At first, I thought it might be a bit strange how much I enjoyed mystery and thriller books set in picturesque, luxurious locales. But with the cult following of The White Lotus and the emergence of the “vacation thriller” genre, I’ve come to realize I’m certainly not the only one who enjoys a thrilling page-turner with a side of tropical drinks in a dreamy location.
Vacation thrillers have become my go-to choice for any relaxing getaway (ironic, I know), and whether you are already a fan or new to this genre of fiction, here are five book recommendations for your next vacation!
1. Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
Overview: Set on the sun-soaked shores of a Hamptons beach town, Bad Summer People follows a group of wealthy vacationers whose carefree lives are turned upside down by secrets, betrayal, and murder. A perfect read if you’re craving a beachside thriller with plenty of drama and suspense.
My Thoughts: This book is my favorite of the ones I’ve listed because it was an effortless read with pretty good character development, and it kept me interested. I felt like I was in the Hamptons with the characters, and I enjoy when a book draws me in like that.
2. The Retreat by Sarah Pearse
Overview: A wellness retreat in the mountains promises serenity, but it quickly becomes a place of terror when guests begin disappearing. With a chilling atmosphere and an unpredictable plot, this psychological thriller is perfect for readers who want their vacation to be filled with suspense and intrigue.
My Thoughts: This is the second book I’ve read by Sarah Pearse. I didn’t think this one was quite as well-written as The Sanitorium because she leaned a little too heavily on “wellness girlie” stereotypes that I find silly, but it still checked the boxes for me as a solid book selection for vacation. I love the wellness resort setting, and the mystery was enough to keep me intrigued.
3. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Overview: A luxury cruise turns into a nightmare when a woman disappears from her cabin, and no one believes the protagonist’s claims. Suspenseful and atmospheric, this thriller is perfect for readers who love a good mystery with a claustrophobic setting and plenty of twists.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed the luxury cruise ship setting of this book, but I did find the main character a little hard to like at the beginning of the book. However, once the plot took off, that feeling faded and I was committed to finding out what took place on the ship.
4. The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
When three friends rent a villa in Italy for a summer getaway, they’re hoping to reconnect and enjoy some relaxation. But the house’s dark history of scandal and murder soon unravels, pulling them into a tangled web of secrets and danger. A compelling mix of past and present, this book will keep you hooked from start to finish.
My Thoughts: This book is a bit more of a slow burn than the other books. The mystery is not action packed, but I enjoyed the writing style and the vibrant descriptions of the settings throughout the book.
5. Kismet by Amina Akhtar
Overview: Seduced by the promise of self-improvement, Ronnie trades her familiar life for the luxe wellness scene in Sedona, Arizona. But as the mountain retreats and juice cleanses turn darker, Ronnie begins to question the whole “find your best self” philosophy.
My Thoughts: I’m not going to lie; I chuckled a little bit during some of the cliche wellness experiences in this book. As someone who is into wellness, some parts were laughably cliche, but I thought that was more entertaining than offensive. This was an easy read, and it satisfied my need for a vacation thriller.
The next time you’re planning a getaway, make sure to pack one of these thrilling reads in your suitcase. Happy reading and safe travels!
All photos are sourced from Amazon.
