March Reads

These are a few of my favorite March reads.

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1. My Darling Girls: A Novel by Marina Scott

My Darling Girls was my first Marina Scott novel, and it absolutely won’t be my last. This is one of those books that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go; I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. The atmosphere of the novel has a strong American Gothic vibe, reminiscent of Poe, with a haunting, almost dreamlike tone that lingers throughout. The elements of death photography, mob family ties, and the unsettling presence of the past all weave together into something both eerie and compelling. The mystery itself unfolds in a really satisfying way. It’s not just about solving a murder; it’s about uncovering truths the main character didn’t even realize needed to be faced. There’s a strong theme of the past catching up with you, of the damage left behind by horrible parents, and the fear that comes with finally confronting it all. There’s no unnecessary over-explaining, which made it feel more authentic and impactful. I also appreciated how the story handled relationships. At its core, this book is about the weight of the past, the pain of the present, and the difficult, often messy process of finding your identity in the middle of it all. It’s haunting, emotional, and hard to put down. Overall, My Darling Girls is a beautifully written, atmospheric mystery with a complex protagonist and a story that stays with you long after the final page. For the full review, check my Goodreads review.

2. The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

This was such an enjoyable read, & I feel like I’m a bit late to the party in discovering it. I loved the characters, & especially how Briar House itself felt like a character. The novel has a cozy historical feel, set during a moment in American history that left me wanting to learn more. Around the 60% mark, I did find myself confused as to where the story was heading, but the journey was absolutely worth it. In the end, it becomes a beautiful reflection on a larger truth: how kindness, the way we invest in one another, & the stories we carry all shape who we are. I was genuinely sad to reach the final page. I’ll miss these characters, & I find myself wishing I could follow them a little longer to see where their stories lead next. For the full review, check my Goodreads review.

3. Dear Debbie by Fredia McFadden

Pure fun. I didn’t want to put it down. The narrator is so unhinged & hilarious that I kept racing through the pages just to see what she’d do next. Even as the story gradually tilts into darker territory, there’s still a vibrant, chaotic world unfolding around it. The writing is incredibly clever, like following an elegant trail of breadcrumbs that ultimately converges in a very satisfying way. And despite the narrator’s wild, unpredictable nature, she somehow evolves into a kind of hero in her own unconventional way. Intense, sharp, & genuinely great writing.

4. Their Double Lives by Jamie Lynn Hendricks

This was a delightful, relaxing read with an enjoyable story line & a few good twists. The ending was satisfying, which I always appreciate. There were several moments where the dialogue or phrases felt pretty cringe-worthy & almost made me want to abandon the book. It seemed like an attempt to use trendy, modern language to connect with readers, but instead it made parts of the story feel a little shallow & distracting. Overall, though, it was still an entertaining & easy read.