Melody's Reading Corner

Melody

MIRA Books | August 2018 | 496 pgs

Source: Library

Seventeen-year-old Mindy Wright is a skier and has a promising aspect in competing in the Olympics until a skiing accident crashes not just her racing career but her life. During the surgery, the surgeon found out that she is suffering from leukemia and that a stem cell transplant has to be conducted so as to save her life. However, this is only the beginning of the nightmare for the Wrights as not only Mindy's life is threatened but no one in the family has the match for Mindy's stem cell transplant. In other words, Mindy's parents aren't her biological parents.

With the clock ticking to find Mindy's biological parents, the reader got to learn that there are secrets and deceptions surrounding Mindy's adoptive mother, Lauren Wright, and how Lauren's younger sister, Juliet, who works as a DNA Analyst with the CBI, will go to any lengths to search for Mindy's biological parents, even if it means bypassing some protocols.

This story was split into three parts and was a multi-layered suspense built upon layers of secrets and mysteries, both in the present and flashbacks. While the reader was intrigued by Mindy's biological parents and why Lauren didn't want Mindy's secrets to expose to the world, there are also parts about a few letter exchanges in 1993 between two women, Liesel and Vivian, when both of them were in University Hospital for some diagnosis treatment, thus adding more intrigue to the story and make readers wonder if there's a connection to Mindy's and/or Lauren's story.

This story was well structured from the beginning till the end, however it was also a slow-burn kind of suspense as the author took her time in developing the characters and setting up the intrigue bit by bit as the story progresses. Personally, I felt the book would've been much better if some parts aren't draggy but the writing style and the execution won me over eventually.

© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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

Lost and Found Sisters by Jill Shalvis

Melody

HarperCollins Publishers | June 2017 | 400 pgs

Source: Library

If you're familiar with Jill Shalvis's books, you should know that her contemporary romances alway showcase a great cast of characters, witty dialogues and sweet heartwarming moments that would melt your heart. She is one of my go-to authors should I need a romance read fix. This is the first book of the Wildstone series; which is also her first women's fiction novel and although the genre is different, I'm glad to say her signature remains and yes, there's still some romance element in it.

30-year-old Quinn Weller works as a sous-chef in one of L.A.'s hottest eateries. She has a loving family and a great boyfriend, Brock. She's known Brock since kindergarten so their relationship is more like close friends than a couple. Despite her wonderful life, she's been feeling empty especially after she'd lost her sister, Beth, in a car accident. Then when a lawyer from Wildstone delivers a shocking news to her, she realises that her life has been all a lie. To seek the truth and to claim an inheritance meant for her, she left her everything in L.A. to a small hometown in Wildstone, California.

There in Wildstone, Quinn soon finds that the residents are charming and easy-going. As Quinn tries to settle down, she encounters Mick Hennessey who is humorous and is quick to help her whenever she runs into trouble; like fixing her dripping sink and chasing away bugs in a B&B where she is staying. What Quinn doesn't know about Mick is that he's a structural engineer working in San Francisco who is staying in the same B&B and he is there in Wildstone to check on his mother once in a while and to make sure all things are well and taken care of since his mother isn't keen on moving.

As Quinn and Mick get to know each other, this is also the beginning where Quinn starts to question herself about the route and the responsibility she is going to take after knowing that she has a teenage sister, Tilly, living in Wildstone. At its core of the story, it is basically about Quinn's self discovery and what she'd do if given a new life in a much smaller and slower paced Wildstone yet a place she could feel at ease and be contented with.

Lost and Found Sisters was an enjoyable read and I found myself swept away by all the characters in this book, including Coop the dog. Coop is Mick's dog and throughout the book you'll find that he always stick by Mick wherever he goes. Tilly's story is a sad one, but she is a strong character and I liked the feisty spirit in her at times. And oh, there are a few scenarios where we read about Quinn's exchanges with Beth when Quinn stays in that rundown B&B. Whether if Quinn really communicates with a ghost or if it's all in her head, I was never sure but at least those little moments gave her some reminiscent of their happier times. This was a great first installment of a new series and it could be read as a standalone, too.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction 8 comments |

In Her Bones by Kate Moretti

Melody

Atria Books | September 2018 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

Fifteen years ago, Lilith Wade was arrested and tried for the brutal murder of six women from 1998 till 2001. It caused an uproar then and till present the mention of Lilith Wade's name still sent shivers to some and hatred to others. There is even a book, titled The Serrated Edge: The Story of Lilith Wade, Serial Killer, which chronicles about her murders and her victims and even mentioned about her sad youthful past; in which she was then diagnosed with some mental disorder and have raised some discussions whether or not if her circumstances would've been different should she was paid more attention back then. Nevertheless, murder is still murder and so Lilith is put on a death row conviction.

