Melody

Grand Central Publishing | September 2013 | 352 pgs
Source: Purchased 



When was the last time I've read a contemporary romance? I love thrillers, but there are also times I need my comfort reads and for this I chose Always On My Mind by Jill Shalvis. You know, Ms. Shalvis really knows what a romance reader wants and she has all the right elements packed in this story.

Leah Sullivan returns to her home town, Lucky Harbor, after learning that her grandmother needs help at her bakery shop after her knee surgery. Leah tells herself she won't be staying long, and that she needs to accomplish something in her life after hearing all the negative remarks from her father since young. She takes part in a baking competition and if she won, she would have her dreams come true - using the prize money to set up her own pastry shop. As much as she misses Lucky Harbor, she isn't ready to meet her long-time best friend, Jack Harper. Jack and Leah used to be there for each other on many occasions; and there might be a time where they could be more than just friends but Leah chose to run away. And she had sure ran far, leaving town and left Jack very hurt.

Jack, on the other hand, has always lived in his father's shadow. Since young, Jack looked up to his father as a firefighter and when his father died in his job he felt he should carry on his father's legacy as a hero and strives to be the best firefighter he can be. After his father's passing and seeing how his death affects his mother still, he decided relationship would be the last thing on his mind, not especially when Leah had left him and fled.

As fate could have it, Leah blurted in haste to Jack's ailing mother to cheer her up; that she and Jack are together so she could rest her mind and concentrate on her cancer treatments. Although Jack isn't enthusiastic about the pretend relationship, truth is he does have feelings for Leah all this time. It is Leah who keeps having doubts, be it her own self or their relationship. It didn't take long for both Jack and Leah to find themselves questioning about their relationship, since the pretence feel more like reality the more they are with each other. Will Leah admit to her own heart this time around?

Aside from the romance, there is a little mystery about a serial arsonist case which has a few Lucky Harbor old buildings in ruins. Although this didn't take up too much of the story, I was still surprised by the outcome (and the culprit) in the end. Of course, Jack being a firefighter led me into thinking about all the brave firefighters out there and how they risk their lives to save ours. Overall I had a fun time reading this book. And if that's not enough, I also ordered two more books of this series, featuring Leah's best friends, Ali (It Had To Be You) and Aubrey (Once in a Lifetime). Although they are part of the Lucky Harbor series, each book could be read as a standalone.  





© 2016 Melody's Reading Corner, 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

HarperCollins Publishers | September 2016 | 464 pgs
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss



If you've read Gilly Macmillan's debut, What She Knew; you'd know that that book is not only well written and intense but it was emotionally charged, too. Her second novel, The Perfect Girl, is like her first book but it is so much better in many ways and I enjoyed reading it thoroughly. 

Three years ago, fourteen-year-old Zoe Maisey was involved in a tragic accident which left three of her school mates dead. She served her time but the incident had left the family in shambles. Zoe's father, being a farmer, thought his wife's ambition of getting Zoe into the school's piano scholarship ruined their daughter's perspective and behaviours. Maria thought otherwise and is resolved of building a new life without her husband, since he refused to get out of their small community in Devon to Bristol. Maria remarried and settled down with Chris Kennedy, who had lost his wife to brain tumour and has a teenage son, Lucas. Maria is happy with her Second Chance Family, as she so often refers to her new family, and is adamant that Zoe follows suit and leave their past behind. They will not mention about Zoe’s accident to the Kennedy members and all is good until Zoe's past creeps up on them. And when Maria is found dead thereafter, no one knows what happened and why. Is it revenge? Or is it something else?

Told in three compelling narratives and with all the events unfolding over a span of twenty-four hours, this absorbing suspense tells a tale of a family dynamics, second chances, secrets as well as perceptions. Aside from the characters, this story hit me hard with some various issues which I couldn't disclose due to spoilers, but suffice it to say they are thought-provoking and would wrench your heart given the circumstances and what the society would think and react to that aspects. Each narrative voices their emotions in such a way that would either pull at your heart strings or make you convulse at the things they've done; and all these was an addictive read. But that is not all, what I also liked about this story is that it was gripping, well crafted and that the ending affected me in so many ways that left me feeling a bit empty yet satisfactory at the same time. Some may argue about that ending, but personally I felt it was beautifully done. Highly recommended. 





© 2016 Melody's Reading Corner, 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


Yes. I had just learned that someone has been taking and re-publishing contents from my blog without my permission and post them as their own (this is the blog in question: http://readingmelody.blogspot.sg/ ) 

As of writing this I have checked that their latest update was in February 2016 and that their posts always dated one day before my original posts.) And most of all they didn't even change the blog name and decided to use mine, too. While it is flattering to have your work recognised, copying and re-publishing other people's work is totally uncool and definitely the wrong thing to do! 

