Dreaming of lying on a sun-drenched beach in Greece, but actually having a cuppa at your kitchen table?! Us too! This summer is a strange one but it doesn't mean we can't snatch some really lovely moments and make the best of things.
Here's our list of alternative beach reads which are perfect for your favourite armchair, a deckchair in the garden, a sunny spot at the kitchen table - and even better with with a cup of Cupsmith tea or coffee of course!
The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman
Shortlisted for British Book Awards 2021 and for a reason! This absolutely brilliant novel packed with snappy one liners takes on the murder mystery genre but with a unique approach. Follow Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron who meet up once a week to discuss unsolved crimes - a rather unusual activity for folks pushing eighty. But when a cold blooded murder happens right under their noses they find themselves in their first live case. Brilliantly written and full of twists and turns, Richard Osman’s debut novel is a must read.
The Great British Bucket List: Utterly Unmissable Britain - Richard Madden
Whether your holidays have been cancelled and you’re struggling to figure out how to make the most of the UK, or you're curious about some of the lesser known nooks and crannies of the UK, this book is really lovely. Containing 60 challenges with difficulties ranging from easy to mildly challenging, it even includes the most spectacular place to have a cup of tea in Britain - perfect for a Cupsmith moment!
The Beach - Alex Garland
An oldie but a goldie. The Beach follows Richard, a backpacker through South East Asia who is given a map to an unknown island, a secret beach and a supposedly new way of life. What Richard finds upon arrival is more breathtaking than he could have ever imagined. This fast-paced, exciting book will make you glad to be reading it while safe and sound in the UK.
Pandora’s Jar - Natalie Haynes
Escape our shores and head to ancient Greece for a while. Greek myths have been told and retold for thousands of years, yet most of the tellers and subjects have been men. Until now. Acclaimed classicist Natalie Haynes has taken this history of misogynist perspectives on Greek myths and placed the women of Greek mythology on equal footing with the men. After countless years of hearing men tell stories of Zeus and Poseidon, Haynes shines the spotlight onto the endeavours of Hera and Athena amongst others. A fascinating read.
The Killings at Kingfisher Hill - Sophie Hannah
The legend of Hercule Poirot is back! Reimagined by Sophie Hannah, Poirot has been brought back to life with yet another murder mystery to solve. Hercule Poirot is summoned to Kingfisher Hill by Richard Davenport to prove the innocence of his fiance, Helen in the murder of his brother, Frank. On his journey over on a luxury passenger coach another body is discovered with a note attached… Could this be the clue to discovering the murderer of Frank Davenport? We love a detective story and this is a goody for the summer.
Happy summer reading, and do let us know what's on your reading pile!
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