Books for Intermediate English Learners: 16 Novels to Read and Listen To (B1–B2)
The best books for intermediate English learners are complete novels written at B1 or B2, so you can follow a real story without stopping for a dictionary. Here are 16 original novels by level, from Victorian mysteries to romance, science fiction and fantasy. Each one is an audiobook narrated in British English with the text on screen as you listen, and an ebook with an English Learning Guide.
Every one of these books for intermediate English learners has a free first chapter, so you can listen before you buy. Audiobooks are $2.99, ebooks $1.99. Jump to B1, B1–B2 or B2.
Are you B1 or B2?
- B1 (intermediate): you follow the main points of clear English about everyday things: work, travel, family, plans. Start with our B1 books: about two hours of listening each, lots of conversation, and the past tenses in action.
- B1–B2: you’re comfortable at B1 and want a push. These two novels start at B1 and finish at B2, so the grammar grows with the story.
- B2 (upper intermediate): you understand most of a TV series or a work meeting. B2 novels use a wide range of grammar, from the passive to the third conditional, and the stories have more layers.
These descriptions follow the CEFR global scale from the Council of Europe. Not sure which level you are? Our guide to graded readers explains how to choose.
Not ready for B1 yet? Try a whole A2 novel first, free: The Blue Suitcase.
Which one should I read first?
Sixteen books is a lot to choose from. Pick the kind of story you enjoy, then your level: these six are good first books for intermediate English learners.
| If you like… | B1 | B2 |
|---|---|---|
| A mystery | Three Bells at Midnight | The Email Nobody Sent |
| A love story | Only Until September | Somewhere Neither of Us Has Been |
| Something different | Ten Years Late for Tea (science fiction) | Every Lamp a Colour (fantasy) |
B1 books for intermediate English learners
Nine novels, each about two hours of listening.
Mysteries
Romance (Passport Hearts)
Science fiction (Other Time)
B1–B2 novels: from intermediate to upper intermediate
Two longer mysteries that start at B1 and finish at B2. A good next step after two or three B1 books.
B2 books for upper intermediate learners
Five novels with the full range of B2 grammar.
Liked it? Read the next one
Some of these books for intermediate English learners share characters or a world. Each one is a complete story, so you can start anywhere.
- Ada Whitmore, Victorian London (B1): Three Bells at Midnight → Four Minutes in the Tunnel → Five Names in the Will
- Other Time, science fiction in Sheffield (B1): Ten Years Late for Tea → Thirty Years Too Early
- Passport Hearts, love stories abroad (B1 to B2): Only Until September, Diwali in the Rain and Two Names on the Door, then Somewhere Neither of Us Has Been at B2. Below B1? Start with the six A2 Passport Hearts short stories.
- The Knotted Isles, fantasy (B2): Every Lamp a Colour is a little easier, then Every Knot a Memory.
All 16 books for intermediate English learners at a glance
| Book | Level | Kind | Listening time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Bells at Midnight | B1 | Victorian mystery | 1 h 44 min |
| Four Minutes in the Tunnel | B1 | Victorian mystery | 1 h 43 min |
| Five Names in the Will | B1 | Victorian mystery | 1 h 47 min |
| The Garage Tapes | B1 | Coming of age | 2 h 27 min |
| Only Until September | B1 | Romance | 1 h 59 min |
| Diwali in the Rain | B1 | Romance | 1 h 48 min |
| Two Names on the Door | B1 | Romance | 1 h 51 min |
| Ten Years Late for Tea | B1 | Science fiction | 1 h 43 min |
| Thirty Years Too Early | B1 | Science fiction | 1 h 43 min |
| The Man at Platform Seven | B1–B2 | Family mystery | 2 h 49 min |
| The Secret at Silver Bay | B1–B2 | Seaside mystery | 2 h 31 min |
| The Museum Never Lies | B2 | Literary mystery | 2 h 53 min |
| The Email Nobody Sent | B2 | Workplace mystery | 2 h 52 min |
| Somewhere Neither of Us Has Been | B2 | Romance | 1 h 53 min |
| Every Lamp a Colour | B2 | Fantasy romance | 1 h 52 min |
| Every Knot a Memory | B2 | Fantasy romance | 2 h 2 min |
Every audiobook is $2.99 and includes the read-along text. Every ebook is $1.99 and includes the English Learning Guide.
Questions about books for intermediate English learners
When should I move from B1 to B2?
There’s no fixed number of books. When a B1 novel feels easy and you rarely stop to check a word, try one of the two B1–B2 novels, The Man at Platform Seven or The Secret at Silver Bay. They start at B1 and finish at B2, so if you can follow one to the end, you’re ready for B2.
Are these books for adults?
Yes. These books for intermediate English learners are written for adult learners, with stories about work, travel, flatmates and falling in love. The two Knotted Isles fantasy novels are written for young adults too.
Do I have to read the series in order?
No. Every book is a complete story, and you don’t need to read the earlier books first.
Also on the blog: Graded readers for English learners (all levels) · Short stories for English learners · Free ebooks for English learners
Mystery Stories for English Learners: 15 Graded Mysteries from A1 to B2
The best mystery stories for English learners, from A1 to B2: cosy café puzzles, short mysteries, Victorian detectives and whodunits to read and listen to.
Short Stories for English Learners: 17 Easy Beginner Reads
Easy short stories for English learners: love stories, mysteries and ghost stories for adult beginners (A2), with audio. From $0.99.
Graded Readers for English Learners: Read and Listen at Your Level
What graded readers are, how to choose your level, and our 25 original graded readers and short stories, A1 to B2+, to listen and read. Prices from $0.99.