23 Fantastic Full Cast Audiobooks to Listen to Now
Full cast audiobooks have always felt like getting a front-row seat to a show. They are a pleasure to listen to and often are easier to follow the plot when there are different voices for separate characters.
Over the last few years, I have fallen in love with listening to books. Full cast audiobooks always make the listening experience so much fuller. If you have not listened to one before, this is a list of our favorites.
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Sci-Fi and Fantasy Full Cast Audiobooks
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
To say that I was excited about Erin Morgenstern‘s new book might be the understatement of the year. How to describe this book that is an ode to storytelling…..it’s a love story to books, a fantasy within a love story within a fairy tale.
The writing is beautiful- Erin’s signature style of vivid imagery left me completely captivated. I truly loved every minute of this book. It was pointless to predict the story. So, I let it take me away with the lyrical prose.
Find this book in Books Like The Night Circus / Full Cast Audiobooks / Magical Realism Books / Books About Librarians
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto
Author: Mitch Album
Year: 2015
Genre: Magical Realism
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is one of the best books that I have ever listened to. It is narrated by “Music” who tells the story of a magician named Frankie Presto.
Frankie was orphaned and lived with his blind music teacher in Spain before he was sent to America with only his guitar and its size magical strings. Frankie’s music has the power to change people’s lives and every time he does, one magic string changes color. Frankie works with musical legends and eventually becomes a star himself before disappearing from the spotlight.
Why Jackie loves it
Multiple people narrate this book, which is more like a play than a book when you are listening. I loved this book and bought a copy which I lent to an unnamed person who loved it and did not return it. My second copy has met the same fate. Third time’s a charm? The story made me feel like I should have known Frankie along with all the great musical legends.
Find this book in: Full Cast Audiobooks / Books About Music / Magical Realism Book / Jackie’s Top 10 All-Time Favorite Books
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Strange, but probably one of the most imaginative novels I have ever experienced. It’s about the night that Abraham Lincoln buried his son and takes place entirely in the cemetery.
I listened to this full cast audiobook which was great because it used 166 voices including David Sedaris, Lena Dunham, Ben Stiller, Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon, Kat Dennings, and Don Cheadle among others. As ghost books go, this one is not to be missed! it’s truly one of the best fantasy audiobooks ever! If you are looking for a book for fall, this pick is fantastic.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read.
She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant because, in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable.
Offred remembers when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge, her husband Luke, and her daughter But all of that is gone now….
Why We Love This Book: This dystopian novel is scary because of how convincing it is. There is a reason this novel by Canadian Author, Margaret Atwood, has won awards. It will make you think differently about everything.
Find This Book in Thought-Provoking Books / Book Adaptations on Netflix / Dystopian Novels
Ultimate List of YA Fantasy
If fantasy books are your favorite books, then these are the perfect book lists for you. We carefully divided them into sub-genres.
Ultimate List of Best Adult Fantasy Novels to Read
If fantasy books are your favorite books, then these are the perfect book lists for you. This list if carefully curated and divided into sub-genres.
Thriller/ Mystery
The Resort by Sara Ochs
Set on a secluded resort island in Thailand, the story is told by Cass, an ex-pat who is outrunning her former life, and Brooke, a travel influencer who isn’t quite what she seems.
When Cass discovers the body of a murdered resort guest while teaching her scuba diving class, their sleepy resort is thrown into chaos. Cass and her fellow ex-pats, known as The Permanents, will do anything to avoid media exposure, but as bodies pile up, Cass and Brooke begin to explore what dark secrets lie at the heart of the island.
Why I Loved It: This novel was a thrill ride from the opening murder scene. I was left completely unprepared for the conclusion and the final chapter had me gasping out loud! I can’t imagine a more fun tropical thriller.
Find this book in Hotel Novels / Full Cast Audiobooks / Best Beach Reads / Best New Thriller Books
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett
True crime author Amanda Bailey is looking to revive her career. She decides to write a book about The Alperton Angels, a cult that almost convinced a teenage girl that her baby was The Anti-Christ and needed to be killed. But after she calls the police and is dropped off at the hospital, she disappears and so does the baby.
