OK I will be the first to admit that I’m not a good reader. I mean I know how to and everything – but it’s not my favorite thing to do. Not gonna lie I sometimes get nervous to even read to my nephew because I get PTSD from ‘popcorn’ reading in 3rd grade and losing my place… [maybe you should talk to your therapist about this.]
I’m a VERY audiovisual person, so it is difficult for me to picture the storylines in my head (hence I never get into it) and I get bored very easily [and frequently…] (a gift and a curse). I have so much respect for readers and I always get FOMO when I hear about some of the amazing books they’ve read. That being said, there are a few audiobooks I have taken for a spin which give me the same rush as watching a scary movie or TV drama.
Special shout out to Audible for making reading more accessible to those like me who just wait for the movie to come out AND allowing you to get a refund if you don’t like the reader’s voice (this comes in more clutch than you know):
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
This one gave me the feeling like when you’re watching a horror movie and just want to keep screaming “DON’T GO IN THERE!”. This story follows a group of young girls as they go on a bachelorette party turned murder mystery. The suspense is uncanny. Also, for someone who normally struggles to visualize – the descriptive imagery is *chef’s kiss*.
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
I have always had this fascination with Australia, I have never been, but always wanted to go. The story takes place in Sydney (is narrated in an Australian accent) and follows a group of women as they live in the aftermath of a murder that took place in their childhood. [do you read anything non-murder related?]
Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
As a New York newbie myself, this one gave me Gossip Girl vibes. This follows a young writer as she comes to face her troubling past. High school was tough for all of us (I peaked in middle school, myself), but this takes it to another level. I was hooked.
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
So this one gave me nightmares, but so worth it. As you may know Gillian Flynn from Gone Girl and all it’s (well deserved) glory – this is a whole new twist on a murder mystery. It was like a murder puzzle being put together one person at a time. Highly recommend (daytime hours only). [again with the death trend…]
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Assuming that you haven’t already watched Emily Blunt SHINE like the star she is in this film, take a listen to this one (there are actually quite a few differences). [agreed!! also, this is literally the only book I’ve read on this list] The story follows a twisted small world tale about three women. It’s kind of hard not to spoil – so just go get it. There is so much more detail in the story than in the movie so I think it is worth the read – or listen!
Hope this helps narrow down your choices as you pop in those headphones and settle in for your next audiobook journey. Also, I now realize almost all of these have to do with murder.. another thing to discuss with my therapist. [told you!] This has been more self reflective than I was expecting. Happy listening!
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