Melody's Reading Corner: 5 stars

Showing posts with label 5 stars. Show all posts

Melody

Hanover Square Press | 20 February 2018 | 416 pgs

Source: Library

If there's such a medical/scientific technology that allows you to find your perfect partner through matched DNA, would you do it? This book revolves around that topic and how far one would go to find their perfect partner.

Although Match Your DNA, a company which has matched many couples is gaining recognition with their program, they also face a backlash from some that the test results have led to the upending of the traditional ideas of love and romancing, not to mention the breakup of countless relationships and marriages. Despite this, the idea of finding your genetically matched partner outrun the downsides.

Jade, Mandy, Nick, Christopher and Ellie are some of the few millions who signed up and have their test results matched with their designated partner. While these five characters are different on many levels, they've one thing in common - secrets. Despite they're a perfect match, will they find their happily-ever-after despite who they really are?

This book was a wild ride. Fast-paced, unputdownable and filled with entertainment and intrigue, I couldn't flip the pages fast enough. This is one book which I'd called a perfect read in a psychological thriller - it has a cast of intriguing characters, multilayered plots, twists and turns and then of course, there's that refreshing and original premise. And this is so much I can tell you because to say more will spoil the fun for you. Last but not least, I want to thank Lark for putting this book on our buddy read list. Both of us had so much fun discussing this book throughout our reading journey. Visit Lark's blog here for her review.

Here are some questions from Lark to me:

What do you think about the whole idea of soulmates? And if you had the chance to find your 'perfect Match' through a simple DNA test, would you do it? Why or why not?

Soulmate is defined as a person with whom one has a strong affinity, shared values and tastes and while I think they can enhance a couple's relationship with many shared similarities, I feel that communication, understanding and mutual respect remain the core of a strong and loving relationship. As for if I'd find my perfect match through a DNA test, I think I've no intention of finding that out. After all, it's not like a genetically matched relationship would guarantee a perfect relationship. Humans aren't perfect; and also I've seen couples who are opposite each other are staying happily together, too.

© 2023 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: 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 6 comments |

The Magistrate by Brian Klingborg

Melody

Minotaur Books | 2 May 2023 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

This last installment of Lu Fei Mystery series was the best among all and I was so sad to see it end! (I'm hoping it's not the end of the series but the last I checked on Amazon, it listed this as "Book 3 of 3".) As mentioned in my previous post on Book Two, this series can read as a standalone but it's recommended to read them in order for the flow of characters developments and connected story plots.

Onto the review. Lu Fei is a meticulous and diligent inspector who couldn't tolerate corruption and the injustice of the law. He's one who'd pursue the cases relentlessly and there are times that even Chief Liang, his immediate superior, couldn't do anything about his impulsiveness and his enthusiasm in the investigations once he's set his eyes on them. Although his impulsive actions sometimes got him into trouble, such as offended the higher-ranked officials or get himself suspended, he's also lucky that he has a few trustful colleagues and friends whom he could count on.

This book focus a lot on sex trafficking and the corruption of various officials who have the power and authority to bend the law. Lu Fei has gone through a tough mission as an undercover filled with various action-packed scenes in Book Two and while this installment features him back to his inspector role, his investigations are filled with obstacles as he suspected the sex trafficking ring is run by someone who's well protected by the officials. How could Lu Fei override that authority without compromising his role while trying to catch the perpetrator(s)? His investigations are further complicated by someone who called the Magistrate; as it seems that they've their own ways of punishing the sex traffickers through torturous methods (similarly to the Five Punishments in ancient Chinese legal system) and even murder.

This book was dark and brutal in some ways, but it gives the readers more than a glimpse of the reality where the girls and the women are duped/forced into selling their bodies in which they've no idea of initially. Many of them live in intolerable living conditions (in this case North Korea) and they wish to escape or simply to find a job which might lead them to somewhere better, only to find themselves jump out of the frying pan into the fire. As always, I'd great faith in Lu Fei and he didn't disappoint in each of the cases he solved. I really hope that the author will continue to write this series because Lu Fei is a great character and it'd be a pity to see this series come to an end.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Crime Thriller, Police procedural 4 comments |

Wild Prey by Brian Klingborg

Melody

Minotaur Books | 17 May 2022 | 304 pgs

Source: Library

This is the second book of Brian Klingborg's Inspector Lu Fei Mystery and while this can be read as a standalone, I'd suggest to begin with the first book (Thief of Souls) for the flow of the characters developments.

