Summer might have taken its sweet time to arrive but it’s finally here and so too are those long, lazy days of relaxing outside with your head buried in a good book. If you’re seeking fiction recommendations, our summer picks have something for every bookish taste, from transportive fantasy to tense mysteries to heart-fluttering romance and everything in between. And the best news? All but one of the books are out now – so you can load up your shopping basket straight away.

Fantasy

The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields

Twenty-one-year-old Marigold Claude has no interest in pursuing marriage like other ladies her age. So when her grandmother whisks her away to the tiny Isle of Innisfree to become the next Honey Witch, she accepts immediately. But her newfound magic comes with a price: No one can fall in love with a Honey Witch. Enter Lottie Burke, a grumpy sceptic who doesn’t believe in magic. Marigold can’t resist the chance to prove her magic is real and sparks soon fly between the two. As an old darkness threatens everything Marigold has come to care for, she must fight for not only her home and family legacy, but for her heart and future too. If you love your fantasy imbued with whimsical magic, nature and a cosy cottagecore atmosphere, then Sydney J. Shields’ sapphic debut is the perfect piece of escapism. (Orbit)

The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons

In a world ruled by dragons, Anahrod lives a solitary life in the harsh jungles of the Deep. When she’s saved from a local warlord by a cunning band of misfits, Anahrod is drawn into a plot to steal from a dragon’s hoard. Only the hoard in question belongs to the current regent who also happens to want Anahrod dead. Dragons have made a roaring comeback in fantasy fiction and whilst this isn’t Jenn Lyons’ first foray into writing about powerful dragons and epic fights for survival (something fans of her A Chorus of Dragons series will already know), this fun, high-stakes heist adventure will entice all the Fourth Wing readers who’ve only recently fallen for the dangerous and alluring charms of dragons and their riders. (Tor)

Cold Hearted by Leia Stone & Julie Hall

Every hundred years a curse descends on Faerie, ravaging its lands and killing its people. The Summer Court princess has always been the one to stop it and this year it’s Dawn’s turn. Her task is simple: travel to the mirror realm, find the Ethereum Lord and return to Faerie with his magical heart. Being taken captive by a handsome royal guard certainly wasn’t part of the plan but Dawn is willing to play by his rules to fulfil her mission – a mission that isn’t quite as straightforward as she thought it would be. Combining their fantasy writing forces, Leia Stone and Julie Hall have crafted a fast-paced, fae-filled romantasy that weaves in flirty banter, slow-burn romance and some of the most beloved tropes of the genre: enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, only one bed. Read it before the next book hits shelves in October. (HQ)

The Night Ends With Fire by K. X. Song

Inspired by the legend of Mulan and the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history, K. X. Song’s crossover fantasy follows Meilin as she disguises herself as a boy and answers the imperial draft in her father’s place. Her decision isn’t out of familial love or loyalty to her country but for her own ambition. Meilin’s fierce determination and competitive work ethic grants her recognition and friendship in the army, particularly with Sky, a prince turned training partner. But with the future of her kingdom hanging in the balance and Meilin plagued by visions of a sea dragon spirit with the power to grant her magic, she must decide where her love and loyalty truly lies. The Night Ends With Fire is a sweepingly epic, emotive and romantic tale with threads of folklore and a deeply courageous heroine who desires more from the life she was born into. (Hodderscape)

Mysteries & Suspense

The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby by Ellery Lloyd

The latest book from husband and wife writing duo Ellery Lloyd takes readers into the art world across three different time periods and settings. In Paris, 1938, runaway heiress Juliette Willoughby perishes in an accidental studio fire along with her married lover and her Surrealist masterpiece. In Cambridge, 1991, two art history students stumble across evidence that points to sinister secrets surrounding Juliette’s death and her aristocratic family. In present day Dubai, an art dealer is accused of the murder of his oldest friend, the last surviving member of the Willoughby dynasty. But how are these deaths, separated by decades and countries, linked? And is the key to unlocking the mystery hidden in Juliette’s lost painting? Part historical thriller, part dark family mystery, The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby is a twisty, multi-layered novel that’s difficult to put down. (Macmillan)

