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Locating books that don’t mention alcohol can be quite challenging. As you may be aware, we frequently share recommendation posts featuring books, podcasts, films, TV shows, and more. Following our latest post, I received a request that I was eager to fulfill.
A member of the TNM community asked if I could create a list of books that don’t focus on drinking. They enjoy a good mystery but are weary of stories that center around alcohol to solve the case. As someone who loves reading and has moved past my drinking days, I no longer find such characters triggering. It’s similar to walking through a grocery store and not even noticing the wine aisle. However, I recognize that for many, these themes can be disheartening or may lead to negative thought spirals when engrossed in a good story filled with constant references to drinking.
The Importance of Clean Books in Alcohol-Free Living
I promptly began searching for books that either rarely mention alcohol or are entirely free of it. To my surprise, many genres feature “clean” books! These novels do not rely on drinking or other vices to drive their narratives, making them ideal for those maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle.
I also discovered a fantastic resource: The Storygraph App. It includes filters that let you identify books containing references to alcohol, drugs, addiction, or other potential triggers you wish to avoid. How cool is that?
If you haven’t yet explored This Naked Mind, The Alcohol Experiment, This Naked Life, or Buzz to Buzzkill, make sure to add them to your to-be-read (TBR) list to stay ahead for my next release!
How to Discover Books That Don’t Include Alcohol References
Utilizing the lists I found and the app mentioned earlier, I’ve compiled a collection of clean books that you can enjoy without the worry of alcohol references. While I haven’t read all of them, they’re definitely going on my TBR list!
Quick note – If you decide to purchase something we recommend, we might earn a small commission — but it won’t affect the price or our selections.
Curious about our past recommendations? You can explore them all here –
Romance Novels Free from Alcohol References
Midnight at The Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber
Genre: Romance
Themes: Family secrets, magical realism, community, self-discovery
Trigger Warning: Brief mention of underage drinking, but it’s not central to the story.
Quote: “Pain transformed people. I could not revert to who I was, because I had changed.”
This charming tale combines southern hospitality and a hint of magic as Anna Kate Callow returns to her estranged grandmother’s cafe in Wicklow, Alabama. She uncovers the cafe’s enchanting secrets and heartfelt connections within the community while healing herself. It’s an uplifting read about finding your place and reconciling with your past.
Dropping The Ball by Melanie Jacobson
Genre: Romance
Themes: Self-discovery, relationships, personal growth, second chances
Trigger Warning: This is the latest romance by Melanie Jacobson, with most of her works being light on drinking references. These stories are entertaining, quick, and enjoyable!
Quote: “We leave here as experts in nothing, but that won’t matter if we continue to learn everything.”
Melanie Jacobson is celebrated for her clean, engaging romance novels that focus on relationships and personal journeys without delving into heavy themes or vices. If you seek a feel-good love story to uplift your spirit, her books are an excellent choice.
Thrillers and Mysteries Without Alcohol Themes
Going Zero by Anthony McCarten
Genre: Thriller
Themes: Surveillance, technology, privacy, ethical dilemmas
Trigger Warning: None specifically related to alcohol or drugs.
Quote: “Some relationships will break you. Others will make you.”
This fast-paced thriller follows a group of everyday citizens chosen to participate in a challenge: vanish from the digital world for 30 days while a constant AI monitors their every move. The implications for privacy and freedom raise profound questions, making for an exhilarating and contemplative read that avoids dependence on alcohol-driven plot points.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Series by Alexander McCall Smith
Genre: Mystery
Themes: Kindness, community, traditional values, problem-solving
Trigger Warning: Any mentions of alcohol occur in social contexts but do not play a significant role in the story or characters.
Quote: “We don’t forget…. Our minds may be small, yet they are filled with memories, just as the sky is sometimes abuzz with swarming bees, countless memories that remind us who we are.”
Follow Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s first female private detective, as she solves intriguing cases with her wit, wisdom, and profound understanding of people. These gentle mysteries provide a delightful exploration of human nature.
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This piece delves into the subtleties of relationships and community, presenting a refreshing take on detective work that emphasizes empathy and careful observation rather than gritty, hard-edged traits.
Classic Mystery Series Focusing on Alcohol-Free Narratives
Father Brown Series by G.K. Chesterton
Genre: Mystery
Themes: Logic, morality, faith, human behavior
Trigger Warning: None.
Quote: “My brain and this world don’t fit each other; and there’s an end of it.”
Father Brown, a humble Roman Catholic priest, applies his keen intellect and profound grasp of human morality to unravel perplexing mysteries. These timeless stories feature inventive plots and philosophical insights, providing an engaging experience that examines the duality of good and evil without any alcohol references.
The Cat Who Series by Lilian Jackson Braun
Genre: Mystery
Themes: Coziness, small-town dynamics, feline friendship, gentle mysteries
Trigger Warning: Some mentions of alcohol exist but aren’t focal to the plot. These books are whimsical and easy reads!
Quote: “When you don’t know what to do with yourself, do something for someone else.”
Follow journalist Jim Qwilleran and his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, as they uncover mysteries in the charming town of Pickax. These delightful and quirky tales are cherished for their lovable characters, engaging puzzles, and a comforting atmosphere perfect for a relaxing, alcohol-free retreat.
Science Fiction and Non-Fiction Reads for a Clean Experience
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Genre: Science Fiction
Themes: Isolation, perspective, human experience, existential thought
Trigger Warning: None directly.
Quote: “Don’t squander a life so miraculously given.”
This novel presents six astronauts on the International Space Station, reflecting on the human experience from an exceptional perspective. It dives deep into their inner thoughts, backgrounds, and aspirations, offering a contemplative read far removed from earthly concerns.
The Craving Mind by Judson Brewer with Jon Kabat-Zinn
Genre: Psychology
Themes: Mindfulness, addiction, habits, behavioral change
Trigger Warning: Discusses addiction in a clinical, supportive manner.
Quote: “How we relate to our thoughts and feelings makes all the difference.”
This book by a leading addiction psychiatrist examines the science of cravings and offers insights on how mindfulness can help overcome unhealthy habits. It serves as an eye-opening and practical guide for individuals eager to understand their minds better and foster healthier reactions to urges, making it a vital read for the TNM community.
Uplifting Memoirs That Avoid Alcohol References
Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home by Heather Anish Anderson
Genre: Memoir
Themes: Endurance, self-discovery, nature, personal victory, overcoming challenges
Trigger Warning: None explicitly related to alcohol or drugs.
Quote: “I hadn’t lived up to my parents’ expectations, neglected my education, and lost my marriage. For the first time, I realized I couldn’t please others and find happiness at the same time. Being true to myself took me to a wild trail, rather than the conventional path. I resented my inability to conform but learned to love my choice to follow my own path, no matter the consequences.”
This remarkable memoir chronicles Heather “Anish” Anderson’s record-setting hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. It’s a compelling account of mental and physical resilience, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of significant challenges, all free of any alcohol-related tales.
Bonus: A Free Reading Suggestion from This Naked Mind
I couldn’t conclude this list without sharing a gift from This Naked Mind! If you haven’t enjoyed it yet, fill out the form below to download This Naked Life. I affectionately refer to it as the best book I never wrote! It’s a collection of 48 genuine, impactful stories from individuals who courageously found their freedom from alcohol. A story that inspires and motivates is perhaps the greatest gift of all!
If you have any suggestions to add to this list, feel free to share them with me. I’m always eager to discover and share your recommendations!
Copyright © 2025 This Naked Mind. This material is original content protected by international copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content will lead to legal consequences.
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