What I Read in March
March has been a busy month, but I still tried to keep up with my daily reading habit. I’ve found that bookending my day (no pun intended) with at least a chapter helps me make progress no matter how busy the day is. Knowing I got in a few pages (and continued my streak) before the workday begins takes the pressure off; I never feel obligated to read later in the day, but because it’s not a to-do list item, I naturally gravitate towards it and get in at least another chapter in the evenings as part of my wind down routine instead of scrolling. This month’s book roundup features a few Kindle Unlimited gems, so let’s dive in.
what i read in march
the shot caller: a latino gangbanger’s miraculous escape from a life of violence to a new life in christ by casey diaz with mike yorkey
5/5 stars
My print book of the month (the rest are all read on my Kindle), this had been on my bookshelf for a while. Oddly enough, I felt like the timing was meant to be as it had been a stressful week when I picked this up, and it’s a true perspective shifter from start to finish.
Brutally honest, this memoir is about the author’s descent into gang life and his eventual transitional into a Christian lifestyle. It’s hard to read at times, but one of the few memoirs that is truly grounded in total accountability. There are explanations to give insight, but the author does not blame anyone else and that was not only refreshing, but deeply revering. I highly recommend this if you’re at a crossroads in life or want something uplifting.
Favorite quotes and takeaways:
“I believe the main reason why gangs were so attractive is because things were so bad at home. With gangs, I got a chance to have a new family. The streets held an allure for me because I didn't like being in the apartment when my father was around.” (p. 37)
“The key message I want to end with is the importance of intercessory prayer. The only reason I'm able to share my story of redemption in The Shot Caller is because a little old black lady who didn't know me from Adam interceded on my behalf and prayed fervently that the Creator of the universe would touch my life.” (p. 183)
Be the example through your actions; values are "caught" rather than "taught.” (p. 193)
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
all the missing pieces by catherine cowles
4.5/5 stars
All the Missing Pieces is a romantic suspense story; I’d say it leans closer to romance than suspense if you’re someone who reads a lot of thrillers, but lovers of both genres are sure to enjoy this. A perfect weekend read, I loved how the mystery kept me guessing and the witty dialogue between the two main characters kept me engaged.
This made me consider van life, and the podcast plot was well-done without being cheesy. The author included a lot of signatures that many romance fans enjoy, but All the Missing Pieces flowed nicely instead of coming across as formulaic or choppy.
There are enough suspects to make it interesting, and while I saw others complain that the romance needed more development, I think the author did a great job while also keeping the book under 350 pages.
There’s a reading group Q&A that could facilitate book club discussions, but is still a solid choice for a solo read. If you split time in both the thriller and romance worlds, check this out.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
black dahlia: murder, monsters, and madness in midcentury hollywood by william j mann
4/5 stars
The 1947 unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short (commonly referred to as the Black Dahlia by the media) has haunted me for as long as I can remember. While there’ve been lots of documentaries and books about the case, I never felt like I had received a comprehensive telling of the entire story until I read this book, which was released earlier this year.
Extremely well-researched, this book includes historical and social context that makes the story feel immersive. You get strokes of World War 2, old Hollywood, and social norms that put you right in the 1940s. Well before the times of cell phones, internet, and security cameras, there’s a block of time where Elizabeth Short’s life remains a mystery, something that could never happen today.
What I loved most about this book is that it humanizes Elizabeth Short beyond the Black Dahlia story. The first section focuses entirely on her teenage/ early 20s life, so you get to know Elizabeth on a deeper level than I’ve seen shared before. What was interesting to me is that the author really tries to depict Elizabeth as a free-spirited traveler, but her actions painted her more as someone who searched for handouts because she hated to work. Not knocking her (or the author), but had her story been written by someone else, I’m not sure they would have been as generous or respectful.
It’s no secret that the crime remains unsolved, and this book offers no real strong suggestions for a culprit, though different theories are explored. It makes you want answers even more, and I hope that the resolution doesn’t remain lost to time.
