First Second | April 2013 | 176 pgs

Source: Library

I've enjoyed Lucy Knisley's Kid Gloves a while back and thought I'd try another of her older release; this time around with a food theme. 

Since young, Lucy isn't a stranger when it comes to food and their sources. After all, she's the daughter of a chef and a gourmet. She followed her mother to markets and farms and every time she visited them, she came home with more information about the various ingredients she's come across. But that's not all, this vibrant, food-themed memoir not only shows us the magic of ingredients (of course there's some recipes included - either Lucy's family dishes or her own inventions) but it also chronicles Lucy's different stage of life through the food she ate at that time and the lessons she'd learned along the way. To top it off, Lucy even dug through her family photos for reference, in which she added a few of them and captions at the end of this book.  

This graphic memoir is a relish itself and all the more you should read it if you're a foodie. Below are some illustrations which I thought would make a good introduction of this book. 

Montlake Romance | December 2019 | 411 pgs

Source: Library 

Locked-room mysteries are quite popular among the suspense/thriller genre and no matter how many times I read them I still find them captivating. 

In this book the story was set in the secluded high-end wilderness in mountain lodge at Kluhane Bay. Eight guests, including the private floatplane pilot, are invited to the all-expenses-paid trip at Thunderbird Ridge for the "lodge experience" and to decide if they want to put in tenders for long-term contracts; among these guests' field include services like housekeeping, catering, security and a few other expertise according to their profession. One could say it's a perfect getaway with business opportunities and all but the trip didn't start out smoothly even before they fly. 

First, one of the guests is sick and couldn't take the trip and when the pilot cross checked his name on the list, she realises that his name isn't even listed. Although this seems a little off, they all proceed without giving it much thoughts, thinking it's a mess up. Then there's the bad weather which leads them for an emergency landing and with no coordinates and connections, they're cut off from civilisation but they do manage to find an abandoned lodge which offers them some refuge. 

As they try to settle down and hope that help will be on the way, the pilot has more bad news for the group. It seems someone has tempered with the plane radio and without it, they are all stranded without any way of connecting with the outside world. Fear could induce a person to do something to get out of the unexpected circumstances, but it could also make him brutal and murderous, especially when it appears each of the guest has secrets and something to hide. And when they finally realise that the trip is more of a trap than a getaway, it's a little too late as someone is trying to kill for the things they'd done in the past -- for they're all connected in one way or another. 

When homicide cop Mason Deniaud and search and rescue expert Callie Sutton are alerted to the eight missing persons case, they initially think it is simply a plane tragedy caused by bad weather until they stumbled on a few bodies which make them think otherwise. Based on their initial findings, the bodies they found have injuries that indicate they were being stabbed or mutilated. Something had happened at the isolated lodge and they intend to find out what happened as well as to search for the other missing persons. Most of all, are the remainings still alive and if the killer is among them? 

In the Dark is kind of a reminiscence to Agatha Christie's And Then There Is None; a book which remains one of my favourite locked-room mysteries. That said, this book stands on its own through its plot and the complexity relationship among the characters as they shared their ugly dark past and in return how each individual's act would play a part in their own tragedy thereafter. The suspense and the execution was quite well done in my opinion, but as it was told in multiple narrations and between the past and the present, some readers may find this a distraction but personally I found this style to be effective. I also liked the interactions between Mason and Callie; their background and the things they'd gone through in their personal life have added some depth to the story and have me hoping if there would be a series featuring them in the near future. 

Some information about the author: Loreth Anne White also writes romantic suspense alongside thrillers and mysteries. She's also the recipient of the Overall 2017 Daphne du Maurier Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, the National Readers' Choice Award, and the Romantic Crown for Best Romantic Suspense and Best Book Overall. 

Gallery Books | May 2019 | 432 pgs

Source: Library 

Olive and Ami are identical twin sisters but aside from their looks, everything about them is very different from each other. Olive is more reserved and her luck in life equals to zero, whatwith her losing of her job recently and anything else. Ami is the opposite though; she's positive and is always lucky when it comes to winning things. Why, she didn't even have much to worry about her wedding since she'd most of them covered by winning a series of Internet contests, and that includes her honeymoon to Maui. Olive is envious but is happy for Ami and Dane, but she's definitely not pleased to pair up with Dane's older brother, Ethan, who is the best man. Olive knows him briefly on a few occasions but both didn't really leave a good impression on each other. She figured she'd get through the wedding day and get on with her pitiful life once everything is over but it seems like fate has other plans for her. 

