20 Books Of Summer 2026 – A Mid-Challenge Update #20BOS26

Our host for this year’s 20 Books of Summer, which takes place from 1st June to 31st August, is Annabel at AnnaBookBel. You can find out all about the event here. As we’re roughly at the midpoint I thought I’d share an update on my progress.

In past years I’ve attempted to stick rigidly to my original list and not take advantage of the option to swap books in and out. This has inevitably resulted in failure. Since it’s wise to learn from your mistakes, this year I’m adopting a more laidback approach. Below is the current version of my list, arranged in order of date read (if they have been) but not necessarily in order of date reviewed! Safe to say, I’m pretty happy with my progress.

Links from the titles will take you to the book description on Goodreads or my review.

Prey by Graham Hurley Read & reviewed
Dwell by Rue Baldry Read & reviewed
A Pocket Full of Rye by Agatha Christie Read & reviewed
Deception by Alan Parks Read & reviewed
Country People by Daniel Mason Read – review coming soon
Murder at the End of the World by Akane Araki, translated by Jesse Kirkwood Read & reviewed
A Fatal Love by Louisa Treger Read & reviewed
Throw Away the Key by Jason M. Hough Read & reviewed
Daughters of Naples by Diana Giovinazzo Read & reviewed
Land by Maggie O’Farrell Read – review coming soon
Where are the Kings by Donal Ryan Read & reviewed
Invitation from a Dictator by Rory Clements Read & reviewed
The Millionaire Waltz by Anthony Quinn Currently reading
The Eagle and the Wolf (Age of Attila #1) by Gordon Doherty Currently reading
The Draw of the Sea by Wyl Menmuir Currently reading
The Knife Maker of Venice by David Gilman
Miss Veal and Miss Ham by Vikki Heywood
Edenglassie by Melissa Lucashenko
Under a Metal Sky: A Journey Through Minerals, Greed and Wonder by Philip Marsden
Boundary Waters by Tristan Hughes