Melody's Reading Corner: 2018

Top Ten Reads of 2018

Melody

2018 is coming to an end and aside from the approaching of a new year (and making new resolutions?), that also means it's time for a reflection of the books I read and which titles have made it onto my top reads. Without further ado, here's the list of my top ten reads of 2018 (not in order):

Our House by Louise Candlish
Don't Believe It by Charlie Donlea
The Storm King by Brendan Duffy
Circe by Madeline Miller
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
Salt Lane by William Shaw
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James
Dracul by Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker
The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor

Honorable Mention

Snap by Belinda Bauer
Dead Girls by Abigail Tarttelin
Without Merit by Colleen Hoover

Reading Statistics:
Male Authors: 15
Female Authors: 52
Thriller/Suspense/Mystery: 52
Contemporary Romance: 10
Fantasy: 3
Historical: 2
Horror: 4
YA: 2

So there you have it. From the look of it, I read more thriller/suspense/mystery books than books from other genres so my reading goal next year is to have a more balanced read. I hope I can do it.

What's your favourite books of the year? And since this will be my last post of 2018, I'd like to wish you a very Happy New Year!

© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: General, Top Reads 16 comments |

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Melody

Gallery Books | September 2018 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

I've not read anything by Christina Lauren but I've heard a lot of good things about this book. For readers who love a friends-to-lovers kind of story, you'll probably love this.

Hazel Bradford first knew Josh Im when they were in college. Ten years later, she still thinks he's good-looking and proper in all sense while he thinks of her as wild, crazy and funny at times. Needless to say, their personality clashes and Josh doesn't think Hazel as his kind of gal. Plus, he has gone out with Tabitha for two years although it's a long distance relationship. It is strange how fate has once again brought this two together. Hazel is an elementary school teacher and when her good friend, Emily, invited her to her house as a get-together, she doesn't have much thoughts until she saw Josh there. It turns out that Josh is Emily's brother.

Despite the awkwardness, Hazel continues to hang out with Josh like any other friends. And when Josh later found out that his girlfriend is cheating on him, Hazel thinks it isn't a bad idea to go on a double date. However, no matter how many dates they've gone, they just didn't click with each other's friends. But of course by that time their connection and tacit understanding struck them both that they may have a chance with each other after all.

This book was a great escapism after all the thrillers I read. On top of that, I loved it that the relationship was based from the foundation of friends first and that Hazel and Josh are two interesting characters who're relatable; the former who was not afraid of being herself while the latter was kind, sensitive and stable. They're the typical opposite-attract type of couple and I couldn't like them more because of who they are and how comfortable they're with each other. Their witty dialogues, Josh's Korean heritage and the different situations they were in made this such an entertaining read and I enjoyed the whole book in spite of the predictability. I'll definitely be looking out for more books by this author.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Contemporary Romance 10 comments |

Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep

Melody

HarperCollins Publishers | October 2018 | 480 pgs

Source: Library

This first novel of the Crown of Shards fantasy series tells a story of a royal family dynamics, politics and conspiracies with the combinations of magic and a hint of romance.

Lady Everleigh Blair lost her parents since young. Although she's seventeenth in line for the throne, her role in the royal court of Bellona is nothing but an assistant to the cook master. In their realm whereby one's magical power determines one's worth (i.e. magier, master and morph), Evie is considered the lowest since she's a mutt with no magical power. Her only strength is her enhanced sense of smell and the ability to be immuned of magic but no one knows of the latter since her late mother had warned her to keep it as a secret for her own good.

Bellona is a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition so it is not uncommon for a woman to have battling skills. Evie is no warrior, but her cousin Vasilia, who's the crown princess, is a skilled warrior and once upon a time they were close with each other until Evie learnt that it was all a lie. Evie steers clear from her path thereafter, and Vasilia couldn't care less considering she has big plans ahead. Although Vasilia's mother, Queen Cordelia, intends to marry her off to the prince of Andvari for Bellona's benefits and further securing the ties between the two kingdoms; Vasilia, on the other end, has already planned to assassinate the Queen and take the throne by force.

After the massacre, Evie escapes with the help of her secret immunity. For survival and a plan to avenge for the Bellona people, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. While the troupe perform to amuse, several of them are actually highly trained warriors. There, Evie met a few interesting people, in particularly Lucas Sullivan, a magier who seemed to have some secrets of his own. As she trains with the troupe, she soon learn more about the troupe leader, Serilda, who used to be the late Queen's royal guard and how the troupe came about.

I was totally fascinated with the world building and the cast of characters in this book. Add in a dose of magic and some actions and I was hooked. There's nothing that I didn't love about this story; except that Evie may be too much of a risk taker at times. Then again, a warrior is one who shouldn't be afraid to take risks, especially if she has the best of heart for others. I also enjoyed the banter between Evie and Lucas; although there isn't much romantic chemistry between them, yet, I'm hoping to see there's some changes in the next installment, Protect the Prince.

