Thriller Beach Reads

Just because we’re at the beach doesn’t mean we want to read about a meet-cute. These books are thrillers, but light on the deep plot and still can be followed after a spicy margarita or two. (Not that I would know.)

Just Good Thrillers

A few of these are still on my library hold list and cannot vouch for them. However, based on the reviews of people I trust they made it on here. Most of these were the perfect thing to take on a Sunday morning solo date or picnic with Eleanor.

Heavier Thrillers

These are twisty, heavy, and psychologically engaging. Oh and a bit dark (some of them). Fair warning, some of these can get heavy so give yourself some time to maybe take a break with some. I’d recommend following one of these up with a thriller beach read or a long walk outside. Others are a bit lighter but still heavier to read.

You can read my other book recommendations here! I hope you enjoy your next book (and that you found this list helpful)! If you come across a thriller that I don’t have mentioned here or listed in my 2023 book highlight, I’m always on the hunt to discover a new author.

The post Your Next Summer Thriller Book appeared first on Honestly Relatable.

One note before we jump in – these aren’t the newest book releases. They range from 2018-2023. I utilize my library and am patiently on the waitlist for many. Instead, these are books and authors I’ve discovered that I’ve loved this year, regardless of publication date.

My Favorite Reading Accessories

Okay, I reallllyyyy hate hobbies that cost money. One of the goals of picking up reading is to reduce spending. Hence the utilization of the public library. However, I have found just a few things that have made my reading experience just a little better, especially as I travel a lot this year.

• This rechargeable USB booklight doubles as a bookmark – I used this when reading on a plane and don’t want to be the rude person who uses the overhead light on a redeye.
• This acrylic book stand doubles as decor (and is popping up everywhere in trendy stores in Chicago). I like having functional decor and this one I use for currently reading and cookbooks.
• Magnetic bookmarker clips for those of us who cannot find a bookmark that isn’t juvenile and love a self-contained item. Previous to this I was using airline cocktail napkins as bookmarkers which are predictably ineffective at their non-intended purpose.

My Favorite Books So Far

If you follow me on Instagram you know my area is fiction thrillers. But sometimes it just simply gets too violent, redundant, and vulgar, seemingly just for the shock value. After looking at what books I’ve enjoyed the most, the data (yes, data – I track my reads. I took a poll and it was split down the middle between GoodReads and StoryGraph and I chose StoryGraph.) are non-violent thrillers. Specifically con artist storylines. I love a con within a con and those tend to be the ones that keep me guessing.

The End of Her | Someone We Know | Not a Happy Family

Shari is an instant book request/library hold for me. Domestic thrillers are her specialty and they can range from thrilling to spicy (The Couple Next Door) and I love the range. Her stories are always fast-paced, engaging and have enough of a twist to keep me guessing. If you want a thriller, easier-than-hard book to read, Shari is always where I recommend people start.

The Golden Couple

No One Will Miss Her

Okay, so the opening of No One Will Miss Her … is a lot. However, the book is smart. Really smart. It was one of the first ones that I had to go back a few pages to make sure I was really paying attention to the details. My brain likes to run a few different scenarios to see if it can figure out the twist and I found myself very, very engaged in this one.

True Biz

True Biz is positioned as a thriller. That is… generous, at most. What put it on the list for me is the integration of learning ASL, Black ASL, and other aspects of sign language, including beloved historical figures who wanted to use eugenics to eradicate the deaf. This book is very important for learning about ASL, inclusion, some harsh realities, and where we can all be advocates.

The Lies I Tell

Apparently if “lies” is in the title, I’m going to love it. Another con-centric story that I loved. You sort of empathize with both characters and they all have their own self-serving agenda. The Lies I Tell is a really fun con artist thriller!

Sometimes I Lie | Rock, Paper, Scissors

Sometimes I Lie literally has me (still) Googling Reddit forums to see if I can figure out the ending. If I was to compare it to a movie, the ending feels a bit like Inception – you’re going to have a strong opinion on it, but are you right?

Alice Feeney has a wild range of book approaches. While they are all suspenseful, they don’t feel all too similar, unlike many that have that carry-over similar troupes.

The post My Favorite Books and Reading Accessories (so far) This Year! appeared first on Honestly Relatable.