Halfway through the year and I have listened to 29 audiobooks!
23 audiobooks were from my library
6 were through NetGalley
For the challenge, I chose “Listen to 20-30 audiobooks this year (Binge Listener)” and I will complete that goal within the week. Woohoo!
Thanks to Kim, as always, for hosting this fun challenge!
Title: It’s Not Her
Author: Mary Kubica
Format: audiobook
Length: 11 hours 32 minutes
Narrators: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Pressley, Gary Tiedermann
Rating: 4.5 stars
Publication Date:February 3, 2026
It’s Not Her was such an addictive and suspenseful read. Mary Kubica does an amazing job creating tension from the very beginning, and every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist completely changed everything.
I especially loved the emotional depth of the story and how layered the characters felt. The pacing was fantastic, the atmosphere was unsettling in the best way, and the ending was absolutely everything. This was one of those thrillers that was impossible to put down!
I also enjoyed each narrator. They made the characters come to life in such a great way!
I borrowed this book from Libby.
Title: The Anniversary
Author: Alex Finlay
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 38 minutes
Narrators: Ari Fliakos & Brittany Pressley
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: May 12, 2026
I really enjoyed The Anniversary by Alex Finlay. The story pulled me in right away with its intriguing premise and didn’t let go. The pacing was steady, with just the right amount of suspense to keep me listening, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together what was really going on.
The plot twist completely caught me off guard in the best way. It was the kind of reveal that makes you stop and rethink everything you’ve read up to that point, which I always appreciate in a thriller. It felt well-executed and satisfying rather than rushed or predictable.
I listened to the audiobook, and both narrators (Ari Fliakos and Brittany Pressley) did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. They really captured the tone and emotions of the characters, adding depth and tension in all the right moments. Their performances made it even easier to stay fully immersed in the story.
Overall, this was a gripping and entertaining read with strong storytelling and a memorable twist. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted thriller.
I received a complimentary audiobook copy. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to listen.
Title: When I Kill You
Author: B.A. Paris
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 52 minutes
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: February 17, 2026
I listened to this last year so it counted for last years challenges.
When I Kill You is another gripping, emotionally charged thriller from B.A. Paris, and I was hooked from the very first page. The tension builds beautifully throughout the story, with Paris’s signature blend of atmospheric suspense and deeply personal stakes. I found myself completely immersed, not just in the plot but in the way the story unfolded with such precision and psychological depth. I did guess the plot twist before it happened, but it did not ruin the book for me.
If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you on edge while delivering strong character insight, When I Kill You is absolutely worth the read.
I received a complimentary ALC through NetGalley.
Title: Inside Man
Author: John McMahon
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Will Damon
Length: 9 hours 35 minutes
Publication Date: January 13, 2026
Inside Man by John McMahon is a gripping, smartly constructed thriller that kept me fully invested from start to finish. McMahon writes his cast with depth and emotional realism, making it easy to become immersed in their world and genuinely care about what happens as the story unfolds.
The dual investigations are especially compelling. As the two cases gradually intertwine, the tension builds in a way that constantly pulled me forward. Just when I thought I understood where things were heading, new connections emerged, keeping the story fresh and unpredictable without ever feeling forced or confusing. The pacing strikes a great balance between thoughtful development and propulsive suspense.
The audiobook elevates the experience even further. Narrator Will Damron does an outstanding job, bringing nuance and authenticity to each character’s voice. His performance enhances the emotional beats and sharpens the tension, making it hard to stop listening.
I received a complimentary audio copy. Thank you to the lovely people I reached out to at Macmillan for allowing me to have this ALC on my NetGalley Shelf.
Title: Dark Arts and A Daiquiri
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 39 minutes
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: November 16, 2018
This audiobook is a fast and funny urban-fantasy adventure. Tori’s snarky voice and fearless attitude make her a fantastic protagonist, and the chemistry with her mage roommates is as charming as ever. Annette Marie delivers sharp humor, great action, and surprisingly heartfelt moments, all wrapped in vivid world-building that’s impossible to resist. I cannot wait to listen to the next book in this series!
This is where I will be keeping track of my Audiobook Challenge to share with everyone. You know I also track everything on multiple spreadsheets like a huge nerd!
I am trying to listen to 20-30 audiobooks this year (Binge Listener)
Use the hashtag #2026AudiobookChallenge
I tracked this challenge on a Google Spreadsheet this year as well as a tag on Storygraph. Here are my results!
I listened to 58 audiobooks this year. My aim was “binge listener (20-30 books)” and I passed that goal in mid July!
