I grew up in a time when listening to books was considered “not reading” a story. A bizarre clever made its way through the book community and deemed audiobooks a nonvalid consumption of storytelling. Needless to say, I’m glad to see things shifting. Listening to books does not, and has never, meant that one’s experience with a book is invalid. Oftentimes, it’s forgotten that sitting down to read is not only a luxury but for minds that work a specific way.
People have busy lives, minds think differently, and attention doesn’t always work in the solitude that comes with sitting alone with a book. In response, our storytelling has developed. Whole platforms have been dedicated to audiobooks. Listening to books has been an answer to those who have trouble with the physicality of the written word and has been a wonderful way to continue your favorite read when you need a hands-free option.
Today, audiobooks are available at the click of a button! The chance to read (or rather listen) to your next TBR title is so easy to access, the solution is in your pocket: your phone! The most popular audio streaming subscription service is probably already downloaded on your phone.
Spotify as an Audiobook Streaming Platform!
Did you know, in addition to great music and hilarious podcasts, Spotify has its own library of Audiobooks!? The app gained popularity for its music and indie artists but has grown to be a source of all things aural. Now Spotify isn’t just one of the best sources to find the newest independent singers but the perfect spot to explore the secret corners of the podcast world and listen to the latest and greatest stories to be told.
Spotify Premium starts at $11.99 a month and includes ad-free listens to the next book on your wish list, which is included in this monthly price! While some books are still only available for purchase through Premium, there are still over 250,000 audiobooks ready when you sign up! Not only am I basking in the sudden availability of so many titles, but my inner horror fan is going crazy with the number of free audiobooks with Spotify Premium.
I have been reading horror since I was in grade school — what can I say? I was a Coraline kid. The world of spookiness and scares has always been a love of mine. For those who also love a little more creepiness in their audiobook listens or those who enjoy a little more Halloween-flare year-round, I’ve rounded up a handful of the best spooky audiobooks you can listen to for free with Spotify Premium!
Witchy Romance
Not The Witch You Wed by April Asher
A witch with no magic meets a wolf shifter, and the two start fake dating. But when their complicated past gets in the way of their wants, the pair have to balance their emotions with their wants. The first of a paranormal series, this novel brings out a whole lot of that spooky, fantastic aesthetic we all know and love.
Payback’s A Witch by Lana Harper
A queer romance for all our gay witches out there! In the search for guidance after an exile and difficulty performing magic, Emmy Harlow bumps into a badass witch, Talia. Talia is out for revenge on a past friend and encourages Emmy to join her on the mission.
A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
Following the naturally gifted and ultimately powerful Mariel, the book dives into a witty, sweet, and charming story of a witch and demon stuck in a fake relationship. Mariel, on a mission to follow her true passion for baking, meets a demon lost in his ways. The two decide to work together to chase after Mariel’s baking dreams and restore Ozroth to his previous title.
The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall
Aria is a witch from a line of witches, but Aria is different. She has no interest in magic. If she had things her way, she’d never have to interact with them ever again, but when a competition brings her back home, she is forced to perform again. This time against her arch nemesis: Callan Hawthrone, Witch Weekly’s Sexiest Man of the Year.
Horror Classics
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
A short gothic horror novella, The Turn of the Screw follows a young nanny brought into a wealthy man’s house to care for his children. Everything seems right as rain until the nanny begins to experience paranormal activity that no one else in the house seems to notice. The scares and thrills of this 19th-century ghost tale stand the test of time and remain a creepy listen to any seeking out this audiobook.
Carrie by Stephen King
A personal favorite of mine, but just genuinely a great listen, Carrie is the horror king’s debut novel. Most of us know the story by now, a bullied teen faces social ostracization and religious trauma as she navigates her changing body. As things begin to worsen, Carrie develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to bring her bullies to violent ends.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Another classic and a necessary read for everyone at some point is Frankenstein. Dr. Frankenstein leaves his medical studies for his much more grotesque fascination with reanimation. When an experiment one night leads to a patchwork being brought to life, Dr. Frankenstein must face the horrible consequences of his deeds.
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
As the title of the novel might reveal, Interview with the Vampire details the conversation between a vampire and the reporter who writes about him. This novel is downright chilling at points when the immortal being describes his history and violent nature. This novel holds the reader in a trance with how Rice writes, but it is truly a captivating listen in audiobook form.
Contemporary Horror
Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones
An utterly strange but chilling story, Night of the Mannequins utilizes an unreliable narrator in his descent into madness. Starting off as just a teen coming-of-age story, the narrator soon reveals his deeply twisted and violent desires in a downward spiral of horror.
Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi
Including its obvious inspiration in the title, Frankenstein in Baghdad takes a story we are all familiar with and twists it on its head. Bringing in the man-made violence and horrors of our non-fantastical world, author Ahmed Saadawi adds to the elevated horror in the book community.
The Haar by David Sodergren
For those who love a little more gore with their creep, this novel brings a folk-take to life in the deeply intimate writings of David Sodergren. Centering on a Scottish woman, Muriel, the story captures her life when it is at its lowest: a company threatens to upheave her hometown completely. But things get worse for Muriel and her town as the Haar- a legendary creature- makes a visit, bringing with it havoc and violence.
Out There Screaming Edited by Jordan Peele
This is a perfect read for those who may have trouble sticking with a single story for over two hundred pages. This anthology is a collection of short horror stories written by black authors and edited by the modern king of horror: Jordan Peele. The book doubles as a series of chilling tales and a platform for marginalized voices, using their stories to draw attention to unjust systems and practices in our country.
Audiobooks are an incredible way to enjoy stories. With voice actors reading the story to you, the books practically jump to life in your ears. Take a listen to these wonderfully spooky books and enjoy the art of storytelling (while also hiding under your covers).
For those looking for a little more thrill in their reading, I highly suggest hopping on over to Bookstr’s official Bookshop site to click through our suggested mysteries and thrillers.
If you’re looking to know more about the power of audiobooks, why not check out Bookstr’s Alyssa O’Brien’s article on the power of audiobooks!
