Unleashing the Power of Audiobooks: 15 Must-Listen Recommendations for Book Lovers

I  know a lot of you are already huge audiobook fans,  but especially now as a lot of people are going back to work, commuting again, or some enjoying long walks and want something to listen to, there are so many reasons why a lot of people are looking for new audiobooks at the moment.

I have put together my list of the best Audiobooks of all time. These all go above and beyond and show off what makes audiobooks so amazing. And I’ve genres in here so there should be something for everyone.

Before we get into it let’s settle on the most commonly asked question “Who has the best voice?” the tone, pace, and cadence of the narrator make a huge difference when listening to audiobooks and that is why I always use Audible as there are often multiple narrators available. If I was pressed to answer the question “Who is the best audiobook narrator?” I would have to say that it would be Jim Dale, as he narrated the Harry Potter audiobooks which have a soft spot in my heart.

Without further ado here is my list of the best audiobooks of all time.

“The Lamplighters” by Emma Stonex is a must-listen for audiobook enthusiasts. With exceptional performances by Indira Varma, known for her roles in “Luther” and “Game of Thrones,” and Tom Burke, famous for his appearances in “The Crown,” “War and Peace,” and “Mank,” you are in for a treat.
This mystery novel is not your ordinary audiobook experience. It transports you to a dreamlike world with its poetic and enchanting storyline about three missing lighthouse keepers and the women they leave behind. The narrators will keep you on the edge of your seat with their immersive delivery, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the story. Expect to feel a sense of tension and claustrophobia as you become fully immersed in this captivating audiobook.

“Kololo Hill” by Neema Shah is a heart-warming and emotionally charged audiobook narrated by the talented Aysha Kala, known for her work in numerous audiobooks. Aysha has a unique gift for bringing stories to life and bringing characters to the forefront.
This book tells the story of a Ugandan Asian family who, after being exiled from Uganda, must start over in England and navigate their new surroundings where they know no one and question their sense of belonging. This moving tale will have you on an emotional rollercoaster, and you may just find yourself moved to tears by its powerful message.

“Confessions of a 40-Something F-Up” by Alexandra Potter is a hilarious and touching audiobook narrated by the talented Sally Phillips. With her signature voice that many associate with her role as Shazza in “Bridget Jones,” Sally brings both humor and emotion to this story.
The book follows a 40-something woman who feels like her life is falling apart, but then finds solace in an unlikely friendship with an 80-year-old woman who also feels like a bit of a failure. Sally’s narration will have you laughing until you cry as you follow this relatable and heartwarming journey.

Another must-listen is “She Who Became the Sun” by Shelley Parker-Chan, a best-selling epic historical retelling narrated by the prolific Natalie Naudis. This dazzling and captivating story of fate, glory, and destiny features queer characters, action, and will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you enjoyed “One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston, also narrated by Natalie, you’ll love “She Who Became the Sun.”

“Circus of Wonders” by Elizabeth Mcneal is a captivating audiobook narrated by the talented Tuppence Middleton, known for her roles in “Downton Abbey,” “Sense8,” and “War and Peace.” Her gorgeous voice brings to life the story of a young girl sold into a circus, who must fight to reclaim her body and her own story.
For fans of celebrity narrators, “His and Hers” by Alice is another must-listen, narrated by another well-known performer. This book promises to be just as engaging and thought-provoking as “Circus of Wonders.”

“Feeney” by Alice Feeney is a gripping thriller that is elevated by the captivating narration of Richard Armitage and Stephanie Racine. If you’re a fan of Richard’s voice, then this audiobook is a must-listen. With its twisty-turny plot about an ex-couple accusing each other of murder, you’ll find yourself hoping for traffic delays just so you can keep listening a bit longer. This audiobook is soon to be adapted for TV, so be sure to get in on the hype before it hits the screens.

If you’re a newcomer to the world of audiobooks and looking for a great narrator, consider checking out Kristin Atherton who narrates Genevieve Cogman’s ‘The Invisible Library.’ She’s a fan-favorite and her recent re-recording of the entire series is sure to entice listeners to dive in. With a unique blend of fantasy and parallel universes, the story follows dragon-slaying spies in search of rare books.
For those interested in non-fiction, don’t miss out on John Cooper Clark’s memoir ‘I Wanna Be Yours’ narrated by the icon himself in his unmistakable voice. With a career that spans across rockstar, punk poet, TV presenter and national treasure, Clark has plenty of fascinating stories to share, and listeners won’t be disappointed by the many five-star reviews.

“Brown Baby” by Nikesh Shukla is narrated by Himesh Patel, known for his roles in “Eastenders” and “Yesterday.” In this memoir, Patel brings to life Shukla’s experiences of raising his daughters in a world plagued by racism, sexism, and the looming threat of climate change. Through the audiobook, listeners will be able to hear Shukla’s journey as he strives to prepare his daughters for these challenges while still filling their childhood with hope, joy, and optimism. Additionally, the audiobook also includes extracts from Shukla’s “Brown Baby” podcast, which features guest speakers such as Nadya Hussein, making for a unique and enjoyable listening experience.

Gabriel  Byrne reads his autobiography Walking With Ghosts. So Gabriel Byrne is an actor in movies like The Usual Suspects, TV shows like War of the  Worlds and honestly so many more. He is very very recognizable, so this memoir takes us back to his childhood growing up in the outskirts of Dublin,   dreaming at that time of becoming a priest,  until he was expelled and discovered a love for the cinema and how it let him escape into other worlds. And his narration is honestly amazing.   He is such a good storyteller and he’s got this really lovely lyrical voice and a gorgeous Irish accent.

What White People Can Do Next by Emma Dabiri is a must-listen for anyone looking to take action towards racial justice. It’s a concise, yet powerful essay, narrated by the author with a heartfelt tone that inspires and motivates you to bring about real change. With a runtime of just over three hours, this audiobook is a quick and impactful listen.

Broken by Jenny Lawson, narrated by the author herself, is a personal and raw memoir about her experiences with depression. Despite the heavy topic, the audiobook is both honest and humorous, and the author’s narration will make you feel like you’re spending time with a friend. In addition to the exclusive bonus chapter, the audiobook also features cameo appearances by Jenny’s cats, making it a truly unique listening experience.

Wild Child, written and narrated by the talented teenage naturalist, Dara McAnulty, offers an immersive experience with its full soundscape featuring the sounds of birds, wind, and water. If you’re a fan of the TV show All Creatures Great and Small, you will love this audiobook. Speaking of which, All Creatures Great and Small, based on James Herriot’s memoirs, is narrated by Nicholas Ralph, the star of the TV show. The classic story follows the journey of a vet in the 1930s who deeply loved animals and writes beautifully about rural life.

For animal lovers, the audiobooks of Classic Dog Stories and Classic Cat Stories are must-listens. These anthologies, read by a fantastic cast of narrators such as Lorelei King, Gordon Kennedy, and Imogen Church, offer a collection of classic tales about dogs and cats. You can even listen to these with your furry friends.

If you’re new to audiobooks, we’ve got a video on tips to help you get started. And if you’re a seasoned audiobook listener, feel free to share your favorite themes in the comments section. We’re always on the lookout for more recommendations to share.