Jones and was transformed into an Academy Award nominated animated motion picture by Hayao Miyazaki. On a rare venture out from her step-mother's hat shop, Sophie attracts the attention of a witch, who casts a terrible spell transforming the young girl into an old crone.
-
-
Enchanted Brew of Humor Filled Magic
- By Lori from Calgary on 2019-03-31
Written by: Diana Wynne Jones
-
Sky Raiders
- Five Kingdoms, Book 1
- Written by: Brandon Mull
- Narrated by: Keith Nobbs
- Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cole Randolph was just trying to have a fun time with his friends on Halloween (and maybe get to know Jenna Hunt a little better). But when a spooky haunted house turns out to be a portal to something much creepier, Cole finds himself on an adventure on a whole different level.
Written by: Brandon Mull
-
Artemis Fowl Movie Tie-In Edition
- Artemis Fowl, Book 1
- Written by: Eoin Colfer
- Narrated by: Nathaniel Parker
- Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genuis, and, above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of bedtime stories, they're dangerous! Full of unexpected twists and turns, Artemis Fowl is a riveting, magical adventure.
-
-
book is a childhood favourite
- By Cole Fuerth on 2020-07-30
Written by: Eoin Colfer
Publisher's Summary
What the critics say
Grammy Award Nominee, Best Spoken Word Album for Children, 2005
Book Sense Book of the Year Award Finalist, Children's Literature, 2001
"Tension-producing orchestral music, scene-setting sound effects, and most of all, Tim Curry's chocolate-voiced narration captivate the listener in this multicast production of the Lemony Snicket that started it all.... It's all good fun for listening children and their parents." (AudioFile)
Featured Article: The Best Family Audiobooks for All Ages
Sharing stories with your loved ones is an amazing bonding experience. You may remember having a book read to you when you were a child and the magic it brought into your life. By listening to an audiobook with your family, you can offer that same experience to your own children. Whether you’re looking for a fun story or a learning activity, this list has some of the greatest family audiobooks by bestselling authors. Relive some of the stories that you loved as a child with your own kids or discover new ones to enjoy together on long trips or in the comfort of your own home. Here are the top family audiobooks for all ages.
More from the same
What listeners say about The Bad Beginning, A Multi-Voice Recording
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jordan S
- 2020-07-29
worst background noises
this is my favourite book series and Tim Curry was MADE to narrate this but the sound effects and occasional baby crying in the background are infuriating and make it hard to continue listening :(
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Suzanne Prémont
- 2023-02-22
What all audiobooks should be like
Excellent book, fun story and very well written. Expertly adapted for the audio format. I could not think of anyone more perfect than Tim Curry to narrate this story.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Maria
- 2022-12-07
Background Noise
I loved this book as a child and was so excited to listen to it. The story was great but the background noises were awful. Not what I am looking for in an audiobook.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 2022-04-10
amazing
This performance was delightful. I loved the background noises and atmosphere. It's like I was actually in the room with them.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Erin Hollingsworth
- 2021-06-11
Book ever
It is interesting it is very cool very sad and a half silly hind of nice kind but it’s the best book I have ever read I’ve done it 3,004,000 586,000 million times 934
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- katie
- 2020-01-31
Chan
My reasoning for the poor review is the voice over, it would be a lot better if it was only one voice and not multiple. The music and sounds In the back ground are distracting, and the actress that plays sunny does not do a very good job
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Veronica
- 2020-01-03
Tim Curry amazing
Loved Tim Curry as a narrator was a perfect fit for this book. All the other speakers and music is just distracting and takes away from the story
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Marion
- 2019-09-11
no
so the story is great and the narrator is great but omg the other voices especially the baby is horrible it's so bad I had to turn it off. like i would rather listen to nail on chalk board...
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Gillian Lennon
- 2019-04-13
Rory
Hi my name is Rory I finck your book is 👍☺️I you shid make a new book 📖
-
Overall

- Dan
- 2011-05-19
Great start. Too bad about licensing..
I really loved this book. I decided to listen to it between bigger books as sort of a palette cleanser. Tim Curry is Lemony Snicket and a full cast reads the dialog. There are also nice sound effects and music so that it feels like a real radio play.
Unfortunately as I looked to get the other volumes, Audible has not licensed all of the Tim Curry/Full Cast versions of these books. It's disappointing to go from a full production complete with voice acting, sound effects and Tim Curry to Daniel Handler dryly reading his own novels.
