Yes, it’s already February. Am I the only one who feels like time seems to be rushing by? The good news is that mystery audiophiles have already been gifted an amazing selection of listens spanning multiple genres. More good news, all the audiobooks highlighted here are Earphones Award winners.

Additions to Great Series

Walter Mosley offers up the third book in the King Oliver series, BEEN WRONG SO LONG IT FEELS RIGHT, narrated by Golden Voice Dion Graham. It is always a treat to hear Graham perform, as he masterfully conveys emotions and differentiates characters. Paired with Mosley’s intelligent, vivid writing, listeners can count on a completely compelling experience. In this latest installment, PI Joe King Oliver takes on a personal assignment that leads him down a path of discovery fraught with complicated relationships.

Now let’s travel across the pond and back in history with A DEATH IN DIAMONDS by S.J. Bennett. This is the fourth book in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series. Narrator Samantha Bond expertly voices both real-life historical figures and fictional characters, bringing this entertaining murder mystery to life. Fans of Downton Abbey (and I am enthusiastically one of them) may recognize Bond’s upper-class English voice as Lady Rosamund Painswick, the wealthy, widowed sister of the Earl of Grantham. Additionally, fans of British mystery series like Midsomer Murders might recall her appearances in many episodes. How delightful to have such an accomplished actor performing right in your earbuds!

A Standalone Mystery

Next, we have a gripping standalone: THE PERFECT HOME by Daniel Kenitz, narrated by Golden Voice Michael Crouch and Amanda Stribling. In this Earphones Award winner, a couple, Wyatt and Dawn Decker, are the stars of a home improvement TV show. Thanks to the outstanding duo of narrators, listeners are treated to an intense and immersive listening experience.

Legal Thrillers

The legal thriller genre offers two standout audiobooks to kick off the year. First is the third book in Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent series, PRESUMED GUILTY, narrated by Golden Voice Grover Gardner. Listeners reunite with lawyer Rusty Sabich, who first captivated audiences 38 years ago in PRESUMED INNOCENT. Gardner’s performance is a masterclass in narration, effortlessly portraying Rusty and convincingly voicing the female characters as well. The result—another Earphones Award-winning listening experience.

For another in the legal thriller category, listeners can enjoy a multi-narrator performance of A TRUE VERDICT by Robert Rotstein. This ensemble cast includes Sean Pratt, Phil Thron, Kelli Tager, Sophie Amoss, Natalie Naudus, Fajer Al-Kaisi, Hillary Huber, Mark Bramhall, Robin Miles, Alex Boyles, Roxanne Hernandez, Eunice Wong, Deanna Anthony, and Graham Halstead. The dramatic courtroom battle—centered on a mega-pharma company potentially covering up the effects of a best-selling drug on Black users—is tailor-made for audio delivery.

A Promising Start to 2025

What a fantastic start to the new year in audiobooks! With these exceptional listens, mystery fans have plenty to look forward to as 2025 unfolds.