© 2022 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.
Hodder & Stoughton | 7 July 2022 | 368 pgs
Source: Library
Casey Fletcher is an actress but has since pause her career after her husband's passing. Despite her husband's accidental drowning at their family's lake house in Vermont, Casey returns to the place to escape from bad press and also to drown her sorrows with alcohol. Bored with nothing much to do, Casey spends most of her time drinking and watching with her binoculars and that's when she started to watch the couple who live in the house across the lake.
Casey soon learns that the couple is none other than Tom and Katherine; both whom have made their success and fame through their jobs as a tech innovator and a model respectively. Casey later become friends with Katherine after she's saved her from drowning, but her impression on the glamorous couple starts to change after she got to know Katherine more and her spying habits continue. Tom's and Katherine's marriage may not seem as perfect as what she's thought the more she watches them until one day, Katherine goes missing. Curious and bothered by her disappearance, Casey is adamant to find out the truth till she's unravel something darker and more sinister than she's thought.
At first glance the premise gave off the Rear Window and The Woman in the Window vibes. I didn't mind this trope as I think with the trend of the thriller genre goes, most of the tropes have been used in one way or another and it's up to the author's imaginations and writing skills to make the story different and captivating in their own way. This book is a fine example of it; and I've enjoyed most of Riley Sager's books but this story was a letdown despite the intriguing premise. Don't get me wrong, Sager's writing is good and I feel his story settings' descriptions is one of his strengths but this story veered off in another direction which was simply too far-fetched for me to fathom and to appreciate the conclusion as it comes to a closure (I couldn't say why due to spoilers). Another thing that bothered me was Casey's alcoholic obsession; she really did nothing but drank and spied on her neighbour most of the times. There's some twists and turns as expected in this genre, but alas I think the author was trying too hard and this ended flatly in my opinion. I hope his next book will be better and that it'd surpass Final Girls and Home Before Dark, which remain my favourite Sager books.
© 2022 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.
Century | 21 July 2022 | 448 pgs
Source: Library
Although this title is stated as a standalone sequel to The Family Upstairs, I'd recommend readers to read TFU first to fully understand the story and the background of the characters before diving into this book as their emotions and actions are mostly shaped and impacted from some events happened in TFU.
As the story begins, a bag of human bones is found on the foreshore of the river Thames by someone who's mudlarking there. DCI Samuel Owusu is called to the scene for investigation and forensic examination later reported that the bones are of a young woman who was killed by a blow to the head many years ago. DCI Owusu later traced to a mansion in Chelsea through some seeds of a rare tree found alongside the bones and from the mansion leads to a mystery happened thirty years ago.
While the remaining occupants of the mansion are fully grown now and some has their own family, it seems they're still bothered by the past memories, in particularly Henry, who is adamant to find Phin whom they'd shared some unsettling childhood memories. His obsession leads him on a journey to Chicago, which then prompts his sister Lucy and her two children in pursuing him like cat-and-mouse game. The reader is also introduced to a new character, Rachel, who's in a complicated relationship with her husband, Michael. Michael is Lucy's ex-husband so all the characters are connected and what they're going through would be seen in a bigger picture towards the end.
As compared to TFU, this story may seem a bit bland from the thriller aspect. Then again, this is more of a domestic drama and it focuses more on the characters though there's still some suspense in the air which kept me intrigued. I was most interested in reading Henry's POV. It's clear that he has some issues but strangely his POV stands out the most amongst others (I've to confess I felt a bit bothered about his thoughts towards the end but I'll leave that to you to find out yourself). I'd say I liked TFU more than this book, but Lisa Jewell is a wonderful storyteller and a good writer so while this isn't my favourite, overall I still enjoyed the reading experience.
© 2022 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.
Melody
Bantam Press | 21 July 2022 | 368 pgs
Source: Library
We're first introduced to Detective Elin Warner in Sarah Pearse's The Sanatorium and learnt that Elin was taking leave from her job due to PTSD issue. Although she's back in this book to investigate for a new case set at an eco-wellness retreat on an island off the English coast, she's still shaken by the memories at times though she's getting better as the time goes by.
Known locally as Reaper’s Rock, the island has its fair share of horror stories due to a murder which took place years back and the curse surrounding the place. Elin is called to the retreat because a woman's body was found on the rocks below the yoga pavilion. Initial speculation is the woman fell off the pavilion due to a mishap, but she wasn't a guest and wasn't meant to be on the island at all, in which was later rectified that her visit was a surprise by a few guests who knew her. Thereafter, there's another death in the following day when a man drowned in a diving incident. It is probably not a coincidence, considering both victims come from the same circle of family and friends who stay there for some relaxation. As Elin and her partner, DC Steed, begin their investigation around the retreat, they will soon find out the complicated relationship and dynamics within the group of family/friends and also, what really happened on the island years back.