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Fantasy 8 comments |

With You Always by Rena Olsen

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | August 2018 | 352 pgs

Source: Library

Julia's life is flat and boring. After a painful breakup with her boyfriend, she set her mind on proving herself at work and hopefully her boss will start to notice her hard work and assign her some important tasks. Bryce walks into her life literally when she is preparing for a presentation and a gust of wind blows her papers everywhere. After Bryce has helped her pick up the papers, he asked to meet her for a drink which she said yes. That drink leads to another meeting and soon Julia finds herself saying yes to being his girlfriend. It's hard not to like Bryce; after all he's handsome, charming and he knows how to make Julia feels special and different. Bryce then brought Julia to his church; introducing her to his so-called family and encouraging her to engage in his church's activities and to follow their teaching and principles. Everything sounds promising except that Bryce doesn't share about his past and that there's something a little off with the Reverend and the followers' belief. And despite Julia's doubts, Bryce always manage to convince her in the end.

Julia slowly become isolated from her family, friends and eventually her job. After marriage, it become worse as Bryce doesn't seem like the man he used to be. Is it possible for her to leave, given that Bryce has already had plans for their relationship?

Although this latest novel by Rena Olsen is marketed as a psychological thriller, it read more like a women's fiction with domestic abuse issue. I've to say the plot was quite predictable and I'd some issue about Julia and the ending. First off, I felt Julia jumped too fast into the relationship right from the beginning. Sure, Bryce may seemed like a perfect man initially, but this didn't give Julia a good reason to lose control of her decisions. I knew then that the relationship isn't going to work and after the marriage it only got worse. At that point, I felt no motivation to read further (this explains my slow progress) but there's something about the author's writing that made me continue reading. As for the ending I felt it to be rushed and that some questions are left unanswered. That said, this may deem to be a suitable read for readers who love a domestic drama rather than a suspense/thriller.

Labels: 2.5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 10 comments |

Under a Dark Sky by Lori Rader-Day

Melody

William Morrow | August 2018 | 416 pgs

Source: Library

Have you heard of the term "dark sky park"? I haven't until I read this book. Basically it's a park that offers dazzling views of the Constellations and the Milky Way with minimal lightings so as to keep the area as natural as possible (for more information click here.) In this story, the author had chosen Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, Michigan as the model for the fictional Straits Point International Dark Sky Park.

Thirtyish Eden Wallace is a photographer who'd lost her husband, Bix, to a car accident. Before Bix's death, Eden is a person who doesn't have much drive or motivation when her ambition is concerned. This is partly due to Bix's job as an Army, which often requires him to travel and with her following around, it is hard to settle on something permanent. Now that Bix is gone, Eden finds no reason for any motivation and also plagued by night terrors there isn't a night she goes to sleep without the lights on. However one day, she finds paperwork in her husband's effects indicating that he reserved a week under the stars in a dark sky park meant for their tenth anniversary. Despite her paralysing phobia of the dark, Eden proceeds to the destination.

What she thought was a private retreat in a guest suite at Straits Point International Dark Sky Park turns out to be a group stay as there was a mistake made by the reception. Eden isn't keen to be stuck with six twentysomethings for their college reunion, so she decides to stay for a night and head home the next day. However, one of the six was later found murdered and Eden's hope of going home is dashed. While they are forced to remain at the guest house for the investigation, Eden discovered that the group's friendship isn't what she has thought initially as they each seem to harbour some secrets of their own. Now everyone becomes a suspect, including Eden herself. But what most bothered Eden is aside from the tricky situation she's in, she also discovered some secrets surrounding Bix before his death.

Under a Dark Sky was a brilliant locked-room mystery which had my attention from the beginning till the end, especially given the setting and not to mention a cast of intriguing characters. Eden was an interesting character, to say the least, and she carried lots of emotional baggage since the death of her husband and the things she's gone through thereafter. The rest of the characters are a mysterious lot, and while I was curious to know the murderer and his/her motive, I've to say this book was actually very much about Eden as there's also a storyline about herself and her late husband that are woven into the murder mystery's core. A gripping read and I'd recommend this book to readers who love a good mystery (or two).

