Melody's Reading Corner: September 2023

Melody

Sphere | 24 June 2021 | 416 pgs

Source: Library

Philomena McCarthy has a complicated dark background. Being the daughter of a notorious London gangster and her uncles are ex-prisoners, one would think that her characteristics and her upbringing would be as bad, but ironically Phil's job is the polar opposite of her family's doings. She works as a police officer with the Metropolitan Police and it's actually a childhood incident which prompted her to follow this career path. A female police officer saved Phil from a bus bombing and from there onwards her life changes.

Given her family background, it's no surprise that Phil is often judged by her peers and superiors, but this doesn't deter her until a domestic assault case landed her job in jeopardy. Phil and her partner are called in to assist a woman who's believed to be abused by her boyfriend. The abuser turns out to be a decorated police detective and is widely known for his heroic act in a saving attempt years ago. Once again, Phil finds herself being discriminated and worst of all, being threatened to drop the case and eventually the incident is hushed up and put away. Phil didn't just let this go; she befriends Tempe Brown, the victim, so that she could find out more about DS Darren Goodall. Tempe and Phil soon become good friends, but the former keeps interfering into Phil's personal life. Phil's once peaceful life becomes chaotic ever since her involvement of the domestic assault case; it is apparent that Darren Goodall has several powerful friends within the police force and as more sinister incidents crop up, Phil has no one to turn to except her estranged family.

This book was a page-turner and the author has captured the tension and the atmosphere well, especially the male-dominated police force, its hierarchy and how a "clique" within the police force could be quite menacing once any one of their authorities is being questioned. And then, there's the toxic relationship between Tempe and Darren, and the obsessive friendship between Tempe and Phil which overall made this a compelling read. Phil was an interesting character, but I wasn't enamoured by her reckless behaviours and how gullible she could be at times, but I understand this is part of the portrait of who she is. This is my first Michael Robotham book and definitely not my last.

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Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Crime Thriller, Psychological Thriller 9 comments |

The Couples Trip by Ulf Kvensler

Melody

Hanover Square Press | 6 June 2023 | 400 pgs

Source: Library

This book is named "Shortlisted for the Crimetime Award 2022" and "Swedish Academy of Crime Writers' Award Best Debut of the Year". And with the story set in the wilderness of Sarek National Park in Sweden, I knew I've to read it.

Anna, Henrik and Milena always make it a point to go for their hiking trip once a year. Anna and Henrik are a couple and the three of them have known one another for some time. This year, however, is different from their annual hiking trip as Milena is bringing her new boyfriend, Jacob, along. Anna and Henrik have had some disagreements amongst themselves since they hardly know Jacob but in the end Henrik gave in.

Jacob happened to be a seasoned hiker and while this comes as a relief to the others, Henrik isn't pleased that Jacob suggested a different hiking route; one which they haven't hike before - Sarek. On top of it, Jacob made a few arrangements beforehand and this adds tension to the group. But it is a bit too late to reverse their trip so they could only move forward to their destination. But uneasiness begin to set in as they wander deeper into the vast wilderness and further away from civilization, as Anna begin to question herself if bringing Jacob along might be a mistake after several circumstances that put their safety at risk. Jacob seems like a person who couldn't take no for an answer and his attitude annoys both Anna and Henrik. Milena, on the other hand, is too meek to point out anything probably she doesn't want to make matters worse. But, the situation gets worse as they progress and things start to go terribly wrong.