First off, the atmospheric setting was a draw and the author knows how to capture her readers' attention through this setup as a locked-room mystery, just like the same as The Sanatorium. Her cast of characters are usually intriguing though not all are likeable, but I'm fine with this as this bring out the characteristics in them. However, it took this reader a while to get familiarise with the characters in the beginning and the pace was slow, with nothing much going on except reading about the bickering and gossips among the characters. It's clear that some of them have secrets and are not honest with one another. As the story progresses, it was interesting to learn that the past murder was connected to the present so that leave readers the questions why and how?
Overall I found it to be an average read but I've to say I enjoyed reading about Elin more in this book as compared to the previous book. She's shown resilience and put aside her insecurities at times in dealing with some tough situations, though not all are wise move and could be considered reckless sometimes but it's a start away from her old self. After the sanatorium and the retreat, I wonder what setup the author has in mind for her next book.
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Raven Books | 4 August 2022 (Reprint) | 336 pgs
Source: Library
At its core, this is a story about power, deceptions, revenge and how far a mother would go to protect her child.
Bree Cabbat has everything what a woman would wish for: a loving husband with a successful career, two lovely young girls and an adorable baby boy. Until the day she wakes up and finds a witch peering into her bedroom window. Convinced that it might be a trick of the light, she dismiss the bad feeling and go on with her day. Everything seems normal until she spies the witch again at her daughter's school's parking lot. Turns out that she's an old woman who kidnapped her baby thereafter. Bree is then instructed to fulfill a few tasks with no questions asked in order to get her baby back, but alongside the tasks she'd soon find out a few things that will tear her family apart.
I've mixed feelings about this book but I'd start off with the things I liked. The beginning was intriguing and compelling; the characters are flesh-out and the author has done a great job in portraying Bree's emotions and her role as a mother. Onto the parts which gave me mixed feelings are the surrealism of the tasks Bree had to accomplish and the motives behind the kidnapping. I get it that the kidnapper wanted justice on her end, but I didn't agree with her acts and her choice of victim(s) considering she herself as a mother, too. The pacing was great in the beginning, but it was slowed down by another character's POV and some flashbacks, thus leading to the inconsistency of narratives and the intensity momentum. Overall it was a decent read but it wasn't enough for me in the thriller aspect.
© 2022 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.
Simon & Schuster UK | 5 August 2021 | 448 pgs
Source: Library
Ellen Saint is meeting a client at her house in an apartment building, The Heights, when she sees Kieran Watts standing on the rooftop terrace. Seeing Kieran has sent a wave of shock and rage in her; afterall he was dead and she's responsible in his death.
Two years ago, Ellen was living a peaceful life until Kieran waltzed into her son's life and thereafter, there was nothing but troubles and frustrations as she sees Kieran was a bad influence to her son, Lucas. Considering him a catalyst that leads to the family's misery, Ellen decided to take matters into her own hands with some help from her ex-husband, Vic. We all know from the start that things didn't go as planned, and this is where I should refrain from saying more as the highlight of the story is finding out the dynamics between Ellen and Kieran, her interactions with Vic and where the direction will go after Ellen learnt about Kieran's existence and his whereabouts.
As the title suggests, it is about the apartment building where Kieran resides but it is also about Ellen's acrophobia and her other weakness - 'The call of the void' (also known as 'high place phenomenon' characterised by a sudden compulsion to jump). Ellen wasn't a character whom you'd like or read easily; she's flawed and full of hatred and vengeance that would lead the reader wondering if her actions are justified or is she just being obsessive and vengeful. Yet, from another perspective, her role and her emotions as a mother feel real and raw and I couldn't help but to feel sorry for her during those moments. The pace wasn't fast for a thriller, though it did pick up towards the last quarter but it's readable for the character developments and not to mention the explosive ending which would surprise the reader. Overall, I think this book was good but not my favourite. I'd recommend Our House, though, if you want to give this author a try.
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Melody
Pushkin Vertigo | 4 August 2022 | 336 pgs
Source: Library
Translated from the Chinese by Michelle Deeter
To begin with, this book was surprisingly a good read despite the darkness surrounding it. Set in Ningbo, China, this story revolves around three children and how a chance incident set a chain of events that would alter their lives thereafter.
