64 Captivating Summer Books to Enjoy at the Beach

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Recently updated on September 18th, 2024 at 02:37 pm

Looking for summer books? Here are 64 captivating beach reads for your summer reading list.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. 

Picture this. You’re lying on a sun lounger by the pool. The sun is shining. And you’re reading an incredible book with a cold drink.

Summer means one thing – sitting outside in the sun with a good book.

Whether you’re into swoon-worthy summer romance, a heart-pounding thriller or a compelling fantasy, I’ve got you covered.

This post is all about the best summer books. Which beach read will you pick up next?

Keep reading for the best summer books

The best summer books

Summer romance books

Searching for girly summer romance reads? You’ll love these romance books.

1. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care is an adorable romantic comedy featuring a bisexual main character and a lesbian.  It features a summer wedding, spicy romance and funny antics.

Delilah Green swore she would never return to Bright Falls. Only memories of a lonely childhood with a distant stepfamily remain in Bright Falls. Her life is in New York with her photography career. 

But then Delilah’s estranged stepsister pressures her into photographing her wedding. And Delilah finds herself back in the town.

2. One last stop by Casey Mcquiston

One Last Stop is an incredible new adult romance with a cast of queer character. It has summer-in-the-city vibes and drool-worthy food imagery.

We follow August, a cynical 23 year old trying to survive in New York. But then she meets this gorgeous girl on the train.

Jane.

Jane is dazzling, mysterious and charismatic. But problem is,  she’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s.

3. The Wrong Mr Right by Stephanie Archer

Part of a small-town romance series set by the sea. The Wrong Mr Right is a friends-to-lovers romance with a surfer love interest and surfing lessons. While this is the 2nd book in the series, you can read this as a standalone.

Shy, Hannah is surrounded by handsome, sensitive, swoon-worthy men…who are fictional.

Women fall head over heels for laid-back, confident Wyatt, but all he cares about is surfing. The only thing holding him back from going pro? His non-existent social media presence. When Hannah offers to run his social media in exchange for lessons, it’s too good to pass up.

4. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

A small town romance with an adorable grumpy/sunshine romance. This rom-com is the perfect summer beach read.

Piper Bellinger is fashionable, influential, and her reputation as a wild child means the paparazzi are constantly on her heels. When too much champagne and an out-of-control rooftop party lands Piper in the slammer, her stepfather decides enough is enough. So he cuts her off, and sends Piper and her sister to learn some responsibility running their late father’s dive bar… in Washington.

5. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Just for the Summer was super popular on booktok. And I can see why. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions with a golden retriever love interest.

Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it’s now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They’ll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. 

6. The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther.

This is a summer romance at a wedding set at Martha’s Vineyard. The perfect combination for a summer romance.

We follow Meredith. Her whole family is going to a summer wedding at Martha’s Vineyard. But then Meredith’s long term boyfriend dumps her two weeks before the weeding.

Luckily, she has the perfect distraction. Her family has a tradition of playing the ultimate game of Assassin every summer, and this year it will take place during the week of wedding festivities. But her target just happens to be a cute groomsman.

6. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

This book has the most beautiful setting. Set in Tuscany. This has a romance but also has a profound plot outside the romance.

Lina is spending the summer in Tuscany, but she isn’t in the mood for Italy’s famous sunshine and fairy-tale landscape. She’s only there because it was her mother’s dying wish that she get to know her father.

But then she is given a journal that her mom had kept when she lived in Italy. Suddenly Lina’s uncovering a magical world of secret romances, art, and hidden bakeries

7. Beach Read by Emily Henry

This is the ideal summer beach read. It features enemies to lovers, a disenchanted romance writer and a grumpy/sunshine romance.

A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge. Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance. They’re polar opposites.

In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the next three months, they’re living in neighbouring beach houses, broke, and bogged down with writer’s block.

8. The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

A spicy summer sports romance. This is a quick and easy read with enemies-to-lovers.

