MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries
Book Recommendations

MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries

The human body is a miracle. But when it’s not working, it can be the stuff of nightmares. On this new series from master storyteller MrBallen, we’re sharing medical horror stories and diagnostic mysteries that are surgically calibrated to make your blood run cold.From bizarre, unheard-of diseases a...

Episodes 136
Books 9

Recently mentioned

Latest Recommendations

The Anarchist Cookbook cover

The Anarchist Cookbook

William Powell

Mentioned 1 year ago

Ep. 51 | Culture Clash

A copy of this book was found in the Rajneeshi commune's lab, open to a page detailing instructions on making homemade explosives and illegal drugs.

U.S. Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Survival Manual: Everything You Need to Know to Protect Yourself and Your Family from cover

U.S. Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Survival Manual

Dick Couch Capt. USN (ret)

Mentioned 1 year ago

Ep. 51 | Culture Clash

Another book found in the Rajneeshi commune's lab that focused on military biological warfare.

None of This Is True: A Novel cover

None of This Is True

Lisa Jewell

Mentioned 2 years ago

Ep. 36 | A Step Too Far/Dying of Boredom

It was recommended to listen to if one is in the mood for a shocking psychological thriller. It was described as being guaranteed to keep listeners gripped.

If you're in the mood for a shocking psychological thriller, check out None of This is True by Lisa Jewell.

Buy on Amazon
Where the Crawdads Sing: Reese's Book Club (A Novel) cover

Where the Crawdads Sing

Delia Owens

Mentioned 2 years ago

Ep. 36 | A Step Too Far/Dying of Boredom

It was described as a murder mystery that takes place in the marshes of North Carolina, but is more than just that. It was also said to be well worth the time.

I really enjoyed Where the Crawdads Sing by author and zoologist Delia Owens. It's a murder mystery that takes place in the marshes of North Carolina, but it's way more than that. It's definitely worth your time.

Buy on Amazon
The Wrong Brother (Wrong Never Felt So Right Book 1) cover

The Wrong Brother (Wrong Never Felt So Right Book 1)

Nancy Brophy

Mentioned 2 years ago

Listen Now: Happily Never After: Dan & Nancy

Nicole was reading a book from the 'Wrong Never Felt So Right' series, and each book featured a similar story line of a Navy SEAL rescuing a woman from her dangerous husband.

She was already on book number two in the Wrong Never Felt So Right series.

Buy on Amazon
Killing Floor (Jack Reacher) cover

Killing Floor (Jack Reacher)

Lee Child

Mentioned 2 years ago

Ep. 34 | Mother or Murderer

The speaker was a fan of the Jack Reacher series and specifically recommended the first book in the series, The Killing Floor, which features Jack Reacher going around the country and destroying bad guys.

And my favorite is called The Killing Floor, which also happens to be the very first Jack Reacher novel.

Buy on Amazon
Listen for the Lie: A Novel cover

Listen for the Lie

Amy Tintera

Mentioned 2 years ago

Ep. 26 | The Birds

This book was mentioned as an example of a new thriller from a bestselling author, with captivating sound design and dynamic performances.

Amy Tintera's Listen for the Lie with exclusive thrillers from bestselling authors captivating sound design and dynamic performances.

Buy on Amazon
The Guest List: A Novel cover

The Guest List

Lucy Foley

Mentioned 2 years ago

Ep. 23 | Gut Instinct/Into the Woods

It was described as a thriller from a best-selling author and recommended as a hair-raising experience.

Audible has an exclusive collection of thrillers from best-selling authors that will keep you on the edge of your seat, like The Guest List by Lucy Foli.

Buy on Amazon
The Hidden History of the White House: Power Struggles, Scandals, and Defining Moments cover

The Hidden History of the White House

Corey Mead

Mentioned 2 years ago

Ep. 15 | The Philly Killer

The Hidden History of the White House is a new book inspired by the podcast, "American History Tellers". It tells about the fierce power struggles, the world-altering decisions, and shocking scandals that have shaped the lives of millions of people in the past century.

For more than two centuries, the White House has been the stage for some of the most dramatic scenes in American history. Inspired by the hit podcast American History Tellers, Wondery and William Morrow present the new book, The Hidden History of the White House.

Buy on Amazon

Most Recommended

Killing Floor (Jack Reacher) Cover

Lee Child

Killing Floor (Jack Reacher)

The host repeatedly highlighted the title as his favorite entry in the series, praising its fast‑paced action and the larger‑than‑life protagonist who roams the country taking down bad guys. He recommended listening to the book on Audible and emphasized its exciting story and strong main character. Across several episodes, the book was presented as a standout example of the action series.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Ep. 34 | Mother or Murderer

The speaker was a fan of the Jack Reacher series and specifically recommended the first book in the series, The Killing Floor, which features Jack Reacher going around the country and destroying bad guys.

