From Skeptic to Fanatic: How I Changed My Mind on Audiobooks and Discovered a New Way to Enjoy Literature

In the past, I wasn't fond of experiencing books through audiobooks as I preferred setting my own reading pace and found it difficult to concentrate while listening. However, over the past year, I've developed a newfound habit of donning my headphones and immersing myself in the latest thrilling book releases, as well as catching up on older titles, all while taking care of administrative tasks or doing household chores.
Surprisingly, I've found that multitasking can actually heighten my enjoyment of audiobooks, leading me to discover some truly captivating reads. In light of this, I am excited to share a selection of books that I found particularly engaging while listening to them.

The Night Sister by Jennifer Mcmahon

is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the haunting secrets of a small town. The story follows a group of childhood friends who are drawn back to their hometown when a mysterious tragedy strikes. As they uncover long-buried secrets and confront their own dark past, they unravel the chilling truth about an abandoned motel and the enigmatic night sister who once lived there. With atmospheric suspense and intricate twists, this novel explores themes of friendship, family, and the enduring power of secrets.

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

is a thrilling young adult novel that combines elements of horror and romance. The story centers around Makani Young, a teenager who has recently moved to a small Nebraska town to escape a dark secret from her past. However, her newfound tranquility is shattered when a series of gruesome murders start occurring in her community. As the body count rises, Makani and her friends find themselves being stalked by a relentless killer who is determined to reveal their deepest secrets. With heart-pounding suspense and unexpected twists, this book explores themes of fear, identity, and the lengths one will go to survive when faced with a deadly threat.

No Exit by Taylor Adams

is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that takes place in the snowy mountains of Colorado. The story follows Darby Thorne, a young college student, who finds herself stranded at a remote rest stop during a blizzard. Seeking shelter, she discovers a young girl locked in a van, begging for help. As Darby tries to figure out how to save the girl, she soon realizes that there is something sinister and deadly happening at the rest stop. Trapped with strangers she can't trust and running out of time, Darby must summon all her courage and resourcefulness to outsmart a cunning and dangerous enemy. Packed with tension, twists, and high-stakes action, this keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh

is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the lingering effects of loss and the dangerous secrets that can be hidden within families. The story revolves around Anna Johnson, who is still struggling with the deaths of her parents, both of whom took their own lives within months of each other. Convinced that there is more to their deaths than meets the eye, Anna becomes determined to uncover the truth, despite the warnings from those around her. As she delves deeper into her investigation, she uncovers shocking revelations and a web of deceit that puts her own life in danger. With its clever twists and compelling narrative, this book keeps readers guessing until the final page, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the devastating impact of secrets.

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

is a captivating suspenseful novel, Jess embarks on a journey of self-discovery and intrigue. Faced with financial hardship and solitude, she seizes the opportunity for a fresh start after leaving her job on uneasy terms. Seeking refuge with her half-brother Ben in Paris, she is surprised by the luxurious apartment he seemingly affords. However, as Jess arrives to an empty space, her concern deepens. With each passing day, her quest to unravel the mystery surrounding Ben intensifies, exposing the enigmatic neighbors who harbor their own secrets. As Jess confronts her own past while delving into Ben's uncertain future, she becomes entangled in a web of suspicion and uncertainty. In this story of hidden motives and withheld truths, everyone is a potential suspect, and the truth lies just out of reach.

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

is a captivating and darkly comedic novel set in 1990s Charleston. Patricia Campbell, a devoted member of a book club, becomes suspicious of her new neighbor, James Harris, who turns out to be a vampire. As Patricia uncovers his true identity, she and her book club friends embark on a mission to protect their community from the dangerous supernatural threat. Blending horror, humor, and Southern charm, this gripping novel explores friendship, loyalty, and the power of ordinary individuals facing extraordinary challenges.

White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson

is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that follows Marigold's journey to escape her haunted past. Settling into a new home on Maple Street with her blended family, Mari hopes to find solace and a fresh start. However, the seemingly perfect house holds dark secrets, with strange occurrences and an eerie atmosphere. As Mari navigates the chilling events unfolding within the walls, she realizes that the danger extends beyond her home and that the town of Cedarville harbors its own hidden mysteries. With secrets lurking in every corner, this suspenseful tale explores the relentless pursuit of truth and the unsettling power of the unknown.

Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson

is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the unsettling world of obsession and secrets. Hen and her husband, Lloyd, have finally found tranquility in their new home near Boston. Hen, an illustrator managing her bipolar disorder, feels a sense of stability until they meet their new neighbors. When Hen spots a familiar object in their neighbor's office, memories of an unsolved murder that she has long been captivated by resurface. As Hen becomes consumed by her obsession with the case, her once peaceful life begins to unravel, and she must confront the haunting truth that lies hidden in the shadows. With its gripping narrative and suspenseful twists, this book explores the blurred lines between past and present, sanity and obsession, and the chilling consequences of unearthing buried secrets.

Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson

is a thrilling mystery that delves into the world of unsolvable crimes. Bookseller Malcolm Kershaw finds himself entangled in a real-life murder case that mirrors the infamous murders he once compiled in a list. As the FBI investigates these eerily similar killings, Mal realizes he's being watched by a diabolical killer who knows his darkest secrets. With shocking twists and a trail of death in its wake, this suspenseful tale keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning everyone's motives and unveiling a gripping game of cat and mouse.

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

is a gripping tale that unravels the mysteries surrounding Libby Jones' true identity and the haunting mansion she inherits. As she embarks on a journey to uncover her past, she unknowingly sets in motion a collision with others who have been eagerly awaiting this moment. Set against the backdrop of a notorious house with a chilling history, this captivating story delves into the lives of three intertwined families, bound together by a web of secrets that refuses to stay hidden. With its irresistible allure, this suspenseful narrative keeps readers enthralled, unable to look away from the dark and captivating secrets lurking within the walls.

One by One by Ruth Ware

is a gripping and chilling mountain-top mystery-thriller. When ten colleagues embark on a company retreat at a secluded luxury chalet, they have no idea that their getaway will turn into a deadly battle for survival. Stranded by a snowstorm and an avalanche, they soon realize that one among them is a cold-blooded killer. As the body count rises and trust crumbles, they must uncover the identity of the murderer before they all meet a gruesome fate. Packed with suspense, secrets, and shocking twists, this atmospheric tale will keep readers guessing until the final page, their hearts pounding with every revelation.

Sadie by Courtney Summers

is a gripping and heart-wrenching story unfolds as nineteen-year-old Sadie embarks on a mission to find her younger sister's killer. After Mattie's brutal murder, Sadie disappears from her small town, leaving behind a devastated community and a haunting podcast hosted by a determined journalist. Told through alternating perspectives, the novel explores Sadie's relentless pursuit for justice and the chilling reality of the world she uncovers. As the investigation intensifies, the lines between right and wrong blur, revealing the depths of human darkness and the power of resilience. With raw emotion and a captivating narrative, Sadie is a powerful exploration of loss, revenge, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

Such a Quiet Place by Megan Miranda

is a captivating thriller that explores the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic community. The peaceful facade of Hollow's Edge, a suburban neighborhood, shatters when a grisly murder takes place. The victim, Brandon and Fiona Truett, were once homeowners and friends to the community, until they were accused of embezzlement. Years later, Lizzie, a former resident, returns to Hollow's Edge to settle her parents' estate. However, upon her arrival, Lizzie is met with suspicion and hostility from her former neighbors. As secrets and tensions rise, the truth about what really happened to the Truetts begins to unravel. Lizzie must navigate a web of deceit, betrayal, and buried grudges to uncover the chilling truth and clear her own name.

The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James

is a mesmerizing mystery novel that intertwines the past and the present. As a journalist, Kate Marshall is no stranger to true crime stories, but when a mysterious book lands on her doorstep, it plunges her into a decades-old unsolved case. The book contains chilling details about a series of murders known as the "Red River Killings," which took place in a small town. Determined to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims, Kate embarks on a relentless investigation, delving into the dark secrets and hidden connections of the past. As she unearths long-buried secrets and faces dangerous adversaries, Kate realizes that the truth might be closer to home than she ever imagined. With its skillful blend of suspense, intricate plotting, and richly developed characters, "The Book of Cold Cases" will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final, spine-tingling revelation.