What happens to be a wonderful wedding event turns out a nightmare as the buffet has made everyone ill, excluding Olive and Ethan since they've their own food preferences. With Ami and Dane down from food poisoning, it seems their all-expenses-paid honeymoon will go to waste unless they find someone to go in their place. With the new couple's coaxing and encouragement, Olive and Ethan set for their trip to Maui though how they're going to fake as newlyweds, they've no idea except avoiding each other at all costs if possible. But when both of them meet the people they know in the hotel where they're staying, they've no choice but to act lovey-dovey. As the days go by, Olive finds another side of Ethan which leads her into thinking that perhaps being with him isn't that bad after all. 

You know, I could imagine The Unhoneymooners being played on the big screen because it's funny, dramatic and not to mention the chemistry between Olive and Ethan are palpable and I enjoyed their banters. While some scenes may seemed cheesy and unbelievable, I found them entertaining and most of all, they made me laugh and root for them. A great romcom to indulge in if you're looking for something light and an escapism. 

Orion | July 2019 | 368 pgs

Source: Library 

Have you ever received a chain letter before? I did during my primary school days. Someone snail mailed it to me, with the message telling me to follow the same and send it to (10?) other people or otherwise something bad would happen (something like that as I couldn't remember the specifics). I didn't do anything, afterall I didn't want to waste my school allowance on postage stamps on something which seems absurd (truth be told, I was doubtful but I didn't succumb to following it). Reading this book had brought me back to that time as I remember this saga had many of us in school feeling intrigued and fearful at the same time. Is it a curse? Should we carry on the task so we can be free of any bad vibes? So many questions yet no reassuring and affirmative answers. But now we all know that they are basically emotionally manipulative messages, some pyramid schemes or superstitions as a threat to the recipient. Well, this book is nothing like those chain letters. What this chain will ask of you is much more frightening and deadly. 

Rachel is a divorced single mother with a 13-year-old daughter, Kylie. Rachel has breast cancer a while back and she thought she has it controlled with the treatments until the doctor told her that the cancer cells might be coming back. As if the news isn't bad enough, she received a call from a stranger that Kylie has been kidnapped. However, this is no ordinary ransom case. The caller told her that their child has also been kidnapped by someone else and that the only way to get your child back is to kidnap another child within 24 hours. The chain, they explained, is simple and only when Rachel kidnaps another child should their child be released; and Rachel will have to kidnap another child to have Kylie back. But breaking the chain by calling the police, failing the task or having the next victim's parents not completing the task would have your child murdered. There seems to be no resolution but to follow the instructions because whoever is behind this chain has everything monitored and scrutinised. Could Rachel find a way to break away from the chain? 

This book was intense but it wasn't an easy read as it involves child kidnapping. However, I've to say the idea was refreshing since I don't think I've read anything like this. Rachel was an intriguing character on many levels - she's a strong and determined woman. She's definitely a survivor based from her outlook on her cancer and her treatment journey. And she works hard to make ends meet so she is definitely not a quitter. Pete, who is Rachel's brother-in-law, also played an important role in this story as he was the one who helped and supported Rachel throughout the horrendous event. Unlike Rachel, Pete is a flawed character who is an opiate addict and suffered from PTSD after his military assignments in Afghanistan. 

The story was split into two parts in which the first was mostly on the kidnapping and Rachel's task and all the challenges she's facing. The second part is more on the mastermind behind the chain and their background; and of course not to mention Rachel's plan in overturning the chain. All in all it was an intense read and it explores how a person would react or break under pressured circumstances with your loved ones at stake. 

Raven Books | August 2019 | 352 pgs

Source: Library 

Amy Whey's life is a good one. She has a devoted husband, a spirited fifteen-year-old stepdaughter and her adorable infant son. She has a job teaching scuba diving lessons and when she's free, she'll mingle with her neighbours and help her best friend, Charlotte, run their local book club at Charlotte's house. Everything is going on well until Angelica Roux arrives uninvited into their book club one night. Roux has moved into their neighbourhood recently and of course Charlotte didn't have any reason to send her away. 

