The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins

The story begins with an unsettling claim by a forensic anthropologist: Vanessa Chapman’s 2005 sculpture, Division II, contains a rib bone that isn’t just from an animal—it’s human. The revelation sends scandal through the art world, unraveling a chain of mysteries tied to Chapman’s enigmatic life and death. A painter and ceramicist of unmatched brilliance, Vanessa lived in reclusion, crafting a legacy both haunting and beautiful. But as her closest relationships are scrutinized—her unfaithful husband, Julian, who vanished decades ago, and Grace Haswell, her loyal companion for twenty years—questions arise.

The characters are unforgettable: Grace, with her guarded loyalty and unspoken grief; James Becker, a curator struggling between duty and his own buried doubts, who becomes the lens through which Vanessa’s tangled world is viewed; and at the story's heart is Vanessa herself—a ghostly, commanding presence whose art continues to speak louder than her words and through the diary and notes that she left behind.

While some mysteries leave us with clear-cut answers, this one lingers in ambiguity, weaving a tale where art, memory, and the human condition intersect. The writing is stunning, evoking both the chilling nature of the revelations and the tender vulnerability of the characters. This isn’t just a mystery to solve; it’s a meditation on the stories we leave behind and how they’re retold by those we trust—or betray.

I closed this book with a shiver and an ache, knowing it will linger long after 2024 ends. A story like this deserves not just to be read but to be seen as a movie! This marks my 91st book in my reading challenge this year. I also want to express my gratitude to the beloved distributors for sending good books all these years. I really appreciate it.

She's Always Hungry by Eliza Clark

This collection is perfect for readers drawn to stories that unflinchingly examine our most self-destructive tendencies. Each tale is haunting, imaginative, and deeply human. Some could even be expanded into novels, thanks to their complex worlds and characters. This is my second time reading Clark, and once again, I’m captivated by their light yet deeply incisive prose, which effortlessly constructs stories that linger in the mind and explore our darkest impulses.

My favorites:

Build a Body Like Mine  

In this chilling exploration of body image and identity, a woman discovers a life-altering secret about her body after years of self-denial. The twist—a parasitic "gift" that lets her indulge without consequences—forces her to reconcile control and surrender in a profoundly unsettling way. The story literally had me saying, “WTF” out loud multiple times. (Sorry, not sorry😅)

She’s Always Hungry  

Blending folklore with personal tragedy, this tale follows a man who captures a mysterious creature that transforms into a woman. Her cryptic request reveals the eerie truth behind his village’s vanishing men and his own fractured identity.

The Shadow Over Little Chitaly  

A sharp, satirical gem that reimagines fusion cuisine with an unexpected horror twist. Little Chitaly, the restaurant at the center, balances the line between the absurd and the grotesque as its eccentric menu defies customer expectations—and common sense.

Overall, Clark’s anthology seamlessly combines sharp wit, emotional depth, and the macabre, delivering stories that linger long after the final page. With its blend of dark humor, profound insights into human nature, and unsettling twists, it makes for an unforgettable read.

Juice by Tim Winton

A lengthy story revolves around a man and a girl, both unnamed, who travel together in search of a remote and sheltered settlement. Along the way, they encounter a stranger armed with a crossbow. At this point, the man decides to share his story alone, beginning with his origins and the people who lived in the hinterland. He grew up with his mother, who taught him everything he needed to survive as a responsible citizen and encouraged him to embark on journeys as a means of education. Through his travels, he gained a wealth of knowledge, symbolizing confidence, trust, and freedom.

In his community, there was no caste or hierarchy. Life was marked by challenging weather and epidemics, making it unsafe to remain in one place for too long. He asserted that he was not an ordinary person. Upon coming of age, he joined the Service with a specific mission. This transition changed his life, introducing him to routines and a world that was more complex than he had ever understood.

While the exact timeline isn't specified, it is likely set in a dystopian future several decades from now—a post-apocalyptic world devastated by climate change, violence, and chaos. The author also portrays the old world as dirty and rotten. It is now the task of the new generation to learn from the past and make sacrifices to ensure that such a catastrophe never happens again.

This narrative spans over 500 pages and is a thought-provoking read that tackles themes of grief and loss while addressing the global effects of generational trauma. I spent nearly two weeks engrossed in this imaginative tale, reflecting on our responsibilities, our understanding of identity, humanity, and technology, and grappling with the question of who is to blame. 😅😅

Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

Erin Gillford has been charged with the murder of her partner, Lyle Pearse. Lyle, the head of the Pearse Foundation and a local philanthropist, was found stabbed in their home, and Erin has no memory of how she ended up covered in blood. Strangely, the first person she called after discovering the body was her ex-husband, Ernest Cunningham.

