2025 has taken us to space, back to the reaping, and even made us contemplate leaning out. Our editors have enthusiastically debated the best listens of the year (so far!), and now, with the help of your ratings and reviews, we're delighted to share our top 25 picks. While you'll see a range of genres, one thing these titles all have in common is brilliant performances that moved us, changed us and made it impossible to press pause. We can't wait to hear what the rest of 2025 will bring.
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Few writers can pull off morally grey anti-heros that you can’t help but love like Joe Abercrombie can, and The Devils may be his best yet. A fast-paced, gloriously bloody fantasy adventure tinged with Abercrombie’s signature dark humour, it takes place in an alternate version of our world, ripe with monsters and mayhem. Listeners already familiar with the author’s First Law series have rejoiced to hear Steven Pacey’s performance, and it’s hard to imagine any other voice for this motley crew of characters. Thank the devils this is only the first in the series. —Sam D., Audible Editor
Released in time for Sir David Attenborough’s 99th birthday and showcasing the broadcaster’s iconic voice alongside Colin Butfield’s equally engaging narration, this listen shines as a significant addition to the repertoire of a true audio legend. Ocean spans the seven seas—plus a century’s worth of personal insights—to examine the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. Ultimately, it immerses listeners in the nostalgic comfort of a nature documentary, with a splash of optimism for future conservation efforts, making it a perfect vessel for exploring urgent global issues without spiralling into an eddy of anxiety. —Haley H., Audible Editor
If you’re looking for your next favourite podcast, look no further than The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell. Featuring unfiltered conversations with trailblazing business leaders, sport legends and creative powerhouses at the top of their game, each episode goes far beyond the surface-level stories of success we’re all used to hearing. With award-winning producer Kenya Barris and bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell at the helm, listeners get unparalleled access to the insights and success stories of their guests, resulting in nine conversations that feel like master classes in ambition, creativity and perseverance. —Michael C., Audible Editor
This is a real “once you see it, you can’t unsee it” type of listen, with both the deprogramming power of a recovery memoir and the storytelling verve of the best narrative non-fiction. Renowned Dutch historian and Davos troublemaker Rutger Bregman is here to convince you—through a tour of pivotal historical moments when humans radically changed society for good—that the world also needs your talents, and it needs them now. His message is delivered with brutal honesty, a huge dose of optimism and perhaps just a dash of needed shaming (narrated by the aptly cast Dutch American voice actor Boris Hiestand). Bregman warns at the start of his book that you might actually regret listening, because "once you put it down, you might just have to change your life." If that’s not a dare, I don’t know what is. —Emily C., Audible Editor
Check out our interview with Rutger Bregman.
I Love You, Byeee, the follow-up to the bestselling Ramble Book, sees Adam Buxton in rare form. With his trademark humour, Buxton delves into the days of The Adam & Joe Show and anecdotes from his years in the business of comedy. The audiobook delivers no shortage of laughs, but it’s not without its heartwarming moments as well. Buxton gets real about the challenges of parenting and shares his experience of losing his mother. For the fans, it’s the memoir you’ve wanted. And for the uninitiated, it’s a full-hearted and hilarious introduction. —Aaron S., Audible Editor
As politically sharp and utterly heartbreaking as the rest of the Hunger Games series, Sunrise on the Reaping reaffirms Suzanne Collins’s gift for dystopian world-building and complex character development. This prequel follows a teenaged Haymitch Abernathy as he is selected to participate in the second Quarter Quell, setting in motion his lifelong role in the rebellion. Actor Jefferson White (Yellowstone) brings the fan-favourite character to life with a warm, masterful narration that balances the longing and optimism of youth with a wry edge, his performance laying bare not only the deadly stakes of the Games but the undying promise of hope and love in spite of it all. —Alanna M., Audible Editor
Secret Sister is one of those twisty thrillers that messed with my head in the best possible way. Faye Mathis is a famous bestselling author facing early-onset dementia. When a photo of a confused woman who looks a lot like her starts making the rounds online, her life turns into a dizzying mix of paranoia and déjà vu. What follows is a tense, emotional ride through lost memories, hidden family secrets and the feeling of slowly losing control of your own life. The cast, led by Jessica Gunning, absolutely nails it. Perfect for anyone who loves unreliable narrators, with a side of what-the-heck-is-happening, Secret Sister is your next unpauseable listen. —Dawn G., Audible Editor
Grammar is magic in this fairy tale—but not the grammar you’re thinking of, the stuffy subject of our school days. In this story, grammar is the beauty and power of the way words meld together, play off one another and construe meaning. What makes it extra special in audio (especially as this is, first, a story about sisters) is original music performed by Amal El-Mohtar and her own sister, Dounya, with gorgeous vocals from narrator Gem Carmella. —Sam D., Audible Editor
Check out our interview with Amal El-Mohtar.