Lilith has two children and one of them is 30-year-old Edie Beckett, who is the narrator in this story. A recovering alcoholic with a dead-end city job, she has a detective to thank for for putting her life back together after Lilith was sentenced and for getting her a job. Edie doesn't mix around much, and would prefer having her brother, Dylan, for company than anyone else. As much as this codependent relationship is unhealthy, Edie also has a disturbing secret - an obsession with Lilith's victims' families and finding out how they've moved on after a family member's murder. Edie will go to any lengths to dig about their life and she is always careful when covering her tracks. However, her fixation on one man, Peter Lipsky, had her crossing a line and the next thing she knew, he is found murdered.

With Edie's connection to Lilith and that there are some evidences that pointed towards Edie, she becomes a fugitive and this makes her wonder who would've known about her fixation on Peter. With her mother behind bars and her nonexistent social life, Edie is sure someone is trying to frame her but who and why?

Having read Kate Moretti's previous novel, The Blackbird Season, I was hooked by her storytelling, her writing style and most of all, her characterisation which I felt are well drawn. In Her Bones is no exception when it comes to writing style and characterisation, but the slow pace and some repetitiveness are a drawback to this psychological suspense. The first half covers mainly of Edie's obsession, her diggings and befriending Peter; while perhaps these are essential to the plot, the reader got a sense of some repetitiveness but fortunately the pace picked up thereafter. I also liked it that there are some excerpts from The Serrated Edge which allow some insights and interviews surrounding Lilith's murder cases. In general, I'd say this is a story that will leave the reader questioning about obsession and the toxicity of familial ties, and whether or not if bad traits or habits could be inherited, as what Edie fears from the beginning.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Psychological Suspense 6 comments |

The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet

Melody

Doubleday | May 2018 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

Caroline and Francis are working on their marriage and have planned for a short getaway as a reconnection of their relationship. And instead of staying in a hotel or a resort, Caroline's plan is a house swap with someone for a week so they can stay at the owner's house and vice versa. Since all the transactions were made online and keys arrangements were made individually, each party didn't get a chance to meet in person and it was fine with Caroline.

Flashback to two years earlier alternatively, the reader gets to know that Caroline is cheating on Francis and her lover, Carl, is a colleague who is a few years her junior but have actually separated in the present time. Francis, on the other end, has a pill addiction and Caroline isn't aware of his habits until she found his hidden stash one day. Caroline decided to keep mum for a while and Francis is suspicious of Caroline's movements as she always claim to have a party or a girls' outings at times, leaving their young son Eddie to him or with her mother. Like Caroline, Francis remains quiet and hope that his suspicion is all speculations.

As much as Caroline and Francis prefer to keep on with the pretense and "enjoy" their current status, things or circumstances start to pop up unexpectedly and this is when a strange woman starts to barge into Caroline's life now and then and trying to be friends. Caroline also begins to see bits of items in the rental house that remind her of the memories she'd had with Carl. Caroline knew no one but Carl who will understand the sentiments of these items which they'd once shared, so she starts questioning about the strange things that start to appear around her and wonder if Carl is back into her life again after what'd happened then.

The House Swap has an intriguing plot but the beginning was a slow burn but once it hit the second quarter mark it read like a breeze. I didn't particularly like any of the characters here (with the exception of little Eddie, poor boy); and what seemed like a domestic thriller read more like a drama as it shifted back and forth surrounding mostly on Caroline's life and how 'Away' (present) and 'Home' (flashback) affect her emotionally. Francis, her husband, may seem like an important role in this story but unfortunately there isn't enough backstory about him and how/why he is addicted to taking pills. The ending wasn't what I'd suspected, although I thought it was a bit far-fetched. Still, it was overall an average read to me.

Labels: 3 stars, Book Review, Suspense Thriller 12 comments |

If You Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim

Melody

William Morrow | August 2018 | 417 pgs

Source: Library

Set in the 1950s amid the Korean War, this debut novel by Crystal Hana Kim revolves around our three protagonists and the choices they are forced to make during the war times and how it shaped their destinies thereafter.

Sixteen-year-old Haemi Lee, together with her widowed mother and ailing brother, live in a refugee village after their home was invaded by the Communist-backed army from the North. With the grim circumstances and so forth, Haemi finds some solace in her childhood friend, Kyunghwan, as they will meet for some late night drinks and exchange sentiments. Although Kyunghwan has feelings for Haemi, he put his mind on finishing his studies first so he isn't aware that his older cousin, Jisoo, already has his sights set on Haemi.

As much as Haemi dislike the idea of marrying for security, deep in her heart she knew she has no choice and on top of it, Kyunghwan doesn't seem to have any plans. So Jisoo married Haemi before joining the fight, and Kyunghwan has left Busan to begin a new journey of his own. Haemi by then is a mother to three daughters and while her marriage to Jisoo remains stable, it isn't really a happy and a fulfilling one. What she felt for Jisoo is more towards a feeling of affection than love and at times Haemi will reflect on her decision in choosing him and what would happen if she had chosen Kyunghwan.