Ernest, a fan of golden age murder mysteries who has solved two relatively high-profile cases in the past, has gained celebrity status as a detective. While searching for clues, tragedy struck again when Lyle's business partner was killed the following day. With Erin’s shaky alibi and six suspects potentially connected to both murders, Ernest compiled all the deductions he could gather, even though he lacked solid evidence.

I enjoy a good cozy mystery filled with quirky characters and typically no earth-shattering plot involved. If you’re looking for something fun this holiday season, what could be cozier than a Christmas-themed murder mystery?

 

 

The Crash by Freida McFadden

Tegan Werner is twenty-three years old, eight months pregnant, and unmarried. Unfortunately, she has become a cliché: she got pregnant while drinking and doesn’t even know who the father of her child is. A month later, an unexpected event occurred—she saw a man on TV, identified by the caption as Simon Lamar, a successful businessman in real estate. He had no interest in marrying her, as he was already happily married.

Tegan signed a contract that would have provided her with a significant sum of money, enough to set her up for life. However, before she could sign, unsettling memories began to resurface. She recalled feeling drugged and assaulted the night they met.

Ultimately, Tegan chose to report the incident to the police, believing it was the right thing to do, and lost the opportunity for the money. She decided to leave everything behind to be with her brother, who lives in another state, before the snow arrived. Unfortunately, she had an accident that injured her ankle. She was rescued by a man named Hank, who has a wife named Polly. Although he saved her life, Tegan felt uncomfortable around him. She felt helpless, trapped, and stranded in Hank's basement.

The story is told from both Tegan and Polly's points of view. This is just the beginning of Tegan's difficult journey. Surprisingly, this is the first book by Freida that I read, and I can understand why her works are so popular in our community.

Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst

David Win’s memoir is a powerful story about identity, resilience, and the relationships that shaped his life. Born to a half-Burmese and an unknown father, David grew up surrounded by the mystery of Burma, a topic his mother rarely spoke about. As a dressmaker, she earned very little, but David’s education was made possible by Mark Hadlow, a kind businessman and philanthropist who became a father figure to him. David’s friendship with Mark’s son, Giles, adds another layer to the story, creating moments of tension and reflection.

The memoir also reveals David’s discovery of his mother’s sexuality, which makes him question his ideas of family and identity even more. Themes of race and sexuality are central, showing how David faced discrimination and ridicule because of who he was. These experiences deeply shaped his ideas about love, freedom, and self-worth.

While some characters feel a bit predictable and the story seems written for a general audience, the memoir’s real strength is in its exploration of minority struggles. It challenges common storytelling styles and highlights the realities of living with multiple identities. Even though the plot is not very strong, the memoir’s emotional honesty and focus on important issues make it a meaningful and inspiring read.

Havoc by Christopher Bollen

Maggie Burkhardt, an 81-year-old woman, arrived at the Royal Karnak Palace Hotel three months ago. Her late husband left her in good financial shape, allowing her to travel and plan to stay there for good. Everything seemed fine at first. She is nice, sweet, thoughtful, and kind-hearted. However, she also tends to intervene in the lives of other hotel guests, claiming she simply wants to help people be happy and free. This is where I initially put a hold on the book. It's reminiscent of having a nosy neighbor who pries into everything. I thought it was just her nature to care too much, especially after losing her beloved husband and daughter. Perhaps her behavior was exacerbated by the global disaster during the pandemic, which made her overly involved in the personal lives of the hotel's guests. 😅

In the second half of the book, I began to see how reckless Maggie had become, particularly when a young mother, Tess Seeber, and her son, Otto, arrived at the hotel alone. Maggie notices the difficulties between them and the absent father. Despite her attempts to ignore it, Otto makes her uncomfortable, revealing himself to be a manipulative child who tries to blackmail her! This leads to an episode of behavioral changes, emotional instability, and struggles with decision-making for Maggie, resulting in chaos and unnecessary death. What a havoc!

The book explores themes of grief and unravels how even good intentions can lead to devastating consequences when taken too far. The writing style heightened my emotional engagement, transitioning from calm to spiraling recklessness at a slow-motion pace.

The Tokyo Zodiac Murders by Soji Shimada

Over forty years have passed since the murders. Several diligent amateur detectives have been trying to figure it out. The case of serial murders, which took place in 1936, is popularly known as the Tokyo Zodiac Murders and is one of the most peculiar and elusive mysteries in the history of crime. The case remains an utter mystery. A duo, Kazumi Ishioka and Kiyoshi Mitarai, are compelling characters; Kiyoshi's sardonic wit and sharp intellect contrast sharply with Kazumi's. Their dynamic adds depth to the process of solving the mystery of the Umezawa family genocide.

Heikichi Umezawa was such a maniac about his art. He was found dead in his studio behind a locked door. He happened to leave a "document" about his fascination with creating a perfect woman named Azoth. There was no evidence left at the scene, and his daughters and nieces, who did not have strong alibis, were brutally killed months later. They were buried in different places, and each body had been cut up in a different way, exactly as described in Heikichi's last cryptic notes.

A woman visited Kiyoshi to tell him about a shocking incident in which her father was used by some criminals involved in Heikichi's case. After her father passed away, he left behind a confession that enlightened Kiyoshi about the cold case.

TTZM belongs to the classic Japanese honkaku subgenre of murder mystery. It prioritizes fair-play puzzles where readers are encouraged to solve the crime alongside the detective based on the clues given. I rated it 4.5 ⭐️ for its masterful plotting and engaging mystery.

An Eye For An Eye by Jeffrey Archer

This seventh book features Chief Superintendent William Warwick and his sidekick, Chief Inspector Ross Hogan, as they encounter the infamous Miles Faulkner after three years in prison. Faulkner, known as the most celebrated forger in the country, is determined to get revenge on Warwick and his team.

I found the story idea somewhat repetitive. To be honest, I wasn't particularly impressed when I first started reading, and the slow-burn thriller aspect was initially off-putting. However, as I continued reading, the pieces began to fall into place, and I became engaged enough to finish the book. Heheh. The ending left room for further stories, and I look forward to the next installment, which is set to be the finale.

In the early chapters, I became invested in Simon Hartley, Britain's chief arms negotiator, who is falsely charged with murder and languishing in a foreign jail in Saudi Arabia. Inspector Ross is tasked with protecting the witness who could help save Simon's life. This delicate situation could potentially lead to a diplomatic incident due to the upcoming Saudi delegation's visit to Britain. Additionally, it's revealed that Simon's ancestors were friends of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, which has been in the family for over two hundred years, is now worth over a million dollars and is highly sought after by many people.

Overall, this book offers a mix of political intrigue, personal stakes, and historical elements, though it might tread familiar ground for fans of the series.

What A Way To Go by Bella Mackie

Entertaining and interesting, I found this to be another enjoyable read from the author with great characters and a compelling plot. Anthony Wistern was the head of the most influential financial mega company. He was found dead, impaled on a pole in the lake at his evening party for his sixtieth birthday celebration. Despite there being several people who harbored a deep hatred for Anthony, including his family and business rivals, the police did not treat the death as suspicious. He is survived by his wife and four children, whose emotional state has been affected by the death; they are demanding, intimidating, and annoying. They have always been all about reputation and money.

In this interim stage leading to the next phase, Anthony must first learn how he died. His memory of the events leading up to his death has faded; instead, he looks up to see his family fighting and play-acting in grief. Stranded in a place of reflection and contemplation, he does not lose his sense of humor, though.

They might be in for a nasty surprise when the will is read. They find out that the man who was meant to showcase his status, success, and power had been a fraudster all along. The character development and the plot kept me invested in how the story turned out.

 

Talking To Strangers by Fiona Barton

In a small town, the discovery of a body in the woods could be the story that breaks the monotony of mind-numbing local news, and Kiki Nunn cannot afford to miss this opportunity. The deceased was none other than Karen Simmons, whom Kiki had previously interviewed for a dating feature. Karen was an outgoing member of a singles group called the Free Spirits, known for her enthusiasm for seeking love.

As Kiki investigates further, she delves into chat rooms on dating apps, eventually stumbling upon a disturbing network of predators. Her investigations uncover connections to an old case involving the murder of a boy named Archie, who was killed sixteen years ago in the same woods. Archie's mother, Annie, reappears after all this time to plead with the police to reopen the case, as there are still unanswered questions surrounding her son's death. A 24-year-old sex offender named Nicky Donovan was arrested at the time but killed himself while in custody, leading them to believe he was wrongly convicted.

All this would never have happened if Kiki had not teamed up with DI Elise King. They expose the dark web of predators lurking in the small town of Ebbing. This novel is narrated by three strong female protagonists and addresses significant issues such as misogyny, sexual violence, and rape. It evokes a wide range of emotions and explores the unimaginable aftermath of these experiences. I am drawn to books with strong female characters, as they resonate with the realities many women face and relate to the #MeToo movement. 4.5 ⭐️

Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin

Rosemary and her husband, Guy Woodhouse, signed a lease on a charming four-room apartment in Bramford, a place they had always dreamed of living in. Despite a friend's warning about Bramford's unpleasant reputation—early linked to incidents of cannibalism, witchcraft, and even dead infants in its history—they decided to move in.