The book opens with Zhang Dongsheng bringing his in-laws to a sightseeing site where he pushes them off the mountain. His relationship with them has always been somewhat strained considering of the difference of their background. His marriage has also turned rocky due to accumulated negative emotions (and his wife as well) and his purpose of staying civil to his in-laws is because they're wealthy, until the idea of murder struck his mind. He thought he's got off scot-free, but little did he know that his actions have been caught on camera by a trio of friends who just happened to take pictures nearby.
14-year-old Zhu Chaoyang is a quiet boy and a whiz at math. Being the only son in a single parent family, he's grown up to be independent and sensible. An outcast in school, he's recently find some joy in his life after Ding Hao, a former schoolmate, reacquainted with him alongside with an orphaned girl, Pupu, whom Ding Hao knew from the same children's home. Both of them are runaways and Chaoyang allow them to stay with him since his mother's working place is far and she's rarely at home. Their simple life becomes complicated and harrowing after they witnessed a murder which they'd captured on camera. What follows is a no return path which no one, including the reader, would ever imagine until the finale that will lead you questioning the outcome.
This is a multilayered suspense that is best read without knowing too much from the beginning. My above summary only covers half of the story as so many things have changed and transpired after these characters meet and their exchanges develop to something dark and sinister. The prose was simple and read easily; and there's a good balance between the characters developments and the plot so it was a fast-paced read to me (This would definitely make a good fit for bookclubs and buddy read discussions.) Also, I always find pleasure in reading translated works not only for the diversity but also the exploration of new-to-me authors, which is the case for me with this book. I hope there'll be more translated works of this author in future.
Note: There's a TV series of this book and it has received rave reviews from audience in China and abroad as well.
© 2022 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.
Minotaur Books | 2 March 2021 | 368 pgs
Source: Library
Having read Alex Finlay's The Night Shift and enjoyed it, I was eager to pick up Every Last Fear in which Goodreads listed this as one of the most anticipated books of 2021.
The story begins with the discovery of four bodies of the Pine family at a rented house in Tulum, Mexico. The local police didn't find any evidence of foul play and later proclaimed it as a freak accident after checking the gas line, which they believed was a gas leak that caused the deaths. The only survivors of the Pine family are the two older sons, Danny and Matt, who weren't at the scene when it happened.
Before tragedy struck, the Pine family had been in the spotlight after a true-crime Netflix documentary had made them infamous. Danny, the oldest son, is currently serving a life sentence for murdering his teenage girlfriend, Charlotte. The true-crime documentary, however, suggesting that he may be wrongfully convicted (which aligns with the Pine family's belief) and the producers behind are trying ways to unravel the truth. The FBI, on the other hand, has their own theory and speculations so they assign the case to Special Agent Sarah Keller to look into it and to liase with Matt for some questioning as well as to inform the news to Danny. Prior to leaving home and arriving in Tulum to recover his family members' bodies, Matt encountered some harrowing incidents that made him wonder if the death of his family members are linked to Danny's case. Despite the danger and limited information, Matt is determined to uncover the truth even if means confronting his every last fear.
Told in multiple narratives between the present and the past, this was a riveting read about secrets, deceptions, conspiracies and family drama. I was hooked throughout not only by the plot but with the characters, too. They're all fleshed out and well developed and I even liked a few characters, in particularly Matt's younger sister, Maggie. Her intelligence and her determination in piecing some of the clues left me both in awe and with admiration. FBI Agent Sarah Keller first caught my attention in Finlay's second book, The Night Shift, so I was glad to see her feature in this debut (hopefully there's a series in future?). Overall, I enjoyed this suspense thriller and all the more reading it with my book buddy, Lark (check out her review and the Q&A here.)
Last but not least, here's my answers to Lark's questions:
1. What were your favorite and least favorite things about this novel (characters, writing style, twists, etc.)?
My favourites will be the characters and the twists (it's hard to choose just one). Although likeable characters aren't a must to me, in this case they made this story much more easier to read if you've some characters to root for. My least favourite would be the last few chapters towards the ending. It felt a bit rushed to me but nonetheless still a satisfying wrap-up.
2. If you had to describe this novel in just three adjectives, what would they be?
Riveting, compelling and addictive.
© 2022 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.