Inspector Lu Fei is a meticulous, responsible and a highly righteous person not only of his profession but because they're his characteristics as well. Not a person who would curry favour his way up, he often finds himself in hot soup with his superiors because of his straightforwardness and uncorrupted demeanour. This is one reason why he was transferred to a backwater town in a rural area of Northern China after some disagreements with his superior, as told from the first book. But working at a rural village doesn't demoralise him at all, in fact Lu Fei works harder to right the wrongs whatever is tossed his way.

When 15-year-old Tan Meirong approaches him in search of her missing sister, initially he and the staff at the Public Security Bureau think it's merely a runaway case. But Meirong's persistency in showing up at the bureau eventually convinced Lu Fei that Meixiang's disappearance is more than meets the eye. According to Meirong's statement, Meixiang (who is nineteen) never run away no matter how difficult life is; she's the sole breadwinner of the family ever since their mother died of cancer and their father quit his job after he hurt his back and become an alcoholic. Lu Fei then begins to investigate the restaurant where Meixiang worked and found out that they also serve delicacies of rare and endangered animals discreetly to their selective rich and powerful customers as well.

Pressurised by his superior to drop the case since the restaurateur has some powerful connections, Lu Fei is forced into suspension eventually from the police force until he is approached by a mysterious official to look into the restaurateur's illegal activities, leading him to an undercover mission in Myanmar in which they believed is the sources destination. Unlike Lu Fei's previous cases, this assignment is risky and dangerous as not only he has to travel deep into the lawless wilderness, but also he has to risk his life to infiltrate the hidden compound of a mysterious and ruthless female warlord who's overseeing the animals trafficking trade.

Well, it's hard not to like a person like Inspector Lu Fei. He's the type who appears tough on the outside but soft on the inside; he's devoted to a widow named Yanyan who owns a bar and he shows his compassionate side interacting with Meirong and most of all, his sense of righteousness shine in this series. This book has the balance of a police procedural and an action-packed plot as we follow Lu Fei into the wilderness in Myanmar and the cruelty world of animals trafficking. The latter wasn't an easy read, but it helps to raise awareness so hopefully this inhumane act would cease. I'd definitely recommend this series if you enjoy reading a police procedural and also to learn a bit more about the Chinese culture and the political views of their legal system.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Crime Thriller, Police procedural 12 comments |

The Patient's Secret by Loreth Anne White

Melody

Montlake | 8 March 2022 | 383 pgs

Source: Purchased

I may have only read three books (4 including this) by Loreth Anne White thus far, but I find her writing and her storytelling are excellent and this is no exception.

The story begins when a female jogger is found dead beneath the cliffs of an idyllic coastal community where many of the wealthy families live. Lily Bradley is one of them. She's a respected psychotherapist and is married to a distinguished professor. In everyone's eyes, they're a perfect family with two lovely children, Phoebe and Matthew. Lily thinks she has everything in order, until the day she found her husband, Tom, behaving suspiciously and thereafter with the police arriving, stating that he's a person of interest relating to the female jogger's case, never mind that he'd found her first and tried to resuscitate her.

After the initial investigation, it turns out that the dead female jogger is Arwen Harper, who moved into their neighbourhood together with her 16-year-old son, Joe, not too long ago. The neighbours have a deep impression on this pair of mother and son, especially Arwen who worked in the bar and many men (usually patrons) are acquainted with her. Tom and a few of the husbands frequent that bar regularly, and the wives don't often have a good impression on Arwen and think she's too friendly towards their men.

Detective Rue Duval is assigned to the case and being a person of colour and one who works in a male dominated field, she's adamant to prove herself capable in solving the case. As much as Rue is capable of digging information, she's also an expert in keeping secrets, and she has a few of her own.

