Behind the Mic With Kirkus Reviews

Jack and Kate are two Black teens who hit it off at a party after a very cute meet cute. They fall into a whirlwind romance… and then Kate dies. The story could end there, but Jack somehow jumps back in time to when he first met Kate, and he discovers a chance to do it all again. And when Kate dies again, it all starts over once more. Nile Bullock’s welcoming, youthful voice guides listeners throu...

Maisie Dobbs and Orlagh Cassidy have taken listeners through the aftermath of WWI and into The Blitz. In her fifteenth mystery, Maisie is facing grueling nights driving ambulances and working to save those bombed across London and the countryside, while also working as a private investigator. When a young American newscaster is killed in her own apartment — and not by a bomb — Scotland Yard puts M...

The subtitle says it all: “Bathtub Dining, Family Screams, and Other Hacks from the Parenting Trenches.” If you’re a parent and find yourself stuck in a rut, this audiobook is sure to get you out of it — and make you laugh out loud. Hillary Frank’s podcast “The Longest Shortest Time” has helped many parents get through the early years, and this book compiles some of the best and weirdest advice su...

Celebrated audiobook narrators Suzanne Toren and Tavia Gilbert join us for a bonus episode to share their experiences narrating a wide range of history written by and about women. From biographies and memoirs to audiobooks that focus on a pivotal moment in women’s history—like finally getting the right to vote—Suzanne and Tavia talk about the emotional journeys they have taken with these books and...

In a haze of heartbreak, Ella buys a one-way ticket to Paris, embarking on a pilgrimage of cheese and wine . . . and love. Does she keep her bet to taste every type of French cheese in one year? There are 365. Deliciously entertaining listening. Published by Blackstone Audio. Read the full review of FROMAGE À TROIS at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for Audi...

A memoir from fashion designer and television personality Mizrahi recounts the challenges of growing up gay in 1960s Brooklyn in a Syrian-Jewish Orthodox family. As Mizrahi winds his way through his story, which ranges from lack of confidence to career highs, the warmth in both his voice and his writing creates a singularly satisfying listening experience. Published by Macmillan Audio Read the ful...

Sinise draws on his experience as an actor and audiobook narrator to deliver his own intriguing story. He tells of his struggle to find his place in the acting world and how he was inspired to give back to the men and women who serve in the U.S. military and to first responders. Listen with a box of tissues, and enjoy the twists and turns that brought Sinise to war zones and, eventually, the White...

The books that inspired the hit animated movies! Could you pass through a dragon initiation program to become a full member of the Hairy Hooligan Viking Tribe? This children’s title, the first in an epic series, is wild, silly fun for a whole family of listeners. David Tennant, perhaps best known for his role as the Doctor, brings a slew of Scottish accents to this high-spirited romp. This author-...

Women divers from a small island off the coast of South Korea were the breadwinners in their families, going after valuable and dangerous catches. An evocative tale of two best friends whose bonds are both strengthened and tested over decades by forces beyond their control, See’s novel includes little-known incidents in Korean history from the 1930s into the 21st century. Published by Simon & Schu...

A new collection of essays from celebrated writer Toni Morrison moves from the aftermath of 9/11 to MLK to James Baldwin. She takes on current issues—from what defines a “foreigner” to racial issues and fascism. Inspiring and intellectual, these essays, speeches, and mediations can be savored by listeners for a long time. Narrator Bahni Turpin gives the works full power. Published by Random House...

Walter Mosley, the author of the acclaimed Easy Rawlins mysteries, knows the creative writing process. His well-ordered, straightforward “how to” tips offer a safety net for cautious novice writers. The tone overall is educational—it imparts knowledge and inspires listeners to action. Narrator Dion Graham captures it perfectly. Published by Hachette Audio. Read the full review of THIS YEAR YOU WRI...

Ojibwe author Treuer deeply researched a work that greatly expands our knowledge of Native American history. We hear the histories and first-person accounts of indigenous people of North America that provide uncompromising accounts of the oppression and violence tribes have experienced. Published by Penguin Audio. Read the full review of THE HEARTBEAT OF WOUNDED KNEE at audiofilemagazine.com. For...

Elsey, a painter and married mother living in China, has taken to drinking instead of creating art. Urged by her husband to find help, she attends a yoga retreat and discovers many truths, not the least of which about herself. Cassandra Campbell gives a finely tuned narration. Published by Random House Audio. Read the full review of ELSEY COME HOME at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook...

