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Beach Read Recommendations: Thrillers

stormy ocean and lighthouse evoking thriller book feel

If you haven’t taken my quiz yet to get beach read recommendations tailored just for you, check it out here.

If your result is Thrillers…

In recent years, there have been an increasing number of women writing thrillers. That’s not to say a thriller has to be written by a woman to be a beach read, but those are the ones I’m going to focus on here.

Much has been written about why women love reading thrillers. Most of us like to be scared…at least a little. And there’s something really satisfying about watching a heroine overcome the odds and survive despite being threatened, kidnapped, stalked or even tortured. There’s a certain sense of safety in reading or listening to stories that involve crimes and feeling like you’re armed with more tools to avoid the same calamity yourself. In much the same way true crime podcasts have become overwhelmingly popular, thrillers have become staple beach reads.

Here are some suggestions for thrillers you might enjoy:

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

This one is my favorite thrillers of all time–kept me guessing!

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

A great read but might be a tough read if you have a daughter.

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney

Great twist in this one.

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

I listened to the audiobook of this one and loved it.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

The Safe Place by Anna Downes

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

Couldn’t stop reading this one, but beware of some domestic violence.

The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda

The Chemist by Stephanie Meyer

Yes, that Stephanie Meyer of Twilight Saga fame. This was one of the best audiobooks I’ve ever listneed to.

Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin

The cover grabbed me, but it’s a great premise for a story and reminded me of real events like Natalee Holloway’s disappearance.

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin

If you love true crime podcasts, try this one.

The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell

Curious about the other quiz results? Here are links to those recommendation pages:

Contemporary Romance

Women’s Fiction

Historical Romance

Have others that should make this beach read recommendations list? Obviously I can’t read *all the things* myself, so I’d love to hear your recommendations! Contact me

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savvycarlisle

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Jan 14

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Last night, I sent my second completed romance novel off to my agent and a publishing friend! 🎉🥂

So, I thought I'd tease you with some of the fun things in this one:

👩‍❤️‍👨Enemies to lovers
🏖️Small beach town
💌You've Got Mail vibes
📚The cutest Little Free Library (which plays a major role)
😻😻Two cats who live in a bookstore

What do you think? Something you'd want to read??

Last night, I sent my second completed romance novel off to my agent and a publishing friend! 🎉🥂

So, I thought I'd tease you with some of the fun things in this one:

👩‍❤️‍👨Enemies to lovers
🏖️Small beach town
💌You've Got Mail vibes
📚The cutest Little Free Library (which plays a major role)
😻😻Two cats who live in a bookstore

What do you think? Something you'd want to read??
...

95 46

savvycarlisle

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Jan 5

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This #traveltuesday I'm really missing California, especially my beloved Huntington Beach. ♥️

I normally travel out to Southern California 3-4 times a year, and now it has been about 14 months thanks to the pandemic. 😢

Even though I live at the beach, I really miss my morning routine in Huntington Beach. I have a friend who lives there that I visit each trip. Because I'm usually still on East coast time, I tend to wake up before her. I go downtown, grab a latte and then walk the pier and the beach.

I really hope sometime in 2021 I'm able to get back out there!

Are there any places you are hoping to visit in 2021? (My list is long!!)

This #traveltuesday I'm really missing California, especially my beloved Huntington Beach. ♥️

I normally travel out to Southern California 3-4 times a year, and now it has been about 14 months thanks to the pandemic. 😢

Even though I live at the beach, I really miss my morning routine in Huntington Beach. I have a friend who lives there that I visit each trip. Because I'm usually still on East coast time, I tend to wake up before her. I go downtown, grab a latte and then walk the pier and the beach.

I really hope sometime in 2021 I'm able to get back out there!

Are there any places you are hoping to visit in 2021? (My list is long!!)
...

93 54

savvycarlisle

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Jan 4

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I love our historic downtown! #loveamelia 

The architecture, the old ads on the brick walls, the independent shops, the meandering road and the lights in the trees at night...I never get tired of walking around down here.

Today, I met with the new director of @fernandinabeachmainstreet so I could learn how to get more involved with preserving our history here. Fun fact: when I was a practicing attorney, part of what I did was historic preservation tax credits.

