Episodes

  • ONE OF OUR KIND by Nicola Yoon, read by Nicole Lewis

    ONE OF OUR KIND by Nicola Yoon, read by Nicole Lewis
    Jul 2 2024
    In an engrossing, well-characterized performance, Nicole Lewis captures the anguish and suspense in acclaimed YA author Nicola Yoon’s first adult novel. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss this story of a fictional gated community of Liberty, California, hailed as a Black utopia. Jasmyn Williams assumes she and her husband, King, will find like-minded friends and neighbors with whom to carry on the fight for racial equality and justice. But something is strangely off in Liberty. Lewis is masterful at subtly distinguishing the voices of Liberty, using cadence, intonation, and vocal amplification to heighten the tension of this absorbing psychological suspense. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile’s website. Published by Random House Audio. Discover thousands of audiobook reviews and more at AudioFile’s website. Support for AudioFile’s Behind the Mic comes from Dreamscape Media, featuring their new audiobook Rifts and Refrains. Follow Amara Johnson's journey through music, mystery, and romance, available exclusively on Dreamscape First. Don't miss out on this captivating tale… please visit Dreamscape to learn more and start listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • OFF THE TRACKS by Pamela Mulloy, read by Jennifer Wigmore

    OFF THE TRACKS by Pamela Mulloy, read by Jennifer Wigmore
    Jul 1 2024
    Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss an audiobook that explores the history and meaning of train travel. Canadian actor Jennifer Wigmore has a lovely narrating voice and a pleasing tone. She narrates in an informational yet personal style that fits this immersive and deeply researched meditation on the delights of watching the landscape flash by while reading, writing, or daydreaming in the cocoon of a rail car. Author Pamela Mulloy reveals much about the history of train travel, while also recounting her own long rides through Canada and Europe. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile’s website. Published by ECW Press. Discover thousands of audiobook reviews and more at AudioFile’s website. Support for AudioFile’s Behind the Mic comes from Dreamscape Media and their exclusive audiobook, Rifts and Refrains. Dive into the compelling story of Amara Johnson, a talented musician uncovering her family's hidden past while finding love and legacy in Nashville. To start listening, visit Dreamscape Publishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • DEATH IN THE SPIRES by KJ Charles, read by Tom Lawrence

    DEATH IN THE SPIRES by KJ Charles, read by Tom Lawrence
    Jun 28 2024
    Listeners will be drawn into KJ Charles’s atmospheric and compelling historical mystery. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss this story of friendship—and betrayal. In 1895, Oxford University student Toby is murdered—and his close friends know that one of them must have done it. Ten years later, Jem sets out to solve the mystery that ruined his life once and for all. As the story moves back and forth in time, narrator Tom Lawrence effectively differentiates Jem’s less rarified accent and those of his wealthy, upper-crust peers. Lawrence also conveys Jem’s growing desperation as the further his investigation goes, the more secrets are revealed and the more danger Jem finds himself in. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile’s website. Published by Storm Publishing. Discover thousands of audiobook reviews and more at AudioFile’s website. Support for AudioFile’s Behind the Mic comes from HarperCollins Focus and HarperCollins Christian Publishing, publishers of some of your favorite audiobooks and authors, including Reba McEntire, Zachary Levi, Kathie Lee Gifford, Max Lucado, Willie Nelson, and so many more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    7 mins
  • BIRDING WITH BENEFITS by Sarah T. Dubb, read by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, Evan Sibley

    BIRDING WITH BENEFITS by Sarah T. Dubb, read by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, Evan Sibley
    Jun 27 2024
    Narrators Mia Hutchinson-Shaw and Evan Sibley are a winning team in this charming romance. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss Sarah T. Dubb’s story that’s a perfect mix of birding and falling in love. Mom and teacher Celeste is trying to find herself again after a divorce; John is a woodworker and amateur birder. Celeste is a complete newbie to birding, but she agrees to be John’s partner in the 42-day Bird Binge competition—and to pose as his girlfriend. Hutchinson-Shaw ably conveys Celeste’s bubbly, positive personality, while Sibley captures John’s shy outward demeanor and thoughtful inner world. Attraction sparks as John and Celeste add birds to their list in the beautifully described Arizona wilderness. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile’s website. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. Discover thousands of audiobook reviews and more at AudioFile’s website. Support for AudioFile’s Behind the Mic comes from HarperCollins Focus and HarperCollins Christian Publishing, publishers of some of your favorite audiobooks and authors, including Reba McEntire, Zachary Levi, Kathie Lee Gifford, Max Lucado, Willie Nelson, and so many more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • OCEAN'S GODORI by Elaine U. Cho, read by Judy Alice Lee