The Next Girl by Emiko Jean

It’s been twenty years since Detective Chelsey Calhoun lost her sister and she’s been searching ever since: for signs, for closure, for other missing girls. When local teenager Ellie Black is found in Washington State woods two years after her disappearance, Chelsey is determined to find out where she’s been and who she’s protecting. Because there’s something not quite right about this girl who returned when so many others haven’t. Is it trauma keeping her silent, or is there another reason she won’t talk? Best known for her YA and women’s fiction, Emiko Jean blends police procedural with cleverly plotted psychological thrills and a taut atmosphere to create a story that readers can really invest in. It unfolds slowly and carefully, which only adds to the dark feel pervading the book. (Viking)

What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena

It wouldn’t be a summer reads list without a new Shari Lapena book. What Have You Done? continues the author’s winning formula of secrets and suspects in a seemingly harmless community. This time readers are invited into the rural town of Fairhill, Vermont, where everyone knows everyone, curtains rarely twitch and front doors are left unlocked. But that all changes when a local girl is found dead in a farmer’s field and suddenly the friendly, familiar faces become fearful and accusing. Because someone in Fairhill did this and everyone wants answers. Shifting between perspectives and simmering with suspense, this is a novel that keeps you constantly questioning the characters’ motives as you unravel their secrets. (Bantam)

D Is For Death by Harriet F. Townson

D Is For Death is the first book in a brand-new historical crime series from bestselling author Harriet Evans (writing under the pen name Townson). Set in 1935, it introduces readers to Dora Wildwood as she sets off for London in a bid to escape an unsuitable marriage to a loathsome man. It’s whilst hiding in the London Library that she stumbles upon her first dead body. Thrown into the middle of a murder scene, Dora is certain she can help the gruff Detective Inspector Fox and resolves to make herself as invaluable to his investigation as possible. This isn’t your average cosy crime novel. With an Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery and a perceptive, hugely likeable amateur sleuth to guide the way, this is an entertaining and nostalgic whodunnit with vivid period detail. (Hodder & Stoughton)

Thrillers

Girl Friends by Alex Dahl

Charlotte has a seemingly perfect life – a successful career, a loving family – but she’s secretly bored and craving something new. So when she meets bold and free-spirited Bianka, the two quickly become inseparable and Charlotte invites Bianka on her annual girl’s trip to Ibiza with her childhood friends. It’s a chance to drink too much and flirt with strangers, to live wildly and act without consequence. But what happens in Ibiza doesn’t always stay there, and their impulsive actions on holiday will follow them home. Dark and compulsively readable, Girl Friends is an unsettling exploration of toxic friendship and complicated power dynamics, as well as the lengths people will go to in order to protect the lives they’ve created for themselves. (Head of Zeus)

Redemption by Jack Jordan

If Jack Jordan’s previous books Do No Harm and Conviction taught readers anything, it’s that he’s an author who can write a killer moral dilemma story. Redemption continues the theme of characters having to make impossible choices as a husband must stop his wife from harming the man who killed their son. For Evelyn, eleven years in jail isn’t adequate punishment for the man who killed her child in a hit-and-run. Consumed by grief and rage, she’s been waiting for Aaron’s release so that she can exact the vengeance he deserves. But her husband Tobias knows what she’s planning and as the couple embark on a road trip to track Aaron down, Tobias is determined to save Evelyn from herself, even if it means protecting Aaron too. Not only is this a pacy and tense nail-biter of a thriller but it’s also a very human story about the nature of loss and grief. (Simon & Schuster)

The Summer Party by Kate Gray

Mel can’t believe her luck when she’s invited, along with a select group of her colleagues, to spend the night after their company summer party at an ultra-luxe hotel. The former naval base in the Solent is only accessible by boat and promises a glamourous evening to remember. It’s just what the team needs but as the night rolls on and the alcohol flows, cracks in the company’s happy family facade start to appear. And as a thunderstorm closes in, one accident leads to another, and nobody is quite as innocent as they seem. Though someone is more guilty than the rest. If you love a locked-room mystery à la And Then There Were None, then Kate Gray’s thriller is the twisty beach read to keep you entertained this summer. (Mountain Leopard Press)

Romance

Cross The Line by Simone Soltani

Sports romances have exploded over the last few years but you don’t get many love stories that centre around the high stakes world of motorsports. That’s why Simone Soltani’s Cross the Line feels like such a breath of fresh air. It centres around Formula 1 driver Dev, who’s in need of a public image overhaul, and recent college grad Willow, the little sister of Dev’s best friend, who desperately needs a job. So when Dev offers Willow a temporary solution, she can’t help but say yes. Despite the old chemistry and lingering feelings between the two, Dev and Willow are determined to keep things strictly professional. But some lines are meant to be crossed… Equal parts sweet and sizzling, this is a contemporary romance with diversity and plenty of pining. Perfect pool-side reading material. (Pan)

