Enjoyable Reading Material for Extended Summer Periods
Summer may be a time for sunshine and relaxation, but for some readers, the season is also the perfect opportunity to delve into a psychological thriller that offers a darker, more uneasy reading experience. Here are some recommendations that balance the bright, summery backdrops with suspenseful themes, creating a contrast that heightens unease and psychological intensity.
First up is "This Book Will Bury Me" by Ashley Winstead, a dark book recommended for those who prefer a summer with a dose of unease. The story follows Jane Sharpe, who gravitates to online true-crime sleuthing after her father's death and investigates a brutal triple murder.
Another chilling read is "Coram House" by Bailey Seybolt, a stunning debut that takes place in January in Burlington, Vermont. The story follows Alex Kelley, a scorned crime author and widow who accepts a position as the ghost writer of a book detailing the tragedies that happened throughout the 20th century at a Burlington Orphanage known as Coram House. As Alex's research leads her to the truth of what really happened at Coram House decades ago, it's clear that the orphanage's crimes won't stay in the past.
For those who prefer a more international setting, "The Resort" by Ashley Winstead is set on a remote island off the coast of Thailand and follows a group of expats with mysterious pasts.
If you're in the mood for a psychological thriller set beneath the Tuscan summer sun, look no further than "Diavola" by Jennifer Marie Thorne. The story follows Anna, a protagonist not looking forward to her family vacation at an Italian villa but finds herself in a haunted past she may never escape.
For readers seeking a somewhat quieter but still uneasy summer mystery with a child narrator uncovering family secrets, consider "A Beautiful Family" by Jennifer Trevelyan, set in a beachside home but with slowly mounting suspense.
For those who prefer a more suspenseful and addictive read, "All Her Fault" by Andrea Mara is an ideal choice. The story starts with a mother's worst nightmare and involves a web of secrets and lies.
Finally, "This Stays Between Us" by Andrea Mara takes place throughout the east coast of Australia and involves a group of international students who participated in a study abroad program, one of whom died and another went missing. The story suggests that there may be a murderer among the reunited group.
These titles are ideal for readers seeking thrillers that exploit the unsettling undercurrents lurking beneath summer's surface. They offer a darker, more tense reading experience that is perfect for those who prefer their summer with a dose of unease. Happy reading!
These recommendations cater to readers who crave a psychological thrill, even during the summer months. From "This Book Will Bury Me" set in a sunny yet chilling digital world to the international intrigue of "The Resort", these books subtly juxtapose bright backdrops with suspenseful themes, immerse readers in unsettling mysteries, and deliver a dose of psychological intensity that complements a summer lifestyle. Alternatively, for those seeking a more tranquil yet suspenseful read, "A Beautiful Family" and "This Stays Between Us" offer quieter yet uneasy summer mysteries.
