No One Would Do What The Lamberts Have Done by Sophie Hannah

This novel is unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s a book about a book, told by an unnamed writer who recounts the outrageous story of the Lamberts: Sally, Mark, their children Rhiannon and Tobes, and their beloved dog, Champs. But Champs isn’t just a pet. In Sally’s eyes, he is more than family.

The trouble begins when a policeman arrives at the Lamberts’ home with shocking news. Champs has been accused of biting Tess Gavey, their prickly neighbor. Devastated, Sally is swept into a bizarre escape party organized by Corinne Sullivan, another eccentric neighbor. From there, everything spirals wildly out of control.

The Gaveys are portrayed as overreacting, callous, and repulsive, but it’s the Lamberts, with their chaotic, surreal, and magnetic antics, who steal the show. Honestly, they deserve a movie series of their own. Their ridiculous adventures make the whole situation feel even crazier.

What fascinated me most was Sophie Hannah’s balancing act. So much of the story feels painfully real, yet just as much is deliberately distorted, filtered through the lens of an unreliable narrator. I was constantly asking myself what’s true, what’s fabricated, and who can be trusted.

This was my first Sophie Hannah novel, and despite the mixed reviews I’d seen beforehand, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Her writing is sharp, playful, and unnerving all at once. For its originality and wit, I’d give it 4.5 ⭐

A Beautiful and Terrible Murder by Claire M. Andrews

Set in 1872, this story takes us to Oxford University, divided into two colleges: All Souls, reserved for the most brilliant men chosen once a decade to compete for Queen Victoria’s favor with Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty among them. And Lady Margaret, where women finally gain a foothold in academia.

At the center is Irene Adler, living a double life as Isaac Holland. The illegitimate daughter of opera singer and courtesan Elena Adler, Irene is unwillingly brought from France by her father into the shadow of the Moriarty name. Despite the suffocating misogyny of the era, she rises as one of Oxford’s sharpest minds.

But brilliance soon gives way to horror. Students begin to die one by one, their deaths increasingly suspicious, rattling Oxford to its core and casting a heavy fog of dread. Someone is framing both Isaac and Holmes, and Irene suddenly finds her every move under scrutiny. Red herrings abound so many that at times I felt overwhelmed, even as the pacing kept me turning the pages. Holmes doesn’t stand out much here, but that’s understandable given the focus.

Overall, A Beautiful and Terrible Murder delivers atmosphere, suspense, and intrigue in abundance. Though the sheer number of red herrings may test your patience, the tension of Irene’s double life and the gothic Oxford setting kept me hooked until the end.

Sound Like Love by Ashley Poston

I really enjoyed this one! It's a mix of celebrity trope, small-town charm, and a dash of magical realism. Sounds Like Love is a fun romcom that balances humor with emotional depth. It’s not overly spicy, but it still gives you all the feels, and it’s hard not to root for Joni’s romance from the very beginning.

Joni Lark is a songwriter who once penned hit songs, but after her mother’s illness, the music just stopped flowing. Returning to her hometown of Vienna Shores, a small vacation town, she finds herself torn between staying to care for her mom, who now struggles with dementia, or chasing her old dreams in LA.

Then something unexpected happens. Joni starts hearing a man’s voice in her head. Not just a voice, but a melody like an earworm she can’t shake. The two of them are somehow linked in this strange telepathic connection. Their attempt to finish the song together, and the fact that they can hear each other’s thoughts, had me smiling through the pages.

What really stood out for me was how the story explores dreams, family, friendship, and finding joy even in the hardest moments. Joni’s relationship with her mother was heartfelt and genuine, and I was touched by how the story shows that it’s never too late to set new goals or ask the right questions about where life is leading us. 4.5 ⭐

Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin

Detective Aunty is a cozy, lighthearted murder mystery with an amateur sleuth, small-town charm, and just enough twists to keep you guessing.

An unlikely detective is Kausar Khan, a woman in her fifties who suddenly finds herself thrust into an investigation when her daughter, Sana, is accused of murder. One phone call drags Kausar back into her old neighborhood, where she must face not only the suspicion circling Sana but also her own grief for her late husband and son.

Sana’s landlord, Imran Thakur, is found stabbed to death in her shop. He wasn’t well-liked, but the police are quick to assume the worst when they find Sana’s clothes covered in blood and the murder weapon belonging to her. Instead of treating her as a witness, they charge her with first-degree murder.

However, Kausar refuses to believe her daughter capable of such a crime. With curiosity, and a knack for asking questions no one else dares to, she starts piecing together clues alongside her quirky sidekicks.

I loved how Uzma layers the story with more than just the mystery. Themes of culture, grief, and even marital betrayal weave into the plot naturally, giving the book real emotional depth. I personally felt the ending was a little rushed and less satisfying than I’d hoped but that’s just my view, not a flaw in the writing.