Nora Mackenzie’s entire career lies in the hands of famous NFL tight end Derek Pender, who happens to be her extremely hot college ex-boyfriend. Nora didn’t end things as gracefully as she could have back then, and now it has come back to haunt her. Derek is her first client as an official full-time sports agent, and he’s holding a grudge.

This is perfect if you’re searching for summer books. Highly recommend.

9. Seven Summers by Paige Toon

Set in Cornwall, this book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. THis is set over seven summers. This has a lot of depth and an adorable coastal town.

Liv and Finn meet six summers ago working in a bar on the rugged Cornish coastline, their futures full of promise. When a night of passion ends in devastating tragedy they are bound together inextricably. But Finn’s life is in LA with his band, and Liv’s is in Cornwall with her family—so they make a promise. Finn will return every year, and if they are single they will spend the summer together.

10. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Almost every summer romance list includes this book. For good reason. Set in Hawaii, this has incredible summer vibes. Perfect to read on a beach holiday.

Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Ami, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.

11. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

This is a lighthearted summer romance. Similar to the Hating Game.

Catalina Martín desperately needs a date to her sister’s wedding. Especially since her little white lie about her American boyfriend has spiralled out of control. .

She only has four weeks to find someone willing to cross the Atlantic and aid in her deception.

Enter Aaron Blackford—her tall, handsome, condescending colleague—who surprisingly offers to step in

12. Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

A single-parent summer romance. This is an atmospheric, summer read but then it also deals with many emotions. You will need a box of tissues when you read this.

There aren’t enough labelled glass containers to contain the mess that is Ali Morris’s life. Her mom died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn’t worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember. She’s a professional organizer whose pantry is a disgrace.

No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—she meets someone

13. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

This is a tad predictable but still an incredible summer read. It will give you nostalgia for lazy summer days.

For six summers, through hazy afternoons on the water, Percy and Sam had been inseparable. And slowly that friendship turned into something more before it fell apart.

When Percy returns to the lake, their connection is as undeniable as it had always been. Percy must confront the decisions she’s made and the years she’s spent punishing herself for them.

14. A Novel love Story by Ashley Poston

Have you ever wanted to escape the real world and live in the fictional world? Do you fall for fictional book boyfriends? Then this is the summer romance for you.

Eileen Merriweather loves to get lost in a good happily-ever-after. The fictional kind, anyway. Because at least imaginary men don’t leave you at the altar. She feels safe in a book. At home. Which might be why she’s so set on going to her annual book club retreat this year—she needs good friends, cheap wine, and grand romantic gestures—no matter what.

But when her car unexpectedly breaks down on the way, she finds herself stranded in a quaint town that feels like it’s right out of a novel…

15. Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

The Brown Sisters trilogy features a romance with each of three sisters. They are hilarious, spicy and incredible romance books.

Chloe Brown is a chronically ill computer geek with a goal, a plan, and a list. After almost—but not quite—dying, she’s come up with six directives to help her “Get a Life”, and she’s already completed the first: finally moving out of her glamourous family’s mansion.

But it’s not easy being bad, even when you’ve written step-by-step guidelines on how to do it correctly. What Chloe needs is a teacher, and she knows just the man for the job.

16. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey Mcquiston

A spicy queer romance with a member of the Royak family. This compelling new adult romance is easy to read, with a cast of diverse characters and an engaging plot. The chemistry between the main characters is excellent. And the banter is genuinely hilarious.

We follow Prince Henry and Alex Claremont Diaz. They cause a scandal in the press and have to pretend to be friends.

Searching for spicy summer books? You need to read Red, White and Royal Blue.

Summer fantasy books

Fantasy isn’t typically a genre you associate with summer. But you can find some incredible summer fantasy books. Here are my top picks.

17. This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

An incredible summer fantasy books with cottagecore vibes. A captivating book to read to read outside in the park or a garden.

We follow Briseis. Thanks to a magic gift, she can grow tiny seeds into rich blooms with a single touch.

