Welcome to Wanderlust Reads Hosted by Road and Table Travel

Where every story takes you somewhere new.


Welcome to Wanderlust Reads, the travel-inspired book club by Road & Table — created for readers who wander and travelers who read. Each month, we feature a handpicked book set in a beautiful destination around the world — from the vineyards of Tuscany to the beaches of Belize and beyond.


Genres vary, just like our travels. Some stories will sweep you through romance and mystery, while others reveal hidden gems and local flavors. Each selection includes a “Pairs Well With” recommendation — a dish, drink, or cozy ritual inspired by the book’s setting — so you can savor the story as you read.


Follow @roadandtable on social media to discover our latest Book of the Month, join the conversation, and share your own travel-inspired reads and foodie pairings.


Because every great journey deserves a great book — and a delicious bite to go with it.



*This page contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep bringing you travel inspiration, foodie finds, and book recommendations from around the world.

This Month’s Book Choice

Book cover: Woman in flowing gown, Florence in the background, title

Death on the Adriatic by Georgina Stewart


  • Travel Destination: The Adriatic Coast (Koper, Slovenia)
  • Genre: Mystery / Coastal Crime
  • Author: Georgina Stewart
  • Pairs Well With: Fresh grilled seafood, a chilled glass of crisp white wine, olive oil–dipped bread, and soft coastal European music in the background.
  • Buy / Learn More: Amazon


Set along the sun-drenched Adriatic coast in the picturesque seaside town of Koper, this atmospheric mystery follows Petra Vidmar—a driven, rising detective with her sights set on an international career.


But when an anonymous plea lands on her desk, asking her to reopen a case involving the death of a fellow police officer, Petra is pulled back into a deeply personal investigation. What begins as a pursuit of justice quickly unravels into something far more complex, revealing layers of blackmail, corruption, and long-standing family tensions hidden beneath the surface of this idyllic coastal setting.


As Petra pushes forward, asking the questions no one wants answered, she finds herself increasingly isolated—facing resistance not only from the community, but from her own colleagues. Determined to uncover the truth, she must navigate a case that could either define her career… or destroy it.


Rich in sense of place, this is a mystery where the setting is just as compelling as the story itself—where sparkling waters, seaside cafés, and slow coastal living contrast sharply with the tension unfolding beneath. Perfect for readers who love a transportive, destination-driven mystery layered with intrigue.

Wanderlust Reads Book Selections

Here is the complete list of all the books selected for our readers on Road and Table inspired by travel destinations around the world.

Under the Tuscan Sun

Bruno Chief of Police

Author: Martin Walker

Travel Destination: Dordogne/ Périgord, France

Genre: Literary Mystery / Crime

Pairs Well With: A crusty baguette with salted butter, truffle cheese, a glass of Bordeaux, and soft French café music in the background.

Buy / Learn More
Like Water for Chocolate

The Girls in the Stilt House

Author: Kelly Mustian

Travel Destination: Low Country, Southern USA

Genre: Southern Fiction / Historical Mystery

Pairs Well With: A pimento cheeseburger, a tall glass of sweet tea, and the slow hum of cicadas on a warm Southern evening.

Buy / Learn More
Under the Tuscan Sun

Under the Tuscan Sun

Author: Frances Mayes

Travel Destination: Italy

Genre: Travel / Memoir

Pairs Well With: A glass of Chianti and handmade ricotta gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce

Buy / Learn More
Like Water for Chocolate

Like Water for Chocolate

Author: Laura Esquivel

Travel Destination: Mexico

Genre: Romance / Fiction

Pairs Well With: Spicy margaritas and chocolate-dipped strawberries — passion on a plate.

Buy / Learn More
The Unsinkable Greta James

The Unsinkable Greta James

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Travel Destination: Alaska

Genre: Romance / Fiction

Pairs Well With: A mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt — sweet, soothing, and full of heart.

Buy / Learn More
Snow Blind

Snow Blind

Author: Ragnar Jónasson

Travel Destination: Iceland

Genre: Crime / Mystery / Fiction

Pairs Well With: A cup of strong black coffee and warm cinnamon buns — ideal companions for a chilling read.

Buy / Learn More
The Little Paris Bookshop

The Little Paris Bookshop

Author: Nina George

Travel Destination: Paris, France

Genre: Romance / Fiction

Pairs Well With: A glass of rosé and a slice of brie on a baguette — simple & perfectly French.

Buy / Learn More
Dirty Laundry

Dirty Laundry

Author: Disha Bose

Travel Destination: Ireland

Genre: Crime / Fiction

Pairs Well With: A cozy St. Patrick’s Day dinner, a pint of Guinness, and a fireside seat 

Buy / Learn More

This page contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep bringing you travel inspiration, foodie finds, and book recommendations from around the world.