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Mystery 8 comments |

Random Musings

Melody

Hello! So I'm back. Our vacation was a great one. For the inquiring minds, we went to Taiwan. It was our third trip and our last trip was three years ago. Regardless of the various countries and how many times we visited, all I can say is each experience is special and different because of the people we met. I'm glad to say we'd been lucky with the tour guides we had and this time is no exception. The places we visited were fascinating; some eye-opening while some simply amazing. I'd been posting some pictures on Instagram for the past few days so if you've followed my account you may have seen them. Anyway, I attached a few pictures I posted on IG for anyone who missed it. :)

Top to bottom

- Morning walk at Flying Cow Ranch. I've to say this is my best 'artistic' shot among all. :D

- View of Taipei City from hiking at Elephant Mountain. Phew, those stairs! (photo credit: my husband)

- Popular shopping district at Ximending

- Rainbow Village (there's a history about it which you can read here)

- One of the orchid pics taken at Taichung Flower Expo

Onto bookish topic, I only finished a book (With You Always by Rena Olsen) while I was on the trip. Actually I'd started reading it beforehand and it was a slow progress, so to speak. It was a domestic thriller and review will be forthcoming. Before writing this post, I'd just finished reading a Chinese romance titled Waiting for You Yesterday (我在昨天等你) by Taiwanese writer, Misa. It's a library book but it'd caught my attention during a visit to a bookstore in Taiwan. It's a story about family, friendship as well as love rebirth. It's also a story filled with heartfelt sentiments which had me in tears in the end (note to self: will be checking out more of her books in the near future). Onto another book, I'm currently reading Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep; it's a first novel in the Crown of Shards epic fantasy series that combines magic, murder and adventure. Sounds exciting, isn't it? And it has a gorgeous cover too.

So did I miss anything while I was away? I definitely miss reading all your blog posts and am curious to know what you've been reading. I'm still slowly catching up on reading my library books as well as blog hopping/commenting; after all some part of my mind is still on the trip, ha. Happy reading!

Labels: General, Musing, Reading, Vacation 8 comments |

Dracul by Dacre Stoker & J.D. Barker

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | October 2018 | 512 pgs

Source: Library

We are all aware that Bram Stoker is the author of the timeless classic horror, Dracula. Dacre Stoker, Bram's great-grandnephew, together with author J.D. Barker, cowrite this prequel inspired through Bram's journals and notes and tell readers not only about the origins of the scary vampire which haunts our dreams but also a story of Bram and an enigmatic woman who bound them together.

The year is 1854. Seven-year-old Bram Stoker is a sickly child and spend most of his time in bed in their Dublin's home, tended by a caretaker named Ellen Crone. The Stokers hired the young woman by chance after their previous caretaker left in a haste; and while the Stokers are skeptical of Ellen's enigmatic behaviours in the beginning, they soon get used of her characteristics given how Bram seem to get better under her care. Although Bram has a few other siblings, it is Matilda, his sister who's a year older, whom he share a deep bond with. As much as both of them adore Ellen, there are times that they couldn't put a finger on Ellen's actions and why she would leave the house for a few days and then return as if nothing happens. But what most perplexing is her appearance as she could be glowing today and then haggard the next. To unravel the mystery surrounding Ellen, Bram and Matilda did a little investigation and learned of her unknown side.

Back to the present in 1868 when Bram is an adult, we "find" him secured in a locked room at an abandoned abbey trying to fend off some monster which is on his trail. With time running out and hoping that help would be on its way, he hurriedly writes down all the events right from the start till what have brought him to the present and this begins the tale of Dracul.

Dracul is both a horror and a love story at its best. Told from two timelines through various sources like journals, diary entries, letters and notes, as well as a segment on a few narrators who also play an important role in this story (e.g. Matilda and Thornley Stoker, and Dr Arminius Vambéry who has some knowledge in vampirism). I find all the characters intriguing here; and I've to say Matilda was my favourite character among all. She's feisty since a young girl and we continue to see her bravery side and determination right up to her adulthood. Then, there's the close-knit relationship she had with Bram that I find rather heartwarming at times.

And if Bram is the leading role, then Ellen is the star of this story. There is so much I wanted to talk about her yet it wouldn't be fun if I indulge all her mysterious side and secrets; likewise the plot. As you can tell, I enjoyed the wild ride immensely. "Wow!" is an understatement of how I felt after closing this book and I hope you'll pick up this book quickly.

Note: This is a scheduled post as I'm currently on vacation. Blog hop and comments will resume after my return. Happy reading!

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Fiction, Horror 8 comments |

Tear Me Apart by J.T. Ellison

Melody

MIRA Books | August 2018 | 496 pgs

Source: Library

Seventeen-year-old Mindy Wright is a skier and has a promising aspect in competing in the Olympics until a skiing accident crashes not just her racing career but her life. During the surgery, the surgeon found out that she is suffering from leukemia and that a stem cell transplant has to be conducted so as to save her life. However, this is only the beginning of the nightmare for the Wrights as not only Mindy's life is threatened but no one in the family has the match for Mindy's stem cell transplant. In other words, Mindy's parents aren't her biological parents.

With the clock ticking to find Mindy's biological parents, the reader got to learn that there are secrets and deceptions surrounding Mindy's adoptive mother, Lauren Wright, and how Lauren's younger sister, Juliet, who works as a DNA Analyst with the CBI, will go to any lengths to search for Mindy's biological parents, even if it means bypassing some protocols.