    OCEAN'S GODORI by Elaine U. Cho, read by Judy Alice Lee
    Jun 26 2024
    Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss how Judy Alice Lee narrates this action-packed space opera with skill. Ocean is a talented pilot and wicked shot working for the Korean space agency on the OHNEUL. Her best friend Teo’s ease and flirtatiousness shine through in Lee’s narration, shifting into desperation when his ship comes under attack. Haven is an outsider when he joins up on the OHNEUL’s crew, and Lee’s quiet voice reflects his thoughtful, cautious nature. Lee brings warmth to scenes of tentative romance, shipboard camaraderie, and many delicious meals. And when raiders attack, Lee ramps up the pace, making listeners feel all of the tension. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile’s website. Published by Hillman Grad Books. Discover thousands of audiobook reviews and more at AudioFile’s website. Support for AudioFile’s Behind the Mic comes from HarperCollins Focus and HarperCollins Christian Publishing, publishers of some of your favorite audiobooks and authors, including Reba McEntire, Zachary Levi, Kathie Lee Gifford, Max Lucado, Willie Nelson, and so many more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    7 mins
  • THE STARS TOO FONDLY by Emily Hamilton, read by Vico Ortiz

    THE STARS TOO FONDLY by Emily Hamilton, read by Vico Ortiz
    Jun 25 2024
    Vico Ortiz narrates a raucous space adventure rom-com with infectious energy. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss the fun and thrills of this lively story. It’s 2061, and Cleo and her three best friends—all scientists—sneak aboard to explore the neglected rocket PROVIDENCE I. Twenty years earlier, it failed to launch and its 203-person crew mysteriously vanished. But when Cleo inadvertently starts the dark matter engine, they’re launched into a seven-year mission with only Billie, the prickly holographic computer, to guide them. Ortiz’s considerable acting talents bring each character—human and otherwise—to life. They bounce between each voice with skill, making this lively story of friendship, queer romance, and interdimensional danger heaps of fun on audio. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile’s website. Published by Harper Audio. Discover thousands of audiobook reviews and more at AudioFile’s website. Support for AudioFile’s Behind the Mic comes from HarperCollins Focus and HarperCollins Christian Publishing, publishers of some of your favorite audiobooks and authors, including Reba McEntire, Zachary Levi, Kathie Lee Gifford, Max Lucado, Willie Nelson, and so many more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • MIRRORED HEAVENS by Rebecca Roanhorse, read by Christian Barillas, Darrell Dennis, Cara Gee, Shyla Lefner, Nicole Lewis, Kairyn Potts, Shaun Taylor-Corbett

    MIRRORED HEAVENS by Rebecca Roanhorse, read by Christian Barillas, Darrell Dennis, Cara Gee, Shyla Lefner, Nicole Lewis, Kairyn Potts, Shaun Taylor-Corbett
    Jun 24 2024
    The Meridian’s clans are at war, and alliances are shifting dangerously in this dramatic conclusion to Rebecca Roanhorse’s trilogy, brought to life by an ensemble cast. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss how the narrators’ skilled performances slowly reveal the many entangled storylines. Shaun Taylor-Corbett skillfully portrays Serapio as he navigates prophecies and plots against him. Nicole Lewis voices Xiala, whose determination and desperation are palpable as she protects her island home. Naranpa, portrayed by Cara Gee, is exploring the dreaming world with dangerous consequences. Christian Barillas brings drama to the character of Lord Balam, who wields deadly shadow magic in his quest for power. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile’s website. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. Discover thousands of audiobook reviews and more at AudioFile’s website. Support for AudioFile’s Behind the Mic comes from HarperCollins Focus and HarperCollins Christian Publishing, publishers of some of your favorite audiobooks and authors, including Reba McEntire, Zachary Levi, Kathie Lee Gifford, Max Lucado, Willie Nelson, and so many more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • In Conversation with Kate Reading, Golden Voice Narrator

    In Conversation with Kate Reading, Golden Voice Narrator
    Jun 21 2024
    Golden Voice narrator Kate Reading joins host Jo Reed to discuss her career in audiobook narration. Her experience with audiobooks began with her first job at the Library of Congress’s Talking Books program, which gave her an education in audiobook narration. In their conversation, they discuss her process of narrating audiobooks, particularly the importance of embodying both characters and narrative prose, and also explore how her theater background informs her narration. They also discuss her frequent audiobook partnerships with her husband, Michael Kramer, in series like “The Wheel of Time” and “The Stormlight Archive,” and the work that goes into performing long-running series like “Lady Sherlock.” Read reviews of Kate Reading’s audiobooks at our website. Visit AudioFile’s website for a full list of AudioFile’s Golden Voice narrators. Support for AudioFile’s Behind the Mic comes from HarperCollins Focus and HarperCollins Christian Publishing, publishers of some of your favorite audiobooks and authors, including Reba McEntire, Zachary Levi, Kathie Lee Gifford, Max Lucado, Willie Nelson, and so many more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins