A great beach read does not have to be light, frothy or even set near the water. It simply has to pull you in — and give you somewhere compelling to go while the rest of the world recedes.
This month’s Indie Discovery List offers escapes of every kind. Travel across distant planets, enter kingdoms clouded in mist, uncover deadly secrets and confront the dangers of dystopian and wartime worlds. For a change of pace, settle in with a mystery, an actor’s irreverent show-business memoir, a celebration of food and art, or make productive use of your free time with an accessible guide to nutrition.
Whether your ideal summer reading involves suspense, adventure, laughter, discovery or a little chaise lounge travel, these indie books are ready to earn a place in your beach bag.
Where Gods Whisper by Mike Colapietro
Dystopian Fiction
The world ended. What replaced it was worse. Imprisoned with only fractured memories, Mencken slowly pieces together a buried truth. And in a world that has forgotten what it was, that truth may be the last thing that matters.
The Kitchen and the Studio: A Memoir of Food and Art by Mallory M. O’Connor and John A. O’Connor
Cookbook / Art Book
An inviting celebration of food and family that contains more than 100 one-of-a-kind recipes, each illustrated with original paintings.
Day of Wrath by Otho Eskin
Thriller / Mystery
A cardinal’s murder draws D.C. detective Marko Zorn into a deadly conspiracy linking an ancient cult, the Catholic Church and a looming papal conclave.
Marek of the Mists: The Sword of the Moon Maiden by Corey E. King
Fantasy
An orphan raised by a traveling carnival troupe must wield the celestial blade Moonrend and face a rising darkness where love, loyalty and destiny will decide the fate of kingdoms.
An Embarrassment of Itches by M.K. Dean
Cozy Mystery
Veterinarian Ginny Reese becomes the number one suspect when she finds her best client face-down in the swimming pool, and the new sheriff is her ex. At least the dog is on her side!
The Man on the Bench by Hy Conrad
Mystery – Female Sleuth
A thriller about the secrets we tell strangers, and one secret that turns deadly.
Available also on Kobo.
Starbound: Enter the Inferno by Tom Di Paola
Science Fiction
Four teenage brothers with extraordinary powers battle enemies across a vast network of planets inhabited by humanity. As they uncover the truth behind their father’s murder, they begin to realize a far greater threat is looming over the entire galaxy.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Johanna van Zanten
Historical Fiction
The story of a Dutch policeman under Nazi occupation, this compelling novel explores moral courage during World War II, bringing history to life.
Available at 30% off through August 31 when purchased on HistriaBooks.com with the code VANZANTEN30.
That Guy by Larry Hankin
Memoir
A funny, exasperated hemi-semi-demi biography of actor Larry Hankin’s life in show business — from Far Rockaway, Long Island, New York through stand-up gigs and Second City, to Hollywood and Hankin’s roles as Mr. Heckles, Tom Pepper, Old Joe, Doobby and more.
In Search of the Optimal Human Diet: A Layperson’s Guide to Nutritional Science by Jonathan Spitz
Health and Wellness
Rather than promoting a fad or quick fix, this book equips readers with the foundational knowledge needed to evaluate dietary claims critically. Learn more here.