Melody
Grand Central Publishing | 26 October 2021 (Reprint Edition) | 336 pgs
Source: Library
I'm sure many readers of the YA and romance genre would be familiar with Colleen Hoover's books. Her books are usually emotionally charged and although I haven't read all of her books, I've enjoyed those that I'd read. Verity, however, is a suspense thriller and while it was intriguing, it has a disturbing and unsettling vibe so readers would either love or hate this book depending on one's reading preference.
Lowen Ashleigh is a writer but her fame is mediocre considering she has anxiety of dealing with social media and people. Her current life is stagnant with her mother's passing and dealing with financial issues until an opportunity arises. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, wants her to write the remaining of Verity’s bestselling series as his wife is unable to write due to an unfortunate accident. It is actually not a bad deal in Lowen’s opinion; afterall she gets to write and "hide" behind Verity’s fame, and the offer is attractive, too.
Under Jeremy's request, Lowen moves in to their house temporarily as she sort through Verity’s notes and familiarise with her works. In the midst of sorting through her notes, Lowen stumbles upon Verity’s autobiography, in which she chronicled her relationship with Jeremy from the moment they met right to their marriage, as well as her feelings and struggles with their young children. And judging from Jeremy's behaviours, it seems like he doesn't know anything about Verity’s autobiography and Lowen intends to keep it that way as her feelings towards Jeremy intensifies the more they live under the same roof.
This book is marketed as a romantic thriller (my library copy labelled this a romance with a heart logo), but personally I didn't see anything romantic about this complicated relationship. The author's writing was engaging and the intensity was great, but I didn't feel anything for the characters except a heavy sense of foreboding and . . . disturbing. The premise was dark yet refreshing from a different perspective, but I didn't love this story despite it was a page-turner. And that ending just blew my mind and left me quite flabbergasted. This book will stay in my mind for a long time, but I hope Colleen Hoover will write something different for her next attempt.
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William Morrow | 10 May 2022 | 304 pgs
Source: Library
The story starts off with a bang with our protagonist, Hannah Rokeby, gaining an interview with Professor Rob Parekh through her manipulative/blackmailing email. Prof Parekh is heading The Innocence Project at the University of Virginia and his team (consisted of some law students volunteers) are trying on a case to free Michael Dandridge, who is convicted of rape and murder of Sarah Fitzhugh. Hannah has an agenda alright, but it has nothing to do with righting the justice or freeing Dandridge. In fact, she's doing the opposite - she's going to make sure that Dandridge will never walk out from the prison, ever.
This is simply one side of the story. On the other end, the reader get to know the backstory of Hannah’s mother, Laura, through her diary entries as she chronicled about her past, her romance and the death of her lover. The police had closed the case of his death as accidental, but Laura suspected murder although she has no proof. All these have hit her hard and eventually Laura become depressed and drink to drown her sorrows. The relationship between Hannah and Laura is complicated; there are times that Hannah finds Laura too much of an emotional burden, yet she couldn't turn her back to her. As the story progresses and the two stories intertwine, you'll soon realise that things are not what you've expected initially.
What made this a compelling read in my opinion is the balance/combination between suspense and the character-driven aspect of the story. All the characters are intriguing in their own ways; and the slowburn of the suspense worked well in this case for that big reveal in the end. Hannah may be bold and determined in many cases, but she's also manipulative and a cheater to get her ways so that made her an unpopular protagonist. I don't want to say too much so suffice it to say it was a twisty suspense thriller that had me hooked throughout.
© 2022 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.
Melody
The Borough Press | 9 June 2022 | 288 pgs
Source: Purchased
I'd so much fun reading this book; despite it was more of a women's fiction (which revolves around the friendship and "entrepreneurship" between two women) set in a world of luxurious bags and their fake counterparts.
Ava Wong is married to a successful surgeon and is taking an indefinite career break from her profession as a lawyer to take care of her young son, Henri. What seems like a picture-perfect life is actually a facade as Ava is in fact having difficulties in taking care of Henri (who has some developmental issues) and her husband is working far too much to take notice of her struggles and the family as a whole.
Enter Winnie Fang, who is Ava’s old college roommate but left Stanford in a shroud of scandal. Ava has lost contact with Winnie, but they met one day and Ava is instantly fascinated by Winnie’s new self and her wealth. Winnie used to be quiet and awkward but now she's exudes confidence and charm and most of all, she's dripping in designer accessories so life must be more than great for her. Either out of boredom or desperation, Ava soon finds herself confiding in Winnie and what's more, the latter seems to know how to make little Henri happy. As they get closer and Winnie needs a favour surrounding her handbags business, Ava couldn't say no and before she knew it, she's wading deeper into Winnie’s shady business (of making and selling counterfeit luxurious handbags) and she has to make the ultimate decision to cut and run or risk it all.