This story was split into three parts and was a multi-layered suspense built upon layers of secrets and mysteries, both in the present and flashbacks. While the reader was intrigued by Mindy's biological parents and why Lauren didn't want Mindy's secrets to expose to the world, there are also parts about a few letter exchanges in 1993 between two women, Liesel and Vivian, when both of them were in University Hospital for some diagnosis treatment, thus adding more intrigue to the story and make readers wonder if there's a connection to Mindy's and/or Lauren's story.

This story was well structured from the beginning till the end, however it was also a slow-burn kind of suspense as the author took her time in developing the characters and setting up the intrigue bit by bit as the story progresses. Personally, I felt the book would've been much better if some parts aren't draggy but the writing style and the execution won me over eventually.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Domestic Thriller 8 comments |

Lost and Found Sisters by Jill Shalvis

Melody

HarperCollins Publishers | June 2017 | 400 pgs

Source: Library

If you're familiar with Jill Shalvis's books, you should know that her contemporary romances alway showcase a great cast of characters, witty dialogues and sweet heartwarming moments that would melt your heart. She is one of my go-to authors should I need a romance read fix. This is the first book of the Wildstone series; which is also her first women's fiction novel and although the genre is different, I'm glad to say her signature remains and yes, there's still some romance element in it.

30-year-old Quinn Weller works as a sous-chef in one of L.A.'s hottest eateries. She has a loving family and a great boyfriend, Brock. She's known Brock since kindergarten so their relationship is more like close friends than a couple. Despite her wonderful life, she's been feeling empty especially after she'd lost her sister, Beth, in a car accident. Then when a lawyer from Wildstone delivers a shocking news to her, she realises that her life has been all a lie. To seek the truth and to claim an inheritance meant for her, she left her everything in L.A. to a small hometown in Wildstone, California.

There in Wildstone, Quinn soon finds that the residents are charming and easy-going. As Quinn tries to settle down, she encounters Mick Hennessey who is humorous and is quick to help her whenever she runs into trouble; like fixing her dripping sink and chasing away bugs in a B&B where she is staying. What Quinn doesn't know about Mick is that he's a structural engineer working in San Francisco who is staying in the same B&B and he is there in Wildstone to check on his mother once in a while and to make sure all things are well and taken care of since his mother isn't keen on moving.

As Quinn and Mick get to know each other, this is also the beginning where Quinn starts to question herself about the route and the responsibility she is going to take after knowing that she has a teenage sister, Tilly, living in Wildstone. At its core of the story, it is basically about Quinn's self discovery and what she'd do if given a new life in a much smaller and slower paced Wildstone yet a place she could feel at ease and be contented with.

Lost and Found Sisters was an enjoyable read and I found myself swept away by all the characters in this book, including Coop the dog. Coop is Mick's dog and throughout the book you'll find that he always stick by Mick wherever he goes. Tilly's story is a sad one, but she is a strong character and I liked the feisty spirit in her at times. And oh, there are a few scenarios where we read about Quinn's exchanges with Beth when Quinn stays in that rundown B&B. Whether if Quinn really communicates with a ghost or if it's all in her head, I was never sure but at least those little moments gave her some reminiscent of their happier times. This was a great first installment of a new series and it could be read as a standalone, too.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction 8 comments |

In Her Bones by Kate Moretti

Melody

Atria Books | September 2018 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

Fifteen years ago, Lilith Wade was arrested and tried for the brutal murder of six women from 1998 till 2001. It caused an uproar then and till present the mention of Lilith Wade's name still sent shivers to some and hatred to others. There is even a book, titled The Serrated Edge: The Story of Lilith Wade, Serial Killer, which chronicles about her murders and her victims and even mentioned about her sad youthful past; in which she was then diagnosed with some mental disorder and have raised some discussions whether or not if her circumstances would've been different should she was paid more attention back then. Nevertheless, murder is still murder and so Lilith is put on a death row conviction.

Lilith has two children and one of them is 30-year-old Edie Beckett, who is the narrator in this story. A recovering alcoholic with a dead-end city job, she has a detective to thank for for putting her life back together after Lilith was sentenced and for getting her a job. Edie doesn't mix around much, and would prefer having her brother, Dylan, for company than anyone else. As much as this codependent relationship is unhealthy, Edie also has a disturbing secret - an obsession with Lilith's victims' families and finding out how they've moved on after a family member's murder. Edie will go to any lengths to dig about their life and she is always careful when covering her tracks. However, her fixation on one man, Peter Lipsky, had her crossing a line and the next thing she knew, he is found murdered.

With Edie's connection to Lilith and that there are some evidences that pointed towards Edie, she becomes a fugitive and this makes her wonder who would've known about her fixation on Peter. With her mother behind bars and her nonexistent social life, Edie is sure someone is trying to frame her but who and why?

