JET-SET READS
Whether you’re off to the South of France, or your bathtub for a staycation soak, here’s a holiday read to match
You're going to... JAPAN Or... the ramen joint round the corner THE WOMAN IN THE WHITE KIMONO
The blurb: Naoko, a 17-year-old in post-war Japan, gets pregnant by an American sailor and is thrown out by her parents. Years later, her US-raised daughter comes to find her family. Expect a poignant tale of culture clashes across generations. Where it’s set: On the outskirts of Tokyo. It features an orphanage that’s based on a real children’s home created by Miki Sawada, the Mitsubishi heiress. The author: Former creative director Ana Johns. Her first novel, it’s inspired by her American sailor father.
You’re going to... GREECE Or... your bath (for a long soak) THE MOST DIFFICULT THING
The blurb: Everyone thinks Anna is a glossy magazine journalist… but she’s actually a spy. And as well as looking after her children, she’s also sorting a tangle of issues involving her husband David, heir to a global company, and friend Meg, an ambitious newspaper intern. Where it’s set: Between London, the Greek islands and the Maldives. The author: Charlotte Philby, granddaughter of Britain’s most famous communist doubleagent, Kim Philby. As a child, the phone was tapped and their home was under surveillance.
You’re going to... SCOTLAND Or... the bottom of your garden SOMEWHERE CLOSE TO HAPPY
The blurb: Lizzie James leads a happy, uncomplicated life. Until, out of the blue, she receives a letter from her first love, Roman... only she hasn’t seen him in over a decade. She then embarks on a trek around the UK to find him... and discover the secrets to what really happened that made him disappear. Where it’s set: The happiest times of Lizzie and Roman (amid the heartbreak) take place in a caravan, on a cliff, in far North Scotland. The author: Lia Louis, a debut novelist praised by the likes of Jill Mansell.
You’re going to... SOUTH OF FRANCE Or... an Airbnb in Bournemouth THE HOLIDAY
The blurb: Kate has organised a trip to a villa in Occitanie for her three best friends and their partners. She wants to celebrate her 40th... and find out who’s sleeping with her husband. But the truth is far worse. In this twisty thriller, even the beach towels seem to be plotting to kill. Where it’s set: Villa Corbières, with its infinity pool and vineyard. Why does that never come up on RightMove? The author: Former journalist TM Logan. His debut, Lies, was one of Amazon’s biggest selling e-books of the year.
You’re going to... CHICAGO Or... your best friend’s new flat THE OTHER MRS MILLER
The blurb: Lonely housewife Phoebe fills her days eating ice cream, drinking wine and spying on her intriguing new neighbours (not a bad way to spend time, to be honest). She thinks her life isn’t at all interesting, but someone does, as Phoebe is being watched… And she only realises when the threatening letters arrive. Where it’s set: The gritty Chicago suburbs. Also, coming soon to a TV screen near you. The author: Allison Dickson, a whizz at dystopian fiction. Her interests are crochet, food and… murderers.