The Best of 2023 Discover Audible's top audiobooks podcasts and Originals of 2023
Check out the most popular audiobooks and podcasts in the Plus Catalogue, plus the ultimate top 20 best audiobooks of 2023 curated by the Audible Editors. Whether you’re obsessed with true crime podcasts and twisted thrillers, or prefer to escape with tales of magic and irreverent humour, there’s a range of titles to choose from. Alternatively discover informative listens about the world around you and gripping biographies that have taken the UK by storm.
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The top 20 audiobooks of 2023

The best titles released this year
Product list
  • Slayers: A Buffyverse Story cover art

    • Slayers: A Buffyverse Story

    • By: Christopher Golden, Amber Benson
    • Narrated by: Amber Benson, Charisma Carpenter, James Charles Leary, Emma Caulfield Ford, Juno Dawson, Laya DeLeon Hayes, Anthony Head, Juliet Landau, James Marsters, Danny Strong
    • Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
    • Release date: 12-10-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,199 ratings
    • Stars from the hit 90s series reunite for a new adventure
    • The highly anticipated Slayers reunites the original cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer reprising their iconic roles from the 90s show that drew a cult following for its blend of coming-of-age drama with horror and comedy. The new adventure has captivated listeners with one long-time fan saying ‘my inner teenage heart skipped a beat hearing life breathed into Tara, Anya and Cordelia again.’ In an alternate Sunnydale, Cordelia Chase is the Slayer, and she will need help to face the big bad Drusilla who is terrorising their world. James Marsters returns as rebellious vampire Spike, Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase, Anthony Head as Giles, Juliet Landau as Drusilla, Emma Caulfield Ford as Anya, Amber Benson as Tara, James Charles Leary as Clem and Danny Strong as Jonathan.
  • The Trial cover art

    • The Trial

    • By: Rob Rinder
    • Narrated by: Josh Dylan
    • Series: Adam Green Mysteries, Book 1
    • Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
    • Release date: 22-06-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,703 ratings
    • The gripping whodunit by Britain’s best-known criminal barrister
    • The host of the reality courtroom series Judge Rinder has crafted a clever courtroom drama filled with plot twists that will keep you guessing. The instant best seller tells the story of a hero policeman who dies from a poisoning and the trainee barrister who has to defend the main suspect. The Trial is in the best tradition of John Mortimer's Rumpole series. A hugely enjoyable British courtroom drama' - Steve Cavanagh. For listeners who devoured this book, the best thing is knowing that it is just the beginning for the misfit purveyor of justice Adam Green, with book two due to release early next year.
  • The Woman in Me cover art

    • The Woman in Me

    • By: Britney Spears
    • Narrated by: Britney Spears, Michelle Williams
    • Length: 5 hrs and 31 mins
    • Release date: 24-10-23
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 4,092 ratings
    • The pop icon’s long-awaited memoir narrated by Michelle Williams
    • It’s certainly been a year of revelatory memoirs and Britney Spear’s The Woman in Me is no exception. With Britney finally able to share her own truth, this brave and candid tale has captivated listeners with a different narrative to the one presented in the press all those years ago. Shedding light on the pressures women face in the entertainment industry, one Audible listener writes that this is a ‘transformative read that will leave any woman even more passionate about preserving our rights in this world.’ Britney’s narration, alongside A-list Hollywood actress, Michelle Williams, brings to life the star's troubles with mental health, fame, and freedom. An exposé that’s shockingly honest, wonderfully entertaining, and sure to make you see Britney in a whole new light.
  • Ultra-Processed People cover art

    • Ultra-Processed People

    • Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn’t Food...and Why Can’t We Stop?
    • By: Chris van Tulleken
    • Narrated by: Chris van Tulleken
    • Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
    • Release date: 27-04-23
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 2,916 ratings
    • A fascinating exploration into the science behind our everyday diets
    • Ultra-Processed Foods make up 60% of the average UK diet - but what are they? Join British doctor and journalist Chris van Tulleken as he unpacks this question. Ultra-Processed People is an eye-opening investigation which sees Chris adopt the role of guinea pig to explore the impact these foods are having on our bodies, our health and the planet. One Audible listener writes 'this book may well change the way you choose to eat - and perhaps even your lifelong health.'.
  • Fourth Wing cover art