Through this post, I want my friends and readers to know that all my original posts come through this link: https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/ 

However, I am not sure if feeds are affected though and I would appreciate it if you could feed back to me.


Melody

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt | April 2016 | 272 pgs
Source: Purchased


The story begins with Charlie Price's funeral in Paris, and among the mourners are our two protagonists - Aubrey Boroughs and Lena Whitney. Both girls didn't know each other but they have one thing in common, and that is they are both Charlie's girlfriends. When the two girls found out this shocking truth about Charlie's two-timing them, they decided they should find out more things about his death and the Charlie they didn't know. After all, Aubrey and Lena's personalities differ and it seemed Charlie took on different roles to suit their personality. Aubrey is pretty and cool as a cucumber, while Lena is wild, spontaneous and clingy. 

As much as Aubrey and Lena dislike the idea of "working together", they also knew that they need each other to fill in Charlie's "loopholes" (as in his timeline dating them) and what they have missed by comparing notes. Their search for answers take them across Europe and Asia; their journey becoming more complicated and risky as they find themselves in situations which question not only Charlie's true self but each other's credibility too, for it seemed each girl harbours secrets of her own. 

Charlie, Presumed Dead is a YA suspense and it tells a tale about deception and revenge. The plot is filled with intensity but not fully believable in some circumstances. I found Charlie's method of "death" to be the most far-fetched among all, but I won't elaborate for the risk of spoilers. However, what makes this book a page-turner is the voices of the two girls (we get their narrative alternatively) and the exotic settings as they take readers to places like Kerala, Bombay and Bangkok. While the suspense was great, there are certain parts that are dubious or improbable to believe in my opinion. Still, it was an entertaining read and I've learned something about the various lifestyles and cultures through the protagonists' journey.

Melody

William Morrow | May 2016 | 768 pgs
Source: Publisher



I have to confess I'm not really a chunkster reader. Thick volumes intimidate me in general. Imagine how many good books I might have missed given this silly mentality, but I have heard so many good things about The Fireman and plus I have the ARC and the Fireman Readalong as motivations, I figured it was time to read it. 

Now as much as I hate to admit it, I have mixed reactions about The Fireman. I suppose I shall start with the things I liked about the story. For starters, I think the idea of a new plague - Dragonscale (or Draco incendia trychophyton, to be exact) is brilliant. Dragonscale is a highly contagious and deadly spore that tattoo its hosts with black and gold marks across their bodies before causing them to burst into flames. I liked the uniqueness of this theme and most of all, our protagonist, Harper Grayson, who is both brave and remarkable not only in her profession (as a nurse) but also her own righteous self too. I also thought that the opening was very intriguing and introduce readers to the scary world the author has created. Then, there are issues about humanity and survival, which I felt is the core of this story and thought-provoking in many ways. 

Now a few things which I didn't like and/or baffled me: While I liked the idea of this new disease and the scary world, the plot seemed to come to a halt towards the middle of the book. This is where it was focused on too many dialogues with little actions and at times I found myself distracted, which also had me skimmed through some pages. There are also a cast of characters here whom Harper would befriend with given the circumstances, and though some of them aren't likeable, they do contribute some highlights to the story. And finally, there is the Fireman, a mysterious and compelling character based on the title though I didn't understand why this story is focused more on Harper than him, until I got to the end and wondered if that was it. And that ending. To be fair, I think I may have expected too much from this story (or perhaps it is the chunkster issue, which is my bad) and given the glowing reviews I have seen around, it appears that I am in the minority. That said, The Fireman has a refreshing theme unlike others and I will continue to check out Joe Hill's future releases. 



Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | February 2016 | 416 pgs
Source: Purchased 


Find Her is the 8th book of Lisa Gardner's Detective D.D. Warren series but in my opinion could be read as a standalone. 

Sergeant Detective D.D. Warren is on restricted duty due to an injury of her left shoulder from a previous case. With physical limitations and a restriction from firearms, she leads her team investigation through her expertise and supervision minus the running work. She isn't pleased, and most often it leaves her feeling frustrated as if she feels she is not doing her job efficiently and effectively but of course she has to make do with it given the circumstances. 

When Florence "Flora" Dane goes missing one spring break and couldn't be found, the homicide department thinks it would be a cold case with no evidence and some clues leading to nowhere. Until 472 days later, she is miraculously found thanks to a careless mistake her captor made. Jacob Ness became her ugly past but he always exist in Flora's mind, even after five years she is still trying to reacquaint herself with the rhythms of her life. Though that kidnapping incident has left her scarred, it has also made her a stronger person. She took self defence classes and learn how to protect herself. However, she is also attentive to other missing girls cases, in particularly the disappearance of Stacey Summers, who used to be her friend. 