Having read Kate Moretti's previous novel, The Blackbird Season, I was hooked by her storytelling, her writing style and most of all, her characterisation which I felt are well drawn. In Her Bones is no exception when it comes to writing style and characterisation, but the slow pace and some repetitiveness are a drawback to this psychological suspense. The first half covers mainly of Edie's obsession, her diggings and befriending Peter; while perhaps these are essential to the plot, the reader got a sense of some repetitiveness but fortunately the pace picked up thereafter. I also liked it that there are some excerpts from The Serrated Edge which allow some insights and interviews surrounding Lilith's murder cases. In general, I'd say this is a story that will leave the reader questioning about obsession and the toxicity of familial ties, and whether or not if bad traits or habits could be inherited, as what Edie fears from the beginning.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Psychological Suspense 6 comments |

The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet

Melody

Doubleday | May 2018 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

Caroline and Francis are working on their marriage and have planned for a short getaway as a reconnection of their relationship. And instead of staying in a hotel or a resort, Caroline's plan is a house swap with someone for a week so they can stay at the owner's house and vice versa. Since all the transactions were made online and keys arrangements were made individually, each party didn't get a chance to meet in person and it was fine with Caroline.

Flashback to two years earlier alternatively, the reader gets to know that Caroline is cheating on Francis and her lover, Carl, is a colleague who is a few years her junior but have actually separated in the present time. Francis, on the other end, has a pill addiction and Caroline isn't aware of his habits until she found his hidden stash one day. Caroline decided to keep mum for a while and Francis is suspicious of Caroline's movements as she always claim to have a party or a girls' outings at times, leaving their young son Eddie to him or with her mother. Like Caroline, Francis remains quiet and hope that his suspicion is all speculations.

As much as Caroline and Francis prefer to keep on with the pretense and "enjoy" their current status, things or circumstances start to pop up unexpectedly and this is when a strange woman starts to barge into Caroline's life now and then and trying to be friends. Caroline also begins to see bits of items in the rental house that remind her of the memories she'd had with Carl. Caroline knew no one but Carl who will understand the sentiments of these items which they'd once shared, so she starts questioning about the strange things that start to appear around her and wonder if Carl is back into her life again after what'd happened then.

The House Swap has an intriguing plot but the beginning was a slow burn but once it hit the second quarter mark it read like a breeze. I didn't particularly like any of the characters here (with the exception of little Eddie, poor boy); and what seemed like a domestic thriller read more like a drama as it shifted back and forth surrounding mostly on Caroline's life and how 'Away' (present) and 'Home' (flashback) affect her emotionally. Francis, her husband, may seem like an important role in this story but unfortunately there isn't enough backstory about him and how/why he is addicted to taking pills. The ending wasn't what I'd suspected, although I thought it was a bit far-fetched. Still, it was overall an average read to me.

Labels: 3 stars, Book Review, Suspense Thriller 12 comments |

If You Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim

Melody

William Morrow | August 2018 | 417 pgs

Source: Library

Set in the 1950s amid the Korean War, this debut novel by Crystal Hana Kim revolves around our three protagonists and the choices they are forced to make during the war times and how it shaped their destinies thereafter.

Sixteen-year-old Haemi Lee, together with her widowed mother and ailing brother, live in a refugee village after their home was invaded by the Communist-backed army from the North. With the grim circumstances and so forth, Haemi finds some solace in her childhood friend, Kyunghwan, as they will meet for some late night drinks and exchange sentiments. Although Kyunghwan has feelings for Haemi, he put his mind on finishing his studies first so he isn't aware that his older cousin, Jisoo, already has his sights set on Haemi.

As much as Haemi dislike the idea of marrying for security, deep in her heart she knew she has no choice and on top of it, Kyunghwan doesn't seem to have any plans. So Jisoo married Haemi before joining the fight, and Kyunghwan has left Busan to begin a new journey of his own. Haemi by then is a mother to three daughters and while her marriage to Jisoo remains stable, it isn't really a happy and a fulfilling one. What she felt for Jisoo is more towards a feeling of affection than love and at times Haemi will reflect on her decision in choosing him and what would happen if she had chosen Kyunghwan.

Throughout the years, Kyunghwan remains single and his feelings towards Haemi hasn't changed. His return to Busan sent a ripple in Haemi's once quiet life and though she remains unaffected on surface, she is consumed with guilt as she finds herself still drawn to him.

If You Leave Me may seem like an ordinary love triangle story, but it is rich in culture and the life of living as refugees set in the war times was well portrayed and heartbreaking. Crystal Hana Kim's writing is beautiful and lyrical, and the characters are fleshed out and relatable. I'd had a few thoughts after finishing the book and I think our three protagonists are all sad victims of war which in turn led to decisions and then more decisions and consequences. This was an absorbing debut novel and I'll be sure to check out Kim's future releases.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Romance 12 comments |

Drama Reviews: The Ghost Detective | Jugglers

Melody

The Ghost Detective (今天的偵探)

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff

Lee Da-Il is a private investigator. He was formerly in the military, but a whistleblower case led to his discharge. Jung Yeo-Wool becomes his assistant. She is a fearless woman. They work together to solve a mystery surrounding the death of a younger sibling. They also work together to solve other cases, some involving ghosts.

