Audible Originals: Unlocking the Power of Storytelling
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In today’s fast-paced digital world, content is king, and Audible Originals are leading the charge in revolutionizing the way we consume stories. With a vast library of audiobooks, podcasts, and exclusive content, Audible has become a go-to destination for story enthusiasts and content creators alike. In this blog post, we’ll explore the power of Audible Originals and how they’re shaping the future of storytelling.
What Are Audible Originals And How Do They Work?
Audible Originals are exclusive audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio content produced and published directly by Audible, the audiobook service from Amazon. Unlike most audiobooks, which are released by publishers and sold on various platforms, Audible Originals are only available on Audible and cannot be found elsewhere on the internet. They are similar to Netflix Original series or movies in terms of exclusivity. To access Audible Originals, individuals need to sign up for an Audible account, and they can receive one free audiobook as part of the sign-up process.
Audible has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the competitive digital content landscape. Audible Originals have undoubtedly revolutionized the way we consume stories in the digital age. With their diverse content, innovative technology, and commitment to quality storytelling, they have managed to change the way people perceive and engage with audio content. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Audible Originals continue to shape the future of storytelling and provide endless hours of entertainment to listeners worldwide.
“You can get access to Audible Originals for free by completing a 30-day free trial. So why not start today?”
Der Book Guide®-Editor
Top Audible Originals to Check Out
With thousands of titles to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start with Audible Originals. Here are a few top picks to help you get started:
The Waitress by K. L. Slater
The audiobook The Waitress by K. L. Slater is a gripping psychological thriller narrated by Claudia Jessie. The story follows Alicia, who leaves her young son and sister behind to pursue a new life in London, not just seeking opportunity but also escaping her past. Working as a waitress at The Orbit, an exclusive skyscraper where the city’s elite gather, Alicia is offered a strange deal by the charismatic owner: pretend to be his girlfriend in exchange for a generous salary and an apartment. What starts as a simple arrangement soon spirals into something far more dangerous, as Alicia is drawn into a world of secrets and deception. As her own past begins to catch up with her, she realizes she’s not the only one playing a risky game, and the glossy façade of her new life hides dark truths that threaten everything she cares about.
What Could Go Wrong? by Scott Z. Burns
Scott Z. Burns’ audiobook What Could Go Wrong? is a genre-bending, eight-part Audible Original that follows the acclaimed screenwriter of Contagion as he embarks on a quest to create a worthy sequel to his eerily prophetic film—with the help of artificial intelligence. Reuniting with director Steven Soderbergh, cast, crew, and scientific experts from the original film, Burns also partners with “Lexter,” a sharp-tongued, AI-generated writing collaborator. The series blends personal narrative, industry insights, and lively interviews with figures from Hollywood, science, and technology, delving into the creative possibilities and ethical pitfalls of human-AI collaboration. As Burns and his AI companion navigate the challenges of storytelling, pandemic prediction, and the future of creativity, the series offers a thoughtful, often humorous exploration of what it means to create art—and solve global problems—in the age of artificial intelligence.
Murder at the Patel Motel by Maulik Pancholy
Murder at the Patel Motel is a comedic, Agatha Christie-style murder mystery audiobook written by and starring Maulik Pancholy. The story follows Milan Patel, a high-end event planner from New York, who returns to his family’s rundown motel in small-town Montana only to find himself at the center of a murder investigation when his father mysteriously drowns in the motel pool. As Milan races to uncover the truth behind his father’s death, he must also confront the complicated dynamics of his Indian-American family and the small town’s buried secrets. The audiobook features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Murray Bartlett, Karan Soni, Poorna Jagannathan, Anna Camp, Adam Pally, Margo Martindale, Richard Kind, and others, and is noted for its sharp wit, dark humor, and exploration of identity, family, and belonging.
Oracle Book 1 by Andrew Pyper
Oracle Book 1 by Andrew Pyper is a psychological thriller audiobook that follows Nate Russo, an FBI psychic who aids in solving abductions and homicides by touching those close to the missing persons. His extraordinary gift, however, comes at a great cost: he experiences the terrifying moments just before the victims vanish. The story blends intense crime investigations with supernatural elements and sharp instincts, creating a gripping and high-stakes mystery. The audiobook is narrated by Joshua Jackson and runs for approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes.
