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Books to read on stifling, lazy summer days

90 replies

IceIceBabyBump · 21/07/2026 11:44

I'm after some recommendations for literary fiction books for hot, lazy summer days. I don't mean fluffy holiday reads at all.
I mean books that ooze thick, humid, oppressive heat and, in doing so, create an unsettling atmosphere.

I'm after recreating the seasonal pairing of dark, atmospheric, spooky books for autumn nights but for hot summer days.

I've got Claire Fuller's "Bitter Orange" on my list already.

What else?

OP posts:
Thewalrusandthecarpenter · 21/07/2026 16:04

The Poisonwood Bible

MagicThanks · 21/07/2026 16:04

The Artist by Lucy Steeds, The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

Carsexitthroughthecarpark · 21/07/2026 16:03

The go-between is fabulous to read at this time of year.

I also loved reading demon copperhead over the summer.

AllotmentTime · 21/07/2026 15:47

also:
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (in my memory that takes place in summer, apologies if I'm wrong)
Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell

but Talking to the Dead is my best rec, absolutely ticks all your boxes.

Anothernameretired · 21/07/2026 15:46

Instructions for a Heatwave - Maggie O'Farrell

Edit: Sorry, realise this doesn't fit your brief other than the heatwave part. It's not really unsettling or oozing.

LuckyThatMyBreastsArentSmallAndHumble · 21/07/2026 15:44

The Safekeep by Yayel van der Wouden
and
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

Great thread!

AllotmentTime · 21/07/2026 15:35

Great thread, thanks OP.

Talking to the Dead by Helen Dunmore.

EthanolHawke · 21/07/2026 15:31

The Artist by Lucy Steeds is set in hot sultry Provence.

FeliciaFancybottom · 21/07/2026 15:19

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay.
Rainforest by Michelle Paver.
Monsters by Emerald Fennell.

Thebinisrightthere · 21/07/2026 13:22

The Swimming Pool by Louise Candlish

thisandthats · 21/07/2026 13:22

The paper palace

notatinydancer · 21/07/2026 13:21

Hot Milk - Deborah Levy

IceIceBabyBump · 21/07/2026 12:54

JaneJeffer · 21/07/2026 12:06

Has to be Atonement

I've tried to read Atonement a couple of times but I just couldn't get into it.

OP posts:
JaneJeffer · 21/07/2026 12:06

Has to be Atonement

NeartoNewquay · 21/07/2026 11:46

I just read the Go-Between, which may or may not be your cup of tea but it certainly added to the atmosphere as it is set during a heatwave. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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