Find the best audio books to listen to in 2026 with our guide to the Best Audiobooks. From thrillers and heartwarming stories to epic fantasies and memoirs, this list has something for every reader.
Best Audio Books to Listen to in 2026
Looking for some great new audio books to listen to in 2026? Look no further! Our guide to the Best Audiobooks features a curated selection of highly rated and entertaining books we read that are sure to keep you engaged from start to finish.
Don’t waste any more time searching for the perfect audiobook – this guide to the Best Audiobooks has got you covered. Simply choose your next listen from Amy’s list and settle in for an unforgettable book listing experience.
My list has grown to over 19 books now! I keep updating and adding to it when I find new and amazing audiobooks! Bookmark this page and check back often. Let me know your favorite books in the comments below. Thanks & Enjoy!
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If you need a way to listen to books, we suggested trying Audible. Get a free trial of Audible Plus.
Our Favorite Audiobooks
From psychological thrillers and historical fiction to epic fantasies and thought-provoking memoirs, this list has something for every reader. Whether you’re a fan of fiction or nonfiction, there’s sure to be a book on this list that will capture your attention and keep you coming back for more.
But that’s not all – this guide also includes helpful summaries of each book, so you can get a sense of what they’re about before committing to a listen.
Fourth Wing
One of my favorite book series was Fourth Wing! Fourth Wing is the first book in a series by New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros and an amazingly fun journey into the world of a war college for dragon riders.
Violet Sorrengail, initially destined for a quiet life immersed in books, finds herself thrust into the cutthroat competition to become an elite dragon rider in the war-torn land of Navarre. Hindered by her petite stature and fragile constitution, she faces the deadly challenge of bonding with dragons notorious for incinerating humans. Amidst the fierce competition, betrayal, and the looming threat of a kingdom in peril, Violet must navigate a perilous path at Basgiath War College, where survival is the ultimate measure of success, and the shadows conceal a potentially devastating secret.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
“Remarkably Bright Creatures” is such a FUN book to listen to. The voice of the octopus is amazing! A must listen to.
Tova Sullivan works the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Project Hail Mary
“Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir is a thrilling and highly entertaining audiobook that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This sci-fi tale follows the story of Ryland Grace, an astronaut who wakes up on a spacecraft with no memory of how he got there. As Ryland tries to piece together what happened, he realizes that he is the last hope for saving humanity from an impending disaster.
With its fast-paced plot and engaging characters, Project Hail Mary is a great audiobook you won’t want to end! I normally don’t like Science fiction, but this book was amazing and I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to listen to something new.
The Lincoln Highway
“The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles is a captivating and beautifully written book that takes the listener on a journey through time and space. This novel follows the story of a group of travelers who embark on a road trip along the historic Lincoln Highway, exploring the beauty and complexity of the American landscape along the way.
With richly detailed settings and well-developed characters, The Lincoln Highway is a must-listen for fans of historical fiction and road trip stories.
Theo of Golden
If you are wanting the best feel good book, “Theo of Golden” is my new favorite pick! I enjoyed this one so very much.
Theo visits the local coffeehouse, where ninety-two pencil portraits hang on the walls, portraits of the people of Golden done by a local artist. He begins purchasing them, one at a time, and putting them back in the hands of their “rightful owners.” With each exchange, a story is told, a friendship born, and a life altered.
Atmosphere
I’m not a thriller book person, but this book is now one of my favorite books of all time. I highly recommend giving “Atmosphere” a listen!
Joan Goodwin is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s space shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.
Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates. As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe.
Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, it all changes in an instant.
The Midnight Library
“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig is a magical and thought-provoking audiobook that will transport listeners to a world of infinite possibilities. This novel tells the story of Nora, a woman who finds herself in the Midnight Library, a place where she can explore all the different paths her life could have taken. As Nora travels through the shelves of the library, she must confront the choices she has made and the regrets that have haunted her.
The Midnight Library is a must-listen for anyone looking for a fun and inspiring escape. It’s the perfect book for anyone needing a little magic in their lives.
Theft of Swords
If you’re in the mood for a fantasy adventure filled with humor, “Theft of Swords” is the audiobook series for you. This exciting tale is the first book in the Riyria Revelations series that follows the misadventures of Royce and Hadrian, two skilled thieves who are coerced into taking on a seemingly impossible heist. As they navigate the dangerous world of nobles and assassins, the duo discovers that nothing is as it seems and that the stakes are much higher than they could have imagined.
Theft of Swords is a must-listen for fans who love magic, adventure and lovable characters with a sense of humor. Believe me, after listening to this book, you won’t be able to wait to listen to the rest of the series for more adventures with Royce and Hadrian!
The Name of the Wind
“The Name of the Wind” is book 1 in the Kingkiller Chronicles. This mesmerizing audiobook tells the story of Kvothe, a young orphan with a gift for magic and a thirst for revenge. As Kvothe journeys from a life on the streets to enrollment at a prestigious school of magic, he must confront the demons of his past and the dark forces that threaten to destroy him.
With its captivating narrative and complex characters, The Name of the Wind is a must-listen for fans of books such as Harry Potter or Game of Thrones. Kick back, grab your favorite pair of headphones, and let Kvothe’s tale transport you to a world of magic and adventure.
