See some of the best beach reads of 2023. Fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, there’s something from every genre to enjoy.
Fiction beach reads
Who doesn’t love reading fiction on the beach? Spend a sunny day immersed in another world, with nothing but the sound of waves lapping the shore to distract you. These fiction novels make the perfect beach reads, striking the right balance between thoughtful and entertaining. These books are hard to put down, which means you may be able to power through them in a few beach days. But even if you read these books quickly, we promise that the stories will stick with you long after you turn the final page.
Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
BESTSELLER • MURDER MYSTERY
Agatha Christie meets Knives Out in this clever take on the classic murder mystery.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
AWARD-WINNING • FEMALE PROTAGONIST
An international bestseller featuring a fun and feisty main character determined to break the bonds of the patriarchy.
Sincerely, Me by Julietta Henderson
UPLIFTING • CHARACTER-DRIVEN
A heart-warming book about the power of forgiveness, second chances and a family reunited.
Non-Fiction beach reads
Do you prefer a non-fiction beach read? Look no further than these three new books. Whether you choose Dolly Alderton’s collection of agony aunt letters, Bono’s memoir, or the most meaningful lessons Melissa Doyle learned in her thirty years of journalism, you’ll walk away from these books knowing more than you did before.
Dear Dolly by Dolly Alderton
ADVICE • SOCIETY & CULTURE
Dolly Alderton shares her favourite agony aunt letters from her time as an advice columnist for The Sunday Times Style.
Surrender by Bono
MUSIC • MEMOIR • BIOGRAPHY
A new look at the life of Bono, from rock and roll to activism, written in his unique voice.
Fifteen Seconds of Brave by Melissa Doyle
SELF-HELP • PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
An intimate and insightful book of lessons from the most resilient people Melissa Doyle crossed paths with during her twenty-five-year-long career at Channel 7.
Children’s books
If you’re going to the beach with kids, it’s a good idea to make sure they have a few books to bring too. Little kids will love reading a picture book in the sand, while older kids might enjoy curling up with the latest book from the beloved Ranger's Apprentice series. Just be sure to shake the sand out from between the pages before heading home!
Battle Mum by Zoë Foster Blake
PICTURE BOOK • FUNNY
Zoë Foster Blake’s latest picture book that flips the script on kids’ love for play fighting.
Our Home on Wheels by Jessica and Stephen Parry-Valentine
PICTURE BOOK • AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL
A gorgeous Australia-themed picture book from the family behind the travel channel, Flying the Nest.
Ranger's Apprentice The Royal Ranger 6: Arazan’s Wolves by John Flanagan
RANGER'S APPRENTICE • CHILDREN'S SERIES
The newest book from the Ranger’s Apprentice spinoff series, The Royal Ranger.
Romance novels
Love romance books? Match the hot weather with an equally steamy story. Whether you want an enemies-to-lovers trope, charming workplace romance or TikTok famous rom-com, don’t pass up these delightful novels.
Set On You by Amy Lea
ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS • ROMANTIC COMEDY
An enemies-to-lovers story set in the world of fitness influencers and firefighters.
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
WORKPLACE ROMANCE • STEAMY
Two colleagues hatch a plan to get their bosses (who are exes) back together, only to realise that they’re catching feelings for each other.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
OPPOSITES ATTRACT • BOOKTOK
A trending TikTok read featuring two authors who are under the pump to write bestsellers before the summer ends.
Crime & thriller
If you’re looking for a fast-paced book to enjoy on the beach, why not choose a crime or thriller novel? These books are unputdownable and will have you flying through the pages to find out ‘whodunnit’ and why. Full of action and drama, these books will bring some excitement to your next beach day.
No Plan B by Lee Child and Andrew Child
THRILLER • SUSPENSE
The latest Jack Reacher book, centred around a staged suicide, a secret conspiracy and an elaborate plot that leaves no room for error.
Triple Cross by James Patterson
MYSTERY • CRIME
A new book in James Patterson’s Alex Cross series follows the detective as he chases an elusive murderer.
Stone Town by Margaret Hickey
OUTBACK NOIR • RURAL CRIME
A captivating rural crime drama set in an Australian outback town.
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