Melody's Reading Corner

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

Melody

Farrar, Straus and Giroux | May 2017 | 336 pgs

Source: Library

This book caught my attention because of the diversity of the characters (a Korean-American heroine, a Caucasian hero and the heroine's BFF is a gay) and most of all it is literally a tribute to Korean rom-com dramas so being a fan of the latter, I couldn't possibly turn my attention away, right?

So the book opens with the introduction of our heroine, Desi Lee. She's smart and actively involved in various clubs and sports in school. Heck, she even set her goals into getting Stanford. The only problem - she's never been good with the opposite sex and it's no wonder she has never had a boyfriend. The confidence she has for other things immediately diminish whenever she meets a guy she fancies.

Desi lost her mother since young and she is very close with her father. One thing she couldn't understand about her father is his love for Korean dramas. She finds their storylines cliché and formulaic and no matter how different the two protagonists are or how they were thrown in difficult circumstances, they always end with happiness tied with a big red bow. Her opinions in Korean dramas start to change after she encounter a guy named Luca Drakos. Moody and ever elusive, Luca is also an expert in Arts and Desi is immediately drawn to his charisma. What she thought of the romance in Korean dramas has a plan in making a relationship work and she decided to work out a list by following their "tactics".

Now while I find this book entertaining, hilarious and even adorable at times, I do have a few issues concerning Desi's plans. While there are positivity in a few of them, there are one or two issues which had me shaking my head. I think it is understandable of Desi to come up with some plans of having Luca to take notice of her, but it is totally not right to lie and manipulate and this is the point which I couldn't agree with her. Onto other topic, it was refreshing to read about the dynamic between Desi and her father; their interactions and the moments they shared tell a lot about their father-and-daughter bond and I found this perspective endearing since I've read so much about the relationship between mother-and-daughter but rarely this. Overall this was an 'OK' read to me and while I didn't like this book well enough, I'll still read the other books by this author.

* This is a scheduled post as I'm currently taking a short break off of blogging. Comments and blog hopping will resume thereafter.

© 2019 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 3 stars, Book Review, Romance, Young Adult 4 comments |

After the End by Clare Mackintosh

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | June 2019 | 400 pgs

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

This latest release by Clare Mackintosh is unlike any of her previous novels. Instead a psychological thriller which she usually writes, this book tackles on an entirely different subject which would not only pull our heartstrings but will question the choices you'll make under difficult circumstances.

Max and Pip is a happy family with their 3-year-old son. Then little Dylan is diagnosed with brain tumor and despite of various treatments, the medical team has decided that there wouldn't be any cure for him as the brain damage is irreparable. Even if he lives, he'll not be able to walk, talk or to communicate his needs. Given this diagnosis, Max and Pip have to make a decision as to whether they should extend his life through further treatment or to allow doctors to give him palliative care till his final day. Both Max and Pip love Dylan and would do anything for him but for the first time, they aren't on the same page. Each thinks their decision is the best and fits the principle of humanity after seeing Dylan's suffering. Under this circumstances they've no choice but to leave it to the courts to decide.

The first half of the book is the most difficult to read as the reader follow Max and Pip's thoughts and struggles regarding Dylan's future. There're lots of emotional evoking scenes here that would make you ache for the couple as well as little Dylan. The doctor-in-charge, Dr Leila Khalili, is a great supporting role as the author allows her reader to see another side of her, whether if it's professional or personal. The second half takes on a much slower pace and allow readers to see the two sides of a decision reached.

This is a beautifully written story, though a sad and an emotional one. I've enjoyed this author's writing and this book stands out all the more due to a similar difficult decision she'd had to make thirteen years ago. As a parent, I couldn't imagine all the pain and the decision one has to make for his/her child. The weight of that decision is too heavy and no one can predicts the future. One would always question if he/she has made the right decision and then there's always these two words lingering in mind: "What if?"

Like Max and Pip, I was curious to know the verdict of the courts' decision but after closing this book and pondering about the issues, I think no matter whatever the decision is, it is sufficient as long as we feel we've done what's best under that circumstances and being hopeful for the future.

* This is a scheduled post as I'm currently taking a short break off of blogging. Comments and blog hopping will resume thereafter.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Fiction 10 comments |

Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis

Melody

Avon Books | January 2019 | 384 pgs

Source: Library

This is the seventh book of A Heartbreaker Bay series but each installment works as a stand-alone, too.

