Audiobooks narrated by Laura Aikman

A Stranger On Board: A twisty summer thriller perfect for fans of T.M. Logan’s The Holiday

Brought to you by Penguin. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A luxury superyacht. And a killer picking you off, one by one... A twist-filled summer thriller, perfect for fans of T.M. Logan's The Holiday and Lucy Clarke's The Castaways When ex-marine Sarah French joins a luxury superyacht as on-board security, she's excited to get her life - and career - back on track. Surrounded by crystal waters, it seems like the perfect place to start over. As they head into open water, though, tensions between the crew quickly build. And when someone goes missing, Sarah has a terrifying realisation. One of them is a killer. All of them are suspects. To protect the other passengers, Sarah needs to uncover the killer's identity, and return the boat safely to shore. But there's a storm on the horizon - and not all of them will make it out alive... © Cameron Ward 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Cameron Ward (Author), Laura Aikman (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Wedding in Provence: From the #1 bestselling author of uplifting feel-good fiction

Brought to you by Penguin. Romance, humour, a cast of warm and totally believable characters, and the tantalising possibility of happy-ever-after? It must be the new Katie Fforde novel. 1963, a chateau in Provence. It's late afternoon when Alexandra arrives, and the chateau before her is old, substantial and its four large towers seem to grow out of the soil. It is, she thinks, reassuring in its permanence and solidity. Less reassuring are the three silent, rather hostile children waiting for her inside. They are to be her charges for a month: a boy and two girls badly in need of some love, attention, and an English education. Fresh from London and a recent cookery course, Alexandra has always loved a challenge and feels equipped to deal with most things life throws her. What she is a good deal less sure about is whether she'll be able to deal with their father - an impossibly good-looking, entirely unsuitable French count with whom she is trying very hard not to fall in love ... © Katie Fforde 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Katie Fforde (Author), Laura Aikman (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Couple: 'Genius, funny and thought-provoking. 5 stars' Carrie Hope Fletcher

The author of The Radio 2 Book Club Pick The Shelf returns with a new hilarious, thought-provoking and funny novel. 'Genius, funny and thought-provoking. 5 stars' Carrie Hope Fletcher 'A romcom with a difference' Sarra Manning 'Funny and clever. I loved every single line' Lucy Vine 'So clever. I loved it' Sophie Cousens 'A fresh, funny, razor-sharp take on society's views of relationships. It's feminist, it's provocative and a total joy to read' Hannah Tovey Millie is a perfectionist. She's happy, she's successful and, with a great support network of friends and family (and a very grumpy cat), she's never lonely. She loves working at a big tech firm and is on track be promoted to her dream role. The last thing she needs is romance messing up her perfectly organised world. Besides, normal people just don't have romantic relationships. Everyone knows that being in a couple is a bit . . . well, odd. You know, like having a pet snake or referring to yourself in the third person. Why rely on another person for your own happiness? Why risk the humiliation of unrequited love or the agony of a break-up? No, Millie is more than happy with her conventional single life. So, when Millie lands a new project at work, launching a pill that prevents you falling in love, it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. That is, until she starts working with Ben. He's charming and funny, and Millie feels an instant connection to him. Will Millie sacrifice everything she believes in for love?

Helly Acton (Author), Laura Aikman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Both of You

Happy. Married. Missing. ‘Absolutely gripping’ Richard Osman ‘Had me gasping at the twist’ Ian Rankin ‘Ambitious, nail-biting, darkly voyeuristic' Louise Candlish ‘Chilling … entirely unputdownable’ Lisa Jewell ‘Smart and thought-provoking’ T.M. Logan ‘Sizzling. Shocking. Sassy.’ Jane Corry Leigh Fletcher: happily married stepmum to two gorgeous boys goes missing on Monday. Her husband Mark says he knows nothing of her whereabouts. She simply went to work and just never came home. Their family is shattered. Kai Janssen: married to wealthy Dutch businessman, Daan, vanishes the same week. Kai left their luxurious penthouse and glamorous world without a backward glance. She seemingly evaporated into thin air. Daan is distraught. DC Clements knows that people disappear all the time – far too frequently. Most run away from things, some run towards, others are taken but find their way back. A sad few never return. These two women are from very different worlds, their disappearances are unlikely to be connected. And yet, at a gut level, the DC believes they might be. How could these women walk away from their families, husbands and homes willingly? Clements is determined to unearth the truth, no matter how shocking and devastating it may be. The Sunday Times Number One bestseller Adele Parks returns with her most provocative, compelling book to date: Both Of You. Praise for Both Of You: ‘As always with Adele Parks this is an absolutely gripping read’ Richard Osman ‘Really enjoyed this! Kept me guessing and had me gasping at the twist’ Ian Rankin ‘Ambitious, nail-biting, darkly voyeuristic – I tore through it in two sittings' Louise Candlish ‘Yet another stick of literary dynamite from Adele Parks: chilling, gripping and entirely unputdownable’ Lisa Jewell ‘Clever and twisty’ Fabulous ‘Smart and thought-provoking with an absolutely brilliant mid-point twist’ T.M. Logan ‘Sizzling. Shocking. Sassy.’ Jane Corry ‘A dark and intense tale that will keep you turning the pages’ Jane Fallon ‘Crackles with toxic relationships, dark desires and shocking twists’ Eve Chase ‘Clever and full of unexpected turns’ Woman & Home

