Best New Thriller Audio books for a Road Trip
- Connor Drew
- Aug 27, 2025
- 3 min read
No boring miles, just pure suspense
If you're heading out on the open road and want something gripping in your
ears, these new thriller audiobooks will keep you wired through every twist,
turn, and traffic jam. From unsettling mysteries to breakneck thrill rides, here
are five standout listens released in the past two years that promise high
tension and zero boredom.
Toxic Prey
John Sandford
Narrated by Robert Petkoff
Lucas Davenport returns in a high-stakes bio-terrorism case that hits
dangerously close to home. With his daughter Letty in the thick of the
action, the pace is relentless and personal. Petkoff’s voice work adds edge
and urgency—perfect for fans who want their thrillers high-octane and
smart.
Why We Like It:
Sandford keeps the gas pedal down from the first page. The bio-terror plot
is timely without feeling preachy, and the dynamic between Lucas and Letty
adds depth. Petkoff’s narration keeps things snappy, intense, and easy to
follow even at 75 mph.
California Bear
Duane Swierczynski
Narrated by James Urbaniak and Jesse Vilinsky
A serial killer’s past bleeds into the present in this clever dual-timeline
narrative. Vilinsky’s performance as “The Girl Detective,” a sharp, fearless
teen battling cancer, gives the story emotional weight. It’s creepy, clever,
and impossible to pause.
Why We Like It:
It’s fresh, weird, and genuinely haunting. The time-hopping plot never feels
forced, and the characters—especially The Girl Detective—are
unforgettable. Vilinsky brings real grit and vulnerability to her performance.
This one sticks with you long after the drive ends.
Anna O
Mathew Blake
Narrated by Dan Stevens, Hannah Curtis,
Sarah Cullum, Christine Rendel
She hasn’t spoken since she was found at a murder scene—and she might be
the key to unlocking everything. This psychological puzzle is haunting and
cerebral, with a full cast that amps up the tension. Think: dreamlike unease
meets razor-sharp suspense.
Why We Like It:
This is the kind of psychological thriller that gets under your skin. The multi-
narrator format makes it feel like you’re inside a real investigation—or a dream you can’t wake up from. Perfect for fans of true crime, dark psychology, and slow- simmer reveals.
Goodbye Girl
James Grippando
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
Attorney Jack Swytek dives into a music industry case laced with secrets, lies,
and dangerous players. It’s slick, twisty, and timely. Davis delivers a powerhouse
performance that keeps the characters—and stakes—vivid and real.
Why We Like It:
This one mixes courtroom drama with behind-the-scenes music biz dirt. The
pacing is razor-sharp, and Davis’s narration brings swagger, suspense, and
personality. Great for listeners who love legal thrillers with a glossy edge.
The Hunter
Tana French
Narrated by Roger Clark
Quiet village. Retired detective. Old secrets rising. French’s second Cal
Hooper novel is a slow burn with a simmering sense of dread. Roger Clark
nails the rhythm of the rural Irish setting and the undercurrents of tension
beneath its surface calm.
Why We Like It:
French is a master of mood, and this sequel builds slow, deep suspense like
a fog rolling in. Roger Clark nails the rural Irish vibe and makes even the smallest moments feel loaded with tension. Ideal for listeners who prefer quiet menace over loud bangs.
Road Trip Tip:
Pair these audiobooks with a scenic route, a full tank, and snacks you won’t
spill during a jump scare.
What’s your ultimate road trip listen—thriller or otherwise?
Tell us what kept you from turning off the ignition.
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