Today, having finished the Rickman (and have some feelings which we can discuss at another time), I read samples from these books in my quest for my next beach/pool-side companion:

In retrospect, perhaps should have put a little more research into the holiday reads before I left.

Note that links almost certainly contain spoilers.

+ The Candy House -> A Visit from the Goon Squad: Jennifer Egan

+ A Separation: Katie Kitamura

+ Oh William! -> My Name is Lucy Barton: Elizabeth Strout

+ Sea of Tranquility: Emily St John Mandel

I would very much benefit from not reading the reviews of randoms who undoubtedly have wildly different tastes to me, stop overthinking/over-researching and just make a selection.

Of course your recommendations are most welcome!