Throughout the years, Kyunghwan remains single and his feelings towards Haemi hasn't changed. His return to Busan sent a ripple in Haemi's once quiet life and though she remains unaffected on surface, she is consumed with guilt as she finds herself still drawn to him.

If You Leave Me may seem like an ordinary love triangle story, but it is rich in culture and the life of living as refugees set in the war times was well portrayed and heartbreaking. Crystal Hana Kim's writing is beautiful and lyrical, and the characters are fleshed out and relatable. I'd had a few thoughts after finishing the book and I think our three protagonists are all sad victims of war which in turn led to decisions and then more decisions and consequences. This was an absorbing debut novel and I'll be sure to check out Kim's future releases.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Romance 12 comments |

Drama Reviews: The Ghost Detective | Jugglers

Melody

The Ghost Detective (今天的偵探)

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff

Lee Da-Il is a private investigator. He was formerly in the military, but a whistleblower case led to his discharge. Jung Yeo-Wool becomes his assistant. She is a fearless woman. They work together to solve a mystery surrounding the death of a younger sibling. They also work together to solve other cases, some involving ghosts.

I binge watched these two dramas for the past few weeks and thus neglected my books. Well I still read, but my progress was slow. Now that I was done with them, I'm back to my regular reading mode (unless I was sidetracked once again). Anyways, back to the topic. The Ghost Detective was a horror thriller and I thought it has a good premise. The lead character, Da-Il (starring Daniel Choi) became a ghost while solving a kidnapping case; he was buried alive but his soul wanders around. Yeo-Wool (starring Park Eun-Bin) lost her sister to a paranormal incident and had requested the police to look into the case but was rejected. She encountered Da-Il and was the only person who was able to see him. They worked together to find this ghost who manipulated and killed several people, including Da-Il's mother and Yeo-Wool's younger sister.

The paranormal aspect was an intriguing one, but there are some scenarios which I found confusing, though. I was particularly skeptical about Sun Woo-Hye (starring Lee Ji-Ah), the ghost because she was actually a twelve-year-old girl but over the years her body was in comatose and was kept alive through a respirator. Her speech and mentality were like an adult at times, and she was a real devil. The supporting characters were intriguing as well, as they involved a shaman cum medical examiner and a meticulous cop who seemed to have a little crush on Yeo-Wool. The romance element was minimal, but I liked the chemistry between Da-Il and Yeo-Wool. Despite a few shortcomings, overall I thought it was an entertaining drama.

(3.5 stars)

Jugglers

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff

Yoon-Yi (Baek Jin-Hee) works as a secretary and has held her job for the past 5 years. She is loyal and devoted to her work. Yoon-Yi also runs an internet community website for secretaries. One day, her boss's wife mistakenly assumes her husband is having an affair with Yoon-Yi. The scandal spreads throughout her company. Her boss though does not correct the misunderstanding to coverup his own real affair he is having with someone else. Yoon-Yi is placed on a waiting list for a new position and she is devastated.

Meanwhile, Chi-Won (Daniel Choi) is scouted for a managing director position in the Video Business Department at YB Ad. He carries a trauma related to a fire incident when he was young. He is not interested in socializing with other people and he does not a have a secretary. Yoon-Yi is assigned to work as Chi-Won's secretary at YB Ad, but Chi-Won tells her that he does not need her. Yoon-Yi tells him otherwise and that she will work hard for him. One evening, Chi-Won's boss invites him and Yoon-Yi out for dinner. Yoon-Yi gets drunk and Chi-Won takes her home. It turns out the house where she lives is the same house where the traumatic fire incident occurred when Chi-Won was a child. Next to the front door, he sees a flyer looking for a tenant for a second floor room. Chi-Won decides to rent the room to overcome his trauma.

Jugglers is basically a story about office employees (in particularly personal assistants) and the difficulties and challenges they often encounter while working alongside with their bosses; and at its core it is an office romantic comedy which I found both sweet and entertaining. I've to admit I watched this because of actor Daniel Choi. I was quite charmed by his charisma in The Ghost Detective and I was glad to see another side of him in Jugglers as he played a cool and an unsociable boss but ended up falling in love with his PA.

What I liked about this drama is aside from the romance element (so, so sweet and romantic, sigh), it portrays the everyday life of a PA and what they do for their bosses. From running the office to running personal errands, they are the personnel who represent their bosses and at times, they have to grit their teeth to accomplish tasks which are beyond their duties. While not all bosses are making use of their authority and taking their PAs for granted, there are still some who do that like Yoon-Yi's ex-boss in this drama.

Aside from Yoon-Yi's and Chi-Won's perspectives, I also enjoyed the story between Wang Jung-Ae (starring Kang Hye-Jung) and Hwangbo Yool (starring Lee Won-Geun). June-Ae was a shy, working single mother who struggled to make ends meet, while Hwangbo was a young director living a king's life. It was interesting to see the changes in them as the story progresses; and I felt for Jung-Ae throughout the drama because she led such a sad life. Fortunately there was a HEA for her in the end. I enjoyed this one much more than The Ghost Detective, perhaps this was a romcom and it had brightened up my mood amid my girls' school exams period (it was over as of writing this, thank goodness!)

