Best Horror Audiobooks | Favourite Audiobook Narrators

[@ElizabethSagewood]

I agree with you, a narrator can make or break a book, I always listen to a sample as well. My 2 favourites are The Good House and The Turn of the Key.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yes I'm so picky

[@half-caffcrochet]

I listen to a lot of audiobooks because i am a big time knitter so my hands and eyes are always occupied with yarn. I especially love to sit outside in the summer so I burn through audiobooks quickly that way. Thank you for this video and I would love a part 2! Here are some of my recommendations for horror and thriller: The Dispatcher by John Scalzi, The Dead Path by Stephen M. Irwin, Dark Matter and Thin Air by Michelle Paver, I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (I know you've read it but I mention it particularly because it's great on audiobook, especially if you don't know the story yet like maybe some commenters may?), and basically anything by F.G. Cottam.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oh thank you for all the great recommendations

[@AlbertTheConjugator]

The moment you mentioned Michael C. Hall from Dexter narrating Pet Sematary, I added it to my wish list. That was one of my favorite shows. The character Dexter does a lot of inner monolog, so that guy is perfect for audio books

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I still need to watch the TV show! It sounds right up my alley

[@nevskislake]

I would love a part two to this video, if you are up for it. I loved the Pet Semetary audiobook, and I just started listening to The Institute. I loved the listening experience of World War Z. It was so much fun, and it and I am Legend are extra special to me because they are one of few audiobooks that my husband listened to as well. I need to listen to Ghost Radio and Broken Monsters. They both sound so good. Not horror, but I just listened to Reckless Girls on audiobook, and I really enjoyed the narration, as well as the book. I also love listening to Ruth Ware's books on audiobook because of Imogen Church's narration.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I can definitely do a part 2!

[@nevskislake]

@@TheShadesofOrange - Awesome! Thank you!

[@kate-ne]

I listened to The Good House on audio this month and highly, highly recommend interested in this book but maybe hesitant because of the length. Robin Miles was a fantastic narrator. I also tend to prefer horror in print only because I tend to get more immersed in the story that way but I might check some of these out! I do like audiobooks for a story that I'm not 100% sold on but still interested because I can plow through them much faster than my normal reading speed 😁 This is the first year I've been listening to audiobooks so I appreciate these recommendations!! 🤗 Edit: I see Ghost Radio is narrated by Pedro Pascal--is this not the same person as Pedro Pascal the actor? I tried to look into it and couldn't tell!! I'll listen to a sample like you suggested, I think I'll recognize his voice if it is him. I'm a huge fan of him as an actor!!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yes... it is the same actor! I was dumb and didn't figure that out until I was editing this video... I love him!

[@jennfischetto]

I have recently gotten into audiobooks, and now that's all I want to read. I love this video. I haven't read any of these books and several are now on my wishlist. :) Definitely include more audiobook videos in the future. Thank you!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Glad this was helpful!

[@halko1802]

I crochet a lot so these audiobooks are perfect!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oh perfect!

[@half-caffcrochet]

I crochet and knit a lot too so i love audio books for the same reason!

[@MGB_2024]

100% agree with your take on classics in audiobooks. I also feel some narrators read them like they're classics and not active, thrilling and alive texts.

[@meganfedoruk1437]

Ooooooo, thank you for the recommendations, just borrowed Broken Monsters from my library app!! It's been on my "to be read list" for ages but this gave me the final push 😉

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@andysimmons2648]

Another really good collection of books, thanks for the recommendations. I personally prefer basic narration for audiobooks over ensemble casts, but there are always exceptions. I suspect the effects in Ghost Radio would work for me. I listened to the Institute shortly after it came out and thoroughly enjoyed it but I always enjoy Stephen King’s work. I like Will Patton as a narrator of his work as well. One book I would recommend on audio is They Thirst by Robert R. McCammon but, be warned, its a bit dated and about vampires; your favourite monster!!! One writer who’s books I think translate to audio well is James Herbert; Haunted narrated by Steven Pacey and Nobody True by Jonathan Keeble are fantastic. Like you, I often have an audiobook on the go when I’m doing chores and such. It’s fantastic to have a story to help pass the time.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah there is very little sound effects in Ghoat Radio so that one should work well. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@half-caffcrochet]

One more general recommendation is old radio plays, especially if Lovecraft stories. They have great ensemble casts and that fun old timey vibe.

