Best fiction audiobooks

Many people prefer listening to something over reading, and if you are interested in checking the best fiction audiobooks, you’re in the right place.

If you are someone who enjoys listening to audiobooks, and if you prefer fiction, there are a few must-read books you need to check out. 

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett is an American author, and her latest fiction novel is called the Dutch House. The story is set at the end of World War II, and it follows a family building a real estate empire. 

At one point, Cyril Conroy is determined to buy the Dutch House, which is a property in Philadelphia. We follow the story through the eyes of his son Danny, and all the struggles he and his sister went through. 

They are trying to overcome their past, and it is a gorgeous book. When it comes to the audio version, the book is narrated by Tom Hanks. 

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing is a coming-of-age (young adult) murder mystery written by Delia Owens. What is great about this book is that it follows two different timelines that slowly intertwine as the story progresses. 

The first story follows a young woman Kya and her life in the marshes of North Carolina. The second part is about the murder investigation, and it is set in a fictional small town in North Carolina. 

The book became an instant hit, and it was adapted into a movie in 2022. The audiobook is narrated by Cassandra Campbell.

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

Cloud Cuckoo Land is another great novel you need to check out. It was published in 2021 by Pulitzer prize winner Anthony Doerr. It is a historical story with elements of speculative fiction. The novel talks about an ancient Greek codex, linking characters to this day. 

It covers the period of eight centuries, and each of the five characters is linked to the ancient Greek codex. The book was inspired by historical events and fictional books, and it is a thrilling adventure. 

Of course, if you want to listen to the audio version, you can find one narrated by Marin Ireland and Simon Jones. Anthony Doerr also wrote the Light We Cannot See. 

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Beach Read was released in 2020, and the author is Emily Henry. It is a contemporary romance novel, and it quickly became the New York Times bestseller. The protagonist of the novel is January Andrews who is a writer. 

It tells about her struggles when she lost her father, and how she discovered he had an affair. At one point, she meets her college rival who is now a literary fiction author, and they talk about writer’s block. 

After that, they challenge each other to each write a story during the summer. The narrator of the audiobook is Julia Whelan, and the quality is incredible. 

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

If you are a fan of rock music, this is a book you need to check out. Daisy Jones & The Six is a fiction novel, but the idea behind it is quite real. The novel is set in the seventies and follows the story of Daisy Jones and her band.  

Daisy is a brilliant songwriter and musician, and at the same time, she struggles with drug addictions. And the book became an instant hit. It gives readers a glimpse into the world of music during one of the most iconic periods. 

And for those that like the book, there is a TV series on Amazon Prime around the corner as well. 

Author David Sedaris

David Raymond Sedaris is an American writer and comedian, and you won’t make a mistake if you check his entire bibliography. The first book he published was Barrel Fever in 1994, and it was a collection of short stories. 

And it wasn’t the only one. David Sedaris published a couple of collections of short stories and essays, and it is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a quick read. Especially those that dislike longer books. 

David also narrated most of his books, and he did work for other authors as well. 

Author Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is an iconic English writer. You might know him from Good Omens, the debut novel he wrote with Terry Pratchett, or you’ve read the Sandman. Many of his stories are adapted into movies and TV shows. 

Neil Gaiman is known for his novels American Gods, Stardust, Coraline, and countless others. And he also did the narration for a few of his books and stories. You can easily find his audiobooks and even an audio version of the Sandman comic. 

So, if you are interested in checking out one of the best authors you can find today, Neil Gaiman is an excellent choice. 

FAQ

What is the most listened to audiobook?

The best audiobook list is similar to physical ones. And it isn’t surprising that the Harry Potter series is on the top. The version is narrated by Stephen Fry, and it is gorgeous. Other books include Fifty Shades of Grey, the Lord of the Rings, and many others. 

Are audiobooks just as good as real books?

They can be. It mostly comes down to your personal preference. Some people have dyslexia and other reading disabilities, and listening to audiobooks is a lot simpler. It won’t feel like a chore, and they will be able to focus on the content. 

What is the most popular audiobook on iTunes?

The most popular audiobook on iTunes is Where the Crawdads Sing (unabridged), and it’s followed by The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (narrated by Robin Miles), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien, and many others. 

Based on your taste, you can check out The Song of Achilles and Circe by Madeline Miller, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, Margaret Atwood’s historical fiction, authors like George Saunders, Bonnie Garmus, etc.