Author Archives: Kylie Conner

About Kylie Conner

Kylie’s favorite reads are usually horror/thrillers, which matches her taste in films as well. When she’s not cracking bad jokes she can often be found curled up with a cup of coffee and her cat, Gideon.

Celebrate the Harry Potter™ Audio Collection Launch with the Chance to Win A Harry Potter Gift Trunk and 1 Year of Listening!

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We are delighted that the Harry Potter™ digital audiobook catalog is now available on Audiobooks.com, and to celebrate its arrival, we’re giving our members a chance to win! 

One lucky listener will win an official Gryffindor Mini Gift Trunk ($120 USD value), plus a 12-month subscription to Audiobooks.com ($179.40 USD value)! This mini version of the Hogwarts School Trunk, crafted to resemble those used by Hogwarts students travelling on the Hogwarts Express, will come filled with exclusive Gryffindor knitwear items.

The Gryffindor Mini Gift Trunk contains:

• Mini Hogwarts School Trunk Replica
• Gryffindor Knitted Crest Scarf
• Gryffindor Knitted Hat
• Mini Hogwarts School Trunk Replica
• Gryffindor Knitted Mitten Capped Gloves

The 12-month subscription to Audiobooks.com includes:

• The choice of 1 audiobook every month from our library of 700,000 audiobooks
• The choice of 1 monthly VIP audiobook selection
• Access to exclusive sales and deals, personalized curation, and book discovery

This whimsical prize is designed to elevate your listening journey, giving you a full year of digital audiobooks to explore on the move, along with cozy apparel to enjoy while you listen. 

Entering the giveaway is simple. All you have to do is listen to any qualifying audiobook title from the collection on Audiobooks.com in the month of July, and you will automatically receive an entry into the prize drawing. Eligible audiobooks include all seven main novels in the Harry Potter™ series — spanning the various narrators and international language editions — as well as select companion titles from the Hogwarts Library book series. For the absolute complete list of currently qualifying titles, languages, and strict eligibility requirements, please review the full terms outlined below. Give your eyes a rest, give your ears a treat, and start listening today to enter!

Qualifying titles include all narrator editions (Jim Dale and Stephen Fry) and authorized language variants of the seven main Harry Potter™ novels, as well as currently active companion titles from the Hogwarts Library series (The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages, and Harry Potter: A History of Magic).

The contest closes on July 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Start listening today!

Official Sweepstakes Terms & Conditions

1. Eligibility: The Harry Potter™ Sweepstakes (the ‘Sweepstakes’) is sponsored by Audiobooks.com (‘Sponsor’). The Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the United States of America who have reached the age of majority in their respective jurisdiction of residence at the time of entry. Employees, officers, and directors of Audiobooks.com, Storytel Group, and Pottermore Ltd., along with their immediate family members, are not eligible to enter or win. Void where prohibited by law.

2. Sweepstakes Period: The Sweepstakes begins on July 1, 2026, at 6:00 AM ET and ends on July 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET (the “Sweepstakes Period”).

3. How to Enter: No purchase necessary to enter or win. Eligible participants can enter via two methods during the Sweepstakes Period:

• Method one: You will automatically receive one (1) entry into the grand prize draw per credit used or a la carte purchase made on any of the qualifying audiobooks on Audiobooks.com during the Sweepstakes Period. Any returned purchases or refunded credits will immediately void the associated entry.
• Method two: To enter without making a purchase, clearly hand-print your full name, complete mailing address, phone number, and email address (preferably the one associated with your Audiobooks.com account if applicable), and attn: Harry Potter Sweepstakes Entry on a 3″ x 5″ piece of paper and mail it in an envelope with sufficient postage to: Storytel Audiobooks USA LLC, 10685-B Hazelhurst Dr. #32293, Houston, TX 77043 USA. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by July 31, 2026, and received by August 10, 2026. Limit one (1) outer mailing envelope per entry. 

Participants may enter up to a maximum total of 100 entries per person across all entry methods. Any entries received from any person in excess of this stated limitation will be void. 