(4 stars)

Labels: 3.5 stars, 4 stars, Drama review, Horror, Korean drama, Mystery, Romantic Comedy 6 comments |

Don't Believe It by Charlie Donlea

Melody

Kensington | May 2018 | 304 pgs

Source: Library

This is Charlie Donlea's latest release and after reading his previous two books and enjoyed them, I'm glad to say he's now on my favourite authors list. I like how he constructs the stories and most of all, the implementation of a certain professionalism to go with the investigations. In his first book, Summit Lake, it revolves around journalistic inquiry and then there is forensic science in his second book, The Girl Who Was Taken. This book is more about the making of a real-life documentary film and what it takes for our filmmaker protagonist to investigate and help clear a woman who is convicted of murder.

Sidney Ryan has been receiving letters from Grace Sebold for some time; each letter asking Sidney to look into her case or at least hear her side of the story after she has spent the last ten years in a St. Lucian prison for the crime of murdering her boyfriend, Julian Crist. Julian and Grace had traveled to St. Lucian for a friend's wedding reception and part of their vacation. Based from a few witnesses' statements, it appeared that they'd had a little disagreement and when Julian was found dead at the bottom of a cliff, the St. Lucian police is quick to target Grace as a suspect and create all the evidence to match their claims. At that time, their statements seemed valid and so the case is closed and a sentence is passed.

Sidney has successfully uncovered two cases involving the wrongly accused in the past so she is interested in hearing Grace’s story. Plus, this is her chance of putting her documentary on a huge TV network channel after a series of webcast in the past. She is ambitious and she is adamant to succeed thus she is working very hard with her research. However, the more she looks at all the gathered information it seems something is off and that some issues were even overlooked during the original investigation. With the popular viewership and the public outcry to reopen the case, Sidney thinks her documentary, The Girl of Sugar Beach, would wrap up nicely with only a few episodes to go until she receives a letter telling her she has got it all wrong.

If I enjoyed his previous two books, this book was even better. I think the idea of a true crime documentary is enticing and in this case the author has upped that enticement with the filmmaker to investigate a case alongside with the documentary making. The plot had me hooked all the way as it was multi-layered, and it kept me guessing if Grace was indeed innocent or if there is more than meets the eye. The characters are intriguing and are well developed; and there are times when I thought I'd some ideas where the direction was going, the outcome surprised me. A well crafted and well executed story and I'd recommend this to fans who love a good suspense.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Suspense 16 comments |

Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott

Melody

Picador | July 2018 | 352 pgs

Source: Library

In her latest release, Give Me Your Hand, Megan Abbott has weaved a compelling story about secrets and the beauty and complexity of female friendship between our two protagonists, Kit Owens and Diane Fleming.

Kit first knew Diane when they were both in high school cross-country camp. Kit's first impression of Diane is that she is both intelligent and a driven girl. Diane seems to excel in almost everything, and she comes from a wealthy family to boot. Kit, on the other hand, wasn't as driven and it was Diane who had fueled the ambition into her after they were both in the same AP Chemistry class. At that time, there was the "Dr. Lena Severin Stem Scholarship for Women in Science" program and Kit remembers her as the first female scientist she'd met during a talk for their summer science program. Kit and Diane's friendship began to grow after they'd found their shared ambition but then it was later ripped apart after Diane told Kit about her secret - a terrible thing which she'd done.

After they'd gone their separate ways after graduation, Kit has now risen to the top of her profession as she works for Dr. Severin and her team for a two-year study of PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder). However, with limited funds and such there will be only two staff who would be given the grant. Aside from Dr. Severin, Kit is the only female in the group and given her gender and her hard work all these times she thinks she has a higher chance of getting it ... until Diane joins their group.

After all the years which passed between them, Kit remains the only one who has known Diane's secret. But now Diane knows something about Kit too after an incident which may threaten Kit's career. Who will go down first?

I don't think I've come across any author who has written such a fascinating yet complicated female friendship like Megan Abbott. She has captured all the intricateness and darkness between Kit and Diane's friendship as well as their similarities and differences through their dreams and personalities. As much as I was intrigued by the two women's ambition and desire, I think the other thing which captivated me is about the difficulties and the challenges faced by women working in a male-dominated field. To be on par with their male counterparts, they work extra hard and push themselves harder even though they are not inferior to them in so many ways. And again, Ms. Abbott has beautifully captured that kind of feeling and atmosphere through our three female characters, including the cool, mighty Dr. Severin.

This book is a slow-burn for a thriller, but it's intriguing and an unputdownable one for characters development, the felicity and complications between female friendship as well as the subject of PMDD.

