Literary Escape: The Summer Reads you need to know about
Nothing quite deflates our excitement about relaxing in the sunshine quite like picking the wrong book. Whatever your genre of choice, Jarrolds can share a little of their insider knowledge and know-how to find you the book which will be having you say ‘is it that time already?’
For some, nothing is more enjoyable than the juxtaposition of a bright carefree day and a dark psychological thriller. Mind and body are both sated in their environments and who can blame them? It’s a joy to have your skin warmed by the sun while your mind is taken on an adventure through human complexity.
Bright Young Women, Jessica Knoll £9.99
Fresh from Jessica Knoll, the author of Luckiest Girl Alive, is this compelling thriller which is perfect for those with an ever-so-slightly morbid fascination with true crime and serial killers. Based on the life of Ted Bundy, the novel concentrates on the lives of his victims and also those left behind following the killings. Written with tension and harrowing accuracy, Bright Young Women makes the perfect partner poolside for those in search for thrilling story of murder and what it means to survive.
The Whispering Muse, Laura Purcell £8.99
Set in Victorian London, this is a spinetingling tale of superstitions and curses. It is the story of a friendship between Lilth, star of the Mercury Theatre and Jenny, the backstage dresser who is sent to spy on her. What unfolds is dark, disturbing and somewhat tragic novel where greed, ambition and jealousy tangle a web with tragedy at its core.
The nuances of dark gothic tales on summer days is one to be enjoyed and savoured. A bit like putting the light on to read ghost stories, try curling up with something spooky in the sunshine. Spooky stories are usually reserved for the darker evenings of October but why not break the mould and try something a little scary this summer.
Cosy crime does not need to be enjoyed fireside but poolside. This subgenre of books combines crime, comedy and a quintessential British-ness that is quickly becoming a book lover favourite.
A new release which is an original, hilarious and heart-warming crime novel about a woman investigating her own death and she is not happy about it. There are many relatable themes including grief and atonement, but all are given with a dark satirical humour which will have you reeling with joy.
Dr Miriam Price must prove she’s been murdered but or spend the next fifty years in the lobby of the afterworld. With her corpse found on her bedroom floor amid bottles of scattered pills and empty vodka bottles, the consensus is that Dr Miriam Price died by ‘misadventure’ but with the aid of an elderly neighbour, she must work against the clock to find her murderer.
Plenty of heart with the twists and turns expected in a mustery, this is a great read for holidays.