Sand in your shoes. A drink in your hand. And a stack of books that remind you why people—and their secrets—are never boring.
From satirical twists on marriage (The Husbands) to psychological thrillers (None of This Is True) to messy breakups that don’t stay on the page (The Perfect Divorce), these picks are perfect for poolside reading—or fueling your next coffee shop legal analysis.
So grab your sunglasses, clear your docket, and dive in. Here’s what’s on my summer list—and maybe yours too.
Our 2025 Picks
The Husbands – Holly Gramazio
Magic realism meets modern relationships in this satirical debut.
When Lauren returns home one night, she discovers a man claiming to be her husband. But she’s never met him. Each time “her husband” goes into the attic, a new one appears—creating an endless cycle of marital possibilities. It’s a witty, thought-provoking novel about choice, marriage, and the consequences of endless second chances.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price – Holly Jackson
A gripping mother-daughter mystery entwined with true crime.
Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished—until she suddenly returns during a true-crime documentary. Her daughter Bel has no memory of her disappearance, and as Rachel’s story unfolds, neither mother nor daughter are sure what truth to trust.
The Summer Pact – Emily Giffin
A “reconnect with yourself” journey among college friends.
After a tragic accident, four college freshmen swear to reunite in ten years. A decade later, they come back together—each changed, each in need of healing. This story explores friendship, emotional growth, and the long shadows of youthful promises.
Framed – S. L. McInnis
Suspenseful legal thriller about trust gone wrong.
A newlywed mother and her husband become suspects in a shocking murder. As the investigation deepens, the couple’s relationship trembles under pressure. This taut thriller examines how fragile even the most stable partnerships can be when scandal strikes.
All Fours – Miranda July
A midlife awakening that defies expectations.
A woman navigating middle age embarks on a surprising journey of desire, self-discovery, and connection. Irreverent, tender, and deeply human, this novel shows how life can shift dramatically—when you least expect it.
None of This Is True – Lisa Jewell
A dark psychological thriller with twists at every turn.
A woman starts to question herself—and her sanity—when someone she thought she knew intimately may not be who they claim. Tension builds as buried truths and shifting perceptions come to light, forcing questions about identity and deception.
The Perfect Divorce – Jeneva Rose
A chilling thriller asking: what if divorce isn’t your worst fear?
On the brink of divorce, a couple’s breakup turns dangerously complicated. When one spouse disappears, the assumptions unravel, and suspicion spirals. This novel explores trust, power, and how a legal split can spiral out of control.
Maybe in Another Life – Taylor Jenkins Reid
A romantic “what if” story exploring divergent life paths.
After a chance encounter, Hannah’s life splits into two timelines—one where she stays with a past love, another where she moves on. Both paths explore consequences, identity, and resilience. It’s a poignant look at how small choices shape our futures.
Malibu Rising – Taylor Jenkins Reid
Family secrets and splendor collide at a legendary summer party.
In 1983 Malibu, four famous siblings throw their biggest end-of-summer party yet—only to see it threatened by shocking revelations. Against a backdrop of fame, legacy, and betrayal, Reid explores how family bonds crack—and endure.
Attorney’s Take: Why These Reads Matter
If you’re an attorney (or just fascinated by relationships, trust, and the “what ifs” that send people into our offices), these summer novels are more than escapism. They’re page-turners packed with love, betrayal, new beginnings, and legal entanglements that make you think: What would I advise this character to do?
As attorneys, we see how communications, secrets, and pivotal decisions shape both personal and legal outcomes. These novels echo those themes, helping us reflect—and perhaps unwind—while appreciating the delicate balance between love, responsibility, and protection.