Another month, another stack of books! March was a beautifully eclectic mix for me. I managed to finish 9 books across a variety of genres: mysteries, thrillers, contemporary fiction, romance, and personal development.

A few of these stories had me laughing and crying, while a couple of the non-fiction picks genuinely shifted my perspective on daily life. I’m also making steady progress on my goal to clear out my physical TBR (To Be Read) shelf, nothing feels better than finally closing a book that’s been staring at me for months!

Below is the full breakdown of what I read in March.

Books marked with an asterisk (*) were kindly gifted by the publishers. All opinions are my own.

Books I read in March 2026

Stop Letting Everything Affect You by Daniel Chidiac
The Intruder by Frieda McFadden
The Squad: Killer Spirit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes*
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
When in Rome by Sarah Adams
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
Where the Missing Go by Emma Rowley

March 2026 Reading Stats

Books read: 9
Genres read: Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary Fiction, Personal Development, Romance, Fantasy
Standout books: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, The Four Agreements, Six of Crows, When in Rome

Mysteries + Thrillers

The Squad: Killer Spirit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (3.5 stars)

I read the first book in this series, Perfect Cover, last month (you can catch those thoughts in my February Wrap Up). This installment had some fun, high-energy moments, but the writing style felt a bit different than what I loved in The Inheritance Games. The way the plot unraveled wasn’t quite for me, but it was an entertaining read nonetheless.

The Intruder by Frieda McFadden (3.5 stars)

I’m a fan of Freida’s work (Never Lie and The Housemaid are favorites), so I always look forward to her new releases. Her books are notoriously bingeable, and while The Intruder had that signature “just one more chapter” energy, it wasn’t my favorite of hers. My interest wavered in certain parts, though one of the twists at the end definitely redeemed it.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (4 stars)

This book has been sitting on my shelf for far too long, and I finally gave it a go. I see the hype! It was a “one-sitting” kind of read; I simply needed to know the truth. While the middle of the story ebbed and flowed in terms of pacing, the final twists made the read worth it. If you love a psychological thriller, this is one to check out.

Where the Missing Go by Emma Rowley (3.75 stars)

Another one off the physical TBR! This was a total page-turner with a premise that hooks you immediately. As a psychological thriller, it does a great job of building tension, though I did find a few chapters toward the middle to be a bit of a drag. Overall, a solid choice for thriller lovers.

Personal Development

Stop Letting Everything Affect You by Daniel Chidiac (3.75 stars)

As a highly sensitive person and a recovering people-pleaser, I felt like this book was written specifically for my “chronic overthinker” brain. I loved the no-fluff approach. It’s straight to the point and very digestible, making it a great companion for anyone working on their personal growth journey.

The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz (4 stars)

Several people have recommended this to me, and I’m so glad I finally gave it a read. It’s short and to the point, which I appreciated. The first two agreements, “Be impeccable with your word” and “Don’t take anything personally”, really resonated with me. In a world of social media where people feel a little too comfortable being negative behind a screen, these principles feel like a necessary shield for your peace of mind.

Contemporary Fiction

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (4.25 stars)

I’ll be honest: when I first started this, I wasn’t sure if I’d finish it. But as I kept going, this book completely won me over. The story made me laugh out loud and it made me cry. It’s a beautiful exploration of loneliness and human connection. I’m so glad I didn’t DNF (did not finish) this one.

Romance

When in Rome by Sarah Adams (3.75 stars)

Another book recommended by a couple of my friends. When in Rome is a small-town romance set in Rome, Kentucky, and as a Kentuckian, I had to read it! This was such a cute, “cozy vibes” read. While I found the back-and-forth between Amelia and Noah a little repetitive at times, the supporting characters and the setting were wonderful. It’s a beautiful start to the series, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

Fantasy

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (4.25 stars)

After loving the “Crows” in the Shadow and Bone show, I wanted to give this duology a chance, especially after a couple of my friends recommended it. The actors really brought these characters to life for me, which made the reading experience even better. It was thrilling, the world-building is top-tier, and the plot kept me on my toes. I’m hoping to start Crooked Kingdom very soon!

Top 3 March 2026 Reads

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
The Four Agreements
Six of Crows

March was a month of reflection. From the emotional highs of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine to the grounding lessons in The Four Agreements, I’m starting to be much more intentional about what I add to my shelf. My TBR is finally shrinking, and I want to make sure the books that replace them are truly worth the time.