Audiobooks narrated by Rachel Atkins

Cry of the Bittern: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Drama

"A full-cast environmental mystery set against the evocative backdrop of the Norfolk fens Mist rising over the fens. The haunting cry of the nesting bittern. But not everything is as pristine as it appears to be. The protection of nature and the pursuit of progress collide in this thrilling, full-cast, environmental drama. When Laura McLaren lands a much-needed job with the Environment Agency in Norfolk, her principal concern is the distance it involves from her fiancé Dean. But things soon change when Dean joins a development company, and Laura finds herself trying to help a young girl suffering from a mystery illness. As she seeks to unravel the source of a contamination in a local water supply, Laura quickly discovers greater distances, deeper mysteries, and concerns she had only previously dreamed about. Will the conflict between her career and her relationship with Dean change their lives irrevocably? And what can be done ensure the protection of the delicate eco-system of the fens in the face of relentless progress? Commissioned for Radio 4 by former Archers’ producer Vanessa Whitburn, this is a gripping full-cast dramatisation by author, playwright and economist Tim Jackson. Since 2016 Jackson has been Director of the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP), which aims to understand the economic, social and political dimensions of sustainable prosperity. His ground-breaking book Prosperity without Growth has been translated into twenty foreign languages and was named as a Financial Times ‘book of the year’ in 2010 and UnHerd’s economics book of the decade in 2019. Starring Rachel Atkins, Ian Pepperell, and Sean Baker, this series won the Public Awareness of Science (PAWS) Drama Fund award in 1997. Cast and credits Written by Tim Jackson Directed by Peter Leslie Wild and Vanessa Whitburn Music by Malcom McKee performed by Paul Arden Taylor Laura McLaren - Rachel Atkins Dean Finch - Ian Pepperell Alice Tibbett - Lesley Carvello Tom Tibett - Terry Molloy Alex Sawyer - Sean Baker Other parts played by Helen Palmer, Peter Tuddenham, Kelly Hunter, Tina Gray, Eric Allan, David Holt, Bella Hamblin, Joe Crowley, Marian Kemmer, Norman Bird, Use Stuart, Daphne Neville, Martin Cookson, Sunny Ormonde, Graham Padden, Peter Gunn, Ian Brooker and James Thackwray First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15th February - 26th March 1999 ©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Tim Jackson (Author), Full Cast, Ian Pepperell, Rachel Atkins, Sean Baker (Narrator)

Audiobook

Small Boat: Shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2025

"Shortlisted for the International Booker Prize In November 2021, an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants from France to the United Kingdom capsized in the Channel causing the death of 27 people on board. Despite receiving numerous calls for help, the French authorities wrongly told the migrants they were in British waters and had to call the British authorities for help. By the time rescue vessels arrived on the scene, all but two of the migrants had died. The narrator of Delecroix’s fictional account of the events is the woman who took the calls. Accused of failing in her duty, she refuses to be held more responsible than others for this disaster. Why should she be more responsible than the sea, than the war, than the crises behind these tragedies? A shocking, moral tale of our times, Small Boat reminds us of the power of fiction to illuminate our darkest crimes."

Jeremy Harding, Vincent Delecroix (Author), Ethan Reid, Rachel Atkins (Narrator)

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No Safe Place

"The new dark, twisty crime thriller for summer 2025 You can't hide from the past… Fifteen years ago, five vulnerable teenagers took part in a life-changing study of OCD. Now, their psychologist has been brutally stabbed and left for dead. DCI Liz Field and her team have barely started their investigation when there is another frenzied attack. This time, the victim is one of the former patients. Are the others now in grave danger – or dangerous? But as the DCI is pulled deeper into the disturbing case, it starts to hits too close to home. To outwit the murderer, Field must venture into the last place she wants to – her own buried past… This page-turning crime thriller debut is perfect for fans of Nadine Matheson, Sam Holland, and Helen Fields. Authors LOVE No Safe Place: 'I devoured this full-throttle story in one gulp […] This is an accomplished debut from an author to watch’ Chris Bridges, Sick to Death ‘A police procedural with bite […] I was hooked (and it kept me guessing)’ Jennie Godfrey, The List of Suspicious Things 'A thrilling page-turner with a twisty ending that made my jaw drop' Kristen Perrin, How to Solve Your Own Murder 'A gritty detective novel that ticks all the boxes […] Couldn't put it down!' Simon McCleave, The Snowdonia Killings ‘An authentic and absorbing exploration of love and obsession wrapped up in a cracking plot. Everything you could want from a crime novel’ Marion Todd, author of See Them Run 'Profoundly moving, meticulously plotted, compassionate and full of surprises' Rachel Lynch, Dark Game 'A brilliant debut that totally delivers. This book has it all: intrigue, plot twists, suspense, and a cast of credible, gritty characters' Jane Bettany, In Cold Blood ‘A remarkable debut – moving and challenging in equal part, with superbly-realised characters and a tragic but believable storyline’ Doug Sinclair, Blood Runs Deep ‘A gripping, all-encompassing banger of a book that sucked me in from the first page’ Fiona McPhillips, When We Were Silent 'Every chapter reveals something new: clues, red herrings, twists. This is a pacy read with a clever theatrical device and a sensitive heart.' Kingsley Pearson, Flat 401 ‘Lean and tightly focused […] very original’ Michael Hambling, Dark Crimes 'Dark and emotive. This is a police procedural with heart' Alison Stockham, The Cuckoo Sister ‘The very definition of an addictive page turner […] A cracking debut from an exciting new voice in detective fiction’ Sam Frances, All Eyes On You ‘A hard-hitting, emotionally charged page-turner from a very talented writer […] An excellent read' David Hodges, Murder on the Levels ‘Dark and pacy – with a twist I never saw coming […] an electric debut’ C.L. Miller, The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder"

