Savvy Summer Reading Series: Mystery/Thriller
This month for part 3 of our 4 part Savvy Summer Reading Series, we are recommending five books from one of our favorite genres: Mystery/Thriller! So get ready and hold on to the edge of your seats because these titles are chalk full of all of the suspense, intrigue, and plot twists that make for a perfect beach read.
1. 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
Quick rundown: An undeniable connection starts a newly budding relationship between Ciara and Oliver, but as soon as it begins COVID-19 hits the Irish shores where they met. So instead of letting lockdown keep them apart, Ciara decides to move in with Oliver. 56 days later, lockdown lifts, and a body is discovered at Oliver’s apartment. What happened in those 56 days, and did quarantine allow somebody to commit the perfect crime?
Why we love it: We things are more thrilling and scary when they could be potentially real, and MAN does this book strike a cord. That’s why we recommend this book with a trigger warning. Fresh out of COVID quarantine, 56 Days will throw you right back to Spring 2021 when the lockdown began. The good thing though is it will make you appreciate who (or who you didn’t) have to quarantine with and that you made it out the other side!
2. Survive The Night by Riley Sager
Quick rundown: It’s 1991, and college-student Charlie Jordan is guilt ridden about the recent murder of her best friend at the hands of the serial Campus Killer. So she decides to escape for a bit using the campus ride board. She meets Josh Baxter, who is also heading out to take care of his sick father. But as holes in Josh’s story begin to appear, Charlie becomes more and more suspicious. Could Josh just happen to be her best friend’s murderer? One thing is for certain, sitting in the passenger seat, she has nowhere to run. Will she be able to survive the night if her suspicions are true?
Why we love it: We’ve all heard it before, don’t take rides from strangers. This page turner will surely reinforce that lesson. You won’t know who to trust, and with so many twists and turns that will have you guessing right up to the last page, you won’t want to put this book down until you’re done!
3. The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Quick rundown: Twenty-six-year-old editorial assistant Nella Rogers is tired of being the only Black employee at Wagner Books, so she is thrilled when Hazel starts working alongside her as another black girl. It doesn’t take long though for Hazel to be launched into the role as office darling, and soon Nella realizes that the uncomfortable atmosphere and threatening messages might be more sinister than she thought. She needs to decide what her career is worth, and fast.
Why we love it: With timely and relevant themes, The Other Black Girl is, “a whip-smart and dynamic thriller and sly social commentary that is perfect for anyone who has ever felt manipulated, threatened, or overlooked in the workplace.” The subjects addressed are thought-provoking and the style will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last twist.
4. Rabbits by Terry Miles
Quick rundown: Rabbits - a “mysterious alternate reality game so vast it uses the entire world as its canvas,” and K has for years been trying to find a way in even though the reward for winning is unknown. But just as game Eleven is about to begin, K is mysteriously approached by the rumored winner of game Six, putting the fate of the world and the game at stake.
Why we love it: We love a good board game - or any other kind of fun game for that matter! So it was fun pretending what we would do if we had the chance to play Rabbits. This futuristic, alternate reality thriller will keep you on your toes the whole time you’re reading. In the words of Cory Doctorow, Rabbits is, “a taut mystery for a time of conspiratorial madness.” Will the fate of the world be saved? Read this novel to find out!
5. Beneath Devil's Bridge by Loreth Anne White
Quick rundown: Protagonist Trinity Scott is a true crime podcaster investigating a decades-old murder and the accused suspect, Clayton Jay Pelley. Clayton, however, claims he is innocent and reveals to Scott what he says actually happened the night of the homicide beneath Devil’s Bridge. But is the increasing success of the podcast worth the danger Scott is putting herself in by unearthing the past and the secrets it holds?
Why we love it: For everyone who lives for true crime podcasts and have even dreamed of hosting your own, you’re sure to love this novel! With twists and turns that will keep you guessing, this book is nonstop entertainment.
You can order all of the recommended titles now at the links above. Let us know what your favorite Mystery/Thriller novel is in the comments below!
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