Are you wondering how to make the best use of your Audible subscription? Or perhaps you are looking for some great new productions to explore for yourself? Worry not, for you’ve come to the perfect place! We’re going to look at some of the best Audible original audiobooks in this article that not only feature a great story but are also narrated gorgeously.
Best Audible Originals!
For the uninitiated, Audible Originals refer to the titles that have been produced just for Audible and can’t be found anywhere else. So you can be sure that you’d be making the best use of your credits by purchasing audiobooks produced by Audible Studios and not available on any other platform. You can get Audible’s free trial π§ now and enjoy full “FREE” access to Audible Originals + up to 2 Premium Audiobook credits as well. Without any further delay, let’s get right into it!
1. Sherlock Holmes: The Voice of Treason by George Mann and Cavan Scott
Whether you’re a fan of the canonical texts by Conan Doyle or a fan of the numerous Holmes adaptations, this is an audiobook you’re sure to enjoy! A plot to kidnap Queen Victoria is underway, and only Holmes can do anything about it. A public engagement with the Queen approaches, and things can all go haywire very easily.
Moriarty is a natural suspect, but Holmes finds himself working alongside his arch-nemesis in a battle against time to stop everything from going wrong. Featuring a large cast of characters, with Nicholas Boulton as Sherlock Holmes, the audiobook drama keeps you enthralled with some splendid performances. The music score adds to the story and elevates the way you experience it. You can get the audiobook here! π§
2. The Jane Austen Collection
Austen’s works are known for their wit and humor while presenting vivid imagery of the Regency era. From her social commentary to her romantic dynamics, there are plenty of reasons to love her books. Not to mention her undeniable impact on English literature over the centuries that’s still visible today.
π RELATED ARTICLE: Best Jane Austenβs Pride and Prejudice Retellings!
Whether you’re a long-time admirer or a newbie to her works, this is a great audiobook to go for! Featuring incredible narrators such as Florence Pugh, Emma Thompson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and more, this audiobook adapts all of Austen’s novels while slightly changing them to suit the audio format better. A lovely musical soundtrack accompanies the narration, making way for a pleasant and exciting listening experience. You can get the audiobook here! π§
3. Summer of ’85 by Chris Morrow
On May 13th of, 1985, the Mayor of Philadelphia decided to bomb the headquarters of a controversial radical organization, a move that would destroy a thriving African-American neighborhood. Not just that, but the bombing would kill 11 members of the organization, including 5 children. Just two months later, a concert would be organized to raise money for victims of the Ethiopian famine.
This book is an attempt to thread together these two events and highlight the irony and hypocrisy of a city at its best and its worst. With extensive interviews, it looks at the history of the city and how it all led up to the eventual circumstances. Created by Chris Morrow and narrated by Kevin Hart, this is a well-researched, informative, and empathetic piece that will stay with you for a long time. Whether you’re a fan of works that delve into history or social dynamics, make sure to give this a listen! You can get the audiobook here! π§
4. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
This is the story of the titular character, Oliver Twist, set in 19th-century Britain. We follow Oliver, orphaned at birth and grew up in extreme poverty. He moves to better places thanks to his persistence and knack for adventure. And yet, life doesn’t stop throwing its challenges at him, and we follow Oliver through various twists and turns in this novel. An audio production like no other, this audiobook creates a three-dimensional listening experience that transports you to this classic Dickensian story right in the comfort of your home.
With a large and stellar cast of narrators, including Brian Cox, Daniel Kaluuya, and Nicola Coughlan, the performances create an enchanting adaptation that is cinematic while being true to the original text. The original music score by Dan Gillespie Sells is complemented perfectly, which sets the tone of every scene while elevating the tension. Whether you’ve read or listened to this popular classic before or whether you’re coming across it for the first time, you must not miss out on this audio production! You can get the audiobook here! π§
5. The Guilty by James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski
The mysterious creator of Broadway plays, Osmond Box, has come up with his latest production, but people have yet to learn what it is about. So when the gates of that first show close, those first viewers will be the ones to witness it first. But when the doors are opened, half of the audience runs away mortified while the other half applauds. What exactly happened behind those closed doors?
Two maestros in crime fiction come together for this audio production, together with a cast that boasts names like John Lithgow and Bryce Dallas Howard. The sound effects and music work together brilliantly to provide you with a Broadway-like experience just through audio, and the cast keeps immersed in the plot right till the end. If you’re up for a thrilling audiobook that’s also produced wonderfully, don’t forget to give this a listen! You can get the audiobook here! π§
6. Tell Me Lies by J. P. Pomare
Another thriller for you because not many things give you the kind of pleasure that a well-scripted and well-produced thriller can provide. A story that keeps knocking you off through its twists and turns and a climax that overshadows all of them, it follows Margot Scott, a psychologist living a perfect life. It all changes on one fateful day when she meets one of her patients at a train station.
