Mystery books available as digital audiobooks typically come in several formats.
• Compact disc (unabridged and abridged). According to a recent survey by AudioFile magazine, the CD is the most popular format for listening to audiobooks. But it is also one of the most restrictive. A standard CD holds only about 74 minutes of audio. For most mystery audiobooks, that means an unabridged version requires multiple CDs. (Abridged versions typically require only 1.) Audiobook CDs can be played in virtually all devices that support audio CDs.
• MP3 CD (usually unabridged). MP3 is an MPEG-based, open source, compressed format that retains most of the fidelity of the original digital audio recording but requiring significantly less storage space. One disadvantage of MP3 CDs is that not all CD players support playback of MP3 files, though most players sold over the past couple of years do. As a result, only about 20% of buyers currently prefer MP3 CD audiobooks but this number is rapidly growing.
• Digital download. The digital download of audiobooks has enjoyed a recent rise in popularity. Once an audiobook has been downloaded, it can be transferred to most handheld devices, including the Apple iPod. This flexibility and the fact that digital downloads are typically less expensive than CD-based audiobooks and are available immediately upon purchase make this the ideal format for many listeners.
Below is a selection of new audio mysteries available for February 2010; click on the image or title for more information. To browse additional audiobooks, visit the Mystery and Thriller audiobook page on Amazon.com.
  Worst Case by James Patterson. A Michael Bennett Mystery (3rd in series). Audio format: Unabridged CD-ROM. Also available: Hardcover. |
 Split Image by Robert B. Parker. A Jesse Stone Mystery (9th in series). Audio format: Unabridged CD-ROM. Also available: Hardcover. |
 A Night Too Dark by Dana Stabenow. A Kate Shugak Mystery (17th in series). Audio format: Unabridged CD-ROM. Also available: Hardcover. |
 The Midnight House by Alex Berenson. A John Wells Mystery (4th in series). Audio format: Unabridged CD-ROM. Also available: Hardcover. |
 Hell's Bay by James W. Hall. A Thorn Mystery (10th in series). Audio format: Unabridged MP3 CD. Also available: Mass Market Paperback. |
 Winter of the Wolf Moon by Steve Hamilton. An Alex McKnight Mystery (2nd in series). Audio format: Unabridged MP3 CD. Also available: Mass Market Paperback. |