Overall, Detective Aunty is a warm and witty mystery that balances heartache. I’ll definitely be waiting for the sequel to see if the missing X factor comes into play.

The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho-Yeon

After seeing so many good reviews, I was thrilled to finally dive into The Second Chance Convenience Store and it did not disappoint!

At the heart of the story is Mrs. Yeom Yeong-Sook, a retired teacher who has always lived with quiet dignity and kindness. One day, after losing her wallet, she meets a homeless man named Dokgo who returns it to her, safe and untouched. Though he refuses a reward, she offers him a lunch box from her convenience store. That small gesture sparks an unexpected friendship.

Dokgo, struggling with memory loss from alcohol-related dementia and emotional trauma, slowly reveals a thoughtful, capable soul beneath his rough exterior. When her night shift employee quits and the store begins to struggle, Mrs. Yeom takes a leap of faith and hires Dokgo.

What follows is a quiet, beautiful transformation. Not just in him, but in everyone around him. Through trust, kindness, and second chances, Dokgo finds purpose, and the story gently reminds us that it's never too late to start over.

I absolutely loved the message behind this book. It’s a simple, easy-to-read story that flows effortlessly from one page to the next. Some parts are predictable, but in the best way possible. You can see where the story is going, but that just makes the journey feel like a comforting hug.

In the end, it’s not about the plot, but about the feeling it leaves behind: hope, compassion, and the reminder that it’s never too late to grow or to change a life with kindness. 4⭐

Cinta Terbelah di Laut Merah by Ilham Mazalan

Kalau harap plot dramatik cepat berkembang, memang boleh terasa macam tak ke mana pada awalnya. Dua watak utama, Sevgil dan Shihab, adalah pelajar Malaysia di bumi Mesir. Mereka datang dari latar belakang dan cara fikir yang berbeza. Penulis banyak ambil masa membina watak, suasana, falsafah, dan idealisme.

Konflik mula kelihatan apabila ayah Shihab meninggal dunia dan dia pulang ke tanah air. Sevgil hilang arah, pelajarannya terganggu dan tenggelam dalam kemurungan. Kepada Marsha, Harris dan Syed tempat dia berkongsi rasa. Walau pun peribadi sahabatnya itu dipandang sinis masyarakat sekitar tapi di sinilah erti persahabatan diuji. Aku sendiri tersentak ketika Sevgil mendedahkan pengalaman buruk di asrama yang meninggalkan trauma mendalam. Babak ini membuka mata, menjelaskan mengapa dirinya begitu rapuh, dan di situlah aku rasa Sevgil adalah mangsa pengkhianatan.

Babak bersama Dr. Noha, psikiatri yang merawat Sevgil, muncul sebagai salah satu adegan paling signifikan. Dialog dan interaksi di sini bukan sekadar terapi, tetapi juga menjawab persoalan mengapa Sevgil menjadi dirinya yang penuh dengan kerentanan. Di sinilah karya ini menampilkan sisi keberanian, menyentuh isu kesihatan mental.

Dan akhirnya, pertemuan Sevgil dengan Seth di Gunung Sinai benar-benar menyentuh hati. Ia hadir sebagai alegori penuh makna, menyempurnakan perjalanan panjang Sevgil. Endingnya tuntas menutup naratif dengan begitu baik. Secara keseluruhan, Cinta Terbelah di Laut Merah bukan sekadar kisah cinta dua insan. Ia sarat dengan renungan tentang dunia, politik, sejarah, pencarian makna hidup, dan yang paling penting, hubungan manusia dengan Tuhan.

Petaka Bakteria by Mohd Kasim Mahmud

Babak suspen dimulakan dengan beberapa pesawat telah menggugurkan kotak-kotak kayu berisi pakaian dan patung mainan di sekitar kawasan kampung yang baru saja dilanda peperangan. Penduduk kampung yang kelaparan dan trauma berebut-rebut, menyangka itu hadiah daripada pemerintah. Namun, di situlah permulaan malapetaka yang tidak mereka duga. 

Novel ini menyingkap sisi kelam dunia sains dan teknologi melalui watak Profesor Gerago dan pembantunya, Dr. Yana. Berkhidmat di makmal senjata biologi, Dr. Yana mula dihantui rasa bersalah apabila bakteria ciptaannya, yang berbahaya setanding antraks, digugurkan ke perkampungan musuh. Kegelisahan moral dan keagamaannya berperang dengan hakikat bahawa projek itu adalah misi besar negara yang dipersetujui pemimpin tertinggi. 

Apa yang dia tidak tahu ialah, eksperimen demi eksperimen itu akhirnya melahirkan spesies tikus baru. Tikus-tikus tersebut membesar dengan saiz luar biasa selepas menjadikan tawanan perang sebagai makanan mereka.

Inilah antara babak yang ada dalam Petaka Bakteria karya Mohd Kasim Mahmud, pemenang Sayembara Fiksyen Sains dan Teknologi UTM-KUMPULAN UTUSAN.

