10 Audiobooks to Own Your Commute

If you enjoy smart, enthralling spy novels, you’ll love Ben Macintyre’s The Spy and the Traitor. British actor and award-winning narrator John Lee brings to life this true story about Russian double-agent Oleg Gordievsky, whose secret work helped hasten the end of the Cold War. It’s full of treacherous double crosses, nail-biting escapes, and political maneuverings between America, Britain, and the Soviet Union.

Acclaimed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and writer-researcher Avis Lang team up on Accessory to War. It explores everything from celestial navigation to satellite-enabled warfare and discusses the intersection of science, technology, and military power. Taking us expertly through their words is actor Courtney B. Vance, whose deeply assured voice makes the subject accessible to listeners.

When the winter weather becomes a blizzard that cuts off electricity and the ability to leave a mountain lodge in the Catskills, a romantic and cozy weekend turns into a matter of survival…especially when guests start turning up dead, one-by-one. Award-winning narrator Hillary Huber will keep you on the edge of your (car) seat with this twisty thriller.

With this practical guide, you’ll gain insights into how to think about attention and learn how to best take charge of your own attention every day, in order to increase productivity and efficiency in each aspect of your life.

A bestselling memoirist and comedian in Ireland, podcaster Maeve Higgins made the life-changing decision to move to New York City in her early 30s. In Maeve in America, she explores coming to the U.S., living in the city, and learning to love herself. It’s a treat to hear her narrate this laugh-out-loud collection of essays.

Carrie Fisher shares intimate and hilarious recollections of what happened on the film set of the first Star Wars movie—and what developed behind the scenes. She narrates her memoir as only she could, and it’s a joy to listen to. Indeed, it was the 2018 Grammy winner for Best Spoken Word Album.

If you’re a podcast listener and want to dip your toe into audiobooks, this collection of articles from Texas Monthly magazine is a great place to start. Featuring five pieces written and narrated by a variety of voices, you’ll be drawn into an unbelievable cheerleader murder plot, an international con artist’s cons, a bank robber’s jobs, and more fascinating true crimes.

In the latest audiobook installment, Jack Ryan Jr. agrees to track down a young woman from his mother’s past. The task leads him to the Sarajevo, where he finds himself in the crosshairs of ancient blood feuds, local mafias, and secret service agencies. As read by award-winning narrator Scott Brick, you’ll find reasons to stay in your car to finish listening to this thriller.

When their planet is attacked, Kady and Ezra evacuate on a ship, but the voyage is threatened by a virus, pursuing enemies, and even, perhaps, their own ship’s AI. Told through a series of hacked documents, the story really comes to life with the cast of voice actors and range of sound effects. While it’s technically a young adult audiobook, adult listeners will love this epic, award-winning sci-fi production.

If you loved the movie, now’s the time to dive into the book series! Rachel Chu agrees to go to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, for a wedding and to meet his family. Little does she know, Nick is one of the wealthiest and most eligible bachelors in Asia. Narrator Lynn Chen takes you along on this rollicking ride that will make you want to immediately start listening to the splashy sequel.