It’s so hot here in St. Louis and while I’m happy to be on summer break from the school year, our big trip happened in the Spring so we are home during these hot summer days. There’s a lot to love at home and sometimes I still want to escape. That’s where the joy of reading comes in. So here’s my list of books that are wonderful armchair travel. Enjoy in the AC or by a pool!

The Love Haters by Katherine Center (Destination: Key West, Florida) 

Well, I loved this with all my heart and soul (iykyk). It was absolutely delightful and meaningful and funny and endearing and deserves as many heart eyes as I can possibly give it.

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard (Destination: San Francisco, California) 

A solid mystery, great characters (some super unlikable), and a unique premise.“The granddaughter of a serial killer shows readers another side of the beloved city.” And despite the murder, I also loved traveling to San Francisco through the pages. Looking forward to book two A Tour To Die For coming in September 2025.

How to Have a Killer Time in D.C. by Sam Lumley (Destination: Washington D.C.)

Oliver Popp is a 24 year old gay autistic travel writer working for Offbeat Traveler magazine. Oliver likes his routine, and he is a little nervous about his first feature assignment taking him to Washington, D.C. He’s paired up with Ricky Warner, a gay flirty freelance photographer, who definitely lives life a bit more (ok, a lot more) impulsively than Oliver. It’s a delightful pairing. The mystery pulled me right in and it was especially fun to get an armchair tour D.C. as Ricky and Oliver worked to uncover the truth. Cleverly plotted and expertly paced, I give this book all the heart eyes. The ending is wonderful, and I cannot wait for more featuring Oliver!

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon (Destination:

Netherlands, Amsterdam) 

I love Solomon’s writing and I was so excited that I somehow got this new release quickly from the library. It was adorable (and spicy!). Usually the second chance trope isn’t my favorite, but it worked for me here and it also includes my favorite trope of fake marriage. I think I inhaled this book in a day. And I really want to go to Amsterdam. So fun.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren (Destination: Los Angeles, California) 

I listened to The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren and absolutely loved this. It’s funny and tender and steamy and I was sorry when it ended. If you like the fake relationship trope and haven’t picked this up, you must. 5 stars!

A Cyclist’s Guide to Crime & Croissants by Ann Claire (Destination: Southern France)

This book is the definition of cozy armchair travel. While I’m not a cyclist and have no actual desire to climb on a bike and go anywhere, I did so enjoy following along from my comfy armchair (and my minivan because summer=driving kids everywhere). I turned the pages as fast as Sadie rode her bike and I loved it. She’s a wonderful protagonist and the writing gracefully handles Sadie’s grief at losing her best friend. The ending was most satisfying and I’m eager to climb back on to my imaginary bike and ride along with Sadie on her next adventure. Five stars.

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack (Destination: Italy)

This is a solid mystery and also light and fun and funny and so clever. Bestselling mystery author Eleanor Dash is on a special book tour in Italy with other authors and fans. She’s excited to be in Italy, but all she really wants to do is figure out how to kill off her main character, Connor Smith, in her next Vacation Mysteries series book. But then an attempt is made on the real Connor’s life―the con man she got mixed up with ten years ago and now can’t get out of her life, and Eleanor finds herself trying to sort through a long list of suspects. Eleanor is a hilarious main character and often breaks the fourth wall to talk directly to the reader which I absolutely loved. This book has that zany Clue like feeling and also made me think of the wonderful Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz with the creative use of footnotes. So much fun. Add to your beach or pool bag and you’ve got an entertaining summer reading. Five glowing summer stars.