Looking for the perfect book to pair with your sunscreen, flip flops, and brand new bikini? I’ve been there and got you covered!
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as combining a summer vacation with an easy to grab-and-go paperback. No matter where you are, there’s just something about these stories that just makes your day feel even brighter.
Without any further introduction, here are my 2024 beach reads – all guaranteed to make you want some sun, sea, and excellent plot. I’ve broken each of my favorite genres down into really great stories that you can easily dive into.
What Makes A Good Beach Read?
When it comes to choosing the perfect beach read, there are a few key elements that make all the difference. First, look for books that are easy to dive into—think engaging plots that grab your attention right away. A good beach read should be light and entertaining, without requiring too much mental effort. This makes it easy to pick up and put down between swims or while enjoying the sun.
Also, consider stories with a fun or uplifting vibe, whether it’s a heartwarming romance, a breezy mystery, or a fun adventure. Lastly, compact books or e-books are great because they fit easily into your beach bag without weighing you down.
2024 Beach Reads By Genre
When it comes to a beach read in 2024, there are only three genres I consider appropriate: mystery / thriller, romance, and easy breezy fiction. While this is by no means a compiled list of every genre available, it’s what myself + all my friends consider to be fun stories by the water.
Mystery / Thriller Recommendations
Want some suspense on your beach day? Check out some Mystery/Thriller picks. These gripping reads will keep you hooked, adding some excitement to your relaxation by the sea. I’m not recommending anything too scary, but just a great plot for you to dive (literally and figuratively) into.
- “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave: A gripping mystery about a woman searching for the truth behind her husband’s sudden disappearance.
- “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley: A suspenseful thriller set in a luxurious Paris apartment building with dark secrets lurking behind closed doors.
- “The Maid” by Nita Prose: A cozy mystery featuring a quirky hotel maid who becomes entangled in a murder investigation.
- “The Night Shift” by Alex Finlay: A fast-paced thriller about a series of murders linked by a common thread, with twists that will keep you guessing.
- “The House Across the Lake” by Riley Sager: A chilling tale about a woman who witnesses suspicious activities across the lake from her secluded cabin, leading to unexpected and terrifying revelations.
- “None of This Is True” by Lisa Jewell: A psychological thriller about a woman who becomes entangled in the dark secrets of a seemingly perfect couple she meets at a party.
- “The Fury” by Alex Michaelides: A gripping story of a psychologist uncovering shocking truths while investigating a murder surrounding a Hollywood star.
- “First Lie Wins” by Ashley Elston: A twisty thriller where a young woman’s carefully constructed life of lies begins to unravel, leading to dangerous consequences.
Romance Recommendations
In the mood for love stories by the waves? I can’t think of any genre more perfect for beach reading. If you’re new to the love of the beach read, romance is a great genre to start. Heartwarming tales and romantic adventures are paired really well with enjoying the sun. Spoiler Alert: Emily Henry OWNS the beach romance genre.
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry: This is THE beach read; a story about two writers with writer’s block who swap genres for the summer, leading to unexpected romance and self-discovery.
- “Happy Place” by Emily Henry: A heartwarming story about a couple who pretends to still be together for a vacation with friends, rediscovering their love along the way.
- “People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry: A charming romance about two best friends who reconnect on an annual summer trip after a falling out, exploring the fine line between friendship and love.
- “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry: A story of a literary agent and an editor who keep running into each other in a small town, only to discover they have more in common than they thought.
- “Hello, Summer” by Laura Dave: A must-read novel about a woman returning to her coastal hometown to uncover family secrets, while navigating a new romance.
- “The Spanish Love Deception” by Elena Armas: A slow-burn romance featuring a fake relationship between two coworkers attending a wedding in Spain, with plenty of sparks and chemistry.
- “The Lost Summers of Newport” by L.M. Elliott: A historical romance set in Newport, Rhode Island, following a young woman’s summer of secrets, scandals, and unexpected romance.
- “It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey: A steamy and entertaining romance about a Hollywood “It Girl” who finds herself falling for a rugged small-town fisherman while proving she can handle her new life.
Easy Breezy Fiction Recommendations
This is the catch-all genre recommendation for a perfect beach read that doesn’t necessarily fit into the romance or thriller categories. The qualities of these stories are engaging, light-hearted, and meant to be really relaxing. Typically, this is the “genre” I like to choose for the beach.
- “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A captivating novel about a famous family throwing an epic party in Malibu in the 1980s, with secrets, drama, and romance.
- “Park Avenue Summer” by Renee Rosen: A delightful historical fiction novel about a young woman who becomes the assistant to Helen Gurley Brown, the first female editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine.
- “The Bookish Life of Nina Hill” by Abbi Waxman: A heartwarming and witty novel about a quirky bookworm who discovers the importance of family and love.
- “The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary: A feel-good romance about two flatmates who communicate through notes and slowly develop a bond, despite never meeting in person.
- “The Summer of Sunshine and Margot” by Susan Mallery: A light and breezy story about twin sisters who decide to reinvent themselves and find love during a summer spent in the Hamptons.
- “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion: A quirky and humorous novel about a socially awkward genetics professor who embarks on a quest to find love using a scientific approach.
- “Evvie Drake Starts Over” by Linda Holmes: A charming and poignant story about a young widow and a former Major League pitcher who come together to heal and find happiness.
- “The Wives” by Lauren Weisberger: A fun and breezy novel that follows the ups and downs of a group of glamorous friends living in New York City.
2024 Beach Reads: Wrap Up
This list is just a starting point—there are plenty more delightful reads waiting to be discovered. Regardless if you’re lounging poolside or soaking up the sun at the beach, I hope these recommendations encourage you to try a new book or genre. Enjoy your summer without screens + a good story.
Do you have any 2024 beach reads you’re absolutely in love with? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest on HIGHSTRUNG, check out my recent posts:
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