Books of the Month - March 2026

Books of the Month

March 2026

 Whether you’re in the mood for a twisty psychological thriller, a gripping crime investigation, sweeping historical drama, heartfelt romance or a dose of feel-good inspiration for your home and garden, this month’s selection has it all.

We have ten standout titles that will keep you turning pages. There are chilling mysteries to solve, emotional journeys to take, and even practical guides to help you cultivate a little more joy in everyday life. Even better? You could win all ten books in our exclusive March competition. Don’t miss your chance to add the entire collection to your shelves, just head over to our competition page to enter. Happy reading!

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Dark Heart by Neil Lancaster. A devastating bombing in York claims the life of renowned author Dr Daniel Solomon, and authorities swiftly blame Islamic extremists. But as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is as straightforward as it first appears. DS Max Craigie begins to uncover a far darker conspiracy lurking beneath the surface. A series of brutal murders are linked by a dangerous secret that someone is prepared to protect at any cost. With the victim count rising and a shadowy figure known only as “The Cashier” pulling strings behind the scenes, Max must navigate corruption, prejudice and political tension. The deeper he digs, the more perilous the game becomes. Can he expose the truth before more lives are lost? Published by HQ Digital. 12th March 2026. £16.99. Hardback. Pre-Order Here

Death Watch Cottage by T. Orr Munro. The body of Leo Hawkins is discovered in a Devon holiday cottage, the cause of death ruled as carbon monoxide poisoning. At first glance it appears to be a tragic accident, but CSI Ally Dymond isn’t convinced. As she begins to follow the evidence, inconsistencies start to surface. Leo’s wife offers an account of his final hours, yet something about her story doesn’t ring true. Nearby, graffiti from an anti-tourist group adds another layer of intrigue. When a second body is found, the case takes a darker turn. With local loyalties clouding the truth and every suspect hiding something, Ally must challenge every assumption to uncover whether a single killer is at work, or if more deaths are still to come. Published by HQ. 26th March 2026. £20. Hardback. Pre-Order Here

When I Kill You by B.A. Paris. Nell Masters is certain she’s being watched. Silent phone calls, an extravagant bouquet without a card, and the constant sensation of someone following her leave her deeply unsettled. But Nell has a secret, one she has kept from everyone, including her new partner, Alex. Fourteen years ago, under the name Elle Nugent, she witnessed a young woman, Bryony Sanders, getting into a stranger’s car. When Bryony was later found murdered, Elle became obsessed with proving Brett Parker was responsible. Her fixation had dangerous consequences. Now, living under a new identity, Nell tries to convince herself that her fears are imagined. But has someone uncovered her past? Is she being stalked, or is something far more sinister unfolding? Published by HQ. 12th March 2026. £16.99. Hardback. Pre-Order Here

The Family Friend by Claire Douglas. When Imogen inherits a crumbling country house near Bath from reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, she assumes there has been some mistake. Sixteen years earlier, she spent a life-altering summer there, one shadowed by tragedy. Hoping for a fresh start, she moves in with her partner, Josh. But the discovery of a mysterious box in Dorothea’s abandoned study, bearing Imogen’s name, suggests the inheritance may carry a hidden message. Rumours begin to circulate that Dorothea was murdered, and unease quickly replaces gratitude. As Imogen delves into the past, long-buried secrets resurface, some tied to her own family history. The house no longer feels like a gift, but a warning. And Imogen begins to wonder whether she is now in danger herself. Published by Michael Joseph. 12th March 2026. £20 Hardback. Pre-Order Here

California Gold by Jodie Chapman. Frank O’Hara arrives in California in 1970 chasing adventure, drawn by stories of a shimmering desert house where Elvis and Priscilla Presley once honeymooned. When Chrissy, glamorous and spontaneous, picks him up hitchhiking, it feels like fate. Within weeks they elope, united by a dream of recreating that iconic house back in England. They name it Mirage, building a slice of sun-drenched California in a muddy British field. Over the next forty years, Mirage becomes home to three generations of the O’Hara family, a symbol of ambition and longing. Yet beneath the fantasy lies a lingering question of identity and belonging. Can a dream imported from elsewhere truly satisfy, or does home ultimately mean something deeper? Published by Michael Joseph. 12th March 2026. £16.99 Hardback. Pre-Order Here