[@susanboyd1422]

Just finished Duma Key! Absolutely loved the 1st person storytelling on Audible.

[@williamwinn948]

There are so many Stephen King audio books that have amazing narrators. But the exorcist is one of my favorites

[@deannabanquer1942]

I listened to World War Z and I am Legend on a road trip from south Texas to Colorado. There are long stretches of absolutely nothing and both books added to the creepiness. Great suggestions, as always.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Ooo that would be creepy!

[@arlem525]

I recently found an excellent full voice cast audiobook version of Dracula on Audible that I really enjoyed. Richard Matheson's Hell House is also excellent on Audible. And I absolutely loved the narrator of We Need to Talk About Kevin. That's all I can think of at the moment.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oh yes! I've listened to that version of Dracula... so good!

[@half-caffcrochet]

I did enjoy that ensemble cast as well - I was just so disappointed that there was so little Tim Curry!

[@jcmnaomi88]

Thank you for sharing. I like that you went into a more detailed approach.

[@QuantumHealer]

The performance by Steven Weber of Stephen King’s “iT” is my all-time favorite audiobook- Weber does an amazing job and brings an entirely new experience to this story. Highly recommend!!! I also recommend the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan in audiobook format- I spent 2020 listening to the series; Kate Reading & Michael Kramer are incredibly talented narrators.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oh yes I recently reread IT using the audio and the narration was fantastic

[@debramaertens893]

One I highly recommend on audio is N0S4A2 by Joe Hill, narrated by Kate Mulgrew. She does creepy really well.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yes! I love her narration!

[@JasonsWeirdReads]

I read I am Legend about twenty years ago and loved it. Listening to you talk about the narration of the audiobook I went to sample it and I can see how the narrator would make that story so much more dreadful (in a good way of course). I’ve never heard of Ghost Radio. It sounds great. I listened to The Haunted on audio when it first came out and really enjoyed it. It made me happy to see it here. When I go to reread Pet Semetary it will be in audiobook format. Maybe this coming Halloween. Great video, Rachel! I’d love to see audiobook recommendations from you for science fiction and fantasy!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oooh yes please reread I Am Legend via the audiobook the sense of Dread is incredible

[@Dayymaan]

I'm about to check a couple of these out now. I have a few audible credits I need to use

[@Dayymaan]

I already listened to the institute. I loved it

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Hope you find something

[@jjsmama401]

I read the Hot Zone back in the 90s while I had a fever. Whoa. It was trippy!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I've heard such good things about that one

[@jacquelynebailey5952]

I have never listened to audio book, but looking to give it a try. Since I love horror, sounds like a great place to start. Pet Cemetery with Dexter character narrating peaked my interest. Great video and please do a Part 2.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

That would be an awesome first audiobook

[@fiberartsyreads]

I love the World War Z audiobook, it’s so good. I also really enjoyed The Exorcist narrated by the author. He does such a great job Great list!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Ooh Yes the Exorcist will definitely make a future video

[@jjsmama401]

You really need to read this!

[@books-on-a-wire]

I wish Michael C Hall (Dexter) would do more narrations, his Pet Semetary is probably my top horror pick. I also wish Stephen King would diversify his narrators. Will Patton is great, but hearing the same voice on multiple books pulls me out. I tend to use audiobooks to get me invested and then finish with a physical copy. I purchased an out of state library card specifically for horror and its been my best purchase ever lol.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I agree! I wish Michael C Hall did more audiobooks. Such a great voice

[@BookishCoffeeLove]

I recently got into listening to audiobooks and the experience has been great. I’m a bit picky about my narrators so I always go for a sample on audible. The latest I’ve listened to and loved was Dolores Clairborne by Stephen King. The narrator was excellent in that one. Also, Comfort Me With Apples is better experienced in audio I think. Great recs, I’d love to see another one like this!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

So glad you've been enjoying audiobooks

[@FrostaWingsIt]

Added Ghost Radio to my list and 100% Dread Nation - I think this might be (finally) my way into zombies. Great cast, own voice, social commentary AND I know you're picky of your YAs, so if you liked it, chances are I will too :)

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Ooh yes I think Dread Nation should work well for you... and definitely read the sequel... Deathless Divide!