"

And my favorite is called The Killing Floor, which also happens to be the very first Jack Reacher novel.

It's about this huge dude named Jack Reacher who basically just goes around the country destroying very deserving bad guys.

Episode: Ep. 33 | Sunless Burn

The speaker mentioned being a fan of the Jack Reacher action series, with "The Killing Floor" being the first novel in the series, and they describe Jack Reacher as a large man who fights bad guys.

"

I personally am a huge fan of the Jack Reacher action series by author Lee Child.

It's about this huge dude named Jack Reacher who basically just goes around the country destroying very deserving bad guys.

And my favorite is called The Killing Floor, which also happens to be the very first Jack Reacher novel.

Episode: Ep. 32 | Scourge of the South

The Killing Floor is the first Jack Reacher novel, and the speaker is a fan of the action series about a large man named Jack Reacher who fights bad guys.

"

I personally am a huge fan of the Jack Reacher action series by author Lee Child.

It's about this huge dude named Jack Reacher who basically just goes around the country destroying very deserving bad guys.

And my favorite is called The Killing Floor, which also happens to be the very first Jack Reacher novel.

Episode: Ep. 31 | Jade’s Eye

The speaker mentioned the book as one of his favorites from the Jack Reacher series and recommended listening to it on Audible. He described it as a great book in the action series about a guy named Jack Reacher who travels the country destroying bad guys.

"

I personally am a huge fan of the Jack Reacher action series by author Lee Child.

It's about this huge dude named Jack Reacher who basically just goes around the country destroying very deserving bad guys.

And my favorite is called The Killing Floor, which also happens to be the very first Jack Reacher novel.

Episode: Ep. 29 | It Came From the Basement

The speaker mentioned this book as part of the Jack Reacher series. The series was described as about this huge dude named Jack Reacher who goes around the country destroying bad guys.

"

I personally am a huge fan of the Jack Reacher action series by author Lee Child.

And my favorite is called The Killing Floor, which also happens to be the very first Jack Reacher novel.

Episode: Ep. 27 | Deadly Cramp

The Killing Floor, the first book in the Jack Reacher action series, was praised by the speaker for its exciting story and strong character, Jack Reacher.

"

I personally am a huge fan of the Jack Reacher action series by author Lee Child.

And my favorite is called The Killing Floor, which also happens to be the very first Jack Reacher novel.

None of This Is True: A Novel Cover

Lisa Jewell

None of This Is True

A Novel

The hosts repeatedly suggested the book as a shocking psychological thriller, noting its gripping narrative and immersive sound design. They highlighted its ability to keep listeners on edge and recommended it for anyone seeking a thrilling experience. The overall sentiment was strongly positive, positioning it as a must‑listen thriller.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Ep. 36 | A Step Too Far/Dying of Boredom

It was recommended to listen to if one is in the mood for a shocking psychological thriller. It was described as being guaranteed to keep listeners gripped.

"

If you're in the mood for a shocking psychological thriller, check out None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell.

Episode: Ep. 35 | Common Ground

A shocking psychological thriller with captivating sound design, eerie soundscapes and dynamic performances. It was a thrilling experience.

"

If you're in the mood for a shocking psychological thriller, check out None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell. Embrace brand-new, exclusive thrillers from bestselling authors who are guaranteed to keep you gripped.

Episode: Ep. 32 | Scourge of the South

The speaker recommends this psychological thriller for those who enjoy gripping stories.

"

If you're in the mood for a shocking psychological thriller, check out None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell.

Episode: Ballen Studios Presents: RUN, FOOL!

It was recommended as a shocking psychological thriller to listen to on Audible, likely because of its captivating sound design, eerie soundscapes, and dynamic performances.

"

If you're in the mood for a shocking psychological thriller, check out None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell.

Episode: Ep. 31 | Jade’s Eye

The speaker recommended this psychological thriller on Audible, suggesting it as a good choice for listeners who enjoy shocking and gripping stories.

"

If you're in the mood for a shocking psychological thriller, check out None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell.

Embrace brand-new exclusive thrillers from bestselling authors who are guaranteed to keep you gripped.

Where the Crawdads Sing: Reese's Book Club (A Novel) Cover

Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing

Reese's Book Club (A Novel)

In two episodes, the host praised the book as a murder mystery set in the marshes of North Carolina that offered much more than a typical genre story. He highlighted its engaging storytelling and noted that it was definitely worth listeners' time. The overall tone was strongly positive, indicating a high recommendation.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Ep. 36 | A Step Too Far/Dying of Boredom

It was described as a murder mystery that takes place in the marshes of North Carolina, but is more than just that. It was also said to be well worth the time.

"

I really enjoyed Where the Crawdads Sing by author and zoologist Delia Owens. It's a murder mystery that takes place in the marshes of North Carolina, but it's way more than that. It's definitely worth your time.

