Behind the Mic With Kirkus Reviews

“Kate Atkinson has no match for atmosphere,” says narrator Fenella Woolgar, and we wholeheartedly agree. Eighteen-year-old Juliet Armstrong has been recruited by MI5 to transcribe recordings of fascist sympathizers — they don’t know it, but they are telling their traitorous secrets to an MI5 agent, not to the Gestapo. Things get more complicated when Juliet is asked to take on a fake identity herself to infiltrate the “Fifth Column” of London society. Woolgar enlivens the broad cast of characters, and her interpretations of Juliet’s wry asides are spot on. Listen and enjoy historical fiction from a master writer and narrator. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine assistant editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This inspirational audiobook for middle-grade listeners gracefully explores what life was like for African Americans after WWII and celebrates the magic of books. Narrator Dion Graham gives an immersive performance, reading with a light Southern drawl. In 1943, 11-year-old Langston and his father move Alabama to Chicago as part of the Great Migration, and Langston is having a hard time adjusting. By spending time at the George Cleveland Hall branch of the Chicago Public Library, where African-American heroes of literature are celebrated, Langston finds solace and discovers a love of reading. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine assistant editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

William Shatner loves to write, and narrate, his memoirs --his newest has all the trademark humor and candor. Here he talks Star Trek, aging, and his Hollywood world. Great listening fun. This humorous and down-to-earth audiobook will entertain, and who doesn’t love to hear Shatner talk! For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This mystery recommendation follows Frieda Klein, a consulting psychologist who becomes a serial murderer’s obsession. Narrator Beth Chalmers hits the pacing and the interesting secondary characters beautifully in this audiobook written by a husband-and-wife team who go by Nicci French. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you ready for the ultimate audiobook mash-up? A blend of science fiction, mystery, military strategy, humor--all with a ton of momentum. This audiobook follows Colonel Carl Butler, a retired war hero, called to another planet to investigate the disappearance of a VIP’s son. Science fiction fans and sci-fi skeptics alike will enjoy PLANETSIDE as it offers something for every listener. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we talk about one of the audiobooks that the popular BBC TV series “Shetland” is based on. This title is the conclusion of an eight-book series featuring DI Jimmy Perez. If you saw this BBC miniseries, we promise these audiobooks will offer you an even richer world exploring the bleak, windswept beauty of the Shetland Islands. Don’t be worried if you haven’t listened to other audiobooks in this series, as AudioFile’s Robin says you can jump in and enjoy this mystery. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, Hello Sunshine, selected this thriller, and Reese calls it “the ultimate mystery… the suspense will keep you up all night.” AudioFile editors listened to this mystery set in the flashy, sinister Los Angeles art world and recommend it to you. Narrator Tavia Gilbert is a two-time Audie winner and calls this one of her favorite projects. If you enjoy listening to audiobooks that turn creepy quickly, you’ll be hooked by STILL LIVES. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For fans of frighteningly believable stories, don’t miss today’s recommendation—a debut novel. We imagine ourselves in a world where half the population is allowed to speak only 100 words a day. For fans of THE HANDMAID’S TALE but better. Brace yourself for an excerpt of this timely and fascinating audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile publisher Michele Cobb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the release of the blockbuster movie, we revisit the romp of the audiobook version written by Kevin Kwan. The satire of the novel is at the heart of the story and part of the fun. Narrator Chen enlivens a broad cast of characters. Don’t blame us if you laugh out loud while listening to the excerpt in this podcast episode! For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine publisher Michele Cobb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here’s an audiobook that snares us in a labyrinthine web of lies, deceits, betrayals, and truths that span decades. This engrossing listen explores relationships and secrets between mothers and daughters and will have you glued to your earphones. Listen to an excerpt of this high-voltage audiobook that will have you both riveted to your seat and ready to jump out of it! For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile publisher Michele Cobb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With 2018 marking the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, AudioFile discusses THE PRISON LETTERS OF NELSON MANDELA. Narrator Atandwa Kani played young Mandela in the film “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” and more recently acted in “Black Panther.” Mandela’s letters will tear at listeners’ hearts, and Atandwa Kani’s narration is not to be missed. Listen to an excerpt of this Earphones Award-winning audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile publisher Michele Cobb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Pride-month breakout book. Two stories run parallel throughout this thoughtful audiobook, one unfolding during the early days of the AIDS epidemic in Chicago and the other taking place in a more contemporary time in Paris. A listen with strong emotional impact. The audio clip may have you