The book opens with our two leading protagonists co-rescue an abandoned dog from a storm. Sadie Lane is a tattoo artist who work two jobs to make ends meet. Caleb Parker is a venture capitalist who has learned the hard way of climbing up the corporate ladder. Sadie and Caleb have seen each other around since their workplace is nearby but they rarely talk though they've a few common friends. Sadie doesn't believe in love after being burned from her previous relationship three years ago, while Caleb's focus is on his business. Plus, his three over-protective sisters drive him crazy through their tight scrutiny of his past or potential girlfriends. So when the two meet up close for the first time, love is the last thing on their mind. However, as they co-owned the dog thereafter, which they later named her Lollipop, they couldn't help seeing more of each other and each meeting brings them closer and enable them to see the other's vulnerable side. It didn't take long for Caleb to have his wall comes crumbling down but for Sadie, it's another matter since she has so many things and issues on her plate. How and what'd Caleb do to break down that strong wall she's built?

This is such a romantic story about two different people finding each other. Plus, there're so many things to like about this book. For starters, there's Lollipop. She's adorable and made me want to hug her tighter after reading her sad, pathetic days before Caleb and Sadie. Then, there's Caleb. He has personality and charisma, though perhaps he doesn't notice the latter since he was a victim to bullies and was so insecure when he was a boy. I loved reading about his past and seeing how he's changed with the help of his mentor. Finally, there's Sadie and although I liked her strong spirit and her independency, they're times she frustrated me due to her insecurities and her sense of inferiority.

Anyway, it is satisfying reading how they overcome their own inner obstacles and accepting each other. I think my favourite of all is reading the dialogues because they can be so witty. Jill Shalvis is one of my favourite romance authors and I'd recommend her books anytime should you're in need of a romance fix.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Contemporary Romance 8 comments |

Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre

Melody

Tom Doherty Associates | July 2018 | 336 pgs

Source: Library

Liv and Morgan are two best friends happily living their lives when an automobile accident took away one of them. When Liv wakes up in the hospital with all the bandages, she thought it's a mistaken identity when everyone thinks she's Morgan. Yet when the bandages come off, it's not her face but Morgan's. Trying to grasp what's happened, she decided to keep quiet and to observe, while hoping it's all nothing but a horrible nightmare. When the truth finally sets in that she's indeed living inside Morgan's body, she decides that it's up to her to find out more about the accident and what happened.

But the more she digs into it, she realises that Morgan had secrets; and it seemed Morgan had done some researching regarding her late mother's life. But that's not all, Lucy also has to confront with Morgan's boyfriend, Clay, who thinks Morgan has escaped from the brink of death. And the worst thing is, she couldn't even acknowledge her existence with her own parents and her boyfriend, Nathan, who's Clay's younger brother. As Lucy comes to know Clay the more they get together, she thinks he's more reliable than Nathan, whom she later discovers he has a few secrets of his own, too. As complicated as these all sound, Lucy still has to unravel the truth surrounding Morgan's secrets for it seems someone is planning to kill to keep somthing under wraps.

Ah. I've no idea if this YA novel is meant to be a paranormal, a suspense or a romance because they were all over the place. The beginning has an interesting premise; with the soul possession kind of theme and a mystery to solve but then it veers in another direction once the triangle love sets in. Don't get me wrong, I do love a romance element in a suspense but it seems this one often set in with bad timings; it was just when the mystery was getting somewhere we get to read a bit more about the romance complications instead.

Then again, I've to say the author has done a good job in capturing the emotional aspect of each character. Overall this book was an enjoyable read and I'd have given this book a higher rating should the theme is more straight forward. I suppose this will appeal to readers who enjoy a bit more romance in their thrillers.

Labels: 3 stars, Book Review, Suspense Thriller, Young Adult 5 comments |

The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth

Melody

St. Martin's Press | April 2019 | 352 pgs

Source: Library

We've all heard enough stories about the complexity relationship between daughter- and mother-in-laws but I've rarely come across a domestic thriller that features on these two characters. I dived into this book with anticipation and had a pleasant surprise as it wasn't what I'd first expected.

When Lucy first met Diana, she has the impression that Diana isn't a person who's easily warmed up with. She also knew Diana has earned lots of respect from the community for her voluntary works for the women refugees and helping them to find shelters and so forth, and this makes her wonder Diana's cool attitude towards her. Even after getting married to Oliver and have children, Lucy still finds herself keeping at arm's length no matter how hard she tries to get in her good books.

Their lukewarm relationship continues until one day the police arrives at their house to inform that Diana has been found dead, leaving a suicide note. Diana had only told them about her cancer until later and they didn't think Diana was the suicidal type, after all she and Lucy's father-in-law were so loving to each other. The autopsy later reveals there is no poison running in her blood although they found a bottle of drug near her body, but they did find signs of bruises and evidence of suffocation so the police thinks it may be a homicide case. But who will want to murder Diana? As the story progresses, the reader will soon learn that everyone in the family has something to hide, including Diana herself.

