10 Best Books Set In Aruba From Local & International Authors

Let’s find the perfect Aruba book to read in 2025

Planning a trip to Aruba? Or just wish you were? Whether you’re packing for a Caribbean getaway or bringing the island vibes to your own backyard, a good book can transport you straight to Oranjestad’s pastel streets, Eagle Beach’s white sands, and the desert landscapes of Arikok National Park.

Here are the top Aruba books to read in 2025 when you want to feel like you’re already on “One Happy Island”:

1. Nights in Aruba

Author: Andrew Holleran
Published: 1983
Reviews: 4.0
Set in: Aruba & the U.S.

Story: Holleran’s narrator reflects on his Catholic boyhood in Aruba, contrasted against his adult life in New York and Europe. The descriptions of the island are tender, nostalgic, and sometimes melancholy, painting Aruba as both a paradise and a place of distance. It’s not a breezy beach read, but for travelers who enjoy deeper, more reflective stories, it offers a moving connection to the island.

Buy here: Hard copy • Digital version • Audio book

2. Tropical Kiss

Author: Jan Coffey
Published: 2006
Reviews: 4.0
Set in: Aruba

Story: A breezy YA romance that blends island adventure with teen love. Aruba’s beaches, resorts, and nightlife form the colorful backdrop, making it a light, fun read for younger readers—or anyone who wants a sweet, nostalgic story with plenty of island sunshine.

Buy here: Hard copy • Digital version • Audio book

3. Glassy Water: Aruba Payback!

Author: Philip Gagnon
Published: 2012
Reviews: 4.0
Set in: Aruba

Story: Jim and his wife loved Aruba so much they built a home there, only to be betrayed by their realtor, Paul. When Paul cheated them, Jim turned to local enforcers for payback — but the thugs double-crossed him, and Paul struck back with revenge of his own. What follows is a wild tale that leaps between Aruba and the U.S., full of float planes, tennis matches, beer-soaked camaraderie, and unexpected twists with crime, humor, and island life.

Buy here: Hard copy • Digital version • Audio book

4. Murder in Aruba

Author: Penelope Sotheby
Published: 2015
Reviews: 3.5
Set in: Aruba

Story: For fans of cozy mysteries, this novel is a lighter take on murder in paradise. When a relaxing island holiday turns deadly, the heroine must piece together clues while soaking in the beauty of Aruba. Think palm trees, sunsets, and piña coladas—just with a side of whodunit intrigue. It’s not grim or overly dark, making it a fun, quick read for vacation downtime.

Buy here: Hard copy • Digital version • Audio book

5. Dark Currents

Author: Daniel Putkowski
Published: 2010
Reviews: 4.1
Set in: Aruba

Story: On a romantic trip to Aruba, Kathy Barrow and Glenn Hogan quickly realize paradise has a darker side. When one vanishes and the other is accused of murder, the case spirals into a media storm while San Nicolaas Police Chief Jules Calenda struggles to uncover the truth. Romy Tromp, a driven teenage reporter chasing his big break, soon discovers that appearances can deceive.

Buy here: Hard copy • Digital version • Audio book

6. Dangerous Girls

Author: Abigail Haas
Published: 2013
Reviews: 4.1
Set in: Aruba

Story: A spring break in Aruba turns deadly when a teenager is murdered and her best friend is accused of the crime. Part thriller, part courtroom drama, Dangerous Girls explores media frenzy, shifting friendships, and the darker side of paradise. It’s technically a YA novel, but its suspense and sharp writing make it just as gripping for adults.

Buy here: Hard copy • Digital version • Audio book

7. Killer Secrets

Author: Lora Leigh
Published: mid-2010s (part of the Tempting SEALs series)
Reviews: 4.3
Set in: Aruba (among other Caribbean locales)

Story: This romantic suspense novel follows a sexy Special Forces romance that unfolds (at least partly) in sunny Aruba. Expect danger, desire, and sizzling chemistry wrapped in tropical backdrops. Though it’s not a beach thriller in the traditional sense, it hits the mark for readers seeking a bold romance set on “One Happy Island.”

