Behind the Mic With Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Audiobook Reviews
Find your next great audiobook on Behind the Mic with Kirkus Reviews. Every Thursday, host Jo Reed and her guests discuss what they’ve been listening to and recommend the very best audiobooks. It’s the perfect way to keep up with new releases and hear about the ones you may have missed. Launched by AudioFile magazine in 2018, Behind the Mic now has its home at Kirkus Reviews, the most trusted voice in book discovery for more than 90 years. Visit us at kirkusreviews.com.
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1526
IMPERFECT UNION by Steve Inskeep, read by Steve...
Rediscover America’s first political power couple with the host of NPR’s Morning Edition.
5 min
1527
THE WILL AND THE WILDS by Charlie N. Holmberg, ...
An audiobook full of myth and magic, flawlessly narrated.
5 min
1528
IN THE DREAM HOUSE by Carmen Maria Machado, rea...
A compelling memoir of psychological abuse by a former girlfriend.
4 min
1529
In Conversation with Narrator Jim Dale
Host Jo Reed speaks with Jim Dale, beloved voice of the Harry Potter series, about his long career on stage and narrating audiobooks.
31 min
1530
CHILDREN OF VIRTUE AND VENGEANCE by Tomi Adeyem...
The fight for Orïsha continues in this riveting audiobook.
5 min
1531
LOVE LETTERING by Kate Clayborn, read by Nicol ...
Fall in love with New York City and delight in this masterful performance.
5 min
1532
CLEAN GETAWAY by Nic Stone, read by Dion Graham
A new middle-grade road trip adventure about race in America, today and in the Jim Crow south.
5 min
1533
SUCH A FUN AGE by Kiley Reid, read by Nicole Lewis
A gripping debut about race, privilege, and money.
5 min
1534
THE BEAUTIFUL ONES by Prince, read by Esperanza...
A performance of Prince’s memoir as creative and rich as the legend himself.
4 min
1535
BLOOMLAND by John Englehardt, read by Charlie T...
The destructive impact of gun violence comes to life in a stirring audiobook.
4 min
1536
HEY, KIDDO by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, read by Jar...
A powerful graphic memoir voiced by more than 40 performers.
5 min
1537
YOUR HOUSE WILL PAY by Steph Cha, read by Greta...
Captivating performances and a gripping mystery with a pair of talented narrators.
4 min
1538
BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN by Diane Chamberlain, ...
Narrator Susan Bennett adds an exciting dimension to a gripping story of racism, madness, murder, and romance in North Carolina. Dual stories in this novel center around women with connections to a WPA mural, and the many secrets hidden by a small town.
5 min
1539
MICHELANGELO, GOD'S ARCHITECT by William E. Wal...
British actor Simon Callow’s magnificent basso profundo voice recounts the many projects Michelangelo, the prolific sculptor, artist, and architect, designed and executed. Art historian Wallace centers his work on Michelangelo’s last 20 years in Rome.
5 min
1540
CALL DOWN THE HAWK by Maggie Stiefvater, read b...
This audiobook checks all the boxes for a magnetic new series. The Dreamer Trilogy is a spin-off of Stiefvater’s Raven Cycle. The Lynch brothers discover that their real and magical worlds have gotten more complex. Patton returns with his eerie narration.
5 min
1541
ALAN CUMMING: LEGAL IMMIGRANT by Alan Cumming, ...
Take a front-row seat for a live—and lively—performance by the incomparable Alan Cumming. In his latest cabaret show, he alternates between heartfelt monologues in his delightful Scottish brogue and Broadway-style singing accompanied by a quartet. Bravo!
4 min
1542
ON THE PLAIN OF SNAKES by Paul Theroux, read by...
A remarkable account of 76-year-old master travel writer Theroux’s journey through Mexico. Narrator Joseph Balderrama’s fluency in Spanish, along with his pacing, tone, and clear voice, give an authenticity to this immersive audiobook.
4 min
1543
MOBITUARIES by Mo Rocca, read by Mo Rocca
Mo Rocca’s enthusiastic performance enhances the drama and entertainment value in an audiobook that showcases his obsession with shining a spotlight on underappreciated dead people — and dragons. Colorful and full of ironic humor.
5 min
1544
OSLO by J.T. Rogers, read by a Full Cast
Step into the theatre with the L.A. Theatre Works production of OSLO, the 2017 Tony Award-winning play. It’s 1993, and the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Libration Organization is stymied. Performed by an outstanding cast of actors.
4 min
1545
SONTAG by Benjamin Moser, read by Tavia Gilbert
Discover a well researched and intimate biography of Susan Sontag, one of the most interesting thinkers of her time. Tavia Gilbert’s narration is empathetic and allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding of both her thoughts and life.
4 min
1546
A MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT by David Baldacci, read b...
Countdown to midnight with David Baldacci’s latest thriller. Jo Reed and Jonathan Smith discuss this audiobook’s unusual narration which adds to the tension and edginess. Brittany Pressley and Kyf Brewer blend their styles seamlessly.
5 min
1547
THE BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2019 by Anthony...
This year’s collection of the Best American Short Stories are narrated by an ensemble of narrators, each perfectly matched to a story from some of the biggest names in fiction. These stories, told across genres and styles, come alive on audio.
5 min
1548
MY FAKE RAKE by Eva Leigh, read by Zara Hampton...
Lady Grace must find a husband. The problem? The man she admires thinks of her as a colleague, not marriage material. The solution? A rake. Zara Hampton-Brown leans into the fun and excitable nerdiness of the characters in this historical romance.
5 min
1549
FREEDOM SOUP by Tami Charles, read by Bahni Turpin
Ring in the new year with FREEDOM SOUP, a lively audiobook that introduces listeners to a tradition rooted in the Haitian Revolution. Ti Gran has invited Belle into the kitchen, and they chop and dance and cook up a feast while sharing family history.
4 min
1550
RESISTANCE REBORN by Rebecca Roanhorse, read by...
Journey to “a galaxy far, far away” with the latest epic Star Wars audiobook. Marc Thompson is exceptional as he portrays the many characters in the universe, and sound effects create an immersive listening experience. A perfect listen for Star Wars fans.
4 min