Read it here.
my husband’s wife by alice feeney
4/5 stars
One of the most anticipated new releases of the year, I’ve seen so many rave reviews and couldn’t wait to jump into this book.
No spoilers, but when I say there are SO many twists, I’m not exaggerating. You almost get whiplash, especially since the POV changes frequently. As such, it’s slightly more confusing than clever. It’s hard to put down, which is good because I recommend reading in longer stretches so that it’s easier to follow along.
All of the details make this worth re-reading later on. Sometimes I finish books so fast that they feel like they’re over before they even start, so it’s nice to know this is a great book to revisit again.
Lastly, there are hints of sci-fi, which add to the uniqueness of this plot and keep it from being a run-of-the-mill thriller. Much to discuss and plenty to ponder, consider this for your next book club pick!
Read it here.
joy prescriptions: how i learned to stop chasing perfection and embrace connection by tiffany moon, md
3/5 stars
A cute random read, I wanted to get in at least one memoir this month and this fit the bill. It’s quick, and while there are self-improvement exercises included at the end of each chapter, I wouldn’t consider this advice-driven.
I wasn’t familiar with the author or her reality show prior to reading, but enjoyed getting to know her through this book. Themes include self-worth, people-pleasing, and ambition. As someone who struggles with all of the above, it was nice to hear how her life changed once she prioritized being present over achieving, and being over doing. If you’re someone who sets goals yet continues to move the goalposts, you might enjoy this one.
Favorite quote: “Sometimes we make up stories about ourselves that become an integral part of our identity, and we use these stories to explain why we feel a certain way. These false narratives might help us cope in the moment, but ultimately they limit us and can become cages.” (p. 144)
Read it here.
deeper than the dead by debra webb
4/5 stars
Forever on the hunt for a good thriller, Deeper than the Dead had high reviews on both Amazon and GoodReads, so I was excited to jump in. A true police procedural, it tells more than it shows and is definitely a slow burn. If you like a faster pace a la Freida McFadden, this will seem slow and slightly repetitive. There are a few signatures that make this a little formulaic, too… no spoilers because you know them: main character returns home to her small town after her career takes a turn and has a past with local sheriff.
Still, Deeper than the Dead genuinely kept me guessing and I love that the author was able to build suspense with just a handful of characters (quality over quantity). The story reaches a satisfying conclusion, yet continues into a series. Admittedly, I’m not dying to read the next one, but considering they’re all highly rated, I know I’ll pick them up sooner rather than later.
This progresses into a trilogy (so far) with two books following - Closer Than You Know and Secrets You Can’t Keep.
Closer Than You Know is an enjoyable sequel. I didn’t love the case, but the characters kept me engaged. The supporting characters are more interesting than the main, which is rare. What’s interesting is that this took me longer to read than I anticipated, yet there’s not a lot of depth; it’s like the author goes halfway but doesn’t fully commit. An example (no spoilers) is that there’s potential with one character, but things turn impractical and fizzle out.
Secrets You Can’t Keep was good, but felt like “another one” rather than new and fresh. I enjoy the overall story and read more for the characters; the cases that carry the plot aren’t particularly gripping. Focusing on another sister’s secrets this time around felt unbelievable and was a little eye roll-inducing, but didn’t deter me from finishing the book. The writing is solid, though the alternating POV doesn’t add a whole lot.
I will say that the series feels complete here, and I hope there’s not another book.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
keep it in the family by john marrs
3.5/5 stars
One of my Instagram friends recommended this to me. What I love most about social media is how it shrinks the world - how cool is it to buddy-read a book with a friend across the world in Australia? Love it.
John Marrs is one of the most popular thriller authors with Kindle Unlimited, and his books are always intense. The premise of this book is no different and one of the darker thrillers I’ve read lately; check the TWs first.
I always find Marrs’ books to be somewhat tedious to read, so I love how he always includes news clippings or podcast transcripts to break up his novels.