The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle

is a gripping psychological thriller where Alex's rise to online fame takes a sinister turn. When a controversial post goes viral, her trusted personal assistant, AC, disappears, and a murder investigation ensues. As suspicions grow and secrets unravel, the true danger becomes apparent within Alex's own home. Told from alternating perspectives, this thrilling cat-and-mouse story will keep you guessing until the final twist.

Ghost 19 by Simone St. James

is a suspenseful tale that follows Ginette Cox as she seeks a quieter life in suburban NY, only to discover that her new home harbors dark secrets. As Ginette observes her eccentric neighbors and invents stories about them, she becomes increasingly unsettled by the strange noises emanating from the basement, fueling her sleepless nights. Is she being haunted by a ghost or is her own sanity slipping away? When Ginette's imagination turns to thoughts of murder and a mysterious figure starts haunting her window, she realizes she must confront the terrifying forces that hold her captive in this house. Gripping and atmospheric, this chilling narrative explores the boundaries between reality and madness, keeping readers on edge as they join Ginette in her quest for escape.

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

is an immersive and atmospheric psychological thriller set in a secluded retreat for aspiring authors. When aspiring writer, Olivia, joins a prestigious writing retreat on a remote island, she hopes for inspiration and a chance to finish her novel. However, as tensions rise among the participants and strange occurrences unfold, Olivia finds herself trapped in a web of deceit and danger. As she delves deeper into the secrets of the retreat and its enigmatic host, Olivia must confront her own dark past and fight for her survival. With its gripping plot twists and complex characters, the plot explores the blurred lines between reality and fiction, exposing the unsettling power dynamics that unfold within the confines of the retreat.

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

is a chilling and atmospheric psychological thriller that will leave readers spellbound. In a secluded house on Needless Street, a reclusive man named Ted resides with his cat and his daughter, Dee. The house holds many secrets, and as the narrative unfolds from multiple perspectives, a dark and unsettling truth gradually comes to light. A missing girl, haunting memories, and mysterious occurrences converge in a web of suspense that keeps readers guessing until the shocking and mind-bending conclusion.

The It Girl by Ruth Ware

is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that unravels a web of secrets and lies surrounding the mysterious death of April Coutts-Cliveden. Hannah Jones, along with her friends Will, Hugh, Ryan, and Emily, formed an inseparable group during their time at Oxford University. But when April is found dead, the truth about her murder remains unresolved. Now, years later and on the brink of motherhood, Hannah is confronted with shocking new evidence that challenges everything she thought she knew. As she reconnects with her old friends, Hannah realizes that each of them harbors dark secrets, including a potential killer among them.

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that delves into the haunting secrets of the past. Emma Davis, haunted by the disappearance of her three cabin mates at the summer camp she attended years ago, returns to the now-reopened Camp Nightingale as an art instructor. Determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious vanishing, Emma delves into the dark history of the camp and the secrets that the campers and staff have kept hidden. As the lines between reality and deception blur, Emma realizes that the key to solving the mystery may lie within her own memories. With atmospheric tension and chilling twists, The Last Time I Lied keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the truth behind a haunting disappearance and the devastating consequences it has on Emma's life.

The Maid by Nita Prose

is a captivating and heartwarming mystery that follows Molly Gray, a unique and socially awkward young woman who finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation. As a meticulous hotel maid, Molly thrives on order and cleanliness. However, her world is turned upside down when she discovers the dead body of Charles Black, a wealthy and infamous guest. Suddenly, Molly becomes the prime suspect and must rely on newfound friends to unravel the truth and clear her name. With elements reminiscent of the classic game Clue, this locked-room mystery explores themes of identity, connection, and the power of the human heart in solving life's most puzzling mysteries.

The Moonlight Child by Karen McQuestion

is a captivating and suspenseful tale that follows Sharon Lemke and Niki as they embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious events at their neighbor's house. After witnessing a young girl doing housework late at night, Sharon's curiosity is piqued. When Niki, a former foster child, joins Sharon's household and also notices strange happenings at the Flemings' residence, they team up to investigate. As they dig deeper, they encounter unexpected twists and revelations, leading them to take matters into their own hands. Filled with intrigue and determination, The Moonlight Child is a thrilling exploration of secrets, resilience, and the power of taking action.