[@opheliasgrace]

Ghost Radio sounds good. And I have an audible credit waiting..... Pet Sematary is a great listen! One of my favorite audio books.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I hope you love Ghost Radio as much as I did

[@stevenvenn]

Great recommendations on this video, Rachel! I wanted to shout out Canadian author Simone St. James’s “Sun Down Motel” narrated by Brittany Pressley. A thriller/mystery that has horror elements. Pressley has incredible character voices that make the younger niece part of the story really enjoyable. Kirsten Potter who narrates the earlier Aunt’s time period is also great. It’s an interesting novel that flips back and forth between the 80s and present day and it was quite an enjoyable listen (and story). I also have to shout out Kate Mulgrew’s narration of Joe Hill’s “The Fireman.” There’s nothing quite like Captain Janeway from Star Trek: Voyager saying the f-word, ha ha. Anyone who watched the “Orange Is the New Black” Netflix series knows well how Kate Mulgrew has range when she played the Russian inmate, “Red” Reznikov. Another great Stephen King audiobook is Carrie read by the original Carrie herself, Sissy Spacek. It’s interesting to have the movie Carrie read the King version of Carrie.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks for all the great recs!

[@suzybearheart530]

I know your comment is a year old but I wanted to thank you for recommending The Sun Down Motel. It sounds sooo up my alley - horror plus 80s? Yes please! I don't do audio books very often because if I'm not actually reading my mind wanders but I have a road trip today and can't wait to listen to this one!

[@stevenvenn]

@@suzybearheart530 I think it's one of Simone St. James' best books.

[@stevenvenn]

@@suzybearheart530 More of a thriller/mystery with a little bit of horror

[@suzybearheart530]

@stevenvenn I'm 3 hours in and it's really good so far!

[@brockyhorror]

thank you for this!! i just started getting into audiobooks 🙌🏼

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oh wonderful

[@Bowzilla666]

The narration is one of the reasons I stuck with Exquisite Corpse and I'm glad I did. What a story, Andrew was my favourite.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oh I'll have to look if I have access to that one

[@sh4577]

Sadie had a great audiobook and so did the Bad Girls Guide to Murder trilogy. I also absolutely love RC Bray who narrates a ton of stuff but most notably he narrates most of Micheal McDonald books like The Elementals and Cold Moon Over Babylon. Great voice!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks for the recommendations!

[@chrisconnors7418]

I’ll have to try I Am Legend. For me, the idea of being the last person on earth is a happy ending. Will try Ghost Radio, Broken Monsters. Think I have both in ebooks but am liking audiobooks more and more just for the convenience of being able to do other things while listening. Thought you might include NOS4A2 with Kate Mulgrew on this list. :) I’m halfway thru that one. That’s the only audio horror I’ve listened to at the moment so can’t recommend others. I like this type of video. I’m still relatively new to audio (less than 2 yrs) so still trying to figure out good ones to listen to.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I was going to talk about NOS4A2 but I was worried that I talk about it too often... I think I'll save it for part 2. So glad you're enjoying audiobooks more these days. I love them

[@meggiejohnstone]

Hi Rachel! I'd never heard of "Ghost Radio", but it sounds right up my street. I just searched for it on Audible and it's narrated by the one and only Pedro Pascal 😍 Sold! Thanks for more great recommendations!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yes! I didn't realize who he was until I was editing this... love him!

