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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Where are you going btw?

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.

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!

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.

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!