Penulis berjaya menyuntik elemen sains, perang, dan konflik dalaman dengan adunan yang menegangkan. Petaka Bakteria membuatkan kita tertanya-tanya sejauh mana sains boleh dimanipulasi demi kuasa, dan batas moral seorang saintis.

Namun, ada satu kemusykilan bagi aku tentang kemunculan lelaki misteri sebanyak tiga kali, yang tidak memberi impak besar pada jalan cerita. Entah siapa agaknya dia.😅 Keseluruhannya, Petaka Bakteria ialah sebuah fiksyen sains tempatan yang mendebarkan, dengan premis berani dan latar peperangan yang sangat dekat dengan realiti dunia hari ini.

The Cut by Richard Armitage

The story begins in the quiet village of Baron Mallet, where a group of so-called friends, Annabel Maddock, Ben Knot, David Patel, Chris and Lynette Davis, Catherine Maddock, and Mark Cherry, spent their youth together. But behind the facade of friendship lay cruelty. Mark was the constant target of their bullying, and no one ever stood up for him.

Then tragedy struck. Annabel was found dead at the abandoned mill. The investigation dragged on for nearly a year, but the truth was never fully uncovered. David Patel was convicted. Annie’s blood on his clothes sealed his fate. Yet the murder weapon was never found.

Thirty years later, “The Mill Killer” is finally released on parole. At the same time, a Hollywood director arrives in Baron Mallet to film The Cut, a movie meant to dig into the town’s buried secrets. But this isn’t just another horror flick. Instead of cheap scares, the film reimagines the tropes of the eighties slasher, turning them into something far more unsettling and layered. And someone behind the production seems to know exactly what happened all those years ago.

The past refuses to stay buried. Ben, who once dated Annabel, now finds his career, his family, and his secrets under threat as the cameras roll. Revenge, guilt, and the scars of bullying intertwine in a story that blurs the line between fiction and reality.

The Cut is not a neat revenge tale, it’s messier. At times the pacing drags, but the novel lingers because it reminds us of a chilling truth: bullies don’t change. They thrive on arrogance and power, not conscience. The only way to stop them is to stand up, say no, and refuse to let them define you.

Emma On Fire by James Patterson & Emily Raymond

I started Emma on Fire with completely the wrong impression of what I was about to read. While I’ve never read any of James Patterson’s YA collaborations before, I was curious and somehow, despite my mixed feelings, I finished it.

Emma Blake, seventeen, is the model student at Ridgemont Academy, straight-A grades and community leadership. But behind the privilege lies deep tragedy. Her mother died when she was young, and the grief she once shared with her sister, Claire, became even heavier after Claire’s sudden death, an apparent suicide after years of therapy and instability.

With a distant father who prefers to throw money at problems rather than talk, Emma’s grief becomes tangled with anger, blame, and the need to be acknowledged. Then comes a shocking twist, she pledges to self-immolate in protest of the state of the world. Her recorded confession goes viral, drawing national attention and unsettling everyone around her.

Emma’s voice in the novel is intense, though at times repetitive, and her motivations remain partially in shadow, an unresolved thread that left me questioning what truly drove her. This isn’t the straightforward YA drama I expected. It’s darker, heavier, and raises difficult questions about grief, protest, and how far someone will go to be heard.

Korban by Crystal Anabella

Sekumpulan content creator, berjaya melepasi sesi temuduga untuk mengikuti program Lucky 7, yang syarat pertamanya ialah tak takut hantu. Dengan tawaran gaji lumayan untuk seminggu, ala-ala survival show ini memang sesuai untuk mereka yang berhati kental. Tambahan pula, mereka terdesak mahu mendapatkan hadiah utama.

Program ini dikatakan dianjurkan oleh seorang influencer popular dari Indonesia, Mr. Roberto, pengasas konten video extreme stunt. Ini membuatkan ramai yang awalnya menganggap program ini scam, mula rasa tertarik. Namun, sebelum tiba di Resort Qulantis, beberapa ahli kumpulan Lucky 7 sudah berdepan kejadian pelik yang tak masuk akal.

Resort yang dikelilingi hutan tebal, rupa-rupanya berpuaka akibat sumpahan. Mengikut peraturan, semua gajet peserta akan disita dan diganti dengan peralatan tanpa wayar dari pihak produksi. Mereka diwajibkan menghasilkan video seram berdurasi 10 minit setiap hari selama seminggu, dan siapa yang gagal akan menerima hukuman. Kedengaran mudah, tapi hakikatnya penuh rintangan.

Sepanjang berada di sana, peserta diganggu entiti yang menakutkan namun gangguan itu tak dapat dirakam kamera. Keadaan bertukar tragis apabila beberapa nyawa peserta diragut, membuatkan mereka sedar bahawa program ini bukan sekadar hiburan. Cubaan untuk melarikan diri juga berdepan halangan demi halangan.

