Palate Cleansers

The lemon sorbet of books.

I actively try not to be a book snob but I think that’s because I’m actively a book snob.
But! There’s a time and a place for all genres—see: beach reads, romantasy, sad girl, etc., which find themselves disparaged more often than not.

I like to think of the books here are palate cleansers, stories you absolutely need on your tbr because sometimes you literally cannot stand the idea of picking up another dystopian epic or trauma-heavy biography.

For me, palate cleansers often fall into the categories of whodunnit and Hollywood/Society—adjacent historical fiction (think: Agatha Christie and Taylor Jenkins Reid).

I recognise palate cleansers, as a concept, can be very personal (maybe you need a thriller to help smooth out your brain?) but here’s what I reach for when all I need is a page turner, one that’s easy on the psyche.

Earlier

The Colour Of Bee Larkham’s Murder by Sarah J. Harris

I really loved the premise of this book (boy with synesthesia witnesses murder) and Harris really didn’t disappoint. The way she writes colour and brings it to life on page is truly a gift (I’m mad its not mine), and you’re definitely in for an easy but enjoyable read.

Now

The Swans Of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin

Very niche but very cleansing, and don’t let the title throw you either. This is a fictional re-telling of the disintegration of the friendship between Babe Paley (real life socialite) and Truman Capote. Based on true events, which Ryan Murphy also tackles in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, this is the perfect palate cleanser for me: deception, money, scandal, gossip, etc.

Later

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill

I’m quite keen to make a start on Sulari Gentil’s mystery novels. The covers alone are enough to persuade me but I’ve also heard good things about her take on the genre.

Enjoy!