Parts of this reminded me of an old Criminal Minds episode, and I think that’s why I was able to figure out the bigger twist early on. Still, the end got me and I’m grateful that helped end it on a good note since it’s slower-paced.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
flock by kate stewart
3/5 stars
I read this for my Best Kindle Unlimited Romance Books post. It’s one of my cousin’s favorites, so I was excited to jump in. Very much an introductory novel (as it progresses into a series), the author sets the scene and builds tons of intrigue, not just with the plot but characterization as well. I found myself confused at times, but the author explains just enough to keep you engaged.
More for college-aged readers (not quite YA, a little young to recommend to 30+ per se), some aspects were immature and impractical, but I can see how this series has gone viral and why readers love it so much.
There’s a lot of spice so if that’s your thing, check it out! I have quite a few books to get through over the next few months, so I’m not sure when I’ll finish out the series, but if you read it before me, I’d love to know your thoughts!
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
housemoms by jen lancaster
2.5/5 stars
Needing a good palette cleanser in between so many thrillers, this fit the bill. A lighthearted comedy with strong themes of girl power, it’s vaguely similar to The House Bunny, an early 2000s movie, so it also felt a little nostalgic.
Full disclosure: this had so much promise but it tried to do too much, and ultimately fell short. It should’ve been a trilogy, because the characterization was lacking and the pacing is off, with a very-rushed ending. There’s a few different POVs included, and I think a trilogy that gave each character the chance to be the main storyline would’ve helped SO much.
It did serve its purpose (and made me want to have an early 2000s movie marathon), but isn’t a book I’d recommend.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
i know you saw her by ann girdharry
2.5/5 stars
I’m always looking for new books to add to my Best Thrillers on Kindle Unlimited post and this was repeatedly shown in the recommendations tab of my Kindle app, so I figured it was worth checking out. Super twisty yet unrealistic, it tells more than it shows, yet the chapters are short so it makes for a quick read.
Unfortunately, the payoff doesn’t justify the journey. The plot is crafted with unpredictable twists in mind, but ends up with too many plot holes that leave the reader feeling blah at the end. While you could finish this in a weekend and still have plenty of time for being social, it isn’t a new favorite.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
the daughter by alesha dykema
4/5 stars
Hear me out: some of the best Kindle Unlimited thrillers have the cheesiest cover, so I couldn’t help but download this based on that alone. I’m also a sucker for a good rich family plot, and this fit the bill.
A total turn-and-burn, I finished this in about two hours and was pleasantly surprised. I totally thought I knew how it would end, but was wrong. The author throws a few red herrings your way, but some of the twists/ bombshells shocked me and I loved how it ended. Check the TWs first.
I will admit this is definitely over-the-top in some ways, but the plot starts right away, so it isn’t cheesy. It’s like you are plopped into the 30-minute mark of the movie, skipping the exposition. There’s minimal characterization; just enough to give you a feel for everyone, and the fast-pace makes for a truly entertaining read.
If you want a book that you builds and gives you enough to feel connected to, you won’t love this, but if you like Freida McFadden-style books, you’ll enjoy it. For me, I like that the author shared some of the darkness, but didn’t go so into detail that it felt triggering or exploitive.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
this one life by amanda prowse
4.5/5 stars
This was a really interesting read, and I can see why it’s polarizing among some readers. You can’t say it’s not well-written, because while the main character can be unlikeable at times, you don’t want to stop reading.
I loved some of the twists and didn’t see them coming; it felt like a real treat and kept this from being too predictable.
Themes include motherhood, difficult family relationships, independence, and choices. The author covers both the big picture of life as well as the minute day-to-day in a way that really makes you think, and it’s an emotional read without being too heavy.