The introduction is harmless initially when everyone introduces themselves before starting their book discussion. But Roux is a charming woman and in no time she has steered away the other women's attention from their book talk, much to Charlotte's and Amy's dismay. And that is only the beginning as Roux starts to keep the wine flowing and lures them into a game of spilling secrets. Charlotte by then has left the spot for something else, leaving Amy with Roux and their drunk neighbours. Amy doesn't want to play Roux's game, after all she has a secret past which she intends to keep it solely for herself. But Roux seems to know about her past, and she is relentless and warns Amy that if she doesn't give her what she asks for, she's going to make her pay for her sins, one way or another. Amy isn't proud of her teenage past. She has admitted to herself that she'd done something terrible, but it was a foolish mistake she'd made unintentionally. Now it seems she has to find ways to outwit Roux's games in order to protect herself and her family. After all, everyone has secrets, no matter how big or small it is. 

Never Have I Ever was an intriguing tale of secrets and deceptions and it explores one's acts and consequences when his peace and security is comprised. I've to say the premise is an interesting one, but I'm definitely not a fan of any characters, although ultimately I did root for Amy given her past predicament. While the plot and execution was a good one, the pace was slow and there are many interactions and "cat-and-mouse games" between Amy and Roux (which is understandable) before the intensity and excitement really begin. Overall the book was an average read to me and I think it definitely makes a great choice for a book club read and discussion (pun intended).

Penguin Publishing Group | July 2019 | 288 pgs

Source: Library 

FBI Agent Nell Flynn returns to her childhood home in Suffolk County after receiving news that her estranged father had died in a motorbike accident. Nell has never been close to Martin Flynn since young. Her mother was brutally murdered when she was seven and despite Martin being a homicide detective, the case remains unsolved. The death of Marisol Flynn has further drove their relationship apart, and Nell doesn't want to have anything to do with her father until his death hit her. 

Now back at her childhood's home, Nell is once again awash with memories of the past. Thinking that she'd return her life back to normalcy after spreading her father's ashes and closing his estate, she is then approached by Detective Lee Davis as a consult for the investigation of two young women who were found murdered in separate occasions. Before Martin's death, Lee was working with him together on the investigations and he thought perhaps Nell might shed some light given her profession. Nell is actually on administration leave and she knew her superior might hit the roof once he finds out she's involved in any case unofficially, but Nell is intrigued so she accepted his offer. 

As Nell digs deeper, she learns that her late father had been keeping some secrets from her and the things that she has found out made her wonder if her father should be the prime suspect. Nell doesn't want to jump to conclusions without solid evidence, but she also couldn't help thinking about her mother's murder and her role in exonerating her father in that case. Is her father a murderer? What really happened to her mother and the two young women? And most of all, what are the motives? 

Girls Like Us was a compelling thriller and police procedural that consisted of a well executed plot and well developed characters. Nell was an intriguing character from the start and I found it was easy to connect with her quickly despite her outwardly tough demeanour but in fact she was an introvert and a loner. I actually enjoyed her interactions with Lee, whom I felt was the only person she could trust among all although it took a while for Nell to really open up and shared her thoughts with him, which was no surprise knowing her characteristics. The suspense was a slow-burn, but it was effective with the overall style and atmosphere as the reader follow Nell's investigations through her perspective. I'd had an idea where the route to the ending goes, but the identity of the perpetrator still threw me off. I'm hoping the author will write a series featuring Nell in the near future as she'd left an impression on me. 

2019 is not a bad year to me, at least in books and reading-wise. Let's see, I'd read a total of 113 books - 68 English books and 45 Chinese books. Most of the latter consist of urban legends fiction by Ling Jing (笭菁) and I'm so glad to have discovered her books. As for English books, I'd read/discovered a few great ones as well. As cliché as this sounds, each book is different and special in its own way; thus my top ten reads are mostly based on how "unputdownable" and how they made me feel after closing the book. Without further ado, here's my top ten list in alphabetical order by the authors' last name (titles are linked to reviews).  