Now Amanda is trying to find the perfect angle for this book when she discovers that Oliver, another author, is also on the case. When they decide to collaborate, they discover that the story goes deeper than they could have imagined.
Why I Liked It: I started reading this book but switched to the full-cast audio version and could not stop listening. The book is written as WhatsApp messages, emails, and transcripts. I loved this five-star read and highly recommend the audio version for a deeper reading experience. #gifted
Find this book in Cult Books / Full Cast Audiobooks / Ultimate List of Mystery Books / Summer Reads of 2024 / Best New Mystery Books 2024
None of This is True
Author: Lisa Jewell
Year: 2023
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Alix has a popular podcast and meets Jose while out celebrating their birthdays. They are birthday twins. When they meet a few days later, Josie tells Alix her idea for a podcast. Josie wants to change her life and she wants Alix to document the changes. Before long, Josie it is almost impossible to tell what is truth and what is a lie.
This book is unlike any other book written by Lisa Jewell. It is a psychological thriller that is creepy and page-turning but not necessarily shocking. I listened to the full cast audiobook and it was fantastic! It brought so much depth to the story.
Trigger Warnings
Pedophilia
Why Jackie loves it
I love Lisa Jewell’s books so it is no surprise that I loved this book as well. This book is a must-read thriller from our list of summer 2023 book releases. This one was the most disturbing and had a very “single white female” feel.
Find this book in: The Best Lisa Jewell Books
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
This fast-paced thriller mystery leaves you guessing until the very end. Two women are dead and the question is whether it was murder or suicide.
The story is told from many points of view, which adds to the unpredictability but is a little confusing at first. I quickly adjusted and immersed myself in this novel. Into the Water has character development, surprise, and suspense. This is one of the full cast audiobooks that definitely kept us on our toes.
Marple: Twelve New Mysteries by Various Authors
Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series was my first introduction to mysteries. I was thrilled to see some of my current favorite mystery writers take a stab at all-new Miss Marple stories.
Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, and Leigh Bardugo are just a few of the dozen writers who wrote a short story for this compilation.
My Thoughts: I thought it was very well done and as full-cast audiobooks go, it was wonderful too. Dame Agatha would be proud these retellings.
Find this book in Classic Retellings / Short Stories
Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin
Don’t you feel that some books are just meant to be listened to and not read? That’s how I felt about Daisy Jones & The Six, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, Echo, and now Saint X. Each of these full cast audiobooks brings the novel to life.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Saint X. I think I was suspecting a thriller or a mystery because the story opens with an 18-year-old girl who dies on her tropical vacation with her family. Her then-7-year-old sister, Claire, is our narrator. Now in her 20s, after a chance meeting with someone connected to the case, Claire is trying to figure out exactly what happened all those years ago.
The story is also peppered with accounts from a few other key people in the case. Each one of these players is a different narrator which just made the entire production feel real. But it doesn’t quite fit into one genre. It’s also a book about the relationship between sisters, even those separated for years, and was perfect for our list of books about sisters. The other part of the story that I love is the subtle commentary on race and class that are woven throughout.
Ultimate List of Thrillers
Love Thrillers? This list is curated and carefully divided by sub-genre. These will definitely keep you on your toes.
The Ultimate List of Mystery Books
Love Mysteries? This is a list of the best mystery books carefully divided by sub-genre for anyone who lives a good mystery as much as I do.
Fiction
There, There by Tommy Orange
Oh boy, do you love full cast audiobooks? Well, this one is a tear-jerker. This one had me feeling all the feelings. I was angry, laughing, frustrated, crying, and happy at various points during this tremendous debut book.
I loved everything up until the point where it ended (it leaves you on a bit of an ambiguous ending.) No wonder it won so many awards!