Her aunt dies and wills her a dilapidated estate in rural New York. And at this estate, she must uncover her family’s heritage and secrets.

 

18. The Mermaid, The Witch and The Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

This standalone fantasy has mermaids and pirates. The beautiful sea world-building make this ideal to read in summer.

In this dual POV, we follow Flora and Evelyn. Flora takes on the identity of Florian to earn the respect of the crew. For a former starving orphan, the brutal life of a pirate is about survival.

But as pirates prepare to sell passengers into slavery, Flora is drawn to Lady Evelyn Hasegawa. She’s en-route to a dreaded arranged marriage hooked.

19. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

This incredible fantasy book is perfect if you love quest. It also combines a fast-paced plot with magical West Africa inspired world-building.

There used to be magic in Orïsha. Zélie remembers how powerful her reaper mother was. But one-night magic disappears and Zelie is left without hope.

She now has to bring back the magic with the help of a runaway princess. Orïsha is full of danger everywhere. But Zeéie’s greatest danger is herself.

20. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

This incredible fantasy books features trials and Mexican mythology.

Set in a world where the Mexican Gods and Goddesses are real. And they had children – the semidioses. 

As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished to that Sol can keep travelling along the sky and keep the Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses aged between thirteen and eighteen are chosen as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials. 

20. Lore by Alexandra Bracken

A fantasy book with summer-in-the-city vibes. It features trials and Greek mythology.

Every seven years Greek Gods are hunted by descendants of ancient bloodlines. If the hunters succeed they seize their immortality. We follow Lore Perseus. She has turned her back on this world.  But as the next hunt dawns, two participants seek out her help.

It has an excellent revenge storyline. So if you like revenge plots then you’ll love Lore.

21. The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty

Fantasy books with pirates instantly remind me of summer. Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi has positive Muslim representation, magical creatures and a main character over 40.

Amina al-Sirafi has led a scandalous career as one of the Indian Ocean’s most notorious pirates. She’s survived backstabbing rogues, vengeful merchant princes, several husbands, and one actual demon to retire peacefully with her family to a life of motherhood.

But then she’s tracked down by the obscenely wealthy mother of a former crewman. And she’s offered a job no bandit could refuse.

22. Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

This is a longer book. But don’t let the size put you off. This is an epic high-fantasy that’ll keep you hooked.

A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens.

The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction – but assassins are getting closer to her door.

23. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

A high stakes, high fantasy with epic political intrigue.

Malini has been imprisoned by her dictator brother and spends her days isolated in Hirana, an ancient temple. 

Priya, a maidservant,  makes the treacherous journey to the top of Hirana every night.

She cleans Malini’s chambers. And she is thrilled to be anonymous. Especially if it keeps her dangerous secret safe. 

But Malini accidentally witnesses Priya’s true nature. And their destinies become irrevocably tangled.

24. Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli

This is a fun fantasy book. It takes place in a beachy kingdom with excellent summer vibes. Plus it reads as a cross between The Hunger Games and The Bachelor.

Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King’s rule. Her only desire is to escape and pay him back for every moment of misery she’s endured.

When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the rival Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight as she competes against nine other Tributes for the role of queen. If she wins his heart, she’ll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge.

25. Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater

Picture this – Bridgerton plus fae. Cozy fantasy does not just have to be for Fall/Winter. This fantasy book has the best summer vibes.

Finding a husband in Regency England is difficult when you’re a young lady with only half a soul. We follow Theodora Ettings. Cursed by a faerie, she has no sense of fear or embarrassment. A condition making her prone to scandal.

Perfect if you’re after summer books or cozy fantasy reads.

26. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses is an incredible fantasy romance series. The first book is set in the Spring Court, and is full of beautiful garden imagery.

We follow Feyre. She is poor and lives with her father and two sisters. She has to hunt to care for the family. One day she sees a deer and can’t resist killing it to sell. But it was actually a faerie she murdered. And the owner comes to kidnap her to live at the castle as punishment.

Looking for a beach read? You’ll love this fantasy romance.