4. Qualifying Titles: Only official digital audiobook titles explicitly listed below will count as qualifying titles. Upcoming titles not yet active on the platform at the time of the Sweepstakes Period are strictly excluded.

English Language – Harry Potter Series

  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Narrated by Jim Dale)
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Narrated by Jim Dale)
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Narrated by Jim Dale)
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Narrated by Jim Dale)
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Narrated by Jim Dale)
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Narrated by Jim Dale)
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Narrated by Jim Dale)
  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Narrated by Stephen Fry)
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Narrated by Stephen Fry)
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Narrated by Stephen Fry)
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Narrated by Stephen Fry)
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Narrated by Stephen Fry)
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Narrated by Stephen Fry)
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Narrated by Stephen Fry)

English Language – Hogwarts Library & Companion Audiobooks

  • The Tales of Beedle the Bard
  • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
  • Quidditch Through the Ages
  • Harry Potter: A History of Magic
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – Makers, Mysteries and Magic

Arabic Language (العربية)

  • هاري بوتر وحجر الفيلسوف (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone)
  • هاري بوتر وحجرة الأسرار (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)
  • هاري بوتر وسجين از كابان (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)
  • هاري بوتر وكأس النار (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)
  • هاري بوتر وجماعة العنقاء (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)
  • هاري بوتر والأمير الهجين (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince)
  • هاري بوتر ومقدسات الموت (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)

Brazilian Portuguese Language (Português)

  • Harry Potter e a Pedra Filosofal
  • Harry Potter e a Câmara Secreta
  • Harry Potter e o Prisioneiro de Azkaban
  • Harry Potter e o Cálice de Fogo
  • Harry Potter e a Ordem da Fênix
  • Harry Potter e o Enigma do Príncipe
  • Harry Potter e as Relíquias da Morte

Danish Language (Dansk)

  • Harry Potter og De Vises Sten
  • Harry Potter og Hemmelighedernes Kammer
  • Harry Potter og Fangen fra Azkaban
  • Harry Potter og Flammernes Pokal
  • Harry Potter og Fønixordenen
  • Harry Potter og Halvblodsprinsen
  • Harry Potter og Dødsregalierne
  • Barden Beedles Eventyr
  • Fantastiske Skabninger og Hvor de Findes
  • Quidditch Gennem Tiderne

Dutch Language (Nederlands)

  • Harry Potter en de Steen der Wijzen
  • Harry Potter en de Geheime Kamer
  • Harry Potter en de Gevangene van Azkaban
  • Harry Potter en de Vuurbeker
  • Harry Potter en de Orde van de Feniks
  • Harry Potter en de Halfbloed Prins
  • Harry Potter en de Relieken van de Dood

Finnish Language (Suomi)

  • Harry Potter ja Viisasten Kivi
  • Harry Potter ja Salaisuuksien Kammio
  • Harry Potter ja Azkabanin Vanki
  • Harry Potter ja Liekehtivä Pikari
  • Harry Potter ja Feeniksin Kilta
  • Harry Potter ja Puoliverinen Prinssi
  • Harry Potter ja Kuoleman Varjelukset

French Language (Français)

  • Harry Potter à L’école des Sorciers
  • Harry Potter et la Chambre des Secrets
  • Harry Potter et le Prisonnier d’Azkaban
  • Harry Potter et la Coupe de Feu
  • Harry Potter et l’Ordre du Phénix
  • Harry Potter et le Prince de Sang-Mêlé
  • Harry Potter et les Reliques de la Mort
  • Les Contes de Beedle le Barde
  • Les Animaux Fantastiques
  • Le Quidditch à Travers Les Âges

Icelandic Language (Íslenska)

  • Harry Potter og Viskusteinninn
  • Harry Potter og Leyniklefinn
  • Harry Potter og Fanginn frá Azkaban
  • Harry Potter og Eldbikarinn
  • Harry Potter og Fönixreglan
  • Harry Potter og Blendingsprinsinn
  • Harry Potter og Dauðadjásnin

