Looking for a page-turning thriller to lose yourself in this summer? Whether you’re choosing which books to pack in your suitcase or you’re on the hunt for an addictive mystery to read at home, there’s something particularly transporting about reading a book set in a sun-soaked destination.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best crime books, psychological thrillers and action-packed beach reads set in faraway locations, from desert islands to scorching city centres – perfect for your summer reading.
A Taste for Murder by Matt Baker (2026)
Setting: The island of Capri, Italy.
Detective Chief Inspector Joe Mottram visits his late wife’s family in Capri, hoping to reconnect with his troubled teenage daughter and his in-laws. But when someone on the island is murdered, and his relative is the prime suspect, Joe is pulled into the investigation and learns some unsettling home truths about his loved ones.
Why we love it: This pacy murder mystery has high emotional stakes and feels cinematic in parts – we can see why it has been adapted into an ITV drama. It’s perfect for fans of Death in Paradise and Broadchurch.
A Killer in Paradise by Tom Hindle (2026)
Setting: A rainforest in Costa Rica.
A group of five old friends receive an invitation to a luxury hotel opening in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest. Their host? Abigail Blythe, a woman they haven’t seen in 10 years, since the summer they went backpacking in Central America. Their reunion in paradise is cut short by a murder, and it becomes clear someone in the group is still holding a deadly grudge.
Why we love it: This addictive murder mystery is like a cross between Lucy Foley’s The Hunting Party and Knives Out: it’s full of strained relationships, twists, and double bluffs that will keep you guessing.
Dead Heat by Sabina Durrant (2026)
Setting: The Mani Peninsula, Greece.
Former journalist Matt Grimshaw feels like his life is falling apart, so jumps at the invitation to spend the summer with his closest friends, Celia and Adam Murphy, at their house in Greece. But as the house gets more crowded, and an obnoxiously loud neighbour moves in, bubbling resentments reach boiling point – with fatal consequences.
Why we love it: This fresh, original, sun-soaked thriller is perfect for fans of Patricia Highsmith and Gillian Flynn. The plot is well-structured, the characters feel believable, and the oppressive heat of the setting adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere.
Eden Falls by Ajay Chowdhury (2026)
Setting: Delhi, India, and across the United States.
Ajay Chowdhury’s latest thriller has a brilliant premise: newlyweds Adan and Aisha are at an airport in Delhi and shaken by the news that Adam’s best friend has been murdered. Then Adam disappears, leaving only a note: “I’m sorry.” Meanwhile, Adam leaves his ex, Sara, a message: “Help her.” Together, Aisha and Sara team up and race against the FBI to track Adam down – and get some answers.
Why we love it: This is an intelligent, timely thriller that combines plot twists with a thought-provoking premise. It’s perfect for fans of Dan Brown, The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave and Hunted by Abir Mukherjee.
The Guests by Nikki Smith (2024)
Setting: The Maldives.
The Hamilton family are hoping for an idyllic holiday in the Maldives to distract them from their personal problems. But as each of them makes questionable decisions, events spiral out of control until they make a grisly discovery. If you loved The White Lotus or Smith’s previous thriller The Beach Party, we recommend packing The Guests in your suitcase this summer.
Why we love it: This is a twisty, dark thriller with a revelation that will make you want to reread the story from the beginning. It’s full of tension and intrigue but with the escapism of a luxury destination.
The Liars by Katherine Fleet (2024)
Setting: The semi-fictional Greek island of Eos.
It has been 25 years since Zoe first met Lex on holiday in Greece. They swore to keep the events of that summer – especially what happened to a missing girl, Abigail – a secret. But now they’re back on the island, and their lies are about to catch up with them.
Why we love it: The Liars is full of heart-pounding suspense, as well as razor-sharp observations about friendship and adolescence. The idyllic setting makes it particularly atmospheric, too, and it’s perfect for fans of Sarah Pearsse and Lucy Clarke.
The Villa by Jess Ryder (2024)
Setting: Marbella, Spain.
Three years ago, a bride-to-be died at her own hen party. Now, her closest friends return to the scene of the crime, looking for closure. But soon, old tensions begin to rise. Everyone has a different version of what happened that night, but who is telling the truth?