Luxurious handbags are many women's favourite fashion accessories, so while it was fun reading from that angle, counterfeiting is not and all the more so when these factories are making them and hiring illegal, (and sometimes) underage employees in which these features take up a minor part of the story. And I've to say I learned a lot about the world of counterfeit handbags and their manufacturing after reading this. Also, Ava and Winnie are both intriguing and interesting characters. Their friendship and entrepreneurship are the highlights alongside Ava's coping with cranky little Henri and her life. Overall the prose was light, darkly comic and entertaining; my only complaint was there's not a single quotation marks for dialogues and while they're not hard to distinguish, it isn't my favourite writing style. I'll be curious to find out what's in store for the author's next book.
© 2022 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.
Random House| 1 March 2022 | 352 pgs
Source: Library
I'm sure everyone has their regrets at some point and in this book, Daniel H. Pink stated that they're universal and are fundamental part of our lives. He also mentioned that if we reckon with our regrets in some fresh and imaginative ways, we can enlist them to make smarter decisions and deepen our sense of meaning and purpose.
The author conducted the World Regret Survey in which he collected the answers from more than 16,000 people in 105 countries and identifies the four core regrets that most people have - foundation regrets (e.g. "If only I'd done the work") , boldness regrets (e.g. "If only I'd taken that risk"), moral regrets (e.g. "If only I'd done the right thing") and connection regrets (e.g. "If only I'd reached out"). He went on to explore these deep structure regrets and also show the reader a few of each examples through his interviewees' answers alongside his research in other areas such as psychology, neuroscience, economics and biology to challenge widely held assumptions about emotions and behaviour.
He also explained about counterfactual thinking (our ability to mentally travel through time and to conjure incidents and outcomes that never happened) and also compare the two counterfactuals - "At Leasts" and "If Onlys". Opportunity and obligation also sit at the center of regret though the former has the more prominent seat and why we're more likely to regret what we didn't do than what we did.
Well, there are more findings and guides from what I've learned as stated above, but I'll end this post with a few quotes from the book which I find useful and something to think about.
"The four core regrets operate as a photographic negative of the good life. If we know what people regret the most, we can reverse that image to reveal what they value the most."
"Don't dodge emotions. Don't wallow in them either. Confront them. Use them as a catalyst for future behaviour. If thinking is for doing, feeling can help us think."
"Live as if you were living already for the second time and as if you had acted the first time as wrongly as you are about to act now!" ~ Viktor Frankl, 1946
"When we've completed a difficult and important task - we sometimes slack off and assume our work is done. But it's usually not. Don't just relish the goal you've achieved. Review the steps that got you there. Spend less time celebrating the destination and more time contemplating the journey."
© 2022 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.
Doubleday | 10 May 2022 | 336 pgs
Source: Library
This story was set in Tanzania in 1964 surrounding an A-list actress, Katie Barstow, and her entourage visiting the Serengeti for her honeymoon. The cast of characters was huge and consisted of thirteen members, including Katie's brother and his pregnant wife, a few of Katie's working colleagues and the local Tanzanian guides.
The lush setting of the wilderness and the plains of Serengeti National Park was a great armchair experience as the reader followed the group of their safari adventure; from watching the giraffes eating leaves from the acacia trees to seeing great swarms of wildebeests crossing the Mara River. It was a joy ride until the group encountered a team of Russian mercenaries midway through their adventure and held them hostage. In the mid of chaos, a few of the guides died under their gunshots and the rest of the entourage was separated and kidnapped by their respective captors. Katie may have the world at her feet, but at that moment she wished for nothing but she and her entourage would come out of the Serengeti alive.
Chris Bohjalian is a good storyteller. He managed to capture the scenes vividly and his characters are flesh-out and well-developed. However, with a huge cast and the introduction and the flashbacks of some of these characters, I found it was a slowburn and the flow of the story didn't go quite as smoothly as I expected. The thrill and the excitement of the present time was often paused at the end of a chapter and begins with the introductions of a character and/or his or her backstory before it switched back to the present time, again. I understand this was a style intentionally written by the author, but it disrupted the flow especially when the reader expected something to happen at the present time.
Also, there are too many topics addressed here - fame, race, cultural differences, some politics in general as well as the main story. While I enjoyed reading them at some point, I felt the story got convoluted and it didn't help with the multiple narratives and the switching of the present and the past as well. Don't get me wrong, the author writing was great but I felt the execution could've been better for a smoother read (or perhaps it's only me). Nevertheless, The Lioness was very much a good character-driven story and I'd recommend it if you like reading a safari adventure.