- No Exit by Taylor Adams

- White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht

- My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

- The Impossible Girl by Lydia Kang

- The Rumour by Lesley Kara

- The Hunger by Alma Katsu

William Morrow | September 2019 | 464 pgs

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Elevators are part and parcel of our life given today's many high-rise buildings and the like. In this novel, author Linwood Barclay weaves a riveting tale about the catastrophe of elevators "accidents" and the threats it impose that all deem too frightening and plausible.

It all started when four people boarded an elevator at Lansing Tower in Manhattan. Instead of stopping at their designated floors, the elevator proceeded to the top, in which it paused for a few seconds before it began to descend floor by floor. Just when the four passengers thought the elevator would eventually stop at a floor, it suddenly plummeted. As much as it was a horrific tragedy, it was speculated that it was nothing more than an unfortunate random incident until two more elevator incidents occurred in different locations in three consecutive days. A coincidence? Probably not. At least journalist Barbara Matheson, detectives Jerry Bourque and Lois Delgado think there's something more than meets the eye and each is eager to dig into the mystery which had killed a few people, including a top entertainment industry figure, a lawyer and a renowned Russian scientist. 

The NYC mayor, Richard Headley, finds himself in a difficult position as not only he has to find answers to the Russian ambassador but also to fellow New Yorkers, especially those who lives or works at high-rise buildings since they've to rely on elevators and to cease them from operating for investigations would not only cause inconvenience but also creates panic and chaos in this vertical city. 

As the story progresses and intensity escalates, it appears that the elevator mishaps aren't the only focus as more elements (a few speculation issues such as politics, terrorism, extremist group, relationships, etc etc), background information and subplots are gradually filled in to form a wider and a more complex perspective. Truth be told, while I appreciate these additions and I think some readers would probably enjoy them, I personally feel they kind of weaken the main storyline - the escalator catastrophe. To be fair, although they still linked to the escalator catastrophe ultimately, they seemed scattered and this more or less had diverted my attention. Nevertheless, it still made a compelling read as it kept me engaged till the end. 

Lake Union Publishing | June 2019 | 368 pgs

Source: Library 

The book opens with five MacAllister siblings returning to their family owned camp to read the will left by their late father. Each sibling has different views of what to do with the estate but they didn't expect that their father had an entirely different plan. They learned that they couldn't do anything to the property until they unravel the mystery surrounding Amanda Holmes. 

Twenty years ago, 17-year-old Amanda Holmes was found washed up on shore in a rowboat with a gash to the head. No one was charged as the police couldn't find any evidence and the case was left unsolved. Each sibling, however, is flawed and harbours a secret and as the story progresses, the reader will learn that each holds a piece of the puzzle to the mystery but the biggest question is, would this group of siblings work together to find the perpetrator or would their secrets tear the family apart? 

Catherine McKenzie's books are a great joy to read because each of her book is different and full of surprises. Books about dysfunctional families and secrets rarely bore me as it explores the complicated human relationship and how one would react under stressed circumstances. In this novel, the author has crafted a suspenseful tale about the dynamics between the MacAllister siblings and the murder of Amanda Holmes through multiple narratives and a series of timelines dictating the siblings' movements on that fateful night. The characters are fleshed out and many aren't likeable; and most of all they made me think about how well do we really know about our family members and the secrets which may separate or bind us forever. This was a twisted and a twisty read; and I enjoyed the intrigue and the author's wonderful storytelling skills.

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Christmas is drawing near and before ending this post, I'd like to wish you a Merry Christmas and may your new year be filled with joy and good books! 😃📚

I don't think I've seen many graphic novels about women's health, pregnancy and motherhood. Although guidebooks of the same are always informative and useful, what makes this graphic novel stand out is it not only follows Lucy Knisley's personal transition into motherhood but also illustrates the history and science of reproductive health.

Lucy first shares with the reader a little history about herself as a young adult upon receiving pieces of advice relating to contraception, reproduction and sexual health from various sources. While some are misconceptions and myths, Lucy went on to do some researching as she realised there were more to learn about the intertwined history and science of taking care of a woman's body. 

After her marriage, Lucy decided it was time to get pregnant but conceiving turned out to be harder than anything she'd ever attempted. Thereafter, fertility problems were followed by miscarriages and sent her in a bout of depression. Through the support by families, friends and the readers online, she eventually walked out from the gloom and try to get pregnant again. Lucy then continues to chronicle her pregnancy journey till the difficulties she met upon delivery. I find the part from Lucy's husband's perspective regarding her surgery and hospitalisation especially moving and heartwarming although seeing what Lucy had gone through had me worrying for her at one point. 