 27. The Gentlemen’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

This is a light historical fantasy with romance. We follow two characters as they go touring in Europe.

We follow Henry “Monty” Montague. He was born to be a gentlemen. But he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions.

But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return. But Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

28. The Sunken City by Emma Noyes

Breathtaking and magical. This fantasy features pirates, underwater kingdoms and enemies to lovers romance.

Amare Bellamy is not a witch. Orphaned as a child and raised on a ship by the most dangerous men in the Caribbean, Amare is one thing and one thing alone: a pirate. And pirates hate magic.

After a fateful storm plunges her to the depths of the ocean, Amare wakes to find herself in a strange new world: an underwater kingdom, where magic exists, but is strictly outlawed by the King—a man who claims to be her true father.

29. The Forever sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson

A thrilling fantasy with pirates, ships and sea imagery. It also features an intriguing mystery.

On the never-ending, miles-high expanse of prairie grasses known as the Forever Sea, Kindred Greyreach, hearthfire keeper and sailor aboard harvesting vessel The Errant, is just beginning to fit in with the crew of her new ship when she receives devastating news. Her grandmother–The Marchess, legendary captain and hearthfire keeper–has stepped from her vessel and disappeared into the sea.

30. The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkein

The Hobbit reminds me of summer. With comforting food imagery, rolling fields and a quest. This is an incredible fantasy full of summer, cottagecore imagery.

The Hobbit is a charming adventure story set in Middle Earth. The novel follows Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit living in The Shire. One day he meets the wizard Gandalf and goes on an adventure.

Highly recommend if you’re after summer books.

Summer books for teens

31. The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth

Are you looking for the perfect Sapphic summer romance? The Falling in Love Montage is the book for you.

We follow Saoirse . She is struggling to cope because her mother is in a home with dementia.

Also, it’s a hereditary condition. One day she might inherit it.

 So she doesn’t see the point in a relationship. Until she meets Ruby at a party.  And they decide to have a relaxed summer fling.

32. Running with Lions by Julian Winters

Running with Lions is the perfect summer romance for sports fans. This ya romance is set at a summer soccer camp.

We follow Sebastian Hughes as he goes to a summer training camp. And he is a member of an incredible team where he can be open about his sexuality. But Emir, an old best friend who hates his guts, is also at the camp.

If you’re after summer books for teens, you’ll love this cute sports romance.

33. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Searching for a summer beach reads? Felix Ever After is the book for you. It features a transgender main character, a revenge plot and a friends-to-lovers romance. 

Felix Love has never been in love.  And he is desperate to experience it.

An anonymous student starts sending him transphobic messages. And the student publicly posts Felix’s deadname.  Along with photos of him before his transition.

Felix decides to plot revenge. But his catfishing lands him in a love triangle.

34. Imogen Obviously by Becky Albertalli

Imogen Obviously is an incredible Sapphic rom com with a bisexual main character.

We follow Imogen Scott. She’s hopelessly heterosexual, but she’s got the World’s Greatest Ally title locked down.

Imogen has never missed a Pride Alliance meeting. And she knows more about queer media discourse than her queer little sister. She even has two queer best friends.  

Imogen is excited to finally visit Lilli on campus. And she’s bringing her ally A game. Any support Lili needs, Imogen’s all in.Like when Lili drops a tiny queer bombshell: she’s told all her college friends that Imogen and Lili used to date.

35. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

A popular graphic novel series. This adorable romance books are easy to read and make the perfect pallette cleanser in between books.

We follow Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. Charlie Spring is an openly gay student in year 10.  And he meets Nick Nelson a soft-hearted rugby player in year 11.  They quickly become friends. But could there be something more?

Searching for summer books for teens? You’ll love Heartstopper.

36. The Summer I turned Pretty by Jenny Han

A popular ya summer read. Once you get past the fact that her name is Belly, this is an excellent ya contemporary. Plus there is an amazing adaptation to watch after reading.