Fakta menarik tentang Korban ialah pada asalnya berjudul FYP dan pernah memenangi saguhati Sayembara FIXI 2024. Dengan tagline untuk pembaca matang, aku rasa Korban memang kena dengan vibes yang FIXI mahukan. Yang aku suka, walaupun ada elemen seram, gore, dan mistik, penulis selitkan juga momen kelakar yang menjadi selingan di tengah ketegangan.

Premisnya mungkin kedengaran klise, tapi setiap bab ada punch line dan tak kaku, tak meleret, itu buat aku sentiasa nak tahu apa yang berlaku seterusnya. Kudos!

A Murder In Paris by Matthew Blake

Recovered memories represent a complex phenomenon, with the potential for both the genuine recall of traumatic events and the construction of false memories. It’s crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity, recognizing its capacity for both healing and harm. When renowned painter and Holocaust survivor Josephine Benoit confesses to a decades-old murder, claiming she once killed a woman with her same name at the Hotel Lutetia in 1945 to steal her identity, everything fractures. Her granddaughter, Dr. Olivia Finn, insists her grandmother’s memory has been unreliable for years but the confession sets off a chain of events too disturbing to ignore.

Not long after, Josephine is murdered.

At first, it seems like a tragic coincidence. Why would anyone kill her now, so many years after the war and over a confession that might not even be real? But as Olivia begins digging, it becomes clear, this isn’t just about an old crime. Despite the pervasive distrust, Olivia embarks on a journey to uncover the truth and find clarity amidst the confusion. 

I found myself pitying both, Josephine and Olivia. They are grappling with fractured relationships, hidden agendas, and the unsettling feeling that those around them are not who they seem. 

It’s a bit draggy at times, but it almost feels intentional, pushing you to sit with the weight of what’s being unearthed. The alternating narrators and short, punchy chapters kept me hooked. The themes of memory, trauma, and the unreliability of perception, with a focus on uncovering secrets from the past, are quite similar to the author’s previous work, Anna O. 4 ⭐

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter

I don’t even know how to put this into words. I’ve only read one book by Karin Slaughter before, and I wasn’t expecting this. Not this level of emotional devastation. We Are All Guilty Here grabbed me by the heart, tore it out, and made me feel every beat of these characters’ pain and I cried real tears for them like they were people I knew irl. I still can’t stop thinking about them.

Set in the small town of North Falls, where everyone’s in everyone else’s business, the nightmare begins when two fifteen-year-old girls, Madison Dalrymple and Cheyenne Baker, vanish. Their bikes are found abandoned. There’s blood at the scene, then drugs and stacks of cash are found in their room. Evidence that raises more questions than answers. The town turns savage.

But for Officer Emmy Clifton, this case is personal. Madison is the stepdaughter of her best friend, Hannah. Emmy carries the guilt like a second skin and it only deepens when the girls are found dead, brutally bruised. The killer vanishes without a trace. No evidence. No DNA. Just a red herring. The case is also known as the Broken Angels.

Twelve years later, North Falls is dragged back into its darkest memories when another teenage girl vanishes. With history repeating itself, Emmy is forced to reopen wounds she never truly healed. She must face the trauma she buried, the secrets the town tried to forget, and the haunting possibility that the killer never left.

This book isn’t just a psychological thriller it’s a deep dive into the fractures of human nature. Slaughter masterfully pulls apart each character’s layers, exposing raw emotion, deep flaws, and the domino effect of every choice.

And the ending is twisted, gut-punching, and utterly unforgettable. We Are All Guilty Here is an emotional roller coaster wrapped in a murder mystery, which is dark, gritty, and so well-crafted it hurts. Karin Slaughter nailed it. 5⭐

Pengabdian by Hasrudi Jawawi

Setelah lama menyepi akibat pandemik dan kebuntuan idea, Fuadi kembali dengan novel terbaru tentang sebuah kisah seram yang diinspirasikan daripada kejadian sebenar. 

Semuanya bermula dengan satu panggilan. Rozi menerima berita tentang kemalangan yang meragut nyawa kakaknya, Rosmi, dan abang iparnya, Hisham. Mereka meninggalkan seorang anak kecil bernama Dani. Walaupun hubungan mereka renggang sejak Rosmi berkahwin, Rozi tahu dia tiada pilihan selain hadir sekurang-kurangnya untuk melihat mereka buat kali terakhir.

Tapi sejak dia jejakkan kaki ke rumah mereka, ada sesuatu yang tidak kena. Dinding yang seakan bernafas. Dan gangguan-gangguan kecil yang lama-lama menjadi bayangan menyesakkan. Rozi yakin semuanya ada kaitan dengan latar belakang abang iparnya, anak kepada seorang dukun bernama Pak Pandak. Dia mula percaya bahawa ‘sesuatu’ sedang mencari waris. Dan Dani adalah sasarannya.