Let The Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura

Rufaro Faith Mazarura’s debut novel whisks readers away to sun-soaked Athens, where a charming athlete and an ambitious intern collide against the backdrop of the 2024 Olympics. Zeke is the star sprinter for Team GB but the competition is stirring up uncomfortable memories from his past. Olivia is the new graduate whose career-making internship is turning into a nightmare. Sparks fly when they meet on the first day of the games and something unexpected begins, but is there room for romance when they’re both chasing their dreams? An uplifting coming-of-age romance full of witty banter, self-discovery and sunshine – all the ingredients you could want from a light-hearted summer romance. (Penguin)

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

Eileen Merriweather loves a good love story. Because fictional men don’t break your heart. That’s why she’s so excited for her annual book club retreat. But when her car breaks down en route, she inexplicably finds herself in the quaint town of Eloraton – the storybook setting of her favourite romance series. Only the town is trapped in time, forever frozen in the late author’s last unfinished book. Eileen is sure she’s there to help the town find its happy ending but there’s a character in Eloraton that she doesn’t recognise: a grumpy bookstore owner who doesn’t want her to finish the town’s story. Which is a problem, because Eileen’s happy-ever-after seems to be directly tied to the town’s. Ashley Poston’s magical realism rom-com features every book lover’s dream scenario but it’s also a heartwarming, hopeful small-town story that’s a pure escape from reality. (HQ)

Love At First Book by Jenn McKinlay

When introverted librarian Emily’s favourite author offers her a job in her bookstore, she moves to Ireland without a second thought. Helping Siobhan overcome writer’s block and finish the final book in her acclaimed series is a dream come true for Em. If only she didn’t have to deal with Siobhan’s son, Kieran, the bookstore’s grouchy manager who doesn’t want Em around. Thrown into the role of peacemaker when Siobhan’s heath takes a bad turn, Em begins to see beyond Kieran’s cantankerous demeanour. And as her feelings grow, she’s torn between helping Siobhan find closure and what could be a new chapter in her own love story. With its idyllic Irish setting, Love At First Book is a grumpy/sunshine romance with loveable bookish characters and genuine emotional heart. (Penguin)

Historical Fiction

A Woman Of Opinion by Sean Lusk

Shining a spotlight on poet, feminist and medical pioneer Lady Mary Worley Montagu, Sean Lusk’s second historical novel is set across the 18th century and follows the daring aristocrat’s plight for freedom, adventure and equality. A tireless advocate for women’s rights, Mary’s story takes her from London to Constantinople, where she observes Turkish women ‘engrafting’ children against smallpox and resolves to bring the inoculation back to England. But Mary’s forward-thinking behaviour and outspoken opinions earn her powerful enemies, as well as opposition from her own daughter. Exploring not only a fascinating period in world history but also the life of a strong-minded woman who refused to be silenced by society’s expectations, A Woman of Opinion is not only brilliantly written but enlightening too. (Doubleday)

See Also

Rufaro Faith Mazarura: Why I wrote a Campus Novel set at the Olympics

A Poisoner’s Tale by Cathryn Kemp

Cathyn Kemp’s first foray into historical fiction gives a voice to the legendary Giulia Tofana, the first documented female serial killer in history. Readers are whisked back in time to 17th century Italy where Giulia, alongside a circle of female poisoners, dispenses her deadly potion to free downtrodden women from the shackles of their violent husbands and abusers. As the powerful men of Rome begin to fall, a newly elected Pope and the Holy Office of the Inquisition set out to rid the city of heretics, witches and dangerous, disobedient women like Guilia. A darkly gothic fictionalised account of Giulia’s life and work, A Poisoner’s Tale prompts poignant questions of morality and justice. It’s a story that’s guaranteed to stay with you long after reading it. (Bantam)

The King’s Witches by Kate Foster

The year is 1589 and Princess Anna of Denmark is betrothed to King James VI of Scotland in a union designed to unite the two countries. But first Anna must pass a one-year trial period and prove herself worthy of being Scotland’s new queen. By Anna’s side is her loyal lady’s maid Kirsten Sorenson, who has her own motive for making sure the royal marriage is a success. Anna and Kirsten’s entwined story runs alongside that of a young housemaid and healer called Jura, who finds herself caught up in the witchcraft mania that’s gripped Edinburgh. Moving between Anna, Kirsten and Jura’s perspectives, The King’s Witches blends fact and fiction to bring the North Berwick witch trials to life in vivid, haunting detail. (Mantle)

