Summer reads for adults - suggestions by Brisbane librarians

Zillmere Library

As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, there’s no better time to delve into a captivating book.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these top page-turning suggestions from Brisbane Libraries.

Crime fiction fans

If you're a fan of gripping crime fiction, authors like Chris Hammer and Benjamin Stevenson are sure to thrill you. Hammer's intricately crafted narratives, such as Scrublands and The Tilt will keep you on edge until the last page. Stevenson's books Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone and Everyone on this Train is a Suspect are great for readers who love a good mystery.

Heartwarming romance

For those yearning for heartwarming romance novels, look no further than the works of Maya Linnell and Fiona McArthur. Linnell's rural romances Bottlebrush Creek and Wildflower Ridge, will whisk you away to the picturesque Australian countryside. While McArthur's stories in The Desert Midwife and As the River Rises feature strong female characters.

Beach reads

Pack a page turner for days by the sea. Embrace the holiday spirit and let your mind dive into authors like Abby Jimenez, Marian Keyes and Elizabeth Strout. Take a walk with David Nicholls main characters in You Are Here or enjoy Ann Patchett's Tom Lake.

Literary lovers

If you crave literary fiction, don't miss the compelling works of Melissa Lucashenko and Trent Dalton. Lucashenko's award-winning novels, like Too Much Lip and Mullumbimby, offer powerful explorations of identity, family, and cultural struggles. Dalton's highly acclaimed debut novel, Boy Swallows Universe, tells a mesmerising coming-of-age journey through 1980s Brisbane. His non-fiction Love Stories will warm your heart with real-life stories of love in all its forms.

Fascinating facts

Non-fiction enthusiasts will find a wealth of knowledge in the works of Kári Gíslason and Grantlee Kieza. Gíslason's Saga Land, co-authored with Richard Fidler, delves into the captivating world of Icelandic sagas. Kieza's well researched books including Lawson and Banks give insight into the lives of Australia's history. 

Create a read list

Add new books to your to read list in the BNELibraries app. Keep reading while you wait for your hold to arrive at your library or library locker of choice for free.

Brisbane Libraries

Your local library is more than books on the shelf. Take advantage of everything our libraries offer. Enjoy workshops, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, and author talks. You can also rent meeting rooms and more!

Sign up to join the library today for free and start borrowing.

Happy reading! 

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