Namun, apa yang membuat Pengabdian lain daripada cerita seram biasa adalah cara ia diceritakan. Pak Pandak dan Sufian ialah unreliable narator. Apa yang Rozi alami...adakah benar-benar berlaku, atau cuma bayangan yang dicipta oleh rasa bersalah, trauma, atau sesuatu yang lebih gelap?

Ada bahagian dalam buku ini yang mungkin aku rasa klise pada awalnya kematian misteri, saka turun-temurun, rumah berhantu tapi, penulis membawanya ke tahap lain dengan bab demi bab, kita akan meragui sama ada ini cerita rekaan atau satu pengakuan.

Pengabdian bukan hanya tentang warisan ilmu hitam. Ia tentang dendam, keturunan, dan kebenaran yang ingin disembunyikan. 

Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz

Even though I haven’t read the first two books in Susan Ryeland’s series, The Marble Hall Murders reads like a masterfully layered standalone. Everything you need to know is threaded so cleverly into the narrative that you never feel lost only drawn deeper into its web.

It all begins with Marble Hall, the eerie, imposing family estate where the cracks in a legacy first began to show. It was there that Miriam Crace, one of the UK’s most celebrated children’s authors, died under what was officially ruled as natural causes. But her grandson Eliot Crace didn’t believe that story. He was convinced she’d been murdered by someone in the family.

Just like Alan Conway before him, Eliot was crafting a murder mystery that mirrored real life. A continuation of the Atticus Pünd detective novels, and also a symbolic confession, a ticking time bomb of truth wrapped in fiction. He planned to reveal his grandmother’s killer through the pages of his book.

But he never got to finish it. He got killed in a hit-and-run on the night of her twentieth death anniversary.

The layers here are extraordinary, a book within a book where the inner mystery bleeds ominously into the real world. And once again, Susan Ryeland now Eliot's editor, finds herself entangled in a deadly puzzle. She’s already paid the price for Alan Conway’s twisted tales: she’s lost her career, her reputation, even her peace of mind. Now, with Eliot’s death, she’s not just involved - she’s the prime suspect!

I am obsessed with this book. The premise is pure genius. Atticus Pünd is a deliciously Poirot-esque detective, every clue and line of deduction gripping. But it's Susan's struggle, the betrayals, the danger, the desperate search for truth that gives the story its heart.

This is what a murder mystery should be, smart, bold, twisty, and always one step ahead of the reader. The Marble Hall Murders is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. 5⭐

Fair Play by Louise Hegarty

 Surely this is a parody. That was my exact thought halfway through this book and judging by the Goodreads reviews, I’m not the only one who felt this way.

To be clear, I finished the book. Out of sheer stubbornness and morbid curiosity. But I really tried not to write something negative. Unfortunately, this story simply doesn’t make sense. To put it plainly, the book is overly dramatic in all the wrong places, and deliberately ambiguous in a way that feels more evasive. I have no issue with classic, even cliche, murder mystery tropes. But here, the writing, plot progression, and overall execution fall short.

The premise had potential though. Abigail hosts a murder mystery game for her brother Benjamin’s birthday. A group of close friends and mutual acquaintances gather for the New Year's Eve event, but by morning, Benjamin is found dead behind a locked door.

Part Two introduces Auguste Bell, a consulting detective and mystery writer who declares this a classic locked-room mystery with a closed circle of suspects. The setup is pretentious. Everyone has a motive, and while it’s officially ruled a suicide, Bell believes otherwise.

The plot is disjointed, characters blur together, motivations are unclear, and the pacing stumbles between overexplaining and underdelivering. It feels like an attempt to mimic Agatha Christie without her finesse, restraint, or insight.

To be fair, there are a few glimpses of atmosphere and tension that hint at what this story could have been. And the ending left me more confused than intrigued. If you've read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Perhaps there’s something I missed. But for me, what on earth did I just read? 😂

To The Dogs by Louise Welsh

At first, To the Dogs sounds like a gripping academic thriller. Professor James Brennan is a well-respected criminologist trying to escape his father’s shadow, but things quickly spiral out of control. Just as he’s being considered for a top university position, his son gets arrested again for drugs. Then a Chinese graduate student goes missing, an old friend-turned-lawyer named Eddie Cranston offers help Brennan doesn’t seem to want, and a former student named Becca steps in with help that feels a little too convenient.

There’s a lot going on such as university politics, shady deals, hints of espionage but I often found myself lost. The characters are distant, their motives unclear, and the emotional connection just wasn’t there for me. The tension between Brennan and Eddie is never fully explained, and Brennan’s wife feels more like a background character.

While the book explores some deep themes like corruption, moral decay, and one man’s fall from grace, it didn’t fully land for me. To the Dogs has a strong setup, but in the end, it felt like a puzzle that never quite came together. A promising thriller that loses its way under the weight of too many subplots and too little emotional payoff.

