Welcome to the Cup of Tea’s Best Books of the Year, where I list the best of the best books I read this year.
I started to appreciate audiobooks last year and 2021 was no different. With my new audiobook membership and also help with the public library, I encountered some great listens that not only made long days shorter and more entertaining, but gave me a chance to escape from the world, even if it was for a short while. Audiobooks are reading! Don’t let anyone tell you different! If you are willing to try this ever growing popular medium and don’t know which audiobooks to start with, then try my favorite audiobook listens of 2021:
Northern Spy by Flynn Berry
Narrated by: Katharine Lee McEwan
The narrator managed to not only capture the authenticity of the setting but the emotion and realness of the main character which really gave a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this story immensely.
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
It’s not easy to narrate Rooney’s sarcasm and insight but this narrator did such a wonderful doing just that. The relatability and the perception of Rooney’s writing and style is displayed beautifully in this narration.
Assembly by Natasha Brown
Narrated by: Pippa Bennett-Warner
Just like Beautiful World, Where Are You, the narrator took this novella and makes this one astounding and compelling read.
A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver
Narrated by: Alison Larkin
Alison Larkin is an award-winning narrator and really shows in the is audiobook. She perfectly does all British and Irish accents that make it more real and entertaining for the listener.
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Narrated by: Jeanette Illidge & Tapiwa Mugweni
Dual narratives are always tricky but these two narrators did a wonderful job creating an emotional teen thriller that will leave listeners hooked from beginning to end.
The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson
Narrated by: Davine Henry
Want a great way to start a new series? Try out this one! The narrator’s ominous tone really creates a captivating story that will have you hooked.
56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins
Although it takes place during COVID, this is one you should definitely give a try! Alana Kerr Collins lends her Irish accent in this enthralling audiobook on timely thriller that will keep listeners on the edge of their seat.
True Crime Story by Joseph Knox
Narrated by: Joseph Knox, Sarah Parks, Ciara Baxendale, David John, Chris Thompson, Louis Bernard, Drew Dillon, Shane Zaza, Caitlin Griffiths, Conor McLeod, Dolly Webb, Grace Cooper, Isla Lee, Levi Brown, Noah Marullo & Tara Tijani
A full cast reading an innovative thriller? You can’t go wrong with this one!
Madam by Phoebe Wynne
Narrated by: Nathalie Buscombe
I loved the gothic ambiance this narrator provided for this novel. This haunted institution is something that will stay in readers after reading this engrossing tale.
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
Narrated by: Richard Armitage & Stephanie Racine
Richard Armitage is one of my favorite audiobook narrators and he truly shines along with Stephanie Racine in a thriller that really questions how well do you know your spouse.
The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor
Narrated by: Gemma Whelan & Richard Armitage
Another winner with Richard Armitage as the narrator! Along with Gemma Whelan, this horrific thriller will leave readers stun at the secrets that keep being uncovered.
Mirrorland by Carole Johnstone
Narrated by: Katie Leung
The audiobook really gave me a chance to truly appreciate how creative this book was. Katie Leung’s Scottish accent created an atmospheric narrative and a dark story that will draw any listener in.
The Last Thing To Burn by Will Dean
Narrated by: Sarah Lam
Intense, gripping, , terrifying and moving story that contains a culturally diverse cast reading this favorite thriller.
Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
Narrated by: Reena Dutt & Shubhangi Karmakar
I loved this meet/cute story…and it’s even better in the audiobook version! Both Hani and Ishu really come alive with the narrators great job in this edition.
What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition by Emma Dabiri
Narrated by: Emma Dabiri
Sometimes the narration is best when it comes from the author itself and in this case, Emma Dabiri does a wonderful job depicting her well-researched and thought out essay that really speaks to the heart of the issue.
The Downstairs Neighbor by Helen Cooper
Narrated by: Jasmine Blackborow
I could not stop listening when I picked this one up. There was just something about how this narrator keeps listeners wanting to hear more of this enticing thriller. But the great writing in this also a contributing factor.
cup of tea with that book, please 