A Burning by Megha Majumbar
June 2020 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
After a terrorist attack at a train station in India leaves a woman wrongfully accused of being a Muslim extremist, her world is turned upside down.
Two other characters’ stories intersect with hers to offer us a searing look at modern India. I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m so glad I took The Uncorked Librarian’s suggestion to read it. I’ll be thinking about this debut for a while.
Full cast audiobooks really bring the book to life and this emotional story is no exception.
Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction Novels to Love in 2024
For more contemporary fiction books like these, check out our ultimate list for dozens of recommendations.
Historical Fiction Full Cast Audiobooks
Daisy Jones & The Six
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: March 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book is laid out like a VH1 Behind the Music style interview. It’s laid out in chronological order about the making of the band Daisy Jones & the Six, but the story is told in interview style from a dozen sources.
It’s a story about the music scene of the 1970s in Hollywood when the band The Six meets Daisy Jones and together they rocket to superstardom! Among the drama of touring, there is also a forbidden love story or two, and plenty of crazy parties!
It’s truly the perfect mix of historical fiction, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book needs to be listened to, not read. The audio version has a different narrator for each character and the performances are stupendous. I was overcome with emotion numerous times while I was listening.
Why Jackie loves it
This celebrity fiction story about the rise and fall of one of the hottest bands of the 70s was so utterly fabulous – it’s pure sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll in all the best ways.
Find this book in: Books Like Daisy Jones & The Six / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books in Order / Books Set in the 70s / Full Cast Audiobooks / Ultimate Beach Reads 2020
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland
This book takes place in the United States just before WWII. Every summer the Adlers rent out their house in Atlantic City and move to a small apartment. Florence returns from college so she can spend the summer practicing to swim the English Channel.
When Florence dies in a tragic accident, the family decides that they cannot tell Florence’s sister who is in the hospital on bed rest after losing a child a year before.
Why I Like it: I loved the writing, the story, and the desire to keep the family together at all costs. As the best full-cast audiobooks do, the multiple narrators brought this wonderful story to life.
Find this book in Sisterhood Books / Full Cast Audiobooks / Books Set at the Beach
The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton
This is the closest of the books like Daisy Jones and The Six. It’s told in an interview format and is about a band from the 70s. The comparison makes sense… and yet…
This 70s book is wonderful in its own right! No comparison is needed. It looks at sexism and racism in the music industry during this time period and is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It is a total must-read. This is one of the full cast audiobooks that we included in our Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books to Brighten your Day
Ultimate List of Historical Fiction
Love Historical Fiction? The Ultimate List of Historical Fiction is the perfect list for you. It is carefully divided by time.
Non-Fiction Full Cast Audio Books
The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones
I read the 1619 project during the banned book month of our 2022 reading challenge. Created at first for The New York Times Magazine, this collection of essays was expanded upon for the book.
I enjoyed listing to this full cast audiobook featuring many of the writers themselves doing the reading! With essays on sugar, capitalism, music, healthcare, and even traffic, I learned so much about how much of American society is built around racist ideals.
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff
Wow. It is hard to put the power of this book into words. Graff crafted the day of 9/11 from hour to hour and I had a hard time listening to it. The 45-person full-cast audiobook recreates the day with heart-stopping detail.
Like everyone, I remember exactly where I was on that day. Hearing the oral history told by first responders, witnesses, survivors, friends, and families is unlike anything I have ever seen and should be required for every student in the country. This is one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read and while it is a sad book, it is a must-read.
Why I Love it: This book is the perfect example of how full-cast audiobooks can transform a book into something greater than the sum of the individual parts.
Find this book in Plane Books / Books to Make You Cry / Full Cast Audiobooks / Best Nonfiction Books
My First Popsicle: An Anthology of Food and Feelings by Zosia Mamet
This Anthology of stories is all centered around memories associated with food. Some of these stories are funny and some are quite poignant as they highlight how central food is to our culture, lives, and memories.