Shortly after their arrival, tragedy struck when a young woman was found dead; she had lived with their elderly neighbors, Minnie and Roman Castevet. Despite the unlikelihood of forming a bond with them, the Castevets treated them with kindness and concern. After an unsettling dinner with them, Rosemary began experiencing a strange dream. Not long after that, Rosemary announced her pregnancy, and they became more attached. 

However, Rosemary started to feel that something was wrong. She experienced strange cravings, along with constant pain and distress. This story kept me guessing right from the very beginning. I was unsure whether the main character could be trusted or if she was starting to lose her mind. The narrative provides a chilling experience as it reveals the unfolding events alongside the characters. The book effectively sets a suspenseful atmosphere, and the ending transitions smoothly. I particularly loved the noir vibes of the '60s.

You Will Never Be Me by Jesse Susanto

It's shocking to learn that social media can be a very dark place. With just the click of a button, being an influencer means keeping up with constant posting, and all the success often comes with a lot of baggage.

Meredith Lee and Aspen Palmer were best friends. Meredith found success on her YouTube channel while Aspen struggled to be like her. However, after Aspen married Ben, she managed to gain followers, and as a photogenic couple, they became a viral sensation, becoming influencers in their own right. For Meredith, though, it became hard to be a single mom. She swears that everything that happened was Aspen's fault. Although it wasn't intended to be a competition, their friendship ended in a catastrophic fight.

 As soon as their follower counts soared, kindness sharpened into jealousy, shattering marriages and ruining friendships. Not only that, the fear of not knowing what to post or feeling drained of creative ideas left a state of a fake aesthetic life.

Sounds familiar enough? I really enjoy reading the author's work, which I rated 5 ⭐️. I must say the main characters are incredibly badass. One is a horrible person who can't handle her best friend's success. Additionally, it highlights the lowest moments of motherhood and raises awareness on social media platforms.

Horror, He Wrote by Tan Jit Seng

Ernest Maxwell Graves, a struggling crime writer, is contemplating ending his life due to an undignified failure in writing literature. His latest novel, "Sex and Pontianak," was also a lack of success and was ridiculed by reviewers. However, his misery takes a chilling turn when a beautiful Chinese ghost appears before him. Her name is Chang Pai Lian, named after the white lotus.

Pai Lian offers Ernest a compelling interest in the murder of her twin sister, Chang Hong Lian, who was infamously dubbed the Red Lotus by the press. Her sister was murdered, and the identity of the murderer remains a mystery. Following this tragedy, Pai Lian took her own life. Both sisters died under the bridge at Taiping Botanical Garden.

She claimed that her sister had been murdered, similar to the book she was ghostwriting. She wanted to expose the wrongdoings and make a deal to be Ernest's ghostwriter to tell the true story.

Interesting premise. Aside from the confusing timeline and perspectives, the author delivers a fun, mystical fantasy with plenty of funny punchlines that are easy to read. It was not a straightforward case, though, and it involved supernatural elements.

Gadis Kretek by Ratih Kumala

5 ⭐️

Begitulah. 

Paduan jalan cerita yang begitu hidup, tragis, sarat dengan budaya, sejarah terhasilnya rokok di Jawa dan yang pasti melekat di hati aku sampai bila-bila. 

Kisah cinta yang kemudiannya menjadi dendam menciptakan satu atmosphere yang meruntun jiwa.

Bermula sekitar era pendudukan Jepun ke tanah Jawa, klobot atau kretek menjadi perantara masyarakat. Bukan saja dikatakan boleh mengubati penyakit asma tapi juga menjadi bahan dalam sistem barter ketika itu di samping dapat memberi semangat kepada penggemarnya. Perusahaan klobot Idroes Moeria melalui liku-liku yang sangat panjang. Cita-citanya untuk memasarkan rokok daun itu ke luar daerah, cintanya kepada Roemaisa, saingannya Soedjagad yang tidak henti-henti mengasak serta konflik yang melingkupi di tengah krisis perubahan politik.