    • Fourth Wing

    • Empyrean, Book 1
    • By: Rebecca Yarros
    • Narrated by: Rebecca Soler, Teddy Hamilton
    • Series: The Empyrean, Book 1
    • Length: 21 hrs and 22 mins
    • Release date: 02-05-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,711 ratings
    • The steamy action-filled fantasy by Rebecca Yarros
    • Since its May release Fourth Wing has been topping the best sellers charts. A war college for dragon riders provides the setting for the addictive high stakes adventure which blends romance, magic and fantasy. 'Fourth Wing will have your heart pounding from beginning to end... A fantasy like you've never read before.' ― best-selling author Jennifer L. Armentrout
  • The Mother Sun cover art

    • The Mother Sun

    • By: Sui Annukka
    • Narrated by: Nimmi Harasgama
    • Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins
    • Release date: 25-05-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 474 ratings
    • From the winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction Discoveries Award
    • One listener describes Sui Annukka’s breathtaking novel as ‘a story of women, love and survival crossing oceans and boundaries.’ The story follows lead character Surya on a journey from Sri Lanka to London, where she is forced to confront her past in order to find hope for the future. Another Audible listener says, ‘This is simply stunning, from the heartfelt and, at times, harrowing story to Nimmi Harasgama’s emotive narration. It’s so beautifully written - I was transported into the characters’ worlds and felt the relationship between Surya and Rafe was particularly well-crafted. I loved the occasional use of Sinhala. It gave a sense of authenticity, richness and an energy to the dialogue, which was perfectly contextualised for those of us who don’t speak the language.’.
  • The Little Mermaid cover art

    • The Little Mermaid

    • By: Hans Christian Andersen, Dina Gregory
    • Narrated by: Leigh-Anne Pinnock
    • Length: 43 mins
    • Release date: 23-03-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 191 ratings
    • A beautiful retelling of a well-loved fairytale
    • Immerse yourself in a magical retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, The Little Mermaid. Narration from Little Mix star and author Leigh-Anne Pinnock, is combined with music and vocals to produce what Audible members have described as an 'immersive and completely unique' storytelling experience. Co-written by Dina Gregory, this Audible Original production weaves the traditional story of The Little Mermaid, with aspects of Leigh-Anne's own lived experiences. A captivating listen for the whole family.
  • Politics on the Edge cover art

    • Politics on the Edge

    • A Memoir from Within
    • By: Rory Stewart
    • Narrated by: Rory Stewart
    • Length: 16 hrs and 20 mins
    • Release date: 14-09-23
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 3,188 ratings
    • An inside scoop from the former Conservative Cabinet minister
    • Politics on the Edge is a searing insider's account of ten extraordinary years in Parliament from former minister Rory Stewart, who ‘learned first-hand how profoundly hollow and inadequate our democracy and government had become’. ‘Brilliantly written, completely gripping, and darkly funny - this is one of the most devastating insider accounts of Westminster I have ever read. An instant classic of political memoir. I have to warn you that this book contains mind-boggling scenes featuring some of the leading politicians we've been cursed with over the past few years, several of which were so excruciating I had to read them through my fingers.’ - Marina Hyde.
  • The Rebound cover art

    • The Rebound

    • By: Leeanne Slade
    • Narrated by: Claudia Jessie
    • Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
    • Release date: 30-03-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,593 ratings
    • A 'completely enchanting' debut
    • It's fair to say the Audible team fell in love with Leeanne Slade's debut rom com The Rebound... Witty, heartfelt storytelling combined with beautifully created characters you can't get enough of is a dream combination. Add on engaging narration from Bridgerton's Claudia Jessie and we're not surprised it has garnered so many five-star reviews. We're also delighted to see how many members are romance converts after listening, including Audible listener Mossman. a '42 year old rugby playing ex copper' who said 'this book is brilliant. Superbly paced, well constructed characters. I was genuinely invested in their situations. I have now added another genre to my reading list'.
  • None of This Is True cover art