This story was narrated between Lucy and Diana and in the past and present. I think I enjoyed reading Diana's flashbacks the most as it shows the other interesting side of her. The present timeline was interesting too, but the complicated relationship gets a bit tiresome at some point although it portrays the differences between Lucy and Diana in terms of their thinking and the generation gap (e.g. the interpretation of one's words/actions are often misunderstood by the other and vice versa). I've to admit I didn't like any of the characters here, but it's fine since I was more interested in reading about the family dynamics and finding out who killed Diana and why. I think the author has done a good job in the characterisation department, whether if it's the two lead characters or the other supporting characters. All in all it was an engrossing read, although the ending left me feeling just sad.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Domestic Thriller, Psychological Thriller 12 comments |

The Better Sister by Alafair Burke

Melody

HarperCollins Publishers | April 2019 | 336 pgs

Source: Library

The Better Sister, at its core, tells a story about sisterhood, family dynamics and what would one do to protect their loved ones.

Since young, Chloe is a girl who does her work well and dreams big. This competitive streak in her enables her to strive her way up to adulthood. Now a successful editor at Eve magazine, she's also well-known for her feminist movements which has taken the social media by storm. Her older sister, Nicky, is the polar opposite of Chloe. Restless and reckless, Nicky's attention is always fleeting no matter if it's men or jobs. However, she did find someone eventually and got married to him. Unfortunately, their marriage didn't last and it seemed after she gave birth to Ethan, she's back to living her carefree life. Adam, her ex-husband, had been tolerant until Ethan's near death (Nicky's negligence, as everyone assumes) sent him to an edge. With Adam having custody over Ethan, Chloe offered to help looking after young Ethan (this is years before when she becomes an editor) and little do they know they ended up married. Chloe's relationship with Nicky has never been close and with this complicated situation and physical distance it's no wonder they're estranged.

For a while it seems life is peaceful until Adam is found dead at their East Hampton beach house. The police suspects Ethan (now seventeen) given his timeline during his father's death is vague. Under this circumstances, Chloe knew she has to let Nicky back into their lives since she's Ethan biological mother. Plus, Ethan needs help and no matter how much Chloe despise Nicky she is forced to reunite with her; but then are they able to set aside their mistrust and old resentments from their past?

I've enjoyed Alafair Burke's previous novel, The Wife, and I've to say both her prose and the execution are very engaging. There's something about her writing that sucks you in; and she really know her stuff when it comes to legal related matters (click here for more detailed information of her profession). Although this is classified as a domestic thriller and with the mystery surrounding Adam's death, it is actually about the dynamic and the complexity relationship between two estranged sisters. As the story unfolds, you'll begin to compare and question who is the better sister once the family secrets unveil. This book is a slow burn but it is character-driven and intriguing enough to hold my attention till the end.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Domestic Thriller 6 comments |

What She Saw Last Night by MJ Cross

Melody

Orion | April 2019 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

MJ Cross has written the Carter Blake series under another name as Mason Cross. While I haven't read that series, this stand-alone has given me an idea how his writing is. And it turns out his style is precise and engaging; and the execution has a "cinematic" vibe to it.

The book opens with our protagonist, Jenny Bowen, boarding the Caledonian Sleeper back to her old home in Scotland. After finding out her husband's infidelity and following the recent death of her father, she decided that leaving London might give her some peace after all the things she's been through. On the way to her cabin, she encounters a woman who's next to her cabin and even helps to pick up a stuffed animal to a young girl whom she assumes to be the woman's daughter. They didn't talk much and Jenny left for her cabin.

On her way to the toilet in the dim early morning light, Jenny discovers the woman's door is ajar and on closer look she is shocked to discover the woman is already dead. And that's not all, there's no sign of the little girl and as a standard procedure the cops are called in to make a thorough investigation. DI Gregory Porter has decided to rule it as a drug overdose case after checking the woman's past record and although Sergeant Mike Fletcher has his doubts, he couldn't find any new evidence that pointed otherwise. Despite the police closing the case, Jenny is adamant that something is amiss and goes out her way in pursuing the truth. Eventually she discovers something and approaches Sergeant Fletcher for another investigation. Now Mike and Porter's personality clashes and the latter has no intention of opening the case again but Jenny's account has Mike very curious so he decides to help her with the investigations unofficially.