This was a wild ride and I enjoyed the thrill and intensity throughout my reading journey. The dynamics among the four characters and their hiking journey are the highlight of the story alongside the various challenges imposed by Mother Nature; but the biggest surprise of all is learning that things aren't as straightforward as what they're seemed to be. I like twisty ending and while this book has it, I felt that there are still some knots left untied and it took away that reading satisfaction and the perfection I'd had in mind initially (perhaps there's a sequel? Please say yes, Mr Kvensler! Otherwise that ending was a bit of a letdown.) That said, I'll read all future works by this author as his writing is captivating.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 6 comments |

Everything’s Fine by Cecilia Rabess

Melody

Simon & Schuster | 6 June 2023 | 336 pgs

Source: Library

Jess first met Josh at their college. They are completely opposites in every sense. Both of them are opinionated and it's no surprise that their views often clash during most of the talks and discussions in classes together. Jess thought she'd never meet Josh again after graduation, until her first day at work as an analyst at Goldman Sachs.

Being the only Black woman on the floor, Jess is often overlooked and underestimated. She gets all the mundane work despite her qualifications, and her diligence unrecognised as well. Josh, on the other hand, is like a rising star. Given their speech sparring in college, one would've thought that they'd remain solely as working colleagues but surprisingly, Josh shows up for her in his own ways, although he could be direct and insensitive at times. It doesn't take long for them to move from being colleagues to friends, and as an undeniable chemistry slowly formed between them and becomes an attraction, it leave them both in surprise and a bit of exhilaration.

But then the year is 2016, and their relationship is challenged by the cultural and political aspect and added the forthcoming presidential election, Josh and Jess find themselves caught between their political views differences; especially Jess who question herself if it's more important to be happy than right. After all, she's brought up by her father who has a strong belief in equality and their heritage after her mother's death when she was a girl. Jess doesn't want to shun away his belief, but she finds herself in a dilemma as she's just beginning to discover who she is and who she has the right to be; and asking herself if she should choose happiness and if it's indeed everything’s fine as she dare herself to hope for the better. Unlike her, Josh is an empiricist. What the future holds for them?

This was a difficult review to write as there's sexism, racism and political elements alongside the interactions/dynamics between Josh and Jess. It isn't a book one would love for the contents, but the author's prose was clear and engaging and I find myself hooked by this story. Regarding the relationship between Josh and Jess, I just couldn't think of what to describe it. I think Josh loved Jess in a way (was it the strawberries scenario that had Jess landed in the hospital due to allergies and thereafter, Josh had stopped eating them?) but he was so full of his own ideas and theories that he couldn't allow himself to see others from their perspectives and that's his weakness. I liked Jess when she's not afraid to voice out her thoughts at times, but there are also occasions that she self-doubt about things and telling herself that everything’s fine, which in fact isn't. There's so much to talk about on this book but I think it's best that you read it yourself. Suffice it to say that this was a powerful and a thought-provoking debut which had me thinking long after I closed the book.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Literary Fiction, Political Fiction 6 comments |

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

Melody

St. Martin's Press | 4 April 2023 | 336 pgs

Source: Library

Gabe and Pippa Gerard, together with their two young daughters, live in a lovely cottage on a cliff in a sleepy coastal town. It's a perfect setting, or so they thought, but they didn't expect that it's also a popular spot for people who want to end their lives. On several occasions, Gabe had coaxed and saved them from ending their lives, thus earning himself a name for his heroic acts within their community. However there's a day that Gabe didn't manage to coax a woman and she fell to her death. The police eventually determined her death as suicide, but Pippa couldn't shake off the feeling that Gabe seems to be hiding some facts and acted strangely on that fateful day. Pippa later learns that Gabe knew that woman; and she begins to wonder about their connection and what if he didn't save her but had pushed her to her death?

This book was a riveting read and it has many elements aside from the suspense aspect. It gives us more than a glimpse of the intricacy of marriage and relationship, a case of characters study as well as how far one would go in keeping secrets and maintaining a facade.

The story was told in two POVs between the present and the past; but what makes this such an interesting read is the voice of a deceased character. While this narrative is not common in books, I think it works in this domestic thriller given it a fresh perspective from the others of the same genre. The secondary characters are equally compelling and added depth to the story. The twist towards the end was a great one, though it left me a hollow feeling. Overall it was an engrossing read and I'd recommend this book if you love a good domestic suspense.