Italian Language (Italiano)

  • Harry Potter e la Pietra Filosofale
  • Harry Potter e la Camera dei Segreti
  • Harry Potter e il Prigioniero di Azkaban
  • Harry Potter e il Calice di Fuoco
  • Harry Potter e l’Ordine della Fenice
  • Harry Potter e il Principe Mezzosangue
  • Harry Potter e i Doni della Morte
  • Le Fiabe di Beda il Bardo
  • Gli Animali Fantastici: Dove Trovarli
  • Il Quidditch Attraverso I Secoli

Norwegian Language (Norsk)

  • Harry Potter og De Vises Stein
  • Harry Potter og Mysteriekammeret
  • Harry Potter og Fangen fra Azkaban
  • Harry Potter og Ildbegeret
  • Harry Potter og Føniksordenen
  • Harry Potter og Halvblodsprinsen
  • Harry Potter og Dødstalismanene

Polish Language (Polski)

  • Harry Potter i Kamień Filozoficzny
  • Harry Potter i Komnata Tajemnic
  • Harry Potter i Więzień Azkabanu
  • Harry Potter i Czara Ognia
  • Harry Potter i Zakon Feniksa
  • Harry Potter i Książę Półkrwi
  • Harry Potter i Insygnia Śmierci

Spanish Language (Español)

  • Harry Potter y la Piedra Filosofal
  • Harry Potter y la Cámara Secreta
  • Harry Potter y el Prisionero de Azkaban
  • Harry Potter y el Cáliz de Fogo
  • Harry Potter y la Orden del Fénix
  • Harry Potter y el Misterio del Príncipe
  • Harry Potter y Las Reliquias de la Muerte

Swedish Language (Svenska)

  • Harry Potter och De Vises Sten
  • Harry Potter och Hemligheternas Kammare
  • Harry Potter och Fången från Azkaban
  • Harry Potter och Den Flammande Bägaren
  • Harry Potter och Fenixorden
  • Harry Potter och Halvblodsprinsen
  • Harry Potter och Dödsrelikerna
  • Barden Beedles Berättelser
  • Fantastiska Vidunder och Var Man Hittar Dem
  • Quidditch Genom Tiderna

Turkish Language (Türkçe)

  • Harry Potter ve Felsefe Taşı
  • Harry Potter ve Sırlar Odası
  • Harry Potter ve Azkaban Tutsağı
  • Harry Potter ve Ateş Kadehi
  • Harry Potter ve Zümrüdüanka Yoldaşlığı
  • Harry Potter ve Melez Prens
  • Harry Potter ve Ölüm Yadigârları

5. Prize Details: One (1) grand prize winner will receive a Gryffindor Mini Gift Trunk and a 12-month subscription to Audiobooks.com. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of the grand prize is $300 USD. Any taxes on the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. 

6. Winner Selection and Notification: The grand prize winner will be selected via a random electronic draw from all eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes Period. The draw will take place on August 18, 2026. The selected winner will be notified via the email address associated with their Audiobooks.com account, or with the email address provided on paper if mail-in entry. Winner will be required to provide their legal name and address. Winner may be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release. If a winner cannot be contacted and/or fails to return the required documents within seven (7) days of notification, an alternate winner may be selected. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Sponsor will select up to three (3) alternate winners, after which the prize will remain unawarded.

7. Release: By accepting the prize, the winner agrees to release and hold harmless Audiobooks.com, Storytel Group, Pottermore Ltd., and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, and affiliates from any and all liability, losses, or damages of any kind resulting from the acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of the prize, or while participating in any prize-related activity, including, without limitation, personal injury, illness, property damage, or death. 

8. Publicity: Except where prohibited by law, acceptance of a prize constitutes permission for the Sponsor to use the winner’s name, likeness, and entry for promotional purposes in any media without further payment or consideration. 