The Devil Three Times by Rickey Fayne

It all began when the Devil fell to Earth. In this bold, symbolic reimagining, the Devil isn't just a destroyer of mankind but he's on a mission. Haunted by his fall and desperate for redemption, he steps into the world not as a tempter, but as a reluctant guardian, seeking one last shot at earning God’s mercy and salvation. Watching over a bloodline that begins with a young African woman named Yetunde.

Her journey is harrowing. Captured and shipped across the ocean, she finds herself at the Laurent plantation, where Jean Laurent, the Ofay master, takes an unusual interest in her. While she wonders if he intends to marry her, his true intentions are far more complicated. From their union, twin children are born, Lucille and Asa. Asa, born with light skin is taken from his mother and raised in the Laurent house as heir, a cruel echo of slavery’s twisted legacy.

This is where the Devil enters again at moments of trauma, turning points, and impossible choices. He becomes an unseen presence throughout generations, his appearances marking pivotal moments in the Laurent family’s cursed legacy. From Yetunde to her descendants, each generation bears the weight of pain, secrets, and spirits who are unable to cross over.

At its heart, this novel is part origin myth, part gothic fable, and part cautionary tale. It plays with religious themes boldly, sometimes even irreverently, casting the Devil in a role more complex than pure evil. The idea of him as a redeemer, a force of justice, almost reads like satire or a spiritual parody.

As a Muslim reader, I found myself both intrigued and cautious. While the story is gripping and layered with symbolism, I had to remind myself that its spiritual framework doesn't reflect our beliefs. It's fiction and demands a critical eye.

Still, if you enjoy stories that challenge the idea of good and evil, that blur the lines between myth and morality, and that center the deep wounds of generational trauma, this book is a haunting ride you won’t forget.

The First Gentleman by James Patterson and Bill Clinton

Not bad at all. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised. While the plot may seem straightforward at first glance, it’s anything but predictable. Twists creep in when you least expect them, and before you know it, you’re racing through the pages. What I loved most was the brisk, fast-paced storytelling with short chapters that kept the momentum sharp. The courtroom scenes are absolutely gripping and thank god this is a standalone!

Set against a backdrop of political power plays, The First Gentleman dives deep into themes of corruption, dark money, sabotage, and jealousy. It all begins with two investigative journalists, Garret Wilson and Brea Cooke, working on a book that could explode into a national scandal. Their target was none other than the First Gentleman of the United States, Cole Wright.

Their investigation uncovers a chilling allegation that Cole may have been involved in a sexual assault seventeen years ago during his college days. His date that night, Suzanne Bonanno, mysteriously vanished and was never found. What starts as a search for truth and justice soon spirals into a dangerous political firestorm with death threats, actual deaths, and a relentless attempt to bury the past.

President Madeline Parson Wright, caught between loyalty to her husband and her position as the most powerful woman in the country, is unwavering in her belief in Cole’s innocence. But with every move Garret and Brea make, the stakes get higher and the enemies get deadlier.

The First Gentleman is a tightly wound political thriller that balances suspense with emotional depth. I couldn’t put it down. If you're into political intrigue, courtroom drama, and relentless suspense, this is a must-read. 4 ⭐

Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree

At first, Tomb of Sand caught me completely off guard. I expected something like magical realism but by the time I reached Part II, everything clicked into place.

The story centers around Chandraprabha Devi, affectionately known as Ma, an octogenarian woman drowning in grief after the death of her husband. In Part I, she seems surrounded by the love of children, relatives, and friends who constantly try to lift her spirits. But then, suddenly, Ma disappears. Her vanishing throws everyone into a spiral of sympathy and worry. When she’s found, nothing about her is the same again.

Part II is where Ma’s life takes a dramatic turn, and we see her forging new connections, particularly with her children, Bade and Beti, who’ve long been defined by their own roles and struggles. One of the most unforgettable characters is Rosie Bua, Ma’s hijra friend, who bursts into the story with wit, warmth, and a mysterious sense of urgency. She briefly steals the spotlight only to leave behind a lingering sadness when her life ends too soon. I couldn’t help but wonder about the deep story of their friendship.

Then comes Part III, the most powerful and moving section of all. Ma’s decision to cross the border with her daughter, Beti, is more than a physical journey. It’s an emotional and symbolic act of healing. The novel subtly delves into the complex history between India and Pakistan. But this isn’t a dry historical retelling. It’s intimate and raw, seen through Ma’s own trauma and memory.

