My Best Audiobooks & Narrators, Two Decades of Listening

Great audiobook narrators coupled with top-quality writing produce really good audiobooks. Here are the best audiobooks of recent decades, if not best audiobooks of all time! Well, they are my favourite audiobooks (most fiction) and the best audiobook narrators out of all those I have had the opportunity to listen to anyway…

Best Audiobooks - Best Audiobook Narrators

I have experienced some wonderful pairings of books and top audiobook readers, across a broad range of genre:

“The best audiobook narrators really bring stories to life.”

In this list, I bring together my all-time favourite audiobooks reviewed and many of these likely rank amongst the best fiction audiobooks of all time. Some were bestselling novels, others under-appreciated books brought to life by the best audiobook narrators in the business. There truly is something for everybody’s reading and listening appetites!

Clicking on the audiobook covers or title text links will open our detailed review of each title, incl. publisher book synopsis, book quotes and most importantly, links to audio samples. The key to picking a good audiobooks for you is listening carefully to the audio samples provided. Some readers voices will work for you, others will not – what makes an audiobook great is a very personal thing.

Disclosure: If you click a link in this post and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission.

28 of the Best Audiobook Narrator Performances I’ve Experienced

~

Best Audiobooks in Romance

Resistance is Futile - Jenny Colgan - Best Audiobooks

It was very hard to choose my favourite listening experiences in this genre, because romantic fiction is so well suited to the audiobook format. Jenny T Colgan’s under-appreciated sci-fi romantic comedy Resistance is Futile narrated by Lucy Price-Lewis is a clear stand out though. Orbit’s press release description was, “Bridget Jones meets The Big Bang Theory meets Independence Day”. I would happily second that and add, “with a Goonies / Stranger Things vibe”. I just loved this audiobook’s rebellious geeky tone. Find out more >>

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman - Best audiobook narrators

It is hard not to love romantic audiobooks featuring quirky fish-out-of-water protagonists. But it is those stories where the author (and/or audiobook narrator) plumbs unexpected depths that live longest in my memory. Catherine McCarron’s award-winning, earnest and moving performance of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine‘s first-person narrative, is particularly memorable. Definitely one of my best audiobooks ever… Find out more >>

The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion - Best Narrators

Another great example is Dan O’Grady’s audio narration of Graeme Simsion’s The Rosie Project.

He beautifully captured lead character Don Tillman’s guilelessness and enthusiastic pursuit for happiness, alongside his feelings of insecurity and frustration when trying to negotiate the minefield of social interaction. Find out more >>

♡  Related Reading: My Favourite Smart Romantic Comedy Novels

The One Plus One - Jojo Moyes - Good Audiobooks

In The One Plus One Jojo Moyes does ‘romance in the real world’. She understands life is complicated and never involves just two characters, it’s about ensembles. And how can you improve upon a wonderful fictional character ensemble?… Have their story performed by a talented ensemble cast — Elizabeth Bower, Ben Elliot, Nicola Stanton and Steven France – sometimes actors make the best narrators. Each owns and enhances the delivery of the alternating character viewpoints, presenting different perspectives on the same events and propelling the story onward. Find out more >>

One Day - David Nicholls - Best Romance Audiobooks

Has a book ever made you literally laugh and cry at the same time? David Nicholl’s One Day did that to me… I was an absolute mess sitting in my car listening to this romantic story in peak hour traffic. And, the audiobook narration by Anna Bentinck was just brilliant — far, far better than the feature film. Find out more >>

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand - Helen Simonson - Audio book readers

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand is uplifting and rewarding literary romantic fiction. Audiobook reader Bill Wallis‘ calming and measured delivery is a pleasure to listen to, seamlessly shifting between the gravelly voice of the Major, the sotto voce of Mrs Ali and the easily distinguishable ensemble cast of family and villagers. A beautiful love story for all ages to get swept up in. Find out more >>

🎧  Not sure whether audiobooks are for you? Take advantage of Audible’s Free Trial Offer to find out.