9. Governing Law and Disputes: Except where prohibited by law, by participating in this Sweepstakes, each entrant agrees that: (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; (2) any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Sweepstakes, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (3) under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, indirect, punitive, incidental, and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses.  

All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of the entrant and Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules. All participants expressly consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for any legal action arising from this Sweepstakes.

10. Limitations of Liability: Audiobooks.com is not responsible for: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by entrants, printing errors, or by any of the equipment or programming associated with the Sweepstakes; (2) technical failures of any kind, including malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; (3) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process; or (4) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Sweepstakes or the processing of entries; or (5) interrupted, delayed or incomplete delivery of the prize due to issues including but not limited to: customs/border protection protocols, local postal networks, personal address disputes, theft of the prize before receipt by winner, or other delivery issue. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Sweepstakes should a virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyond Sponsor’s control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes.

Jim Dale or Stephen Fry? Choose Your Ultimate Harry Potter™ Audio Journey

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For decades, audiobook enthusiasts around the world have had one major debate: which Harry Potter™ series narration is the definitive one? Depending on which side of the Atlantic you lived on, your access to these performances was determined strictly by geography. But starting this July, a truly magical update has arrived for our listeners in the United States and Canada! For the first time on our platform, you have the luxury of choice. The core Harry Potter digital audiobook collection is available, featuring both incredible performance styles

Having both versions side by side means you can customize your listening experience like never before. Audiobooks possess a unique charm; a narrator doesn’t just read the text, they shape the atmosphere, breathe life into the dialogue, and guide audiences deeper into new worlds of understanding. Because both master storytellers bring entirely different creative energy to the microphone, listeners now get to experience these beloved stories through two completely distinct, award-winning lenses.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling (Narrated by Jim Dale)

The Immersive Magic of Jim Dale
North American audiences will be familiar with Jim Dale’s masterful performance. Holding a special place in the hearts of millions of fans, Dale is famously celebrated for creating a distinct, recognizable voice for over 100 individual characters throughout the series. His narration is packed with dramatic action, suspense, and a whimsical energy that moves seamlessly between the unique pacing of each chapter. If you are looking for an audio experience that feels like a full, fast-paced cast production brought to life by a single, brilliantly elastic voice, Jim Dale’s narration is a spectacular choice.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling (Narrated by Stephen Fry)

The Charming Elegance of Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry‘s globally acclaimed recordings offer an equally brilliant and beautifully distinct experience. Fry approaches the text with his signature warmth, wit, and a deeply welcoming, thoughtful pace. His narration highlights the rich, comforting depth of the prose, making it feel as though a wise friend is sharing a grand tale by the fireside. Fry’s gentle humor and flawless command of the books’ original British charm offer a spellbinding journey that is perfect for settling into a long commute or a relaxing evening.

Your Journey, Your Choice
There is no wrong way to enjoy the series on audio. Whether you are long in the beard and want to compare your favorite chapters line-by-line, or you are brand new to Harry Potter and looking for the performance style that fits your daily routine, all seven novels are ready when you are. Give your eyes a rest, give your ears a treat, and head to our app to sample the excerpts and choose your narrator today!

Stream, Download, and Discover: Experience the Magic of Harry Potter™ on Audiobooks.com

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The day audiobook lovers have been waiting for is finally here. Beginning today, July 1, 2026, Audiobooks.com is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with Pottermore Publishing to bring the complete, multi-million bestselling Harry Potter digital audiobook series to our platform!

Whether you are gearing up for peak summer travel, looking to make your daily commute more magical, or ready to give your eyes a rest and your ears a treat, all seven iconic novels are now available to stream and download straight to your device.

Choose Your Perfect Performance

We know how much these stories mean to people, which is why we are incredibly proud to welcome them to our platform. To ensure you can experience the narrative exactly how you prefer, our listeners in the United States and Canada will have full access to both award-winning, critically acclaimed narration styles. Choose the brilliant, theatrical pacing of Jim Dale or explore the warm, comforting charm of Stephen Fry.