© 2022 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.
Head of Zeus | 3 March 2022 | 320 pgs
Source: Library
New Year's Eve, 1999. Four teenagers working late are attacked at a Blockbuster video store in New Jersey. Ella Monroe is the lone survivor among the other four victims (including the store manager) and while the police is quick to identity the perpetrator, he is later released due to a lack of evidence. No one knows his whereabouts thereafter and the case remains unsolved.
Fifteen years later, a murder case occurred in the same town as four teenagers are attacked at an ice cream store. Like the tragedy at the video store, only one survived from the brutal attack. Jessica Duvall, the survivor, wouldn't speak to anyone except Ella, who has now become a therapist though she's not fully walked out from that horrific past. FBI agent Sarah Keller and Officer Atticus Singh are assigned to investigate the case and I've to say they made a terrific team despite their differences. Sarah is heavily pregnant with twins but that doesn't deter her from her investigations. While Atticus may not be as experienced as Sarah, he's keen and supportive and I liked him right from the start. Added to the intrigue is Chris Ford, the brother of the perpetrator fifteen years ago and is now a public defender. Those passing years have not stopped him from searching for his brother, and he still harbours the faith that his brother is innocent despite everything.
What made this an engaging read is not only about the mysteries of the two cases but also the various cast of characters. Ella and Jessica shared a connection through their traumatic experiences; Sarah's and Atticus' great teamwork and the childhood relationship between Chris and his brother are all well defined alongside the webs of mysteries. Another aspect that interest me is the Y2K time period and we all remember the excitement and the worry about what the future may bring, don't we?
Overall this book was a fast-paced read with the short chapters and the multiple narratives that switch between the present and the past. While the relevation wasn't entirely shocking if you read the story carefully, I still enjoyed the ride and Finlay's writing. His previous novel, Every Last Fear, is on my to-read list and I'll be watching for his future releases as well.
© 2022 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.
HarperCollins | 3 March 2022 | 416 pgs
Source: Purchased
Lucy Foley is a master when it comes to creating suspense in her stories. This is what I've learned after reading The Guest List and The Hunting Party; and this book is no exception.
Right from the beginning, you feel there's something off about the old building at No. 12 Rue des Amants, set in Paris. At the heart of this story is Benjamin and Jess, in which the former has disappeared from his apartment from the above-mentioned building after inviting his half-sister to stay with him for the time being. Jess isn't happy with her job at a bar and her life in London, so she thought it'd be good to leave the city and look for Benjamin instead. After all, it's been a while since they've met each other.
But upon Jess's arrival, Benjamin didn't answer to her calls. With no one to turn to and with limited financials, she's no choice but to break into the apartment building. But, she's left with an unsettling feeling after letting herself into Benjamin's unit for there is still no sight of Benjamin. Jess, however, did get to know a few residents (even the old concierge who seems to be watching everything) after a few nights there. As much as they're polite to Jess, they're not forthcoming with any info when it comes to Benjamin. Their sometimes aloof and secretive demeanour further leave Jess in jittery on top of Benjamin's disappearance and the reader would soon find out the secrets at No. 12 Rue des Amants through Jess's eyes.
I've to say this was a compelling read despite there wasn't many actions surrounding the story. That said, the suspense and the foreboding atmosphere was great. The cast of characters are intriguing and for once, I was glad to note that there's at least someone I could root for in a suspense genre like this - Jess. She's determined and courageous, yet her recklessness at times had left me quite worried for her safety (yes, she's a survivor and I liked her for that). Her interactions with the residents are the highlights of this story; and despite Benjamin's minimal existence in this story, he did project an unforgettable impression of his wits and charms through the residents' account. The ending was a surprise, but not to an extent that wowed me. Still, it made an enjoyable, engaging read and all the more I read this together with my bookblogger friend, Lark. Go check out her review here and read what she thought about this book.
© 2022 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.
St. Martin's Press | 4 January 2022 | 320 pgs
Source: Library
In a nutshell, Reckless Girls is a locked-room mystery set in an isolated island. I've always been a fan of locked-room mysteries and having read the author's previous novel, The Wife Upstairs, I've high expectations of this book but regrettably, it left me feeling a bit disappointed.