We follow Belly. For her, everything magical happens in the summer at the beach house. Jeremiah and Conrad have known her since her first summer. They’ve been brother figures, crushes and more. But one summer, , the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

37. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants by Ann Brashares

A bit of nostalgia now with a book published in 2001. Maybe you’ve watched the movie, maybe you read this growing up or maybe you haven’t read this or watched the movie. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants is an incredible ya contemporary with an amazing movie adaption (starring Blake Lively and America Ferrera).

We follow Carmen, Lena, Tibby and Bridget. Carmen finds some jeans at a thrift shop. Nobody knows why, but the pants fit everyone perfectly. They decide to form the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. And then the journey of the pants, and the most memorable summer, begins.

38. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

This is an adorable ya summer romance. Funny, profound and heartwarming.

With graduation behind her, Dimple is ready to spend the summer at a program for web developers. Escaping her Mamma’s obsession with finding the ideal husband.Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board.

This is an adorable romance that will keep you laughing throughout.

39. Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales

This is a cute ya romance. Well-written and easy-to-read, this has an adorable romance with a bisexual main character.

We follow Darcy Phillips. She runs an anonymous service giving love advice to her classmates via a locker. They slip in their worries and she responds with a carefully worded response. But Alexander Brougham catches her in the act. And in exchange for keeping her secret, he asks her to be his dating coach.

Searching for summer books for teens? You’ll love this book.

40. The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

Ice-cream, scavenger hunts and romance. This is the ultimate summer read. A feel-good romance.

We follow Andie, a politician’s daughter. She has it all planned out. But that was before the scandal. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life. Because here’s the thing—if everything’s planned out, you can never find the unexpected. And where’s the fun in that?

41. You Have a Match by Emma Lord

This is a heart-warming friends to lovers romance. Set at a summer camp, this feel-good romance is the perfect summer beach read.

We follow Abby. She signs up for a DNA service to give her friend and secret love interest,Leo, a nudge. But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister. When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet. The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. 

42. Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno

Summer of Salt is a ya fantasy with mystery. The enchanting worldbuilding throws you into a small seaside town. This does deal with some heavy topics, please read the content warnings first.

A magic passed down through generations. Georgina Fernweh waits with growing impatience for the tingle of magic in her fingers—magic that has been passed down through every woman in her family. When tragedy strikes, what made the Fernweh women special suddenly casts them in suspicion. Over the course of her last summer on the island—a summer of storms, of love, of salt—Georgina will learn the truth about magic

43. Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

This lighthearted teen romance.Set in Scotland, at a super elite boarding school. Not only does this book include the enemies-to-lovers trope. But it also features the room-mates trope, royalty, and an ex-girlfriend.

We follow Millie who is heartbroken when she discovers that her kinda girlfriend has been kissing someone else. After getting into a super elusive boarding school, she moves to Scotland. And this is where she meets Princess Flora.

44. Bloom by Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau

An adorable, cozy romance. We follow two queer characters baking and falling in love. With a low stakes storyline, cute romance and adorable graphics. This is a light-hearted coming of age story.

We follow Ari. He is dying to move to the city with his hip band. If he can persuade his dad to let him quit his job at their family bakery.

But while interviewing candidates for his replacement, Ari meets Hector, an easygoing guy who loves baking as much as Ari wants to escape it. As they become closer over batches of bread, love is ready to bloom . . . that is, if Ari doesn’t ruin everything.

45. Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

A compelling mystery that deals with racism in academia. This ya book is full of twist and turns. Perfect for readers of any age.

Ace of Spades it set at  Niveus Private Academy. Here money paves the hallways. And students are never less than perfect. 

Until now. 

An anonymous texter, Aces, is bringing two students’ dark secrets to light.

Summer thrillers

Thrillers remind me of summer. You can’t beat a twisty thriller on the beach. Here are my top picks for summer thriller books.

46. Razorblade Tears by S.A Crosby

Razorblade Tears is an incredible thriller about two father’s trying to solve the murders of their sons. The author handles difficult topics such as homophobia and racism.

