I love audiobooks and listen to so many books each month. I love being able to get in book time when I’m at the grocery store or folding laundry. Here are 11 I gave FIVE STARS in October, November, and December of 2024.
Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas (Murder, She Wrote #59) by Jessica Fletcher, Terrie Farley Moran
Murder, She Wrote stories (both the TV show and the books) are my favorite comfort reads, and this latest entry (number 59!) was a festive five star read! What I love most about this series are the cozy descriptions of the settings – whether Jessica is traveling or staying home in Cabot Cove (like she is in this most recent entry), I find myself immersed by the strong sense of place. I adore the cozy details added in as well – such as when Jessica is working on her latest book or having a cup of tea. It all blends so seamlessly together. Even if you’re not caught up on the series, these can be read as standalones and readers shouldn’t miss out on this treat!
What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust (Flavia de Luce #11) by Alan Bradley
This was just wonderful – the perfect combination of cozy, mysterious and funny. The writing is stunning. All my favorite characters were back and there were some serious jaw dropping moments. I do so hope we get more from Flavia.
Murder Among the Pyramids by Sara Rosett
Blix is an admirable character – independent and brave. I loved getting to know her and the other characters, especially Hildy. I could certainly travel with those two (minus the murder, of course). I loved the details of time and place included in the story – this was true armchair travel, as I could easily visualize the setting. I did not have a guess as to the murderer ahead of time and enjoyed the classic murder mystery feel of the story. Fans of historical mysteries shouldn’t wait to get their hands on this new book. I hope we travel with Blix and Hildy again!
A Scandal in Mayfair (Lily Adler Mystery #5) by Katharine Schellman
(the full review first appeared in Kings River Life Magazine)
I like Lily so much, as well as the diverse set of characters that help make up the story. A touch of romance added to Lily’s story is just perfect. While readers can read this entry as a standalone, as someone who has read all the entries, I can attest that it has been fun to watch Lily grow as a character. Readers who enjoy mysteries with strong female leads should most certainly give this series a try. It’s immersive and page-turning––all the things we want in our mysteries!
Where the Light Shines Through (Olivia Penn Mysteries #1) by Kathleen Bailey
Little hooks in a book’s “about” blurb get me every time, and when I saw that Where the Light Shines Through (book one in the Olivia Penn Mysteries) by Kathleen Bailey was recommended for fans of Clue and Nancy Drew, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. The small-town setting is so vivid and cozy that it’s a place I’d love to visit. The author does an excellent job of introducing us to all the characters without being overwhelming. There’s also just the perfect balance of humor with the seriousness of the mystery. I enjoyed every page and cannot wait to read more.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder #1) by Holly Jackson
I’m SO glad my 13-almost-14 year old pressed this in my hands. And on audio with a full cast – YES! My heart was pounding as I listened and I came up with every possible chore to do that allowed for listening time.
Ghost at Work (Bailey Ruth #1) by Carolyn G. Hart
What a treat! I know Carolyn has retired from writing so this is so exciting to remember another series by her and have many hours ahead of me! I grabbed this on audio and the performance was excellent. It’s a small town setting with a paranormal element and that paranormal element was the most delightful Bailey Ruth. I loved the setting, the characters and the mystery.
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
I absolutely adored this locked room, enemies to lovers rom-com. This is just what I needed in my ears to remind me that this season can be fun. It’s a wonderful escape and I rooted for both main characters so much. I swooned and laughed and just loved every page so much.
A Merry Little Murder Plot (Library Lover’s Mystery #15) by Jenn McKinlay
I love everything there is about this series. It’s my favorite book-themed cozy mystery series. I listened to this as I went about my pre-Christmas tasks and it made the to-do list sail along. It’s perfectly festive and includes some funny moments (the ugly sweater contest being a favorite). I loved that the mystery centered around authors. I had a teeny tiny guess at the culprit but loved putting all the details together with Lindsey and Sully.
A Better Tomorrow for the East End Library Girls (Library Girls, #4) by Patricia McBride
This entry, like the others in the series, does an excellent job of focusing not just on the individual stories and lives of each of the main characters, but also including a main story line that involves everyone.Fans of character driven, page-turning historical fiction shouldn’t wait to read this series. They are also excellent as audiobooks.
Christmas With the Queen by Hazel Gaynor, Heather Webb
This was an absolutely charming work of historical fiction that I couldn’t stop listening to. The vivid details of the setting and the second chance romance made my heart happy, and it was just the Christmas read I needed. Highly recommend.
Here are links to previous posts about FIVE STAR audiobooks:
5 Star Audio Books: January – March 2024
sarahcantstopreadingbooks.com 
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