The 10 best Spanish language listens of 2024

I can sit around for days and talk about how much I LOVED Pantallas & Mentiras—but we would be here for days... In this eerie and thrilling full-cast Audible Original, retired detective Leopoldo Estuardo is hired by the sister of a recently deceased multimillionaire to figure out what happened to her brother, Jerasmus. The crime seems pretty straightforward to solve, as their half-brother David has already confessed to the crime—but all is not as it seems in the Polti family, because everyone has secrets and their own motives for wanting Jerasmus dead. With the help of his assistant Nina, and confined to using only his computer, Leopoldo must determine what happened to Jerasmus and if David is truly guilty. The cast, led by Carlos Aragón, Meraqui Pradis, Diana Sedano, and Martha Claudia Moreno, delivered a performance that was mysterious, funny, messy, and dramatic. In short—it was everything! As far as mysteries and thrillers go, this was, by a long shot, my favorite of this year. —Patty K.R.

As AI finds its way into our everyday consciousness more and more, Yuval Noah Harari’s Nexus is a timely and insightful exploration that serves as a natural continuation of the author's acclaimed work, Sapiens. This listen delves into the power of technologies that have shaped human dominance on Earth, from stone tablets to the printing press and, yes, eventually AI. Harari keeps listeners engaged by examining how stories are communicated and the implications of misinformation in the modern world. I, for one, found this incredibly compelling. Nexus offers a wealth of engaging ideas, prompting listeners to reconsider and question their understanding of information-flow in the modern world. In our current digital landscape, where algorithms increasingly influence what we see and hear, Nexus is one of this year’s essential listens. Luis David García Márquez’s return as a (Castilian) narrator makes Nexus a cohesive connection and a must-have companion to Sapiens in listeners' libraries. —Edwin D.

Rudy Ruiz’s La frontera entre nosotros is a captivating listen that follows the life of Ramon Lopez, a Mexican American boy growing up on the border between Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Mexico. The story spans Ramon's journey from childhood through college, exploring the challenges faced by his family as they shuffle between two cultures. Ruiz skillfully develops a cast of memorable characters, including Ramon's optimistic father, his spiritually connected grandmother, his resilient mother, and Ramon’s disabled younger brother. The narrative maintains an engaging pace despite covering a significant time span, offering a balanced portrayal of life's joys and hardships. I felt an incredible connection to Papa Joe, Ramon’s father who struggles from one hustle to the next, all to benefit his family, which is a clear reminder of my own upbringing. This Spanish language version is incredibly authentic to the original English version, and Fernando Monroy’s narration is exceptional, bringing every character to life. —ED

Tamara Trottner had previously given us a glimpse into her beloved grandfather Moishe in her earlier work, Nadie nos vio partir. In her most recent Audible Original, Pronunciaré sus nombres, the author delicately expands on Moishe's early life as he seeks to escape Kiev with his beloved Hanna toward his future home in Veracruz, Mexico, which would eventually become the gateway for thousands of European migrants fleeing from Stalin, Franco, and Hitler. Trottner weaves a fascinating narrative that begins with Moishe's early life in Ukraine and unfolds into an incredible tale of survival. At its heart, however, this listen is a love story—chronicling the enduring romance between Moishe and Hanna that spans more than seven decades. Trottner, narrating in her own voice, fulfills a promise to her grandparents by bringing to life an entire generation who persevered through love and resilience amid the horrors of war and persecution. Each story she shares resonates deeply, allowing the listener to connect emotionally with the experiences of those who lived through these harrowing times. Through her vivid storytelling, Trottner not only honors the memory of her ancestors but also imparts valuable life lessons, making this listen a poignant tribute to the power of love and those who couldn’t escape catastrophe. —ED

I dove into La Empleada by Freida McFadden after I listened to a sample and found it to be a bit more dramatic than the English narration. I was completely and immediately captivated. Millie, down on her luck and living in her car, lands a seemingly perfect job with the wealthy Winchester family as a live-in housemaid. However, things quickly take a dark turn when Mrs. Winchester, who once appeared gracious, reveals her erratic and messy nature. With a bratty daughter to contend with, and only Mr. Winchester showing her kindness, Millie’s situation grows increasingly precarious. The spot-on performances from Leyla Rangel and Aressi Suástegui brought this gripping story to life, keeping me on the edge of my seat. —PKR

I was one of many who listened to and enjoyed the English adaptation of 1984, so when I heard that a Spanish version would be available, I set out to listen in hopes of re-experiencing the thrill—and that I did, en Espanol! The full-cast performance led by Eric Masip, Elena Anaya, Gonzalo de Castro, and Victor Clavijo immediately hooked me, and kept me engaged as Winston embarks on his quest for freedom. Fraught with drama and suspense, and further enhanced by Matthew Bellamy’s musical composition (all mixed in Dolby Atmos spatial audio), the Audible Original adaptation of 1984 was an unpausable listen that left me in awe, feeling like it was my first time listening all over again. —PKR

La Despedida is a gem of a listen that I’ve enjoyed multiple times (three as of this writing). The story follows David and Vanesa, who are on the brink of separation. After five tumultuous years of marriage, they can barely stand to look at each other. In a last-ditch effort to salvage their relationship, they find themselves in couples therapy, where they confront their shared past. The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks that trace their journey, starting with their fateful meeting at a “Fin del mundo” party. Filled with betrayal, humor, and emotion, this multi-cast Original, which features music by bachata artist Romeo Santos, kept me hooked—and made me dance a little—while I rooted for David and Vanesa to discover that the spark they once shared may not be extinguished after all. —PKR

We were first wowed when the original English version of Nuestras almas migrantes was released last year. In this listen, author Héctor Tobar argues for reclaiming and redefining Latinidad by and for those who embody it. While acknowledging the hardships associated with this identity, it also emphasizes its strength and resilience—a most powerful message. This inspiring, heart-wrenching listen weaves stories of migrants from all walks of life and serves as a wake-up call for Latinos to discover their true self while connecting Latinidad to various other identities and groups across the US. It's a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of today’s Latino identity in America. Rafa Serrano’s narration offers a documentary-style approach that helps bond the listener with the serious subject matter. —ED

To most Americans, Jorge Ramos is perhaps best known for being thrown out of a press conference for then-candidate Donald Trump. To US Hispanics, he’s our Walter Cronkite, our Barbara Walters, our Anderson Cooper, all rolled into one. His 2018 release, Stranger, was an impactful listen that explored Latinidad during one of the most divisive political climates the country has ever seen. But his confrontational interview style takes the backseat in his latest release, Así veo las cosas, (How I See Things), as Ramos bares his soul on the most important experiences in his life via essays and anecdotes that are a delight to listen to. In a way, it bookends his professional with his personal life as he admits that he has more of a past than a future ahead of him. Ramos opens up about his family life and shares regrets and lessons learned during his years in front of the camera. For those of us who grew up watching Ramos, this is one of this year’s most important listens. —ED