-
The Best of Connie Willis
- Award-Winning Stories
- Narrated by: Eliza Foss, Jessica Almasy, Mia Barron, Julia Gibson, Alma Cuervo, Gabeen Khan, Luis Moreno, Barbara Rosenblat, Graham Rowat
- Length: 16 hrs and 50 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $34.99
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
All Clear
- By: Connie Willis
- Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren, Connie Willis (introduction)
- Length: 23 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three time-traveling historians are visiting World War II England: Michael Davies, intent on observing heroism during the Miracle of Dunkirk; Merope Ward, studying children evacuated from London; and Polly Churchill, posing as a shopgirl in the middle of the Blitz. But when the three become unexpectedly trapped in 1940, they struggle not only to find their way home but to survive as Hitler's bombers attempt to pummel London into submission.
-
-
Rescued by the second half
- By Mike From Mesa on 12-05-11
By: Connie Willis
-
A Lot Like Christmas
- By: Connie Willis
- Narrated by: Eliza Foss, L. J. Ganser, Lori Gardner, and others
- Length: 22 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No one could ask for a better present than a collection of Connie Willis Christmas tales. These are amazing stories, representing all the best of the Connie Willis experience: true Christmas gifts to her many fans. They are full of humor, absurdity, human foibles, tragedy, joy, and hope. They both send up and embrace many of the best Christmas traditions, such as the Christmas newsletter, Secret Santas, office parties, holiday pageants, and Christmas dinners (both elaborate and spare).
-
-
Best Christmas stories ever!!
- By Carrie Mercer on 12-07-17
By: Connie Willis
-
Crosstalk
- By: Connie Willis
- Narrated by: Mia Barron
- Length: 18 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a not-too-distant future, a simple outpatient procedure that has been promised to increase empathy between romantic partners has become all the rage. So when Briddey Flannigan's fiancé proposes that he and Briddey undergo the procedure, she is delighted! Only, the results aren't quite as expected. Instead of gaining an increased empathetic link with her fiancé, Briddey finds herself hearing the actual thoughts of one of the nerdiest techs in her office. And that's the least of her problems.
-
-
Learn when to say no
- By Mozershmozer on 01-21-17
By: Connie Willis
-
Inside Job
- By: Connie Willis
- Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris
- Length: 2 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rob, a professional debunker, is watching yet another performance by a supposed psychic. But as she calls forth the spirit entity known as Isus, another voice suddenly interrupts. And this one is so unexpected and so real, even the hardened skeptic finds he can't help but believe.
-
-
Terrific, but too short
- By Linda on 05-15-08
By: Connie Willis
-
Uncharted Territory
- A Novel
- By: Connie Willis
- Narrated by: Chelsea Stephens
- Length: 3 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Findriddy and Carson are two explorers sent to Boohte to survey the ridges and scrub-covered hills of the planet. Back home, their adventures are followed by countless breathless fans, but the reality is far less romantic as they deal with dust, nitpicking regulations, and uncooperative aliens. Teamed with a young intern whose specialty is mating customs, and a native guide of indeterminate gender, the group sets out for a previously unexplored sector of the planet.
-
-
Passed the betchel test
- By James Nicholson on 02-05-20
By: Connie Willis
-
Just One Damned Thing After Another
- The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 1
- By: Jodi Taylor
- Narrated by: Zara Ramm
- Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Madeleine Maxwell is recruited by the St Mary's Institute of Historical Research, she discovers the historians there don't just study the past - they revisit it. But one wrong move and History will fight back - to the death. And she soon discovers it's not just History she's fighting....
-
-
Lightweight imitation of Connie Willis
- By Margaret on 11-18-14
By: Jodi Taylor
-
All Clear
- By: Connie Willis
- Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren, Connie Willis (introduction)
- Length: 23 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three time-traveling historians are visiting World War II England: Michael Davies, intent on observing heroism during the Miracle of Dunkirk; Merope Ward, studying children evacuated from London; and Polly Churchill, posing as a shopgirl in the middle of the Blitz. But when the three become unexpectedly trapped in 1940, they struggle not only to find their way home but to survive as Hitler's bombers attempt to pummel London into submission.
