30 Must-Read Books For Summer: Critic's Picks

Mei Lin

5 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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Thrilling Thrillers for Sun-Drenched Days

Summer is the perfect time for a gripping thriller – the kind that keeps you on the edge of your seat, even as you soak up the sun. The long days and warm nights provide the ideal atmosphere for a suspenseful escape. These summer thrillers are guaranteed to keep you turning the pages late into the night.

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: A psychological thriller set against the backdrop of a picturesque island, perfect for those seeking a beach read with a dark twist.
• Verity by Colleen Hoover: A suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end, ideal for a summer holiday.
• The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware: A twisty mystery perfect for summer travel, with a suspenseful plot that will keep you hooked.
• The Guest List by Lucy Fokley: A locked-room mystery set during a lavish wedding on a remote island; this summer thriller is full of twists and turns.
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty: A captivating story about the lives of wealthy mothers and the dark secrets they hide, ideal for a relaxing summer read.
• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: A page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end, making it a must-read summer thriller.
• The Reversal by Michael Connelly: A legal thriller perfect for fans of crime fiction, this summer read is filled with suspense and intrigue.

Escapist Fiction for Lazy Summer Afternoons

For those seeking relaxation and a break from reality, escapist fiction offers the perfect summer escape. Lose yourself in charming romances, fantastical worlds, or historical adventures. These relaxing novels are ideal for lazy afternoons by the pool or beach.

• Evvie Drake Starts Over by Anna Beth McPartlin: A charming romance perfect for lazy afternoons, offering a feel-good escape.
• People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry: A heartwarming summer romance about two best friends who take annual vacations together.
• The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood: A delightful rom-com with a STEM setting—perfect for a lighthearted summer read.
• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab: A captivating fantasy novel about a woman cursed to be forgotten, offering a magical summer escape.
• Circe by Madeline Miller: A captivating reimagining of the Greek myth of Circe, offering a mesmerizing summer read.
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A classic romance novel, perfect for a quiet summer afternoon.
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A captivating tale of Hollywood glamour and secrets, ideal for a relaxing summer read.

Thought-Provoking Literary Fiction for Quiet Evenings

Summer evenings offer the perfect opportunity to delve into thought-provoking literary fiction. These books spark conversation, encourage introspection, and provide intellectual stimulation, making them ideal for quiet summer nights.

• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: A poignant coming-of-age story exploring themes of nature and justice, perfect for summer contemplation.
• Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: A gripping novel exploring themes of class, motherhood, and identity, great for a thought-provoking summer read.
• Normal People by Sally Rooney: A beautifully written novel exploring the complexities of relationships, ideal for those seeking intellectual stimulation.
• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman: A heartwarming and poignant novel about loneliness and connection, perfect for quiet summer evenings.
• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara: A powerful and emotionally resonant novel that explores themes of trauma and resilience.
• Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: A richly detailed novel about race, identity, and immigration, ideal for a summer of reflection.
• My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh: A darkly humorous and insightful novel about a young woman's quest for self-discovery.

Engaging Mysteries to Keep You Guessing

Mysteries are perfect companions for summer reading. Their intricate plots and unexpected twists will keep you guessing until the very last page. These captivating tales are ideal for those seeking a stimulating summer escape.

• The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: A thrilling historical mystery that will keep you captivated from beginning to end.
• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: A psychological thriller that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.
• And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie: A classic whodunit that remains as captivating today as it was when it was first published.
• The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell: A gothic mystery with a chilling atmosphere.
• The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins: A classic Victorian mystery full of suspense and intrigue.
• The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie: A classic mystery novel with a shocking twist that will leave you speechless.
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt: A dark and atmospheric mystery that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

Other Genre Recommendations

For those seeking other genres, we also recommend exploring compelling science fiction epics, sweeping historical fiction sagas, and fascinating biographies. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

This curated list of 30 must-read summer books offers diverse genres to suit every taste, ensuring a thrilling and enriching summer of reading. Whether you crave suspense, romance, or intellectual stimulation, these titles promise an unforgettable escape.

Start your summer reading adventure today! Grab a copy of your next must-read summer book and lose yourself in the pages of a captivating story. Explore our complete list and find your perfect summer read. Don't miss out on these amazing must-read summer books!