Escape at any time with the magic of a good book. There's something irresistible about leaving the daily grind behind and getting lost in stories filled with sandy beaches, chirping birds, crashing waves, and lush tropical flora. While we can't always jet off to a remote island paradise on a whim, a captivating book can be the next best thing.
If you're longing for an island getaway but can't swing it right now, we've got the perfect solution. These stories will transport you to Balinese jungles, British coastlines, and Greek islands with crystal-clear waters. Expect a delightful mix of escape, adventure, and a vivid sense of place. Get ready to be whisked away on a mental vacation—a sun-kissed tropical tour of a lifetime!
Best Books for Summer About Paradise Islands
1 The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda
Littleport, Maine is a stunning summer getaway for the affluent. Sadie Loman spent her childhood summers there and became close friends with local resident Avery Greer. When Sadie is discovered dead in what seems to be a suicide, Avery becomes a suspect. Her quest to prove her innocence unearths long-hidden secrets. This novel is evocative, atmospheric, and suspenseful—a perfect chilling read for the summer.
2 The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara
This book isn't just about palm trees and turquoise waves. It's an exploration of untouched tropical paradises, filled with mysticism that will ignite your imagination.
In
The People in the Trees, readers are transported to a fictional Micronesian island, untouched by modern civilization. The story follows a scientist who discovers a lost tribe and their intriguing secret—a rare turtle that grants immortality. As he tries to exploit this discovery, his life spirals into a tale of science, greed, and the consequences of tampering with nature.
Prepare to be taken through a lush, unfamiliar world that combines the natural beauty of an island paradise with profound questions about ethics and human desires.
3 Saint X: A Novel by Alexis Schaitkin
On a Caribbean island, an 18-year-old girl on vacation with her wealthy parents ends up dead. Two local men are suspected. While this setup might suggest a typical whodunnit, Schaitkin's thriller offers a philosophical exploration of how one death can affect an entire community and highlights the stark contrast between poverty and luxury resorts in "paradise."
If you want to enjoy books about the island, there is no need to delay. You can install a story reading app like FictionMe and get direct access to an unlimited library. The list of
online novels is in the thousands, you will definitely not get bored. You will be able to set up bookmarks in your novel app, collect a library, follow updates.
4 The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
One of the greatest masterpieces of psychological suspense, "The Talented Mr. Ripley," follows Tom Ripley, a struggling nobody who cons wealthy shipping magnate Herbert Greenleaf into sending him to the stunning Italian Riviera. His mission? Convince Greenleaf’s son, Dickie, to return home. But Tom has other plans. He ingratiates himself into Dickie's life, then proceeds to impersonate and ultimately murder him. Riveting, glamorous, and deeply unsettling, this novel is a must-read for thriller lovers. Don't miss the excellent film adaptation starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
5 SAINT X by Alexis Schaitkin
Saint X takes you to a fictional tropical island for a gripping literary thriller. A college student goes missing during a family vacation, echoing the real-life case of Natalee Holloway in Aruba. If you want to check out her books, go to
Fiction Me in the App Store or Play Market. This debut novel is more than just a beach read—it’s intense and will keep you captivated from start to finish.
6 Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje
Michael Ondaatje's memoir, like his other works such as
The English Patient, is filled with lyrical and rhythmic prose. In this book, he blends magical realism, poetry, facts, and fiction to chronicle his return visits to Sri Lanka, the tropical "pendant off the ear of India" where he was born. Amidst lush green landscapes, Ondaatje vividly describes the sounds of tree frogs, rides on rickety trains, and memories of his quirky, alcoholic father.
7 Because You’re Mine by Rea Frey
Four girlfriends head to Black Mountain for a relaxing weekend getaway, but things take a dark turn when one of them ends up dead. What starts as a peaceful break from daily life quickly spirals into a desperate rush to uncover whether her death was an accident or something far more sinister. This riveting and atmospheric thriller, complete with a shocking ending, is a must-read for fans of scary vacation tales.
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8 Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
While it may not be your typical tropical paradise, Little Fires Everywhere offers its own idyllic escape—the meticulously planned community of Shaker Heights. On the surface, life here seems perfect, but bubbling underneath are secrets as explosive as a volcano.
This gripping drama centers on the intertwined lives of the Richardson family and a mysterious mother-daughter duo who disrupt their world. It dives deep into the weight of long-held secrets, the fierce bonds of motherhood, and the dangers of believing that following the rules can prevent disaster.
9 Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris
Finn McQuaid is deeply in love with Layla Grey and whisks her away on a dream holiday to France. But during their return trip to England, Layla mysteriously disappears at a rest stop. Was she kidnapped? Did she flee? A decade later, Finn is still tormented by Layla's vanishing and is about to marry her sister when Layla seemingly reappears. Or does she? This gripping tale is filled with tension and unexpected twists, culminating in an ending you won't anticipate.
10 Shark Dialogues by Kiana Davenport
A one-eyed cannibal, a Tahitian princess, and a sorrowful leper are just a few of the vividly drawn characters in this multi-generational novel about Hawaii’s history and diverse culture. Through the lens of a single family and with touches of magical realism, Davenport explores the islands’ lush rainforests, relaxed towns, and rich folklore.
Conclusion
With the pandemic putting travel on hold, many of us are dreaming of warmer escapes. Don’t fret—we’ve handpicked these books to whisk you away to some of the world’s most exotic and stunning beaches.
By Chris Bates
