What is it about the monsoon that inevitably makes us want to curl up in a cosy corner at home with a hot drink and a good book? Perhaps it’s the soothing sound of the rain, the vivid green around, or the fresh scent emanating from the earth. No matter the reason, reading good books is always the right answer. But what do you pick up when you’ve finished most of your TBR pile due to the lockdown? Simple – turn to a new series during this season. Not only will you have a whole new world with new characters to explore, but also the satisfaction of knowing that there are multiple books for you to read. This list of captivating series to read during the monsoon will keep you company over the next few months as you sift through the multiple books in each while listening to the rain outside. Happy reading!
01
Discworld
Terry Pratchett
You can never go wrong with Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series that comprises a staggering 41 novels written over the course of 32 years. This comic fantasy series is set in a strange and magical world that is populated by wizards, dwarfs, trolls, dragons, and barbarian heroes. This world is, in turn, balanced on the backs of four enormous elephants who stand on the back of a giant star-turtle swimming through the galaxy. One of the most richly detailed and inventive fantasy worlds, the books use folklore and mythology to draw parallels with the cultural, political and scientific issues of relevance at the time of publication. While the series doesn’t need to be read in chronological order for it to make sense, why not use the monsoon as a reason to start at the very beginning with The Color Of Magic and enjoy the beauty of Pratchett’s world-building as you go along?
Buy it here.
02
The Wheel Of Time
Robert Jordan
This is a high fantasy series that is noted for its length, detailed imaginary world, well-developed magic system, and a large cast of characters. Originally planned as a six-book series, it ultimately spanned 14 books, with the last three posthumously written by Brandon Sanderson based on Robert Jordan’s detailed notes. The series follows the journey of a man who is destined to face the Evil One and either save the world or destroy it. Borrowing elements from ancient mythology, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and history, The Wheel Of Time is not an easy read, but makes for a highly rewarding one. While The Eye Of The World was the first novel written for this series, we recommend beginning with New Spring.
Buy it here.
03
The Dresden Files
Jim Butcher
This urban fantasy and mystery series by Jim Butcher follows the adventures of Chicago-based private investigator and wizard, Harry Dresden. The novels are set in a universe where magic is real, as are vampires, demons, faeries, werewolves, and other kinds of monsters. Told from Dresden’s perspective, the books show him walking the tricky line between the human and supernatural world as he takes on cases from both sides, while working to protect the general public from the monsters he comes across. Dark and detailed, Butcher creates a world that will quickly pull you in and make you realise that Dresden has a larger role to play within the universe he occupies. With 15 published novels, and more on their way, this is a great series to get sucked into. Begin your journey with Storm Front.
Buy it here.
04
The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Alexander McCall Smith
Set in Botswana, this popular ongoing crime fiction series follows the adventures of Mma Precious Ramotswe who decides to open up her own detective agency at the age of 34 and moves to Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, for this purpose. Written in Alexander McCall Smith’s trademark style of ‘clear, uncomplicated prose’, the novels not only explore the adventures of the different characters mentioned, but also focus on Mma Ramotswe’s process of solving her cases. With each book taking off from where the previous one ended, this is a series that is best read in chronological order starting with The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
Buy it here.
05
Flavia De Luce
Alan Bradley
The monsoon season is the perfect time to dive into this cosy mystery series by Alan Bradley featuring Flavia de Luce, a precocious 11-year-old girl who lives with her father and two sisters in a dilapidated estate in the English countryside. Often left alone, Flavia discovers a love for chemistry and a knack for experimenting with poisons – which comes in handy as she dabbles at being an amateur sleuth. Each book in this bestselling ten-part series finds Flavia coming across a dead body that shows signs of foul play, and setting out to solve the mystery much to the chagrin of the local law enforcement. Brilliant, mischievous, and resourceful, Flavia proves that one does not (always) need to be an adult in order to accomplish remarkable things. The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie is first novel of the series, and a great starting point on your journey to falling in love with Flavia.
Buy it here.
06
Hercule Poirot
Agatha Christie
You can’t go wrong with Agatha Christie being part of your monsoon reading list. While she has quite a few series to pick from, the mysteries featuring Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective with an egg-shaped head and a lush moustache, are a personal favourite. The books in this series are engaging and entertaining from start to finish with Poirot making use of his ‘little grey cells’ to solve each mystery thrown his way. Though it isn’t necessary to read the books in this series in order (a list that includes 33 novels, two plays, and over 50 short stories), it’s always a good idea to begin with The Mysterious Affair At Styles. Dive in with a cup of hot chocolate, prepared à la Poirot.
Buy it here.
07
Neapolitan Novels
Elena Ferrante
Set in Naples, this four-book series by Elena Ferrante follows the lives of two girls, Elena Greco and Rafaella Cerullo, as they move from childhood to adulthood and old age. The novels explore the importance of female friendships, the impact of social settings on the lives of women, class conflict, the changing conditions of women in Italy in the 1970s, and much more. But what stands out is the bond between Elena and Rafaella as they grow older, both together and apart, and how their individual circumstances shape their lives and their friendship. Evocatively written, the books will remind you of the importance of strong friendships that evolve with time. The series actually reads as a single novel that’s been divided into four parts, with My Brilliant Friend acting as the perfect opening for Elena and Rafaella’s story.
Buy it here.
08
The Clifton Chronicles
Jeffrey Archer
An author like Jeffrey Archer knows all the tricks needed to build up a detailed world with intricate characters and their intertwined histories, and a series by him can be great company when the dark clouds block out the sun. Dive into this 7-book series that follows the life of Harry Clifton and spans across a century. Beginning in 1920, at the start of World War I, the books feature most of the major historical and political events of the 20th century. Written in Archer’s typical style, the books focus on the timeless themes of love, family and honour and show how a seemingly insignificant incident can have a far-reaching impact. Begin your journey of this family saga with Only Time Will Tell.
Buy it here.
09
Knitting In The City
Penny Reid
While fantasy and mystery series are great reading options for the monsoon, you can’t go wrong with a delicious romance either. This series by Penny Reid is set in Chicago and centres around an eclectic group of friends who have bonded due to their participation in a knitting group. Each week, they meet up to knit, drink and discuss their lives. Each novel in this seven-book series acts as a standalone and follows the life (and love) of one of the women in group. There are shenanigans galore and some ninja-style butt-kicking as the stories progress. The women are witty, a little nutty, and relatable, and the author’s offbeat and unique sense of humour shines bright in her writing. While you can begin anywhere, the first book in the series, Neanderthal Seeks Human, makes for an entertaining starting point.
Buy it here.
A love for the written word has led Oishani to structure her life around reading. Books introduced her to a world filled with so many possibilities, and helped her understand the power of a well-written story. With an educational background in English Literature and Film & Television Studies, she has worked as the editor for an arts magazine in the past. She believes in the healing powers of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and the chance to explore a new city. And, no matter where she might be, her Kindle (loaded with books) is never too far from her person.
She is the editor at The Curious Reader. Read her pieces, here.
A monsoon read for me, Oishani!!
The selection of list is really amazed me and i love these two reads 1)Knitting In The City and 2)Hercule Poirot. I read them previously in ebook format but they are in different writing style.
Its a really incredible read for anyone in monsoons.
Thanks for writing and sharing.