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 16 comments |

All These Beautiful Strangers by Elizabeth Klehfoth

Melody

Penguin | July 2018 | 512 pgs

Source: Library

I love stories with a school/college setting and all the more with alternating timelines and a various set of narratives. This story is basically about a 17-year-old Charlotte "Charlie" Calloway's search for the truth surrounding her mother's disappearance ten years ago as well as her school life at the prestigious Knollwood Augustus Prep.

When Charlie was seven, her mother, Grace, left home and never returned. Although Charlie's father, Alistair Calloway, was initially suspected for Grace's disappearance, there was no evidence to point that he is guilty. The Calloways have slowly put this unsolved mystery behind them and move forward until Charlie receives a note from her Uncle Hank, who is Grace's elder brother. Charlie rarely contact her mother's family so she is intrigued about his request to meet her. Her meeting with Uncle Hank has once again filled her with questions surrounding Grace's disappearance, for he believes there is something more than meets the eye after he has found a stack of photographs of Grace as well as Charlie and her younger sister, Seraphina, when they were small. The only thing that stood out is a note written in capital letters, I KNOW.

But this is not the only thing that troubles Charlie. At Knollwood Prep there is a secret society of sorts called the A's has tagged her to become an initiate into the group. Although no one really know who the members are, they are all aware that the members have some sort of authoritative power and those who are tagged to become one of them has to perform a task within their allocated time or else they will be outed by the group. Most often, the tasks they are assigned to have consequences and are of risk of expulsion if they are caught. As much as Charlie is intrigued by the group, she doesn't approve of the tasks they are asked to do. Then, there are also rumours about a student who had committed suicide years ago and Charlie soon learns that he used to be friends with her parents back then.

(Look at the book! At first glance it already makes you wonder about the story, isn't it?)

All These Beautiful Strangers is Elizabeth Klehfoth's first novel and I've to say it was well written and I was hooked by this multi-layered mystery from the beginning till the end. The combination of the two timelines and multiple narratives work wonderfully in this story and I was equally invested in these two setups. The characterisations are well developed though they are all flawed. Overall I enjoyed this YA thriller and I'll certainly look out for this author's next book.

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller, Young Adult 14 comments |

Bird Box by Josh Malerman

Melody

Ecco Press | May 2014 | 260 pgs

Source: Library

"Under no circumstances will either one of you remove your blindfold. If you do, I will hurt you. Do you understand?"

For four and a half years, Malorie and her two young children have not stepped out of their house near the river. Because there is something out there and whatever this is it must not be seen. There are news that one glimpse of it and a person is driven to deadly violence. Those who have seen will kill anyone around them before killing themselves. No one really knows what it is and how it happened but like a disease it has spread quickly and afar.

Before the children, Malorie had seeked refuge at a stranger's place which housed a few others survivors like her. Tom, who took on the role as a leader, had guided and supported the five other housemates, including Malorie, like his family. During those torturous years, they lived on canned foods, and Tom and Jules had risked their lives to go out to search for food while blindfolded. Like a blind man, they relied on their instincts and broomsticks and each time they are back they all count themselves lucky for escaping death and whatever was lurking out there. Until Gary, a newcomer, stepped into their house and changed everything.

Bird Box was a frightening read on many aspects. First of all, the unknown. Like the characters, the reader has no idea what the threat is. Is the "thing" a man, an animal or a creature? All we know is, it is scary and it could mess up your mind and make you kill. Interweaving between the past and the present, we learn that fear comes in various forms, and that our minds can be a scary thing. And despite the darkness we also see some light through Tom's courage and the things he's done for his housemates. This book will appease readers who like reading about the apocalyptic world with a dose of horror. A soon-to-be film starring Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson, Rosa Salazar, and John Malkovich.

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Horror, Thriller 14 comments |

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

Melody

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

Source: Library

Let me start off this post by saying that this isn't a book for everyone. So what is this story about? In a nutshell, it's about the love-hate relationship between a mother and her seven-year-old daughter.

When Suzette was young, she suffered from Crohn's disease and it left an emotional scar on her. She didn't get much love from her mother and this has made her to be a stronger person. She didn't think she'd find love again until she met Alex, now her husband, and she knew that she could live a new life again. However, little Hanna coming to the world seems to have change her equilibrium. Hanna doesn't speak and this worries the Jensens couple. Hanna has gone to many doctor consultations and it seems she is physically healthy. Whether she is picking up slowly or if it is more of a mental issue (there are times she adopts an alter ego of a dead young girl who was wrongly put to death back in the olden days as they believed she was a witch), the Jensens think that homeschooling her is the best option while seeking help through a psychologist.

Hanna, on the other end, has other plans. Despite her age, she is actually an intelligent girl. She doesn't like mommy and her world only revolves around daddy. She would put on her best act around daddy and leave her ugly behaviours only for mommy. But her acts become more and more malicious until Suzette begins to wonder if Hanna intends to kill her.