When Flora is assaulted by a bartender one night, she fought hard and left Devon Goulding badly burned and dead. While some may think of her act as self defence, D.D. Warren wonders if she is a victim or a vigilante who takes matters into her own hands. Then when another girl disappears, Flora knew she has to find her even if it means endangering herself. 

Find Her is one of the most complex psychological thrillers I've read this year. Aside from the intensity, there are layers upon layers of the plot and then of course, we have Flora Dane who is a mystery herself. Just when I thought I knew her feelings at some point, she veered me off in another direction at times and left me with more questions instead of answers and I loved stories (and characters) like this because you just never know what to expect. 

The issues covered here are dark, as most often crime cases are but in this case, it takes readers to another level of dark - it detailed the harsh brutality of being held captivity (in this case a coffin-like box) and most of all, it questions readers about the monster in us and how fine the line is between good and evil. But of course there is some positivity in this story as well and I liked how courageous Flora is when facing all kinds of danger. She is a survivor and in all aspects I think it is a good example of staying positive when one faces obstacles. 

And then there is D.D. Warren, who is still tough as nails in spite of being a restricted duty officer. I am sure her capabilities under normal circumstances will continue to amaze me through her devotions of her profession. 

Overall this is one taut psychological thriller and I know I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author. 


Melody

Harvill Secker | July 2015 | 352 pgs
Source: Purchased



Leonora Shaw hasn't been in contact with her schoolmates for ten years. Now at twenty-six and a crime fiction writer, she is intrigued by an email inviting her to attend an old friend's hen party. Clare Cavendish is getting married soon but it is Clare's friend, Flo, who is coordinating the party. Nora and Clare used to be best friends, but Flo on the other hand is a complete stranger to her. Nora isn't sure if she wants to go, after all it has been ten years and it would be awkward, but she sees her other friend, Nina da Souza, is on the emailing list as well. In the end, Nora decided to attend, for she knew she is also very curious why Clare has chosen to invite her to the hen party but not her wedding. 

Unlike any other bachelorette parties, Clare's hen party is held at Flo's aunt's glass house in the woods. It is remote and the telephone connection is bad, but Flo assures them that they have all the privacy and people rarely step their foot there, at least not during winter periods. While the rest of the group doesn't really bothered by the fully clear glass house, Nora couldn't help feeing scrutinised but most of all, she doesn't really know the group except for Clare and Nina. 

The mystery comes in when there is a murder in the glass house. Suddenly, everyone becomes a suspect and as Nora lies on the hospital bed after the bloody aftermath, she has to rely on her memories (which she couldn't remember) what had happened and the motive of the murder. 

Told in a first person narrative by Nora, In a Dark, Dark Wood is an absorbing read and I could see why this book would make a good book club discussion. Fast-pace and foreboding, this is what made it a page-turner though I didn't really feel connected to the characters. Most of them are unlikeable and leave a reader with doubts, but I suppose this is how it goes with the story's direction and the thrills it evoke as we read further. As much as I was enticed with the premise, I felt there is something lacking with the logical sense of some circumstances but then I am not going to delve into them for they would be spoilers. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this debut novel by Ruth Ware (and all the more with her latest release, The Woman in Cabin 10) and I know I will be looking out for her future releases.


Melody

Unlike the title suggests, Cunning Single Lady isn't about the heroine who is out to seduce men but is more of a story about romance, friendship, and rekindled relationship between a husband and wife. 

Ae-Ra (starring Lee Min-Jung), our heroine, works in a family restaurant where she meets university student, Jung-Woo (Joo Sang-Wook). They fell in love and eventually got married. However, Ae-Ra isn't pleased that Jung-Woo quit his job to start his own business. She fought with Jung-Woo over this issue for countless times until she decided for a divorce. 

After they have separated, Ae-Ra struggles with her life while Jung-Woo eventually becomes a successful IT entrepreneur. They met again in his company in which Ae-Ra works as an administrative intern in which she hopes to gain back his recognition and sees her as a different person but Jung-Woo isn't fazed by her until a fellow intern begins to show interest in Ae-Ra. 

Gook Seung Hyun (starring Seo Kang Joon) may be eight years Ae-Ra junior but he is attracted by her direct approach in life and work itself. No one knows he is also younger brother of the IT firm's director, Gook Yeo Jin (starring Kim Kyu Ri). Yeo Jin is traumatised by an accident which caused the death of her fiancé but she begins to find hope in life after knowing Jung-Woo.


(Seo Kang Joon as Gook Seung Hyun)


I didn't expect much from this drama initially; truth be told the title doesn't really sound appealing, right? Honestly, I was intrigued by this drama due to actor, Seo Kang Joon, who acted in The Cheese in the Trap and well, let's say his role there caught my attention. Like Cheese in the Trap, Seung Hyun's love for a woman is one-sided and once again I couldn't help but to feel sorry for him (No, this isn't a spoiler for Cheese in the Trap.) 