This is exactly why Tomb of Sand deserves the Booker Prize. It takes on weighty themes such as grief, identity, aging, gender, and the echoes of history and transforms them into a poetic, experimental narrative. The third-person narration gives voice not just to people, but even to objects like cane, shadows, and crows which speak and reflect the surreal beauty of the story. And amidst all this, there are moments of humor and lightness, philosophical musings, and scenes that may seem trivial but linger in the heart. It’s not an easy book but it’s a beautiful one. And I’m grateful and reignited my love for translated literature most unexpectedly. 4.5 ⭐

Azab gigi bongsu

Azab weii cabut gigi kali ni.

Bius 4 kali pun macam tak function.

Habis pecah gigi bongsu aku.

Doktor pertama tu macam baru masuk keje kot.

Nak je aku suruh panggil doktor India minggu lepas.

Datang doktor kedua dia rendahkan sikit kerusi aku lepas tu cabut.

Sekali percubaan je.

Lepas tu dia nasihat doktor pertama, kalau susah nak cabut, rendahkan kerusi patient.

Ko rasa?

Aku punya overthinking teringat cerita jenayah sebelum ni, bekas peserta masterchef yang bunuh pembantu dengan cabut gigi²nya tanpa bius.

Fuck-up betul. 

Aku harap ini kali jelah aku cabut gigi bongsu ni.

The Night Lagoon by Jo Morey

Laelia Wylde isn’t the easiest character to like. After a rough patch in her life including a failed marriage and losing her chef job in London, she heads to a remote lodge recently bought by her estranged father. What follows is a story layered with emotional tension, family secrets, and unexpected revelations.

At first, it seems like the perfect escape. The kids are happy, she’s starting to enjoy the slower pace of life, and there’s Aidrian, who brings some light back into her world. But things shift when her father suddenly collapses, possibly from a stroke. As Laelia adjusts to this new life, she begins to suspect that both her father and Aidrian might be hiding something. The peaceful paradise she thought she’d found becomes much more complicated.

Admittedly, I struggled with Laelia as a protagonist. Her denial, toxic relationship patterns, and self-destructive choices made it hard to root for her. But oddly enough, that frustration kept me turning the pages. Her flaws are raw and real, and while it was difficult to connect with her emotionally, it added a layer of complexity that made the story feel more authentic.

This isn’t a tale of perfect redemption or simple healing. It’s about messy growth, family tensions, and finding unexpected joy even when life is uncertain. Even without personally relating to Laelia, I was invested, if only to see whether she’d finally break the cycle or fall deeper into it. If you enjoy atmospheric stories with layered characters and slow-burning revelations, this book is definitely worth a try.

Run For The Hills by Kevin Wilson

Madeline Hill was just nine years old when her father, Charles, vanished from her life without a word. Twenty-three years later, a stranger named Reuben appears at her door, claiming to be her half-brother. With information from a private investigator, Reuben reveals not only the existence of other siblings, but also the possible whereabouts of the man who abandoned them all. 

What begins as a hesitant reunion soon unfolds into a cross-country road trip to meet their half-siblings, Pepper and Theron, each living in different states. But as the journey progresses, confronting the man who both shaped and shattered their lives becomes inevitable.

Charles Hill is a character I genuinely despise. He represents the kind of man who walks away from responsibility without remorse, who leaves behind scars without ever acknowledging the pain he caused. And yet, Wilson doesn't let him be a one-note villain. He explores how even an absent, deeply flawed father can leave behind good and bad memories that continue to shape his children long after he’s gone.

This story is a slow burn of psychological reckoning. The siblings’ journey is not just across states, but through grief, longing, anger, and healing. There’s a raw beauty in how they confront the past, not to forgive it, but to try to understand it.

They say we can't choose our parents. But Run For The Hills reminds us that we can choose how we carry them in our memories. This novel delivers a quiet emotional punch with a bittersweet, satisfying ending. A compelling, character-driven narrative, I give it a solid 4.5 stars.

Cabut gigi

Seperti biasa kisahnya aku sakit gigi. 

Berdenyut-denyut macam nak tumbuk orang.

Aku buat appointment dekat mysejahtera selepas lama aku uninstall. Heheh.

Hari Isnin dengan beraninya aku pergi.

Yes.

Dua tempat kiri dan kanan geraham aku kena cabut.

Tapi tak boleh cabut serentak sebab kata doktor nanti susah nak makan.

Jadi doktor cabut gigi geraham bongsu yang tak sakit.

Gigi geraham yang sakit kena cabut minggu depan.

Terpaksalah aku tahan lagi seminggu.

Staf dan doktor gigi terbaik.

Second Afterlife by Michelle Grinsam

Julia is in her early twenties when she's dealt a cruel fate dying from brain cancer. But just when everything fades to black, a miracle pulls her back. She's been given a second chance at life. But nothing could have prepared her for what came after.

Charlie was a quiet soul who passed on before his time, with almost no memory of how it happened. He assumes it was just a tragic accident. Now, he’s trapped in a strange place between the living and the dead, a kind of waiting room that exists outside time. And because Julia and Charlie died at the exact same moment, their souls became unexpectedly connected.