-
-
Rescued by the second half
- By Mike From Mesa on 12-05-11
By: Connie Willis
-
A Lot Like Christmas
- By: Connie Willis
- Narrated by: Eliza Foss, L. J. Ganser, Lori Gardner, and others
- Length: 22 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No one could ask for a better present than a collection of Connie Willis Christmas tales. These are amazing stories, representing all the best of the Connie Willis experience: true Christmas gifts to her many fans. They are full of humor, absurdity, human foibles, tragedy, joy, and hope. They both send up and embrace many of the best Christmas traditions, such as the Christmas newsletter, Secret Santas, office parties, holiday pageants, and Christmas dinners (both elaborate and spare).
-
-
Best Christmas stories ever!!
- By Carrie Mercer on 12-07-17
By: Connie Willis
-
Crosstalk
- By: Connie Willis
- Narrated by: Mia Barron
- Length: 18 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a not-too-distant future, a simple outpatient procedure that has been promised to increase empathy between romantic partners has become all the rage. So when Briddey Flannigan's fiancé proposes that he and Briddey undergo the procedure, she is delighted! Only, the results aren't quite as expected. Instead of gaining an increased empathetic link with her fiancé, Briddey finds herself hearing the actual thoughts of one of the nerdiest techs in her office. And that's the least of her problems.
-
-
Learn when to say no
- By Mozershmozer on 01-21-17
By: Connie Willis
-
Inside Job
- By: Connie Willis
- Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris
- Length: 2 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rob, a professional debunker, is watching yet another performance by a supposed psychic. But as she calls forth the spirit entity known as Isus, another voice suddenly interrupts. And this one is so unexpected and so real, even the hardened skeptic finds he can't help but believe.
-
-
Terrific, but too short
- By Linda on 05-15-08
By: Connie Willis
-
Uncharted Territory
- A Novel
- By: Connie Willis
- Narrated by: Chelsea Stephens
- Length: 3 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Findriddy and Carson are two explorers sent to Boohte to survey the ridges and scrub-covered hills of the planet. Back home, their adventures are followed by countless breathless fans, but the reality is far less romantic as they deal with dust, nitpicking regulations, and uncooperative aliens. Teamed with a young intern whose specialty is mating customs, and a native guide of indeterminate gender, the group sets out for a previously unexplored sector of the planet.
-
-
Passed the betchel test
- By James Nicholson on 02-05-20
By: Connie Willis
-
Just One Damned Thing After Another
- The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 1
- By: Jodi Taylor
- Narrated by: Zara Ramm
- Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Madeleine Maxwell is recruited by the St Mary's Institute of Historical Research, she discovers the historians there don't just study the past - they revisit it. But one wrong move and History will fight back - to the death. And she soon discovers it's not just History she's fighting....
-
-
Lightweight imitation of Connie Willis
- By Margaret on 11-18-14
By: Jodi Taylor
-
The Kaiju Preservation Society
- By: John Scalzi
- Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
- Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When COVID-19 sweeps through New York City, Jamie Gray is stuck as a dead-end driver for food-delivery apps. That is, until Jamie makes a delivery to an old acquaintance, Tom, who works at what he calls “an animal rights organization”. Tom’s team needs a last-minute grunt to handle things on their next field visit. Jamie, eager to do anything, immediately signs on. What Tom doesn't tell Jamie is that the animals his team cares for are not here on Earth. Not our Earth, at at least. In an alternate dimension, dinosaur-like creatures named Kaiju roam a warm and human-free world.
-
-
How does one make Kaiju unappealing?
- By Jim on 03-20-22
By: John Scalzi
-
The Winds of Marble Arch
- By: Connie Willis
- Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris
- Length: 1 hr and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tom, an American, is in London for a conference when he begins to experience unusual forces in the Underground. Is it an easily-explained phenomenon - or ghosts from Britain's past?