As I mentioned, the author's prose has a "cinematic" vibe so I could visualise the events happened in this story as well as the rapport between Jenny and Mike. While I admired Jenny's determination and meticulous demeanour, it was Mike who held my reading interest because he is willing to believe in Jenny, as simple as that. His willingness to help Jenny unofficially has earned him some points in my impression and I rooted for them all the way. As for the plot and the mystery surrounding the dead woman, all I can say is there are layers and layers of intrigue and just when you thought you've some things figured out, another thing arises. I'd more or less figured a rating in mind before finishing the book until one outcome totally astounded me (thus 4 stars - not a fault but purely a personal expectation). Still, it was all a very engaging read and I'll definitely keep a look out for his other books.

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

Drama Reviews: Doctor Prisoner | The Light in Your Eyes

Melody

Doctor Prisoner

Synopsis from DramaBeans:

Doctor Prisoner centers around an ace doctor in a university hospital’s emergency care center, a skilled professional who treats his patients with full devotion and without discrimination. However, his medical license gets suspended as a result of a medical malpractice incident that arises when the hospital board director causes a ruckus. He then gets his certificate as a medical internist and applies to work at a prison, where his plan is to cozy up to all the bigshots there—business tycoons, celebrities caught for doing drugs, sports stars guilty of gambling—and to win allies, with the ultimate goal of getting revenge against the hospital that ousted him. To do so, he’ll get rid of the existing prison chief doctor and claim the spot for himself.

My thoughts:

I don't know about you, but I think there's something about medical thriller that attracts us despite some scary facts or uncomfortable scenes that make us think about our bodies and how fragile life can be. I think one reason I love watching medical related dramas is how great a doctor is and seeing how they could save a person's live through their skillful hands and watching Doctor Prisoner allows me to see the passionate side of a doctor called Na Yi Je (starring Nam Goong Min) and his sense of justice when dealing with all kinds of despicable people and their conspiracies. There are so many baddies here that I lost count, and no one is to be trusted, including Dr Na himself since you don't know what he's thinking and what games he might be playing. I think one of the highlights is watching him "creating an illness" to one or two prisoners so they can request for acquittal to justify the few cases he's fighting against the baddies (yes, these group of people are more or less connected) and while it seems a bit far-fetched and doesn't sound morally reprehensible, I can see how his points come about from another perspective. Overall this was an exciting and an intriguing drama and I recommend it if you love a good thriller. (4.5 stars)

The Light in Your Eyes

Synopsis from AJ at MyDramaList:

A girl who can travel through time meets a man who lives a torpid life. Kim Hye Ja is a bright and positive 26-year-old woman who wishes to become an announcer. One day, she gains the ability to exploit time and from there, is involved in a complicated timeline as a 70-year-old. Lee Joon Ha is a man who wishes to become a reporter. He worked hard to reach his goal, but now throws away his time and lives lethargically. When the two opposites meet in a complicated time, a love story begins to unfold.

My thoughts:

I've to say I didn't expect a romance time travel story would be that complicated (mind boggling to say the least) but you've to go in "blind" as you watch this. Do not read and analyse too much from the blurb(s) because it isn't what you're thinking in the first place. It is a slow-burn at times but the wait is worth it and will leave you gasping and muttering "What?" towards the end. I think this is my vaguest review I've ever written but I can say the message behind this is a thought-provoking one. (4 stars)

Labels: 4 stars, 4.5 stars, Fantasy, Korean drama, Medical Thriller, Romance 2 comments |

Circle of Shadows by Evelyn Skye

Melody

HarperCollins Publishers | January 2019 | 464 pgs

Source: Library

In the kingdom of Kichona where Taigas warriors are viewed as an honorable position; their jobs are to serve and to protect the kingdom. 18-year-old Sora and Daemon are both apprentice Taigas warriors who are trained in magic and fighting arts and they're geminas; meaning they're bound by mental connection. Each warrior has their own specialty and while Sora can move stealthily and hurl throwing stars with accuracy, Daemon can win any physical fight blindfolded and with an arm tied around his back.

With their graduation fast approaching, Sora and Daemon are looking forward to their assignments and prove that they're worthy of their rank. Kichona has been stable after the Blood Rift Rebellion many years ago and while it's a good thing, that also means the chance of making their mark might prove difficult, until they encounter a camp of soldiers (that looked a bit like Taigas warriors) behaving strangely. Sora and Daemon decided to prove their worth by observing the group and soon find the horrific truth that will threaten not only their safety but also might tear the entire kingdom apart.

I've to say Circle of Shadows has a fascinating background of a fantasy story, whatwith the combination of a magic element and fighting arts set in a kingdom filled with a mythology of Zomuri, their god of glory, and the paradise of Evermore in which he'd grant one's wish of this paradise on earth should he sacrifice two hundred Kichonans lives in the Ceremony of Two Hundred Hearts. As much as the blurb is promising, I found the execution and the writing style to be a letdown (too much repetition and is a little choppy). The only thing which kept me reading is the characters but then the developments and the world building aren't that strong enough to leave an impression (perhaps it's the first book?). I'm not sure if I'd continue with this series since I read and skimmed here and there. However, there are mixed reviews of this book on Goodreads so perhaps this simply isn't a good fit to my reading taste.