I liked how this drama focus on the difficulties between a couple (especially married couple) and what it takes to overcome obstacles through mutual respect, understanding and lots and lots of communications. Jung-Woo may feel jealous of Seung Hyun's attraction for Ae-Ra but ultimately it is his own heart that portrays his true self towards Ae-Ra. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this drama towards the end; my heart was torn between Jung-Woo and Seung Hyun as although I wanted the couple to rekindle their relationship, I also want Seung Hyun to have his love reciprocated. Ultimately, what most matters is I enjoyed this drama and I found myself searching for more dramas starring Seo Kang Joon. I will be watching Splendid Politics (aka Hwajung) next and this time around it is a historical drama set during the Joseon Dynasty period, with a rage of political battles and of course, romance.



(Pic Image credit to Pixabay)

Last week was my 10th year blogiversary and once again, I was amazed how fast time has flown by and that I am still around in this blogging community (there was a time I stopped blogging for a year and I thought it was the end of it.) Like many fellow bookbloggers, my reason for this blog is to share my love for books and also that through this exchange, we get to share our views of the books we read and most of all, to diversify our reading not only in genres but in other cultures, too. 

To my bookblogging friends and regular readers, thank you so much for following my blog all these years! And to readers who are new to this blog, a Big welcome to you and I hope you will enjoy reading my blog. 

I shall end this post with a few great quotes about books and reading:

Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light. ~ Vera Nazarian 
I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense. ~ Harold Kushner
If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking. ~ Haruki Murakami 
There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all. ~ Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis 
A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it. ~ Edward P. Morgan 
Melody

Harvill Secker | June 2016 | 352 pgs
Source: Purchased



I am aware that many readers who have read Ruth Ware's In a Dark, Dark Wood are enamoured by her storytelling and the intense premise. I didn't jump on the bandwagon when the book was first released (though I wished I had now); I waited a while to buy the book after reading several rave reviews and by the time my mood called for it, her new release - The Woman in Cabin 10, is released. I decided to read her latest book and here it is.

Let me start off by saying the enclosed setting kinds of reminds me of Agatha Christie's work - And Then There Were None. Though both are classified as locked room mystery, what makes this book different is it comes with an unreliable character and instead of multiple murders, this one focus more on one mysterious missing woman. I don't know about you, but I am always drawn to locked room mystery; that claustrophobic feeling with nowhere-to-run plot never seems to get old to me and I always enjoy the thrill it gives me throughout my reading experience.

In a nutshell, this is a thriller about Laura "Lo" Blacklock, a travel journalist who travels on board an exclusive small cruise liner (with only 10 cabins) and one night she saw a body being thrown overboard from the next door cabin (witnessed through the verandas). Worried for her "neighbour's" safety, she reported what she saw but there isn't any record of anyone checked into Cabin 10. And the strange thing is, no passengers are missing from the boat. Most passengers and the staff crew think she is paranoid, especially she was burgled before her cruise trip and the fact that she takes medications for occasional panic attacks. Thus, she is not exactly the most reliable witness, is she? But Lo did speak to her neighbour before that frightful incident happened; she even borrowed a tube of mascara from her. What can she do to make someone believes her, and who could she trust with a killer on board?

Since I haven't read In a Dark, Dark Wood, I couldn't compare the two books but I have to say I was totally engrossed with this story. Fast paced, intense and filled with doubts, I raced through this book with great impatience (which is a good thing) as I was anxious to find out the mystery. I have to say it took me a while to warm up to Lo though, for she isn't likeable for a first impression. She got on my nerves most of the times yet at the same time I also felt sorry for her; what she had encountered through her life and a stagnant career are enough to frustrate her. The plot was good in my opinion but I suppose the ending may vary with each reader, depending how he/she sees it. Well the story did has a closure, but there are a few questions which left me pondering. All in all, a great 'whodunit' mystery which makes me all the more curious about Ruth Ware's first book. 

Melody

Square Fish | May 2016 | 352 pgs
Translated from the German by Anthea Bell
Source: Purchased



For readers who have read Kerstin Gier's bestselling Ruby Red Trilogy and loved them would be delighted to see her new book - Dream a Little Dream, the first book of The Silver Trilogy. I am new to Gier's books and I figured this book would be a good start of getting to know more about her stories and her writing; plus a story about dreams usually makes an intriguing read, isn't it?

Fifteen-year-old Olivia "Liv" Silver is used to be on the move all the time. Her parents are divorced and Liv, together with her younger sister, Mia, got to live with their mother who is a professor of literary studies and her job requires her to travel frequently as to teach at different universities almost every year. Their latest destination is London. But that is not all, they are going to move into their mother's partner's house; and Mr Earnest Spencer himself has two teenage children - Grayson and Florence. And the two Silver sisters are going to attend the same school as them.