Adele Parks (Author), Laura Aikman (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Making of Us: From the number one bestselling author of The Family Upstairs

Brought to you by Penguin. Lydia, Robyn and Dean don't know each other - yet. They live very different lives but each of them, independently, has always felt that something is missing. What they don't know is that a letter is about to arrive that will turn their lives upside down. It is a letter containing a secret - one that will bind them together, and show them what love and family and friendship really mean... © Lisa Jewell 2011 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Lisa Jewell (Author), Laura Aikman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Dangerous to Know: A new, dark and shockingly funny thriller that you won’t be able to put down

Brought to you by Penguin. The sharp, smart and outrageously funny finale in the Alvie Knightly trilogy, brought to you by Penguin. Once, serial killer Alvie Knightly was living the dream. Unlimited cash. An Italian getaway. A hot new boyfriend . . . How the mighty fall. One year - and one very unfortunate incident - later, Alvie is homeless, surviving on meal deals, and counting her dwindling pennies. It's time for one last hit, and if anyone can pull it off - in six-inch heels - it's Alvie. But if she's to succeed in her mission to avenge her ex, win back her money and secure her future, she'll have to face her most terrifying enemy yet . . . Her past. Praise for Mad and Bad: 'The must-have beach read this summer' Telegraph 'Sizzlingly glamorous' Guardian 'A fast-paced tale of sex, lies and murder' Stylist 'Like Gone Girl, if Amy Schumer had written it. SUCH fun' Bryony Gordon © Chloe Esposito 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Chloé Esposito (Author), Laura Aikman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Wives and Daughters: Penguin Classics

Brought to you by Penguin. This Penguin Classic is performed by Laura Aikman. This definitive recording includes an introduction by Pam Norris. Set in English society before the 1832 Reform Bill, Wives and Daughters centres on the story of youthful Molly Gibson, brought up from childhood by her father. When he remarries a new stepsister, Cynthia, enters Molly's quiet life. Loveable but worldly and troubling, Cynthia's arrival alters Molly's daily life. The narrative traces the development of the two girls into womanhood within the gossiping and watchful society of Hollingford. Wives and Daughters is far more than a nostalgic evocation of village life; it offers an ironic critique of mid-Victorian society (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Elizabeth Gaskell (Author), Laura Aikman (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Foundling: From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars Two women from different worlds. And a secret that will change everything . . . London, 1754. Six years after leaving her illegitimate daughter Clara at London's Foundling Hospital, Bess Bright returns to reclaim the child she has never known. Dreading the worst - that Clara has died in care - the last thing she expects to hear is that her daughter has already been reclaimed - by her. Her life is turned upside down as she tries to find out who has taken her little girl - and why. Less than a mile from Bess' lodgings in the city, in a quiet, gloomy townhouse on the edge of London, a young widow has not left the house in a decade. When her close friend - an ambitious young doctor at the Foundling Hospital - persuades her to hire a nursemaid for her daughter, she is hesitant to welcome someone new into her home and her life. But her past is threatening to catch up with her and tear her carefully constructed world apart. 'Pacy, highly atmospheric and tantalisingly gripping from the very first page. With rich storytelling and a compelling narrative, The Foundling is subtle, satisfying and intensely moving' Laura Carlin, author of The Wicked Cometh 'A compelling tale of love and hope from the vivid streets of Georgian London' Sonia Velton, author of Blackberry & Wild Rose 'If you loved The Familiars, then you won't be disappointed by The Foundling. A gripping and moving read' Libby Page, bestselling author of The Lido

Stacey Halls (Author), Hattie Morahan, Laura Aikman (Narrator)

