The Best Beach Reads for Summer 2026 (You Won't Want to Put Down)
There’s nothing more delicious than a day at the beach with nothing but an Aperol and book in hand; swapping the sounds of emails pinging for waves crashing, and the smell of the Tube for salty skin and suncream mixed with old book pages.
Now that beach season is well and truly underway, these are the books that I’ve loved recently. No spoilers though!
This book completely consumed me. It’s fast-paced, incredibly clever and packed with twists that caught me off guard. I love a thriller that keeps you guessing without feeling unrealistic, and I Am Pilgrim is just that: the kind of book that has you telling yourself, “Just one more chapter!” and then it’s suddenly 2AM. If you love intelligent, edge-of-your-seat storytelling, this is a must-read.
I also adore books that make you think long after you’ve read the last page, and Yesteryear had me pondering for days. The story is beautifully written, emotional and full of nostalgia, exploring themes of identity, family and the choices that shape our lives. It feels incredibly immersive, and I found myself completely invested in the characters – even the unlikeable ones, which is quite a feat. The plot is also very relevant in a world consumed by social media.
This is one of those modern classics that deserves every bit of the hype. I love the rich, atmospheric writing and the way Tart creates such fascinatingly flawed characters. It’s dark, intelligent and wonderfully addictive, with a slow-building tension that reels you in from the very beginning. It’s less about what happens and more about why, which is what makes it such a compelling read.
As someone who loves beauty, fashion and the creative industries, I found Gods and Kings absolutely fascinating. Thomas gives a behind-the-scenes look at the rise of luxury fashion and the visionaries who transformed it into the global industry we know today. It’s insightful, brilliantly researched and full of stories that make you see some of the world’s biggest brands in a completely different way.
I couldn’t put this book down. Jane Harper creates such an incredible sense of place that the Australian outback almost becomes a character in itself. The mystery unfolds at the perfect pace with plenty of suspense, unexpected twists and brilliantly developed characters. It’s evocative, gripping and one of those crime novels that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Who remembers that BBC show, Merlin? I used to love it, which is what drew me to this book, as it’s written by the actor who played Merlin himself, Colin Morgan. The plot definitely isn’t my usual cup of tea – and it’s nothing to do with fantasy, in case you were wondering if it was Merlin-themed. Rather, it’s a completely separate, emotional debut novel about a young friendship. And what a debut it is! It’s been a long time since I’ve finished an entire novel in one sitting, but I finished all near-400 pages of this in a single afternoon. And boy did I sob throughout. The writing was so evocative that it fully shook me to my core.
For any beauty fans into non-fiction, this is a must-read. G’Sell is hilarious and witty, diving into the history and emotion hidden behind the humble lipstick. From Revlon to Glossier and Marilyn to Gaga, she explores how lipstick is as shape-shifting and unwieldy as femininity itself, picking apart beauty standards as she does so. I found myself enraptured by her ability to question something so conspicuous, understanding how self-adornment can be a source of play, pleasure, and transformation, as well as a tool to knock gender norms off balance.
Even if you don’t usually love reading non-fiction, this book by Hunter Davies will have you feeling serene and nostalgic as he takes you through a life lived by London’s Hampstead Heath in a way that feels just like a novel. He blends personal anecdotes with historic research and interviews to delve into a space that personally feels so special to me – all without feeling preachy or essay-like, which is what I usually hate about non-fiction books. As someone who loves nothing more than strolling through the Heath with my friends and a pack of dogs, I found this book incredibly interesting and beautiful.
If you haven't already had this one recommended to you by at least three separate people… how? Henry's latest swaps her usual, beach-perfect rom-com formula for something meatier, and the resulting story features pure old-Hollywood glamour with a dual-timeline twist. It's less breezy than her earlier books, but no less addictive. Plus, it’s a Reese's Book Club pick and a Goodreads Choice Award winner, so you don’t just have to take my word for it when I say it delivers.
I'll be honest, "1980s NASA space shuttle programme" wasn't a beach read pitch I expected to fall for, but Taylor Jenkins Reid could make a spreadsheet compelling. Atmosphere follows Joan Goodwin, a physics professor turned astronaut, as she navigates sexism, a slow-burn love story and a ticking-clock disaster that unfolds in alternating timelines. It's romantic and unexpectedly emotional, and if you loved Daisy Jones or Evelyn Hugo, this scratches exactly the same itch – just with more stars and fewer stilettos.
I think that’s more than enough to keep you going this summer… or for the next two years. Don’t say I never treat you. Happy reading!
Love,
Lisa xx