The story was told by multiple narratives between the present and the past and one would think it'll be confusing but this is where the author's writing skill shines. The chapters are not hard to follow and in fact read very quickly. I was sucked into this multilayered psychological thriller/police procedural from the beginning till the end. The characterisations are great and almost everyone of them read like a case study. Alongside the suspense, the story also portrays the human nature and what one would do in order to save himself and to survive. Recommended.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Police procedural, Psychological Thriller 12 comments |

Drama Reviews: Penthouse (I & II) | Beyond Evil

Melody

This week, allow me to take a break off of book reviews and let me introduce you to three K-dramas which I watched lately. (Currently watching Mouse and Navillera which are still ongoing.)

The Penthouse: War in Life (Season 1 & 2)

If you're into melodrama with a cast of secretive, unreliable characters, then look no further as this story will blow your mind with the twisty plots and developments as each episode goes.

In a nutshell, this story is about power, wealth, ambitions and revenge surrounding a few residents living in a luxurious apartment named "Hera Palace". These various families are ambitious and like comparing and playing mind games while their children attend the same prestigious music school and like their parents, they'd do anything to outdo the others until someone died. The cause and effect of that murder quickly escalates into something more sinister as it brings out the darkness in these residents' mind; leading them to playing cruel games and more murders.

Season 1 was exciting, but Season 2 got a bit old with what looked like more revenge and unbelievable plot twists (spoiler alert: resurrections of some characters so they could surprise and plot their plans of revenge and the games go on. Seriously?) And that's not the end of it as there'll be a Season 3 and it'd most likely air in June (?) 2021 if according to plans. I don't know about this upcoming season as it feels like a big stretch to me (hopefully, there's a sense of redemption and closure in some of these characters' awful actions.) That said, the cast performance was great and despite the over-exaggerated plots (and lots of yelling and throwing tantrums) at times, it still makes a (fun?) and an addicting watch if you're into twisty plots and twisted characters. (3.5 out of 5 stars round-off for both season)

Beyond Evil

This crime suspense drama won my approval with its intriguing premise, perfect story execution and not to mention the excellent performance of the cast.

This story surrounds two detectives and depicts their differences from their background, personalities and their ways of solving cases. Lee Dong Sik (played by Shin Ha Kyun) works as an officer at Manyang Police Substation in a small city and beneath his quiet demeanour, he is actually a sentimental person who hasn't got over his traumatic past as a suspect of his sister's murder. In a village where the residents never tell and remember, it is hard to gauge their minds although they're quick to support one another should an outsider tries to invade into their lives.

Detective Han Joo Won (played by Yeo Jin Goo) feels the unity of the Manyang residents after he is transferred to the same police substation and is assigned as Dong Sik's superior (also his partner). Joo Won comes from a distinguished background given his role at Seoul Police Station and that his father is nominated to be the next Commissioner General of the National Police Agency.

The dynamics between Joo Won and Dong Sik is explosive, but a serial murder case forces them to work together; which in turn also raises some suspicion among the police staff if Dong Sik is involved and whether or not if Joo Won can be trusted considering he's an outsider.

Despite the slow beginning, this story would capture your attention once the momentum picks up and questions will be raised as each character becomes unreliable and their actions blurry as the story progresses. There are lots of twists and turns as expected in this kind of story, but the draw lies in the two lead characters and the atmospheric Manyang with its close-knit community; which is full of secrets as it turns out eventually and how it'd impact everyone even after there's closure. Highly recommended! (5 out of 5 stars)

© 2021 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: 4 stars, 5 stars, Crime Thriller, Drama review, Korean drama, Melodrama 4 comments |

A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight

Melody

Harper | 5 May 2020 | 400 pgs

Source: Library

Not all marriages are perfect; but a good marriage requires communication, understanding and acceptance from both parties to make their relationship work and be happy. This novel by Kimberly McCreight, unlike the title suggested, leans a bit towards the dark side and unveils the complicated relationship between couples and how secrets and a brutal murder will tear a group of friends apart.

The story opens with our lead protagonist, Lizzie Kitsakis, receiving a peculiar phone call while working late at an elite law firm, Young & Crane. Lizzie used to work as a federal prosecutor with the US Attorney, but was forced to abandon her passion for a more competitive pay to settle her financial woes especially since her (alcoholic) husband is a freelance writer. It's not like she is unhappy with her life, but Lizzie does know how to avert her eyes when necessary and she's doing good so far until she receives that call from her old friend, Zach Grayson. They used to go to the same college and at some stage, they'd have been together if Lizzie agreed to go out with him. They've lost touch since then until now; and it seems Zach needs Lizzie's help in getting him out from Rikers.