Meroe Island is located in the middle of Pacific Ocean with a sad history of a mysterious shipwreck that had happened so long ago. Rumours have it that the island is haunted; and that cannibalism is part of the mystery, too. Not many people dare to explore that island, until time has kind of diminished the rumours but the history of the shipwrecks remain.
The journey begins when Lux and Nico decided to have a little sea adventure on Nico's boat, alongside with two other women who hired Nico to bring them to Meroe Island. Nico has been a free spirited guy who loves sailing and exploring the world. Lux, on the other hand, is tired of her job as a hotel maid and since she's devoted to her relationship with Nico, she decides that sailing with some strangers shouldn't be a bad thing considering the two female travellers, Brittany and Amma, paid a hefty sum for the ferrying.
When the four of them reached Meroe Island, they found they're not alone as they saw a luxurious boat docked before them. Eliza and Jack are a couple and the others could tell they're rich by their demeanour and of course, their boat and its facilities they seem to offer. The six of them become friends quickly; and they've a fun time having the island to themselves until an interloper disrupt their (make-believe happy) equilibrium and turn their dynamics into something dark and sinister. But then, it's not entirely the interloper's fault as each of them harbour a secret and they're about to unleash under their own fear and threats in an isolated island.
For a thriller, there isn't many actions in the first three-quarter of the book as it mostly focus on the interactions between the six characters who remind me a lot about the participants in reality TV show reminiscent of Survivor, Lost and the likes. The setting has a claustrophobic feeling and the cast of characters are intriguing so I think this is the strength of the story. However, the ending came off as abrupt and over-the-top, thus it seemed a little unhinged from the first half of the book. Apart from this, the characters aren't likeable and while this isn't an issue, it didn't help with my outlook on the story though I've to say it kept me entertained. All in all I'd still recommend this if you want a fun read and a brief break from reality.
© 2022 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.
Scout Press | 26 April 2022 | 352 pgs
Source: Library
"Monsters are real. They're all around us, whether we can see them or not." ~ Pg 31
Jennifer McMahon is a master when it comes to creating atmospheric settings combining with a cast of intriguing characters. This book explores the complexity and perceptions of the human minds. It's also a book about monsters, fear and the darkness that lurks within us all.
In 1978, Dr. Helen Hildreth was the brilliant psychiatrist at her renowned treatment center in Vermont. Helen was devoted to her work and it is no wonder that many mentally challenged patients seemed to deem fit to perform their daily lives through her supervision and special care. For this, she was well-known in the community and many respected her for her works. But back at home, she was simply a grandmother who took care of her grandchildren, Violet and Eric, after the passing of their parents due to an accident. As much as Helen was kind and loving towards them, she'd her rules when it comes to discipline and behaviours. So while Vi and Eric were nice and obedient children, their lives were basically quite reserved and all the more they were homeschooled. Then, their once-mundane lives changed after Helen brought a girl into their home. Iris was quiet and was different from all the children they'd met. But Vi was excited to meet a new friend so in no time she and Iris formed a bond and the three of them would go explore for monsters and the likes (Vi and Eric formed their own club in which they'd go investigate all kinds of supernatural things and urban legends. More like to satisfy their curiosity and to justify their findings rather than hearsay.)
In another timeline in 2019, Lizzy Shelley is the host of the popular podcast, Monsters Among Us. When news of a young girl is abducted and a monster sighting have the neighbourhood worried and scared, Lizzy decided to visit her old hometown in Vermont, hoping to find some answers not only of the missing girl case and also what happened to the once renowned mental facility and the rumours surrounding it.
I was glad to report that I've finally found a book that surpassed (or at least on par with) another McMahon book which remains my favourite - The Winter People. The author's writing is smooth and engaging and this is one reason why I enjoy reading her books so much, alongside with the atmospheric setting (which is her signature) and of course, the characters. What's haunting about this story is; perception can be a tricky thing and there's sometimes a fine line between good and evil, ethical and immorality. Without saying too much, all I could tell you is to read this book and enjoy McMahon's marvellous storytelling. It was an unforgettable journey to me and I hope you feel the same after reading it.
© 2022 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.
HQ | 15 April 2021 | 320 pgs
Source: Library
To begin with, this was a story about four friends and how their wild pasts have caught up with them set in a luxury retreat in Botswana.
Grace, Alice, Hannah and Felicity used to be besties since their college days. But their relationship fell apart due to a gathering one night, leading to misunderstanding, miscommunication and finally estrangement. In the introduction, it was clear that the four friends, with the exception of Felicity, was not fully happy and satisfied with their lives. Felicity was a mysterious character, partly because she's vanished without a trace and like the other three friends, the reader couldn't stop wondering about her until the invitation arrives.