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The Wedding People
The Wedding People begins as Phoebe Stone arrives alone at the grand Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, wearing a green dress and gold heels—no bags, no wedding invite. Everyone assumes she’s part of the big wedding being hosted at the inn, but she’s the only guest who isn’t. Once meant to be a romantic trip with her husband, Phoebe’s visit has become a last-ditch splurge at rock bottom. The bride has planned for every mishap—except Phoebe. And neither woman expects the surprising connection that follows.
This was one of my favorite audio books! I enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the film.
The Nightingale
“The Nightingale” is one of my favorite books of all time! It’s an unforgettable tale of two women, Vianne and her younger sister Isabelle, and their courageous story during World War II. I was so sad when this book was over, I never wanted it to end! This audio book is a must listen to, it will keep you spell bound until the very end.
The Rose Code
“The Rose Code” by Kate Quinn is a captivating and beautifully written audiobook that transports listeners to the tumultuous world of World War II England. This novel follows the story of three young women who are recruited to work at Bletchley Park, the top-secret codebreaking facility that played a vital role in the war effort. As the women struggle to balance their personal lives with the demands of their work, they also form deep bonds of friendship and support.
The Rose Code is a must-listen for fans of historical fiction and strong female protagonists. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great audiobook.
Hello, Molly!
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming and hilarious book, “Hello, Molly!: A Memoir” is definitely worth a listen. This audiobook tells the story of one of my favorite cast members from Saturday Night Live, Molly Shannon. The stories of her childhood and how she got to New York City with dreams of making it big as a performer are so fun. “Hello, Molly!” is a delightful listen that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. You’ll love Molly even more after listening to her positive thoughts for life.
Tina Fey Bossypants
I also loved Tina Fey’s audiobook “Bossypants“. She is a great storyteller and her book is SO GOOD!
Before Liz Lemon, before “Weekend Update,” before “Sarah Palin,” Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV.
She has seen both these dreams come true. Tina Fey reveals all, and proves what we’ve always suspected: you’re no one until someone calls you bossy.
Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography
I you love Rob Lowe, then “Stories I Only Tell My Friends” is the coolest book! I loved hearing his behind the scenes stories from The Outsiders and growing up in Malibu during the 1970’s along with many other iconic actors. Rob has the BEST Hollywood stories! This is a must listen to as he has a great voice.
The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There
“The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There” is a delightful and entertaining audiobook that takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most beloved TV shows of all time. In this book, Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer, who played Angela and Pam on “The Office,” share their experiences working on the show and their close friendship that developed as a result.
Dungeon Crawler Carl – Book 1
The “Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure” book SHOCKED me that I loved it SO MUCH! It had so many 5 star reviews that I gave it a listen and so happy that I did. This is one of the FUNNIEST audiobook productions I’ve ever listened to. You HAVE To listen to this book. The voices are hilarious and you’ll laugh out loud. I enjoyed this entire series and can’t wait for more!
The apocalypse will be televised! A man. His ex-girlfriend’s cat. A sadistic game show unlike anything in the universe: a dungeon crawl where survival depends on killing your prey in the most entertaining way possible.
In a flash, every human-erected construction on Earth – from Buckingham Palace to the tiniest of sheds – collapses in a heap, sinking into the ground.
The buildings and all the people inside have all been atomized and transformed into the dungeon: an 18-level labyrinth filled with traps, monsters, and loot. A dungeon so enormous, it circles the entire globe.
Only a few dare venture inside. But once you’re in, you can’t get out. And what’s worse, each level has a time limit. You have but days to find a staircase to the next level down, or it’s game over. In this game, it’s not about your strength or your dexterity. It’s about your followers, your views. Your clout. It’s about building an audience and killing those goblins with style.
You can’t just survive here. You gotta survive big. They call it Dungeon Crawler World. But for Carl, it’s anything but a game.
Verity
If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced and twisty thriller, “Verity” by Colleen Hoover is definitely worth a listen. This book follows the story of Lowen, a struggling writer who is hired by Verity, a bestselling author with a dark past, to complete the manuscript for her next novel. As Lowen delves deeper into Verity’s story, she discovers that nothing is as it seems and that the lines between fiction and reality are blurrier than she ever could have imagined.
Verity will keep you guessing until the very end. I’m not a huge thriller book fan, but I loved the writing of this book and thought it was a fun and engaging listen. If you love psychological thrillers, this book is for you!
It was a lot of fun to hear their voices as they told their stories and to learn about the real-life moments of friendship and camaraderie that took place on set. Overall, The Office BFFs is a must-listen for fans of the show who want to get a closer look at the magic that made it such a hit.
Daisy Jones and the Six
Music lovers will definitely want to give “Daisy Jones and the Six” a listen. This novel tells the story of a fictional rock band in the 1970s and the tumultuous relationship between its lead singer, Daisy, and the band’s lead guitarist, Billy. Filled with raw and authentic characters, this book is a captivating look at the behind-the-scenes drama of the music industry and the personal struggles of its players. This was a fun listen and was turned into a streaming series!
Start Listening Today!
If you need a way to listen to books, we suggested trying Audible. Get a free trial of Audible Plus.
Want more great audiobook suggestions?
Check out our favorite Historical Fiction Audiobooks here.
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