Zach's initial prosecution is assault with a police officer, but he's now becomes a primary suspect after his wife, Amanda, was found dead at the bottom of the stairs in their Brooklyn brownstone. Investigations show it was murder and they've even found Zach's bloodied golf club nearby. Lizzie is reluctant to take on his case initially, partly she's more into corporate crimes but she's drawn by the intrigue of the idyllic Park Slope neighbourhood and its few residents, and most especially the dynamic between Zach and Amanda. What happened at Park Slope and what secrets are they keeping before one decided to commit a murder?

To say this was a riveting domestic thriller is an understatement. Beneath this package it's also part legal thriller which explores the complications between couples, the threat of cyberbullying and finally, how much do you really know your other half? I've to say it took me some time to get settled with the story; both plot- and character-wise. It was a slow-burn and there's a few characters you've to familiarise with before the story take off, but let me assure you that all the wait and patience are worth it.

The story was narrated by Lizzie and Amanda (six days before her death) and personally this type of execution works well with me as I like how one storyline/perspective parallel with the other as the story progresses until they merge to form an end. The characterisations are great; there're some whom I sympathised with, then there're also a few whose actions would make you shake your head and question why they'd do it. Overall, it was a great thriller and I love the author's writing a lot. I'm definitely picking this as one of my favourite reads this year.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Domestic Thriller, Legal Thriller, Psychological Thriller 12 comments |

The Drowned Girls by Loreth Anne White

Melody

Montlake Romance | June 2017 | 523 pgs

Source: Purchased

This is the first book of a series featuring Detective Angie Pallorino. I've read two of Loreth Anne White's standalones and really enjoyed them. There's something about her writing and she pay attention to the details which add depth to her stories.

Detective Angie Pallorino would never forget about the perverted rapist, who is still at large, had violently mutilated his two victims years ago by etching crosses onto their foreheads after sexually assaulted them. Alongside the pain and regrets is the loss of her working partner who had died while they handled a domestic abuse case which had gone wrong. Despite anything, Angie is keen to prove to anyone that she still has the drive and determination in moving to the male-dominated homicide unit. Angie may be goal-oriented and fearless, but she do have some issues which make her vulnerable and want to be in control. With a schizophrenic mother and the loss of her partner, Angie numb herself through anonymous sex. And this situation leads her to meeting James Maddox, who later turns out to be her temporary partner for a joint investigation task after two more victims are found; both sharing some eerie similarities of her earlier unsolved rape cases.

As Angie's private life collides with her professional ambitions, she is more determined to put that night behind her but Maddox, on the other end, is intrigued by this mysterious woman who had left an impression on him. Angie doesn't want him as partners, but he plays an important role in her job evaluation and most of all, she wants to solve the cases badly, especially if the perpetrator might be the same one she's missed earlier. As their search for clues and the killer intensifies, so does their desire for each other although Angie is in denial given her traumatic past.

There's a lot going on in this story and there are layers amidst layers before the big reveal comes. As mentioned before, the author pay attention to details and this includes not only the characters development, their inner thoughts and the investigations but also the graphic descriptions of the violent and grotesque crimes mentioned. While this isn't one I'd recommend to the queasy or faint-hearted, from the other perspective it adds authenticity of a true crime.

Angie and Maddox have their issues, too. Both are flawed characters and from a romantic angle, I enjoyed reading about their exchanges and how they managed to overcome their own demons through each other. I can't say I enjoyed the brutality of this story, but I do love the characters and how everything unravels towards the end, including Angie's secret past (which I chose to be vague for your own book-unveiling). Meanwhile, I'm eagerly awaiting for the other two installments to arrive.