Labels: 3 stars, Book Review, Fantasy, Young Adult 4 comments |

Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik

Melody

HarperCollins Publishers | February 2019 | 448 pgs

Source: Purchased

I rarely read Sci-Fi; and I tend to be picky with this genre but this book had my attention throughout so that says a lot how I felt about this book.

Princess Ada von Hasenberg is the fifth child of six children in the House of von Hasenberg. The von Hasenberg is one of the three High Houses among the space universe and they are officially ruled by the Royal Consortium. Each High House has a Councillor who wield the power and occasionally the three High Councillors will meet for political reasons. In its present case, Ada's father has arranged Ada to wed Richard from House Rockhurst but Ada has her own plans. To escape from the marriage, she has been on the run for two years until she is caught and is thrown into a cell with the notorious Marcus Loch. Known as the devil of Fornax Zero, Loch is known to have killed his entire chain of command during the Fornax Rebellion and he is a wanted man by the Consortium.

However, during the return to Earth their ship is attacked by House Rockhurst's battle cruiser and Ada knew if Richard captures her she'd be used as a political pawn and nothing else. Being constrained in a small cell her only hope is Loch so she strikes a deal with him to help her escape with compensation. Although she isn't sure if Loch is to be trusted, she's willing to take a risk especially when her freedom is at stake.

Polaris Rising is the first book of a trilogy and what a fun adventure-packed book it is! I loved everything here - the characters, the premise and yes, there's even a romance element in it. Ada is one kick-ass heroine; and Loch is one character who will grow on you the more you read about him. There's some history behind his fugitive persona so I was intrigued by it as well. And the Sci-Fi elements are balanced in a way that there aren't too many related stuff that might bore or confuse you; but I've to say I was quite fascinated by the world-building and the scientific technologies (e.g. nanobots for the prestige that seem like a superb recovery system and FTL drives that is an invaluable source to the universe, etc) alongside the adventures. The next installment (Aurora Blazing) will feature Ada's older sister and their House's head security and I can't wait to read their story!

Labels: 4.5 stars, Adventure Thriller, Book Review, Romance, Sci-Fi 6 comments |

The Shape of Lies by Rachel Abbott

Melody

Black Dot Publishing | January 2019 | 378 pgs

Source: Library

I picked up this book not knowing that this is actually the 8th installment of DCI Tom Douglas series but still it works well as a stand-alone.

Anna is happily married with two children. She is also a head teacher at a primary school and it seems she has quite a blissful life. But what everyone doesn't know is she has secrets and she is a liar.

Fourteen years ago when she was an university student, she knew a boy called Scott. They fell in love and Anna thought he'd be the one whom she'd spend her life with thereafter but she was wrong. Scott could be a nice guy, but he had a gambling habit. And in the name of love, Anna decided to help him but she'd made many bad choices along the course. Scott's habits had eventually led to his death and Anna has moved on until lately she heard Scott on a radio show saying he has a story to share. The radio show is popular as the audience could dial in to give some snippets of the things they want to share and whoever receives the most vote will get to spill everything within a week's time after the polling. This sent Anna in a frenzy state because how could Scott be alive? And if it's not him then who else could it be since Scott is the only one who knew about their past?

I think the main draw of this book is not only about deceptions and secrets but also allow readers to be aware of the consequences of gamblings. There is also a murder case which is tied closely to the mystery surrounding Scott which add intrigue to the overall plot and this is where DCI Tom Douglas comes in. Aside from the investigations, we get to see the other side of Tom when he was with his family, especially with his daughter since he is separated from his wife.

As for Anna, I'd mixed feelings for her. There were times I was sympathetic with her situations; yet there were also times I wanted to shake her and wished she'd chosen those decisions the other way. Although there are some parts which may appear a bit far-fetched to me, overall it was an engrossing read (and of course there's a twist in the end).

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 8 comments |

Leave No Trace by Mindy Mejia

Melody

Quercus | September 2018 | 352 pgs

Source: Library

Ten years ago, Josiah Blackthorn and his son, Lucas, trekked into the wilderness of Minnesota's Boundary Waters and were never heard again. As their campsites were found ravaged, everyone's initial thoughts was they might be attacked by some wild animals. A decade later, Lucas was found ransacking an outfitter store. He was caught but his mental condition appeared unstable; he was violent and uncommunicative so he is now incarcerated in Congdon Psychiatric Institution.

