The end of May means the beginning of summer (which officially starts on June 21 but who's counting), so that means it’s time to break out the bug spray, grill, and sunscreen.

It’s also time to figure out what your next pool or beach read is, so we’ve compiled recently released summer reads by authors with ties to Charleston + South Carolina to get you started.

“If You Don’t Tell” by Alana Sommers | A debut novel from Charleston resident, Alana Sommers, this twisty mystery about secrets on an island town will have you page-turning until the thrilling conclusion.
“American Landmark: Charles Duell and the Rebirth of Middleton Place” by Virginia Christian Beach | A historical nonfiction about the 18th-century Ashley River plantation which examines the exploitation of enslaved people as well as the preservation of Middleton Place’s nuanced history.
“Decorum” by Jonathan Hickman | A gritty illustrated miniseries from comic book writer and South Carolina native, Jonathan Hickman (best known for his work with Marvel) about a well-mannered assassin.
“A Flicker in the Dark” by Stacy Willingham | A thriller from a local Charleston author about a woman who is coping with the aftermath of her father’s confession to serial murders… in the midst of an investigation of a missing teenager. Pro-tip: Rumor has it that HBO Max is working with Emma Stone to develop an adaptation of this book.
“Black Music Is” by Marcus Amaker | Children can learn more about Black music + history through this illustrated poetry book featuring Bebop the cat.

Need more recommendations? Stop by Blue Bicycle Books, Itinerant Literate Bookshop, or The Village Bookseller to get expert advice from the Holy City’s local booksellers. 📚