Memang aku kagum betul penulis dapat menceritakan secara terperinci bagaimana proses pembuatan kretek itu semasa detik datangnya Jepun, kemerdekaan Indonesia dan kemudiannya kebangkitan PKI. Aku rasa kemuncak cerita ini sewaktu anak Idroes, Dasiyah yang mesra dipanggil Jeng Yah turut sama mempertahankan warisan perusahaan keluarga dengan identiti dan rahsia perisa kreteknya sendiri, Kretek Gadis. 

Penulis bijak menyelang-nyelikan scene cerita di zaman sekarang dan zaman sebelum ini membuatkan pembaca ralit untuk tahu kisah watak utama, Jeng Yah dan Soeraya seterusnya. Endingnya begitu mantap, rahsia yang tersimpan berpuluhan tahun terbongkar setelah sekian lama membuatkan ia momen yang menyentuh hati dan tak terlupakan. Perfect.

Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

This is like a confession of Eileen Dunlop, who was twenty-four years old when this all happened. She worked as a secretary at a private juvenile correctional facility for teenage boys. She was depicted as having an unhappy, sad life and harboring a deep disdain for almost everything around her.

Eileen's father was an alcoholic who often ridiculed her, and she never spoke up for herself. Instead, she preferred to sit and rage quietly. She struggled to make friends and often fantasized about her disappearance, a thought she never discussed with anyone.

Her prayer was answered when a new prison director of education, Rebecca Saint John, came into the picture. She seemed sweet, promising that Eileen's situation could improve. Eileen admired and yearned for her attention.

This week's entries express how desperate she is to escape from her dull and miserable life. The writing is engaging and creates a sense of suspense with strong and well-developed characters. However, I found the ending to be rather lacklustre. I spent much of my time trying to piece together the details to understand the bigger picture, but it felt drawn out, as though not much was really happening.

Kokoro by Natsume Soseki

I think I just found the right book by the right author! The story is divided into three parts. Part 1 is about the acquaintance between the narrator, a young man, and Sensei, a lonely man whom he admires deeply.

Part 2 focuses on the young man's relationship with his family, particularly as his father's illness has taken a turn for the worse.

Part 3 is the most heartbreaking section, featuring a confession from Sensei to the young man. In this letter, Sensei reveals his long pent-up inner pain about his past and moral darkness, beginning with the death of his parents and his uncle's betrayal. Following these traumatic events, he then met and lived in a boarding house with strangers, Okusan and her daughter. His path crossed again with his friend, known only as K, and his predicament. He suggested that K move in with him, but he soon became jealous of K's interest in their landlord's daughter. This continual strain was affecting his attitude and decisions afterward.

What I feel is that both men (Sensei and K) possess too much pride. I even grew tired of the characters. Given their youth, this behavior is quite understandable. The stories are dark and feature morally ambiguous characters. Set in the 1920s, this slow-paced narrative is deeply personal and hauntingly beautiful, exploring themes such as family, friendship, and the fragility of human behavior: depression, insecurities, guilt, and ego. I rate it 4.5 ⭐️

Kaedah Perancang Keluarga

Hari Isnin lepas aku telah mengambil keputusan untuk tukar kaedah family planning. Entah dah berapa tahun aku guna pil. Suntikan depo pun dah pernah guna. Jadinya sementara tunggu menopause sajalah aku nak try ni. IUCD.

Garisan putih tu alatnya. Aku tawakal je. Rasa menyesal pun tak guna. Mana² kaedah pun kalau Allah dah jadikan, maka jadilah ia. Kata doktor, lain orang lain penerimaannya. Macam aku masa nak masukkan alat ni memang azab. Rasa macam dah nak surrender tapi 3 orang attend aku masa tu. Takkan aku nak buangkan masa diaorang macam tu je. Lepas tu aku punya over-thinking aku terscroll tt. Bermacam² komen. Rata² mereka guna, pregnant. TF 

Moral of the story. Aku telan panadol, tidur. Lepas beberapa hari dah tak sakit. Dapatlah aku kongsikan pengalaman aku yang haru ni. Nak dijadikan cerita benang pun aku tak dapat rasa. Mungkin sebab period, dari pembacaan artikel. 

Graveyard Shift by M. L. Rio

TW: It may contain a spoiler 👻👻. Hehe

A group of so-called friends called the Anchorites met in the churchyard every night at midnight. Not on purpose, just to smoke and loiter to pass the time. It used to be a graveyard a hundred years ago.

One night, they found a hole in the ground that contained a pile of dead rats. Intrigued, they speculated and were unable to leave the mystery unresolved. When the gravedigger visited again, they took the opportunity to do some sleuthing.