This book is different from any of the full cast audiobooks that I have listened to because each story is written and read by a different narrator. It is a quick read (or listen) from our list of ultimate beach reads 2023.
Love Nonfiction? We do too! That’s why we created the Ultimate List of Nonfiction Books.
Full Cast Audio Books for Kids
Plot
Doug is ready to win the STEAMS competition at his very competitive middle school. He thinks it’s his chance to show his famous athlete dad and his principal that he deserves to be selected to compete at Gadget-Con.
But he’s teamed up with a band of misfits. Can he bring his team together and win the competition?
Why Kirsten loves it
Told from the perspective of multiple narrators, I highly recommend the audiobook version because of the full-cast narration. My sons (10 & 12) and I listened to this over the summer and enjoyed every minute of it! We loved hearing about the wacky competition and how the team comes together in the end. #gifted by Levine Querido
Find this book in: Best Books for 12-year-olds / Full Cast Audiobooks / School Books
Echo by Pam Ryan Munoz
I listened to this with my kids and WOW. We were all completely blown away by this story. It’s three tales woven together in one with a magical harmonica at the center.
I can’t recommend the audiobook version enough. Music plays throughout the story and adds depth to the tale. This is perfect for a family road trip. This is one of the best full cast audiobooks I have ever listened to. In fact, this is in my top 3!
White Bird: A Wonder Story by R.J Palacio
This graphic novel came my way through my local bookstore and it was a beautiful surprise for me. I loved Wonder. The story was told beautifully and with compassion.
I wondered if I would be disappointed with how a story about the holocaust would translate into a graphic novel and whether the story could be told with an equal amount of compassion. Happily, I was not disappointed at all.
I loved this book. It is so poignant and powerful with a message of kindness that is so relevant today.
Find this book in Full Cast Audiobooks / WWII Books for kids/ Books with Color in the Title
To Night Owl From Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer
This tween book came so highly recommended that I was afraid it wouldn’t live up to the hype. But, I loved it. Is it about two girls who could not be more different whose fathers fall in love and send them to camp together so they can meet before they all become a family.
It is told through emails sent back and forth between the girls, family, and friends as well. It is so well written and is ultimately a story about friendship and unconditional love. This middle grade book deals with really complicated issues like what makes a family in a completely approachable way. It is this reason that this book is found on our Book Lists for 13-Year-Olds.
The Golden Compass
Author: Philip Pullman
Year: 1995
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 12
More info: His Dark Materials #1
Plot
Lyra lives in a world where all humans have animal familiars and parallel universes are all within reach. When Lyra’s best friend Roger is taken North by gobblers, she sets off to find him and bring him home. With the help of an armored bear, Lyra is determined on her quest but what she doesn’t know could kill her.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Kidnapping
Why Jackie loves it
I read this fantasy book for tweens years ago and it stayed with me. As the name suggests, it is dark and probably not for kids who get scared easily.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Full Cast Audio / Children’s Books About Winter
The Best Family Audiobooks For Road Trips and Home Listening
If you are looking for more audiobooks for the family, check out these great books!
For more middle grade books, check out our list of books for 10-year-old, 11-year-old, 12-year-old, or 13-year-old readers.
Honorable mention
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K Rowling
I was in university when this book was published and the first four were sitting on my younger brother’s bookshelf before I picked it up to see what the fuss was about.
I read all four books in as many days and was married with a child before the final book was published.
This book is so much more than just a book. It is a vernacular that is used in our house. It is the book that changed all books and our culture forever.
I am so grateful for the world of Harry Potter because I think it opened up the world of books to people who may never have known they love to read. Harry Potter shows up on our list of books like Percy Jackson too! And if you love Harry like we do, check out our 17 Books like Harry Potter for Kids Obsessed with Magic or 21 Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter for Fans of Magic.
This book gets an honorary mention as one of the best full cast audiobooks ever even though it is narrated by one man, the incredible Jim Dale. He creates over 270 voices- one for each character! He does this so well, there is no need for anyone else. He is a master!