Perfect for 30-somethings feeling like they’re staring down a fork in the road, this would also make for interesting, thoughtful book club discussions.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
what happened next by edwin hill
4/5 stars
What Happened Next is this month’s First Reads with Amazon. I used to jump to download my First Reads pick on the first of every month, but I’ve found the better strategy is to wait until the month is at least halfway through, because you can compare the ratings averages if you’re between two books. While I don’t believe the ratings or reviews are to be taken as law, I’ve noticed quality issues with First Reads books over the last year, so if you don’t want to fall victim to a half-baked plot, wait a week or two before making your selection.
This is mystery pick of the month, and I definitely think that’s the right category for this book. If you want a thriller or suspenseful plot, skip this. It borderlines on contemporary fiction when you consider some of the family dynamics, but it’s ultimately centered around a decades-long mystery.
A slow burn, I’d say this is interesting, but not the most entertaining. It’s a close-knit plot with just a handful of characters, and the setting is vivid but not particularly dynamic. While the main character hosts a podcast/ radio show, that plays a much smaller role than expected. I liked it but didn’t love it, though I will say it’s one of the better First Reads picks I’ve read over the last year.
Read it here.
woman down by colleen hoover
1/5 stars
WTF was this. I hate to sound mean, but I just don’t understand the Colleen Hoover hype. Some of her books are exceptional (Reminders of Him) and others (like this) are just so poorly written.
Meant to be an edgy romance, some of the twists of Woman Down did surprise me, but they seemed sleazy rather than punchy. Where Verity was shocking, this was the half-baked Lifetime copycat.
Woman Down read like a response to all of the It Ends with Us legal drama, and it seemed like the author was preoccupied with that rather than trying to craft a thought-out plot. The whole story ended up being a nothing burger; Hoover should’ve released a statement instead.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
a sister for lily by zoe cross
3/5 stars
This is a highly-rated Kindle Unlimited thriller that I’d recommend for fans of Freida McFadden. Chapters are short, pacing is quick, and it’s got enough of the off-the-rails vibe that hooks you from the start.
One of the downsides of the quicker pace is limited characterization, and I will say that this had political undertones, but it didn’t get in the way of me enjoying the book.
A quick turn-and-burn with a complete ending, it was a solid palette cleanser that will get you back into reading if you’re in a slump.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
the bartender by brian o’sullivan
3.5/5 stars
I can’t leave well-enough alone; I’m constantly looking for a new gem to add to my Best Thrillers on Kindle Unlimited post. I saw The Bartender had a high average with lots of rave reviews, so I was hopeful.
The Bartender is a thriller surrounding a con artist, and while it’s marketed as a romantic thriller, I don’t know that romance readers would enjoy this. There’s attraction, but no love story.
Truth be told, I’m anxiously waiting for a well-done con artist thriller; most are cheesy and over-the-top. This started strong, but isn’t a new favorite. It’s fast paced and definitely a page turner, but was too cheesy for me. If you want a popcorn thriller that’ll get you out of your slump, The Bartender would do the trick!
I also read The Mastermind by the same author as he mentioned these two books are his parents’ favorite. It references the first book here and there, so while it’s not a sequel, read The Bartender first to avoid some spoilers.
The Mastermind is just as fast-paced, with addictingly short chapters and a multi-POV to keep the reader engaged. Arguably more unrealistic, this focuses on action rather than character development, which I missed. Check it out if you like cat-and-mouse thrillers and a fast-paced, breezy read.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
the dead girls book club by zia rayyan
1.5/5 stars
I hated The Dead Girls Book Club; I have no idea why it has such a high rating average. I got about 40 pages in when I thought about DNF-ing it (which I never do). The plot leaps right into over-the-top territory quickly, so I felt less understanding of the dramatics than I would have had the author taken the time to build a connection between the reader and the characters/ plot.
There was one good twist, but I saw the rest coming. It was missing humor that could’ve made this a tongue-in-cheek thriller; instead, it was like a wild goose chase of a Lifetime movie.
It’s a quick read though (took me a little under 2 hours) so if you want a quick turn-and-burn, others really loved it so it may be worth checking out.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).