    • None of This Is True

    • By: Lisa Jewell
    • Narrated by: Nicola Walker, Louise Brealey
    • Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
    • Release date: 20-07-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 9,142 ratings
    • A nail biting thriller from the best-selling author of The Family Upstairs series
    • Lisa Jewell is a master of creating addictive psychological thrillers, with previous best sellers including The Family Upstairs and The Night She Disappeared. This full cast performance led by Nicola Walker ( Unforgotten, The Split) and Louise Brealey ( Sherlock) has captivated listeners with one noting ‘the way this book was narrated and produced made me feel like I had binged a Netflix series!’. The story follows Alix who meets her 'birthday twin' Josie when celebrating her 45th birthday, prompting her to pursue a podcast idea she can't resist. But is Josie really as unassuming as she seems? We were captivated by the incoporporation of real podcast episodes in this audio production which lent an air of authenticity to the plot and makes it a story you won't be able to press pause on.
  • Someone Else’s Shoes cover art

    • Someone Else’s Shoes

    • By: Jojo Moyes
    • Narrated by: Daisy Ridley
    • Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins
    • Release date: 02-02-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,615 ratings
    • A story of mix-ups, mess-ups and making the most of second chances from the author of Me Before You
    • English actor Daisy Ridley ( Star Wars: The Force Awakens) brilliantly narrates Jojo Moyes' heartwarming novel Someone Else’s Shoes. The clever plot follows Sam and Nisha, who after a bag mix-up at the gym, find their lives become intertwined. Be prepared to go on an emotional journey alongside the vividly drawn characters, with both laughter and tears, in a story that champions female friendship. This compulsive tale had one listener saying ‘The only downside is that having finished it already I've now got to wait however long for the next one!’
  • Strong Female Character cover art

    • Strong Female Character

    • By: Fern Brady
    • Narrated by: Fern Brady
    • Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins
    • Release date: 16-02-23
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 2,751 ratings
    • Heart-breaking yet hilarious, Fern Brady’s frank experience of womanhood and neurodiversity
    • In this internationally acclaimed memoir, comedian Fern Brady challenges stereotypes about autistic women, offering a sharp and poignant exploration of neurodivergence. When Fern Brady (comedian and Channel Four Taskmaster contestant) first read about autism as a teenager, it immediately explained everything. But as is the case with so many women, she was only diagnosed at thirty-four. In Strong Female Character, Fern Brady shares all; from her working-class Scottish Catholic family, to the tree that acted as her childhood best friend, and her experience at a psychiatric facility. It’s a moving and eye-opening look, told by Fern Brady herself, about what it means to be autistic, and what it ultimately means to be a woman.
  • The Diary of a CEO cover art

    • The Diary of a CEO

    • The 33 Laws of Business and Life
    • By: Steven Bartlett
    • Narrated by: Steven Bartlett
    • Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
    • Release date: 31-08-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,494 ratings
    • Words of wisdom from the popular entrepreneur
    • You may well have heard of Steven Bartlett. He's an entrepreneur, a star of Dragen's Den and is responsible for one of the most listened to - and talked about - podcasts of recent years. His book The Diary of a CEO draws on the lessons he's learned in business, but also the insights he's gleaned from interviewing hundreds of smart people on his podcast of the same name. Audible listener Laura Harrison says 'on day one of reading I made some really positive and impactful changes in my workplace which were inspired by this book. The laws are each invaluable in their own way and I feel this is a book that can be applied to anyone on any journey due to the way it relates to both business and life.'
  • The Creative Act cover art