Audiobook

It's Not Us, It's Them: Series 1-3: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama

All three series of the BBC Radio 4 comedy about love, marriage and despair, initially broadcast on BBC Radio 4 as 'Start/Stop'. Barney and Cathy. Evan and Fiona. David and Alice. Three couples who have beaten the odds and stayed married - but is that simply because they haven't got around to divorcing yet? They've certainly got enough problems to deal with - Barney and his other half have been together for ages (and it shows), Evan finds that sparks are constantly flying with Fiona (and not always in a good way), and David is afraid his sexy, much younger wife will leave him for someone (anyone) else. In these three series, we follow this group of friends throughout weekends away and tricky date nights, weddings and funerals, Christmas celebrations and counselling sessions - all of which give them plenty of opportunity for flirting, fighting, competitiveness and reprehensible behaviour. We listen in to their innermost thoughts, feelings and motivations as they break the fourth wall: stopping the action, explaining themselves to the audience, then starting it all up again... Written by award-winning comedian, actor and writer Jack Docherty, who plays Barney, this warm, smart and funny sitcom was a radio hit, and was adapted for TV as part of BBC One's 'Comedy Playhouse' strand. It stars Charlie Higson as David, Jon Thomson as Evan, Kerry Godliman as Cathy, Fiona Allen as Fiona, and Katherine Parkinson, Sally Bretton and Laura Aikman as Alice. Guest stars include Jon Briggs, Sanjeev Bhaskar and John Sparkes. Cast Barney........................Jack Docherty Cathy........................Kerry Godliman Fiona........................Fiona Allen David........................Charlie Higson Evan........................Jon Thomson Alice........................Katherine Parkinson/Sally Bretton/Laura Aikman Voice of Barney's smartphone........................Jon Briggs Therapist........................Sanjeev Bhaskar Cathy's Dad........................John Sparkes Written by Jack Docherty Produced by Steven Canny (Series 1) and Claire Jones (Series 2 and 3) First broadcast BBC Radio 4: 6 September-11 October 2013, (Series 1), 10 November-29 December 2014 (Series 2), 29 July-2 September 2016 (Series 3) This programme was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 as 'Start/Stop'

Jack Docherty (Author), Charlie Higson, Fiona Allen, Jack Docherty, Katherine Parkinson, Kerry Godliman, Laura Aikman, Sally Bretton (Narrator)

Audiobook

Shadowscent

An Ember in the Ashes meets Indiana Jones in an electrifying, stealyourbreath away, superchargeyoursenses YA fantasy adventure. Across the Aramtesh Empire, scent is everything. Prayers only reach heaven on sacred incense, and perfumes are prized status symbols. 17yearold Rahil has an uncanny ability with fragrances, but her skills aren't enough to buy her dying father more time. Ash bears the tattoos of an imperial bodyguard. When his prince, Nisai, insists on a diplomatic mission to an outer province, Ash is dutybound to join the caravan. It's a nightmare protecting Nisai on the road. But it's even harder for Ash to conceal a secret that could see him exiled or executed. Rahil and Ash have nothing in common until smoke draws them to a plantation of the Empire's rarest flower. Nisai's been poisoned, flames devour the priceless blooms, and the pair have "suspect" clinging to them like a bad stench. Their futures depend on them working together to decipher clues, defy dangers and defeat their own demons in a race to source an antidote . . . before the imperial army hunts them down.

P.M. Freestone (Author), Laura Aikman, Steve West (Narrator)