© 2020 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: 5 stars, Book Review, Crime Thriller, Police procedural, Romantic Suspense 10 comments |

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | February 2020 | 336 pgs

Source: Purchased

In November 1982, twenty-year-old Vivian Delaney had gone missing from The Sun Down Motel. She was working as a night clerk there. She'd always wanted to leave her town in Illinois and go to New York City to become a new person. She often viewed herself as the problem daughter; and after her parents' divorce she figured she could simply leave home but a hitching ride had landed her at The Sun Down Motel. Without much money and the need to find accommodation, she agreed to become a night clerk at Sun Down after the owner learnt about her situation. But Sun Down wasn't a popular place; and Viv was spooked by its creepy atmosphere and some paranormal activities after working there for a few nights. Despite her fear, Viv decided to find out about the secrets surrounding Sun Down and soon learned that there's something more terrifying than the ghosts there.

Thirty-five years later, 20-year-old Carly Kirk has never been able to let go of the story of her aunt Viv's disappearance. Since watching her mother grieved in silence and finally losing her to cancer, it dawned on Carly that life is short and she has questions she needs to find answers to -- such as her aunt Viv's disappearance and why there wasn't much media coverage or a statewide search? With these in mind, she decides to move to Fell, NY, and visit the motel where her aunt was last seen at. Despite years have passed and things have changed, Sun Down remains as what it is since 1982. And Carly will soon find herself ensnare in the same mysteries that claimed her aunt. What lurks behind Sun Down and why Viv and Carly decided to stay despite everything?

Creepy atmosphere, unsettling and intriguing. These are the three main factors that had me hooked to this story from the beginning till the end. Reading this book was a treat because it combines a mystery and a ghost story -- two of my favourite genres and on top of it, I adore Simone St. James' writing (she has a knack for writing Gothic stuff.) I've been a fan after reading The Broken Girls (and a few others, too) and I'm glad to report this was as good as TBG. The setting, the characterisations and the plot are all so mesmerising that I couldn't even choose a favourite (even the ghostly parts are good, though they're sad.) The same applies to Viv and Carly since I find both of their life stories and their investigative findings equally interesting through the dual timeline and narratives. While there are some parts which I find to be a bit unbelievable, it didn't deter my reading pleasure so this shows how much I enjoyed the book. As always, it's fun to buddy read with Lark and please do check out her review, too!

Below are her questions to me pertaining to this book:

1. Who did you like better or thought was a stronger character, Viv or Carly? Why?

I thought Viv and Carly are equally strong characters and they stand on their own. However, Viv's voice may be a bit more catching considering she's the core of this story. That said, both of them are special in their own ways and I liked them a lot.

2. Being a night clerk at the Sun Down Motel seems like a pretty bad job to me. Would you do it? What's the worst job you've ever had?

I've to say I'm not much of a night owl so night shift jobs are absolutely out for me. I think my worst job is working as a temporary position selling drinks at a theme park (that theme park was long closed). I was waiting for my GCE O-Level results and like many of my schoolmates, I figured it'd be good to earn some allowances while passing the time at the same time. While it wasn't a bad job, the challenges lie in dealing with some difficult customers and not to mention transporting the beverage cylinders from one point to another (never mind if there's hand trolley. It's still challenging especially if there's a slope!) That said, working in servicing industry is never easy and I appreciate the staffs for their hard work.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Mystery, Supernatural Thriller 12 comments |

Drama Review: Itaewon Class

Melody

Synopsis (from Wikipedia):

Itaewon Class is a 2020 South Korean television series starring Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, Yoo Jae-myung and Kwon Nara. Based on the webtoon of the same name, it is the first series to be produced by the film distribution company Showbox.

Itaewon Class tells the story of ex-convict Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon) whose life has been turned upside down after he gets expelled from school for punching a bully and his father is killed in an accident. Following his father's steps, he opens his bar-restaurant DanBam (Sweet Night) in Itaewon and, along with his manager and staff, strive towards success and reaching greater heights.

My thoughts:

If you haven't watched Itaewon Class, please put this onto your to-watch list. I'd finished watching this last week and I'm still suffering from withdrawal symptoms (OK, I may be exaggerating a bit but you get what I mean). IC is not only plot- and character-driven but it is also an inspiring coming-of-age story in my opinion. This story is also diversified in a way that it features two supporting characters who portray as a Guinean-Korean citizen and a transgender identity and I've to say both of them, including the rest of the cast, have overall made this a very engaging drama.