Speech therapist Maya Stark is assigned to Lucas's case. Having grown up at the Boundary Waters, she has her own sad story and secrets to hide. She is intrigued by Lucas no doubt, after all he is a high profile patient in the Institute and the fact that they are both familiar with Boundary Waters. Lucas isn't cooperative initially but through Maya's persistence efforts Lucas starts to open up. Eventually Maya feels she needs to help Lucas find his father, even if she is to break some protocols.

"A father had disappeared. A son was desperate to find him. And I would tell a thousand lies if it brought him one step closer." ~ Pg 134

While Leave No Trace may read as a psychological thriller, I think it's also right to say it's about the emotional struggles and connections between a therapist and a patient. The characters development was great; and I felt so much for both Lucas and Maya. However, their connection also made me uneasy; especially Maya took matters into her own hands and broke a few work ethics rules.

Aside from this, there's also the mystery surrounding Maya's mother's disappearance when Maya was younger and how it continues to haunt her as an adult. I thought this was an intriguing aspect throughout the story, though I was equally curious about Josiah's whereabouts and whether or not if he's still alive. The pace starts out a bit slow in the beginning but picks up quickly once events start to unfold. While overall this was a satisfying read, I liked her previous novel (Everything You Want Me to Be) better.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 10 comments |

An Act of Villainy by Ashley Weaver

Melody

St. Martin's Press | September 2018 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

This is the fifth installment of the Amory Ames mystery series. The story opens with our protagonists, Amory and her husband, Milo, encountering an old friend after a night at a theater. Gerard Holloway, former actor and now director, has invited them to the dress rehearsal of a new play he is directing and they have happily accepted. However, when Amory learned that Gerard has cast his mistress, actress Flora Bell, as the lead role in the play, she couldn't help but to feel concern for Gerard's wife, Georgina. After all, they're old friends too.

Amory's concern for Georgina is later cast aside after Gerard told them what has been troubling him lately. Flora Bell has been receiving threatening letters and Gerard thought he could seek their help in finding the mysterious sender; after all the couple had solved a few mysteries in the past. Amory feels torn between her loyalty to Georgina and helping Gerard to investigate but in the end her curiosity gets the better of her; plus she feels the need to bring the culprit to justice.

As Amory digs into the case, she comes to realise that each member of the cast more or less has some issues with Flora and it's difficult to tell if each of them is lying considering acting is their profession. And when the threatening letters turn to murder, Amory and Milo have to find out who the killer is before the final curtain falls.

I've enjoyed reading all the previous installments of this series and this one is no exception. One of the things I like reading about this series is seeing the developments between Amory and Milo. In the first book, we learned that this charming couple faced some marital issues. Milo is known to be a ladies man but so far he hasn't cross the line and has maintained an amicable relationship with Amory. As they work together to solve each mystery their relationship gets better and I'm always curious to read what Milo has in mind during the investigations because he is always so logical and calm while Amory isn't. That is not to say Amory is incompetent but just that their personality and their way of dealing things differ. While I find some parts are repetitive, most often my attention are turned to the cast of characters and how the Ames couple will react when they encounter certain circumstances.

Among other things which I like about this series are the time period and the various settings of each book, with a little touch of Agatha Christie-style so if you like these elements then this series is for you.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Mystery 8 comments |

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon

Melody

Doubleday | April 2019 | 368 pgs

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

During the 1920s in Hartsboro, a woman named Hattie Breckenridge was accused of witchery and was hanged. Hattie was merely a woman who had the ability to foresee the future. When she predicted that there would be a fire, no one believed her until tragedy struck. Her daughter escaped since Hattie predicted it and as a result the community blamed Hattie. No one knew what happened to Hattie's daughter after Hattie was hanged and the case was closed but never forgotten.

Back to its present 2015, Helen and Nate left their comfortable suburban home and their teaching jobs to a rural land in Hartsboro where they build the house of their dreams. While they are excited of the project and their new life, their friends think otherwise. Helen and Nate never look back to their old life and immersed themselves in building their dream house. Then Helen discovers that the property they took over has a dark and violent past and this begins her interest and her intensive research.

On the other end, 14-year-old Olive is in search of her mother, who is believed to have ran off with another man. Olive doesn't want to believe in the rumours; she and her mother are closed and she's always enjoyed hearing stories from her about Hattie and her treasures. Her crossing path with Helen leads them to unearth the history of Hattie's tragic past as well as her descendants and how these three generations of the Breckenridge women had all died amidst suspicion; in which both Helen and Olive would find out the horrifying truths eventually.

