Staff Picks: Kicking Off Summer with Long Weekend Listens
By Erin Murphy
Summer: the perfect time to step back into the sun and catch up on all those audiobooks you’ve been meaning to get around to (after liberally applying the SPF, of course).
For those of us at PRH Audio, the long Memorial Day weekend means extra hours to devote to our headphones. But if your to-listen-lists are as long as ours, finding that perfect first book to set the tone for your summer of listening can be a daunting task.
Don’t sweat it (unless you’re heading to the beach): the audio experts on our staff shared their first listens of the season, and why they make perfect picks for the top of your playlist.
A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett
I am completely obsessed with Robert Jackson Bennett’s fantasy series, Shadow of the Leviathan, with book 2 in the series, A Drop of Corruption, going on sale in April of this year.
The unlikely investigative duo of Ana and Din embark on an unforgettable whodunit through the farthest reaches of the Empire – and they may have finally met their match with the latest villain. The stakes have never been higher in this mystery/fantasy series, and I’m hanging on every word in the audiobook. Not only does the narrator create lively and unique voices for each character, but the pacing and detail of the worldbuilding captures the imagination from the first page.
I’ve been recommending this series to anyone who will listen, and I highly encourage anyone looking for a quirky and wholly original fantasy novel to pick this up. You won’t be disappointed!—Maren Monitello, Vice President, Imprint Sales Director
Time After Time by Mikki Daughtry
My pick for this long weekend is Time After Time by Mikki Daughtry. I’m excited to dive into the epic sapphic love story between Libby and Tish, who find love while fixing up a beautiful old Victorian home together. Along the way, they discover the century’s old secret history of the home’s previous owner, Elizabeth, who was passionately in love with her housemaid. The book examines the similarities of the two love stories happening under the same roof, separated by hundreds of years, and I’m excited to fall into the heartfelt and romantic dual narration of Sophia Bernard and Jeremy Carlisle Parker. —Dakota Cohen, Marketing Manager
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
I didn’t get a chance to read Hamnet when it was first published so now that there’s a new recording of the audio narrated by Jessie Buckley – who is one of the stars of the upcoming film adaptation of this – I’m excited to dive in! — Taraneh Djangi, Marketing Director
Silver Elite by Dani Francis
I’ll be listening to Silver Elite by Dani Francis. It’s the perfect addition to my playlist because I enjoy thrilling dystopian fiction like The Hunger Games. Silver Elite sounds like the start of an exciting new series. —Rob Guzman, Marketing Director
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
This long weekend, I am listening to Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams. I’m always looking for an escape on my vacations, and escaping to the small town of Rome, Kentucky is the perfect destination. Sarah Adams’ stories read like a cozy hug, and I’m so excited about this newest romance between two-feuding second grade teachers. —Marissa Secreto, Associate Marketing Manager
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
This Memorial Day Weekend I’m finally listening to The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, narrated by the wonderful Samara MacLaren. It’s cozy, magical, and full of found family goodness—a warm hug in audiobook form. Cottagecore vibes, sweet romance, and lovable misfits? Yes, please. Perfect for a slow weekend in the sun. —Alexis Patterson, Associate Marketing Director
Trans History by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett
My long weekend pick is Trans History by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett. This full cast graphic novel adaptation is an immersive listen that makes history come alive. It’s the perfect way to kick off the summer and start celebrating Pride Month early. —Kate Smith, Publicist
Dream On, Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake
I’ll be listening to Dream On, Ramona Riley! Ashley is one of my favorite authors to read and it feels like the perfect romance to get ready for Pride month. —Kayla Kohlmeister, Publicist
