I was an English Major. I’m supposed to read literature. But sometimes I need a page-turner — something just for fun. Here are some guilty pleasure books I have enjoyed lately.
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The Third Wife by Lisa Jewell
Lisa Jewell rocks. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read from her. This one is less thriller and more family mystery. I finished it in a few days, mostly on a beach. Perfect.
None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
More Lisa Jewell — a psychological thriller, and hard to put down.
None Of This Is True was recommended to me by an intelligent reader, the kind who usually reads fine literature and hits all the Pulitzer Prize winners. It was outside her wheelhouse, and she thoroughly enjoyed it.
Home by Harlan Coben
Harlan Coben is the king of guilty pleasures. I discovered his Myron Bolitar books years ago. The earlier ones are fun mysteries with a lot of heart, in the spirit of Janet Evanovich or Sue Grafton. The latter ones are a little more series and thrilling. I love that this book features his (psychotic? brilliant?) friend Win.
I Will Find You by Harlan Coben
More Harlan Coben, with a small guest appearance by the ever-intriguing Win. I listened to this one, and it is narrated by Steven Weber, from that old sitcom “Wings.” I like his voice and delivery.
Billy Summers by Stephen King
Did I say Harlan Coben is the king of guilty pleasures? I was wrong. Clearly Stephen King wears the crown. I don’t like scary books, and this is not spooky. I’d call it a crime caper, with interesting characters.
Broken Harbor by Tana French
Have you discovered Tana French and the Dublin Murder Squad? I think I’ve read them all. They are smart and engaging, and each features a different protagonist, although sometimes the characters reappear in bit parts. This might be my favorite.
The Washington Post call Tana French one of the most talented crime writers alive.” The New York Times says “Required reading for anyone who appreciates tough, unflinching intelligence and ingenious plotting.”
Memory Man Series by David Baldacci
Let Amos Decker into your life. You’ve got to love a former-football-player-turned-detective-with-a-perfect-memory-getting-over-personal-tragedy. Implausible? Perhaps. Fun to read? Yes. And it’s Baldacci, so you know there are lots of books.
The Chestnut Man by Soren Sveistrup
Creepy. Thrilling. Dark. I loved it. It’s been made into a Netflix series, and I can see why.
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