If you want to catch up on any of the out-of-copyright classics, you might like to try librivox.com . The books are read by volunteers, rather than professional readers, so the quality will vary. But the books are free. (Some are now listed on the Project Gutenberg site.
I listen to audiobooks a lot (for the same reasons as Skye
) and use my local library's online service and subscribe to audible. I only use my credits for books that cost more than the monthly subscription price.
I also buy used audiobooks on both amazon and ebay. The most recent/popular books are not usually cheap, but less popular or older books are sometimes very cheap. On amazon, you usually need to click on "Check all formats" to see the audio version prices.
Cheaper still, are the audio books in thrift stores and at the bookstore and donation sales run by my local library. (These places seem to have books by John LeCarré, John Grisham and/or David Baldacci in particular abundance.)
Finally, if you are prepared to listen to abridged versions of some books, then BBC radio is a very rich source of book readings, dramatized versions of books and plays. Most of the readings are only available for a week after the broadcast, but you can listen to them 24/24. (It's also possible, of course, to find software that enables you to record them.)
I particularly enjoy Classic Serial, which usually divides books into 2/3 or 4 parts, each lasting about an hour. Book at Bedtime and Book of the Week serialize a variety of books in shorter episodes, over a week, or two weeks. One often has recent books which have received a lot of publicity (eg The Goldfinch) but, as I said, they are abridged, to fit into the time slot.
You can subscribe to a free weekly email that alerts you to what's coming up. If you're interested in finding more, go to the web sites for BBC Radio 4 and/or BBC Radio 4 Extra; select "Categories" and then "Drama". Radio 4 is the main one, Radio 4 Extra is mainly repeats, but often has an omnibus of the serials, rather than the individual episodes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4extra
Radio 3 is principally a Classical music station, but also offers some plays of a more highbrow nature.
PS If any of this is not clear or you have more questions, you're welcome to send me a private message.
[This message edited by Cally60 at 6:25 PM, July 10th (Thursday)]