Ike Randolph has been out of jail for fifteen years. A Black man with cops at the door knows to be afraid.

The last thing he expects to hear is that his son Isiah has been murdered, along with Isiah’s white husband, Derek. Derek’s father Buddy Lee was almost as ashamed of Derek for being gay as Derek was ashamed his father was a criminal. Buddy Lee still has contacts in the underworld, though, and he wants to know who killed his boy.

47. Middle of the Night by Riley Sager

Suspense, drama and mystery. This is a thriller you will devour. It has supernatural elements. And it will keep you thinking for hours.

We follow Ethan. He must contend with the long-ago disappearance of his childhood best friend in his backyard. And the dark secrets lurking just beyond the safe confines of his picture-perfect neighbourhood.

An excellent summer thriller. And a must-read.

48. None of this is True by Lisa Jewell

An addictive thriller. I’m a huge fan of Lisa Jewell’s writing, and her latest release is one of her best yet. This will make you think and stay with you for hours.

Celebrating her forty-fifth birthday at her local pub, popular podcaster Alix Summers crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie, it turns out, is also celebrating her forty-fifth birthday. They’re birthday twins.

A few days later, Alix and Josie bump into each other again. Josie thinks she might be an interesting subject for her series. Her life appears to be strange and Alix finds her unsettling. But then she releases Josie has been hiding some dark secrets.

49. Nine perfect strangers by Liane Moriaty

An incredible thriller with an adaptation. This is fun and entertaining but also deals with some interesting topics.

Nine people gather at a remote health resort. Some are here to lose weight, some are here to get a reboot on life, some are here for reasons they can’t even admit to themselves. Amidst all of the luxury and pampering, the mindfulness and meditation, they know these ten days might involve some real work. But none of them could imagine just how challenging the next ten days are going to be.

50. My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

This has such a unique concept. It opens with a bang and keeps you hooked until the very end.

When Korede’s dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what’s expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This’ll be the third boyfriend Ayoola’s dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away.

51. Rock, Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

A gripping thriller with plenty of unexpected plot twists. The different POVs are implemented perfectly. And this keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Things have been wrong with Mr and Mrs Wright for a long time. When Adam and Amelia win a weekend away to Scotland, it might be just what their marriage needs. Self-confessed workaholic Adam Wright has lived with face blindness his whole life. He can’t recognize friends or family, or even his own wife.

Every anniversary the couple exchange traditional gifts – paper, cotton, pottery, tin – and each year Adam’s wife writes him a letter that she never lets him read. Until now. 

52. The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayasuji

This addictive book is one of a kind. An immersive read with a unique concept. The writing is smart and you can’t stop inventing theories in your head.

Students from a university mystery club decide to visit an island which was the site of a grisly multiple murder the year before. Predictably, they get picked off one by one by an unseen murderer. Is there a madman on the loose? What connection is there to the earlier murders? The answer is a bombshell revelation which few readers will see coming.

53. The Castaways by Lucy Clarke

This is a gripping, thrill-packed book that is impossible to put down. With an interesting concept, it is set on a beautiful island. Making it the perfect summer thriller.

The holiday of a lifetime. Beautiful beaches, golden sunsets. It should be like any other holiday. You’ll never want to leave. Until you can’t/

The start of this book is epic, probably one of the best atmospheric beginnings to a book read for a long time. If you’re searching for summer books, I highly recommend reading this.

54. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Searching for a lighthearted murder mystery? Then you’ll love The Thursday Murder Club series. We follow a group of old people as they solve a murder. With an adaptation in the works, this is a great time to pick this up.

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.

But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

55. Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins

A suspenseful thriller perfect for crime fans. This is set on an island with dark history. Making it the perfect summer read.

When Lux McAllister and her boyfriend, Nico, are hired to sail two women to a remote island in the South Pacific, it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. Stuck in a dead-end job in Hawaii, and longing to travel the world after a family tragedy, Lux is eager to climb on board The Susannah and set out on an adventure. She’s also quick to bond with their passengers, college best friends Brittany and Amma. The two women say they want to travel off the beaten path. But like Lux, they may have other reasons to be seeking an escape.

