Those of you who, like me, are obsessed with HBO’s The White Lotus, may be experiencing a binge hangover after finishing season two. To help alleviate that, I’ve selected five books (specifically, mysteries) that I feel mirror or complement certain aspects of the show. Whether you’re craving a thriller or a cozy, a vacation setting or an eclectic cast, these picks cover all the bases. And while nothing can truly satisfy a White Lotus craving, I hope these mysteries tide you over until the next season is out.
(A note: The one type of book I wish I had for this list is a Sicily-based mystery—I’m still on the hunt for that. Any recommendations?)
For rich people on their worst behavior
One of Us Is Dead, Jeneva Rose
Blackstone Publishing, 2022
Genre: Thriller
View on: Bookshop.org | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Goodreads
Real Housewives turns deadly in this thriller featuring the gossip, drama, and revenge of four women in wealthy Buckhead, Georgia. Plus, just like in The White Lotus, you begin knowing that there’s a body, but not knowing whose it is (and who killed them).
Grab your popcorn and watch as sex, lies, and scandal unfurl against an opulent backdrop. If you like rich people doing bad things, you won’t want to put this down.
[Pssst: Jeneva is a Cluesletter author! Read her interview here.]
For intertwined stories and deadly secrets
The Guest List, Lucy Foley
William Morrow, 2020
Genre: Thriller
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Guests gather for a luxe wedding on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. As a fierce storm threatens the celebration, so do deadly secrets . . .
With multiple POVs and interlocking narratives, you’ll get sucked into the wedding drama. And when someone turns up dead, you’ll wonder who it is—and why they had to die. And again, there’s a similar format here: you know a body is found, but you don’t know the details.
For tropical resort vibes
Mai Tais & Murder, Lydia Lane
Indie, 2021
Genre: Cozy Mystery
View on: Amazon | Goodreads
A jilted bride takes a solo honeymoon to the paradisal Golden Hibiscus Resort. When a body is found in the water, and the killer among the hotel guests, she swaps heartbreak for crime solving.
Bring on the beach cocktails with this intrepid sleuth, colorful characters, and sparkling writing. I kid you not, I kept thinking about this book while watching Season 1—it’s got the same tropical setting and kooky guests, but with a cozy mystery flair.
[Pssst: Lydia is a Cluesletter author! Read her interview here.]
For a hotel setting
The Maid, Nita Prose
Ballantine Books, 2022
Genre: Mystery
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A dedicated hotel maid stumbles across a patron’s body during a regular cleaning . . . and becomes a primary suspect.
A layered, hotel-centered plot with a heroine to root for and heaps more heart than you might expect. So no, it’s not as similar to The White Lotus as the others on this list, but it does take place largely in a hotel, so if that’s what you’re craving, give it a try.
For all of the above, but extra cozy
A Caribbean Mystery, Agatha Christie
William Morrow, 1964
Genre: Mystery
View on: Bookshop.org | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Goodreads
Miss Marple’s sunny vacation in the Caribbean is perhaps a little too relaxing, until an old soldier is found dead after sharing a murderous tale.
A vacation setting, plenty of suspicious and secretive hotel patrons, and a mysterious body, with classic Christie flair. I couldn’t resist adding a classic to this list, and this one ticked all the boxes. What’s more, you get a healthy does of Marple.
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