Buy here: Hard copy • Digital version • Audio book

8. The Aruba Arrangement

Author: Mike Hatfield
Published: 2012
Reviews: 3.5
Set in: Aruba

Story: Inspired by real events, this novel blends fiction with truth. Smuggling, crime, and double-dealing give the book an edge, while Aruba’s unique blend of Dutch influence and Caribbean charm provides a colorful setting. Readers who enjoy thrillers with a hint of reality will appreciate this gritty take on paradise.

Buy here: Hard copy • Digital version • Audio book

9. Betrayal on Aruba Winds

Author: Tracy Novinger
Published: 2016
Reviews: 4.1
Set in: Aruba

Story: This romantic suspense novel lives up to its dramatic title. Love, deception, and betrayal collide against the breezy backdrop of Aruba’s trade winds. Expect plenty of tension and emotional highs, balanced with vivid tropical scenery. It’s a great pick if you’re in the mood for passion with a twist of danger.

Buy here: Hard copy • Digital version • Audio book

10. An Island Away

Author: Daniel Putkowski
Published: 2008
Reviews: 4.3
Set in: Aruba

Story: Set in the gritty backstreets of San Nicolaas, An Island Away peels back Aruba’s tourist shine, exposing barroom brothels, refinery decline, and moral gray zones. The story follows Luz, a Colombian woman working to pay off her family's debt, intertwined with an enigmatic American expat and a washed-up captain. Perfect for travelers wanting a suspenseful story grounded in real place and atmosphere.

Buy here: Hard copy • Digital version • Audio book

Books about the Natalee Holloway case in Aruba

These works all focus on the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, an American teenager who went missing during a graduation trip to Aruba in 2005. The case drew worldwide attention, highlighted flaws in the investigation, and left a lasting mark on how many outsiders view the island.

• Aruba: The Tragic Untold Story of Natalee Holloway and Corruption in Paradise – Dave Holloway’s account of his search for his daughter and frustrations with the investigation.
• Loving Natalee – Beth Holloway’s deeply personal narrative as Natalee’s mother, balancing grief with determination.
• De zaak Natalee Holloway – Joran van der Sloot, who was the main suspect behind the disappearance of Natalee, released a book in 2007 in which he explained his side of the story and pleaded innocence. However, he confessed to killing Natalee Holloway in 2023.

These books aren’t escapist island reads, but they remain part of Aruba’s modern history and provide sobering context alongside lighter travel stories.

Plan your reading by trip style

Not every traveler reads the same way. Some want light romance for Eagle Beach, others crave thrillers for a long flight. Here’s how to match your Aruba reading list to your trip:

• Beach-easy reads: Pick breezy romances and YA stories like Tropical Kiss for lazy afternoons under a palapa at Eagle Beach.
• Flight-length thrillers: A nonstop flight from New York to Aruba is about 4½ hours—perfect for fast-paced mysteries like An Island Away or Murder in Aruba.
• Deeper dives: Literary novels and memoirs such as Nights in Aruba or Loving Natalee are ideal for quiet evenings when you want more than a beach read.
• Family picks: Traveling with kids? Nature and wildlife books about Aruba (like Birds of Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao) make great companions for snorkel trips and park hikes.
• Local voices: Want cultural insight? Explore Aruban authors like Denis Henriquez, whose Dutch- and Papiamento-language novels capture the island’s spirit beyond the resorts.

Discover Aruban novels by genre

Aruba romance & feel-good reads

Looking for something light to pair with a cocktail at Eagle Beach? These novels bring island sunshine and romance to the page:

• Tropical Kiss by Jan Coffey – A breezy YA romance-meets-adventure that captures Aruba’s carefree vibe.
• Betrayal on Aruba Winds by Tracy Novinger – Romance with a twist of suspense, set against the island’s famous trade winds.

Thrillers & mysteries set in Aruba

If your idea of a beach read includes page-turning danger, Aruba has plenty of thrillers to keep you hooked:

• An Island Away by Daniel Putkowski – A diving trip gone wrong sparks a gripping local mystery.
• Dark Currents by Daniel Putkowski – Crime and corruption beneath Aruba’s postcard beauty.
• Murder in Aruba by Penelope Sotheby – A cozy mystery where vacation fun turns deadly.
• Glassy Water: Aruba Payback! by Philip Gagnon – Suspense and betrayal under turquoise waves.
• Intrigue in Aruba by John Jellinek – Fast-paced escapism mixing mystery and romance.