This is a novella, and the story takes place between midnight and morning. It’s an interesting subject, exploring the idea of an experimental outbred strain of rats that was used for neurological and behavioral studies. This project went wrong when they discovered that human subjects were involved. The results suggest that it could indicate a rise in impulsivity and behavioral issues. It provides suspense and dark mystery with a touch of the ethical boundaries of research and the unforeseen consequences.

 

Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

A group of writers, book industry professionals, and reading circle buffs were invited to the program for the Australian Mystery Writers' Festival, with guest of honour Henry McTavish, bestselling author of a detective series. The festival was to take place on the Ghan, the famous train route that bisects the immense desert of Australia. The train had been overhauled for comfort and luxury, an opulent hotel on rails and a world-renowned tourist destination.

However, in an unexpected turn of events not long into the journey, McTavish was found dead. It occurred to many of them that they had reasons to dislike him, and several were probably glad he was dead. The crime writers, each specializing in a different field, were eager to find and rule out the motives and alibis. While they were playing detective, the number one suspect turned into a victim.

The story also explores the unreliable nature of the literary world, such as ghostwriting, the significance of the author's endorsement, and the complexities of literary criticism. It's a great read for setting up a whodunnit! While the narrative is engaging and well-crafted, I found that the ending did not meet my expectations, given the buildup of the plot, deductions, and the final reveal.

Misteri yang sudah terungkai

Sejak semalam aku susah nak masuk blogspot. Bukanlah susah. Boleh je tekan continue to site tu tapi selalu takde macam tu. Seingat aku, takde pulak aku gatal tangan tukar setting apa-apa. Nampak minor. 

Mat Som by Lat

Komik yang diterbitkan sekitar 1989 ini tentang Mat Som bin Mat Top seorang perantau dari kampung yang bercita-cita hendak menjadi seorang penulis surat khabar. Duduk menumpang bersama kawannya di Kuala Lumpur ketika itu amat mencabar. Masih belum berjawatan tetap, sepucuk surat diterima daripada ayahnya dari Tanjung Malim yang memintanya 'berkawan' dengan Faridah, teman sepermainannya masa kecil dulu. Dia berbelah bahagi dengan permintaan ayahnya yang mahu dia berumahtangga dengan anak kawannya disebabkan ekonominya masih tak stabil dan ditambah pula dia mahu menimba pengalaman hidup merantau.

Walau pun ini komik tapi perjalanan cerita Mat Som macam novel. Dengan suasana tahun 80an yang tinggal menjadi sejarah buat aku rasa dekat sekali dengan jiwa. Aku paling suka part dia berjumpa dengab Pyanhabib dan sewaktu dia nak balik ke Kuala Lumpur, dia sempat ke tempat kerja ayahnya. Nostalgia betul. 

Endingnya juga sungguh baik. Mat Som ialah seorang lelaki yang bercita-cita, sederhana dan mempunyai identiti sendiri. 4.5 ⭐️

The September House by Carissa Orlando

Margaret and her husband, Hal Hartman, shared fantasies of owning a house—a place where they could live and grow old together. They fell in love with a gorgeous old Victorian house that was nearly one hundred fifty years old, despite a death that had occurred there. Undeterred, they bought the house.

They lived blissfully until the walls of the house started bleeding and making screaming noises every September. These events continued to happen cyclically and vanished in October. Not only that, they discovered that the house was filled with the spirits of the deceased, seemingly trying to convey a message. Margaret tried to learn more about the history of the house through articles in the library but couldn't find a solution.

After four years, Hal couldn't bear to live in the house for another September and mysteriously disappeared. Instead of having a poor relationship with her father, Katherine returned home to search for her missing father.

It is another story about a haunted house, a dysfunctional family, and generational trauma. It evokes different emotions throughout the novel, from spooky and sad to twisted. This ingenious book is riveting and well-documented through Margaret's POV and received a Goodreads Choice Award. 4.5 ⭐️ 

The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel

Omgomgomgomg. What a sweet revenge! A pat on the back to the author. For this, I give 5 ⭐️. 

A group of so-called friends hasn't seen each other in over a decade, so this is an informal reunion after one of them, Alfred Smettle, celebrated his second year in business at the Hitchcock Hotel. A themed hotel is what they needed, as autumn is the perfect season to commemorate the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. What a coincidence that they share a first name! Alfred invited his five former friends from college for the weekend. They took a film studies class together. Little did they know, he planned some kind of revenge for all of them because of the 'betrayal' that took place before they graduated. Staging a perfect murder as an accident may evoke a mood and create enough suspense.