Best Audiobook Narrators of Crime & Thrillers

The Long Drop - Denise Mina

Psychological thriller novel often make good audiobooks. When it comes to novels whose focus is criminal psychology you do not get much more unnerving than Denise Mina’s The Long Drop. Narrator David Monteath’s nuanced differentiation between character accents and phrasing adds to the experience – a very well-paced delivery of deeply unsettling subject matter. Find out more >>

Talking to the Dead - Harry Bingham

In Talking to the Dead Harry Bingham introduces female police detective Fiona Griffiths. In addition to her daily battle with inner demons daily, her social ineptness combined with maverick nature make for a very entertaining lead. Narrator Siriol Jenkins’ elocution is first-class – crisp, clear and effortless to listen to. Her portrayal of Fiona is fabulous; her quirky mental agility, no-nonsense approach and stinging sarcasm perfectly timed. Find out more >>

Best Audiobooks - In The Morning I'll Be Gone

I cannot recommend Gerard Doyle’s narration of Adrian McKinty’s award-winning Detective Sean Duffy Series more highly. I started with Book 3 In the Morning I’ll Be Gone. Doyle really brings Sean Duffy to life. His Irish brogue and delivery of the deadpan humour and irony peppered throughout this novel, making this a truly addictive listening experience. Warning: do not embark on this audiobook when you are required to be sociable! Find out more >>

Another Denise Mina title, Conviction, her thrilling modern spin on mystery metafiction. It is a story about stories and storytelling, on so many levels. Cathleen McCarron (yes, she’s featured earlier in this article) skilfully performs this crime-adventure’s multi-perspective narrative, expertly differentiates between the various characters, and really brings Mina’s complex irascible female protagonist to life, switching effortlessly between her raging and deadpan dark snark and more vulnerable moments. Find out more >>

The Ignorance of Blood - Robert Wilson - Best thriller audiobooks

Robert Wilson’s The Ignorance of Blood is a gritty, high octane crime thriller with a labyrinthine plot set in Spain. Audiobook narrator Sean Barrett, with his husky, gravelly voice does a wonderful job of conveying the world-weary but dedicated Inspector Jefe Javier, a complex and compelling character that carries a large burden. Find out more >>

Present Darkness - Malla Nunn

Great dialogue is another key ingredient in good audiobooks. The world-wise, snappy dialogue in Malla Nunn’s Present Darkness, no holes barred action and uncensored brutality in its historical Johannesburg setting, places it squarely in the category of ‘page-turner’. And Rupert Degas’ narration just takes it up another notch. His differentiation between the varied characters – age, ethnicity and attitude – and timing and nuance, made it compulsive listening. Find out more >>

~

Best Audiobooks in Historical Fiction & Mystery

The Forgotten Garden - Kate Morton

Kate Morton’s The Forgotten Garden is captivating and atmospheric historical fiction. A story of secrets, family and memory that I highly recommend in audiobook. Caroline Lee’s audio narration is understated and lets the story itself shine. I found the transitions back and forth between historical time periods, locations and voices easy to follow and helped in large part by Lee’s skilful character differentiation. Find out more >>

Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier - Best Narrators

I listened to Daphne Du Maurier’s gothic classic Rebecca in audio and was mesmerised from the haunting opening sentence… Du Maurier’s enduring classic has a wonderful sense of grandness about it, but also menace and foreboding. Narrator Anna Massey performs this story with such poise – her British accent pitch-perfect. And, for a story told mostly in reflection, Massey does extremely well to carry Du Maurier’s intended suspense through the entire 14+ hours. Find out more >>

Best audiobook narrators - Gillespie and I

In Gillespie and I, Jane Harris has crafted an immensely engaging tale filled with a cast of eccentric characters and enough red herrings to sink a ship. Another superb audiobook performance by Anna Bentinck (see David Nicholls’ One Day above) heightened the tension between listener and unreliable narrator to great effect. Find out more >>

Decline and Fall - Evelyn Waugh - Fiction audiobooks

Decline and Fall, Evelyn Waugh’s first novel has only increased in potency since it was published in 1928. Audiobook narrator Michael Maloney’s measured and well-timed delivery of Waugh’s deadpan satire and black humour kept me on the edge of my seat. Maloney’s performance of the many and varied British accents (in particular the Welsh) had me in stitches as I drove along listening in my car. Find out more >>

Best classic audiobooks - The Canterville Ghost - Oscar Wilde

When it comes to listening to the classics in audiobook, there are few more engaging than the plays of Oscar Wilde. In The Canterville Ghost, with modern prose and themes, and characters like caricatures, Wilde lampoons traditional ghost stories. Rupert Degas’ narration of The Canterville Ghost audiobook is first class. The deadpan and quizzical tone of his delivery enhances the intended sarcasm of the text. Find out more >>