Literary & reflective novels with Aruban ties

For readers who prefer depth over drama, these stories use Aruba as a backdrop for identity, memory, and culture:

• Nights in Aruba by Andrew Holleran – A literary classic blending childhood in Aruba with adult life in New York.
• Works by Denis Henriquez – Aruban novelist exploring family, migration, and Caribbean identity (mostly in Dutch/Papiamento).

Books for kids & families about Aruba

Traveling with children? These titles make great companions for family trips, introducing young readers to the island’s nature and culture:

• Birds of Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao – A colorful guide for spotting local wildlife, great for hikes in Arikok National Park.
• Caribbean folktales & poetry collections (often available in bilingual editions) – Fun ways to introduce kids to Papiamento rhythms and Caribbean folklore stories.

Aruban authors & literature

Most books set in Aruba come from visiting or expat writers, but the island also has its own literary voices worth exploring.

Denis Henriquez

Aruba’s most widely recognized novelist. His works such as Zuidstraat and De zomer van Alejandro Bulos explore identity, migration, and family stories in the Dutch Caribbean. Though mainly available in Dutch, they’re central to understanding Aruban literature.

Quito Nicolaas

A poet and novelist from Aruba, Nicolaas has published collections in Papiamento, Dutch, and English. His poetry often reflects island life, migration, and cultural blending. He’s also been active in promoting Caribbean literature across the Dutch Antilles.

Hubert Booi

A playwright and poet, Booi was one of the most important voices in Papiamento literature. His work often carried themes of identity and local culture, making him a pioneer in shaping Aruba’s literary identity.

Language & translation

Aruban literature often appears in Dutch or Papiamento (the island’s native language), with some translations into English. The National Library of Aruba maintains a digital “Coleccion Aruba,” where travelers and researchers can browse local works online before visiting.

Why it matters for travelers

Reading an Aruban author gives you cultural context you won’t find in thrillers or romances. You’ll see the island not just as a destination but as a place where history, migration, and language shape daily life.

Where to buy or borrow books in Aruba

If you want to pick up a book while you’re on the island — or bring home a literary souvenir — There are a few reliable book stores in Aruba.

National Library of Aruba

Located in Oranjestad with branches in San Nicolas, the Biblioteca Nacional Aruba offers books in English, Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamento. Its digital Coleccion Aruba is free to browse online, making it a great way to explore local authors before your trip.

Address: George Madurostraat 13, Oranjestad, Aruba

Phone: +2975281500

Website: www.bibliotecanacional.aw

Plaza Bookshop Aruba

The Plaza Bookshop in Oranjestad is a traveler's favorite in downtown. English-language novels, Caribbean titles, and guidebooks — Plaza Bookshop in Aruba is perfect for grabbing something last-minute before heading to the beach. The opening hours of Plaza Bookshop Aruba are 9 AM to 6 PM, every day, except Sundays.

Address: Avenida Milio Croes 8 A, Oranjestad, Aruba

Phone: +297 582 1821

Email: info@plazabookshop.aw

Van Dorp & DeWit Bookstores

Aruba’s chain bookstore, with branches in Oranjestad and beyond. Expect a wide mix of Dutch, English, and local books, plus travel guides, school supplies, and magazines. The English sections often include popular thrillers and romance novels alongside Caribbean-interest titles.

Branches:

• DeWit & VanDorp Mainstreet

• DeWit & VanDorp Dakota

• DeWit & VanDorp San Nicolas

Airport & resort shops

For convenience, you’ll also find a smaller selection of paperbacks and travel reads at Queen Beatrix Airport and in resort gift shops. These skew toward bestsellers but can be handy for quick grabs.

Which Aruba-based book will you read in 2025?

From literary classics like Nights in Aruba to thrillers like An Island Away and Dark Currents, these novels reveal Aruba’s many faces — romantic, dangerous, nostalgic, and fun.

Whether you’re stretched out under a palapa at Palm Beach or daydreaming from home, these books let you explore the island through story.