Writer Grady Green has good news to deliver to his wife. While he’s on the phone, he hears screeching brakes. He finds his wife’s car, but she’s not there. Grief-stricken and unable to write, he travels to a cottage on a small Scottish island. Hold on and stay tuned to the twists and turns and inhabitants on the island, where every now and then, Grady thinks he spots his wife. Everything seems so right, but there’s something in the air that’s so wrong. It might help if you have a taste for lamb. Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton turn in great and gritty performances. —Yvonne D., Audible Editor
Fans of Duncan Ferguson, Everton, the Rangers and football at large will of course be the obvious audience for this one. But I will shout down the house that this listen is not just for passionate football fans. Anyone who appreciates raw, vulnerable storytelling with an undercurrent of humour, a redemption arc and a dose of humility will love this. All the myriad reviewers are praising Ferguson's honesty, and that truly is what makes this memoir so incredibly special. You can hear the fear in his voice as he recounts his time in Barlinnie Prison, you sense his sheepishness as he narrates some of his wilder escapades, and throughout it all, his immense charm comes roaring through. This is definitely a "listen, don't read" type of book. —Emily C., Audible Editor
This pitch-perfect book arrived in my library as if by divine force. Not my usual genre, I barely recall downloading it. All I know is that from the first words—“The farmer is dead”—and an unforgettable incident involving a small boy, his dog and some sheep, Broken Country held me spellbound (and sobbing). Clare Leslie Hall spins a story that’s part circle, due to the brilliant cyclical nature of its alternating timelines, and part triangle: the love kind. Beth is torn between a formative old flame and her adoring husband, while two children and twin tragedies complicate matters enormously. Like the plot, Hattie Morahan’s narration is flawless, from explosive start to gut-punching finish—and just like that, I’m crying again. —Kat J., Audible Editor
I was completely hooked by Leah Hazard's debut, The Anatomy of Us. At the centre is Dr. Becca Armitage, who struggles with depression after a devastating New Year's Eve shift in Edinburgh. When she meets the gorgeous Dr. Andrew Maitland, their romance gets complicated fast—both are hiding secrets and pretending to be someone they're not. I love how these two flawed characters navigate love while wrestling with their own demons. Jessie Buckley's narration brings such warmth to this perfectly balanced mix of humour and heartbreak. It’s an intimate, moving story about self-acceptance and love's beautiful messiness that left me thinking about authenticity and human connection long after I finished listening. —Tricia F., Audible Editor
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s talent is awe-inducing: both her ability to tell deeply human stories, and the research and detail that she pours into them. Atmosphere is no exception. Reid takes us to Houston in the 1980s amidst the first wave of women scientists and pilots for NASA’s space exploration programme. We watch our heroine Joan ascend from candidate to astronaut, fall in love and fight to keep that love when a mission goes south. This story had a vice grip on me, particularly the moving performances of Julia Whelan and Kristen DiMercurio (I’ve developed an obsession with their delivery in the last 10 minutes of the book). Atmosphere won’t let you go once you’ve entered its orbit. —Katie O., Audible Editor
From the brilliant Ruth Jones comes a witty and moving story of connection and late blooming. As Linda Standish heads into early retirement from her council’s Unclaimed Heirs Unit, she takes on one last investigation, tracking down the relatives of Levi Norman, a Welshman who spent his last five years on a remote Scottish island. Linda travels by hearse with her arch-nemesis, navigating helpful yet meddling locals while searching for clues about Levi's mysterious past. During her journey, Linda uncovers far more than Levi's story, finding unexpected friendships and hidden truths about herself. Jones delivers pure magic in her writing and her narration—every accent is spot-on, and every character is unforgettable. —Tricia F., Audible Editor
In a world where our mannerisms, words and personality can be so easily duplicated—is dead really dead? That’s the question this twisty, timely, slow-burn thriller wrestles with. From the first chapter, something ominous is afoot, and the tension only builds masterfully from there, thanks in no small part to the emotionally charged performances from actors Louise Brealey and David Tennant. Unpredictable and unputdownable, Him is exactly what I want in a psychological thriller. —Sam D., Audible Editor
Beth O’Leary had me happily lost at sea with Zeke and Lexi in Swept Away. The duo have a passionate one-night stand, which turns into an awkward morning after when they both think that the houseboat they stayed on belongs to them. But their true dilemma quickly presents itself: They’ve been swept out to sea during the night. This original twist on the “forced proximity” trope hooks you from the start, and you’re immediately wrapped up not just in the dynamic between the main characters but also their very serious predicament. Connor Swindells and Rebekah Hinds are delightful as Zeke and Lexi, and you’ll be thoroughly entertained through the satisfying (and twisty) ending. —Katie O., Audible Editor
There’s so much to be said about the character of Alan Partridge. It’s been 34 years since Steve Coogan debuted him at the sport desk on BBC Radio 4’s On the Hour. After countless appearances in radio, television and film, Partridge continues to win over fans, only these days it’s in the form of a podcast. Series 4 of From the Oasthouse delivers in every way you want it to as an Alan Partridge fan. He’s—how can I put this?—as Partridge-y as ever as he invites listeners into his real life as one of Norfolk’s most fascinating men. —Aaron S., Audible Editor
In the much-anticipated follow-up to Detransition, Baby, Torrey Peters delivers a collection of stories that interrogates everything we think we know about gender, queerness and binaries. The result is an audio experience that plays with form as much as content, combining stories of different lengths and styles with four unique performances from Lee Osorio, Briggon Snow, Eileen Noonan and Pyrrha Nicole. But Stag Dance is also a reminder that there’s more to us than just good or bad, forcing us to sit with the uncomfortable truths that come alongside living authentically—for better or for worse. —Michael C., Audible Editor
Check out our interview with Torrey Peters.