Episode: Ep. 35 | Common Ground

A murder mystery that takes place in the marshes of North Carolina, but it's much more than that. It was definitely worth the time.

"

I really enjoyed Where the Crawdads Sing by author and zoologist Delia Owens. It's a murder mystery that takes place in the marshes of North Carolina but it's way more than that. It's definitely worth your time.

The Guest List: A Novel Cover

Lucy Foley

The Guest List

A Novel

The book was highlighted as a best-selling thriller that delivered a hair-raising, edge-of-your-seat experience. Both episodes recommended it for its suspenseful storytelling, noting its ability to keep listeners on the edge of their seat. The overall tone was an enthusiastic endorsement.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Ep. 23 | Gut Instinct/Into the Woods

It was described as a thriller from a best-selling author and recommended as a hair-raising experience.

"

Audible has an exclusive collection of thrillers from best-selling authors that will keep you on the edge of your seat, like The Guest List by Lucy Foli.

Episode: Ep. 22 | Surf’s Up

The Guest List was mentioned as a thriller from a best-selling author that would keep listeners on the edge of their seat.

"

Like The Guest List by Lucy Foley.

The Wrong Brother (Wrong Never Felt So Right Book 1) Cover

Nancy Brophy

The Wrong Brother (Wrong Never Felt So Right Book 1)

The book was noted as part of a series where each installment follows a former Navy SEAL rescuing a woman from a dangerous husband, and the host observed that the titles are largely repetitive. The mention was more descriptive than endorsing.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Listen Now: Happily Never After: Dan & Nancy

Nicole was reading a book from the 'Wrong Never Felt So Right' series, and each book featured a similar story line of a Navy SEAL rescuing a woman from her dangerous husband.

"

She was already on book number two in the Wrong Never Felt So Right series.

Every book was more or less the same.

Burleigh, former Navy SEAL, comes to the rescue of beautiful young woman on the run from her dangerous husband.

It was an odd choice of reading for a honeymoon.

The Hidden History of the White House: Power Struggles, Scandals, and Defining Moments Cover

Corey Mead

The Hidden History of the White House

Power Struggles, Scandals, and Defining Moments

The episode introduced the book as a newly released title inspired by the American History Tellers podcast, describing it as a deep dive into the White House's power struggles, pivotal decisions, and scandals over the past two centuries. The hosts highlighted that each chapter placed listeners inside historic moments, from the building's foundation to key wartime conversations and modern security decisions. The mention was informational rather than an endorsement, providing listeners with a sense of the book's scope and relevance.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Ep. 15 | The Philly Killer

The Hidden History of the White House is a new book inspired by the podcast, "American History Tellers". It tells about the fierce power struggles, the world-altering decisions, and shocking scandals that have shaped the lives of millions of people in the past century.

"

For more than two centuries, the White House has been the stage for some of the most dramatic scenes in American history. Inspired by the hit podcast American History Tellers, Wondery and William Morrow present the new book, The Hidden History of the White House.

Each chapter will bring you inside the fierce power struggles, the world-altering decisions, and shocking scandals that have shaped the lives of millions of people in the past century.

You'll be there when the very foundations of the White House are laid in 1792, and you'll watch as the British burn it down in 1814.

Then you'll hear the intimate conversations between FDR and Winston Churchill as they make plans to defeat Nazi forces in 1941. And you'll be in the Situation Room when President Barack Obama approves the raid to bring down the most infamous terrorist in American history.

The Anarchist Cookbook Cover

William Powell

The Anarchist Cookbook

In the episode, the hosts noted that a copy of the book was discovered in a cult's laboratory, opened to a page detailing how to make homemade explosives and illegal drugs. They highlighted the book's notoriety as a source of dangerous instructions, using it to illustrate the extreme measures taken by the group.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Listen for the Lie: A Novel Cover

Amy Tintera

Listen for the Lie

A Novel

In the episode, the host highlighted the title as a fresh thriller from a bestselling author, noting its captivating sound design and dynamic performances. The positive remarks suggested it was a strong recommendation for listeners interested in engaging, well‑produced fiction.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Ep. 26 | The Birds

This book was mentioned as an example of a new thriller from a bestselling author, with captivating sound design and dynamic performances.

"

Amy Tintera's Listen for the Lie with exclusive thrillers from bestselling authors captivating sound design and dynamic performances.

U.S. Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Survival Manual: Everything You Need to Know to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Cover

Dick Couch Capt. USN (ret)

U.S. Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Survival Manual

Everything You Need to Know to Protect Yourself and Your Family from

The book was referenced as a manual discovered in the Rajneeshi commune’s laboratory, noted for its detailed coverage of military biological warfare and how to protect oneself. The hosts mentioned it in passing while discussing the commune’s experiments, without offering a formal endorsement. Overall, the reference was brief and informational.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.