The North Light by Hideo Yokoyama

I am a slow reader when it comes to a good story. It requires a lot of time and attention to gain a detailed understanding.

For someone who loves a thriller, the plot line of this book held my attention. The author's writing style is another reason for the high rating. I feel a connection between the characters. I expected something different with the ending - the combination of the whimsical but by the time I got to the end, my skeptical frown had long since given way to a grin of satisfaction. So I guess, this is my last book of 2023 that I proudly love and give 5 ⭐️ 😭😭 

Minoru Aose is an architect. A client has requested to build their new home. They requested the same design that featured The Best Design of the Year, the famous Y Residence. The owner of Y Residence is Touta Yoshino. The feeling of resistance to build a clone home overlapped with the disappearance of Yoshino's family without a trace. He believes his world and Yoshino's are intertwined. If someone were to able to solve the whole mystery, it's Aose. The whole point of the mystery is to learn more about atoning, Aose's childhood, a possible red herring and Bruno Taut, a German architect who took asylum in Japan in 1933. 

Thanks to @definitelybooks #pansing for the review copy. Opinions are my own 💙 

*Available at all major bookstores in Singapore and Malaysia and their online stores

I'm planning on reading other Hideo's work next year 🤞🤞

The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai

 

I adore the heartwarming story of Kamogawa Diner and Detective Agency. Mr Kamogawa and his daughter Koishi are such a dynamic duo, always going above and beyond to ensure their clients are satisfied. The way they recreate dishes to bring back memories is simply magical.

This story is a delightful reminder of the simple pleasures in life, and how they can bring us so much joy. Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate. Nostalgia can be just as vital an ingredient that promotes a sense of self-identity, and belonging and reflects on difficult moments. The sentimental longing for the past can be a delightful feeling.

A brief fictional prose narrative. A gentle reminder, the author's style of writing is straightforward to read and follow. I've always imagined that the last chapter might leave my expectations in chaos but there's none. I did wonder why put Drowsy on the cover. So, yes, it is what it is.

Thanks to @definitelybooks #pansing for the review copy. Opinions are my own 💙 

*Available at all major bookstores in Singapore and Malaysia and their online stores

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#definitelybooks #donereading #TheKamogawaFoodDetectives by #HisashiKashiwai #igbooks #igreads #letsgetreading #emabaca #bookrecommendations #bookreview #malaysiamembaca 

None Of This is True by Lisa Jewell

 

I am beyond thrilled to share my thoughts on this book. The author's talent for taking a seemingly ordinary plot and turning it into a riveting page-turner is truly remarkable. I couldn't put it down. The captivating writing style and enigmatic character had me hooked from beginning to end. 

Alix Summer, a prominent feminist podcaster, and Josie Fair, a survivor of her past, join forces to pursue a new project about her quite traumatic life. Alix allowed Josie into her life and had been a houseguest for a week claiming to have been a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of her husband. But their collaboration ultimately leads to Josie's true colour and leaves a lasting impact on others. 

I highly recommend this book and give it an enthusiastic 5 ⭐️ rating. These are my personal opinions, and I want to express my gratitude to @definitelybooks #pansing for the review copy. You can find this must-read book at all leading bookstores in Singapore and Malaysia, as well as online stores. Trust me, it's a book that will leave you feeling joyful and inspired, especially with its unexpected moments of brilliance.

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

 

 

Inspired by the real-life sorority targeted by America's first celebrity serial killer in his final murderous spree. It takes on the story of Ted Bundy and is told from the perspective of a student who survives a horrific attack on a sorority house in Tallahassee, Florida. He attacked two others and killed two women.

The survivor, Pamela Schumacher, 21 years old, is a chapter president, she's the only one who saw the intruder. She was able to give a good and strong description. It was not long after, Martina Cannon, a woman in a different state claimed that the suspect was the same man who had a prior history of escape after being convicted of kidnapping and awaiting trial of brutal slaying.

The case was strong, but the DA couldn't be bothered with anything approaching justice until he started killing again. The MO didn't fit though but I am not a person who needs a happy ending in a book. The book utilises a dual pov with the story being told by the two main characters: Pamela and Ruth Wachowsky.  I was struggling to get through the book, as it is slow-paced although shows fairly character-driven.

4 ⭐️

Thanks to @definitelybooks #pansing for the review copy. Opinions are my own 💙 

*Available at all major bookstores in Singapore and Malaysia and their online stores

Snail by Minu Kim

 

I think it's not easy to comprehend the story. Looking at pictures and talking about related examples is a way to explore the issues that can arise. When it comes to sibling rivalry, as parents we must have a way that suits our children. Some are used to slow implementation and others may struggle to understand the issues.

Snail or tortoise is a popular symbol of struggling group in our life chain. Despite our slowness, the most important thing is that you're learning a new thing.

Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for the earc. I give 3.5 ⭐️

LUCAS the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon

 

I think all cats are like Lucas. Curious and love adventure. And use the spy camera is a way to check out how our cats are doing especially when night is come. 

Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for fun earc. I give 4 ⭐️