It's also why I'm weave historic buildings and homes into my novels. My first novel, which I hope will get picked up by a publisher soon, revolves around a historic home on a small fictional island. My second novel, which I am currently writing, borrows a lot of the details from the commercial buildings here on my island to describe Main Street and the bookstore at the center of my story.

What are some of you are favorite historic towns? What do you love about them?

I love our historic downtown! #loveamelia

The architecture, the old ads on the brick walls, the independent shops, the meandering road and the lights in the trees at night...I never get tired of walking around down here.

Today, I met with the new director of @fernandinabeachmainstreet so I could learn how to get more involved with preserving our history here. Fun fact: when I was a practicing attorney, part of what I did was historic preservation tax credits.

It's also why I'm weave historic buildings and homes into my novels. My first novel, which I hope will get picked up by a publisher soon, revolves around a historic home on a small fictional island. My second novel, which I am currently writing, borrows a lot of the details from the commercial buildings here on my island to describe Main Street and the bookstore at the center of my story.

What are some of you are favorite historic towns? What do you love about them?
...

93 12

savvycarlisle

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Jan 3

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A week ago, we adopted this sweet cat we met at @pouncecatcafe.sav. ♥️

Her name was Copy Cat, but we wanted to give her a new name for her new start.

We've spent all week trying out different names, and we've settled on...Pepper!

It started as Peppermint Patty because I wanted a Christmasy name, but now I call her Pepper Potts, Peppa Pig, Salt n Pepa...you get the idea. 😂

So far, she's fitting in nicely in our household and starting to become better friends with the two cats we already had. She's seen the dog from a distance, but we're taking that slow. Georgia the GSD would love to be her friend, but Pepper is not quite ready yet.

She is still sleeping separately from everyone at night and staying in her own room when we're away, but the kitties are really starting to get along well during the day. ♥️

Best Christmas present!

A week ago, we adopted this sweet cat we met at @pouncecatcafe.sav. ♥️

Her name was Copy Cat, but we wanted to give her a new name for her new start.

We've spent all week trying out different names, and we've settled on...Pepper!

It started as Peppermint Patty because I wanted a Christmasy name, but now I call her Pepper Potts, Peppa Pig, Salt n Pepa...you get the idea. 😂

So far, she's fitting in nicely in our household and starting to become better friends with the two cats we already had. She's seen the dog from a distance, but we're taking that slow. Georgia the GSD would love to be her friend, but Pepper is not quite ready yet.

She is still sleeping separately from everyone at night and staying in her own room when we're away, but the kitties are really starting to get along well during the day. ♥️

Best Christmas present!
...

59 11

savvycarlisle

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Jan 2

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Some of you have begged me to post more beach photos and videos because you haven't been able to get to the beach in awhile...so this one is for you! 🏖️ #loveamelia 

Turn the sound on for the full effect.

What else would you like to see more of?

Some of you have begged me to post more beach photos and videos because you haven't been able to get to the beach in awhile...so this one is for you! 🏖️ #loveamelia

Turn the sound on for the full effect.

What else would you like to see more of?
...

62 8

savvycarlisle

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Jan 2

Open
Cheers to the new year! 🥂

I'm not going to dwell on everything that went wrong in 2020. Let's just say I'm not going to look back on it fondly.

And while I know the world didn't change overnight last night, I have hope for the new year just like I do every year.

So, I'm going to drink my champagne and write on my next book and put myself in the best situation I can to be healthy, happy and successful.

Do you have any BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) for 2021?

I'll share one of mine! I want a publishing contract for my first novel this year. 🤞

Tell me about yours! Let's speak them into existence!

Cheers to the new year! 🥂

I'm not going to dwell on everything that went wrong in 2020. Let's just say I'm not going to look back on it fondly.

And while I know the world didn't change overnight last night, I have hope for the new year just like I do every year.

So, I'm going to drink my champagne and write on my next book and put myself in the best situation I can to be healthy, happy and successful.

Do you have any BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) for 2021?

I'll share one of mine! I want a publishing contract for my first novel this year. 🤞

Tell me about yours! Let's speak them into existence!
...

71 22

savvycarlisle

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Dec 26

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Georgia the #GSD is worn out after a great Christmas day where we never got out of our pajamas. I can't remember the last time I did that!

I know this year is different, and a lot of us probably didn't spend it exactly the way we would have liked...but I hope you made the best of it and there was something about your day you enjoyed or were thankful for. ♥️

And if you don't celebrate Christmas, I still hope you had a lovely day and had something to be thankful for!

Georgia the #GSD is worn out after a great Christmas day where we never got out of our pajamas. I can't remember the last time I did that!

I know this year is different, and a lot of us probably didn't spend it exactly the way we would have liked...but I hope you made the best of it and there was something about your day you enjoyed or were thankful for. ♥️

And if you don't celebrate Christmas, I still hope you had a lovely day and had something to be thankful for!
...

65 14

savvycarlisle

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Dec 24

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If you're ready to kick off the long holiday weekend and cozy up with a charming Christmas read, grab Christmas at Fireside Cabins! 🎄

I've read all of @jhaleauthor's Christmas books, and I have to say this one is my favorite! ♥️

I love that it centers around a girls trip, because if you've followed me for long you know I love my girls trips! And having had more than one experience where I showed up to my rental house to find it was nothing like the pictures, I could definitely relate to the predicament the ladies find themselves in when they arrive at the rundown Fireside Cabins.

Instead of running for the hills, however, they meet the sweet widow who's trying to run the cabins on her own and decide to stay. Throw in a surly coffee shop owner who is in desperate need of a little Christmas cheer, and our main character Lila has her work cut out for her. But maybe it's just the kind of project she needs to get her mind off missing the family she no longer has and her friends whose lives seem to be pulling them in opposite directions.

You'll fall in love with this sweet little town and wish you could go visit Fireside Cabins yourself! ♥️

It's the perfect read for your long holiday weekend!

If you're ready to kick off the long holiday weekend and cozy up with a charming Christmas read, grab Christmas at Fireside Cabins! 🎄

I've read all of @jhaleauthor's Christmas books, and I have to say this one is my favorite! ♥️

I love that it centers around a girls trip, because if you've followed me for long you know I love my girls trips! And having had more than one experience where I showed up to my rental house to find it was nothing like the pictures, I could definitely relate to the predicament the ladies find themselves in when they arrive at the rundown Fireside Cabins.

Instead of running for the hills, however, they meet the sweet widow who's trying to run the cabins on her own and decide to stay. Throw in a surly coffee shop owner who is in desperate need of a little Christmas cheer, and our main character Lila has her work cut out for her. But maybe it's just the kind of project she needs to get her mind off missing the family she no longer has and her friends whose lives seem to be pulling them in opposite directions.

You'll fall in love with this sweet little town and wish you could go visit Fireside Cabins yourself! ♥️

It's the perfect read for your long holiday weekend!
...

47 10

savvycarlisle

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Dec 24

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My beautiful new art from @c.lyonsart that I got for my birthday. It's called "Sunset Cruise" and I can't wait to hang it. ♥️

This is the third piece I've bought from Christine. I just love her work!

Who are some of your favorite artists? Tag them if they're on Instagram! Hubby is an art writer (@seegreatart) and we love discovering new artists.

My beautiful new art from @c.lyonsart that I got for my birthday. It's called "Sunset Cruise" and I can't wait to hang it. ♥️

This is the third piece I've bought from Christine. I just love her work!

Who are some of your favorite artists? Tag them if they're on Instagram! Hubby is an art writer (@seegreatart) and we love discovering new artists.
...

43 15

savvycarlisle

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Dec 22

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Happy release day to my dear friend @debbie_cromack_author! 🎉

I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Untouchable Zane, and wowee...the chemistry between this couple leaps off the page! 🔥

Zane is a Hollywood heartthrob who has been dreaming about a mystery woman most of his life. Imagine his surprise when he actually runs into the woman in real life! The only problem? Desiree's boyfriend died in a tragic car accident and she has sworn off dating, especially someone like him who reminds Desiree of her ex.

I love that both Desiree and Zane have real-world issues in their past that shape how they interact with one another in believable ways. I found myself rooting for them even though I understood the challenges in their way. ♥️

So, grab yourself a mug of hot cocoa (there's lots in the story, so you'll be craving it!) and snuggle in for a great read!

And a huge congratulations to my friend Debbie on writing and publishing this book! I met Debbie at a female entrepreneur retreat several years ago, and I don't think either us ever imagined we would be writing our first romance novels at the same time. It's been so nice to have someone to talk to over the past year as we have both finished up our novels. I'm so incredibly proud of her! 🤗 🥰

Happy release day to my dear friend @debbie_cromack_author! 🎉

I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Untouchable Zane, and wowee...the chemistry between this couple leaps off the page! 🔥

Zane is a Hollywood heartthrob who has been dreaming about a mystery woman most of his life. Imagine his surprise when he actually runs into the woman in real life! The only problem? Desiree's boyfriend died in a tragic car accident and she has sworn off dating, especially someone like him who reminds Desiree of her ex.

I love that both Desiree and Zane have real-world issues in their past that shape how they interact with one another in believable ways. I found myself rooting for them even though I understood the challenges in their way. ♥️

So, grab yourself a mug of hot cocoa (there's lots in the story, so you'll be craving it!) and snuggle in for a great read!

And a huge congratulations to my friend Debbie on writing and publishing this book! I met Debbie at a female entrepreneur retreat several years ago, and I don't think either us ever imagined we would be writing our first romance novels at the same time. It's been so nice to have someone to talk to over the past year as we have both finished up our novels. I'm so incredibly proud of her! 🤗 🥰
...

56 7

savvycarlisle

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Dec 18

Open
Writing by the pool at @ritzcarltonameliaisland this afternoon! I'm 1,700 words in for the day, 1,300 to go. Fueled by champagne and sunshine. 🥂☀️

Where is your favorite place to write or read? Although I love the beach, I have to say reading and writing by the pool are some of my earliest memories.

Writing by the pool at @ritzcarltonameliaisland this afternoon! I'm 1,700 words in for the day, 1,300 to go. Fueled by champagne and sunshine. 🥂☀️

Where is your favorite place to write or read? Although I love the beach, I have to say reading and writing by the pool are some of my earliest memories.
...

73 12

savvycarlisle

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Dec 18

Open
I've been quiet on Instagram lately because I've been SO busy writing my next book! The first novel I wrote is out on submission to publishers, but I know it's important to get that next one written.

I have an early January deadline, so I'm hard at it every day! But...having a deadline really helps me. As a journalist, I write my best when I have a deadline, so I think it'll actually be nice when I finally have a publisher and always have that next deadline to meet. 😂

Another writer friend of mine said she hates deadlines because they stifle her creatively. What about you? Do you work well with a deadline or do they hinder you?

I've been quiet on Instagram lately because I've been SO busy writing my next book! The first novel I wrote is out on submission to publishers, but I know it's important to get that next one written.

I have an early January deadline, so I'm hard at it every day! But...having a deadline really helps me. As a journalist, I write my best when I have a deadline, so I think it'll actually be nice when I finally have a publisher and always have that next deadline to meet. 😂

Another writer friend of mine said she hates deadlines because they stifle her creatively. What about you? Do you work well with a deadline or do they hinder you?
...

77 18

savvycarlisle

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Dec 12

Open
The amount of stress that went into whether to post this photo feels silly. This account is the first time on IG I've ever tried to stick to a tight theme (beachy). I love how my feed looks, but I hate not being able to share when I travel somewhere that isn't the beach.

So, here it is. I sometimes travel to places other than the beach. 😱 I know, the horror! 🤣

I just spent a fabulous week in Breckenridge, Colorado skiing and writing a new novel (a beach read!). It was the perfect week. I'll be writing for Forbes about what it's like to visit a ski resort this year with all the safety restrictions in place, but I can tell you I felt really safe.

Aa I write this, I'm headed back home to the beach. Now that I've gotten my dose of winter, I'm ready to get back to listening to the waves lapping at the shore.

Are you a beach person or a mountain person?

The amount of stress that went into whether to post this photo feels silly. This account is the first time on IG I've ever tried to stick to a tight theme (beachy). I love how my feed looks, but I hate not being able to share when I travel somewhere that isn't the beach.

So, here it is. I sometimes travel to places other than the beach. 😱 I know, the horror! 🤣

I just spent a fabulous week in Breckenridge, Colorado skiing and writing a new novel (a beach read!). It was the perfect week. I'll be writing for Forbes about what it's like to visit a ski resort this year with all the safety restrictions in place, but I can tell you I felt really safe.

Aa I write this, I'm headed back home to the beach. Now that I've gotten my dose of winter, I'm ready to get back to listening to the waves lapping at the shore.

Are you a beach person or a mountain person?
...

88 30

savvycarlisle

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Dec 12

Open
I've had the most amazing week in Breckenridge, Colorado! 🏔️

You know I'm a beach girl, but I like to travel to the mountains at least once in the summer and once in the winter...sometimes spring and summer too. 😂 I enjoy the change in scenery and find it often sparks my creativity.

In addition to hitting the slopes this week, I also started writing a new novel. A beach read, of course. 🏖️ I'm 15k words in already! I've never written so much so fast. Apparently my muse was hiding up here in the mountains.

Is there anywhere you go that you find always brings you inspiration?

I've had the most amazing week in Breckenridge, Colorado! 🏔️

You know I'm a beach girl, but I like to travel to the mountains at least once in the summer and once in the winter...sometimes spring and summer too. 😂 I enjoy the change in scenery and find it often sparks my creativity.

In addition to hitting the slopes this week, I also started writing a new novel. A beach read, of course. 🏖️ I'm 15k words in already! I've never written so much so fast. Apparently my muse was hiding up here in the mountains.

Is there anywhere you go that you find always brings you inspiration?
...

71 25

savvycarlisle

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Dec 5

Open
I recently had the opportunity to write for AARP about my favorite new holiday books this season, and the theme was books for people who love Hallmark movies. If you know me, you know I ♥️ Hallmark movies!!

Four of the authors on the list have previously had books made into Hallmark movies: @teriwilsonauthor, @jhaleauthor, @nancynaigle and @traveltherapy. Plus, I learned about a couple of new-to-me authors!

Check out the link in my bio for the full list, then snuggle up with a blanket and some hot cocoa and enjoy! 🎄

I recently had the opportunity to write for AARP about my favorite new holiday books this season, and the theme was books for people who love Hallmark movies. If you know me, you know I ♥️ Hallmark movies!!

Four of the authors on the list have previously had books made into Hallmark movies: @teriwilsonauthor, @jhaleauthor, @nancynaigle and @traveltherapy. Plus, I learned about a couple of new-to-me authors!

Check out the link in my bio for the full list, then snuggle up with a blanket and some hot cocoa and enjoy! 🎄
...

46 10

savvycarlisle

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Nov 30

Open
Some days, writing a book is a day at the beach...quite literally for me! 😂

But some days it's hard. Like, why would anyone do this to themselves hard. 🤦🏼‍♀️

I spent over a year writing my book. Then I went through a complete edit with a developmental editor. I got good feedback from beta readers, edited some more and went out on submission. I thought it was ready for a publisher to acquire, but now I've gotten feedback from a publisher I'm really interested in and need to work on a rewrite.

So, I've spent the last month or so rewriting my synopsis based on the feedback I received. It's not as easy as just sitting down at your computer and fixing a few little things. I had to really go back and dig deep into the motivation, goals and conflict of each character to ensure there are strong, logical and emotionally satisfying character arcs.

I finally rewritten my synopsis, and today I'm meeting with a freelance editor I know to talk through my revisions. Have I done enough? Have I solved the problems?

I truly believe that being an author requires you to love writing so much that you can't imagine doing anything else. Because there are easier ways to make a living and definitely easier hobbies to take up your time. 😂

Anyone else currently working on their first novel or have plans to start one soon?

Some days, writing a book is a day at the beach...quite literally for me! 😂

But some days it's hard. Like, why would anyone do this to themselves hard. 🤦🏼‍♀️

I spent over a year writing my book. Then I went through a complete edit with a developmental editor. I got good feedback from beta readers, edited some more and went out on submission. I thought it was ready for a publisher to acquire, but now I've gotten feedback from a publisher I'm really interested in and need to work on a rewrite.

So, I've spent the last month or so rewriting my synopsis based on the feedback I received. It's not as easy as just sitting down at your computer and fixing a few little things. I had to really go back and dig deep into the motivation, goals and conflict of each character to ensure there are strong, logical and emotionally satisfying character arcs.

I finally rewritten my synopsis, and today I'm meeting with a freelance editor I know to talk through my revisions. Have I done enough? Have I solved the problems?

I truly believe that being an author requires you to love writing so much that you can't imagine doing anything else. Because there are easier ways to make a living and definitely easier hobbies to take up your time. 😂

Anyone else currently working on their first novel or have plans to start one soon?
...

73 30
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