Hannah Brennan (Author), Rachel Atkins (Narrator)

Audiobook

Roger Fry: A Biography

"'He wished to be truthful without hurting; to be generous without being wasteful; to be just without being harsh.' A comprehensive and personal account of critic and artist Roger Fry, Roger Fry: A Biography is a uniquely written narrative which comes alive with Woolf's literary flair and verve. The last book that Woolf saw to publication in 1940, this stunning biography charts Fry's early years and education, through to his prominent role in pioneering Post-Impressionism in Britain and the legacy he left behind. Woolf elegantly explores Fry's intellectual pursuits and artistic philosophy, offering great insight into his exhibitions and literary endeavours. She also paints a nuanced and candid portrait of the man behind the artist, delving into Fry's relationships and personal demons, creating a poignant tribute to the deeply sensitive and complex soul that Woolf came to know intimately. The result is a sophisticated study of an artist in constant search of an aesthetic truth. This audiobook edition is skilfully read by Rachel Atkins. Virginia Woolf (1882 – 1941) was one of the most significant novelists of the twentieth century. A modernist writer and progressive thinker, she is known for her stream of consciousness narrative style and influence on feminist criticism. Her works have been translated into over fifty languages and are widely read and adapted to this day."

Virginia Woolf (Author), Rachel Atkins (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Gardeners' Club

"Brought to you by Penguin. Gardening is dirty work – but should it be deadly? When Gill Swanley decides to take up gardening to fight a midlife malaise, she never expected it to become quite such a dangerous hobby. Pushing herself to 'get out there', Gill picks herself up the secateurs and joins the Bromley Botanists. Here she finds a seven-strong group whose main agenda is how to win the coveted Golden Trowel for best community club of the year. But when a dead body turns up in the community greenhouse, they suddenly have more serious matters to consider than victory. They must uncover whether their arch-rivals, Croydon, are taking things to another level or whether someone more dangerous is targeting their rag tag group. Can they dig up the truth before someone else is left pushing up the daisies? Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Ian Moore, Janice Hallett and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett 'Funny and fresh. Full of heart and characters you genuinely root for. Marnie Riches is blooming brilliant.' Tammy Cohen © Marnie Riches 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025"

Marnie Riches (Author), Rachel Atkins (Narrator)

Audiobook

Go, Went, Gone

"Richard has spent his life as a university professor, immersed in the world of books and ideas. Recently retired, he steps into the streets of his city, Berlin, and discovers a new community. A tent city has grown up on Oranienplatz, established by African asylum seekers. Hesitantly getting to know the people there, Richard finds his life changing, as he begins to question his own sense of belonging in a city that once divided its citizens into them and us. At once a passionate contribution to the debate on race, and a beautifully written examination of an ageing man's quest for meaning, Go, Went, Gone showcases one of the great contemporary European writers at the height of her powers."

Jenny Erpenbeck (Author), Rachel Atkins (Narrator)

Audiobook

Aesop's Fables

"Dive into the timeless wisdom of Aesop, where animals speak, and humans listen. This collection of fables—packed with clever plots and memorable characters—offers sharp life lessons wrapped in simple, unforgettable stories. From the tortoise and the hare's race to the self-serving fox and the grapes, Aesop's fables touch on themes of greed, kindness, wisdom, and the consequences of our actions. With enduring relevance and lessons that still ring true today, these stories are a powerful reminder of the virtues that shape a meaningful life."

Aesop (Author), Rachel Atkins (Narrator)

Audiobook

The End of Days

"Winner of the 2015 Independent Foreign Fiction Prize From one of the most daring voices in European fiction, this is a story of the twentieth century traced through the various possible lives of one woman. She is a baby who barely suffocates in the cradle. Or perhaps not? She lives to become as an adult and dies beloved. Or dies betrayed. Or perhaps not? Her memory is honoured. Or she is forgotten by everyone. Moving from a small Galician town at the turn of the century, through pre-war Vienna and Stalin's Moscow to present-day Berlin, Jenny Erpenbeck homes in on the moments when life follows a particular branch and 'fate' suddenly emerges from the sly interplay between history, character and pure chance. The End of Days is a book that pulls apart the threads of destiny and allows us to see the present and the past anew."