Based on Suzette's and Hanna's viewpoints, Baby Teeth was one compelling thriller on many levels. The characterisations and the subject involving a manipulative young girl are enough to creep anyone out but I've my doubts. For starters, I was skeptical about Hanna's intentions because she feels so young to me to have that kind of evil thoughts. I think it'd be more believable if she is a bit older; like a troubled teenager filled with angst. Secondly, given Hanna's behaviours and Alex's doubts, I'd feel that installing a CCTV (or a phone video recording of Hanna's behaviours) would be a logical way to put things to light but instead it became more of a melodramatic domestic thriller as the story progresses. However, I've to give credit to the author's creativity of writing this dysfunctional family from a new perspective. Based on the reviews at Goodreads, there is a balance between readers who love it or hate it and I've to say I'm in between since the writing was good and the story engaging but only if it is more plausible and that Hanna is much older.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 12 comments |

Take Me In by Sabine Durrant

Melody

Mulholland Books | June 2018 | 352 pgs

Source: Library

Marcus and Tessa Nicholson, together with their three-year-old son, Josh, are happily vacationing in Greece when a moment of inattention almost ruined a life. Tessa has gone to make a phone call while Marcus has dozed off at the beach while watching Josh. Fortunately, a Dave Jepsom has jumped into the water in time to save their son. The Nicholsons are thankful for his heroic act and treated him for lunch. But it seems Dave has wanted more - he wants to be a part of their life and as the days go, Marcus and Tessa begin to see more of him; either stalking them or invited himself into their life like they are close friends.

For a while, the Nicholsons think Dave's attachment to them is harmless; after all he'd saved their son and he probably feels an affection for him. But his behaviours start to worry them, especially if Marcus and Tessa have a secret of their own and they begin to wonder if Dave is a threat to the secrets they are holding as both of them have a feeling that he is watching their movements. The tension begins to reach to a breaking point when they find their house being ransacked and vandalised one day, and of course their minds are on Dave. Is Dave their saviour or their stalker? And to what extent would the Nicholsons do to safeguard their secrets?

Take Me In was an engrossing read right from the beginning and is narrated by Marcus and Tessa alternatively. While the story has a setup of a psychological thriller, the second half read more like a domestic drama as we learn about the family dynamic and the secrets the Nicholsons are keeping from each other. Dave felt more like a smokescreen because we don't really know what his motives are until the end, which I think is the intention. Truth be told, he is the main purpose which keep me reading as I find the Nicholsons to be selfish and annoying. But I think what bothered me most is the ending, for I couldn't understand the logic behind the revelation as it seemed rushed and appear out of nowhere, which was a pity since the first half was brilliant and well written. That said, I want to read her previous book, Lie With Me, which I understand has received many good reviews.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 14 comments |

Drama Review: Familiar Wife (认识的妻子)

Melody

If you were given a second chance, would you change your life?

Joo-Hyuk (starring Ji Sung) and Woo-Jin (starring Han Ji-Min) have been married for five years and have two young children. The working couple rarely makes time for each other as their life revolves around work and children, thus they lack communication and each is frustrate with the other due to stress and all. As a result, their marriage life suffers and at one point, Joo-Hyuk wonders if his life would be different if he had chosen a different path, especially after he has met Hye-Won (starring Kang Han-Na), his crush from his college days and she told him that she had liked him back then.

But of course Joo-Hyuk couldn't do anything about his present life, until he helped a homeless man and he gave him two coins which were released in 2006. One night while driving home, Joo-Hyuk passed a toll road and after tossing one of the 2006 coins, he found himself travelled back in time to that year - the year when he was in college and how he first encountered Woo-Jin and helped her as a witness after she was molested in a public bus. And there begins their destiny.

Remembering his unhappiness marriage life in the present time, Joo-Hyuk chose a different path when he travelled back to 2006. He ended up married to Hye-Won although he couldn't escape the fate that he is meeting Woo-Jin again, this time as his colleague.

I enjoyed this story and thought it portrays a sharp observation on relationships (be it a couple or colleagues) and marriage life and it'd led me thinking about this saying - "the grass is always greener on the other side" and also "every family goes through its problems". Although we can't change the facts, we can change the interpretation of the facts, or better still adopt the following thinking:

So did Joo-Hyuk find his happiness in the end? Absolutely. And I liked how he worked hard to become a better person, after realising that life is about obstacles and challenges and overcoming them with his wit as well as his heart.

Labels: 4 stars, Drama review, Fantasy, Korean drama, Romance 6 comments |

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | August 2018 | 304 pgs

Source: Purchased

A weekend retreat at a cozy mountain lodge is supposed to be fun, right? With the winter season and the inn nestled deep in the woods, it is a perfect place for some R&R for anyone who wants a quiet and/or a romantic getaway. At least that is what our ten guests are thinking when they decided to check into Catskills and Mitchell's Inn.