While Liv tries to fit into her new school life, something strange happens when she found out she has gotten into Grayson's dream one night after she had borrowed his sweater. It is a strange dream with mysterious doors but what most intrigued her is finding herself in a graveyard and watching Grayson with his three other friends who tried to conduct a dark magic ritual. Liv thinks nothing about the dream thereafter, but the boys seem to know a few things about her in real life, especially things they couldn't possibly know. How could that be unless they are all in the same dreams?

Dream a Little Dream may be a book about dreams but it has a paranormal/fantasy theme to it. There are some scenes about demonic works but they are not elaborated and I felt there wasn't much elaborations of the world building so I had only this vague understanding that the mystery was revolving around the resurrection of a demon who could grant their wishes if they are to give their oaths and fulfill the seals stated in an ancient book. I thought the overall premise was intriguing but alas, it fell short of character developments and the world building as I had mentioned earlier. However, the good thing is I enjoyed reading the exchanges among the characters and I thought Liv was quite a courageous young lady who isn't afraid to go out of her way to solve a mystery, even if it is a dangerous one.

There is also romance in this story and though there is no triangle love, I felt the romance between Liv and Henry (one of the four popular boys) was a bit rushed. That said, I did like the way Grayson was being protective of Liv, though his main intention remains a puzzle to me and I sensed no romance between them. All in all, it was an enjoyable read given this was the first installment. I am very curious where this story will go given the cliffhanger and hopefully the second installment would be better with the character developments as well as that world building. 
Melody
 

Based on a webtoon of the same name, Cheese in the Trap is a romantic comedy featuring the relationship and the university days of lead characters, Hong Seol (starring Kim Go-eun) and her senior, Yoo Jung (Park Hae-jin), as well as a few other characters surrounding them. 

Hong Seol is a diligent girl who works hard not only for her studies but for her family, too. Although her family opens an eatery shop, life is not a bed of roses and she does part-time jobs to make ends meet. During a students' gathering, she met Yoo Jung, who is a senior but their encounter didn't leave a good impression on each other. Yoo Jung is everything Hong Seol isn't; he is good-looking, excel in his studies as well as athletics and most of all, he comes from a wealthy family.


Despite their differences and their opinions of each other, they later became friends and then finally a couple. Many of their friends do not understand why Yoo Jung will fall for Hong Seol, including Hong Seol herself but she is positive that their relationship will work and that most importantly she does like him. However, Yoo Jung doesn't seem as what he looks for he has a dark side with people who hold grudges against him.

Cheese in the Trap may be a romantic comedy but personally I felt it was more of a character study. Needless to say, Yoo Jung is one of them but we also get more than a glimpse of other supporting characters' behaviours when they are tossed with certain circumstances. Jealousy, rivalry competition, envy is amongst the most common emotional traits we see in this drama. But that is not all, there was also the sentiments portrayed by secondary character, Baek In-ho (starring Seo Kang Joo), who has fallen for Hong Seol despite she and Yoo Jung are together. In-ho and his elder sister, Baek In-ha (starring Lee Sung Kyung) are long time friends of Yoo Jung, but there is a (bad) history between them and viewers would come to know how their relationship came about as the story progresses. 


Speaking of In-ho, he is the character I loved most in this drama. Used to be a childhood friend of Yoo Jung, he has dreams of becoming a pianist but a fight damaged his hand. Even after recovery, he has lost hope in pursuing his dreams; and Hong Seol (whom he fondly called her "Dog Fur" because of the mass of her hair) was the one who encourages him. In-ho is also the only character whom I felt changes the most from the beginning till the end. I liked the way he was towards Hong Seol - warm, caring and protective.

Yoo Jung, on the other hand, is a guy whom you will like initially but his "hot and cold" behaviours will mess with your mind. Apparently, he had some issues when he was a teenager but I'm not going to delve into that. I had some doubts about him all the while while watching this drama; that is, is he really true towards Hong Seol?  

And that ending... I wished I'm able to discuss it with someone. (Well, if you've watched it, do share your views with me via email.) I'm currently watching Cunning Single Lady, an older drama (2014) starring Seo Kang Joo (again). His character here is a rich, easygoing guy who has fallen for a colleague - a divorcee and an older woman who is eight years his senior. 


(All pic images credit to Google Images and KDrama Stars)

Melody

Bantam Press | June 2016 | 352 pgs

Source: Purchased


Sharon Bolton is one of my favourite authors. I adore her Lacey Flint series and while this book, Daisy in Chains, is a standalone, in my opinion it is very much on par with her LF series and what most drawn me to this story is the charismatic serial killer, Hamish Wolfe. 