[@meggiejohnstone]

@@TheShadesofOrange He's fabulous, isn't he! Absolute travesty, covering the man's face in The Mandalorian 😆

[@michaelknapp677]

Dracula had an awesome cast

[@kayleethompson8678]

I don’t know about the audiobook, but another good King book to read is Needful Things

[@cindywingetbooks]

I really enjoyed listening to Project Hail Mary, but I know you already read that one. I own Dread Nation and World War Z but haven't read them yet

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Ah yes that was another good audiobook

[@jameshendrix8217]

what narrator did you like for I.A.L there are a few different ones. My fave is Angus McInnes

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I experienced it with Robertson Dean's narration

[@Kelli.Hicks.5]

I really enjoyed The Messy Man series by Chris Sorensen in audio form, as well as Into the Drowning Deep.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oh yes good recommendation

[@jameshendrix8217]

also the exorcist read by William Peter Blatty is absolutely amazing

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oh yes excellent rec... I'll definitely be mentioning that in a future video

[@traci3868]

I really enjoyed this video. I put most of the suggestions on my audiobook wishlist, except for the ones that I had already read. I even put The Haunted on there. I tried one of Little's books before and disliked it because of how weird and sexual it was, however I've wanted to give him another shot since he's such a big name in horror so I thought I'd try with this one.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks... but I will warn you that The Haunted is also weird and sexual so I'm not sure you'll like it any better

[@traci3868]

@@TheShadesofOrange I figured it would be, so I'm hopefully prepared for it!

[@MissEllaReads]

loved this video and audiobook reccomendations ❤

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks!

[@Vampirlestat84]

Concerning Broken Monsters. Which audiobook production are you referring to. I find two versions, one from Mulholland Books and one from Harper Collins, online.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Not sure. I read the one narrated by Christine Lakin

[@zacharyertengrass892]

Definitely agree about the World War Z audiobook! One of my all-time favorites.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yes! So well produced

[@schism6976]

Maybe I'm weird but I tried this audiobook but to me the narration was horrendous. Didn't pull me in and day dreamed most of the time😅

[@sharaththallapally5208]

Great recs 🤗❤️

[@ch00p]

Ian Gordon over at HorrorBabble does excellent narrations of classic horror. I find his style makes for a very atmospheric listening experience

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oh cool!

[@jjnewbold]

I really enjoyed Will Patton's narration on Doctor Sleep.

[@jjnewbold]

Might give The Haunted a try! Just finished a re-listen of Dark Matter, a personal favorite.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Planning to read that audiobook later this spring!

[@peterlightning9235]

Rene Auberjonois reading Preston and Child's "Agent Pendergast Series." 💖✨

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks for the rec

[@peterlightning9235]

@@TheShadesofOrange He's an Honorable Mention since he passed away. 😥

[@Jzscrstsprstr]

I'm not surprised they did an audiobook on World War Z. It probably suits well the style it was written.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yes it worked really well with multiple narrators

[@92ajdavis]

Wait the narrator for ghost radio is Pedro Pascal! Like the actor?!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yes! I didn't actually know who he was when I made this video

[@alexwagenblass767]

What speed do you listen to books at?

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Depends. Usually 1.25 to 2.0 Depending on the narrator

[@jessicamou]

I thinks even classics may work well with audiobooks. My favorite romantic novel is Pride And Prejudice, for the purpose of rereading (well when you read one book too many times your eyes start to skip words or even sentences because of the over familiarity of the words) I searched all available versions of audiobooks last year, it turned out one of the them, read by Kate Reading, is significantly more suitable for my preference. I am reading World War Z now and definitely gonna check out the audiobook! I hope there will be a part two to this video in the future :)

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks... yes to part 2. And yes please check out the audio for WWZ if it's available to you

[@Jamhands9]

Thanks for this list! I love audiobooks anyway, and as a newly single mom audiobooks are pretty much the only way I can read these days.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

So glad it was helpful

[@zubaerchaudhari8267]

Hey

[@HasteWriting]

Great idea to focus on the audio books. Bunny is a weird semi-horror novel that rocked my socks off. Strong recommend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5O7dZR3iNOXd7c

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I've heard interesting things about that one

[@HasteWriting]

@@TheShadesofOrange It's not for everyone, but I thought it was beautifully written and delightfully weird.

[@eastgapeach]

I cannot stand the voice for the woman that reads Dread Nation. I cannot remember her name but she pops up on many books geared towards black people and I feel so bad because I just can't stand her voice so I skip those audiobooks. 😔 I'm ashamed. 😅

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I like her voice... but I also understand. I definitely have narrators I purposely avoid at all costs 😄

[@TheLunatiched]

Blegh