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Like all the best mysteries, it starts with murder.
In its three seasons, juicy HBO series “The White Lotus” has captivated audiences from fictional, murder-prone resorts in Hawaii, Italy and, now, Thailand. This season has been filled with all sorts of unsavory drama, including a party turned incestuous, a surprise cameo (and unsettling monologue) from Sam Rockwell and an Inigo-Montoya-esque confrontation with a shadowy landowner.
Season 3 may be almost over, but that doesn’t mean the drama has to stop. We’ve got book recommendations to keep you on the edge of your seat all year long.
Books like ‘The White Lotus’
These books – new and old – are filled with rich getaways, privileged vacationers and murder mysteries and are sure to scratch the same itch as Mike White’s intoxicating series. Here’s what we recommend.
‘Saltwater’ by Katy Hays
“Saltwater” starts as Sarah Lingate, a young mother and old-money heiress, is found dead in Capri. Though ruled an accident, the Lingate family is haunted by her death and returns every year on the anniversary. But on the 30th year, they come to Capri to find Sarah’s necklace at the villa waiting for them – the one she was wearing the day she died. Now, everyone is a suspect and hidden family secrets threaten to bubble to the surface.
‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ by Liane Moriarty
Moriarty’s bestselling mystery finds nine people at a remote health resort seeking mindfulness, rejuvenation and reinvention. Over 10 days, formerly successful romance novelist Frances must cast aside her skepticism and immerse herself in the intriguing guests and hosts at Tranquillum House. Packed with wit, humor, tension and dizzying chaos, “Nine Perfect Strangers” is a must-read for fans of “The White Lotus.”
‘Bad Summer People’ by Emma Rosenblum
Infidelity, back-stabbing and murder ensue in an exclusive summer beach community on Fire Island in “Bad Summer People.” Jen and Lauren rule the town and tennis courts each summer alongside their husbands, who have summered on the island since childhood. Their friend Rachel joins them this year, eager to find a man. When a body is discovered off the side of the boardwalk, decades-old grudges and rumors ensnare the town.
‘Malibu Rising’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Like “The White Lotus,” when readers open this book, they already know the ending – a beachside Malibu mansion engulfed in flames. “Malibu Rising” follows four star-studded Riva siblings in the 24 hours leading up to the disaster at the party, as well as a look back at the secrets and betrayals that shaped their parents and their childhood.
‘The Bandit Queens’ by Parini Shroff
In “The Bandit Queens,” rumors fly after Geeta’s no-good husband up and leaves. The other women in the remote Indian village believe Geeta killed him, which she at first resents until she realizes people finally start to leave her alone because of it. It also makes for a good intimidation tactic for her jewelry business. But Geeta’s dangerous reputation comes to a head when other women start asking Geeta to help kill off their husbands too.
‘The Glow’ by Jessie Gaynor
In “The Glow,” publicist Jane desperately tries to save her career by turning a charismatic cult-like retreat leader into an envy-inspiring, profit-driving self-care brand. One Goodreads review of this book describes Jane as “If Portia from The White Lotus — with all of her insecurities and self-absorption and general privilege — was a slightly older book character sans tacky Gen Z outfits.”
‘Sex and Vanity’ by Kevin Kwan
From the author of “Crazy Rich Asians” comes a vacationing romp that reimagines “A Room With a View.” In “Sex and Vanity,” Lucie finds herself trapped between two men. She first meets the intelligent, generous George Zao on an escapade to Capri. Years later, after the pair lose touch, she’s vacationing with her fiancé when she unexpectedly sees George again. Unsure of whether to listen to her heart or her head and caught between two cultures, Lucie spins a web of lies involving her family, fiancé and community.
‘Murder and Mamon’ by Mia P. Manansala
If meddling gossipers and murder are your preferred plot devices, “Murder and Mamon” is for you. After much controversy and fanfare, Lila’s godmothers finally open their new laundromat in town. But as they celebrate, they find the laundromat vandalized and the body of one of their nieces next to a threatening message. Between the godmothers’ grief and a less-than-adequate police department, Lila will have to seek justice on her own terms and figure out which scheming godmother the vendetta was meant for.
Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you’re reading at [email protected].
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