Why we love it: This tense psychological thriller will have you hooked, with its claustrophobic tension, morally grey characters, and shocking ending.
The Fury by Alex Michaelides (2024)
Setting: A fictional private island.
This is another page-turner with a unique premise from the bestselling author of The Silent Patient. A reclusive former movie star invites six friends to a private island. Within 36 hours, one of the guests is dead, but, with twists on all of your favourite tropes, this is no simple whodunnit.
Why we love it: The Fury is a masterclass in plot twists and suspense, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Anthony Horowitz. We can see why David Baldacci calls Alex Michaelides “the king of all unreliable narrators”.
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum (2024)
Setting: Fire Island, New York.
Fire Island is the playground of the Manhattan elite, where they go to gossip, stir up old rivalries, and conduct illicit affairs. But this summer, the games end in murder. Much like the hit TV series The White Lotus, this sun-drenched story of rich people behaving badly opens with the discovery of a dead body. It’s down to the reader to figure out who has been murdered – and who is responsible.
Why we love it: It’s a whip-smart beach read that’s full of the fun and scandal of The White Lotus, with dark humour running through it. It’s also perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Liane Moriarty.
Private Tokyo by James Patterson (2026)
Setting: Tokyo.
In the latest in James Patterson’s popular Private series, we’re transported to the heart of Tokyo, where a covert operative has been murdered. His last words? “Get Jack Morgan.” Private detective Morgan arrives on the scene and uncovers a conspiracy that spreads far beyond a single murder.
Why we love it: This is an action-packed, fast-paced read that hits the ground running and doesn’t ease up on the tension – perfect for fans of Lee Child and The Bourne Identity.
Bad Tourists by Caro Carver (2024)
Setting: The Maldives.
Darcy, Camilla and Kate’s friendship was founded on tragedy: all three lost people they knew when a group of students and their professor were murdered in a senseless killing 20 years ago. The event still haunts them and now, on a trip to the Maldives, they fear history is repeating itself. Because there, in paradise, is a cold-blooded killer, intent on revenge.
Why we love it: This twisty, locked-room mystery hooks you from its shocking opening chapter and refuses to let you go. It’s memorable, compelling, and has three strong and well-rounded female characters at its core. It’s perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Jessica Knoll.
She Started It by Sian Gilbert (2023)
Setting: The Bahamas.
A group of school friends reunite for an extravagant hen party in the Bahamas, courtesy of their old friend Poppy. Nobody has spoken to Poppy in years, but who would turn down an all-expenses-paid trip and the chance to reconnect? But by the time they arrive and realise the remote island is completely cut off from the outside world, it’s too late. They have underestimated Poppy – and each other.
Why we love it: This is a rollercoaster read, with insane plot twists and a premise that keeps you hooked until the end. It’s an illuminating look at toxic friendships (like Mean Girls on steroids) and we’d particularly recommend it if you like Fiona McPhillips and Freida McFadden.
The Lagos Wife by Vanessa Walters (2025)
Setting: Lagos, Nigeria.
On the surface, Nicole has the perfect life: a handsome husband, a palatial home in Lagos, and a glamorous group of expat friends. So, when she disappears, the police are flummoxed. Nicole’s aunt flies to Nigeria to investigate, but the more she digs, the more the cracks in Nicole’s perfect life seem to show…
Why we love it: This is a beautifully written, character-driven mystery that’s perfect for fans of domestic suspense like Big Little Lies.
The Resort by Sara Ochs (2024)
Setting: Thailand.
Cass is a diving instructor in Thailand who has found a group of expat friends who feel more like family, each with their own reason for leaving their previous lives behind. But when a dead body is found in the water, nobody is safe. This isn’t the first mysterious death on the island – and it won’t be the last.
Why we love it: This is a slow-burn mystery with claustrophobic tension (especially thanks to the island setting) and dark secrets that gradually come to light. It’s an ideal summer read for fans of The Guest List by Lucy Foley and The Beach by Alex Garland.
Looking for books set in a specific destination? Check out our reading guides to books set in Italy, Venice, Spain, Japan, Ireland, Scotland and Ireland.
Or, for even more inspiration of what to read this summer, take a look at our round-up of the best mysteries and thrillers of 2026.
This was one great book that had a surprise twist ending that even I did not see! Excellent.