Jenny Erpenbeck (Author), Rachel Atkins (Narrator)

Audiobook

2025: A Full-Cast BBC Sci-Fi Thriller

"Mona Hammond and Alphonsia Emmanuel star in this futuristic sci-fi drama, set in a world where artificial intelligence has become a reality It’s 2025, and advances in gene therapy have led to the eradication of many once-common diseases. But the ability to engineer and re-engineer the brain has provoked fear – for it means that a truly artificial consciousness is within reach. The idea that humans may no longer be the only sentient species is so unthinkable that legislation is hastily passed, rigorously controlling genetic experiments. But there are certain people who seek to circumvent the law... People like Beth David, a doctor conducting research into incurable illnesses. Like elderly Olivia, who has lain dreaming in a clinic for seven years – but is now determined to wake up and live. And like her granddaughter, Irena, a TV production assistant, who desperately needs to gain access to the shady world of genetic engineering. Each relies on an AI: Voice Recognition Unit ‘Susie’, a response programme running on software produced by the giant conglomerate Fortunate Fragrance. She seems like the perfect servant – docile, helpful and cooperative. But unbeknown to all three women, she wants more than she has been created to have… Alphonsia Emmanuel, Mona Hammond, Daniela Nardini and Su-Lin Looi star in Mike Walker’s gripping two-part serial. Originally broadcast in 1998, this drama takes a fascinating look at a possible 2025. Production credits Written by Mike Walker Directed by Sally Avens Cast Irena – Alphonsia Emmanuel Olivia – Mona Hammond Dr Beth David – Daniela Nardini Henry Chu/Mr Li – David Yip Anno – Su-Lin Looi Praeger – John Rowe Dr Finzey – Alastair Danson Kate – Rachel Atkins Capstick – Gerard McDermott Terry Gupta/Market stall holder – Ravin J Ganatra First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5-12 January 1998 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Mike Walker (Author), Alastair Danson, Alphonsia Emmanuel, Daniela Nardini, David Yip, Gerard McDermott, John Rowe, Mona Hammond, Rachel Atkins, Ravin J Ganatra, Su-Lin Looi (Narrator)

Audiobook

Visitation

"By the side of a lake in Brandenburg, a young architect builds the house of his dreams - a summerhouse with wrought-iron balconies, stained-glass windows the colour of jewels, and a bedroom with a hidden closet, all set within a beautiful garden. But the land on which he builds has a dark history of violence that began with the drowning of a young woman in the grip of madness and that grows darker still over the course of the century: the Jewish neighbours disappear one by one; the Red Army requisitions the house, burning the furniture and trampling the garden; a young East German attempts to swim his way to freedom in the West; a couple return from brutal exile in Siberia and leave the house to their granddaughter, who is forced to relinquish her claim upon it and sell to new owners intent upon demolition. Reaching far into the past, and recovering what was lost and what was buried, Jenny Erpenbeck tells a story both beautiful and brutal, about the things that haunt a home."

Jenny Erpenbeck (Author), Rachel Atkins (Narrator)

Audiobook

Are You From the Bugle?: A BBC Radio 4 Satirical Comedy Series

"Hilarious series about life in Butterthwaite's local newspaper office Laugh out loud as you listen to this six-part satirical comedy series about a hapless news reporter trying to make his way in the tight-knit Butterthwaite community – starring Robert Beck and Jeffrey Holland, with guest appearances by Mark Gatiss and Peter Serafinowicz Graham Carpenter has big dreams of being a serious journalist, but he doesn’t quite have the skills to match. Starting a new job as local cub reporter for the Butterthwaite newspaper is Graham’s big chance. With pad and pencil in hand, he’s willing and ready - what could possibly go wrong? Follow Graham’s (mis)adventures as he tries to land the ultimate scoop. In the first week of the job he gets a lucky break and an unexpected story lead when there’s whispers of royalty coming to town, but can he get the front page? Celebrity visits, new museum openings and all manner of local scandal and gossip make for challenging work and Graham becomes increasingly frustrated. It’s a steep learning curve for the roving reporter whose pursuit of an exclusive remains elusive… Cast and credits Written by John Gradwell Produced by Kathy Smith Graham Carpenter - Robert Beck Bert Ball - Jeffrey Holland Brenda Thistlethwaite - Frances Jeater Arnold Beasley - David Ryall Vicky Cox - Sue Devaney Lawrence Stevens - Dean Williamson All other parts played by Rachel Atkins, Mark Gatiss, Peter Serafinowicz, Peter Silverleaf, Dave Lamb, Margaret Stallard and Carolyn Bonnyman First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 22 May - 26 June 1996 ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

John Gradwell (Author), David Ryall, Dean Williamson, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Jeffrey Holland, Mark Gatiss, Rachel Atkins, Robert Beck, Sue Devaney (Narrator)

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Silas Marner

George Eliot (Author), Rachel Atkins (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Rachel Atkins