The Silence In Between by Josie Ferguson

Lisette lives in East Berlin but brings her new-born baby to a hospital in West Berlin. Under doctor’s orders, she goes home to rest, leaving the baby in the care of the hospital. Chaos descends on the city overnight when the border between East and West closes, slicing the capital in two and separating Lisette from her child. Lisette’s teenage daughter, Elly, has always struggled to understand the distance between herself and her mother. In a desperate bid to bridge the gap, she hatches a plan to escape East Berlin, find her brother and bring him home. Moving between Berlin in 1961 and the 1940’s, this dual POV novel is a gut-wrenching but beautiful novel about love, family, resilience and music. The construction of the Berlin Wall feels unimaginable for those of us who weren’t alive during that time but Ferguson explores both the aftermath and the events leading up to it with a deft hand. (Doubleday)

The Best of the Rest

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer

Professional underachiever Dan is enjoying an all-inclusive vacation on a paradise island with his girlfriend Mara when the sun quite literally explodes. Plunged into darkness and stranded from the outside world, the ultra-rich guests declare themselves the new ruling class and a hierarchy is soon imposed. As temperatures drop and class tensions rise, Dan reluctantly finds himself the spearhead of a burgeoning revolution. When he discovers a potential way off the island, he must decide whether to take his chance to flee with Mara or stick around and become the world’s most unlikely hero. Billed as Lord of the Flies meets White Lotus, this deeply satirical, speculative comedy is a fun, action-packed and wildly original apocalyptic ride from beginning to end. (Zaffre)

One Grand Summer by Ewald Arenz

Sixteen-year-old Frieder’s plans for summer are shattered when he fails two subjects and must resit his exams. So instead of going on holiday with his family, he’s forced to spend the summer at his grandparents’ house, studying with his strict and formal step-grandfather. There is a bright side though – he’ll also get to spend time with his grandmother, his sister Alma, his best friend Johann, and a girl in a beautiful green swimsuit called Beate. Taking place over the course of an unforgettable and evocative coming-of-age summer, Ewald Arenz’s story of friendship, family and first love perfectly captures the simultaneous wonders and tragedies of youth. (Orenda Books)

We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

Having started out as a short horror story on Reddit, Marcus Kliewer’s novella has now reached a whole new audience and it’s easy to see why. Chilling and filled with a permeating sense of dread from the very first chapter, We Used To Live Here centres around young couple Eve and Charlie who live in an old house in a beautiful yet remote neighbourhood nestled deep in the mountains. One day there’s a knock on the door. A man stands on the threshold with his family, claiming to have lived there years before. He asks if he can show his kids around. Eve, always a people pleaser, reluctantly lets them in. But then strange things start happening and the family won’t leave. And when Charlie vanishes, Eve begins to lose her grip on reality. This is the kind of story that leaves your head spinning for days. (Bantam)

This Motherless Land by Nikki May

Anyone who enjoyed Nikki May’s sharp and darkly witty debut, Wahala, will have been patiently waiting to get their hands on the author’s second book, a decolonial loose retelling of Mansfield Park. Set in modern-day Lagos and Somerset, it centres around two cousins living in the long shadow of their family legacy. Sent to live with her maternal family in England after her mother dies in a tragic accident, Funke just wants to fit in. Free-spirited Liv, on the other hand, has always wanted to break free of her joyless family. Together, the cousins give each other what they need most: love. But as the years pass and the two grow up, the past will shape the path of their adult lives. Split into four parts spanning between 1978-1998, This Motherless Land is an unmissable novel about identity, prejudice, sisterhood and grief. (Doubleday)

Yeonnam-dong’s Smiley Laundromat by Kim Jiyun

When a mysterious notebook is left behind in the cosy Yeonnam-dong Smiley Laundromat, customers start jotting down candid diary entries and opening their hearts to their neighbours. But there’s a darker story behind the notebook and soon the laundromat’s locals are teaming up to solve the mystery and put the world to rights. You’ll have to wait until the end of summer to read this Korean bestseller set in a rapidly gentrifying district of Seoul, but it’s definitely one to add to the late-August TBR list if you’re in need of a warm, thoughtful and soul-soothing read. (Maclehose Press)