Park Sae-Ro-Yi was a very likeable character right from the beginning. He's righteous, determined and most of all, his relationship with his father really warmed my heart. His belief in justice may land him into troubles at times, but he stand on his own belief and wouldn't succumb to anyone even to the rich and powerful Jang's family. He'd a history with the Jang's since his teenage years and it was the death of his father that brought out the rage in him. He decided to fulfil his late father's dream and opened up his own eatery business.

Jo Yi Seo played an important role in Park Sae-Ro-Yi's life as she offered her advice and helped Park when he faced difficulties running his bar-restaurant, DanBam, in Itaewon. As an influencer, Jo had many connections and fans and although DanBam couldn't defeat Jang's conglomerate eateries businesses easily, Jo had foresight and together with Park's few loyal subordinates, they'd overcome the hardships and difficulties which the Jang's laid for them.

While IC was all about determination, motivation and justice, there was some sweet and touching moments too between Park and Jo as their relationship progressed throughout the story. For Jo, it wasn't a smooth love journey as Park had a girl he liked since high school and they remained close despite time and circumstances changed (never mind if the girl was working with the Jang's). But Jo's faithfulness and persistence in Park and DanBam never wavered; and it was gratifying to see all things come into place as the final scene close. Highly recommended.

Labels: 5 stars, Drama review, Korean drama 6 comments |

Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle

Melody

Park Row Books | June 2019 | 336 pgs

Source: Library

With so many psychological thrillers flooding the books market, it takes good writing, good execution and an intriguing plot to stand out from the rest and I'm glad to report that Dear Wife is such a case.

Beth Murphy is on the run. She's been planning for a day to escape from home and that day has come. She has everything planned - a new identity and a place far away from Pine Bluff Arkansas, and she'd do anything just to escape from her abusive husband.

On the other end, Jeffrey returns home from his business trip to find his wife, Sabine, missing. There's nothing amiss in the house and her car has been left behind. Sabine is a successful realtor with good working ethics so it's perplexing to everyone. Her sister, Ingrid, insists that Sabine wouldn't leave without a word although she is aware that Sabine has some marital issues with Jeffrey. Detective Marcus Durand is assigned to look into Sabine's disappearance and as he investigates, he finds that the case isn't what it appears to be.

As the story progresses, the mystery surrounding Beth's story and Sabine's disappearance become convoluted and suspense mounts. I'll be vague by not disclosing more about this story but I've to say this is one of the best psychological suspense I read in a while as it ticked all my expectations of a good suspense thriller. But don't just take my word for it, go read it yourself and then we can discuss about it.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Suspense 10 comments |

Deadland by William Shaw

Melody

Riverrun | May 2019 | 480 pgs

Source: Library

Although this is the second installment of DS Alexandra Cupidi series, I'd think this counts as the third since the main character in The Birdwatcher (presumably the prequel?), appeared in this book as a supporting character. As with the previous book (Salt Lane), I enjoyed this book immensely and I'm glad to report I've added William Shaw as one of my favourite authors.

The book opens with 17-year-olds Benjamin and Joseph (also known as Tap and Sloth respectively) stealing two mobile phones from a bloke whom they assumed is harmless. It turns out that the man is dangerous and that the phones hold a significant deal which he couldn't miss. Now he is on the trail of the two boys and he'd do anything to get his phones back, even if it means murder.

On the other end, DS Alexandra Cupidi and her partner, Constable Jill Ferrier, are called to an investigation involving a severed arm which was stuffed inside an art exhibit at a Margate art gallery. Cupidi couldn't find any clues as to pointing it as a homicide case; and although she couldn't understand the artworld and how they view the artworks, she couldn't dismiss the thought that something is very wrong behind that particular artwork! As Cupidi and Jill continue digging for more information, they find themselves loaded with more questions than answers. Who does that arm belongs to and is the owner dead or alive? And what's the reason behind for putting that arm into an artwork?

What seemed like two different cases in this book is actually one whole picture pieced beautifully by the author's superb writing style and his brilliant storytelling. As with the first installment, I found myself immersed in this story full of intrigue and suspense, yet there's a dose of heartwarming scenes as well as I was moved by the friendship between Tap and Sloth. Both of them are so different from each other in terms of personality and race, but their family status and the misfit they face in school drew them together and become tight friends.