Compulsive and engaging, you keep on guessing what’s to come next from there on, but the story is always a few steps ahead of you. Brilliantly narrated by Aimee Horne, the audiobook rendition takes the suspense and thrill up another notch as you hang on to word after word. Make sure you have plenty of time in your hand when you start this because it’ll be almost impossible to stop once you enter this rollercoaster of a ride. You can get the audiobook here! π§
7. The Demon Next Door by Bryan Burrough
We often tend to glorify serial killers intentionally or otherwise. It’s almost as if we’re fascinated by the gruesomeness of their lives, the horrors of their actions. Bryan came to know that his high school classmate, Danny Corwin, was a dangerous serial killer who raped six women and killed three of them. This is not his story but of how we, as a society, tend to go about such people.
Through this original, he raises some important questions, such as if we can identify people such as Corwin before they commit their crimes and if there’s any practical way to rehabilitate them afterward. Not just the audiobook also looks at the state, its politics, and the power games that helped create a monster such as Danny. Steve White complements Burrough’s writing splendidly, striking a balance between managing the barbarity of the report while also keeping the narration engaging. You can get the audiobook here! π§
8. Chase Darkness With Me by Billy Jensen
The number of unsolved crimes out there is staggering. This also means that scores of killers and criminals are on the loose, never caught and punished. After the death of a close friend, journalist Billy Jensen was finally fed up with all the unsolved mysteries. A 15-year career in crime journalism meant he’d seen many crimes going unpunished; the perpetrators never brought to justice. This book closely chronicles his pursuit of murderers and crimes beyond the point where the police left them.
Narrated by Billy himself, this audiobook is one compulsive journey through some of the darkest places on this planet. He takes you through the various cases he’s solved in his crusade to bring justice to the victims and their families. Whether you’re a true crime aficionado, a lover of mysteries or even someone who’s fascinated by the human psyche, Billy Jensen will keep you on the edge of your seats throughout this narrative. You can get the audiobook here! π§
9. The Man Who Knew the Way to the Moon by Todd Zwillich
This is the story of a mid-level engineer at NASA who played a critical role in the success of Apollo 11 and helped humanity reach the moon for the first time. While top scientists wanted to use one giant spacecraft to reach the moon, as often seen in popular culture, John C. Houbolt was adamant about using two linked spacecraft to reach the celestial body. And it was this idea that eventually helped the mission be successful.
Interesting and comprehensive, Zwillich brings this forgotten legend’s story to the forefront, paying him his dues. It’s particularly the way he simplifies the most technical details that are so fascinating to listen to. He narrates the book himself and gives a stellar and engaging performance that keeps you hooked to the book. If you’re someone interested in astrophysics or the history of science, this is one audiobook you must check out! You can get the audiobook here! π§
10. Alien III by William Gibson
While the official Alien 3 movie received a lukewarm response from both the audience and critics, the original script by William Gibson has gained cult status over the years. The story symbolizes where the original franchise could have gone. This Audible Original production was created on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Aliens franchise and even features Michael Biehn and Lance Henriksen, who reprise their roles from the franchise.
This immersive experience is a treat to listen to, even more so if you’re a fan of the movies. But there’s a summarisation of the backstory so newcomers to the universe won’t feel lost. The added sound effects and music create a cinematic production that thrills and terrifies in equal measure. Gibson creates a story that’s true to the tonality and lore of the original story while being an entertaining and satisfying sequel. You can get the audiobook here! π§
11. Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
Travel to Neverland with immortal characters such as Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, and more! This production of the classic by JM Barrie features a cast of voice actors whose performances are complemented by some magical music, creating an atmospheric listening experience you’d cherish. The story follows Peter Pan and how the lives of him and his friends drastically change when they chance upon the evil Captain Hook!
This story has been adapted and slightly altered, changing the setting from Victorian England to the Second World War and making the story more suited for a modern audience. The changes also ensure that you enjoy the production even if you’ve read or heard the original book by JM Barrie. The performances are distinct and colorful, and you can’t help but get enchanted by all the magic and adventure that’s present at the core of this audiobook. You can get the audiobook here! π§
12. The Sisters by Dervla McTiernan
It’s a man’s world out there, and when Carrie Ryan finds an opportunity to break into the criminal justice system, she immediately seizes it. Robert Collins has been charged with murdering his girlfriend after a pub fight, and all evidence indicates a guilty verdict. But Carrie and her barrister sister Alfric soon begin finding evidence that muddles it all up. Amidst all of this, she knows she’s going against her department in Dublin’s police force by investigating this affair.
