5 Page-Turning Thrillers on My TBR Before the Cold Sets In
Summer is slipping away, and while part of me is ready for cozy blankets and stormy nights, I still want to squeeze in a few more hot-weather reads before the air turns crisp. I’ll admit—I haven’t read these yet. They’re sitting on my (mental) TBR pile, waiting for me, and I’m so excited to dive into them while the days are still long and the nights are sticky. These five thrillers feel perfect for late-summer vibes: beach bags, iced coffee, porch reading, and maybe even one last poolside escape.
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
Casey Fletcher retreats to her family’s lake house for quiet but becomes obsessed with the glamorous couple across the water. When the wife disappears, her curiosity turns dangerous.
📖 Why it’s on my TBR: Riley Sager never misses for me, and this one screams summer suspense. A lakeside setting, Hitchcock-style tension—I can already picture myself reading it with an iced drink in hand, pretending I’m right there at the lake.
Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre
Cat Winthorpe has it all—money, beauty, the enviable husband. But when a new neighbor gets a little too close, jealousy and secrets turn explosive.
📖 Why it’s on my TBR: It’s fast, scandalous, and feels like pure neighborhood-drama energy. Honestly, it sounds like the perfect book to devour in one sitting while the late-summer heat refuses to break.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
In 1980s Malibu, four famous siblings throw an epic summer party that spirals into disaster. More family drama than traditional thriller, but packed with betrayal and tension.
📖 Why it’s on my TBR: Taylor Jenkins Reid always delivers big, emotional stories, and this one feels drenched in sun and secrets. It’s been sitting on my mental shelf for months, and I’ve been saving it for these final warm days.
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
Six friends sail to a remote Pacific island for the adventure of a lifetime. But paradise turns nightmarish when secrets surface—and not everyone comes back alive.
📖 Why it’s on my TBR: A thriller on a tropical island? Yes, please. I love the idea of isolation, sun, and danger all mixing together. Definitely one I want to knock out before I trade sunscreen for sweaters.
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
When teenage girls disappear in Baton Rouge, Chloe Davis is forced to relive her past—her father was a convicted serial killer. But someone seems determined to remind her of it in terrifying ways.
📖 Why it’s on my TBR: This one’s been haunting my TBR forever. The southern heat, sticky summer nights, and psychological suspense—it feels like a perfect last late-night summer read before fall fully takes over.
Final Thoughts
Hot weather calls for thrillers that are simmering, fast-paced, and impossible to put down. These books should keep you hooked while the sun blazes, making them perfect companions for the last stretch of summer.