Braving the Storm by Elliott Rose. Briar Lane has always known her place in the family: a pawn in her father’s carefully orchestrated game. Valued more for her surname than herself, she feels trapped, until a hidden secret sends her fleeing to Crimson Ridge, the one place she believes she can disappear. She expects solitude, not the complicated presence of Stôrmand Lane, her father’s adopted brother and a former professional bull rider. Brooding, tattooed and impossible to ignore, he quickly becomes a temptation she cannot afford. Confined to a tiny cabin and bound by family ties, Briar battles growing feelings that threaten to cross forbidden lines. As tensions rise and truths emerge, she must decide whether to keep running, or finally claim control of her own story. Published by Penguin. 26th March 2026. £9.99 Paperback. Pre-Order Here

Most Wanted by Andi Osho. Naya and Jake have a simple dream: a home of their own, complete with a kitchen island and perhaps even a wine cooler. But in a neighbourhood overrun with trendy cafés and soaring property prices, that dream feels increasingly out of reach. After viewing one depressing property after another - some complete with black mould - they realise the market is stacked against them. Frustration turns into desperation, and soon they begin to joke about the only solution: crashing the housing market themselves. What starts as a fantasy gradually edges closer to possibility. Sharp, witty and deliciously dark, this novel explores how far ordinary people might go when locked out of opportunity, and whether taking control is ever as simple as it sounds. Published by HQ. 12th March 2026. £9.99 Paperback. Pre-Order Here

The Vanished Girl by Kathleen McGurl. In the long, hot summer of 1976, Jo Salway and her lifelong friends are enjoying the carefree days of youth, until little Pippa Jenkins vanishes without a trace. Fear and suspicion ripple through the community, and the friends make a decision that will bind them together in silence and shape their futures forever. Nearly fifty years later, Jo remains haunted by what happened. Struggling with trauma and regret, she returns to her childhood home of Hareton Wick, determined to confront the past. But as she begins to untangle the truth about Pippa’s disappearance, the answers edge dangerously close to home. With loyalties tested and secrets exposed, Jo must decide who she can trust, and what she is willing to sacrifice.  Published by HQ Digital. 12th March 2026. £9.99 Paperback. Pre-Order Here

Dopamine Gardening by Amy Chapman. This uplifting guide offers 52 simple, seasonal gardening projects designed to boost wellbeing and reconnect you with nature. Whether you have a sprawling garden, a small balcony, or just a windowsill, these creative ideas are accessible and affordable. Backed by science highlighting the mental health benefits of soil, sunshine and gentle movement, each project delivers a satisfying sense of accomplishment. From growing chamomile from a teabag and cultivating mushrooms on used coffee grounds to crafting compostable bird feeders and blending your own herbal teas, the activities are sustainable and low-cost. Perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, this book encourages readers to slow down, nurture living things and cultivate happiness through mindful, hands-on creativity. Published by Pavilion Books 12th March 2026. £22. Hardback. Pre-Order Here

Fifty Things to Do in the Garden by Matt Collins. In this beautifully illustrated guide, Head Gardener Matt Collins shares fifty engaging projects to enjoy throughout the year. Designed for gardeners of all skill levels, the book offers practical, easy-to-follow advice on building, planting and making the most of outdoor space—no matter its size. Matt encourages readers to see their gardens as places of exploration and creativity, from welcoming wildlife and rethinking the role of weeds to embracing sustainable practices. Some projects are perfect for a quick lunchtime session, while others invite longer, more immersive involvement. Informative yet accessible, this book is both an inspiring gift and a practical companion for anyone looking to transform their garden into a thriving, joyful retreat. Published by Pavilion Books. 26th March 2026. £12.99. Hardback. Pre-Order Here

Head over to our competition page to win all 10 books!

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