    • The Creative Act

    • A Way of Being
    • By: Rick Rubin
    • Narrated by: Rick Rubin
    • Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins
    • Release date: 17-01-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 697 ratings
    • Unlocking Rick Rubin’s creative power, a masterclass in living like an artist
    • Rick Rubin is both the co-founder of hip-hop label Def Jam Records, and the illustrious producer behind music from artists as varied as Jay-Z, the Beastie Boys, and Neil Young. Now Rubin uses his creativity in a whole new way. In The Creative Act, Rubin shares his expert thoughts about the meaning, importance, and responsibility of creativity in all our lives. It’s a fascinating and inspiring look at the wisdom of creativity and the benefits for all of us – musically talented or not – to live like artists. The Creative Act is an original and uplifting listen read by the author himself, that builds creative confidence through thoughtful insights and advice. It might even encourage you to create your very own masterpiece!
  • The Nice Guy cover art

    • The Nice Guy

    • By: Sarah A. Denzil
    • Narrated by: Rosie Cavaliero
    • Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
    • Release date: 06-07-23
    • Language: English
    • 4 out of 5 stars 1,214 ratings
    • Lucky love turns dark and dangerous in this psychologically gripping listen
    • In the bustling chaos of New York City, Laura thought she hit the jackpot with Ethan – the one nice guy in the whole concrete jungle. Their connection sparked on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and it promised a night of sizzling passion. Surprise! She’s having a baby and everything seems perfect to Laura – a little baby, a loving man, and a flawless little family. But as time goes on, Ethan begins to change… Can Laura keep her baby safe from his control? Masterfully narrated by Rosie Cavaliero, ( Nativity!, Funny Woman), The Nice Guy is an enthralling listen that is sure to keep listeners on the edge of their seats.
  • Yellowface cover art

    • Yellowface

    • By: R. F. Kuang
    • Narrated by: Helen Laser
    • Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
    • Release date: 25-05-23
    • Language: English
    • 4 out of 5 stars 2,142 ratings
    • A satirical thriller from the best-selling author of Babel
    • June Hayward, who steals an unpublished manuscript and publishes it under her own name, is captivating in her seemingly lack of remorse for her lies and betrayal. Be prepared to be gripped throughout as she unravels, and we discover just how far she will go to get what she thinks she deserves. One Audible listener writes, ‘Witty, sharp, incisive and well voiced. Couldn’t stop listening. An antihero you love to hate.’
  • Tom Lake cover art

    • Tom Lake

    • By: Ann Patchett
    • Narrated by: Meryl Streep
    • Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
    • Release date: 01-08-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,134 ratings
    • A beautifully moving story of love in all its wondrous complexity
    • Narrated by Hollywood legend, Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada, Into The Woods) Tom Lake tells the story of young love, old love, sibling rivalry, and wonderfully deep mother-daughter relationships. At twenty-four, Lara fell deeply and madly in love with young Peter Duke. Many years later, Lara is surrounded by her three adult daughters who plead to hear the story of her wild romance with the now famous actor – also Peter Duke. In a moving and vividly imagined listen, Ann Patchett explores the complexities of human relationships, and the lives parents lead before children. A new Ann Patchett novel is always cause for celebration and this latest listen does not fail to charm and captivate.
  • Spare cover art

    • Spare

    • By: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
    • Narrated by: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
    • Length: 15 hrs and 37 mins
    • Release date: 10-01-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 18,130 ratings
    • Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex shares his story
    • Following public fascination with - and press coverage of - the Royal Family and the fairy tale romance between Harry and Meghan, Harry released his memoir early in 2023. From losing his mother as a young boy to daring to leave the Royal Family, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. 'When the book was launched, I was sceptical and had no interest in reading or listening to Harry’s biography, I had my own view. I’m so glad I did! I do now believe how difficult it has been for them and I think they have now found the freedom they crave…' - Anna, Audible listener.
  • Strange Sally Diamond cover art