Another factor which drew me to this series is the professional partnership between Cupidi and Jill. I've learnt quite a few things about Cupidi in the first installment; and this book allows me to take a deeper look about her relationship with her 17-year-old daughter (Cupidi is a single parent) and a part of Jill's personal life and thoughts as well.

Despite the two different story directions and the two sets of characterisation, I've to say both are equally engaging and well executed. In some cases when such circumstances happen in the books we read, we more or less favour a certain character or setting more than the other but in this case I can't pick a favourite and this shows how much I enjoyed this book (series). Highly recommended to all fans of suspense and thrillers.

© 2019 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: 5 stars, Book Review, Suspense Thriller 12 comments |

Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer

Melody

Random House Publishing Group | January 2019 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

This book was brought to my attention thanks to Jenclair's review. I've to admit I rarely seek out nonfiction or guidebooks alike but I'll pick them up if they received good reviews and/or if fellow bookbloggers recommend them. Hence, here it is.

Now the book title sounds like a textbook but do not let it deter you from reading it. Benjamin Dreyer is Random House's longtime copy chief and obviously he knows all the works and styles of writing good English. Contrary to the seriousness of the book title it may sound, Dreyer's writing doesn't come across as too dry or boring and although there is a certain level of authoritative tone which I find is inevitable, there are also some parts that show his witty side as he shares with the reader about the experiences he'd encountered when working with authors or conversations with the people he'd met with.

Generally, this book offers lessons on the ins and outs of punctuation (are you confused on how and when to use semicolon? Well, you can find the answers here!) and grammar, the appropriate way of writing numbers, proper nouns, a list of frequently/easily misspelled words, as well as a few others which are essential and relevant to good writing. Dreyer's guidelines are clear and precise, and truth be told, I don't think I've ever enjoyed reading a guidebook that much like this. And I think (yes, it's OK to begin a sentence with "And" or "But") with the commonly use of social media, emails and other communicative tools aside from the usual formal writing, it is necessary for the writer to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. Long story short, this is a book for everyone who wants to improve their writing skills as well as for anyone who has a passion for the language itself.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Nonfiction 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!

© 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: 5 stars, Book Review, Fiction, Horror 8 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 |

Our House by Louise Candlish

Melody

Simon & Schuster UK | April 2018 | 448 pgs

Source: Library

This book is possibly the most unforgettable book I read thus far - a well structured storyline, great characters development and a complicated, multi-layered plot to boot. Thrown in some secrets, deceits, frauds and two murders and you have the story of Our House.

Fiona and Bram Lawson is an ordinary couple living in a suburban neighbourhood at Trinity Avenue with their two young sons. Fi and Bram have owned their home there for years and have no intention of selling. Until one day Fi comes home to find a family moving into their house and Bram couldn't be reached. Thinking it is all a mistake, Fi tries to reason with the family who has claimed ownership of their house but with transactions evidence and solicitors statements, there is no way such a drastic mistake could be made, right? And where is Bram when she needs him most?

Bram has broken Fi's trust by committing an affair. Although they are still legally married, they are actually separated and have set up a co-parenting plan they called "the bird's nest" custody arrangement. Each of them rotates to see and care for their sons, and they maintain their shares to keep the family up and running. Unlike other separated couples, they still talk amicably and no one would have noticed their "unusual" marital status from afar. Why Bram left Fi in a ditch is a mystery, and this is what the core story is all about and all the truths will be laid bare through Fi's story told in a podcast interview and Bram's through a written document (as a confession in the end). And this is all I can say about it because you have to read their account and let me say it is quite a journey; both for the Lawsons couple and for you as a reader. If you think you have read enough domestic suspense to guess everything, this might be a book to challenge what you have read of this genre because the plot is multi-layered and oh that ending just left me feeling dumbstruck. Go read this book and let me know what you think about it.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Suspense 12 comments |

The Storm King by Brendan Duffy

Melody

Random House Publishing Group | February 2018 | 400 pgs

Source: Library

There are books that make great escapism, then there are books that make you think and reflect along the ride and I've to say this book belongs to the latter.

