10 audiobooks for fans of Past Tense
- 1
Hellbent
Orphan X • Book 3
Narrated by Scott Brick
★ 4.73 ABR Score (38.1K ratings)★ 4.44 Goodreads (25.3K) ★ 4.75 Audible (12.8K)More about this pick
The Nowhere Man faces his past when his surrogate father Jack Johns is targeted for knowing too much about the secret Orphan X assassination program.
- 2
Enemy of the State
Mitch Rapp • Book 16
Narrated by Scott Brick
Why this book?
Scott Brick's narration anchors both thrillers with the same measured intensity and authoritative presence that keeps listeners gripped through complex plots and high-stakes action. Both audiobooks deliver that page-turning momentum of a taut mystery where you'll want to keep listening through just one more chapter.
★ 4.58 ABR Score (31.2K ratings)★ 4.33 Goodreads (21.6K) ★ 4.63 Audible (9.6K)More about this pick
Mitch Rapp hunts a Saudi prince funding ISIS while navigating buried 9/11 secrets the U.S. government desperately wants to keep hidden. The high-stakes espionage and political intrigue crackle through every chapter of this timely thriller.
- 3
Lone Wolf
Orphan X • Book 9
Narrated by Scott Brick
★ 4.54 ABR Score (16.3K ratings)★ 4.33 Goodreads (13.4K) ★ 4.68 Audible (2.9K)More about this pick
Evan Smoak faces his most personal mission yet as Orphan X in Hurwitz's ninth installment of vigilante justice. Scott Brick's familiarity with the series adds depth to every action sequence.
- 4
First Thrills
First Thrills • Book 1
by Lee Child, Bill Cameron, Marc Paoletti, Kelli Stanley, CJ Lyons, Rebecca Cantrell, J.T. Ellison, Karen Dionne, Grant McKenzie, Rip Gerber, Cynthia Robinson, Daniel Palmer, Unknown Author
Narrated by Jim Bond, Nick Podehl, Luke Daniels, Joyce Bean, Dick Hill
★ 3.62 ABR Score (4.8K ratings)★ 3.58 Goodreads (4.6K) ★ 3.49 Audible (131)More about this pick
Lee Child headlines twenty-five never-before-published stories that showcase both thriller veterans and rising stars. Five skilled narrators tackle the variety of voices and styles across this diverse collection.
- 5
Tom Clancy Defense Protocol
Jack Ryan Universe • Book 40
by Brian Andrews, Jeffrey Wilson, Tom Clancy
Narrated by Scott Brick
Why this book?
Scott Brick's measured narration brings the same methodical tension to this espionage thriller that made Past Tense so gripping, while both novels deliver intricate plots that reward close listening with satisfying payoffs. The extended runtime allows for the same deliberate pacing and atmospheric world-building that defines Child's work.
★ 4.58 ABR Score (7.5K ratings)★ 4.57 Goodreads (6.3K) ★ 4.75 Audible (1.2K)More about this pick
President Ryan's slip of the tongue threatens to spark war over Taiwan in this high-stakes political thriller. The tension builds through backroom diplomacy and military posturing across the Pacific.
- 6
Orphan X
Orphan X • Book 1
Narrated by Scott Brick
★ 4.50 ABR Score (82.4K ratings)★ 4.14 Goodreads (56.7K) ★ 4.53 Audible (25.7K)More about this pick
Evan Smoak helps desperate people who have nowhere else to turn, but his assassin past refuses to stay buried. Brick captures both the character's lethal skills and unexpected compassion.
- 7
Tom Clancy Shadow State (A Jack Ryan Jr. Novel Book 18)
Jack Ryan, Jr. • Book 18
by M.P. Woodward
Narrated by Scott Brick
Why this book?
Scott Brick's commanding narration brings the same propulsive intensity to this espionage thriller as he does to Child's crime narratives, delivering taut pacing and sharp dialogue that keeps listeners engaged throughout. Both audiobooks showcase intricate plotting and morally complex protagonists navigating high-stakes situations, making them ideal for mystery lovers who appreciate masterful narration that elevates the listening experience.
★ 4.49 ABR Score (7.1K ratings)★ 4.45 Goodreads (6.1K) ★ 4.69 Audible (1.1K)More about this pick
Jack Ryan Jr. survives a helicopter crash in Vietnam only to uncover a conspiracy threatening Western investors. The latest Clancy thriller blends modern economic espionage with classic action sequences across Southeast Asia.
- 8
Command and Control
Jack Ryan Universe • Book 37
by Marc Cameron, Tom Clancy
Narrated by Scott Brick
Why this book?
Scott Brick's commanding narration brings the same propulsive intensity to this geopolitical thriller that made Past Tense so gripping, while both novels deliver the tight pacing and intricate plotting that keeps you hooked through a long listen. The shared narrator creates a seamless audiobook experience, maintaining that trademark Brick cadence that elevates mystery and suspense across both stories.
★ 4.48 ABR Score (7.2K ratings)★ 4.42 Goodreads (6.2K) ★ 4.7 Audible (990)More about this pick
Russian forces plot to seize the Panama Canal while President Jack Ryan faces assassination attempts. Scott Brick handles the military tension and political maneuvering as global trade hangs in the balance.
- 9
The Sea Wolves
Isaac Bell • Book 13
by Jack Du Brul, Clive Cussler
Narrated by Scott Brick
★ 4.47 ABR Score (5.6K ratings)★ 4.41 Goodreads (4.8K) ★ 4.75 Audible (778)More about this pick
Scott Brick handles the period dialogue and nautical tension with his usual polish while Isaac Bell races to stop German U-boats from turning the tide of WWI.
- 10
Clive Cussler Ghost Soldier
Oregon Files • Book 18
by Mike Maden
Narrated by Scott Brick
Why this book?
Scott Brick's commanding narration brings the same propulsive intensity to this action-mystery as he does to Child's thriller, while Maden's intricate plotting and globe-trotting investigation will appeal to listeners who appreciated Past Tense's methodical unraveling of a complex mystery.
★ 4.47 ABR Score (5.4K ratings)★ 4.49 Goodreads (4.9K) ★ 4.76 Audible (516)More about this pick
Juan Cabrillo faces his most sophisticated adversary yet when African jihadis acquire mysterious American weapons. Scott Brick's familiar voice guides listeners through another high-tech Oregon Files adventure.
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How We Rank Audiobooks
Rankings are driven by listener ratings and review counts from Audible and Goodreads. Books with high ratings across a large number of listeners rank higher — a 4.5 with 50,000 ratings says more than a 4.8 with 200.
Unlike most book lists, we weight audiobook-specific factors: narrator performance, production quality, and how well a story translates to audio. A great book with a poor narration isn't a great audiobook.
We don't accept paid placements or prioritize new releases. These rankings reflect what listeners actually enjoy, not what's being promoted.
Rankings update periodically as new ratings come in and new titles are added to the collection.