I binge watched these two dramas for the past few weeks and thus neglected my books. Well I still read, but my progress was slow. Now that I was done with them, I'm back to my regular reading mode (unless I was sidetracked once again). Anyways, back to the topic. The Ghost Detective was a horror thriller and I thought it has a good premise. The lead character, Da-Il (starring Daniel Choi) became a ghost while solving a kidnapping case; he was buried alive but his soul wanders around. Yeo-Wool (starring Park Eun-Bin) lost her sister to a paranormal incident and had requested the police to look into the case but was rejected. She encountered Da-Il and was the only person who was able to see him. They worked together to find this ghost who manipulated and killed several people, including Da-Il's mother and Yeo-Wool's younger sister.

The paranormal aspect was an intriguing one, but there are some scenarios which I found confusing, though. I was particularly skeptical about Sun Woo-Hye (starring Lee Ji-Ah), the ghost because she was actually a twelve-year-old girl but over the years her body was in comatose and was kept alive through a respirator. Her speech and mentality were like an adult at times, and she was a real devil. The supporting characters were intriguing as well, as they involved a shaman cum medical examiner and a meticulous cop who seemed to have a little crush on Yeo-Wool. The romance element was minimal, but I liked the chemistry between Da-Il and Yeo-Wool. Despite a few shortcomings, overall I thought it was an entertaining drama.

(3.5 stars)

Jugglers

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff

Yoon-Yi (Baek Jin-Hee) works as a secretary and has held her job for the past 5 years. She is loyal and devoted to her work. Yoon-Yi also runs an internet community website for secretaries. One day, her boss's wife mistakenly assumes her husband is having an affair with Yoon-Yi. The scandal spreads throughout her company. Her boss though does not correct the misunderstanding to coverup his own real affair he is having with someone else. Yoon-Yi is placed on a waiting list for a new position and she is devastated.

Meanwhile, Chi-Won (Daniel Choi) is scouted for a managing director position in the Video Business Department at YB Ad. He carries a trauma related to a fire incident when he was young. He is not interested in socializing with other people and he does not a have a secretary. Yoon-Yi is assigned to work as Chi-Won's secretary at YB Ad, but Chi-Won tells her that he does not need her. Yoon-Yi tells him otherwise and that she will work hard for him. One evening, Chi-Won's boss invites him and Yoon-Yi out for dinner. Yoon-Yi gets drunk and Chi-Won takes her home. It turns out the house where she lives is the same house where the traumatic fire incident occurred when Chi-Won was a child. Next to the front door, he sees a flyer looking for a tenant for a second floor room. Chi-Won decides to rent the room to overcome his trauma.

Jugglers is basically a story about office employees (in particularly personal assistants) and the difficulties and challenges they often encounter while working alongside with their bosses; and at its core it is an office romantic comedy which I found both sweet and entertaining. I've to admit I watched this because of actor Daniel Choi. I was quite charmed by his charisma in The Ghost Detective and I was glad to see another side of him in Jugglers as he played a cool and an unsociable boss but ended up falling in love with his PA.

What I liked about this drama is aside from the romance element (so, so sweet and romantic, sigh), it portrays the everyday life of a PA and what they do for their bosses. From running the office to running personal errands, they are the personnel who represent their bosses and at times, they have to grit their teeth to accomplish tasks which are beyond their duties. While not all bosses are making use of their authority and taking their PAs for granted, there are still some who do that like Yoon-Yi's ex-boss in this drama.

Aside from Yoon-Yi's and Chi-Won's perspectives, I also enjoyed the story between Wang Jung-Ae (starring Kang Hye-Jung) and Hwangbo Yool (starring Lee Won-Geun). June-Ae was a shy, working single mother who struggled to make ends meet, while Hwangbo was a young director living a king's life. It was interesting to see the changes in them as the story progresses; and I felt for Jung-Ae throughout the drama because she led such a sad life. Fortunately there was a HEA for her in the end. I enjoyed this one much more than The Ghost Detective, perhaps this was a romcom and it had brightened up my mood amid my girls' school exams period (it was over as of writing this, thank goodness!)

(4 stars)

Labels: 3.5 stars, 4 stars, Drama review, Horror, Korean drama, Mystery, Romantic Comedy 6 comments |

Don't Believe It by Charlie Donlea

Melody

Kensington | May 2018 | 304 pgs

Source: Library

This is Charlie Donlea's latest release and after reading his previous two books and enjoyed them, I'm glad to say he's now on my favourite authors list. I like how he constructs the stories and most of all, the implementation of a certain professionalism to go with the investigations. In his first book, Summit Lake, it revolves around journalistic inquiry and then there is forensic science in his second book, The Girl Who Was Taken. This book is more about the making of a real-life documentary film and what it takes for our filmmaker protagonist to investigate and help clear a woman who is convicted of murder.