Now Hamish is not your typical monster in any other thrillers. For starters, he is good-looking, charming and used to be a leading cancer surgeon before he is convicted of murdering three women. As for the fourth woman, her body is never found and no one knew if she's alive or dead for she seemed to have disappeared into thin air after her family reported her missing. Why she is under Hamish's crimes is because she shared the common "evidence" of the other three victims - that they were all large sized women. While most of the UK nation fears and despises Hamish, there are people who feel he is innocent. Despite the label of being a murderer, Hamish gets countless letters from his "fans" every day; many of them are women and they proclaimed that he is the man of their dreams. 

Maggie Rose is one of the women who is fascinated by Hamish but for a different reason. She is a successful lawyer and a bestselling true-crime writer. She is also reclusive and enigmatic and doesn't do interviews nor does she release her photograph to the media. No one really knows what she is like but in truth, Maggie looks to be forty and has a head of blue hair - bright, turquoise-blue hair that falls a little below her chin. But that is not all, Maggie is also well known of taking a few high profiled cases and had overturned the convictions. However, she is selective so that's why to-date she has only taken less than ten clients. Sandra Wolfe, who is Hamish's mother, approaches her after Maggie has saved her dog and invited her to meet the rest of the group who stands by Hamish. 

On the other end, DS Pete Weston is the one who has had Hamish behind bars and he is going to make sure that Hamish remains in his cell for the rest of his life. However, Pete's personal life is less than rosy for his wife has left him for another man. That man is DCI Tim Latimer, who happens to be his superior. 

What follows thereafter is the acquaintance between Pete and Maggie, and how they began to look into Hamish's case subsequently. Maggie has been taking some notes about Hamish all this while and though she has speculations about his innocence it is only a matter of time that Hamish would convince her through the letters he sent her. 

Daisy in Chains is an extraordinary psychological thriller; one which I felt is intense and highly addictive once you started reading it. The plot and the characterisation are excellent in my opinion; and I found myself both crept out and fascinated by Hamish Wolfe at the same time. I don't think I've ever read a character very much like him. Intriguing, calm and charming, Hamish is the type of villain whom you'd feel some empathy at some point and then have you wonder if he is the man whom he claims he is. I couldn't blame Maggie if she decided to take on his case. Hamish is that kind of man - dangerous yet convincing so there are some doubts about him. 

The story also contains some articles, correspondences between Maggie and Hamish, emails between Pete and Maggie, Maggie's notes on Hamish and two psychiatric reports on Hamish; all in all which I felt add interest to the already intriguing plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I think Hamish Wolfe will probably make it onto my most-intriguing-character list this year. 

By the way, reading this book had me wondering about the fascination of some women (both fictional and in reality) towards the bad, evil men. Why is it that there are women who find them appealing? An article in Daisy in Chains (pg 82 - 83) stated: 
"It isn't hard to understand the appeal of a relationship to a man serving time. A wife, or long-term girlfriend, will be an advocate for his cause, driving forward any appeal process. A steady relationship, and its accompanying permanent address, is considered a big advantage when the possibility of parole comes up. A regular visitor will bring money, food and other desirables. Letters and phone calls provide a much-needed break from the monotony of prison life. A prisoner with a woman, especially a good-looking one, gains automatic status within the prison, and there is always the erotic frisson of stolen sexual encounters during visits.
How though, does one explain the appeal for the woman? Why would any woman commit emotionally, and legally, to a man with whom she cannot possibly build a future? Esteemed psychologist Emma Barton explains it as the modern equivalent of medieval courtly love. 'Courtly love isn't real love,' she says. 'It's a romantic ideal. The perfect suitor adores his lady, gives her unconditional love and devotion, and expects nothing in return.' ... She doesn't have sex, but she has sexual tension in abundance and, for many women, it is the thrill of expectation, rather than the act itself, which is so very delicious. Desire is never replaced by duty-sex."


Melody

Entertainer is a story revolving around music and the journey of four young lads' challenges while pursuing their dreams and most of all, an arrogant, ambitious manager who has to start his career all over again after a downfall from a prestigious entertainment company and how he has carved out a career for the four newbies in the music industry through hard work and obstacles.

Shin Suk Ho (starring Ji Sung) is the manager who used to work as a director for KTOP but rivalries and a defamatory drove him out of the biggest entertainment company. With nowhere to go and feeling dejected, he thinks he has lost all directions and motivations until he heard a song sang by a high school student, Jo Ha Neul (starring Kang Min Hyuk) through a school speaker. Moved by the song and his voice, Suk Ho decides that this young lad might be the answer for his future. 

Ha Neul, on the other hand, has decided not to sing anymore as he wants to honour his late parents' wish and on top of it he is falsely accused of sexual harassment by his female schoolmate and is now on probation by the court. He was on the verge of suicide until Suk Ho stopped him and told him that he would make him a star and that he would help him to clear his name. 

Suk Ho sets up his own entertainment company, Mango. He also found another three members to form a music band. Though Mango is small and nameless, Suk Ho manages to uphold the business and bring attention to the newly formed music band through the help of a long-time female friend and a songwriter. However, their hopes are quickly shattered as someone from KTOP wouldn't want Suk Ho to succeed and would do anything to bring them all down. 