56. The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C.L Miller

Are you a fan of a cozy mystery? Did you enjoy Richard Osman’s books? Then you’ll love An Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder. A lighthearted murder mystery.

Freya Lockwood is shocked when she learns that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and her estranged mentor, has died under mysterious circumstances. She has spent the last twenty years avoiding her quaint English hometown, but when she receives a letter from Arthur asking her to investigate—sent just days before his death—Freya has no choice but to return to a life she had sworn to leave behind.

57. How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie

This title is guaranteed to stand out on your family holiday! This compelling thriller will leave you on the edge of your seat. The main character is somewhat unlikeable. Not a fan of an anti-hero? Then this isn’t for you.

We follow Grace. She’s in jail writing her life-story about killing several people.

Grace discovers her absentee millionaire father rejected her dying mother’s pleas for help. She vows revenge and sets about to kill every member of his family.

Summer classics

58. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Trying to get into classics? Children’s classics are an excellent starting point. It makes them easier to read. The Secret Garden contains beautiful garden imagery coupled with the heartwarming story.

The plot centres around Mary Lennox. A young English girl returning to England from India.  She discovers a charming walled garden.

But the garden is always locked.

59. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice is a classic romance. With enchanting descriptions of the English Countryside, this is the perfect summer read.

Pride and Prejudice follows a group of daughters. Mrs Bennet insists they find rich husbands and settle down. When a wealthy bachelor moves nearby, she’s over the moon.

Fans of the adaptations need to read this classic novel.

60. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women spans over multiple seasons, and isn’t specifically summer focused. But this is such a classic. It deals with sisterhood, happiness and gratitude. Plus, there is a fantastic adaptation to watch afterwards.

It follows 4 sisters. Talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy. The sisters are united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.

An excellent read for fans of classics.

61. Anne of Green Gables by by L.M Montgomery

All of L.M Montgomery’s books give me summer vibes. The Anne of Green Gables series is an excellent starting point. Avonlea is idyllic and the slow lifestyle is beautiful.

Anne of Green Gables follows Anne Shirley. Anne Shirley, an 11 year old orphan girl, goes to stay with the Cuthberts.

She’s welcomed into Green Gables – an old fashioned farm outside a town called Avonlea. Only to discover the Cuthberts want to adopt a boy not a girl.

But before they can send her back, Anne, needing a real home and scope for her imagination, wins them over completely.

62. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

Fan of a murder mystery? Then you have to read some of Agatha Christie’s work. Death on the Nile is the perfect summer read. Set on a summer cruise, the exotic setting makes this an excellent beach read.

The tranquility of a lovely cruise along the Nile is shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway has been shot. She was young, stylish and beautiful, a girl who had everything – until she lost her life.

Who is also on board? Christie’s great detective Hercule Poirot is on holiday.

63. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Fantasy lover? Then you’ll love Treasure Island. With pirates, mystery and hidden treasure – this is a captivating children’s classic.

We follow twelve-year-old Jim Hawkins. He finds a treasure map that belonged to a pirate. Along with his friends, he embarks on a quest for to a faraway island in search of the hidden treasure.

The storytelling in this book is incredible. And it has one of the most famous villains in Long John Silver.

64. Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne Du Maurier

Most people are familiar with Rebecca and Jamaica Inn. But Frenchman’s Creek is an underrated gem. It features romance and pirates. The perfect lighthearted summer classic.

Bored and restless in London’s Restoration Court, Lady Dona escapes into the British countryside with her restlessness and thirst for adventure as her only guides.

Eventually, Dona lands in remote Navron, looking for peace of mind in its solitary woods and hidden creeks. She finds the passion her spirit craves in the love of a daring French pirate who is being hunted by all of Cornwall.

If you’re after summer books, you’ll love Frenchman’s Creek.

This post was all about the best summer books

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