-
-
Love Willis' books
- By Ellen on 07-22-08
By: Connie Willis
-
Speaks the Nightbird
- By: Robert R. McCammon
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
- Length: 30 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Carolinas, 1699: The citizens of Fount Royal believe a witch has cursed their town with inexplicable tragedies -- and they demand that beautiful widow Rachel Howarth be tried and executed for witchcraft. Presiding over the trial is traveling magistrate Issac Woodward, aided by his astute young clerk, Matthew Corbett. Believing in Rachel's innocence, Matthew will soon confront the true evil at work in Fount Royal....
-
-
Dark, Twisted Period Piece with GREAT Characters!
- By aaron on 06-05-12
-
The Nothing Girl
- The Frogmorton Farm Series, Book 1
- By: Jodi Taylor
- Narrated by: Lucy Price-Lewis
- Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Getting a life isn't always easy. And hanging on to it is even harder.... Jodi Taylor brings all her comic writing skills to this heartwarming tale of self-discovery. Known as The Nothing Girl because of her severe stutter and chronically low self-confidence, Jenny Dove is only just prevented from ending it all by the sudden appearance of Thomas, a mystical golden horse only she can see. Under his guidance Jenny unexpectedly acquires a husband - the charming and chaotic Russell Checkland.
-
-
Not To Be Missed!
- By Kindle Customer mmr on 03-28-15
By: Jodi Taylor
-
What Abigail Did That Summer
- A Rivers of London Novella (Rivers of London Series)
- By: Ben Aaronovitch
- Narrated by: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Shvorne Marks
- Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is the summer of 2013, and Abigail Kamara has been left to her own devices. This might, by those who know her, be considered a mistake. While her cousin, police constable and apprentice wizard Peter Grant, is off in the sticks chasing unicorns, Abigail is chasing her own mystery. Teenagers around Hampstead Heath have been going missing, but before the police can get fully engaged, the teens return home - unharmed but vague about where they've been.
-
-
Very enjoyable
- By Alex Sumner on 05-26-21
By: Ben Aaronovitch
-
The Very Best of the Best
- 35 Years of The Year's Best Science Fiction
- By: Gardner Dozois - editor
- Narrated by: Vivienne Leheny, Will Damron
- Length: 39 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For decades, The Year's Best Science Fiction has been the most widely read short science fiction anthology of its kind. Now, after 35 annual collections comes the ultimate in science fiction anthologies. In The Very Best of the Best, legendary editor Gardner Dozois selects the finest short stories for this landmark collection, including short fiction from authors such as Charles Stross, Michael Swanwick, Nancy Kress, Greg Egan, Stephen Baxter, Pat Cadigan, and any many more.
-
-
Would be amazing if not for spoiler prefaces
- By Amazon Customer on 08-28-19
-
11-22-63
- A Novel
- By: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Craig Wasson
- Length: 30 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy died, and the world changed. What if you could change it back? In this brilliantly conceived tour de force, Stephen King - who has absorbed the social, political, and popular culture of his generation more imaginatively and thoroughly than any other writer - takes listeners on an incredible journey into the past and the possibility of altering it.
-
-
Great! Boring. Good again... Boring. Too long.
- By Taxvictim on 06-04-12
By: Stephen King
-
The Wind's Twelve Quarters
- Stories
- By: Ursula K. Le Guin
- Narrated by: Amy Landon, Grover Gardner, Will M. Watt
- Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The recipient of numerous literary prizes, including the National Book Award, the Kafka Award, and the Pushcart Prize, Ursula K. Le Guin is renowned for her lyrical writing, rich characters, and diverse worlds. The Wind's Twelve Quarters collects 17 powerful stories, each with an introduction by the author, ranging from fantasy to intriguing scientific concepts, from medieval settings to the future.
-
-
Great Read for fans and newcomers
- By Beth on 05-03-22
-
Ancillary Sword
- By: Ann Leckie
- Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
- Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Seeking atonement for past crimes, Breq takes on a mission as captain of a troublesome new crew of Radchai soldiers, in the sequel to Ann Leckie's NYT best-selling, award-winning Ancillary Justice. A must listen for fans of Ursula K. Le Guin and James S. A. Corey. Breq is a soldier who used to be a warship. Once a weapon of conquest controlling thousands of minds, now she has only a single body and serves the emperor. With a new ship and a troublesome crew, Breq is ordered to go to the only place in the galaxy she would agree to go: To Athoek Station.