rethinking flying but we promise that you don’t want to miss this audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine publisher Michele Cobb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on a special bonus episode of Behind the Mic, we talk with actor LeVar Burton. You know LeVar from “Roots,” as the host of “Reading Rainbow,” and now as host of the podcast “LeVar Burton Reads.” LeVar considered Fred Rogers a friend and mentor, and when the opportunity to narrate THE GOOD NEIGHBOR arose, LeVar jumped at the chance to honor the creator and host of the iconic PBS television series “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Listen in as LeVar discusses getting to know Fred Rogers, their shared vision for creating engaging and meaningful programming for children, and his acting career launched by his role on “Roots.” For millennials who grew up with LeVar on “Reading Rainbow,” or Gen Xers who loved Mr. Rogers, LeVar tell us about how he came to focus on reading aloud to children and why he continues to believe in the power of the spoken word and storytelling. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed with guest LeVar Burton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America is primed for this political thriller featuring a polarizing president. No, THE MIDDLEMAN isn’t a nonfiction audiobook recommendation but rather a cerebral novel of suspense by Olen Steinhauer. Narrator Ari Fliakos has a clear connection to literary work using emotional intimacy. This podcast includes an excerpt for this Earphones-winning audiobook that will have you ready to hit play. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don’t listen to this podcast in the dark! AudioFile shares an excerpt from Stephen King’s very creepy THE OUTSIDER, read by Will Patton. As we expect from the King and Patton combination, the emotional intensity makes this audiobook a subtle powerhouse. If this podcast is too scary for you, visit our website to read the audiobook review. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AudioFile editors recommend HARBOR ME, the new middle-grade title from acclaimed author Jacqueline Woodson. In this audiobook, Woodson narrates as the teacher of a group of 6 students brought together in an experimental classroom to talk — without teachers around — for an hour every Friday. Each student is voiced by a different narrator, and this combination makes for an Earphones Award-winning audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This long-running thriller series by Daniel Silva features spymaster Gabriel Allon. And the audiobook features master narrator George Guidall. One of AudioFile’s Golden Voices, he rips through German, Russian, and Israeli names with ease and keeps the tension high. THE OTHER WOMAN does not disappoint. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beautifully written and performed, Anne Tyler’s novel reminds us that families come in all shapes and sizes. The Baltimore setting of CLOCK DANCE gets special attention from narrator Kimberly Farr. Humorous and relatable, her performance inspired AudioFile reviewer S.J. Henschel to tell us, “Get this audiobook--immediately!” It’s an Earphones Award winner. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a new documentary about Robin Williams just out on HBO, AudioFile reviews ROBIN by Dave Itzkoff, narrated by Fred Berman. This biography captures the depth of Robin Williams, exploring both the humor and the tragedy of this beloved comedian. Listen for an excerpt of this remarkable audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the theatrical release of the documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” AudioFile looks at THE GOOD NEIGHBOR by Maxwell King, a book and audio honoring Fred Rogers. LeVar Burton, actor and host of the award-winning children’s series “Reading Rainbow,” warmly invites listeners into the life of American icon Fred Rogers, creator and host of the PBS television show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Listen to LeVar reading a clip about Fred Rogers’ mother--an inspiration for his iconic show. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine publisher Michele Cobb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the launch of AudioFile Magazine's new podcast, Behind the Mic! Editors and reviewers from AudioFile Magazine give their recommendations for the best audiobook listening Monday through Friday. This podcast will help you find your next great audiobook. In addition to the audiobook recommendations, we’ll have bonus episodes of in-depth conversations with the best voices in the audiobook world. Today we recommend WHAT TO READ AND WHY by Francine Prose, read by Allyson Johnson. This audiobook of essays is perfect for listeners who are book lovers and literary enthusiasts. Listen for an excerpt of this recommended audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website: On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you are an audiobook listener, our Behind the Mic podcast is the best way to get audiobook recommendations. With audiobooks, it's not just the story that's important, it's also the narrator who makes the magic. That's where Behind the Mic comes in! Every week, our host Jo Reed discusses excellent new audiobooks with our guests, all editors and contributors to AudioFile Magazine. Listen to episodes every weekday for a short, 5 minute discussion about great new audiobooks. We always include a clip so you can hear the narration for yourself. Bonus interview episodes give us a chance for a deeper dive into a particular narrator's work, or insights into an author's perspectives on audiobooks. Follow our podcast wherever you get your podcasts. For more on AudioFile Magazine, visit our website, where you'll find thousands of audiobook reviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices