There’s something about a good mystery that makes it perfect for travel — the short chapters, the page-turning suspense, the comforting structure of a case to be solved. Many Caxton cardholders told us they love a good thriller while away, and one series stood out above all: Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club.
Here are the most popular crime and thriller picks from fellow travellers:
1. The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman
Came up again and again. The premise — a group of pensioners solving crimes from their retirement village — is funny, clever, and surprisingly moving. Light enough for holiday reading, but with plots that hold up. Read more online.
2. Jack Reacher series by Lee Child
Fast-paced and always satisfying. Many readers named Reacher as their go-to for long flights. Here are three great starting points:
3. John Grisham legal thrillers
Reliable and engrossing. Several Caxton users said they never go on holiday without one. Start with:
4. James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club series
Short, sharp, and full of momentum. Ideal for poolside reading. Read reviews online.
5. Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch books
Another favourite. Bosch is a brooding LA detective with a complex backstory. Try:
6. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
A modern detective series with layered characters and twisting plots. The first in the Cormoran Strike series. Read reviews online.
7. Still Life by Louise Penny
Set in a quiet Canadian village, this gentle mystery has real depth. For those who want literary with their whodunnits. Read reviews online.
8. The Ice Beneath Her by Camilla Grebe
Nordic noir at its best — psychological, chilling, and gripping. Read reviews online.
Thrillers like these are brilliant for passing time in airports, on planes, or by the pool — and they’re often the kind of book you’ll want to pass on to the next traveller.