As informative and moving it is, Lucy also incorporates some humour into her story so it also made a light-hearted read. She has done her research well and I think any reader will benefit from reading this book. This is my first Lucy Knisley graphic novel and I'll definitely check out the rest of her works. 

St. Martin's Publishing Group | June 2019 | 304 pgs

Source: Library 

In a nutshell, this latest stand-alone psychological thriller by Kelley Armstrong is about the lengths one woman will go in order to save a child.

Thirty-year-old Aubrey Finch has been separated from her husband and she only gets to see her young daughter during weekends. Her husband, Paul, is a criminal defense attorney and Aubrey works in a library. Despite her financial status, Aubrey never ask Paul for money. This is partly due to self belief that she has hidden her dark ugly past from Paul so therefore she doesn't deserve his kindness and empathy. Her secrets eventually led to a strain in their relationship, although Paul didn't really know about her past until later. 

Like any other weekend, Aubrey is spending her time with her daughter at a park when her sight rest upon a young mother and son. They chatted a bit but didn't exchange any personal information about themselves. Two days later, Aubrey saw the same young son wandering alone but before she could reach him, she witnessed a man came out from his car and took him. With the boy's mother nowhere in sight, Aubrey figured it should be a kidnapping case and called the police. The police told her no one has reported a missing child; and while this news sent Aubrey into doubts, she knew something is definitely off and decided to take things into her own hands. Her actions, however, have made the police and the people around her question her credibility and her mental state. Is she an attention seeker? Or is she delusional because she doesn't have primary custody of her daughter so she is losing her mind and start to imagine things? But as Aubrey ignores the accusations and continues digging, she knew there's always a cost and that her continuous digging may put her into danger given her dark past. 

Kelley Armstrong is a versatile writer as she writes different genres ranging from young adult novels, fantasy, crime and suspense thrillers. I may not have read all of her novels, but I've enjoyed those that I'd read thus far. This book, however, lacks a little punch partly due to the plot which I find is quite commonly used (which isn't a bad thing but just feel that I've read something familiar at some point). Despite this, I've to say the author has done a great job in portraying a single parent's struggles as well as a mother's fear of losing her child. And of course, there's Aubrey herself with her intriguing dark past and her fighting spirits, which I think made up for the average intensity and suspense. 

Ebury Press | July 2019 | 384 pgs

Source: Purchased 

If you're given the opportunity to stay at a high-end apartment and get paid for apartment sitting, even if it comes with a few ridiculous rules, would you do it? Jules Larsen, our protagonist, sees an ad for an apartment sitter and decided to apply for it. With her dire financial situation and her heart being broken by her ex-boyfriend, she decided to try her luck at the Bartholomew; one of Manhattan's oldest and high-profile buildings. Jules is enamored by the overall structure and splendor of Bartholomew, but there's something a bit off with the rules, though. Her interviewer told her there would be no visitors and no nights spent away from the apartment. And because most of the residents are rich and famous, discreet and privacy are to be expected so no disturbing and interactions with them if possible. As much as the rules are strange and absurd, Jules accepts the terms and decides to move on with her new life. 

As Jules tries to settle down at the Bartholomew, a few residents caught her attention. One of them is an author whose book she had read with her older sister, Jane, during their childhood. The others are the bubbly and easy-going apartment sitter named Ingrid and a young, good-looking doctor called Nick. Despite the requests from the interviewer, Jules and Ingrid quickly become friends. Jules has to admit Ingrid reminds her a bit of Jane due to their personality. Jules misses Jane and with her disappearance eight years ago, Jules thinks she's gone like her late parents since there's absolutely no news of her. 

Jules and Ingrid hit it off despite they only knew each other for two days. It is also at this time that Ingrid confides that there's something strange going on in the Bartholomew. Bartholomew is a very old building with a hundred-year-old history; it has witnessed many kinds of death. But the most famous is the pandemic flu which had taken many lives as well as the suicidal of the builder. Jules is captivated although it didn't really scare her off, until Ingrid disappears without any warnings. Knowing that she wouldn't just leave without saying goodbye, Jules begins to search for the truth, including digging into the Bartholomew's dark past. She then finds out that Ingrid isn't the only apartment sitter who's missing from the Bartholomew; and what she unravels thereafter will chill not only Jules but the reader as well. 

