Best Books of March

As I say every month, I’m shamelessly stealing this idea from Jessica Lahey. She has a recurring monthly date where she reviews all the books she reads that month. Book reviews are important for authors, and I want to get better at doing this.

So. I’m going to review them here and also online, but I’m going to do it a little differently. I’m only going to review the stuff I really liked. I don’t see a reason to spend my time writing about something I didn’t love; it’s just using up more of my energy. So only positive reviews.

These are the books I liked (or mostly liked) from March.

You Are Fatally Invited (Ande Pliego): I have found you the perfect beach read. This is a solid thriller about a writing retreat turned murder retreat. Each chapter is short enough that you’ll keep saying to yourself, “Just one more.” Not all of the crimes seem murder-worthy, but I could suspend those thoughts and go along for the ride. Looking forward to this author’s next book.

The Rachel Incident (Caroline O’Donoghue): This is one of those books that I kept seeing on other people’s lists, but I didn’t know anything about it. It was an exceptional book. Amazing and stunning and emotional. You will remember being in your twenties and trying to figure out the world. This book transports you.

Famous Last Words (Gillian McAllister): I always enjoy her books, though this one had a few inconsistencies that threw me off (character’s hands are tied in one scene, and we’re told they’re not tied in another, etc) because you think you’re being clever noticing and then they’re just editing oversights. It moves quickly and would make a great beach read.

Claire, Darling (Callie Kazumi): It has another name outside the US (Cuckoo), which is perhaps too large a clue? It was super engaging writing with a not very engaging plot. I kept wanting to pick it up, but there were zero surprises in the end. Which may be your cup of tea – a lite thriller.

All the Other Mothers Hate Me (Sarah Harman): While I don’t know if I’d ever want to spend actual time with the main characters — Florence or Dylan — they were fun to encounter on the page. It’s a super fast read and a good distraction from doomscrolling. It reminded me a little bit of a Bella Mackie book.

What did you read last month?