So I will not be buying the rest of them until they can get all of the Tim Curry/Full Cast versions.
101 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jim "The Impatient"
- 2017-08-03
THIS STORY DOES NOT HAVE A HAPPY ENDING
Grew On Me
I listen to this book once before, with a regular reader. I gave it four stars. During the first hour of this reading I was thinking four stars, than like a lightning bolt it hit me, that I was really enjoying it. I think it was hard for me to accept this unusual angle at reaching kids. With all the goodie two shoe books (In which I am a big fan) out there, it is good to have another way to reach children. These books show that bad things, happen to good people, and it is not the fault of the kids. I think it should only be for older kids, though. The story itself is entertaining and I found myself wondering what was going to happen next. The book was not predictable, as most children books are. You may want to listen on your own first, before sharing it with your kids.
I loved the production and I hope they do some more of these.
85 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Phillip Frangules
- 2017-07-01
Tries to fix what wasn't broken
There are two versions of 'The Bad Beginning'. The first was done in its entirety by Tim Curry. The second, which is the only version available on Audible, retains Curry's narration but replaces the dialogue with different actors as well as adding sound effects throughout. This was a mistake.
Tim Curry was a perfect narrator in the original book. There are some audiobooks that benefit from full-cast recordings but this is not one of them. Much of Curry's charm is lost in the omission. I might have forgiven this if they had kept Curry's Count Olaf; his performance as the sinister villain is in my opinion the definitive take on the character (it's a shame he was never able to portray the Count in live-action). Unfortunately, not only was Olaf 'recast' but whoever replaced him was not nearly as good.
In addition I found the sound effects are unnecessary. If they had done it sparingly it might have been a nice addition but they are frequently used and become distracting. When I'm listening to an audiobook I don't need to hear a wailing baby in the background.
Unfortunately, as stated before, the original recording is not available to purchase on Audible but if you are able to seek it out you should definitely listen to it.
57 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Gardener_Misgoverned
- 2015-06-01
good, but
everything was great, except the sound effects often drowned out the reader. the effects were much louder than the story.
52 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Lindsey
- 2005-06-05
Brilliantly miserable
I had looked at this series in print, but it had not held my attention as an adult. I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this production of the book- a very high quality, witty, well thought out performance. All the sound effects were excellent, and alterations in the text made sure that the warnings not to listen/read to such gloomy material came across freshly as jokes.
Aimed at children who are just developing a sense of irony, can be painlessly enjoyed by an adult in the same car.
47 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Marsha
- 2005-03-03
Be mindful of the age of your listener
I, as an adult, found it interesting. My seven year old son found the bad things that happen to the children disturbing. He especially had problems with the baby being bound and gaged and hung out a window. I am told in book #2 the same baby is threatend with having her toe cut off? An age recommendation would be nice.
39 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Diana - Audible
- 2012-04-16
Books Will Save You
The Bad Beginning may be, as Lemony Snicket reveals, a miserable tale, but it is a joy to listen to. This full-cast production is of the highest caliber, filled with orchestral music and chilling sound effects. I loved Tim Curry (yes, Dr. Frank N. Furter) as the infamous villain Count Olaf, and was charmed by the witty Baudelaire siblings, who rely on books to help them avoid the Count's treachery.
38 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- BR mom
- 2005-05-07
Wickedly funny -- not just kid stuff
I had toyed with the idea of picking up these books on occasion at various places. After I heard the interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air (on my 40th birthday no less), I had to give these a try. This not just kidstuff (although they are completely kid appropriate). These are so much FUN!!! My husband and I listen to them over and over and laugh our heads off. Misery loves company -- and I am hooked.
36 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Angel
- 2015-10-12
Too noisy.
Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?
Not wasted, but I'd have preferred spending the time finding a different version.
What did you like best about this story?
The story itself. The characters are fantastical and unpredictable and delightful.
What three words best describe Tim Curry and Full Cast ’s performance?
Too much background.
Do you think The Bad Beginning, A Multi-Voice Recording needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?
Yes! Just... maybe edited slightly differently.
Any additional comments?
I love these books and I mean - it's Tim Curry! But all the noise in the background was REALLY off-putting.
31 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Donald
- 2004-12-16
Yes!
Tim Curry! Lemony Snicket!
This is as good as it gets!
30 people found this helpful