It can be difficult to narrow the selection down with so many buzzy books hitting shelves every week, which is why I’ve turned to NetGalley member reviews for recommendations. Here’s a list of audiobooks that are already exciting me and NetGalley members alike. I predict you’ll be adding quite a few of these to your TBR!
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield, narrated by Annabel Baldwin and Robyn Holdaway
Julia Armfield’s debut explores the aftermath of a woman returning to her wife after a deep-sea mission left her stranded on the ocean floor. “Our Wives Under the Sea is an atmospheric, multilayered novel about grief, love, and the fine line between real life and the creatures that haunt our depths,” reviewer Elizabeth C writes. “It’s a strange and gorgeous and unsettling novel, by turns existential and creepy, romantic and heart-wrenching, and I really, deeply loved it—more than that, I felt it.”
The Black Girls Left Standing by Juliana Goodman, narrated by Ariel Blake
Juliana Goodman’s YA debut is a hit with educators on NetGalley. “This is a fantastic YA contemporary that includes issues of race, socioeconomic status, coming of age, changing relationships with friends and family, and an awareness of in/visibility,” says Sacha M. “I also fervently recommend the audiobook. The narration adds so much here. Goodman is definitely on my to-watch and to-read list, and I suggest that other YA lovers follow suit.”
Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier, narrated by Carla Vega
Reviewers have no shortage of good things to say about this mystery about a woman arrested for allegedly killing her husband. “Jennifer Hillier does it again!” Jessica S writes. “This was an unputdownable thriller with a unique storyline, intriguing characters, loads of suspense, and a mysterious atmosphere.” Allyson K highlighted Carla Vega’s performance, saying “I loved the narrator for this! I was kept engaged from start to finish.”
For You & No One Else by Roni Loren, narrated by Desiree Ketchum
Roni Loren’s latest kicks off with a viral meme that leads therapist Eliza Catalano to make a deal with her neighbor Beck Carter: She’ll stay off social media for half a year and Beck will show her how exciting life can be without it. “I can’t get enough of the Say Everything series and this final book did NOT disappoint!” Librarian Shannon O writes in a glowing review. “If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading these books you need to make it a priority to fix that as soon as possible! Great on audio, narrated by Desiree Ketchum and perfect for fans of authors like Helen Hoang or Rachel Lynn Solomon.”
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers, narrated by Em Grosland
Becky Chambers continues her Monk and Robot series with an installment that follows robot Mosscap on a mission to learn what humans truly need, with the help of Tea Monk Dex. Together the two travel the roads of their moon home, encountering people along the way who help expand their ideas of the lines that divide needs and wants. Reviewer Elizabeth C called the audio narration “excellent” in a rave review, adding, “[i]s there a more delightful, thought-provoking, and utterly healing series than Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot books? I contend not.”
What’s the last audiobook you read and loved?
