Books
12 of the best thrillers for escapism
As the weather turns more dreary, now is the perfect time to lose yourself in a page-turning thriller – especially one that will transport you to a far-flung location. The following are the best murder mysteries set in a tropical paradise, desert island, or otherwise idyllic setting that is not dreary England (although sometimes we enjoy those, too). Whether you’re looking for a psychological thriller or a detective novel, there’s something for everyone on the list below…
Best thrillers for escapism in 2024
Murder on Lake Garda by Tom Hindle
Murder on Lake Garda by Tom Hindle
On a glittering island overlooking Lake Garda, wedding guests await the arrival of the bride. Instead, they are greeted by the sound of a blood-curdling scream. Trapped on the island, the guests must find a killer before they strike again…
With its gorgeous atmosphere, crackling tension and colourful cast of characters, Murder on Lake Garda is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie.
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
Fire Island is the playground of the Manhattan elite, where they go to gossip, stir up old rivalries, and conduct illicit affairs. But this summer, the games end in murder. Much like the hit TV series The White Lotus, this sun-drenched story of rich people behaving badly opens with the discovery of a dead body. It’s down to the reader to figure out who has been murdered – and who is responsible.
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
The bestselling author of The Silent Patient returns with another page-turner with a unique premise. A reclusive former movie star invites six friends to a private island. Within 36 hours, one of the guests is dead, but this is no simple whodunnit. The Fury is a masterclass in plot twists and suspense – we can see why David Baldacci calls Alex Michaelides “the king of all unreliable narrators”.
The Liars by Katherine Fleet
The Liars by Katherine Fleet
It has been 25 years since Zoe first met Lex on holiday in Greece. They swore to keep the events of that summer – especially what happened to missing person Abigail – a secret. But now they’re back on the island, and their lies are about to catch up with them. The Liars is a brilliant thriller, with a heart-pounding plot that will keep you hooked until the last page.
Private Monaco by James Patterson
Private Monaco by James Patterson
Jack Morgan has been invited to Monaco to set up a new office for the Private detective agency, but the vacation is cut short when his partner Justine is abducted. The kidnappers send him clear instructions: to save her, he will have to kill someone. Blending high glamour with fast-paced action, Private Monaco is the perfect read for summer escapism.
If you enjoy Private Monaco, we recommend the rest of James Patterson’s Private series.
The Lagos Wife by Vanessa Walters
The Lagos Wife by Vanessa Walters
On the surface, Nicole has the perfect life: a handsome husband, a palatial home in Lagos, and a glamorous group of expat friends. So, when she disappears, the police are flummoxed. Nicole’s aunt flies to Nigeria to investigate, but the more she digs, the more the cracks in Nicole’s perfect life seem to show… The Lagos Wife is perfect for fans of Big Little Lies.
The Guests by Nikki Smith
The Guests by Nikki Smith
The Hamilton family are hoping for an idyllic holiday in the Maldives to distract them from their personal problems. But as each of them makes questionable decisions, events spiral out of control until a grisly discovery is made. If you loved The White Lotus or Smith’s previous thriller The Beach Party, we recommend packing The Guests in your suitcase this summer.
Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson
Eruption by James Patterson and Michael Crichton
Eruption is one of the most highly-anticipated thrillers of 2024. A volcanic eruption threatens to destroy a Hawaiian island and expose a decades-old military secret that could end the world as we know it. This action-packed page-turner combines the gripping plot you’d expect from bestselling author James Patterson with the escapist setting you’d expect from the late Jurassic Park creator Michael Crichton.
Bad Tourists by Caro Carver
Bad Tourists by Caro Carver
Darcy, Camilla and Kate’s friendship was founded on tragedy: all three lost people they knew when a group of students and their professor were murdered in a senseless killing 20 years ago. The event still haunts them and now, on a trip to the Maldives, they fear history repeating itself. Because there, in paradise, is a cold-blooded killer, intent on revenge.
The Resort by Sara Ochs
The Resort by Sara Ochs
Cass is a diving instructor in Thailand who has found a group of expat friends who feel more like family, each with their own reason for leaving their previous lives behind. But when a dead body is found in the water, nobody is safe. This isn’t the first mysterious death on the island – and it won’t be the last.
She Started It by Sian Gilbert
She Started It by Sian Gilbert
A group of school friends reunite for an extravagant hen party in the Bahamas, courtesy of their old friend Poppy. Nobody has spoken to Poppy in years, but who would turn down an all-expenses-paid trip and the chance to reconnect? By the time they arrive, and realise the remote island is completely cut off from the outside world, it’s too late. They have underestimated Poppy – and each other.
The Villa by Jess Ryder
The Villa by Jess Ryder
Three years ago, a bride-to-be died at her own hen party. Now, her closest friends return to the scene of the crime, looking for closure. But soon, old tensions begin to rise. Everyone has a different version of what happened that night, but who is telling the truth? This tense psychological thriller will have you hooked, and we guarantee you won’t predict the ending…
For even more inspiration of what to read this summer, check out our round-up of the best mysteries and thrillers of 2024.
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