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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1576
COLD STORAGE by David Koepp, read by Rupert Friend
A zombie fungus takes center stage in a truly creepy and entertaining bio-thriller. An Australian human-destroying fungus was contained thirty years ago, but now its resurfaced. The JURASSIC PARK screenwriter delivers all the action.
4 min
1577
AGENT RUNNING IN THE FIELD by John le Carré, re...
Le Carré’s obvious fun in narrating his new thriller makes listening a pleasure. Nat is a career spy whose loyalties are constantly being tested, and he’s worried about losing his job. Drama is rooted in character development, dialogue, and Brexit.
4 min
1578
The Extraordinary Audiobooks of Philip Pullman’...
The full-cast production of THE GOLDEN COMPASS was a landmark in the audio world. HBO’s HIS DARK MATERIALS and the new audiobook sequel featuring Michael Sheen make it the perfect time to revisit our interview with the creative team behind the audiobooks.
34 min
1579
NOTHING TO SEE HERE by Kevin Wilson, read by Ma...
Madison is married to a U.S. Senator who is up for Secretary of State—the only problem is that her stepchildren spontaneously combust. Her friend Lillian becomes their “governess” and has the chance to make a difference in their lives in this audiobook.
5 min
1580
FIND ME by André Aciman, read by Michael Stuhlbarg
Revisit Elio and Oliver and the themes of love, longing, and relationships in this highly anticipated sequel to CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. A beautifully written book, elegantly performed by narrator Michael Stuhlbarg.
4 min
1581
HOME WORK by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilto...
In her own words and with her own voice, Julie Andrews shares tales from her life in Hollywood and on Broadway. Listeners get insights into the making of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, MARY POPPINS, and Andrews’s astronomical rise to stardom.
5 min
1582
THE DUTCH HOUSE by Ann Patchett, read by Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks subtly performs this story from bestselling author Ann Patchett, about two siblings, Danny and Maeve. After a rough upbringing they have complicated relationships with each other and their grand childhood home.
4 min
1583
THE CHESTNUT MAN by Søren Sveistrup, read by Pe...
A superlatively good audio thriller from the writer of the Danish TV show The Killing and narrator Peter Noble. Mismatched detectives Naia Thulin and Mark Hess track a serial killer whose signature is leaving small dolls made of chestnuts at the scenes.
5 min
1584
GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN by Talia Hibbert, read ...
Perfect weekend listening. Chloe Brown wants to change her life, and she enlists her tattooed super, Redford Morgan, to help her check items off her “get a life” list. Adjoa Andoh’s lively narration enhances this steamy British contemporary romance.
6 min
1585
HOW WE FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES by Saeed Jones, read...
Listeners gain an intimate sense of Saeed Jones’s life through vignettes read with grace, compassion, and ferocity. Jo Reed and Emily Connelly discuss the emotional impact of this Kirkus Prize-winning memoir narrated by the author.
4 min
1586
TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY by Kwa...
When Tristan falls through a hole into another world where the sea is on fire, chasing down his friend’s stolen journal—you know you’re in for a wild ride. Journey to Alke as Tristan joins a fight for freedom with African-American and West African gods.
5 min
1587
LOOK BOTH WAYS by Jason Reynolds, read by Heath...
“How you gon’ change the world?” Jason Reynolds has created a perfect middle-grade novel, and ten African-American narrators bring the interconnected stories to life. He captures those after-school moments where kids have a chance to be themselves.
5 min
1588
THE SECRET COMMONWEALTH by Philip Pullman, read...
Michael Sheen throws himself wholeheartedly into narrating this sequel to LA BELLE SAUVAGE. Lyra is now 20, and she and her daemon Pantalaimon can barely stand one another. Their conflict is a catalyst for journeys around the world.
5 min
1589
Horror Out Loud: Joe Hill and Dennis Boutsikari...
What makes your favorite horror audiobooks so good? Author Joe Hill and narrator Dennis Boutsikaris join host Jo Reed for a conversation about collaborating on the STRANGE WEATHER audiobook. Fans will love these insights into the creative process.
25 min
1590
THE NIGHT FIRE by Michael Connelly, read by Ti...
Another cold-case intrigues LAPD's Harry Bosch and pulls him out of his "retirement." He teams up with the young detective of THE LATE SHOW, Renee Ballard. The dual narrators take on cops, crime, secrets, and great detective work.
4 min
1591
FULL THROTTLE by Joe Hill, read by Zachary Quin...
Thirteen short stories—a calculated number of creepy, dark tales that run the gamut from mildly supernatural to raging demons and bloody outcomes. A cast of narrators takes on these fantastic tales. It’s a seasonal treat.
5 min
1592
HEART OF BARKNESS by Spencer Quinn, read by Jim...
The latest Chet & Bernie mystery has Chet, the book’s canine narrator, helping partner PI Bernie Little recover from a near-fatal adventure as they get involved with the world of country music and singer Lotty Pilgrim.
5 min
1593
CHARLOTTE'S WEB by E.B. White, read by Meryl St...
You may be familiar with E.B. White’s classic—here the Maine barnyard gets a makeover in a delightful full-cast performance. With a warm, low voice, Meryl Streep takes listeners through the story as many favorite narrators take on the animals.
5 min
1594
THE WATER DANCER by Ta-Nehisi Coates, read by J...
Coates, the author of Between the World and Me, takes his first novel into the realm of magical realism. Joe Morton’s mesmerizing voice introduces listeners to Hiram Walker, a young man with remarkable gifts working on The Underground Railroad.
5 min
1595
THE INSTITUTE by Stephen King, read by Santino ...
Stephen King’s latest audiobook is compulsively entertaining. Hear “The Institute’s” supernaturally gifted kids and their captors come to life through Santiago Fontana’s dazzling narration. Fontana and King together show that evil has many voices.
5 min
1596
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT BOOKS by...
This audiobook overflows with insights for book lovers. Professor Leah Price shares entertaining anecdotes that shed light on our complicated relationship with books. Elisabeth Rogers’s eloquent narration suits this revelatory audiobook.
4 min
1597
DAD'S MAYBE BOOK by Tim O'Brien, read by Tim O'...
A memoir, tribute, and collection of advice from author Tim O’Brien to his sons. His gravelly delivery and tone of love shine through in this audiobook. We are all the better for getting to know the thoughts and experiences of this eclectic author.
4 min
1598
TALKING TO STRANGERS by Malcolm Gladwell, read ...
How can we bridge social divides? Malcolm Gladwell is a fabulous narrator of his latest audiobook exploring factors that impact our interactions with strangers. Listen to hear Gladwell and the voices of his interview subjects, police audio, and more.
4 min
1599
HERE WE ARE by Aarti Namdev Shahani, read by Aa...
A beautifully narrated memoir about family from NPR’s Aarti Shahani. Shahani’s family moved from Casablanca to the U.S. when she was a baby, and after initial struggles, her family finds success. That all comes crashing down when her father is imprisoned.
5 min
1600
AN AMERICAN SUNRISE by Joy Harjo, read by Joy H...
Poet Laureate of the United States Joy Harjo performs her work with passion and music. The poetry collection centers on the many trails of tears, from those of her Cherokee and Muscogee ancestors to those of Central American natives today.
5 min