-
-
Good, but the shift in pronunciation was jarring.
- By Amazon Customer on 03-22-15
By: Ann Leckie
-
The Found and the Lost
- The Collected Novellas of Ursula K. Le Guin
- By: Ursula K. Le Guin
- Narrated by: Alyssa Bresnahan, Jefferson Mays
- Length: 34 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Every novella by Ursula K. Le Guin, an icon in American literature, collected for the first time - and introduced by the legendary author - in one breathtaking volume. Ursula K. Le Guin has won multiple prizes and accolades, from the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters to the Newbery Honor, Nebula, Hugo, World Fantasy, and PEN/Malamud awards. She has had her work collected over the years but never as a complete retrospective of her longer works.
-
-
You gotta be kidding me.
- By A. Cohen on 07-02-19
-
Revival
- A Novel
- By: Stephen King
- Narrated by: David Morse
- Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a small New England town, over half a century ago, a shadow falls over a small boy playing with his toy soldiers. Jamie Morton looks up to see a striking man, the new minister. Charles Jacobs, along with his beautiful wife, will transform the local church. The men and boys are all a bit in love with Mrs. Jacobs; the women and girls feel the same about Reverend Jacobs - including Jamie’s mother and beloved sister, Claire. With Jamie, the Reverend shares a deeper bond based on a secret obsession.
-
-
slow, slow, slow and then it was okay.
- By Mike Honcho on 11-02-16
By: Stephen King
-
A Ripple in Time Series Boxed Set
- Books 1-3
- By: Victor Zugg
- Narrated by: Sean William Doyle
- Length: 21 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It started as a routine Miami to Charlotte flight for the passengers, crew, and Federal Air Marshal Stephen Mason. But a freak storm over the Atlantic propels the airliner unexplainably back in time to the early 18th century.
-
-
Sorry I waited so long!
- By Charlotte on 06-15-22
By: Victor Zugg
Publisher's Summary
Few authors have had careers as successful as that of Connie Willis. Inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame and recently awarded the title of Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Willis is still going strong. Her smart, heartfelt fiction runs the gamut from screwball comedy to profound tragedy, combining dazzling plot twists, cutting-edge science, and unforgettable characters From a near future mourning the extinction of dogs to an alternate history in which invading aliens were defeated by none other than Emily Dickinson; from a madcap convention of bumbling quantum physicists in Hollywood to a London whose Underground has become a storehouse of intangible memories both foul and fair.
Here are the greatest stories of one of the greatest writers working in any genre today. All ten of the stories gathered here are Hugo or Nebula award winners - some even have the distinction of winning both. With a new Introduction by the author and personal afterwords to each story, plus a special look at three of Willis' unique public speeches - this is unquestionably the collection of the season, an audiobook that every Connie Willis fan will treasure, and, to those unfamiliar with her work, the perfect introduction to one of the most accomplished and best-loved writers of our time.
The full list of narrators includes Graham Winton and Suzy Jackson.
More from the same
What listeners say about The Best of Connie Willis
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ruth Green
- 11-29-14
An index for locating stories
Any additional comments?
Other reviewers have provided helpful annotations of the stories. This is simply an index of the location of the individual stories on this audiobook for those who need an easy way to locate a particular story. Note that each story is followed by an afterward written by the author; these times include the afterword for each work.
Introduction: 0 – 17:10
A Letter from the Clearys: 17:17 – 50:30
At the Rialto: 50:34 – 1:50:25
Death on the Nile 1:50:32 – 3:01:36
The Soul Selects Her Own Society: 3:01:38 – 3:27
Fire Watch: 3: 27:44 – 5:13:45
Inside Job: 5:13:50 – 8:05:53
Even the Queen: 8:05:56 – 8:50
[INTERRUPTION. excerpt from “The Winds of Marble Arch” 8:50 – 9:02]
Even the Queen Afterword: 9:02 – 9:06:13
The Winds of Marble Arch: 9:06:14 – 11:18:45
All Seated on the Ground 11:18: 47 –
The Last of the Winnebagos 13:59:15 – 16:05:50
Editor’s Note 16:05: 52 – 16:06:27
2006 Worldcon Guest of Honor Speech: 16:06:30 – 16:29:57
Grand Master Backup Speech(never given): 16:30 – 16:42:47
Grand Master Acceptance Speech:16:42:52 – 16: 50:48
72 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rachel
- 06-27-14
Probably the best short story collection ever
The title space doesn't allow me to write my whole title: Probably the best short story collection I've ever heard. And certainly the one I've enjoyed the most.
