Audiobook Picks: What Will You Listen To This January 2026?

By Jennifer Rubins | January 8 2026 | Staff PicksAudiobook News

New year, new listens! These six January audiobook picks have something for every patron: an eagerly awaited author-read first novel from the bestselling author of I’m Glad My Mom Died; a twisty mystery featuring a full cast of narrator favorites; a literary western that will take listeners for a Stephen King-approved ride; a return to full cast brilliance from George Saunders; the latest in the Dresden Files series for fantasy fans; and a sweet middle grade listen from a Newbery Honor winner. What will you listen to this month? Prepare for high patron holds for these six audiobooks…

A Novel

Read by the Author

On Sale January 20th

“With a tone and themes deeply rooted in Gen Z culture and told from Waldo’s perspective, Half His Age lets readers peer inside the mind of a young woman dealing with the complexities of power, autonomy, and coming-of-age.

HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: I’m Glad My Mom Died was a smash hit that introduced a young writer with plenty to say. McCurdy’s first foray into fiction is big news.”—Booklist 


A Novel

Read by MacLeod Andrews, Saskia Maarleveld, Amanda Stribling, & Dan Bittner

On Sale January 13th

*January LibraryReads Pick*

FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FIRST LIE WINS

Two women. One dead husband. And only one alibi.

“Elston expertly unravels a web of secrets and lies. You won’t be able to put this excellent thriller down until the final shocking page.” —Megan Miranda


A Novel

NOTE: Print and ebook went on sale in Oct 2025. This audiobook download will be on sale on January 27, 2026. 

Read by Susan Dalian

“The characters are exquisitely drawn, memorable, and fully human. Mythic in ambition, the narrative is propulsive yet immersive, given to rumination and asides, adding intimacy and emotional resonance. A most resplendent journey well worth the effort.”—Booklist starred review


A Novel

Read by Judy Greer, Stephen Root, and a Full Cast

*January LibraryReads Pick*

On Sale January 27th

“The novel barrels into gleefully absurd territory while posing weighty questions about salvation and justice and whether they’re even feasible. Saunders has outdone himself with this endlessly irreverent work of art.”—Publishers Weekly starred review


Read by James Marsters

On Sale January 20th

Previous audio series praise: “Every aspect of the series is enhanced by Marsters’s delivery—so much so that it’s challenging to differentiate between narrator and character. One of the best collaborations of the business, this is an audio production too good to miss.”—AudioFile 


Read by Sunny Lu with a Note read by the Author

On Sale January 13th

“Genuine and poignant; has the makings of a modern classic.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Age 10 and up