Jennifer McMahon's past novel, The Winter People, has left a deep impression on me. It was an atmospheric and a creepy story that blends between the 20th century and the present day. The Invited has the same vibe with a sense of a mystery surrounding the ghost story but what stands out is not only the spooky Hattie but also the stories of her descendants and even Olive, too. The story was mostly narrated between Helen and Olive in the present and a few others of the past but the former took up the most narrative of this book.

And as much as this is a ghost story, it's also very much of a family story which spans from three generations, all involving the Breckenridge women. Not intending to spoil the story, all I could say is I was immensely hooked by the mystery. I didn't expect a twist either but there it is. This will be my second favourite McMahon book with The Winter People as my first. Let's hope her next book will surpass these two.

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Mystery, Thriller 13 comments |

You Let Me In by Lucy Clarke

Melody

HarperCollins | September 2018 | 416 pgs

Source: Library

Elle Fielding has made her name through the success of her debut novel. Now facing the stress of writing her second book as compelling as her first, she decides that she needs some inspiration and go for a writers retreat while she rents her clifftop house out on Airbnb so she'd earn some money; after all she spent an amount remodelling the house.

However, when she comes home she is shocked to find shattered pieces of her paperweight in her locked writing room. The house doesn't seem right to her either and her suspect immediately turns to the family who rented her house. But her friends think otherwise; they all think that Elle is under stress and that it's all in her head. Elle admits to herself that her second book does make her stressed and anxious, but it couldn't be her creative mind playing with her, could it?

Talk about a page-turner; this book really got me captivated from the beginning till the end. Elle fits the mould of an unreliable character beautifully; half the time I was questioning myself if I could believe her. There are also enough red herrings which had me thinking otherwise so that's what made this such an addicting read. There are also a few aspects which intrigued me - such as the insider look of a publishing author's life as well as the ups and downs of renting out your house on Airbnb.

I know my blurb and my thoughts may be vague but this is one book which you should go in as "blind" as possible. This was a refreshing and a well-crafted psychological thriller which had me thinking with that clever ending. Recommended.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 6 comments |

Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas

Melody

Avon | February 2019 | 384 pgs

Source: Library

This is the fifth installment of The Ravenels series and it functions as a standalone.

When young widow Phoebe, Lady Clare, attends a family wedding she didn't expect to meet up with her late husband's old schoolmate. She and Henry were childhood sweethearts and they got married despite his ailments. Phoebe heard a lot of things surrounding West Ravenel through Henry. She knew he was a bully and that Henry had a difficult time at the boarding school. So when Phoebe encounters a dashing man who has a charming way with her young sons, the last person she'd thought of is West but as fate would have it it's truly him.

West has a tarnished past and he's not proud of it. His unhappiness childhood more or less driven him to be an attention-seeker in school; but at that time he didn't realize his behaviours caused misery to some children like Henry. As an adult, his wayward behaviours earned him some reputation in society and at some point he must've gotten tired of everything because he turned his attention to managing properties and agricultural. And the moment he sets his eyes on Phoebe he knew he has to know her, although she seems to be far out of his reach.

Phoebe doesn't want to have anything to do with West, but he seems like a changed person and most of all, he seems to like her sons. Now Phoebe may come across as an aristocratic lady, but she's the daughter of Lord St. Vincent - one whom almost everyone knew to be the devilishly wicked rake in England (he's the hero in the other book, Devil in Winter) and as they get to know more of each other Phoebe knows he is the man that she wants but will they be able to overcome the obstacles of the past?

I haven't read Devil in Winter, but I loved this book! I loved the complexity relationship between Phoebe and West in the beginning and how it gradually turned to mutual attraction as the story progresses. I liked Phoebe for her independence; for not being afraid to say no to a man's work of managing Henry's land even though his cousin takes care of everything. But I liked West more for his humour, his heart for tolerance and most of all his love for Phoebe's children. He's a changed man but there's still a part of him that is tormented from the past and I liked how Phoebe and West complemented each other through the things they'd gone through and how they slowly come to terms with a little push from Phoebe's father.

Although I haven't read all of Lisa Kleypas's books, I've to say I'd enjoyed those that I read and this book left me a warm fuzzy feeling.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Historical Romance 10 comments |

My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Melody

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group | November 2018 | 240 pgs

Source: Purchased

This is a buddy read with my blogger friend, Lark. Please visit her blog after reading this and I hope you'll enjoy our buddy read feature.

Despite the title, this book doesn't really classified as a suspense thriller (at least that's what I thought). At its core, this is more of a story about sisterhood and family dynamics set in Nigeria and I liked how it was all executed nicely with some dark humour and satire as its prose.