Once again, Riley Sager has delivered a compelling and an unputdownable psychological thriller in Lock Every Door. It was a dark and atmospheric read given the Bartholomew's history; and Ingrid's disappearance and the secrecy hush within the residents added much intrigue to the story but alas, the ending wasn't what I'd expected and it was a letdown in my opinion. Nevertheless, Riley's writing and his storytelling still shine and I can't wait for his next book, Home Before Dark, to be released in July 2020. 

As this is a buddy read with Lark, please do check out her review as well. Finally, here's her questions to me about this book: 

I think it depends on what the ends or goals are and what means are being used to achieve them. Generally, most people think if the goals and the means to achieve them are both good and noble, then the ends justify the means. However, from the perspective of the victim/sacrificer, it is an unfair and selfish treatment and ethically, I feel that person has the right in his own say, too. Generally, this is a difficult question to answer to, but I can definitely say the ends do not justify the means in this story.

This is book 8 of the second urban legend series by Ling Jing (笭菁). All her books read as stand-alones and her stories are based on various urban legends added with some imaginations and other elements of her own. 

Note: The main characters in this series are different from the first series as the author felt a change for new blood is necessary to offer a new and different perspective. 

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Gollancz | October 2019 | 480 pgs

Source: Purchased

Leigh Bardugo is a well-known author under the YA fantasy genre. This book is her adult debut and the story revolves around magic, ghosts, mysteries and secret societies mostly set at Yale University. 

Our heroine, Galaxy "Alex" Stern is an extraordinary character. She is raised by her mother single-handedly and dropped out of school early. Since young, she has the ability of seeing ghosts (or the "Grays" as referred in this story) and was cast as a misfit. The rejections and impressions from her peers led her to a state of self aversion; and this later pushed her towards the shady world of drugs. But bad things didn't stop there, she continued to encounter more dark and brutal incidents until she's given a chance to attend Yale, ironically thanks to her "special" ability. 

Yale has several secret societies and each of these eight Houses of the Veil has their own rules and regulations pertaining to their activities. The members are often yield as the future rich and powerful people; but some of the occult activities they perform might not be as simple as one thinks. The League of Lethe is formed as an oversight body for these societies' activities, monitoring the rites and practices of any societies trafficking in magic, divination or otherworldly discourse. Prior to entering Yale, Alex is assigned to a mysterious man named Darlington so as to learn some things about Lethe and the secret societies before becoming a Dante. 

But Alex's life continues to be a tough one. Now there's a dead girl on campus and Alex thinks there's more than meets the eye despite the police and campus administration's statement that her death is nothing more than her own bad misfortune. To find the truth, Alex made a pact with a Gray, and soon realise he has one mystery to unravel, too. 

Well, this book wasn't an easy read in all aspects (it's filled with many dark and some disturbing issues); and it's even harder to review as my feelings for this book is mixed. I liked the premise; and I thought the characters are intriguing but for some reason I just couldn't connect with Alex. Her life journey, especially her teenage years, was so dark and so sad. I think the main thing that got to me was the slow pacing and the world-building, though interesting, took me a while to get immersed into it. It was long and at times complicating and it was only towards the half of the book did things start to get a little more intriguing and tense but by then I couldn't wait to be done with the book. The ending left the reader with a longing for its sequel and I hope the next book will be better with a faster pace and more showing than telling.

Note: This is a scheduled post as I'm currently taking a short break off of blogging. Comments and blog-hopping will resume once I'm back from my break. Have fun and happy reading! 📚

Ashwood & Rose Llp | June 2019 | 314 pgs

Source: Authors 

I'm a fan of K-dramas; and I do listen to a few K-pop groups. Thus, when the authors of Comeback: A K-pop Novel asked if I'd like to read and review their book, I knew I couldn't pass this up. After all, this story centers around the exciting world of K-pop industry. 