Sidney Ryan has been receiving letters from Grace Sebold for some time; each letter asking Sidney to look into her case or at least hear her side of the story after she has spent the last ten years in a St. Lucian prison for the crime of murdering her boyfriend, Julian Crist. Julian and Grace had traveled to St. Lucian for a friend's wedding reception and part of their vacation. Based from a few witnesses' statements, it appeared that they'd had a little disagreement and when Julian was found dead at the bottom of a cliff, the St. Lucian police is quick to target Grace as a suspect and create all the evidence to match their claims. At that time, their statements seemed valid and so the case is closed and a sentence is passed.

Sidney has successfully uncovered two cases involving the wrongly accused in the past so she is interested in hearing Grace’s story. Plus, this is her chance of putting her documentary on a huge TV network channel after a series of webcast in the past. She is ambitious and she is adamant to succeed thus she is working very hard with her research. However, the more she looks at all the gathered information it seems something is off and that some issues were even overlooked during the original investigation. With the popular viewership and the public outcry to reopen the case, Sidney thinks her documentary, The Girl of Sugar Beach, would wrap up nicely with only a few episodes to go until she receives a letter telling her she has got it all wrong.

If I enjoyed his previous two books, this book was even better. I think the idea of a true crime documentary is enticing and in this case the author has upped that enticement with the filmmaker to investigate a case alongside with the documentary making. The plot had me hooked all the way as it was multi-layered, and it kept me guessing if Grace was indeed innocent or if there is more than meets the eye. The characters are intriguing and are well developed; and there are times when I thought I'd some ideas where the direction was going, the outcome surprised me. A well crafted and well executed story and I'd recommend this to fans who love a good suspense.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Suspense 16 comments |

Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott

Melody

Picador | July 2018 | 352 pgs

Source: Library

In her latest release, Give Me Your Hand, Megan Abbott has weaved a compelling story about secrets and the beauty and complexity of female friendship between our two protagonists, Kit Owens and Diane Fleming.

Kit first knew Diane when they were both in high school cross-country camp. Kit's first impression of Diane is that she is both intelligent and a driven girl. Diane seems to excel in almost everything, and she comes from a wealthy family to boot. Kit, on the other hand, wasn't as driven and it was Diane who had fueled the ambition into her after they were both in the same AP Chemistry class. At that time, there was the "Dr. Lena Severin Stem Scholarship for Women in Science" program and Kit remembers her as the first female scientist she'd met during a talk for their summer science program. Kit and Diane's friendship began to grow after they'd found their shared ambition but then it was later ripped apart after Diane told Kit about her secret - a terrible thing which she'd done.

After they'd gone their separate ways after graduation, Kit has now risen to the top of her profession as she works for Dr. Severin and her team for a two-year study of PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder). However, with limited funds and such there will be only two staff who would be given the grant. Aside from Dr. Severin, Kit is the only female in the group and given her gender and her hard work all these times she thinks she has a higher chance of getting it ... until Diane joins their group.

After all the years which passed between them, Kit remains the only one who has known Diane's secret. But now Diane knows something about Kit too after an incident which may threaten Kit's career. Who will go down first?

I don't think I've come across any author who has written such a fascinating yet complicated female friendship like Megan Abbott. She has captured all the intricateness and darkness between Kit and Diane's friendship as well as their similarities and differences through their dreams and personalities. As much as I was intrigued by the two women's ambition and desire, I think the other thing which captivated me is about the difficulties and the challenges faced by women working in a male-dominated field. To be on par with their male counterparts, they work extra hard and push themselves harder even though they are not inferior to them in so many ways. And again, Ms. Abbott has beautifully captured that kind of feeling and atmosphere through our three female characters, including the cool, mighty Dr. Severin.

This book is a slow-burn for a thriller, but it's intriguing and an unputdownable one for characters development, the felicity and complications between female friendship as well as the subject of PMDD.

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 16 comments |

All These Beautiful Strangers by Elizabeth Klehfoth

Melody

Penguin | July 2018 | 512 pgs

Source: Library

I love stories with a school/college setting and all the more with alternating timelines and a various set of narratives. This story is basically about a 17-year-old Charlotte "Charlie" Calloway's search for the truth surrounding her mother's disappearance ten years ago as well as her school life at the prestigious Knollwood Augustus Prep.

When Charlie was seven, her mother, Grace, left home and never returned. Although Charlie's father, Alistair Calloway, was initially suspected for Grace's disappearance, there was no evidence to point that he is guilty. The Calloways have slowly put this unsolved mystery behind them and move forward until Charlie receives a note from her Uncle Hank, who is Grace's elder brother. Charlie rarely contact her mother's family so she is intrigued about his request to meet her. Her meeting with Uncle Hank has once again filled her with questions surrounding Grace's disappearance, for he believes there is something more than meets the eye after he has found a stack of photographs of Grace as well as Charlie and her younger sister, Seraphina, when they were small. The only thing that stood out is a note written in capital letters, I KNOW.