    • Strange Sally Diamond

    • By: Liz Nugent
    • Narrated by: Jessica Regan, Stephen Hogan, Sara Lynam
    • Length: 10 hrs
    • Release date: 02-03-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,102 ratings
    • A dark thriller from the best-selling author of Our Little Cruelties
    • Liz Nugent’s Strange Sally Diamond follows the eccentric Sally when the death of her father thrusts her into the public eye. Flicking between the perspective of the emotionally disconnected Sally and Peter, who has a distorted view of the world, the plot slowly reveals a childhood that Sally doesn’t remember. The build-up of questions surrounding the complex characters past makes this a tension-filled listen that will leave you in its grip. One Audible listener writes ‘I was unable to put it down. Absolutely loved the main character. It has plenty of laughing moments and devastating episodes.’
  • Translation State cover art

    • Translation State

    • By: Ann Leckie
    • Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
    • Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins
    • Release date: 06-06-23
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 168 ratings
    • The Bridgerton star narrates award-winning Ann Leckie’s latest exploration of the Imperial Radch Universe.
    • In Qven’s world, every individual is created for a specific purpose. Qven was created to become an intermediary between the human world and the perilous alien world of the Presgers. But when Qven rebels from their strictly defined life-role, their world collides with Enae and Root, a diplomat and a mechanic, who are themselves on a very dangerous journey of discovery. Translation State is a stand-alone story about the idea of belonging, set in Ann Leckie’s celebrated Imperial Radch universe. Adjoa Andoh ( Bridgerton and Fractured) portrays each character’s personality with superb inventiveness, creating an atmosphere listeners will find both charming and thought-provoking.

Trending best audiobook series of 2023

From the Oasthouse

Does Alan Partridge really need any introduction? The third instalment of the broadcaster's podcast released in 2023. Listen in for more ponderings.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

The delightfully clever cosy crime series from television's Richard Osman which features a most unlikely group of investigators.

The Seven Sisters

The eighth novel in the much-loved family saga, co-authored by her son Harry Whittaker, draws Lucinda Riley's story of love and loss to a stunning close.

The Dr. Ruth Galloway Mysteries

The beloved characters return to solve a new mystery in the Norfolk-set detective series. 'Galloway now seems as real as Marple and Morse.' - The Times

The Horus Heresy

This action-filled space adventure is set 10,000 years before the far future of Warhammer 40,000, in a time known as The Age of Darkness.

Strike

Robert Glenister, who plays Jasper in the TV adaptation, returns to narrate an unforgettable new instalment in the series.

Moriarty

Featuring all-star narrators including Dame Helen Mirren, Dominic Monaghan and Phil LaMarr, Moriarty is a captivating addition to the Sherlock Holmes universe.

The DCI Ryan Mysteries

Gripping murder and mystery, peppered with humour and romance, this series follows Detective Chief Inspector Ryan, who, when trying to escape a turbulent past, is thrust back into the murky world of murder.

Rivers of London

'Ben Aaronovitch has created a wonderful world full of mystery, magic and fantastic characters. I love being there more than the real London.' - Nick Frost.

He Who Fights with Monsters

A humorous LitRPG series set in a mysterious world of magic and monsters, whose characters and adventures are captivating audiences.

Shantaram

Discover the sequel to the incredible true story Shantaram, a masterpiece filled with high adventure, great storytelling and moral purpose.

Quantum Earth

When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts, it's up to six college students and their experimental physics project to prevent the end of civilisation.

The Winter Series

Meet Winter - master hacker, highly intelligent, combat trained. She returns in the fifth book in Alex Callister's popular series narrated by Ell Potter.

Bridgerton

The beloved series that inspired the Netflix hit: Julia Quinn’s enchanting tales of high society, fame and scandal includes this year's hit Queen Charlotte

Impact Winter

The acclaimed fantasy series from executive producers of The Walking Dead and the writer of Pacific Rim returned this year to haunt us some more.

Confessions

Sally Phillips (Bridget Jones Diary) returns to narrate more hilarity in a story that reminds you that you’re not alone.

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