Emery Jung, also known as M with rising K-pop boy group NEON, is preparing for their comeback performance when he meets a girl whom he'd lost contact two years ago. Alana Kim, stylist coordinator to girl group, LilyRed, didn't expect she'd literally run into M with a cup of hot tea. And so, their awkward chance reunion begins their journey where they'll learn more about each other alongside the ups and downs they're going through while pursuing their dreams. 

For starters, this book is not all about the fame and glam behind the entertainment industry. In fact, it dictates the realities of a life of an idol and one's self discovery and healing after experiencing the loss of a loved one. The former describes Emery, and as we know, name and fame come with a price and that's freedom. And very often, their private life is also being scrutinised and monitored. However, his biggest burden is more towards his family; whereby he feels he has disappointed his father for not going along his wishes of pursuing a business career instead of the entertainment industry in which the span of being an idol is short-lived and that anything could happen. As for Alana, her older brother's suicide has left her raw and hollow, leading her to abandon her love of music until she met Emery again. 

This book focus much on the brotherhood among the NEON members, the love struggles between Emery and Alana and most of all, the courage of pursuing one's dreams and love. The reader also gets a glimpse of the insider's K-pop industry but not so much of the Seoul setting though, which I felt a little disappointed. Nevertheless, it was still an entertaining read and I'm curious what the authors will have in store next.

Quercus | November 2018 | 416 pgs

Source: Library 

Fans of mysteries and suspense should be familiar with Elly Griffiths' Dr Ruth Galloway series and the Stephens and Mephisto series. The Stranger Diaries, however, belongs neither of these two series and is a good fit to readers who are new to her works. What's better, this story has a modern Gothic tone and has a "book within a book" concept which I'm sure the latter will appease many booklovers. 

Clare Cassidy, our main protagonist, is a single parent to a 15-year-old girl and an English teacher teaching at Talgarth High. Talgarth High has its history but the most famous among all is the story of the deceased reclusive Gothic writer, R. M. Holland, as well as his wife, Alice Avery, who is believed to have fallen to her death and whose ghost is still roaming the old building of the school at its present day. Before the school, the old building was once called Holland House and R. M. Holland actually lived in this house. Holland was famous for his short story, The Stranger. When Clare is not teaching, she'll work on the biography of R. M. Holland. She's fascinated by him as a person and not to mention his works. 

Clare and Ella Elphick are good friends and colleagues until the murder of Ella shocked the whole school and shattered Clare's world as well. To add intrigue to the murder, a note was left behind with a quote from The Stranger. DS Harbinder Kaur and DS Neil Winston are called to look into the case. To complicate matters, someone had left personal remarks on Clare's diary, indicating the possibility that the perpetrator is someone close and nearby. There are a few suspects in school, ranging from the department head to a delinquent student; all who seem to be flawed characters and have some agendas in mind. And when another dead body turns up with the same note behind, Harbinder knows she has to dig further and quickly before everything becomes a re-enacting scenes from The Stranger. 

The Stranger Diaries was a wonderful read in every aspects. The author has done a wonderful job in creating the Gothic tone in this well-crafted psychological suspense, despite I felt the perpetrator's motive wasn't convincing enough but nevertheless still make a good read. The creep factor was the highlight of this book and the author has skilfully input this into the atmospheric setting of the old school as well as The Stranger (which was fully disclosed at the end of the book, much to my delight). As much as this was a plot-driven story, I felt it was very much a character-driven one as well. Narrated by Clare, Harbinder and Georgia (Clare's daughter), the reader gets to read about their most inner thoughts and some of the things which the others don't know about. I've to say I was most drawn to Harbinder but she's not the type whom one would find easy to approach initially. She's sharp, perceptive and fearless. She's also living with her Punjabi parents whom I found to be down-to-earth and doting towards their two grownup children. I hope there'll be a series featuring Harbinder and Neil as they've already grown on me. 

As this is a buddy read with Lark, I hope you'll check out her review, too. (Thanks, Lark, for suggesting this book!) Below are my answers to her questions surrounding this book:

I used to keep a diary when I was in primary school but it was only for a short period of time. I remember it was quite a popular trend back then but sadly, I'd outgrown it as the time passed by. To be honest, I think I'd freak out if a stranger wrote on my diary. Then again, the stranger wouldn't stand a chance as I'll keep it locked in a drawer, ha.