But this is not the only thing that troubles Charlie. At Knollwood Prep there is a secret society of sorts called the A's has tagged her to become an initiate into the group. Although no one really know who the members are, they are all aware that the members have some sort of authoritative power and those who are tagged to become one of them has to perform a task within their allocated time or else they will be outed by the group. Most often, the tasks they are assigned to have consequences and are of risk of expulsion if they are caught. As much as Charlie is intrigued by the group, she doesn't approve of the tasks they are asked to do. Then, there are also rumours about a student who had committed suicide years ago and Charlie soon learns that he used to be friends with her parents back then.

(Look at the book! At first glance it already makes you wonder about the story, isn't it?)

All These Beautiful Strangers is Elizabeth Klehfoth's first novel and I've to say it was well written and I was hooked by this multi-layered mystery from the beginning till the end. The combination of the two timelines and multiple narratives work wonderfully in this story and I was equally invested in these two setups. The characterisations are well developed though they are all flawed. Overall I enjoyed this YA thriller and I'll certainly look out for this author's next book.

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller, Young Adult 14 comments |

Bird Box by Josh Malerman

Melody

Ecco Press | May 2014 | 260 pgs

Source: Library

"Under no circumstances will either one of you remove your blindfold. If you do, I will hurt you. Do you understand?"

For four and a half years, Malorie and her two young children have not stepped out of their house near the river. Because there is something out there and whatever this is it must not be seen. There are news that one glimpse of it and a person is driven to deadly violence. Those who have seen will kill anyone around them before killing themselves. No one really knows what it is and how it happened but like a disease it has spread quickly and afar.

Before the children, Malorie had seeked refuge at a stranger's place which housed a few others survivors like her. Tom, who took on the role as a leader, had guided and supported the five other housemates, including Malorie, like his family. During those torturous years, they lived on canned foods, and Tom and Jules had risked their lives to go out to search for food while blindfolded. Like a blind man, they relied on their instincts and broomsticks and each time they are back they all count themselves lucky for escaping death and whatever was lurking out there. Until Gary, a newcomer, stepped into their house and changed everything.

Bird Box was a frightening read on many aspects. First of all, the unknown. Like the characters, the reader has no idea what the threat is. Is the "thing" a man, an animal or a creature? All we know is, it is scary and it could mess up your mind and make you kill. Interweaving between the past and the present, we learn that fear comes in various forms, and that our minds can be a scary thing. And despite the darkness we also see some light through Tom's courage and the things he's done for his housemates. This book will appease readers who like reading about the apocalyptic world with a dose of horror. A soon-to-be film starring Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson, Rosa Salazar, and John Malkovich.

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Horror, Thriller 14 comments |

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

Melody

St. Martin's Press | July 2018 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

Let me start off this post by saying that this isn't a book for everyone. So what is this story about? In a nutshell, it's about the love-hate relationship between a mother and her seven-year-old daughter.

When Suzette was young, she suffered from Crohn's disease and it left an emotional scar on her. She didn't get much love from her mother and this has made her to be a stronger person. She didn't think she'd find love again until she met Alex, now her husband, and she knew that she could live a new life again. However, little Hanna coming to the world seems to have change her equilibrium. Hanna doesn't speak and this worries the Jensens couple. Hanna has gone to many doctor consultations and it seems she is physically healthy. Whether she is picking up slowly or if it is more of a mental issue (there are times she adopts an alter ego of a dead young girl who was wrongly put to death back in the olden days as they believed she was a witch), the Jensens think that homeschooling her is the best option while seeking help through a psychologist.

Hanna, on the other end, has other plans. Despite her age, she is actually an intelligent girl. She doesn't like mommy and her world only revolves around daddy. She would put on her best act around daddy and leave her ugly behaviours only for mommy. But her acts become more and more malicious until Suzette begins to wonder if Hanna intends to kill her.

Based on Suzette's and Hanna's viewpoints, Baby Teeth was one compelling thriller on many levels. The characterisations and the subject involving a manipulative young girl are enough to creep anyone out but I've my doubts. For starters, I was skeptical about Hanna's intentions because she feels so young to me to have that kind of evil thoughts. I think it'd be more believable if she is a bit older; like a troubled teenager filled with angst. Secondly, given Hanna's behaviours and Alex's doubts, I'd feel that installing a CCTV (or a phone video recording of Hanna's behaviours) would be a logical way to put things to light but instead it became more of a melodramatic domestic thriller as the story progresses. However, I've to give credit to the author's creativity of writing this dysfunctional family from a new perspective. Based on the reviews at Goodreads, there is a balance between readers who love it or hate it and I've to say I'm in between since the writing was good and the story engaging but only if it is more plausible and that Hanna is much older.