I've to confess the main reason I was attracted to watching Entertainer is because of actor Ji Sung. I was wowed by his performance on Secret and Kill Me, Heal Me and I'd had high expectations with his latest drama. Although Entertainer didn't have too many melodrama moments and might even be considered slow paced at times, what truly makes this drama stands out is the spirits and determination of Suk Ho and his band members as well as the passion of pursuing one's dreams. There isn't many romantic moments here though Suk Ho and Ha Neul's sister, Geu Rin (starring Hyeri) do have feelings for each other and their little gestures for each other did warm one's heart (I loved it that Suk Ho treasures the green umbrella which Geu Rin gave him during his depression; and the book she gave him - Daddy-Long-Legs, kind of reminds him that they are very much like Judy and Mr John Smith and that she doesn't really care much about their age difference.) 

All in all it was quite a heart-warming, inspirational story though I wished there are more thrills and more romantic moments. Ji Sung's acting skill continues to wow viewers through Suk Ho's character; a role that reflects his zest and his remorseful feelings at the same time.


(All pic images credit to Google Images)

Melody

Sphere | May 2015 | 384 pgs
Purchased


To begin with, I Let You Go is Clare Mackintosh's debut and what a great debut it is!

On a rainy afternoon, five-year-old Jacob is on his way home with his mother and during that short moment of releasing his hand to brush the strands of wet hair from her eyes, Jacob dashes across the street on his own and out of nowhere a car comes speeding by and knocks into Jacob. The driver drives off without acknowledging anything while Jacob's mother screams in desperation and devastation. Jacob didn't live and the driver is never caught. 

What follows after is Jenna Gray has moved from Bristol to a remote cottage on the Welsh coast to start things afresh. Haunted by the accident and from the loss of her child, she is hoping that a new environment will help her escape from her painful past. 

On the other end, the hit-and-run case headed by DI Ray Stevens isn't going on smoothly and without any clues and evidence after six months the superintendent decides the case as closed. DC Kate, who is working together with Ray, thinks otherwise though and the two of them decide to pursue the case discreetly. Aside from this, Ray also feels torn between his career and his family as there are times he couldn't make time for his eldest son when there are troubles in school and this causes a strain between him and his wife, Mags.

There are many layers to this story and while this is a psychological thriller, the writing style and the plotting are unlike any others and this is one reason why I found myself so engrossed with the book. The characterisation is another great draw of the story as they are well developed and add intrigue to the overall story. I couldn't even begin to describe how many times the story caught me by surprise and how my emotions felt like a roller coaster ride. There were heart pain, anger and then sadness as I devoured those pages looking for a closure - a good closure and most of all, justice and law.

I Let You Go is a well written, well crafted story and is one of the best psychological thriller/police procedural I read this year. And oh, I need to mention that Clare Mackintosh will have a new release out in July 2016 - I See You. That would be on my to-buy list, without a doubt. 

Melody

Moorim School is basically a story about a group of youngsters' life studying at Moorim School and the challenges they faced during their academic year there. However, it isn't a "normal" school as it also teaches them martial arts and some great virtues such as faith, loyalty, sacrifice and even communication among the students. 

Yoon Shi Woo (starring Lee Hyun Woo) is a popular K-pop idol but his carelessness attitude as well as his hearing problem led him to a downfall as his agent decided to ditch him for good. He ended up at Moorim School after a near-fatal accident on stage and a fan told him that the headmaster of Moorim School might be able to help with his hearing problem. 

Sim Soon Duk (starring Seo Ye Ji) is a diligent student who works part-time while studying at Moorim School. Her father, who is blind, forbids her to attend Moorim School for some reason so she could only attend in secret. One day, she rescued a guy, Wang Chi Ang (starring Lee Hong Bin), from drowning and it was love at first sight for him. Chi Ang comes from a rich family but is an illegitimate son. He decides to attend Moorim School because of Soon Duk. The last leading character, Hwang Sun Ah (starring Jung Yoo Jin) is the daughter of Moorim School's headmaster and she is one of the top students there. 



While Moorim School may seem like a martial arts drama at first glance, it is much more than that as we see the different life of these four young people and how they come about together through the tests and challenges they meet in school. Needless to say, there are lots of angst among the students, in particularly Shi Woo and Chi Ang since they'd a few misunderstandings prior enrolling the school. 

However, there are much bigger and complicated issues awaiting the four characters as it seems the headmaster harbours a secret surrounding Moorim School and then all hell breaks loose once the secret is out, for it involves the key to attaining a great power. 