Tense and exciting, this mystery thriller keeps you guessing with its compelling characters and sharp plot twists. On the one hand, lies the chance of an innocent man getting acquitted while, on the other, an entire career getting ruined. If done well, this genre truly shines in audiobook format, and so it is with this one. Aoife McMohan plays the different characters and their voices perfectly, further elevating the drama and anticipation of the novel. You can get the audiobook here! π§
13. The Dispatcher by John Scalzi
The winner of the 2017 Audie Award for Best Original Work, this novella dips its toes into different genres. This sci-fi thriller is set in a futuristic world where murdered people somehow seem to come back from the dead. It becomes almost impossible to murder anyone, and the very fabric of human society changes, from wars to crimes to everything else. We follow Tony Valdez, a professional Dispatcher whose job is to offer people another chance at avoiding death.
But everything changes when his fellow Dispatcher goes missing. His life is soon going to change on all fronts, and his friend must be saved before it’s too late, even for a Dispatcher. Emmy-nominated actor Zachary Quinto helms the narration department for this one and produces an engrossing audiobook that aptly complements and enhances Scalzi’s story. Whether it’s the character voices or keeping up with the tempo of the story, Quinto performs exceptionally so that you’re left hanging onto every next word here! You can get the audiobook here! π§
14. Tell Her Story by Margot Hunt
What can possibly be better than a well-narrated thriller audiobook? A well-narrated thriller audiobook with a cast of voice actors, of course! Paige Barett is itching to do something meaningful with her time after getting fired from her job and dumped by her boyfriend out of nowhere. Between waiting tables, she starts a true crime podcast investigating the mysterious death of her teacher two decades ago.
It was a case without any suspects, and any leads at that time and was left unsolved. But as Paige dives deeper, she gets closer and closer to solving this mystery. Small towns have a habit of doing a poor job of hiding secrets, and this one might change everything. Dakota Fanning performs this audiobook with a host of other actors, and the resulting production makes for some compulsive listening. From the background score to the performances, this audiobook is almost impossible to stop listening to, so proceed with caution. You can get the audiobook here! π§
15. Medieval Myths & Mysteries with Dorsey Armstrong
If the idea of learning about medieval myths and the various mysteries associated with them excites you, then this is something you must not miss out on. Set between the years of 500 AD to 1500 AD, a colorful and vibrant part of human history; this original is divided into ten lectures, all written and narrated by professor Dorsey Armstrong. Through these engaging lectures, she fleshes out the different myths and mysteries around that era in all their complexity and nuance.
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Produced by The Great Courses, who are famous for creating high-quality lectures by subject experts, this audiobook comprehensively covers the different stories and legends of the medieval era. Those interested in history and mythology would find this particularly enchanting and informative. It’s well-researched, and the distribution of topics as chapters helps you keep track easily. You can get the audiobook here! π§
There are plenty of Audible Originals in Dolby Atmos – Spatial Audio with Immersive Sound. Here are our suggestions: Evil Eye by Madhuri Shekar, Armored by Mark Greaney, Song of the Northwoods by Jessica Huang, The Wedding Proposal by John Swansiger, The Sandman: Act III by Neil Gaiman, Dirk Maggs, Space: 1969 by Bill Oakley, Zero by Dan Wells, The Prophecy by Randy McKinnon, The Boys: Deeper and Deeper by Matt Berns, The Flying Flamingo Sisters by Carrie Seim, and The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)β
What are Audible Originals? π€
“Audible Originals” are exclusive audiobooks provided and produced by Audible. They won’t be available anywhere else; you can listen to them only on their platform. They range from fiction to non-fiction, along with exciting podcasts.
Are Audible Originals free? π
If you have an active Audible membership (even if it’s a trial account), then you can access all the “Audible Originals” audiobooks for totally free. If you want to get any other audiobook apart from that, you can simply use your Audible credits to buy them.
What is the difference between Audiobooks and Audible Originals? π
If you have Audible, then you have access to both the usual audiobooks (like an audiobook version of your favorite paperback book) and Audible Originals – which are created by Audible itself and available only on the Audible platform for their users. The latter is free if you have a subscription; you can download and listen to multiple audiobooks as you wish. For the former, you can use your monthly credits to buy whatever audiobook you want to listen to.
Can you listen to Audible Originals after cancelling? π§
After you cancel your membership, you will still have all the audiobooks that you purchased with your card or your credits. But, unfortunately, it’s different with Audible Originals (Audible’s Exclusive Audiobooks); you will lose access to their Plus Catalog after you cancel your Audible subscription.
You can get the Audible free trial now and start enjoying any of these Audible Originals for free, that too for months! You can also check our exclusive Audible revieiw and learn more about their features. Happy listening!