Audiobook

Speeches of Note: A celebration of the old, new and unspoken

Random House presents the audiobook edition of Speeches of Note by Shaun Usher, compèred by Richard Cordery, and with speeches read by a variety of narrators. SPEECHES OF NOTE: seventy-five extraordinary ways to step into someone else's shoes. From Shaun Usher, the author of the international bestseller LETTERS OF NOTE, comes an obsessively curated, richly illustrated and sumptuously produced collection of speeches from throughout the ages. Discover speeches that altered the course of history, like NELSON MANDELA's on the day he became South Africa's first black President, and outpourings of much-needed change, such as the impassioned, impromptu appeal for women's rights from SOJOURNER TRUTH, an African-American woman born into slavery. Expect the gloriously unexpected, as KERMIT THE FROG takes to the podium, and celebrate lives well-lived, including TILDA SWINTON's tribute to 'every alien's favourite cousin', DAVID BOWIE. While some speeches are heard by millions, some remain unspoken: the secret draft prepared for QUEEN ELIZABETH II during a military exercise for World War III, and PRESIDENT NIXON's chilling public announcement should NEIL ARMSTRONG and BUZZ ALDRIN become stranded on the Moon. Surprising, inspiring and shocking; moving, comforting and enlightening. Read by Laura Aikman, Shenoa Allen, Kristin Atherton, Taj Atwal, Kirsty Besterman, Kieran Bew, Mhari Black, Panti Bliss, Louise Brealey, Leo Burnett, Nick Cave, Richard Cordery, Elliot Cowan, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Ryan Ford Iosco, Fiona Hampton, Richard Hughes, Matthew Jacobs Morgan, Geraldine James, Paul Keating, Robert F Kennedy, Angus King, Liz Kingsman, Mitch Landrieu, Ursula le Guin, Donovan Livingstone, Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Roy McMillan, Carla Mendonca, Ako Mitchell, Edward Murrow, Shirin Neshat, Amaka Okafor, Daniel O'Meara, Yeonmi Park, Jackie Robinson, Nicholas Rowe, Dan Russell, Clifford Samuel, Natalie Simpson, Adora Svitak, Justin Trudeau, Elie Wiesel, Maurice Williamson, Laura Aikman, Shenoa Allen, Kristin Atherton, Taj Atwal, Kirsty Besterman, Kieran Bew, Mhari Black, Panti Bliss, Louise Brealey, Leo Burnett, Nick Cave, Richard Cordery, Elliot Cowan, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Ryan Ford Iosco, Fiona Hampton, Richard Hughes, Matthew Jacobs Morgan, Geraldine James, Paul Keating, Robert F Kennedy, Angus King, Liz Kingsman, Mitch Landrieu, Ursula le Guin, Donovan Livingstone, Nelson Mandela, Roy McMillan, Carla Mendonca, Ako Mitchell, EdwardMurrow, Shirin Neshat, Amaka Okafor, Daniel O'Meara, Yeonmi Park Source: Take Care of Your Artists, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2014

Shaun Usher (Author), Adora Svitak, Ako Mitchell, Amaka Okafor, Angus King, Carla Mendonca, Clifford Samuel, Dan Russell, Daniel O'Meara, Daniel O'meara, Donovan Livingstone, Edward Murrow, Elie Wiesel, Elliot Cowan, Fiona Hampton, Geraldine James, Jackie Robinson, Justin Trudeau, Kieran Bew, Kirsty Besterman, Kristin Atherton, Laura Aikman, Leo Burnett, Liz Kingsman, Louise Brealey, Matthew Jacobs Morgan, Maurice Williamson, Mhari Black, Mitch Landrieu, Natalie Simpson, Nelson Mandela, Nicholas Rowe, Nick Cave, Panti Bliss, Paul Keating, Richard Cordery, Richard Hughes, Robert F Kennedy, Roy McMillan, Roy Mcmillan, Ryan Ford Iosco, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Shenoa Allen, Shirin Neshat, Taj Atwal, Ursula K. Le Guin, Ursula Le Guin, Ursula le Guin, Yeonmi Park (Narrator)

Audiobook

Another Woman's Husband: A Novel

As the world mourns the loss of Diana, Princess of Wales, one young woman uncovers a forgotten story of passion, betrayal, and a scandal surrounding the British crown in this unforgettable novel by the bestselling author of The Secret Wife. Two women who challenged the Crown. Divided by time. Bound by a secret... 1911: When fifteen-year-old Mary Kirk meets Wallis Warfield at summer camp, she’s immediately captivated by her fearless, brazen, and self-assured personality. And Wallis has a way with the boys who are drawn to her like moths to a flame. Though Mary’s family isn’t crazy about her new best friend, she steadfastly stands by her side—even years later when they’re adults and rumors swirl about Wallis and her reckless behavior with none other than the Prince of Wales. But when Mary’s loyalty to Wallis comes into question, their friendship will be put to the ultimate test. 1997: After a romantic proposal in Paris, Rachel and her fiancé Alex are in a cab when suddenly the car ahead crashes. They’re stunned to learn Princess Diana is in the car. By the wreckage, Alex finds a heart pendant with an engraved letter “J” and Roman numerals XVII and gives it to Rachel to hold. Haunted by the crash and Diana’s subsequent death, Rachel is intrigued when she discovers that Di had visited the last home of Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor, only hours before the accident. Eventually, the revelation of a long-forgotten link to Wallis Simpson leads Rachel to the truth behind a scandal that shook the world...

Gill Paul (Author), Laura Aikman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Laura Aikman