This drama surprised me on many levels. For starters, it isn't mainly focus on martial arts (although I do enjoy watching films on that) and I also liked a few characters here, mainly Hyun Woo because he is the one who changes a lot throughout the story. In fact, his transformation to a thoughtful and a selfless person is what most moving in this story. The triangle love between Hyun Woo, Chi Ang and Soon Duk is also the highlights of this story, but they don't really take up most of the story and I liked it that way. 

While this story has much sentiments and actions (and oh, a little of fantasy elements when the secret power is concerned), I loved it that there is a message behind it and not to mention a good closure which made me think that sometimes letting go is actually not a bad thing at all, when friendship and love is concerned. 



PS: Thanks, Jenclair, for mentioning this drama to me.


(All pic images credit to Google Images and DramaFever.)


Melody

ISBN-13: 9780062418975
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: May 2016
Format: Hardcover, 400 pgs
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss




Morgan Yancy is an operative and team leader in a paramilitary group. During a break after a mission, someone ambushed him and nearly had him killed. Determined to find out who is after his squad member, his supervisor, Axel, decided it would be best if Morgan stays in a low profile while he discreetly track who is behind the attack. That "low profile" place happens to be Axel's ex- stepsister's house which is situated at a remote location at Hamrickville, West Virginia. 

Isabeau "Bo" Maran is the part-time police chief at Hamrickville. Her life is simple, blissful and she's a few good friends and a lovely, devoted dog named Tricks. When Axel called her one day about "housing" his mate, she couldn't say no because as much as she hates the idea of sharing her house with a stranger, Axel's offer for financial assistance to her house loans seems too good to be true; plus Morgan has already showed up on her doorsteps looking quite sickly. 

Bo knew something is up with Morgan's situation since he barely talks about his job and when he does they are usually vague. However, she trusts Axel's decision despite they are not the closest step-siblings. And the more Morgan gets close to Tricks and her as the days go, she realises that Morgan isn't entirely a cold and secretive person as he looks and there might even be a future with him if she decides to accept his job and all. 

Troublemaker begins with a big bang with someone targeting Morgan but the thrill and suspense ended once he lived in with Bo and there begins his recuperating days. However, that intensity is shifted more towards the romantic and warmly side as readers get to read more about his interaction with Tricks and getting to know more of Bo and the Hamrickville residents. As much as I enjoyed reading the interaction between Bo, Morgan and Tricks, there are times I find they are a tad too much, especially how Bo fussed over Tricks (although it's a joy to read from a dog lover's perspective and I really learned a lot more about a dog's behaviours here.) Other issues such as a domestic brawl of one family clearly demonstrated Bo's and Morgan's abilities of solving an intense situation (it was a complicated family with power, wealth and all) but instead I was expecting something more surrounding Morgan's killer and his/her motive. The suspense part did come eventually but it was towards the last two chapters which I felt was too quick and well, a bit anti-climatic. 

While this isn't Linda Howard's best, it was still considered a good read in the romantic department (and then there's Tricks who's adorable and intelligent.) 
Melody

ISBN-13: 9781447280057
Publisher: Picador
Publication Date: March 2015
Format: Paperback, 304 pgs
Source: Purchased



Emily St. John Mandel. Once again I found myself captivated and entranced by her writing and her intriguing story. I enjoyed Last Night in Montreal and I knew I wanted to read another book of hers so here it is. 

How to even begin describing it? This book has so many issues - deceits, morality and even life. At one point it read like a crime fiction but it was too subtle for that. I finally decided it was a literary fiction with thriller as a sideline and it was a great one for that. 

The story begins with Alexandra Broden, who's with the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service, in search of a man named Anton Waker. She believes he is involved in an illegal transaction which had led a girl dead. When she contacted his parents they didn't know anything about their son's whereabouts. 

Anton Waker, on the other end, is trying to salvage his marriage and his consulting job. His company has a new big water project coming up and for security measures they have a security check on the staff involved and Anton found himself in exile thereafter. No one in the company wished to explain to him why he is moved to the mezzanine level with no one to work with or work for and on top of it, his secretary Elena is missing and his fiancée seems to have pre-wedding jitters for she has cancelled their wedding twice. 

Moving on to Elena, it seems she is leading a double life. On surface she is struggling with her working life and her relationship with her boyfriend has become lukewarm but these are mundane as compared to what Alex Broden has wanted her to do - to gather as much information of her ex-boss, Anton, so that once there is enough evidence to prosecute him she would be a free woman, given her circumstances. 

The Singer's Gun is a brilliant story that has many layers and most of all, it offers readers some food for thought such as loyalty and betrayal, and what one would do to sacrifice for love. While this story has a great plot I wanted to mention it was also quite a character-driven story. Anton and Elena seemed to have different goals but on a personal level they are quite similar in a sense that they both wanted nothing but simplicity and normalcy for their life. But of course life often surprises us and this is where the story took a twisty turn and evoked that melancholy, bittersweet feelings which had me thinking of the story all over again.