By Kathryn Alley, Samantha Ross, Nathasya Gunawan and Cameron Phillips
There’s something irresistibly captivating about unravelling a mystery, especially when it’s brought to life in a suspenseful audiobook. This week, we are spotlighting our favourite audio whodunnits that will keep you guessing until the end!
Samantha’s Pick: Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll, narrated by Chris Henry Coffey, Corey Brill, Imani Jade Powers and Sutton Foster
I decided to go a little rogue with my pick for this edition and highlight a story that fits the narrative structure of a whodunnit but which takes its themes from true crime and stories we unfortunately hear about far too often around the world. Based on real events with completely fictionalised characters, Bright Young Women is a strong mouthpiece for victims and survivors. Given its accuracy, I debated whether or not this fit into a mystery or whodunnit, but I believe Knoll builds suspense through devices such as split narratives and timeframes, thus drawing the listener or reader in. Like the characters, we all want to find the man responsible.
Knoll’s characterisation and writing is careful and accurate, existing on a strong foundation of research and respect. Pamela is flawed, strong and incredibly meticulous, thrust into a life she could never have imagined. Trying to uncover the truth the police are somehow not seeing, she meets Tina, another woman with the same goal. Pamela realises the violence may spread further than she first thought, a stark realisation that is universal.
Bright Young Women doesn’t put its emphasis on the men who attack, but on the young women who are bright, driven and desperate for a different world. The narration adds a personal element to the characters, allowing for even more empathy and understanding.
Nathasaya’s Pick: The Maid by Nita Prose, narrated by Lauren Ambrose
One of my favourite whodunnit mysteries is The Maid by Nita Prose. It is an absolute delight. Narrated by Lauren Ambrose, her performance brings the unique character of Molly the maid to life with nuance and warmth. Molly’s charmingly literal worldview is captured brilliantly in Ambrose’s voice, making her innocence and quirks all the more engaging to listen to.
The plot centres around Molly, a socially awkward yet endearing maid, who discovers a wealthy guest dead in his hotel room. What follows is a classic mystery filled with red herrings and twists, keeping the listener guessing until the very end. Ambrose's narration perfectly conveys Molly's innocence, making her an unlikely yet compelling sleuth. The way she handles the story’s pacing enhances the suspense, allowing each revelation to land with impact.
Whether it's Molly’s endearing personality or the twisty mystery that keeps you hooked, The Maid is a truly enjoyable experience in the audio format. It’s the kind of story that feels warm and uplifting, making it perfect for immersive listening.
Cameron’s Pick: None of This is True, written by Lisa Jewell, narrated by a full cast
A friend recommended this book and when I asked for a short premise, I was immediately hooked. The downtrodden mum of two Josie meets podcaster Alix, who Josie sees as a vessel to explore her own sense of unfulfillment and unhappiness. Eager to try something new, Alix soon finds out that Josie has been hiding things of much darker and macabre tastes.
I find thrillers a very difficult genre to read, as for me the visual is far more effective at raising the tension than the written, so the audiobook format really brought this story to life for me. Engaging from the very start and paced excellently, Jewell crafts a story that twists and turns but also flows linearly. This sort of obsession driven plot has been done to death, but somehow Jewell makes it her own. I especially love the podcast sections between Alix and Josie, which really elevate Jewell’s excellent dialogue writing. The full cast is immersive too, covering the wide range of characters here. Simply put, this was brilliant!
Kathryn’s Pick: Sharp Objects, written by Gillian Flynn, narrated by Ann Marie Lee
Psychological thrillers and mysteries have always been my go-to genres, especially when the weather starts to turn chilly and I’m ready to dive into something suspenseful. I recently listened to Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn and it has quickly risen to the top of the list of my favourite whodunnits, with its eerie atmosphere and truly unforgettable twists.
Sharp Objects is an unsettling psychological thriller that follows journalist Camille Preaker as she returns to her small hometown to investigate the brutal murders of two young girls. The audiobook, narrated with Lee’s haunting and gritty tone, masterfully captures the dark undercurrents of the tale. Camille, who has her own traumatic past, becomes embroiled in the mystery while confronting her painful childhood memories. The narrative weaves together themes of psychological trauma, family secrets and the sinister nature of small-town life, keeping listeners on edge as the layers of mystery slowly unravel. The shocking twist at the end is both tragic and terrifying, cementing Sharp Objects as a powerful and unforgettable listen. I can’t recommend this mystery enough!
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