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

By Jennifer Rubins | April 3 2026 | Staff PicksAudiobook News

April is in full bloom for listeners with a brilliant bouquet of bestselling authors and award-winning narrators including Julia Whelan, Rebecca Lowman, Marin Ireland, Saskia Maarleveld, and more. We also have some amazing audiobooks from beloved authors for kids and teens including David Levithan, Meg Wolitzer, Marissa Meyer, and Kate DiCamillo. Check them out below and click on the covers to head over to the product pages and listen to clips. (For new Author-Read Audiobooks, check out this collection. It includes the latest from Patrick Radden Keefe, Lena Dunham, Jenny Lawson, and more.)

April Books on Tape Picks for Adults

A Novel

Read by Marin Ireland

*LibraryReads Hall of Fame Pick*

From New York Times bestselling author of This Time Tomorrow, an irresistible story about what happens when your teenage fantasy comes true after you’re already an adult. When the American Fantasy cruise ship sets sail for a four-day themed voyage, aboard are all five members of a famous, nineties-era boy band and three thousand screaming women who have worshipped them since childhood.

Previous audio praise for this author + narrator pairing: “Ireland’s welcoming voice and deft pacing keep listeners fully engaged in the insightful, generous plot.”—AudioFile Earphones Award


A Novel

Read by Rebecca Lowman

*LibraryReads Top Pick*

A traditional American woman, a beautiful wife and mother who sells her pioneer lifestyle of raw milk and farm-fresh eggs to her millions of social media followers, suddenly awakens cold, filthy, and terrified in the brutal reality of 1855—where she must unravel whether this living nightmare is an elaborate hoax, a twisted reality show, or something far more sinister.

“A remarkable debut—both a book for the moment and one that will endure.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review


A Love Story

Read by Julia Whelan

An epic, decades-spanning love story that blazes through the worlds of acting and comedy and charts a connection unlike any other.

“Brodie manages to build a universe that feels real, as well as a cast of complex characters full of humanity. The acting and improv worlds provide fertile ground that allows Brodie to explore ambition, talent, passion, and the life-changing power of art. An ambitious, sweeping, and tragic love story.”—Kirkus Reviews


Read by Saskia Maarleveld

The New York Times bestselling author of Where’d You Go, Bernadette returns to form in her most exuberant and life-affirming novel yet with the story of one woman’s cheerful determination to live a life of the mind only to have the heart force its way in.

“Semple entertains in every moment of this smart story of Greek philosophy and Greek statues; desire, happiness, and their opposites; and priceless midlife peace.”—Booklist, starred review


Stories

Read by  Jialing Pan, Rachel Khong, Jen Zhao, and Annie Q. Riegel

From the author of New York Times bestseller Real Americans, a brilliant short story collection about love, life, and the anguish of becoming oneself in a time when it’s so easy to be someone else.

“Each surprising, intricate, and emotionally resonant tale underscores a storytelling talent that’s all Khong’s own.”—Booklist, starred review


A Novel

Read by A’rese Emokpae

Big-hearted, hilarious, and wise, Leave Your Mess At Home is a poignant exploration of forgiveness, unconditional love, and becoming who you want to be, asking the question: what do we owe to our families, and what do we owe to ourselves?

“The dialogue is realistic, and at times provides the novel with welcome doses of humor, and while the dark moments are truly dark, the book never descends into melodrama. It’s a fine debut that seems a likely candidate for book clubs, both celebrity and otherwise.

First-time author Akinola handles difficult themes with grace.”—Kirkus Reviews


Read by Robert Petkoff

Lucas Davenport must track down a ruthless Russian hit team, in this latest thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author John Sandford.

Previous audio praise: “Narrator Robert Petkoff masterfully portrays U.S. Marshal Lucas Davenport. . . his quick pace and ability to differentiate characters through the snappy dialogue will keep listeners riveted.”—AudioFile (Toxic Prey)


A Novel

Read by Thérèse Plummer

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber comes an uplifting story of an unforgettable chance encounter between a successful yet jaded businessman and a woman who sees—but also expects—the best in everyone, sparking an unlikely romance that challenges their assumptions about generosity, trust, and the gifts of unforeseen love.


A Novel

Read by George Weightman

A bold young woman defies society’s expectations in the early 1900s to love and lead in this gripping listen by #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.


Read by Lottie Bourne

A cursed princess must discover what her heart truly longs for in this charmingly cozy romantic fantasy for everyone who’s ever lost – or found – themselves in a bookshop.
“Get ready to fall for your new favorite cozy fantasy.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

April Listening Library Picks for Kids and Teens

Read by a Full Cast

A thoughtful, poignant look at the AIDS crisis in the United States that includes primary source interviews, history, medical research, and cultural touchpoints.

“Rooted in science, history, and statistics—but also channeling the emotional power of firsthand testimonies—this work is a must-read.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Age 14 and up

Read by Keylor Leigh and Ryan Vincent Anderson

An unforgettable young adult murder mystery set in an escape-room themed game show filled with sabotage, betrayal, and puzzles to die for.

“Dark twists dominate this plot-driven novel, but it’s also about friendship—finding your people and letting them in, even if you’re afraid of getting hurt.”—Booklist

Age 14 and up

Read by Mark Bramhall

In a soaring conclusion to a moving trilogy, national treasure Kate DiCamillo shows how friendship, trust, and stories—lived and shared—transform us.

Series audio praise: “Listeners, especially fans of Aesop’s fable ‘The Lion and the Mouse,’ will appreciate this twist on a classic tale, which leads to a special friendship.”—AudioFile

Age 5-8 years

Read by George Newbern

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series comes an epic new fantasy set in a world where every child bonds with a spiritual guide—some promising greatness and glory, while others, destruction and death.

“Careful, involved world building distinguished by clear and compelling descriptions and personalities sets the scene for the next steps in what promises to be a popular series.”—Booklist, starred review

Age 8-12 years

Read by Jeff Ebner

A sound-inspired scavenger hunt and fast-paced mystery about family and friendships lost and found.

“Recommend this sensory story to fans of Rebecca Stead and of scavenger-hunt stories with a twist.”—Booklist, starred review

Age 7-11 years

A Novel

Read by a Full Cast

A clever, funny mystery from author Laurie Morrison, about soccer teammates trying to solve the disappearance of their beloved team captain—and facing a few secrets of their own.

“A compelling, humorous story that asks the reader to look below the surface and consider how not everything is as it seems.”—Booklist

Age 10 and up