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The best holiday reads for 2026 from Vintage

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Looking for the best books to take on holiday this summer?

Whether you’re planning a beach escape, a city break or a long-haul adventure, the best holiday reads have one thing in common: they make you forget to check your phone.

From gripping thrillers and clever mysteries to immersive literary fiction and contemporary page-turners, these are the books we recommend packing for summer 2026. They’re the stories you’ll reach for on the plane, beside the pool and during those blissfully slow afternoons when all you need is a good book.

What should you read based on your holiday personality?


In seartch of a thriller you can’t put down? Start with Eden Falls or The Pinnacle.

Want a book for the beach bag? Try All In or Waist Deep.

Searching for escapist fiction set somewhere unforgettable? Pick up Island Calling or The Fisherman’s Gift.

Need a novel with memorable characters you’ll miss when it’s over? Read The Project or Discontent.

Must-read thrillers

Best read beach or poolside

Stories that will transport you

Win a bundle of these picks!

We're giving one lucky reader the chance to win all of the books featured on this list.

By signing up, I confirm that I'm over 16. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, including for our recommendations, please visit our Privacy Policy.

Prize Draw Terms and Conditions:

  1. No purchase necessary to enter the prize draw.
  2. This prize draw is open to UK residents aged 18 years or over, with the exception of employees of the Promoter, their families, agents and anyone else connected with this promotion.
  3. Entries must be received by 30 July, 2026. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any entries that are incomplete, illegible, corrupted or fail to reach the Promoter by the relevant closing date for any reason. Proof of posting or sending is not proof of receipt. Automatically generated entries and entries via agents or third parties are invalid and will not be counted. Entries become the property of the Promoter and are not returned.
  4. Only one entry per person. No entrant may win more than one prize.
  5. To enter, fill out the form sent via the Vintage Books newsletter.
  6. All correctly completed entries will be entered into a prize draw which will take place on 10 August, 2026.
  7. The prize for the winner is a bundle of Vintage books including 1 of each of the following titles: Eden Falls by Ajay Chowdhury, Her Many Faces by Nicci Cloke, The Arrival by Robin Brookes, The Night Stairs by Erin Kelly, The Other You by Carys Green, The Pinnacle by Abir Mukherjee, All In by Claire Powell, Crescendo by Jane Healey, Waist Deep by Linea Maja Ernst, The Project by Annie Lord, Discontent by Beatriz Serrano, Island Calling by Francesca Segal, The Fisherman’s Gift by Julia Kelly and The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
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  9. Prizes are subject to availability. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Promoter reserves the right (a) to substitute alternative prizes of equivalent or greater value and (b) in exceptional circumstances to amend or foreclose the promotion without notice. No correspondence will be entered into.
  10. The winner will be notified via email or post by 15 August, 2026. The winner must claim their prize within 30 working days of the Promoter sending notification. If the prize is unclaimed after this time, it will lapse and the Promoter reserves the right to offer the unclaimed prize to a substitute winner selected in accordance with these rules.
  11. By entering this competition, all entrants agree to the use of their personal data by the Promoter for the purposes of running the competition as detailed in these terms and conditions.  Details on how we process the personal data of entrants can be found in our Privacy Policy ((http://penguin.co.uk/company/about-us/notices/privacy-policy/full-privacy-policy.html)
  12. Promoter may disqualify any entrant whose entry does not comply with these terms and conditions (in Promoter’s sole opinion) or who, in Promoter’s sole determination, has acted in a manner that is fraudulent, dishonest or unjust to other entrants including, without limitation, tampering with the operation of the prize draw, manipulating or rigging votes, hacking, deceiving, cheating or by harassing or threatening other entrants or a representative of Promoter. 
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  14. The Promoter is Vintage Books, One Embassy Gardens, 8 Viaduct Gardens, London SW11 7BW.
  15. These terms and conditions are governed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best holiday reads for summer 2026?

Some of the most recommended holiday books for summer 2026 include Eden Falls, All In, Island Calling and The Fisherman’s Gift, alongside modern classics such as The Time Traveller’s Wife.

What are the best books to read on a plane?

Thrillers and mysteries are often ideal for flights because they’re easy to become absorbed in. Eden Falls, Her Many Faces, The Arrival and The Pinnacle are all excellent choices for long journeys.

What are the best beach reads for adults?

For readers looking for contemporary fiction with emotional depth and plenty of momentum, All In, Waist Deep, The Project and Island Calling make excellent beach reads.

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By signing up, I confirm that I'm over 16. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, including for our recommendations, please visit our Privacy Policy.