Summer often lends itself to relaxing, lying in the sun by a pool or on a beach and taking some time to read a brilliant book.

The ‘summer read’ is such a wide topic that I thought I’d narrow it down to 5 books all with a sea-theme, to perfectly complement your watery getaway. Or, if you’re not lounging by a body of water, you can transport yourself there for ideal holiday-vibes.

They are each from a different genre, so whatever you’re in the mood for, find your next great summer read here…

5 summer reads set by the sea

/ The Castaways by Lucy Clarke

Genre: Thriller

Why it’s so good: It’s all your desert island fears wrapped up in a riveting story with heart as a sisters’ relationship is explored when one desperately tries to find the other who was lost at sea in a plane crash…

/ Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Why it’s so good: One of the narrators is an octopus. Need I say more? This is a beautiful, heart-warming story of loneliness, friendship and good people finding their way in life. Set in an idyllic town by a bay in Washington, it’s a perfect feel-good summer read.

/ The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex

Genre: Mystery

Why it’s so good: I love a story based on real life events and The Lamplighters give us the fascinating mystery of three lighthouse keepers who disappeared from the middle of the sea – but what happened to them?

/ Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

Genre: Fantasy

Why it’s so good: Winner of the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction, Piranesi dips its toes into fantasy and gives us a magical character you truly care about. And as for those visions of waves crashing through the drowned halls of old buildings, they’ll stay with you forever.

/ Grown Ups by Marie Aubert

Genre: Family Translated Fiction (from Norwegian)

Why it’s so good: OK, technically not set by the sea, but a lake (a beautiful Norwegian lake), this engrossing tale of nuanced family dynamics while they gather for a holiday sucks you right in and leaves you fully invested in the characters.

Have you got any more amazing summer reads set by the sea (or in general!) to recommend? Let me know below.