As a long-time follower of Mel Robbins, I can confidently say The Let Them Theory is her best listen yet. The audiobook's zen quality suggests Mel has reached a new level of personal growth. Her signature blend of relatable anecdotes and actionable advice is enhanced by a new-found depth and tranquility. Her fresh perspective on letting go is both enlightening and liberating, guiding listeners to tap into their internal approval systems. Mel's authentic narration and potentially transformative insights make this a timely tool for navigating life's complexities. It's no wonder it has resonated with millions. —Rachael X., Audible Editor
Check out our interview with Mel Robbins.
Who better to write about the art of divorce than Jeneva Rose? In The Perfect Divorce, Sarah Morgan is back with new husband Bob—both being successful divorce attorneys. Yep, you read that right. When their own marriage begins to unravel, it becomes a less than “amicable split” and more War of the Roses meets Legally Blonde with a dash of Gone Girl. It’s messy, twisty and undeniably addictive. What really sets this one apart is how fun it is—even as things spiral into chaos. The Perfect Divorce will have you binge-listening with a grin and possibly side-eyeing your spouse. Grab your popcorn (and maybe your prenup). You're in for a wild ride. —Dawn G., Audible Editor
Beautifully performed by the author himself, Queen James is a triumph in historical biography. Through meticulous research, Gareth Russell paints a vivid portrait of the Jacobean era and its court. Despite the political plots, religious turmoil and intense scheming of the time, Russell’s deeply human depiction of King James I explores how his life was ruled by passions, paranoia and love. But it’s not a narrow view of James’s romantic and political maneuverings either; it’s a well-rounded exploration of his legacy, which feels like it’s been hiding in plain sight for more than four centuries. —Michael C., Audible Editor
We at Audible already loved Emily Tesh for her jaw-dropping sci-fi about a space cult, Some Desperate Glory. So I was beyond excited that in The Incandescent Tesh explores one of my favourite realms of fiction: magical schools. It’s told from the perspective of the school’s headmaster, Director Walden, who is funny, practical and kind of a badass. Narrator Zara Ramm invokes the presence of Walden’s many sides, and it’s a real treat of a listen. The Incandescent is not to be missed for any and all fantasy fans. —Melissa B., Audible Editor
Jessica Townsend returns with the fourth book in her Nevermoor series, Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow. There’s a bit of fun to be had for every listener as young Morrigan Crow navigates her role as a scholar of the Wundrous Society within the magical city of Nevermoor. Her powers are proving hard to control, and she finds a mystery about her family that needs to be solved. With the help of her friends, she dives into the wealthy and mysterious Silver District to unearth the truth of her past. Powered by the colourful narration of Gemma Whelan, Morrigan Crow’s story continues to be a hit that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. —Melissa B., Audible Editor
Careless People is my hill to die on for this year's list. Sarah Wynn-Williams's riveting account of her time as Facebook's director of global public policy offers a rare glimpse into Silicon Valley's immature decision-making. This listen resonated deeply with me, exploring the unmet promises of the World Wide Web, the limits of good intentions and the grim side of "lean in" culture. Through compelling narration and honesty, Wynn-Williams crafts a book that is part corporate tell-all, part cautionary tale about unchecked ambition. Its timeliness, depth and personal impact solidify its position as one of the year's best, offering a unique perspective on tech's societal influence. —Rachael X., Audible Editor
Fundamentally is an audacious debut novel that immerses listeners in the knotty world of international aid through the eyes of an academic working with the UN in Iraq. Highlighting the often unnecessarily complex red tape of humanitarian work, it’s both poignant and thought-provoking, satirising serious themes like terrorism, religion and the challenges of deradicalisation with a humourous tone that still respects the weight of the subject. Author Nussaibah Younis's writing has a wry and witty style that is brilliantly performed by narrator Sarah Slimani. It's a wild ride that you definitely won't regret taking. —Michael C., Audible Editor
