These Mystery & Thriller Books Are SO GOOD… But Are They Guide-Worthy?
I’ve been devouring mysteries and thrillers for the Summer Reading Guide—but not all will make the cut. Here’s a first look at the books I’m loving so far—but will they make the final guide?
The Journal: On Tuesdays, dive into personal essays, reflections, and behind-the-scenes insights from my bookish and personal life.
📚 Behind the Scenes: The Mystery & Thriller Books I’m Loving for the Summer Reading Guide
Hi Bookish Besties!
Every year, I spend months reading, curating, and refining the BiblioLifestyle seasonal reading guides, and I can confidently say—I’m in the thick of it right now with the summer reading guide. My reading started back in September, and over the past few months, I’ve worked through catalogs, pitches, and stacks of advance copies, trying to find the best books to consider to read, and hopefully recommend.
As I’m still reading, I’m not locking in my final selections just yet. I have six more weeks of reading before my self-imposed cutoff to really sit with the books, see what lingers, and decide what feels right for the guide.
But today, I’m trying something new!
In February, I ran a poll asking if you’d be interested in early reviews of the books I’m loving so far as I consider them for the seasonal reading guides in advance, and the response was a resounding YES. So, as a Substack exclusive, here’s a first look at 8 mystery & thriller books that I’ve read and seriously enjoyed—but whether they make the final cut? That’s still up in the air.
What’s inside:
Early thoughts on each book
Why I think it has potential for the guide—but why I’m still sitting with it.
A poll where YOU can vote on what sounds good to you—basically what pitch has you interested.
Not a paid subscriber yet? Upgrade now to get exclusive access to this deep dive—and be the first to know which books might make the final Summer Reading Guide! Plus it’s a great opportunity to get in the library queue early or preorder the ones that you’re interested in.
Thinking it’s too soon for summer book reviews? I get it. So you should probably check out The 2025 Spring Reading Guide.