Unlicensed by Joseph Fink
Unlicensed is an Audible Original scripted fiction noir created by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, the minds behind Welcome to Night Vale. The story follows Lou Rosen and Molly Hatch, two unlicensed private investigators operating on the fringes of Los Angeles. Lou is a brilliant but disorganized detective, while Molly is recently divorced and trying to find direction in her life. Together, they take on a strange case that leads them into a complex web involving a ransom, a murder, a mysterious wellness center, and a conspiracy reaching high into California’s political elite. The series blends LA noir tropes with dark humor and a deeply human thriller vibe, featuring notable guest voices like Jason Segel and Mara Wilson. It is set in the less glamorous neighborhoods of LA, emphasizing character-driven storytelling alongside suspenseful mystery.
The Guilty by James Patterson
The audiobook The Guilty by James Patterson, co-written with Duane Swierczynski, is a gripping Audible Original murder mystery set backstage during the debut of a highly anticipated Broadway play by the enigmatic writer/director Osmond Box. As the play unfolds, what starts as a theatrical event turns dark when a stage gun fires a real shot, leading to a murder investigation by two NYPD detectives. The audience is locked inside, phones confiscated, creating an intense, immersive experience filled with suspense and unexpected twists. The full cast performance, including John Lithgow, enhances the drama, making it a compelling listen that keeps the listener guessing until the surprising conclusion. The audiobook runs about 3 hours and 20 minutes, offering a short yet thrilling story.
Young Rich Widows by Kimberly Belle
The audiobook Young Rich Widows by Kimberly Belle is a thrilling mystery set in 1985, centered on four widows whose mafia-affiliated law firm partners die in a suspicious plane crash. The widows—Justine, a former model; Camille, a young second wife; Krystle, a devoted mother; and Meredith, a stripper involved with the firm’s only female partner—unite to uncover hidden secrets and dangerous truths behind the crash and a large sum of cash that burned with the plane. This edge-of-your-seat story blends ’80s nostalgia with suspense, strong language, and intense situations, making it a compelling listen for fans of female-driven thrillers and mysteries.
Better Luck Next Time by Cara Bastone
Better Luck Next Time by Cara Bastone is an Audible Original audiobook that blends sci-fi and romantic comedy in a timeslip story. It follows Mona and Duncan, former best friends turned frenemies, who accidentally drive through a wormhole and find themselves stuck in an alternate timeline where they are married and going through a divorce. Stranded indoors by a storm, they navigate this strange reality and their complicated feelings, exploring themes of missed chances, unresolved emotions, and the messy, real nature of relationships. The audiobook features a full cast including Mae Whitman and Colin Woodell, and is praised for its sharp humor, emotional depth, and realistic dialogue, though some find the repeated relationship conflicts a bit tiresome. Overall, it is a fun, heartfelt story about second chances and the complexities of love across different realities.
Oracle 3: Murder at the Grandview by Andrew Pyper
Oracle 3: Murder at the Grandview by Andrew Pyper, co-written with Craig Davidson, is a psychological thriller audiobook narrated by Joshua Jackson. It follows FBI psychic Nate Russo as he investigates a tragic event during a reunion of longtime friends at an isolated island hotel. Nate must use his psychic abilities and sharp instincts to uncover whether the incident was an accident or a cold-blooded murder, while uncovering dark secrets and a sinister presence lurking within the Grandview Hotel. This installment is noted as the best in the Oracle series, blending crime investigation with supernatural elements and intense suspense.
Secret Sister by Sarah A. Denzil
“Secret Sister” by Sarah A. Denzil is a gripping domestic noir audiobook set on the Yorkshire moors. It follows celebrated author Faye Mathis, who is grappling with early-onset dementia while trying to write her memoir. When a disturbing photograph of a disheveled woman resembling her goes viral, Faye embarks on a quest to uncover the true identity of the woman in the picture. As she delves deeper, unsettling family secrets come to light, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew. The story is narrated by Jessica Gunning and Joanne Froggatt and is praised for its suspenseful twists and emotional depth, making it a compelling listen for fans of psychological thrillers.