March Staff Picks

If your to-read pile is dwindling and you are in search of some recommendations, the staff at Crawfordsville District Public Library always have reading ideas! Mary suggests checking out a couple of good mysteries. In the domestic thriller “The Replacement Wife” by Darby Kane (FIC Kane) the main character is convinced her brother-in-law is a murderer: “Two dead wives and a missing fiancé – can one man be that unlucky?” Next, the police procedural thriller “Ice Cold Heart” by P.J. Tracy (FIC Tracy Monkeewrench v.10), features the seasoned Minnesotan detectives of the Monkeewrench series. “Bitter cold, a gruesome homicide and disturbing art make a hard trail to follow. Is art imitating death or is death imitating art?” Dellie also recommends a mystery this month: “Missing Pieces” by Heather Gudenkauf (LP FIC Gud). This psychological thriller features bad dreams, heartbreak, and murder as facts about what seemed to be an accidental death begin to float to the surface.

If you like paranormal fiction, don’t miss Christie’s recommendation this month: “Magical Midlife Madness” by K.F. Breene (FIC Breene Leveling v.1): “A quiet town filled with neighbors. A sentient house that gives you magical powers…what more could a woman ask for?” This romantic fantasy is the first of the bestselling “Leveling Up” series.

Need some St. Patrick’s Day food ideas? Montica says there are lots of great ones in the “Irish Pub Cooking” (641.59 Iri). This cookbook includes more than 75 recipes for classic Irish food plus ideas for holiday entertaining. Learn how to make Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Soda Bread and fun treats like White Chocolate Shamrocks, Celtic Knots, and Leprechaun Cupcakes.

If you have ever been hooked on a reality TV show, Bryanna recommends the fun read “The Book of Luke” by Lovell Holder (FIC Holder). This bestseller debut was named a Best Novel of 2025 by Marie Claire magazine and was a People Best Book of December 2025. This book explores the drama of reality TV when a contestant returns to a competition-based reality show that he had won ten years ago when his life looked much different.

For a wonderful memoir, Brenda highly recommends “Truly” by Lionel Richie (782.42154092 Richie, L.): “Excellent from beginning to end! You forget how many hits Lionel had with the Commodores and as a solo artist. I had to stop reading a few times to listen to his songs and watch the ‘We are the World’ video. It was great hearing the origins of all his great songs.”

For an excellent cultural history, check out Susanna’s pick this month: “The Roma: A Traveling History” by Madeline Potter (305.891497 Potter). She describes it as “an intimate cultural study, beautifully told, about a people mainly known to American audiences through stereotypes, if at all. The audiobook narrated by the author is particularly good, as it highlights Potter’s storytelling background.”

Finally, if you are looking for a couple great books for the kids, it is the perfect time for Marva’s pick, “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Adam Wallace (j E Wal). This funny story is a great read-out-loud that blends STEM concepts with rhymes and bright illustrations! Susan recommends “Thumpy Feet” by Betsy Lewin (j E Lew), which follows the daily routine of a cat with simple, repetitive text that young children will enjoy.

Find these titles and more on display on the first floor of the library by the circulation desk through the end of the month. Several are also available digitally on our free Libby app. The library’s current open hours are Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1-5pm.