The book opens with Korede receives a phone call from her younger sister, Ayoola, for her assistance. Ayoola has murdered her boyfriend, Femi, and she needs Korede to help clear up the mess. This isn't the first time Ayoola has killed a person (three ex-boyfriends, to be exact) and it isn't the first time Korede has to do the dirty jobs for her. Although she always make sure no spot is left behind, she couldn't help worrying if there's a day that the police would come after her.

Korede works as a nurse at a hospital. She has a crush with Dr. Tade Otumu and although they've a good working relationship, Korede is still hoping that one day Tade would look at her as a woman than a subordinate. Her hope is dashed when Ayoola came to the hospital to look for her and her presence has caught Tade's attention. Ayoola is an attractive woman who oozes charm and confidence so it is no surprise that Tade begins to take an interest in her. Korede isn't pleased but there is nothing much she could do. With no one to share her frustrations, she knows she can always confide to a comatose patient named Muhtar, including sharing all her secrets about Ayoola's killings and how she took care of everything.

As Tade begins to get serious with Ayoola, Korede wonders if he would get hurt eventually given Ayoola's history with men. Korede doesn't want to doubt her sister; but her claims of self-defence and her nonchalance make her wonder otherwise. Still, she is her sister and blood is thicker than water, right? But she likes Tade, too. So, what's a girl to do?

This book was such an addicting read. As mentioned, this story is written in satirical prose and I think readers would either love it or hate it. I liked the style; plus the chapters are short and made it a fast read. Story-wise, I was totally engrossed with the two sisters' banter. They may be different in many ways but yet they share a deep bond since young, which started from their father's abuse towards them. Korede is someone whom I think has a strong sense of responsibility in her blood, both at work and with people. Thus, it is interesting to see her dilemma here. Her lone conservations with the comatose Muhtar show a part of her vulnerable side; yet it also portrays her compassionate side as she's the only one who talks to him. Overall this is an interesting novel about sisterhood, family and a case of character study.

Our Q&As on the book (with my answers to Lark's questions):

1) Ayoola may have stabbed Femi, but what, if any, responsibility for his death does Korede share?

Hmm. This is quite a difficult question to answer. All I can say is, I think Korede's strength and weakness is that she cares too much for Ayoola. Korede may not agree to some of her thoughts and actions, but in a way she acts like Ayoola's "accomplice" because she doesn't want her to be in trouble. After all, they're sisters. Plus, what they'd experienced in the past had bonded them.

2) Do you think Ayoola knew how Korede really felt about Dr. Tade Otumu? And if so, why did she continue the relationship?

Korede may be subtle in regards to her feelings and how she reacts towards Tade, but the way she talks about him in front of Ayoola is quite clear so I think Ayoola is aware of it. Ayoola is an attractive woman and she knew it. I think she continues with the relationship with Tade because Korede remains passive all the time. Plus, Ayoola loves the attention.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Thriller 11 comments |

The Secretary by Renee Knight

Melody

Doubleday | February 2019 | 304 pgs

Source: Library

Christine Butcher has a happy family with her husband and her young daughter. Working as a temp in a supermarket chain has allowed her a glimpse of Mina Appleton as a person other than the role of the store's top management. Through her meticulous work, she then caught the attention of Mina and the latter wants her to be her personal assistant. Christine has admired her capabilities from afar so she is thrilled to accept the offer.

However, Mina's foresight of the store is different from her father's. While her father believes in fair trade and building connections with the farmers and suppliers, Mina's vision is more towards profits first and building an image to the store. Needless to say, their opinions clash and with her father's retirement approaches soon, Mina begins to take things into her own hands and forego promises and contracts which her father had first made. Christine, being Mina's PA, has chosen to close one eye (or both) considering her professionalism and her loyalty towards Mina. Her devotion to work gradually taken its toll on her marriage but Christine feels she couldn't say no to Mina.

So for twenty years Christine devotes all her attention and life in assisting Mina. Throughout these years she has witnessed several discrepancies surrounding Mina's work attitudes and her secrets as well; and she is good in making things look good (or right) on behalf of Mina until a case which take both of them to court.

Part psychological thriller and part court drama, The Secretary will question readers about work ethics and the fine line between obedience and obsession. The first half was a slow burn; as the focus was on the relationship between Mina and Christine. Mina is a tough boss, and I marvelled at Christine's ability in performing her job at top notch level under various circumstances. The second half was more onto the court procedural and Christine's emotions after learning that she has somehow gotten involved in Mina's plans and how she'd react to the consequences.

Truth be told, I didn't know what to think of Christine. She was a devoted and a diligent employee; but I didn't agree with her thoughts on putting her family second and not saying no to Mina at times. And I didn't know what to think of that ending either; for all I know that conclusion will be staying in my mind for a while.