You’ve got one week to read by the pool and you want to make it count. If you’re struggling to unwind and need something to hook you from the get-go, here are my top modern page-turners. From literary thrillers to domestic dramas, each is a story so engrossing you’ll race through it, reports BritPanorama.
Strangers by Belle Burden
There’s already a TV adaptation of this in the works starring Gwyneth Paltrow, and no wonder. This bestselling memoir by Wasp-y East Coast heiress Belle, whose grandmother was Babe Paley, a Manhattan socialite who was friends with Truman Capote, details her divorce in an unputdownable manner. One day during the pandemic, Burden discovered that her reliable hedge fund manager husband was having an affair. Shockingly, he left and ghosted her and their three children. This raises questions about signs she might have missed and the difficulty of feeling sympathy for someone with a multimillion-dollar New York apartment and a luxurious second home in Martha’s Vineyard.
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
A word-of-mouth bestseller, this book tells the tale of the irascible 70-something Sybil Van Antwerp. Known for her letters, Sybil’s correspondence reveals insights into her surprisingly active romantic life, her interest in adoption history, familial tensions, and a significant trauma. In an age dominated by WhatsApp, there’s something deeply relaxing about her characterful prose. “Isn’t there something wonderful […] to think that a story of one’s life is preserved in some way, that this very letter may one day mean something […] to someone?” she writes. The experience compels readers to cultivate pen pals.
Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
While you can watch the excellent drama starring Claire Danes, reading this clever book offers a richer experience. Toby Fleishman’s ex-wife has gone missing, which he initially overlooks due to his busy social life. Amidst his chaotic parenting and moments of self-reflection, the narrative dives into the Fleishmans’ marriage, the cutthroat New York lifestyle, and the discontent of middle age. Some critics were divided on the book’s reveal, but many found it brilliant. It’s an ideal read for contemplating life during leisurely pool days.
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
If you’re not yet a Moriarty fan, there’s a treasure trove of summer reads awaiting you. This novel tells the story of a woman who learns her husband harbours an unimaginable secret. Moriarty combines the pacing of a thriller with a nuanced exploration of human behaviour, making it far more sophisticated than expected.
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
McAllister, a prolific thriller writer, proves that her work transcends the genre’s typical confines. In Wrong Place Wrong Time, Jenn witnesses her teenage son Todd kill someone, an event that horrifies her. Upon waking the next morning, she discovers it’s yesterday, allowing her to potentially solve the crime while unraveling family secrets. The narrative cleverly merges themes reminiscent of Groundhog Day with a classic thriller vibe.
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
This novel presents a fresh perspective in the murder mystery genre, focusing on the lives of the women and the detective pursuing justice for them. Kukafka’s work thoughtfully addresses the complexities of both the victims and the perpetrator, creating a haunting narrative that lingers long after reading.
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
For readers who enjoyed the memoir by Belle Burden, this fictional tale serves as a fun counterpart. It follows affluent sisters from Brooklyn navigating life when their brother marries outside their social circle. Jackson’s book deftly examines attitudes toward wealth, all while maintaining a humorous tone that’s genuinely enjoyable.
All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
In his exploration of 1970s Missouri, Whitaker captures the essence of small-town America through nostalgic imagery. When Patch attempts to save local girl Misty from a kidnapping, it triggers a series of events that haunt him and his community for years. This unique blend of love story and crime thriller provides an engaging read.
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue
O’Donoghue’s work encapsulates the tenderness of platonic love, reminiscent of writers like Sally Rooney and Bridget Jones. Following Rachel from Cork and her best friend James, the narrative captures the awkwardness of life in your twenties, ensuring readers are both entertained and empathetic.
Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley
This book captures the everyday complexities of middle-aged motherhood, presenting them in a humorous light. Coralie, an Australian journalist in London, navigates her relationship with single dad Adam while pondering her own aspirations. Stanley’s writing balances warmth and wit, exploring the nuances of ordinary life and its challenges.
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
Though expansive at 650 pages, this Booker-shortlisted novel invites readers to become engrossed in the lives of the Barnes family. Murray navigates multiple perspectives, tackling themes of aspiration and despair, making for a compelling yet deep narrative.
