March Reading Wrap-up

March was a month of variety in my reading life, one that took me from tightly wound psychological suspense to quietly devastating literary fiction, with a detour into imaginative fantasy along the way. I found myself drawn to stories centred on secrets, whether whispered through threatening letters, buried in the past, or hidden within relationships, and the consequences of those truths surfacing.

Indie Stand Out Read

Silent Victim

Caroline Mitchell

Told through multiple perspectives across a wide timeline, this psychological thriller follows Emma, a devoted mother and successful business owner who is hiding a devastating secret: four years earlier she killed Luke, a predatory teacher who had seduced her, and buried his body on her property on Mersea Island. When her husband Alex receives a promotion that requires them to move, Emma realises she must finally dispose of the evidence—only to discover the grave is empty. As the narrative shifts between past and present viewpoints, the story steadily builds tension and uncertainty, leaving the reader unsure who can be trusted or whether Emma herself is a reliable narrator. Although the novel takes a little time to fully draw the reader in, the exploration of hidden truths within relationships and the unsettling question of how well we truly know those closest to us ultimately creates a gripping and suspenseful read.

Slags

Emma Jane Unsworth

Emma Jane Unsworth’s novel is a sharp, insightful exploration of womanhood outside society’s expected path, following Sarah, a woman in her early forties navigating sobriety, disconnection, and unresolved trauma. Framed by a campervan road trip through the Scottish Highlands with her sister Juliette, the narrative shifts between the present and Sarah’s adolescence, capturing both the intensity of teenage obsession and the complexities of adult life. Unsworth blends acid humour with emotional depth, offering a compelling portrayal of sisterhood, grief, and the lasting impact of formative experiences. Although the middle section drags slightly and the late surge in tension feels unnecessary, the novel remains an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Favourite book of March

Overall, it was a solid reading month, with a mix of gripping and thought-provoking stories—and a reminder of how much I enjoy switching between genres to keep my reading life feeling dynamic.

Happy reading for April

Lucy xx