Audiobook narrator

An audiobook narrator who is an actor and an author

Irene Ziegler brings over 35 years of acting on stage and screen to every book she narrates, and she writes novels herself.

Her film and TV credits include The First Lady, Doom Patrol, The Walking Dead and Safe Haven. She's the author of the novels Rules of the Lake and Ashes to Water, and a two-time fellow in the Pipeline New Works Initiative as a playwright. So she reads a manuscript the way a writer and an actor would: for the story, the people in it and what's left unsaid.

Press play below to hear her audiobook and narration demos, and read every script as you listen.

Irene Ziegler, audiobook narrator, smiling

Hear her work

Narration demos, with the scripts

A true-crime audiobook trailer, a storytelling narration and a place-setting read. Tap play, and open the script to follow along.

True crime audiobook trailer

Audiobook narration · 1:26

Read the script

"Arrested? Murder?" Aaron Chappell's head was spinning. "Are you insane? This is Michael Chappell we're talking about, a loving husband, father, and leader; a man who chose to serve his country, his community; from a family dedicated to law enforcement and sacrifice, decorated more than 30 times for meritorious service." "You need to surrender your gun, son, and your badge." Words he never imagined hearing. Arrested, charged, arraigned. From hero to villain, constable to criminal in the blink of an eye. A fair and unbiased justice system, is that just a fairy tale? This is the true story of Michael Harold Chappell, a dedicated veteran and former police officer, who remains in prison decades after a crime he did not commit. Written by Henry Ball with Deborah Ann Dolman, narrated by Irene Ziegler.

Princess Pocahontas

Storytelling narration · 0:52

Read the script

A young Indian maiden, noble by birth, stands pensive by the river as a soft wind brushes her hair. She closes her eyes in meditation amidst the chirping of birds and the distant howling of a lone wolf. Her elaborately beaded gown bears sacred tribal images that remind her that, in the eyes of the Great Spirit, man and creation are one. It is this sublime spirit of Princess Pocahontas that the Princess Pocahontas Council celebrates every year. The Council remembers her bravery, her determination, and her deep love for her native people and her adoptive brethren.

Real estate narration

Narration · 0:21

Read the script

It goes by names like Hendersonville, Flat Rock, Saluda, Fletcher, and Etowah. Visitors call it paradise. And more people than ever before call it home.

Want commercials, e-learning and more? Hear the full range of Irene's voiceover work.

Why authors and publishers choose Irene

An actor’s range, a writer’s ear

Characters that liveHer clients say her interpretation, characters, acting and pacing are “spot on, every time”.
A writer herselfAs the author of two novels and a playwright, she knows how a story is built, and how it should sound.
Screen and stage experienceOver 35 years of acting, with credits including The First Lady, Doom Patrol, The Walking Dead and Safe Haven.
True stories, told with careShe narrated the true story of Michael Harold Chappell, written by Henry Ball with Deborah Ann Dolman.

“Irene is not only a total pro, genial, great with clients, easy to work with, fun, cool, but from an execution standpoint she’s one of the best VO talent I’ve ever worked with. Interpretation, characters, acting, dynamics, tone, pacing… ALL of it is spot on, every time.”

Jay Smack, SmackSound

In Sissy Spacek's words

What an Academy Award winner said about Irene’s acting

“The way she played it changed everything for me.”“Irene Ziegler? Oh, she's unbelievable. … She's so amazing. … When I read the script, I thought, my character doesn't like this woman. She plays my sister-in-law. But the way she played it, I'm telling you, she was brilliant. … Everything had a different value. … The bottom line is, my character loved her character. The way she played it changed everything for me. … The character had so much depth and humor. … It was really a wonderful working day for me, that day, because she was just incredible. … I know she's done lots and lots and lots and lots of theater, but man, … Irene, she's awesome.”

Sissy SpacekAcademy Award-winning actress, on working with Irene

Hear her say it · 1:17

Questions

Booking an audiobook narrator

What kinds of books does Irene narrate?

Irene narrates audiobooks and long-form narration, including true crime. Her demos include the trailer for the true story of Michael Harold Chappell. Hear her audiobook narration demos.

Can Irene do character voices?

Yes. Clients praise her interpretation, characters, acting, dynamics, tone and pacing as spot on, every time.

Is Irene a writer herself?

Yes. Irene is the author of the novels Rules of the Lake and Ashes to Water, and a playwright.

How do I book Irene to narrate my audiobook?

Write to Irene with your book, its length and your deadline, and she will get back to you.

Your book, in a voice that brings it to life

Send Irene your manuscript details and deadline. Or start by hearing her audiobook narration and voiceover demos.

Write to Irene Hear all her demos