College friends Wynn and Jack are lifelong outdoorsmen. The pair set out on a canoe trip in northern Canada, but instead of the leisurely paddling and nights of stargazing, the trip takes dangerous turn. They encounter a wildfire, and their safety and survival take center stage. Mark Deakins turns in a Earphones Award performance. Published by Random House Audio. Read the full review of THE RIVER...

An angel and a demon form an alliance to postpone the Apocalypse. Humor and wordplay know no bounds in this absurdly delightful comedy. The 1990 original collaboration between authors Gaiman and Pratchett has spawned a single-voice narration by Martin Jarvis and a dramatized adaptation with a full cast, and soon will debut as a streaming series. Published by Harper Audio (single voice), and BBC Wo...

The irrepressible Flavia de Luce is at it again, as the young sleuth is presented with a new mystery to solve—this one at her sister Ophelia’s wedding. Jayne Entwistle has delighted listeners with her portrait of Flavia, her querulous sisters, and the colorful characters of her English village for ten audiobooks—and never disappoints. Published by Random House Audio. Read the full review of THE GO...

An alluring adaptation of the classic tale “Beauty and the Beast,” told from the point of view of the Beast. Jim Dale, narrator of the Harry Potter series, knows his magic and richly enlivens this full-length fantasy with extraordinary storytelling. Published by Penguin Audio Read the full review of THE BEAST'S HEART at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for Au...

The unforgiving Australian Outback is the setting for a riveting mystery about the death of a son in ranching family. Richly drawn characters and the slow unfolding of clues are brilliantly presented. The collaboration between author Jane Harper (THE DRY) and narrator Stephen Shanahan gives unstoppable listening. Published by Macmillan Audio. Read the full review of THE LOST MAN at audiofilemagazi...

An account of the Russian women in World War II who were combat pilots fighting against Nazi Germany. Pioneer aviator and adventurer Maria Roskova trained three regiments of female aviators and inspired the ranks of “1000 sisters.” Written for teens by Elizabeth Wein, author of CODE NAME VERITY. Published by Harper Audio. Read the full review of A THOUSAND SISTERS at audiofilemagazine.com. For mor...

Narrator Julia Whelan brought home the 2019 Audie Awards for Best Female Narrator and Autobiography/Memoir for her narration of Tara Westover’s EDUCATED, a memoir that has spent over a year on the New York Times bestseller list. In our interview with Julia, she reflects on narrating this intense memoir of Westover’s childhood spent in a traditionalist and isolationist family. Plus, Julia shares in...

Journey to the land of the Vikings with this Romance winner of the 2019 Audie Award. Greg Patmore narrates Olivia Norem’s HIS VIKING BRIDE, and listeners will vividly imagine icy seas and raucous laughter thanks to his atmospheric narration. This audiobook also won an AudioFile Earphones Award for its lively narration. Published by Olivia Norem. Read the full review of HIS VIKING BRIDE at audiofil...

In Elizabeth George’s THE PUNISHMENT SHE DESERVES, a crime shakes a quiet, historic town in England. The audiobook, narrated by Simon Vance, took home the 2019 Audie Award for Mystery. It’s the 20th in the Detective Inspector Thomas Lynly series, and Vance is a rock star performing this complex and multifaceted murder mystery with a gaggle of characters. As our reviewer says, “A delightful puzzle,...

Congratulations go to Edoardo Ballerini for being named Best Male Narrator 2019 Audie Awards for his narration of WATCHERS by Dean Koontz. Follow Edoardo into the woods and discover a world of genetic experiments and creatures with enhanced intelligence. Edoardo brings the suspense in a new recording of this 1987 thriller. Hear a sample and learn why it’s a winner. Published by Brilliance Audio. R...

Julia Whelan brings home the 2019 Audie Award for Best Female Narrator for her work on EDUCATED by Tara Westover — an audiobook which also won for Best Autobiography/Memoir last night. Julia truly gives an exceptional performance of this harrowing memoir. Westover was raised in rural Idaho with no schooling, no record of her birth, no access to doctors, and a father who distrusted the government....

Which audiobook will win the coveted Audiobook of the Year recognition in the 2019 Audie Awards? Six fascinating audiobooks are up for the honor, and in today’s episode we’re highlighting two of them: AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE and BEASTIE BOYS BOOK. The Audie Awards are tonight, so be sure and tune in tomorrow to learn who took home the medal, and listen all week for our special coverage of the 2019 Au...