Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine
Find your next great audiobook on our podcast, Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine. Every Monday through Friday, AudioFile Editors recommend the best in audiobook listening. All in 6 minutes or less. It’s short, sweet, and just what your ears need. Want more? Listen to our bonus episodes featuring conversations with the best voices in the audiobook industry.
1826
THE TANGLED TREE by David Quammen, read by Jacq...
Do you like science? If so, you’re in luck! David Quammen’s latest audiobook is a deep dive into what makes us—us. THE TANGLED TREE introduces molecular phylogenetics, which completely changed our understanding of the evolutionary “tree of life.”
5 min
1827
FRESH INK by Lamar Giles [Ed.], read by Guy Loc...
A full cast presents this YA anthology published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books. Well-loved authors including Jason Reynolds and Nicola Yoon write compelling stories read by some of the best narrators out there. Perfect weekend listening.
5 min
1828
MARY B by Katherine J. Chen, read by Marisa Calin
The perfect audiobook for Jane Austen lovers who are willing to think past tidy Happily Ever After endings. Marisa Calin brings a refreshing voice to this feminist tale of the plain and “unlovely” Mary, the middle Bennet sister of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.
5 min
1829
NATE EXPECTATIONS by Tim Federle, read by Tim F...
Discover the wholly satisfying conclusion to Tim Federle’s award-winning middle-grade series loved by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Federle gives voice to Nate’s vibrancy and insecurities as he tries to make a place for himself in high school and come out as gay.
4 min
1830
TRANSCRIPTION by Kate Atkinson, read by Fenella...
“Kate Atkinson has no match for atmosphere,” says narrator Fenella Woolgar, and we wholeheartedly agree. Juliet Armstrong has been recruited to transcribe traitorous secrets from fascist sympathizers in WWII Britain, and things quickly get complicated.
5 min
1831
FINDING LANGSTON by Lesa Cline-Ransome, read by...
This is middle grade historical fiction at its best. Dion Graham reads with a light Southern drawl in an immersive performance. Listen as 11-year-old Langston and his father adjust to life in Chicago, bringing a story of the Great Migration to life.
4 min
1832
LIVE LONG AND... by William Shatner, David Fish...
Listen in as William Shatner talks Star Trek, aging, and his Hollywood world in the memoir he calls “Live Long and dot dot dot.” AudioFile editors enjoyed his authentic audiobook, a humorous, easy listen that will entertain you.
3 min
1833
DAY OF THE DEAD by Nicci French, read by Beth C...
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.
4 min
1834
PLANETSIDE by Michael Mammay, read by R.C. Bray
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.
4 min
1835
WILD FIRE by Ann Cleeves, read by Kenny Blyth
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.
4 min
1836
STILL LIVES by Maria Hummel, read by Tavia Gilbert
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.
3 min
1837
VOX by Christina Dalcher, read by Julia Whelan
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.
3 min
1838
CRAZY RICH ASIANS by Kevin Kwan, read by Lynn Chen
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.
3 min
1839
PIECES OF HER by Karin Slaughter, read by Kathl...
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.
2 min
1840
THE PRISON LETTERS OF NELSON MANDELA by Nelson ...
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.
3 min
1841
THE GREAT BELIEVERS by Rebecca Makkai, read by ...
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.
3 min
1842
LeVar Burton Interview
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.
19 min
1843
THE MIDDLEMAN by Olen Steinhauer read by Ari Fl...
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.
3 min
1844
THE OUTSIDER by Stephen King, read by Will Patton
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.
4 min
1845
HARBOR ME by Jacqueline Woodson, read by N'Jam...
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.
4 min
1846
THE OTHER WOMAN by Daniel Silva, read by George...
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.
4 min
1847
CLOCK DANCE by Anne Tyler, read by Kimberly Farr
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.
3 min
1848
ROBIN by Dave Itzkoff, narrated by Fred Berman ...
With a new documentary about Robin Williams just out, AudioFile reviews ROBIN by Dave Itzkoff, narrated by Fred Berman. The biography explores both the humor and the tragedy of the beloved comedian. Listen for an excerpt of this remarkable audiobook.
3 min
1849
THE GOOD NEIGHBOR by Maxwell King, read by LeVa...
LeVar Burton narrates THE GOOD NEIGHBOR by Maxwell King, a biography of Fred Rogers. LeVar, actor and host of the award-winning children’s series “Reading Rainbow,” warmly invites listeners into the life of the icon behind “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
3 min
1850
WHAT TO READ AND WHY by Francine Prose, read by...
Welcome to the launch of AudioFile Magazine's new podcast, Behind the Mic! Editors and reviewers from AudioFile Magazine give their recommendations for the best audiobook listening Monday through Friday.
5 min