However, the hit of the snowstorm had them stranded in the inn and with no power and Internet connection, it is a nightmare. But that is not the worst, what's most terrifying is finding one of the guests dead and her death is believed to be a murder. Our ten guests here all seemed to have a secretive past, and some of them aren't who we think they are. When one more guest and the inn's owner's teenage son turned up dead, it became clear that there is a killer hidden among them but who is it and what is his/her motive?

I'm a sucker for locked room mysteries and I was glad Shari Lapena's latest release fits into this category. This story has an Agatha Christie's feel and it reminds me a bit of one of her books, And Then There Were None, which I felt was brilliant and remains as one of my favourite reads. I think the attraction of a locked room mystery is aside from the mystery itself, it is also about finding how the characters would react under a claustrophobic setting with a murderer running amok. As we all understand, certain circumstances would enable a person to think and behave irrationally and in this book everyone begins to think of the worse of the others as the story progresses and it's a frightening thought.

Anyway, I'd had fun guessing the murderer, but I was kind of stumped over the last revelation at the very end (I suppose it depends on how one view it from another angle). That said, I enjoyed this book and am curious what the author has in store for her next book.

This is a buddy read with Lark (check out her review here) and I'd like to thank her for reading this book with me. Below are some questions from her relating to the story:

1. Which character did you like and/or sympathize with most?
I'm glad not all characters are unlikeable in this book. It seems to me that unlikeable character(s) is a "trend" in the suspense/thrillers genre lately and though I don't mind them, I do like to have at least one likeable character in the book I read. Although not all the characters in this book are unlikeable, I don't really have a character whom I like either. However, I do sympathise with Riley. She used to be a journalist and was stationed in Afghanistan as a correspondent before. I felt for her reading about the traumatic experiences she'd had; and it was sad to read about the other characters treating her like a weirdo because they didn't know about the things she'd gone through.

2. How did the frozen setting add to the suspense?
I think the wintry weather played an important factor to this story. The cold and the snowstorm had the characters isolated from the outside world, thus making this into a locked room mystery. Without it, this would've changed the direction and the plot of the story.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Psychological Suspense 12 comments |

Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien

Melody

St. Martin's Press | March 2018 | 352 pgs

Source: Library

This is the first book of A Noodle Shop Mystery series featuring our 27-year-old protagonist, Lana Lee, and her family-owned restaurant, Ho-Lee Noodle House set in an Asian community in Cleveland, Ohio.

To begin with, Lana hasn't wanted to work at her family restaurant but after a brutal break-up and a dramatic workplace walk-out, she has decided that working as a server at the restaurant would help pay the bills and for putting her life back together. The restaurant business is going on well until Thomas Feng, the restaurant's property manager, was found dead after eating their shrimp dumplings. Thomas has shellfish allergy and everyone on staff knew about it; after all he was their regular customer. Now the head chef, Peter, and Lana are under suspect since she is the one who delivered the order to Thomas. To clear their name and to find out the killer, Lana decides to do some little investigation together with her roommate, Megan Riley.

Police detective Adam Trudeau is meticulous and never leave any stone unturned. When he knew that Lana is investigating the case, he is annoyed yet he couldn't deny his attraction towards her despite they got on the wrong foot the first time they met and that she is on his suspect list. Lana, on the other hand, has her ways of digging information since she knew almost everyone in the community and she would not let Trudeau get in her way even if it means putting herself in danger.

I've to admit I rarely read cozy mysteries but this was quite a fun read. I enjoyed reading about the cast of characters, including Lana's black pug, Kikkoman, who is named after a soy sauce's brand. The setting was interesting as it surrounds the restaurant and the Asian community, thus allowing the reader to get a feel of the Chinese culture and how their daily livelihood is like. Lana was an interesting character; she is an Eurasian with an English father and a Chinese mother and what makes her stand out is her lively personality. Plot-wise, it was mostly focused on Lana's investigations but of course the intensity wasn't as much as compared to a suspense thriller considering this is a cozy mystery but it still kept me engaged and like Lana, I wanted to find out the identity of the killer. All in all this was a good start of a new series, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Lana and Trudeau in the next book, Dim Sum of All Fears.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Cozy Mystery 16 comments |

Circe by Madeline Miller

Melody

Bloomsbury Publishing | April 2018 | 352 pgs

Source: Library

Retellings can be tricky. Most often they offer a fresh perspective from the originals but if not done well they could be a miss. In Madeline Miller's Circe (Orange Prize-winning author of The Song of Achilles), I'm glad to say it not only offers an interesting perspective based from the Greek mythology but also it has a few underlying themes which I felt to be quite moving.

Circe is the daughter of Helios. He is the god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans. Unlike her other siblings, Circe is often cast as an outsider due to her mortal voice. Her looks isn't outstanding and in the eyes of the gods, she is only a plain nymph and that she is noticeable because she is Helios' daughter.

"The thought was this: that all my life had been murk and depths, but I was not a part of that dark water. I was a creature within it."

