Whether you’re on the way to work or escaping to the beach, here are 10 books to accompany you on your commute this summer.
These books will take you to the remote wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, the expansive fields of tulips in the Netherlands, or even the seedy underbelly of London itself.
There are juicy memoirs and shocking true crime, as well as romance, historical fiction and a mystery or two. Hopefully, something for everyone – happy reading!
Read more: The Booker Prize 2026 – full longlist and where to buy the nominated books
'The God of the Woods' by Liz Moore, published by The Borough Press
The daughter of a wealthy family goes missing at summer camp, and everyone in her orbit seems to have something to hide. Prepare to spend all day looking forward to your commute so you can get closer to the truth.
Buy now £8.92, Amazon.co.uk
'Big Fan' by Alexandra Romanoff, published by 831 Stories
A political strategist gets an email from her teenage idol asking her to help him relaunch his music career. The chic cover design defies the usual packaging of sizzling romances, which inexplicably depict either childish cartoon characters or total bodice rippers. This one, on the flip side, is a commuter-appropriate cover without compromising any of the steaminess inside.
Buy now £9.93, Amazon.co.uk
'She Who Remains' by Rene Karabash, published by Peirene Press
Translated from Bulgarian, this devastating little novel explores archaic Albanian tribal laws, family vengeance and “sworn virgins”. A slim volume that’s easy to carry around with you, but one that packs a real punch.
Buy now £11.00, Amazon.co.uk
'The Safekeep' by Yael van der Wouden, published by Penguin
A house-proud woman must host her brother’s girlfriend for the foreseeable future… and cannot stand her. However, soon, irritation turns to curiosity, and hatred turns to lust. A conversation starter, if you’re looking for a commuter book club!
Buy now £8.48, Amazon.co.uk
'The Black Tulip' by Alexandre Dumas, published by Oxford Paperbacks
Dumas’ most famous novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, is a little bulky to take in your backpack – try out this story about a man attempting to grow a black tulip for a 100,000-franc prize instead.
Buy now £6.82, Amazon.co.uk
'This House of Grief' by Helen Garner, published by Text Classics
For true crime lovers, explore this court case about a man who drove his car into a reservoir, killing all three of his children in the back seats. Told through a series of witness testimonies, perfect for reading bit by bit each time you travel.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon.co.uk
'London Falling' by Patrick Radden Keefe, published by
Patrick Radden Keefe is a master investigator and storyteller – here, he turns his attention to a boy who suspiciously fell to his death after posing as a Russian oligarch. Just be careful you don’t accidentally miss your stop because you’re so engrossed in his writing.
Buy now £11.00, Amazon.co.uk
'Famesick' by Lena Dunham, published by Fourth Estate
The ultimate celebrity memoir, with equal parts gossip and introspection. Lena Dunham dissects her life, considering her rise to fame and the ways her body has failed her. Warning: people might start trying to read this over your shoulder…
Buy now £13.66, Amazon.co.uk
'The Correspondent' by Virginia Evans, published by Michael Joseph
At 73, Sybil reflects on her life through a series of letters. Perfect to dip in and out of as you commute, as each letter is relatively short and punchy.
Buy now £7.49, Amazon.co.uk
'Strangers' by Belle Burden, published by
The year’s juiciest memoir about a woman whose husband suddenly left her (and their kids) during the pandemic and took everything.
Buy now £14.75, Amazon.co.uk
Jack Edwards is contributing literary editor at Esquire and runs Inklings Book Club. He has partnered with Trainline to release “decoy” book covers so people can read the books they wish without judgment.