Imagine the curiosity and the anticipation when all heard about Felicity finally making her appearance. And that's not all, she's inviting them all to her birthday bash in Botswana with all expenses paid. Despite their skepticism, they proceed to meet up their long-time friend while hoping to reconnect their friendship on an African safari vacation.
But then things didn't go expectantly once they've arrived at the luxury safari lodge. For starters, there's no sign of the promised party and the guests. Felicity is nowhere in sight, although they receive a text from her and ask them to make themselves at home; and that she'd be joining them very soon. As the three friends settle down quickly, they couldn't help feeling a sense of unease and foreboding as the time passes and Felicity is still nowhere in sight. To complicate matters, the place is isolated and there's no phone signal. What happened to Felicity and is anyone within the group has planned the trip with an ulterior motive?
I dived into this book with high hope and expectations because of the locked-room mystery set in an exotic location. I'm not really familiar with Botswana so I was looking forward to reading more of this place. Unfortunately, there wasn't much information or description of it except the fictional lodge the characters are staying. There wasn't much description of any wildlife too so in my opinion, the setting was simply in the wild but minus the safari experience. Talk about disappointment. This matter aside, the characters are well fleshed out and developed, though; and it has a claustrophobic vibe throughout so these are the strength of the story. The execution was fine, just that it lacks a bit of punch towards the ending in my opinion. Overall it was a good escapism read and I'll be curious of the author's next book.
© 2022 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.
Melody
Atria/Emily Bestler Books | 5 July 2022 | 368 pgs
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Molly and Katie Raven may be twins, but their personalities are totally different from each other. Molly is more like an introvert; keeping things to herself and finding comfort in security and routines. Katie, on the other hand, is outgoing and adventurous. At present, Molly lives in London while Katie in New York. They don't really contact much with each other partly due to the distance; and when Molly receives news about Katie that she's dead, she knew she has to get out from her comfort zones and travel across the ocean to find out about her death.
Through the police's initial findings, it seems like there's nothing suspicious about Katie's death but Molly suspects there's more than meets the eye. As she tracks Katie's final movements, she's come to realise that her twin sister may not be the person whom she thinks she was. And the more Molly explores about Katie's past, the more she thinks that Katie's death may not be random or accidental. So what happened to Katie and is she murdered?
This book explores the relationship and the dynamics between the twin sisters alongside the mystery. The first half was a slowburn as the reader get to know more about Molly, her characteristics and her overly cautious attitude that will lead you thinking if she was being paranoid, thus making her an unreliable character. Just when I thought things are going where I assumed them to be, there are further unexpected twists and turns as the story progresses, though you've to suspend some disbelief but I thought the execution and the plot have effectively diverted that little shortcoming so it wasn't too much of an issue to me. This book was a wild ride; and I'll be on the lookout for the author's next release.
© 2022 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.
Melody
Faber & Faber | 3 March 2022 | 336 pgs
Source: Library
Nine random people from various locations receive an envelope with their names on it. There's no return address; and inside the envelope contains a single, folded sheet of white paper. Nine names are printed on the list and each of these nine recipients will find his or her own name on it. Perhaps it is junk mail, or perhaps it is a joke. But as each day passes by, these recipients will soon find out that they're targeted and one by one they're going to meet their end. But no one knows why and the motive. And as these nine people wandering clueless with a foreboding mood, so do the reader as the suspense intensifies.
Without saying too much, all I can say is this isn't my favourite Swanson book. But of course there're still some things that I liked; such as this work is a homage to Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None but Swanson's story stands on its own. The eliminating style (of the victims) always make it an easier read (though it's wrong to think of that from another perspective) and the chapters are short, which made it even better.
Now onto the things I didn't really like. Nine characters mean nine perspectives, and they could be confusing from the start but this issue will go away as the story progresses (and yes, the eliminating part plays a part, too). Since there're nine characters, it could be hard making a connection with them and well, some of them were unlikable, too. The story wasn't fast-paced and the reader mostly learned about their personality and their mundane lives until the last quarter of the book in which the pace started to pick up. But alas, it all fell short to me with that anticlimactic reveal and not to mention the motive. Despite these, I didn't dislike the book (because it's Peter Swanson and I love his writing style and the suspenseful atmosphere he's always so good in creating) but this book just isn’t for me. Still, I always look forward to his new release and I hope his next book will be better.
© 2022 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.
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