Then an unexpected act out of anger and jealousy had her exiled in a remote island, Aiaia. Out of boredom, Circe finds herself immersed in growing herbs and making use of them in her witchcraft (a specialty which she isn't aware until later). The days go by and countless ships had stopped by her island and she'll give the sailors food and wine but she'll turn them into swine should they dare to touch her. Life goes on until mortal Odysseus' arrival disrupt her isolated life and to protect what she holds dear, Circe will have to decide between the deities world where she belongs and the mortals she has come to love and protect.

"I thought once that gods are the opposite of death, but I see now they are more dead than anything, for they are unchanging, and can hold nothing in their hands."

Circe is a beautiful story. I loved Madeline Miller's storytelling and her prose; I loved that Circe has elements that vary from Greek mythology (yes, there are conflicts and there are obstacles which come in various forms) to coming-of-age and to love and kinship. Most of all, I liked Circe, the narrator, for her courage and her strong determination despite she made mistakes and that she is not afraid of dangers and consequences. Though a goddess, she has a mortal's heart which differ her from other deities.

I could go on and on, but this is a story you have to read it yourself and experience the journey (all the more if you love Greek mythology).

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Fantasy, Mythology 16 comments |

Number One Chinese Restaurant by Lillian Li

Melody

Holt, Henry & Company, Inc. | June 2018 | 304 pgs

Source: Library

This debut novel by Lillian Li is a story about family and dreams; and most of all it is a story about the relationship between parents and children, youth and aging and one's value and devotion.

The Beijing Duck House in Rockville, Maryland, has made its name through Bobby Han's foresight and his belief of traditional Chinese cuisines and the connections it bring people together, be it a place for celebrations or merely for gatherings. This legacy is passed on to his youngest son, Jimmy Han, after Bobby's death and the oldest son, Johnny, left for Hong Kong to start off a new life. Johnny has no intention of running the Duck House although he is the more capable one among the two brothers. His only nineteen-year-old daughter, Annie, remains in the States as she works as a waitress at the Duck House.

Nan and Ah-Jack are longtime employees at the Duck House and knew the family-run restaurant inside out. Despite each is married, they never find the love they've for their spouse and over the years friendship and familiarity have slowly take a turn into something else but both of them chose to let things as they are even though they care too much for each other. Nan has a seventeen-year-old son, Pat, and he works as a dishwasher at the Duck House. He is one troubled teen filled with angst.

Jimmy has plans to leave his late father's homespun establishment for a classier one; ditching their old menus for an Asian fusion dishes. But of course setting up new business needs financials and he isn't sure if striking up a deal with Pang, an old family friend, is wise until tragedy strikes, implicating Pat and Annie to the already complicated Hans family saga as they're somewhat involved in setting the Duck House in flames. How would the Hans brothers and Nan react and how much are they willing to sacrifice to help their children?

There are a lot of things going on in this story. The friction within the Hans family household, the relationship between Nan and Ah-Jack and the vulnerability side of Pat and Annie as they are most often cast aside by their own parents due to work demands and their own selfish needs. It's a great exploration and an in-depth look of various relationships, but I felt there should be some backstory about Pang, considering how he played an "important" role in all the connections to the Duck House. Overall it was a promising debut and I look forward to the author's next book.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Book Review, Fiction 12 comments |

The Sudden Departure of the Frasers by Louise Candlish

Melody

Penguin | May 2015 | 512 pgs

Source: Library

I enjoyed Louise Candlish's latest book, Our House, so much so that I decided to check out her backlist and this is one of the titles released in 2015.

Christy and Joe Davenport couldn't believe their luck when they found themselves as the new owner of a luxurious house situated in a suburb neighbourhood at Lime Park Road. Bought it at a much lower price with full furnishing, the Davenports did wonder about their predecessor's haste in selling the house. After all, they renovated the entire property yet moved out within a year. However, the thought of moving into a bigger place has replaced that little unsettling thought, and Christy is ready to get settled down but she has noticed that none of the neighbours are willing to talk with her.

Eager to break the ice and hopefully to dig some info about the previous owners, Christy found herself being brushed off by the neighbours when she tried to invite them to her house as a get-together. Christy also noticed that they are reluctant to talk about Jeremy and Amber Fraser, the previous owners, and most of all, she is intrigued by the mysterious Rob Whalen who is just living next to her. Their silence surrounding the Frasers and Rob arouse her curiosity and she is set to unravel this mystery and what had made the Frasers depart so suddenly. But what she didn't realise is what she is doing will open up a whole new can of worms.

I enjoyed this book but not as much as Our House. Although both books have a house as the setting, the concept is entirely different and while Our House is very much a plot-driven thriller, this one was more on the perceptions of the characters, in particularly Amber and Christy. The reader see things through their perspectives between the past and the present and this builds the intensity as the story slowly unfolds. However, the "secret" was a bit of a let down as I felt it was too ordinary (more so on the way the said characters handled that particular secret which snow-balled into a huge mess which was unnecessarily) but the ride was compelling and held my attention throughout, thus a 4-stars rating.