Best audible books - The Importance of Being Earnest

In The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde turns the absurd and farcical into sheer brilliance. The audio dramatization I listened to was performed by a very talented cast from L.A. Theatre Works: James Marsters, Charles Busch, Emily Bergl, Neil Dickson, Jill Gascoine, Christopher Neame and Matthew Wolf. The rapid-fire banter between the characters was hilarious. At just under 2 hours in length, this audiobook was a real treat that left a big smile on my face. Find out more >>

~

Best Audiobook Narrators of Literary Fiction & Essays

Best narrators - A Far Cry From Kensington - Muriel Spark

Muriel Spark’s A Far Cry From Kensington is a true literary delight – hilarious, witty, and oozing with ‘real’ class. The audiobook version I listened to narrated by Pamela Garelick is an example of the magic that can happen when a book is matched with the perfect narrator. She performs the considered, darkly satirical and strident voice of Mrs Hawkins with aplomb. Find out more >>

Life of Pi - Yann Martel - Best audible books

Yann Martel’s award-winning Life of Pi is a very clever story. The audiobook version I became engrossed in was narrated by Jeff Woodman. His delivery really brought to life the humour and irony the protagonist manages to find in his dire predicament. The latest Audible edition of this audiobook is narrated by British comedian, actor and broadcaster Sanjeev Bhaskar. Find out more >>

Best audio book readers - Beautiful Ruins - Jess Walter

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter is a modern masterpiece that deserves to become a classic — his prose and characterisation exquisite and Edoardo Ballerini’s narration of the audiobook captivating. Find out more >>

The Orphan Masters Son - Adam Johnson

Adam Johnson’s The Orphan Master’s Son is one of the most intelligent and thought-provoking novels I have read. The audiobook version is narrated by a talented cast, the author himself along with Tim Kang, Josiah D Lee and James Kyson Lee, was a joy to listen to. For me, the timing and accents of the cast and matter of fact delivery of dark humour really enhanced the story experience. Find out more >>

Lets Explore Diabetes with Owls David Sedaris

David Sedaris’ Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls is the perfect audiobook to get you through your daily commute. Narrated by Sedaris himself, his deadpan narration adds to the humour but by far his best delivery and timing was on display in those chapters that were recordings of his performances in front of a live audience. Find out more >>

~

🎁  Buying for a person that has everything? Gift them a 1, 3, 6 or 12-month Audible Membership. Find out more >>

~

Best Audiobooks in Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves - Matthew Reilly - Best Action Adventure Audiobooks

Matthew Reilly is a consummate teller of tall tales, rather than a writer of literary prose. His books are just pure and simple entertainment, and I need a dose of silliness and outlandish adventure in my reading sometimes. And in this Captain Schofield title he includes a robot sidekick! Scarecrow and The Army of Thieves audiobook narrator Sean Mangan has the perfect voice for Matthew Reilly’s action-adventure novels. His vocalisation of the gun noises always make me smile. Find out more >>

The Golden Compass - Best Adventure Audiobooks

Filled with unforgettable characters and touching friendships, Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass (aka Northern Lights) is a must read/listen for all ages. A very talented ensemble cast of audiobook narrators including the author and some of my favourites such as Rupert Degas and Sean Barrett, combine together beautifully to bring this wonderful story to life. Find out more >>

The Rook Daniel O'Malley - Best audiobooks sci fi

Daniel O’Malley’s The Rook is an outlandish sci-fi adventure story with a healthy dose of heart and intelligent humour.  A fabulous title for the audiobook format, both because of its engaging first-person narrative and a very strong performance by British actress Katy Carmichael who really brought the quirky lead character(s) to life. Find out more >>

To Say Nothing of the Dog - Connie Willis - Best Sci Fi Audiobooks

Connie Willis’ To Say Nothing of the Dog is one of the most enjoyable audiobooks I have ever listened to. Her prose and complex plot lines are delivered seemingly effortlessly in this sci fi oozing intelligence, wit and class. Narrator Steven Crossley then takes Willis’ wonderful novel to another level in audio with his perfect comedic timing and colourful characterisation. Find out more >>

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency - Douglas Adams

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency contains Douglas Adam’s trademark offbeat and fantastical elements (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) but its driving force is a much more mature and intelligent brand of humour.

The dialogue in this novel is top-shelf and my enjoyment of it only enhanced by the fantastic comedic timing of the BBC Audiobook cast including Billy Boyd and Olivia Coleman. Find out more >>

What do you think of our audiobook recommendations?

They span my favourite listening experiences over more than a decade. How many have you listened to?

Who is your top audiobook narrator?

~

📚 Related Reads: My Best Books of 2020 and my top picks of the Fresh New 2021 Fiction