Maybe the story paced a bit slow in the first half of the book, but I think it's necessary. The author keeps intriguing interactions between the characters in every chapter. Weird things have been happening all weekend. What we know is that no one can be trusted after a body is found, until it's too late to realize that the reunion is a bad idea. The plot, the secrets, and the closure have contributed to this beautiful writing.

Nadi Mahir

Tadi aku pergi dengar taklimat Nadi Mahir. Walau pun google meet tapi menarik sebab dah lama aku nak join bab kemahiran ni. Ada 5 kursus pendek ditawarkan. Dan aku pilih Mahir Jahit. Impian aku nak buat baju sendiri sebelum terlambat.😅

Mahir Masak pun menarik jugak. Tapi takut clash pulak kelasnya. Apa² pun kelas start tahun depan. Sempat kot aku fikir.

Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar

This sibling rivalry is one of the fast-paced reads about things that don't go as planned, and lessons are learned about the nature of sisterly love after they're gone. I shed a few tears.

Grace and Maddy Stoll are siblings who are only 10 months apart. They have different circles, but they love each other nonetheless. Grace is the best sports student, outgoing, and has received a scholarship to college, while her sister, Maddy, is more reserved. She loves writing poems and tries her best to step out of her sister's shadow.

Their school is having a Senior Sabbatical week for the students as part of a traditional trip to Shady Oaks Lodge. The excitement turned into a nightmare when the sisters went missing from their room in the middle of the night, and only one was found on the side of the road the next morning, a mile from the lodge.

The search for Maddy Stoll continues, and there are rumors about a fight they had before the disappearance. While suffering from an injured head trauma, Grace becomes a suspect when the police treat it as a homicide. Her only solution is a journal that Maddy left behind and friends to clear things up because she's sure did not kill her own blood.

For a debut, I think the premise sounds familiar, but it's captivating with a twisted ending. Thanks to @times.reads and @putrifariza for the uncorrected proof copy. All views are my own 💙 

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

Derma darah

Hari Rabu yang lepas aku telah pergi ke hospital untuk menderma darah selepas 4 tahun. Ini kali ketiga.

Pekat betul darah aku. 

Elevator in Saigon by Thuan

An immigrant Vietnamese woman attends her estranged mother's funeral, traveling from Paris to Saigon. When an acquaintance of her mother pays a visit, he relays a story from fifty years ago when she was a liaison girl for the Viet Minh and was held as a political prisoner.

A notebook and a photo of a man named Paul Polotsky, dated 1954, are the only clues she has about her mother. This further investigation is more like a journey through Saigon to Paris. Her mother's life resembles a treasure trove, and she is playing detective to make things clearer. She also learns about her mother's extended family and their roles in Vietnam's Revolution. It's like time traveling back to the place where her mother's side of the story originated.

This is my second mellow and meandering read about Vietnam in a row. Although it's slow-paced, it is thought-provoking.

Anam by Andre Dao

As the son of refugees and the grandson of a political prisoner, the narrator feels that the world owes something to his grandfather. A simple, mournful remembrance is insufficient; he wants to keep the memory of Annam alive by writing a memoir. His grandfather was a lawyer in Vietnam, also known as Anam. After the U.S. was defeated, the communist government took over. He had been imprisoned at Chi Hoa Prison for 10 years without being charged or tried as a revolutionary.

However, after returning from a fact-finding mission in Vietnam, he realizes that he may have become carried away in his quest. He is determined that the suffering of his grandfather at the hands of a repressive regime cannot be forgotten. At the same time, he feels he does not belong everywhere, matter-of-factly.

The narrator's memory of his grandparents, a research trip, fragments of his extended family in Vietnam, extensive reading, internet searches, and the support of his beloved wife and daughter have inspired him to envision a better version of himself. His grandfather believes that forgiveness is necessary for our own good.

Stories of POWs always make me sad. Their PTSD is hard to endure, and finding healing and closure may haunt them for the rest of their lives. Feeling sympathy and guilt may not be enough. This is the debut novel of the author, and it won the 2021 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript.

The House of Last Resort by Christopher Golden

Tommy and Kate Puglisi decided to start a new life in Becchina, a small town in Sicily. Moving there was a big step for them, and they saw it as an investment in their future together. It was also a chance to spend time with Tommy's grandparents.

However, their excitement quickly faded. The town experienced frequent tremors, and their new house, which used to be a church, was filled with strange noises. They had never been believers in the supernatural, but the eerie occurrences in their home began to unsettle them.

The story starts with a cliché opening, but I found myself drawn in by the history of the house, Tommy's father's connection to Becchina, and the growing sense of unease. The ending felt rushed and somewhat predictable, but overall, I found the story enjoyable to read.

