With a chic-lit thrown in for those who don’t need the adrenalin rush.
Alex Michaelides, author of The Private Patient, is all over social media talking about his latest novel, The Fury. A former movie star invites half a dozen guests to stay on a private Greek Island. Should be idyllic … except one of the group is a killer. Told by Elliot Chase (is he good, is he bad?) it’s all love, obsession, murder … and loads of twists. Penguin
In Lisa Gardner’s Still See You Everywhere, missing persons specialist Frankie Elkin is on an isolated island off the coast of Hawaii. Her mission … to find Lani, the missing sister of a Death Row serial killer known as The Beautiful Butcher. Lani is being held captive by her millionaire ex-boyfriend on the island and the only way to gain access is for Frankie to go undercover. But can Frankie really trust the word of a serial killer? It’s Lisa Gardner. You know it’s going to be a spectacular read. Penguin
With a scare on each page, you’re going to need a stiff drink. And we’re loving The Pogues – the official whiskey of the legendary Celtic punk band, one which celebrates the poetic rebelliousness of the Irish.
This blended Irish whiskey boasts distinctive notes of caramel, malt, dried dark fruit, spices, honey and a touch of vanilla.
You can drink on the rocks, or with your fave mixer. There are no rules!
Around R329 from your local bottle store.
A week-long grief retreat on a beautiful country estate. A raging storm (there’s always a storm, isn’t there!). A missing guest. Many secrets. And a murderer. The Grief House by Rebecca Thorne may well be the most chilling book you read this year. Bloomsbury
A group of friends reunite for a remote glamping holiday … a relaxing long weekend. But before the weekend’s over, the 20-year-long friendships start to crumble, there’s a storm (obvs), and one of the party is missing. No phone signal, no help, and a dead body. Twists, turns and chilling tension … Hannah Richell’s The Search Party will keep you guessing. Simon and Schuster UK
In this Michael Bennett thriller, a serial killer sniper is taking out impossible targets – all apparently unrelated – in New York.
The profile … great with a gun, probably ex-military. Which perfectly describes Bennett’s new partner – who’s quiet and secretive and often suspiciously absent from duty.
Cross Hairs by James Patterson and James O’Born … a really terrific read. Penguin
A collage girl looking for a new start, away from her small town, her family, and the memories of her dead best friend, moves into a shared house with a trio of new friends. All’s well – even if one is a little strange … until one of them disappears, and a boy in the frat house next door is found dead. Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham … great plot and sinister read. HarperCollins UK
And the chic lit option … What if you could skip the boring parts. The dating. The lazy flatmates. The climbing up the work ladder. Skipping straight to married, two perfect children, a high-powered job. When this happens to 26-year-old (now suddenly 40-something) Lucy, she discovers that along with the good parts, there are surprises too. Sophie Cousens’ The Good Part. Hodder and Stoughton
All books available at Exclusive Books and exclusivebooks.co.za