I usually dislike short story collections because they seem to be all depressing and incomplete. These short stories feel just like small, complete books. Connie Willis is so talented and so good at crafting interesting, surprising situations and complex, lifelike characters. I can't get enough.
This collection also includes short messages from the author after each story. I loved these, particularly the one that talked about how she became a successful author. Inspirational and fascinating.
One qualm with the audiobook: My tracks were out of order for parts of two stories--the numbers were in order, but the reading jumped from the end of one story to the middle of "The Winds of Marble Arch" and then put in the afterward to the earlier story before jumping back to the start of the "Winds:. I'm still a little confused about "The first (middle) track I heard form Winds, but since everything else made sense, I didn't worry about it.
21 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tristan Matthews
- 01-25-15
Truly the best of Connie Willis
Where does The Best of Connie Willis rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I've been a huge fan of Connie Willis since I read Doomsday Book over a decade ago. I've read most of her novels, but never got around to running down her shorter works, which evidently was a huge mistake.I repeatedly found myself laughing, then crying, then laughing again. I can not recommend this collection enough.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- K. Doerr
- 10-19-15
The best short stories by a great SF writer
I think many people like Connie Willis, even if they don't like Science Fiction. She's a very good story teller. Much of her work is almost more historical fiction than science fiction (which may be good for folks who find science fiction too absurd/outlandish). If you are looking to sample the genre, this would be a good place to start. My personal favorites here are Fire Watch, Inside Job, and All Seated on the Ground. I think most fiction fans would find those stories entertaining.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Carol
- 11-18-14
A Bit Too Unusual
Would you try another book from Connie Willis and/or the narrators?
This was my first encounter with this author and she is a bit too "quirky" for my taste, although I do like her humor. I would probably not try another of her books.
Was The Best of Connie Willis worth the listening time?
Some of the stories were engaging; others not so much.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Joe G.
- 02-01-19
Connie Willis rocks!
Connie Willis writes SF from a firm foundation in the classics, both in SF and literature more generally. the stories span the whole range of human emotion; but several in this collection are incredibly amusing. Inside Job and Even the Queen stand out as seriously funny. However, Willis is not just amusing. She is profound and humane and clever. This collection is simply outstanding, and well read.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Robert Nuzzo
- 06-25-19
Tremendously enjoyable and varied. As expected.
Listen to speeches at the end first. After that you're all in. Enjoy every bit.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
- Amazon Customer
- 12-18-18
excellent
excellent way to get to know this witty, whimsical, imaginative writer. fun characters, interesting situations and always a bit of odd humor
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sandy R
- 06-04-15
Not at all what I had hoped for
I thought I was going to get some great SF short stories. What I got was a long-winded oration from the author about her history and odd things like her relationship to Shakespeare. It took a long time to wade through this (way, way too long) and then the stories were, in my opinion, just so-so. I will not be running to read something from this author again anytime soon.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kevin Boone
- 10-19-19
Make no mistake -- this is the real thing
The speculative fiction of Connie Willis is a good as it gets. This collection ranges across the whole of the writer's many moods, from the bleak realism of The Windows of Marble Arch, to the frothy silliness of All Seated on the Ground. Many of her best-known stories are here, including Firewatch and The Last of the Winnebagos.
To make a great collection even better, every one of the narrators does a wonderful job, and has a voice well-matched to the character.
This is wonderful. Why isn't there more like this on Audible? Or anywhere?
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- "ballbearing"
- 02-21-17
the brilliant and the good
some brilliant story's with some good story's. A nice variety from a talented author.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- BClose
- 07-28-21
Wonderful
Wonderful stories from this acclaimed writer.Written from the heart and beautifully read.Longing to hear more from Connie Willis.This was a delight.