These Six Audiobooks Will Make Winter Chores More Exciting

History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook

“This debut from Zoe B. Wallbrook is the perfect cozy mystery. It follows Daphne Ouverture, a history professor who becomes a criminal target after a colleague is murdered. In order to protect herself, her job, and her students, she takes it upon herself to solve this campus scandal. I never thought I would describe a murder mystery as charming, but this one is just that thanks to a likeable cast of characters, a romance sideplot, and relatable writing.” —Margo Ghertner

Magic Maker: The Enchanted Path to Creativity by Pam Grossman

“I’ve long been a fan of Pam Grossman’s now-iconic Witch Wave podcast, so I’ve been patiently awaiting the release of her newest book. I like to think of this as a witchcraft-inflected Big Magic or The Artist’s Way — a practical guide to enhancing and committing to your creative practice using accessible forms of magic. As always, Grossman is a joyful, wildly knowledgeable, and all-around nonintimidating guide into the world of the esoteric. This has been the perfect way to infuse my writing practice with a little extra enchantment moving into the new year.” —Caroline Goldstein

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“Caroline and I are both Jane enthusiasts. If you’ve never read her works before or do a yearly reading, we recommend starting with an audiobook to cut the intimidation factor. I recently discovered two great audio-based ways to listen to Austen. The first is this celebrity-narrated collection from Audible, which includes narrators like Claire Foy for Pride and Prejudice and Florence Pugh for Persuasion. The second is this free podcast, with narration by Julie Andrews. And if you’re wondering what Austen is all about, think hilariously witty social commentary and women ahead of their time.” —Margo Ghertner

Bound by Ali Hazelwood

“Yes, I’m back with yet another Ali Hazelwood recommendation. I’m nothing if not consistent. Interestingly, this new release is audio-only — so even though I probably absorb less than half of the fiction I take in via audio, I will nevertheless be listening, because I love Ali that much. This dark academia romance follows a con artist and a professor who reluctantly kidnaps her in the hopes that she’ll forge a mysterious manuscript for him. Moody, steamy, ideal for hibernation season.” —Caroline Goldstein

Fake Skating by Lynn Painter

“The best time to read YA fiction as an adult is in January, because it’s easy to consume and requires zero thought when you’re in a new year reading slump (I usually am). This latest release from the YA romance darling follows childhood sweethearts who reunite after a stint apart. The trendy, trope-y catch? Their hometown is hockey-obsessed. Pick this up if you’ve binged Heated Rivalry and are missing the lore.” —Margo Ghertner

Feast on Your Life: Kitchen Meditations for Every Day by Tamar Adler

“After eating out and ordering in far too much over the holidays, I’m reinvigorating my love of cooking. I would put Tamar Adler right up there with Ina Garten and Nigella Lawson as the home cook I find most inspiring. She has this earthy-yet-elegant approach to food that I’m always trying to emulate, focusing on the quality of ingredients and some simple, time-honored applications that make even the humblest of dishes feel like a luxury. Beyond that, she’s far and away the most gorgeous food writer I’ve ever read. A pure pleasure all around.” —Caroline Goldstein