Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.

Jim Rohn

It happened again. All of the books I reserved at the library came in at once. It was a problem because I couldn’t choose which one I was the most excited to read first. They all had great reviews and I couldn’t wait to ignore the universe for each and every one of them.

As it turns out, my favorites were at the bottom of my 5-book stack. I read them both in 2 days each and I was frantically searching for anyone else who had read either of them so I could talk about them. Turns out none of my friends have read them…

Books are among the first things I pack when I go on vacation. I want something that will keep my interest at an airport and on the plane. The two books I read recently are ones I would read over and over again. Hopefully this post will help you narrow down your reading selection the next time you take a vacation.

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

Everyone knows that perfect couple that makes every other couple look like a train wreck. They’re forever in the honeymoon phase, have zero faults, and could never be called less than perfect. But what if behind closed doors their lives were a complete horror story?

That’s this book. I refuse to give spoilers, so don’t worry. This book had me angry at both main characters but in a way that made me want to never put the book down. It’s well-written and the author knows how to twist your brain and insides until you think you know what’s happening and then go a completely different, but oddly more satisfying, route.

If you love twisty thrillers that mysteriously become glued to your hands until you finish them, this is the book for you. It’s the perfect airplane book for longer flights…unless you were planning on sleeping.

The Slaughter Man by Tony Parsons

When a series of gruesome murders begin shortly after a serial killer is released from prison, police suspect the wrong killer. With a missing child on the line, Max Wolfe must track down this relentless killer before it’s too late.

Sequels are iffy at best, but I love this one. The Max Wolfe series follow a less-than-perfect detective who also happens to be a single (devoted) father. The story line is both thoughtful and gripping. Characters remain interesting throughout the series and the storytelling is pretty close to masterful.

This thriller isn’t as twisty as my usual reads, but I will always look forward to a new novel from this series. It’s a wonderful read that will make your layovers fly by. Why not bring more than one of the books in the series!?

What are Your Favorite Travel Reads?

Let me know in the comments! I love thrillers, but I’ll give anything a try. If I love it you could see it featured here in future posts!