A selection of prominent authors has shared their top summer reading recommendations, highlighting a diverse range of contemporary fiction and non-fiction titles suited for vacation reading. The recommendations encompass thrillers, historical fiction, literary novels, and unique narratives reflecting varied themes and settings.

Lisa Jewell, known for “None of This Is True,” recommends Clare Mackintosh’s thriller “It’s Not What You Think.” Mackintosh, acclaimed for her 2011 novel “I Let You Go,” delivers a fast-paced story filled with multiple twists and short chapters designed to maintain reader engagement.

André Aciman, author of “Call Me By Your Name,” suggests “London Falling” by Patrick Radden Keefe. The novel follows a 19-year-old Londoner who infiltrates the wealthy circles of Russian oligarchs in the city, a narrative praised for its addictive and authentic portrayal of ambition and deception.

Lucy Foley, writer of “The Guest List,” endorses “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach. Set in a summer waterfront hotel, the book explores themes of solo travel, optimism, and human connection, blending poignant moments with an immersive, summery atmosphere.

Erin Kelly, author of “The Night Stairs,” highlights “The Pinnacle” by Abir Mukherjee, a satirical thriller set in Mumbai. The plot centers on an American actor accused of killing his Bollywood starlet wife, combining humor, memorable characters, and political tension.

Leigh Bardugo, known for the “Ninth House” series, recommends “The Last Baron” by Tom Sancton. The book investigates a 1970s kidnapping in Paris and is noted for its in-depth historical research and morally complex characters, though its unlikable protagonists may deter some readers.

Matt Haig, author of “The Midnight Library,” praises “The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances” by Glenn Dixon, a highly original novel about a sentient vacuum cleaner named Scout on a mission to save its owner. The story is seen as an inventive reflection on creativity in the age of artificial intelligence.

Freida McFadden, writer of “The Housemaid,” favors “The Calamity Club” by Kathryn Stockett, a historical novel set in the southern United States during the Great Depression. This work is commended for its compelling narration and emotional depth.

Caro Claire Burke, author of “Yesteryear,” finds “The Shampoo Effect” by Jenny Jackson to be an ideal vacation read. The novel examines friendship, romance, and betrayal among a group of thirty-somethings in a Massachusetts coastal town, offering a light yet clever narrative.

Taffy Brodesser-Akner, known for “Fleishman Is in Trouble,” recommends “Here in the Dark” by Alexis Soloski, a modern noir about a theatre critic entangled in a mystery. The book’s distinct voice, dark humor, and unpredictable plot twists make it a standout thriller.

Alice Oseman, author of “Heartstopper,” recommends “Convenience Store Woman” by Sayaka Murata. The novel explores societal expectations through the story of a woman whose primary aspiration is to work at a convenience store, providing a short, thought-provoking read.

Mick Herron, writer of the “Slough House” series, advocates for “Country People” by Daniel Mason. The novel tells the story of a failed academic who, after relocating to Vermont, becomes immersed in local folklore, delivering a mix of absurdity and joy.

Nita Prose, author of “The Maid,” endorses “The Paper Palace” by Miranda Cowley Heller. Set during August in a Cape Cod summer cabin, the novel delves into themes of love, desire, and loss as a woman’s life is disrupted by an unexpected encounter.

Additionally, author Jenny Colgan advises diversifying holiday reading lists to avoid fatigue. She recommends a range of titles including Kathy Burke’s autobiography “A Mind of My Own,” as well as works by Ann Patchett, Daniyal Mueenuddin, Ferdia Lennon, Emma Cline, Belle Burden, and Richard Osman to balance genres and styles during summer breaks.