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

A group of couples joins a reality TV show called "One Perfect Couple." The production will be shooting on a brand-new, secluded island. They feel something shady about the whole thing, particularly the theme, the rules, and a glimpse of internal conflicts.

Their first week was a disaster. After the first challenge leaves everyone rattled and angry, an overnight event takes matters from bad to worse. The island was swept away in a storm! Dozens of trees came down, and the whole shape of the beach was strewn with debris. There's no way they can get off the island with no crew left and no communication devices. The worst-case scenario is that one of the contestants and a crew member are found dead.

And the survival situation begins. It's pretty far from what they had intended. They have very limited food and water, and clearly, they need medical assistance. The fact that they're trapped on this island with people who are prepared to tear each other apart is alarming. There's a radio in case of emergencies, but it doesn't seem to be functioning properly.

Surprisingly, I love this reality show gone wrong. The plot is neat and yet full of drama. It exposes not only the secrets behind horrible media objects and their obsession but also the setup and possible motives of human nature.

Resolution by Irvine Welsh

Mr. Irvine, please don't die!  

It far exceeded my expectations. I find the main topic to be so relatable in today's society, which is paedophiles and PTSD. It's important to note that it can lead to a higher risk of developing health and behavioral challenges when the child becomes an adult. 

This is what happened to Ray Lennox. He and his friend, Les, had a traumatic experience of sexual assault that occurred almost 40 years ago. A scene that played out countless times brings back memories of the terror and torment they experienced during what they called the tunnel incident. Although he is no longer a cop, hunting for the sexual predator remains his only interest. When Matthew Cardingworth crossed his path, he believed Mat was one of the three perpetrators. However, he could find nothing to tie Mat because everyone in the town seemed to be in his pocket due to the great things he had done for the community. 

 I found the first half of the book to be a bit slow-paced and confusing due to the narrators, but it was worth sticking through to the end once I got into their stories. Moreover, the visual effects are vivid despite the obstacles created by the slang.

Whole Life Sentence by Lynda La Plante

Detective Inspector Jane Tennison is a dedicated and intuitive detective. She was transferred from Bromley on promotion to DCI and requested a posting to the AMIT (Area Major Incident Teams) team. AMIT is one of the toughest units in the Met and handles serious major crimes. 

Her first case is to investigate a cold case of a missing college student from five years ago. That was in 1986. Brittany Hall was 17 years old when her mother reported her missing. This means the whole plot is set in the early 1990s. However, the author is trying to keep it up-to-date, I guess. 😬

Three boys from the same college were the last people to see Brittany. The information and statements were gathered, and Jane had to prove they were involved in Brittany's disappearance. It's so easy to jump to a conclusion without a second thought. 

Jane knew her boss was giving her an unsolvable cold case to waste her time and keep her out of sight. She feels undervalued and patronized by her male colleagues. But that only made her more determined to find out what happened to Brittany. She had proven she deserved to be on the AMIT. 

It's a slow-paced story, not a groundbreaking piece. The ending was too rushed and not impactful enough when it reached the part where the crime unfolds. Jane survives her ordeal, though. This is the final book in the Tennison series and could be read as a standalone thriller.

Pusat Terapi Al-Nur

Kalau balik kampung memang inilah tempat yang mesti pergi. Mana nak cari tempat urut yang murah lagikan?

Urat yang tersimpul rapi memang terus jadi lega. Aku rasa macam nak tercabut rambut tadi punyalah kuat dia urut kepala tu kan. 

Selain dari tu ada juga servis lain yang diaorang buat seperti bekam, akupuntur, bunyi²kan badan/ cracking knuckles pun boleh. Pekerja²nya pun baik. 

*Ini bukan iklan berbayar

 

Dialog

Seperti yang kita belajar di sekolah dulu kalau nak buat dialog, mesti guna perenggan baru bersama dengan pembuka dan penutup kata. 

Tapi bila baca buku bahasa Inggeris semua tu tak penting dah. Ada berbagai jenis cara yang boleh dikategorikan sebagai dialog. Macam contoh di atas, penulis guna dash sahaja. Sebelum ni aku pernah baca, mereka guna italic tanpa perenggan baru. Contoh:

Bukan saya tak suka dia bang. Cuma dia tu suka sangat mengungkit hal-hal lama saya. Luahan Ahmad kepada abangnya.

Pada aku, aku ok je. Semakin banyak kita membaca, banyak jenis karya yang boleh kita pelajari. Tapi aku tak rasa editor di Malaysia bersetuju dengan dua cara di atas.