The book opens with our main protagonist, Nate McHale, returning to his childhood home in Greystone Lake after fourteen years. His purpose of visit is to attend the funeral of his first girlfriend, Lucy Bennett. Lucy and his Adirondack hometown brought him many past memories, including an automobile accident that had claimed his parents and his younger brother's life. Then, there were the teenage angst fueled by life's unfairness as well as some deeds done by a few fellow schoolmates and their families. Together with his three other friends they formed a pact to right the wrongs, calling Nate the "Storm King" and naming their deeds as Thunder Runs. With the thunderstorms as their perfect guise, what they've done are easily dismissed as accidents caused by natural disaster. Their deeds vary from pranks to "accidents", until a day Nate felt he's done enough and thereafter left Greystone Lake for good until he's heard news about Lucy's death and that there are someone who seem to be copying what they did those years.

As the adult Nate reconnects with his estranged friends and even old enemies, he has a feeling that what's happened in the past isn't the end of everything and that a reckoning is coming and they've to pay for the deeds they'd done.

Wow. Where shall I even begin? This book is probably one of the best books I read so far this year. Great plot, great characterisations, great writing and not to mention a great message behind this wonderfully crafted story. This may be a suspense story but I felt there are so much more than it - coming-of-age, the atmospheric feel between the storms and the haunting legend of The Night Ship Girls surrounding Greystone Lake and finally, the psychological thrill of a murder crime. This will be one of those books that will stay with me for some time. Highly recommended!

June is approaching and the school holidays have started today. And what does that mean? Busy and a short break is in order but I've scheduled two reviews (a drama and a book review respectively) to be posted next week, though. Until then, and happy reading!

(Image Credit Source)

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Suspense 10 comments |

The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor

Melody

Michael Joseph | January 2018 | 352 pgs

Source: Purchased

This debut novel by C.J. Tudor is part coming of age, part psychological suspense which had me captivated from the beginning till the end.

Told from a first person perspective and with two time frames shifting back and forth (1986 and 2016), at its core this is a story about a past event which had affected the lives of five teenagers and how it comes back to haunt them when they are adults.

Eddie Adams and his friends are twelve when they first stumble upon a body in the woods in their neighbourhood in Anderbury. To be precise, the body is dismembered and they didn't really find it accidentally. Directions marked by chalk lead them into the woods and before that, they have had fun conjuring secret codes using chalk and each of them has their own coloured chalk to indicate their identity but none of them is white. So who is this Chalk Man and most of all, why them?

Back to the present, Eddie is now a teacher and when he receives a letter with drawing of a chalk figure, he knew what happened in the past isn't over and it is finding its way back to the group of five childhood friends who used to be close together. Years and circumstances have distanced them, but Eddie still keep in touch with Gavin (Fat Gav) and David (Hoppo) occasionally. The mystery gets more obscuring when one of the group, Mickey, turns up at Eddie's house and make a proposition of writing a book of the events happened back then in 1986 and then it is like they are back in their teens when the chalk figures start appearing again. This time around it leaves them with more questions instead of answers and it gets creepier as the truth starts unravelling.

Foreboding and filled with twists and turns, The Chalk Man will satisfy readers who love a good suspense and characters development. Well crafted and well written, the story had captured the emotional and struggles of the characters as they grow from teenagers to adults and Eddie's voice is both addictive and compelling (and oh, what an ending!) A great debut and a new author to look out for.

Before ending this post, I'd like to thank Lark for this buddy read (please also check out Lark's review and the Q&A here). Below is some questions from Lark to me regarding the book:

1) What did you like best about the way C.J. Tudor wrote this book?
Foreboding, unpredictable and a cast of intriguing characters. Truth be told, I'd no idea where the story is leading and it was so much fun watching the story unfolds. The author has also captured the teenaged life of the characters beautifully; in fact the flashbacks are the draw for me in this book not only it is the beginning of the series of consequences which would happen later but also they capture the voice and the innocence of each teenager's mind.

2) If you were going to give Eddie and his friends new nicknames, knowing what you know about them now, what names would you give them?
Hmm... that's a tricky one. I'm bad in naming names so I've absolutely no idea what to name them. However, I think Gavin's nickname (Fat Gav) is the most fitting among all given his build.