Beyond the Seven Novels: The Hogwarts Library and More

The excitement doesn’t stop with the core series. Alongside the seven main novels, listeners will also gain access to additional writings from the wizarding world, including the beloved Hogwarts Library books and historical companions.

These incredible titles feature spectacular, star-studded narrations from fan-favorite actors, including Eddie Redmayne, Natalie Dormer, Warwick Davis, Jason Isaacs, Jude Law, Evanna Lynch, and Bonnie Wright.

The complete list of newly available titles includes:

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone / Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
• Quidditch Through the Ages
• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – Makers, Mysteries and Magic

Start Your Audio Journey Today

With over 600 million copies sold worldwide, Harry Potter is the best-selling book series in history, and its audiobooks remain among the most in-demand digital audio titles globally.

Both new and existing Audiobooks.com members can use their monthly subscription credits to get these titles immediately via our app for iOS and Android, as well as on desktop. Head over to our newly launched Harry Potter category page, sample the audio excerpts, and find your next great listen today!

5 Audiobooks to Put You in a Sunny Mood

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The sun is out, the bags are packed, and the only thing missing is the perfect soundtrack for your summer escape. Whether you’re lounging poolside, hitting the highway for a long-awaited road trip, or just soaking up some rays in your own backyard, a “sunny” audiobook is the ultimate seasonal accessory. We’re talking about those feel-good listens that feel like a warm breeze: sparkling rom-coms, charming beach-town mysteries, and lighthearted tales of new beginnings.

Forget the heavy dramas and bone-chilling thrillers — we’re strictly curating a vibe that’s 100% Vitamin D. Ready to turn up the volume on your summer? Here are five must-listen audiobooks that are guaranteed to put you in a sunny mood.

5 Sunny Summer Audiobook Recommendations

1. Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand

The Story: Chief of Police Ed Kapenash is just days away from retirement when a $22 million mansion on Nantucket burns to the ground and a mysterious newcomer goes missing. As the investigation unfolds, the island’s elite are caught in a whirlwind of lavish parties, old secrets, and new romances.

Why it’s a Sunny Listen: Hilderbrand is the undisputed “Queen of the Beach Read,” and her final Nantucket novel is a love letter to the island. It’s glamorous, gossipy, and perfectly paced for a day spent by the water.

2. The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

The Story: Emma Wheeler is a struggling screenwriter who lands a dream gig: rewriting a rom-com script for her idol, the legendary Charlie Yates. The only problem? Charlie doesn’t actually believe in love. Emma has six weeks in L.A. to prove to him— and the world — that happy endings are worth writing.

Why it’s a Sunny Listen: This is a “rom-com about rom-coms.” It’s incredibly funny, deeply optimistic, and features the kind of “grumpy/sunshine” chemistry that makes for an addictive listening experience.

3. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

The Story: Anna Green and Liam Weston married years ago for a housing perk, but they haven’t seen each other since. Now, Liam needs Anna to pose as his wife at his sister’s wedding on a private island in Indonesia to secure a $100 million inheritance.

Why it’s a Sunny Listen: Between the tropical island setting and the hilarious “fake dating” tension, this audiobook is pure escapism. It’s vibrant, high-energy, and feels like a luxury vacation for your ears.

4. In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams

The Story: After a series of comedic mishaps and a very public breakup, Sarah Adams brings us back to the charming world of her fan-favorite characters. This story follows a woman who is determined to keep her heart under lock and key — until a forced-proximity situation with a handsome, kind-hearted newcomer makes her rethink her “no romance” rule. It’s a story of small-town charm, secondary-character shenanigans, and the kind of love that feels like it was written in the stars.

Why it’s a Sunny Listen: This is the ultimate “comfort listen.” It’s light, wholesome, and incredibly sweet, making it the perfect audiobook to put on while you’re lounging in a hammock or enjoying a slow summer morning.

