Books for the Beach

[dingdongDandyLioness]

I'm going somewhere hot and exotic for Christmas (can't flippin' wait)

So I need some nice new books for the flights and beach? Any recommendations?

I don't like chick lit, although will perhaps consider the top end if it comes highly recommended

I do like crime and relationship stuff.

[ravenousbugblatterbeast]

Have you read any Lee Child books? They're crime/thriller, and very gripping, although MIL thinks they're rather too violent.

[Francagoestohollywood]

I always recommend Melissa Bank A girl's guide to hunting and fishing. here. Witty, smart etc.

[lalalonglegs]

Oooh, Franca, I love that book too - am constantly recommending it but never meet anyone else who has read it. She's such a great writer without being at all inaccessible.

[dingdongDandyLioness]

I haven't read Lee Child, no. Am in two minds about him tbh (heard the stories are v good but the writing not so much), but might give him a try, thanks.

I love A Girl's Guide. But I read it years ago. That's just the sort of thing I'm after though. I liked The Wonder Spot by her too. I'm going to go onto Amazon and see whether she's written anything new recently that's in paperback

[Francagoestohollywood]

There is a short novel (or a long story??) by her, "The worst a suburban girl could imagine" (not 100% sure that's the exact title) which I think it's her best! She hasn't written anything else I believe.

Happy to find other Melissa Banks admirers!

Another book I loved reading on holiday both smart and entertaining is Garlic and sapphire by Ruth Reichl which combines 2 of my fav things: food and Manhattan

Crime: I enjoy George Pelecanos, who is one of the writers of The wire, his books are mostly set in Washington and it's more gangsters and abandoned urban areas than serial killers.

[Francagoestohollywood]

Where are you going btw?

[lalalonglegs]

Franca, she has done another novel - it's called "The Wonder Spot". It's very similar to GGTHAF but one continuous narrative. I'd thoroughly recommend it.

[Francagoestohollywood]

Lalalonglegs, thank you . Yes, I did read the Wonder Spot, actually, I have recently re read it!
I really hope she writes a new novel!

[Francagoestohollywood]

Yes, I agree that the Pelecanos books are slow. I must say that my fav crime novels are the first Kay Scarpetta books and I also enjoyed old Minette Walters books, so I'm not really up to date.

[Haribojoe]

Have you read Close to Home by Linwood Barclay, real edge of your seat, thriller didn't want to put it down.

Hope you enjoy your exotic Christmas, sounds fab!