Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine

Latest Episodes:

UNDER OCCUPATION by Alan Furst, read by Peter Noble Nov 26, 2019

Show notes

A tense, high-action WWII thriller narrated with skill. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile editor Robin Whitten love a good historical mystery and welcome this new audiobook from Alan Furst. Peter Noble evokes the danger and uncertainty of occupied Paris as he narrates the tale of a crime novelist and accidental spy. Listeners will appreciate the period detail and expert narration. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio.

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Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Celebrating 15 Years of Immersive Audio Entertainment featuring A Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new series such as Brandon Sanderson's White Sand, Vault Comics Wasted Space, Ordinary Magic, and over 1,250 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net

MADAME BADOBEDAH by Sophie Dahl, read by Sophie Dahl Nov 25, 2019

Show notes

Enchanting family listening. Join AudioFile editor Robin Whitten and host Jo Reed as they discuss MADAME BADOBEDAH, which should definitely be in the queue for your next family road trip. Young Mabel lives in the Mermaid Hotel and is decidedly suspicious of their latest lodger, whom she dubs Madame Badobedah. Author Sophie Dahl's light, playful voice totally engages listeners, and the lively music and audible details—wailing sirens, crinkling toffee wrappers—create a soundscape that will draw listeners in. Published by Bolinda Audio.

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LET HIM GO by Larry Watson, read by Dan John Miller Nov 22, 2019

Show notes

Travel the Dakota badlands to Gladstone, Montana, in the early 1950s with George and Margaret Blackledge. AudioFile's Jonathan Smith tells host Jo Reed what he loved about this historical fiction audiobook centered on a feud between families. Narrator Dan John Miller propels the story along expertly as a laconic former sheriff follows his strong-willed wife on a journey to reconnect with their grandson. Published by Brilliance Audio.

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NOTRE-DAME by Ken Follett, read by Ken Follett Nov 21, 2019

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A wonderful, informative, and concise love letter to the Notre-Dame Cathedral from the author of THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH. AudioFile's Jonathan Smith and host Jo Reed discuss Ken Follett's impressive and passionate narration of this history written in response to the devastating fire in Paris in 2019. Enlightening glimpses of a rich history are performed with deep affection and skill. Published by Penguin Audio.

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THE EDUCATION OF AN IDEALIST by Samantha Power, read by Samantha Power Nov 20, 2019

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A remarkable memoir from the former U.N. ambassador is read with gravitas, humility, and humor. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile's Jonathan Smith talk about Samantha Power's skill with writing and her fascinating life, both personal and political. Power speaks on struggling to retain her natural activism and desire to intervene in human rights abuses abroad while also operating within the constraints of the government. Listeners will appreciate insights into working in the Obama administration. Published by Harper Audio.

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COLD STORAGE by David Koepp, read by Rupert Friend Nov 19, 2019

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A truly creepy and entertaining listen where unstoppable fungi take center stage. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile's Jonathan Smith talk about the "zombie fungus" in this debut bio-thriller that has reemerged thirty years after two bioterror operatives thought it had been contained. David Koepp, well known as the screenwriter of JURASSIC PARK and other megahits, delivers all the cinematic tension, action, and well-placed humor. Narrator Rupert Friend keeps us engaged throughout the detailed chemistry and biology while ramping up the terror. Published by Harper Audio.

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AGENT RUNNING IN THE FIELD by John le Carré, read by John le Carré Nov 18, 2019

Show notes

John le Carré serves us a wholly engaging audio experience as author and narrator of a new standalone thriller. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile's Jonathan Smith talk about how the drama in this thriller is rooted in character development and dialogue, including commentary on the current state of politics and Brexit. Nat is a career spy whose loyalties are constantly being tested and who is now worrying about potential redundancy. Le Carr�'s obvious fun in narrating his story makes listening a pleasure. Published by Penguin Audio.

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The Extraordinary Audiobooks of Philip Pullman's Fantastic Worlds Nov 15, 2019

Show notes

It's no secret that the AudioFile team loves author Philip Pullman and the worlds he built in the HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy about Lyra Belaqua, the clever young protagonist we first met in THE GOLDEN COMPASS. Last year, we were fortunate enough to speak with the creative team behind the full-cast production of THE GOLDEN COMPASS, a landmark in the audiobook world. Host Jo Reed speaks with Orli Moscowitz, Penguin Random House executive producer; Garrick Hagon, the director of the first trilogy and the voice of Lee Scoresby; and Tim Ditlow, the publisher of Listening Library who produced the unabridged multicast recording of the original.

This fall, THE SECRET COMMONWEALTH, the second book Pullman's new BOOK OF DUST trilogy narrated by Michael Sheen, was published, and HBO debuted its new series based on HIS DARK MATERIALS, so we thought it was the perfect time to revisit Pullman's worlds and our interview and share it with Behind the Mic listeners.

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NOTHING TO SEE HERE by Kevin Wilson, read by Marin Ireland Nov 15, 2019

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Memorable and thoroughly entertaining listening. AudioFile Publisher Michele Cobb and host Jo Reed talk about this wacky audiobook narrated by the talented Marin Ireland. Lillian and Madison were best friends at an elite boarding school together and maintain their relationship as pen pals. Madison's doing well; in fact, she's married to a U.S. Senator who is up for Secretary of State—the only problem is that her stepchildren spontaneously combust. Lillian becomes their "governess" and has the chance to make a difference in their lives and her own. Published by Harper Audio.

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FIND ME by André Aciman, read by Michael Stuhlbarg Nov 14, 2019

Show notes

Andre Aciman's highly anticipated sequel to CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. We revisit Elio and Oliver, as their story is not yet over. Jo Reed and AudioFile Publisher Michele Cobb discuss the themes of love, longing and relationships that permeate the beautiful audiobook, elegantly narrated by Michael Stuhlbarg. Wonderful listening. Published by Macmillan Audio.

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