5. Burnout Summer by Jenna Ramirez

The Story: Cam is the definition of a high-achiever, but after one too many 80-hour work weeks, she’s officially hit a wall. Her solution? A “do-nothing” summer in a sleepy Rhode Island beach town. Her plans for total solitude are quickly interrupted by a charming, laid-back neighbor who is determined to show her that there is more to life than a resume.

Why it’s a Sunny Listen: We’ve all felt that mid-year exhaustion, and this book is the perfect antidote. It captures the atmosphere of a New England summer—complete with salt air and ice cream cones—and reminds us that sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is simply press “pause.”

Keep the Sunshine Going: Must-Listen Summer Series

If one book isn’t enough to satisfy your seasonal cravings, these lighthearted series offer multiple installments of sun-drenched escapism:

• The Lowcountry Series by Mary Alice Monroe: Dive into the lush, coastal beauty of South Carolina. These stories blend environmental conservation with heartwarming family reunions and southern charm

• The Dream Harbor Series by Laurie Gilmore: Perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls, this series features a quirky small town where every romance is sweet, cozy, and filled with “main character” energy.

• The Wildes of Lindow Castle Series by Eloisa James: For fans of Bridgerton, this Regency-era series is full of wit, scandal, and outdoor summer festivities in the English countryside.

• The Bromance Book Club Series by Lyssa Kay Adams: A hilarious and refreshing take on modern romance where a group of professional athletes uses romance novels to help them navigate their own love lives.

Your Summer, Your Soundtrack

No matter where your summer travels take you — even if it’s just to the lounge chair in your own backyard — the right story has the power to transport you. From the salty air of Rhode Island to the high-stakes glitz of Nantucket, these audiobooks are more than just background noise; they are the soundtrack to your best seasonal memories. So, grab your headphones, find a shady spot, and let these sunny listens turn every moment into a vacation.

Happy listening, and here’s to a summer filled with great stories!

Looking for Book Recommendations?

• Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

• Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

• If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

• For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy, so you can steal some time back for yourself.

New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a book from our VIP selection, when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

The Mind of a Shadowhunter: Why Axel Prefect is Your New Dark Obsession.

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If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you up far past your bedtime, mark your calendars. The Shadowhunter series by Sarah J. Naughton has officially arrived in North America, and it’s bringing a uniquely dark, cross-continental chill with it.

A New Kind of Hero (or Anti-Hero?)

The series introduces us to Axel Prefect, a psychology student whose understanding of the human mind is his greatest asset—and perhaps his most dangerous trait. Axel is brilliant, ambitious, and, as Naughton hints, perhaps not as “stable” as a hero should be.

“He is close to being a psychopath. Perhaps he is a psychopath… he realizes those traits he considered his greatest assets are actually what makes him quite dangerous.” — Sarah J. Naughton

Alongside his friend Evie, Axel is thrust into the underbelly of London, a city Naughton describes not as a tourist destination, but as a “brutalist, edgy” landscape where danger lurks just off the main thoroughfares.

The Mystery of the “Sleep Road”

In Book 1, Sleep Road, Axel and Evie investigate a terrifying suicide network at a London university. Inspired by real-life online “help clubs” that tragically encourage vulnerable people to harm themselves, Naughton crafts a cult-like mystery that feels uncomfortably close to home.

The Scandinavian Connection

While the setting is London, the DNA of the series is pure Nordic Noir. The Shadowhunter series was commissioned by Stockholm-based Storytel and features chilling ties to the infamous Silfverbielke series—the iconic Scandinavian saga about a high-society serial killer.

In the sequel, Tyrannus (releasing May 20th), the stakes escalate as Axel joins the National Crime Agency. As he delves into the “Keepsake Killer” case, the shadows of his own past—and his questionable “birthright”—begin to close in.

Watch: Behind the Pages with Sarah J. Naughton

Ever wonder what fuels a thriller writer? Sarah sat down to answer some of our burning questions about Axel’s psyche, her “mudlarking” treasures from the River Thames, and the one snack that keeps her writing (hint: it involves a jar of chocolate spread and a teaspoon).

Check out the full interview below!

Start the Journey Today

Don’t miss out on the series that critics are calling “London Noir with a Scandi heart.”

Listen to Book 1: Get invested in the first in the series, Sleep Road.

Jump right into Book 2: Tyrannus drops May 20th (today!), so you won’t have to wait to hear what’s next for Axel and Evie.

Are you ready to walk the Sleep Road?

Explore the series

Looking for Book Recommendations?

• Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

• Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

• If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

• For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy, so you can steal some time back for yourself.

New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a book from our VIP selection, when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

If You Love Jo Nesbø and Karin Slaughter, Meet Sweden’s Anna Jansson

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The mist clings to the limestone “rauks” of Gotland like a heavy shroud. On this isolated island in the Baltic Sea, where ancient medieval walls protect a town that feels frozen in time, secrets don’t stay buried forever.

For decades, European readers have known a secret that North American thriller fans are only just discovering: Maria Wern. Today, we are thrilled to officially introduce Anna Jansson’s work to a new audience. If you’ve spent your nights devouring the grit of Karin Slaughter, the icy tension of Jo Nesbø, or the social complexity of Stieg Larsson, it’s time to meet your new favorite detective.

The Woman Behind the Mystery: Meet Anna Jansson

What does it take to write a “trustworthy” murder? For Anna Jansson, the answer lies in 25 years on the front lines of healthcare.

As a veteran lung clinic nurse, Anna has spent her life navigating the thin line between life and death. That clinical precision and deep empathy are in the DNA of her writing. She doesn’t just write crime; she understands the human body — and the human soul — at its most vulnerable moments.

Not Just Another Detective: Who is Maria Wern?

In a world of “super-cops,” Maria Wern stands out because she is undeniably human. She is a single mother, a grieving widow, and a woman fiercely dedicated to her children while navigating a high-stakes, male-dominated workplace.

She isn’t an untouchable hero; she is a mother who worries about her kids’ dinner while tracking a ritualistic killer. Much like the raw, unrelenting tenacity of Catherine Cawood in Happy Valley or the quiet strength of Mare Sheehan in Mare of Easttown, Maria Wern’s power comes from her vulnerability.

The Setting: Gotland, Where Paradise Meets the Macabre

Gotland is often called a paradise — a sunny summer destination for Swedish tourists. But Anna Jansson shows us the island when the tourists leave, and the fog rolls in.

The contrast is striking: the beautiful, cobblestone streets of the medieval city of Visby become a labyrinth of shadows. This “closed-room” island setting creates a unique tension that you won’t find in the sprawling streets of Oslo or Stockholm. On Gotland, there is nowhere to run.

Why Fans of Karin Slaughter, Jo Nesbø, and Stieg Larsson Will Be Hooked

If your bookshelf is a “who’s who” of Nordic Noir and psychological thrillers, Maria Wern is the missing piece of your collection:

  • For fans of Karin Slaughter: You’ll recognize the unflinching look at the darkness within families and the powerful, female-led perspective on justice.
  • For fans of Jo Nesbø: The mysteries are complex, often ritualistic, and demand a detective who can outthink the most brilliant criminals.
  • For fans of Stieg Larsson: Maria Wern explores the “cracks” in the modern world, peeling back the layers of a seemingly perfect society to reveal the rot underneath.

Start Your Journey: The Speechless God

The journey begins with The Speechless God. When a man is found hanging in a ritualistic display: shirt shredded, a thick stick piercing his belly, the peaceful island of Gotland is shaken to its core. Maria Wern is plunged into an investigation linking a current horror to a nine-year-old cold case, thought to be closed by fire.

It is a story of betrayal, insanity, and the ancient myths that still hold power in the dark corners of the Baltic.

Ready to meet Maria?

Gotland is waiting, and the shadows are lengthening. Start the series with 22 books and counting that has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and discover why Anna Jansson is truly the Queen of Swedish Crime.

Listen to The Speechless God
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