Charlie begins to share Julia’s revived body, seeing the world through her eyes like a silent guest. At first, it’s unsettling and confusing. But as time goes on, a strange comfort grows between them. What began as an accident of timing slowly becomes something much more meaningful.

As Julia tries to rebuild her life and reconnect with distant friends, Charlie wrestles with the reality of being caught between worlds. But danger begins to creep into both their lives. And when the threats become real, they must rely on each other to survive. They don’t just share a moment in time but also a purpose, and maybe even something like love.

This novel is more than just a paranormal romance. It’s a tender exploration of grief, hope, and the unexpected beauty of human connection. While the subplot involving underground crime could use more detail, the emotional storytelling makes this a memorable and heartfelt debut.

Fox by Joyce Carol Oates

As a mother, this story hit me hard. The theme is deeply disturbing, and the writing is so vivid it made me feel physically ill at times. Predators who harm children deserve the harshest punishment. Topics like these are not only viral in Malaysia but are surfacing globally, felonies involving pedophilia and child exploitation that demand serious attention.

Fox by Joyce Carol Oates is a dark and unsettling novel wrapped in a whodunnit mystery. Though the pacing can be slow and the repetition slightly noticeable, it didn't detract from the impact for me. I still give it 4.5 ⭐ for its outstanding, fearless storytelling.

It all begins with a chilling discovery. A car wreck was found at the edge of a ravine near Wieland Pond. Human remains, partially devoured by animals, are recovered. The car is traced back to Francis Harlan Fox, an English teacher at the prestigious Langhorne Academy. Beloved by his students, Fox was known for making learning feel joyful and engaging, a beacon in the classroom.

But behind the charm lies a darker truth. Mr. Fox vanished after a school break, sparking rumors and emotional chaos among students. An investigation reveals he had been quietly dismissed from several teaching posts before joining Langhorne. The once-admired teacher becomes a central figure in a sinister puzzle.

As detectives comb through the wreckage of Fox’s life, they uncover unsettling patterns. Several of his former students are now acting out, some even harming themselves. The investigation moves forward with subtle momentum, led by a seasoned detective whose methodical style feels grounded and reliable.

While I wish the novel explored more of Fox’s childhood, the roots of his behavior—the emotional and psychological depth still lingers long after the final page. This book is not easy to digest, but it is necessary. It forces readers to confront horrors that too often stay hidden.

Buat surat beranak baru

Tadi aku buat surat beranak baru.

Bayar RM 5 sahaja.

I'm happy.

Dah tak overthinking malam² sebelum tidur lepas ni😂.

Entah ke mana agaknya surat beranak klasik aku tu menghilang.

Dengar salinan kad pengenalan dan tunggu tak sampai 10 minit, dah siap!!

Terima kasih JPN.

Bila tengok surat beranak ni terasa nostalgia sangat. 

Serius tau.

Food inspo

Kredit kepada owner yang aku tak tahu siapa. 

Aku rasa ini gambar makanan yang sempurna.

Walau pun tak pernah rasa tapi nampak sedap giler.

Fight me😭

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

Xavier Rush is not only smart, successful, and gorgeous—he’s also a veterinarian with a soft spot for rescue animals. In fact, he’s been known to treat animals with more tenderness than humans. Samantha Diaz has just rescued a stray kitten and is determined to keep it, even if her wallet says otherwise. After a small mix-up at the clinic, she discovers that Xavier had quietly donated to her GoFundMe to help the kitten. My heart is melting. 🫠🫠

Their first date is pure magic, instant spark with chemistry that sizzles effortlessly. It’s charming, warm, and straight out of a romcom. But just as things begin to bloom, life gets complicated. Samantha has to leave the state to care for her mother, who’s battling dementia. She's clear about one thing—she doesn't do long-distance. But when love feels this right, it’s worth a try, even if money is tight and the odds aren’t perfect.

This might sound like your typical insta-love, but Abby Jimenez brings so much more to the table. She tackles tough topics like dementia, burnout, family pressure, and emotional exhaustion with care and authenticity. It’s a heartfelt love story with real weight—the kind that makes you laugh, cry, and feel seen all at once.

This was my first Abby Jimenez book, and I’m in love. She writes with heart, humor, and honesty. I didn’t expect to feel this much but I did. And I’d do it all over again.

Nobody's Fool by Harlan Coben

Just finished Nobody’s Fool at 3 a.m. and I’m still reeling. Screaming. I honestly don’t know why it took me this long to pick up one of his books. This author doesn’t just write stories, he traps you in layered twist, raw characters and shredded emotions kept me hooked to the very end.

Sami Kierce was twenty-one, freshly graduated, and backpacking through Europe when he met the mysterious Anna on a dance floor in Spain. One unforgettable night later, he wakes up in her bed holding a bloody knife. Confused and scared, he reports the 'murder' to the police but with no body and no evidence, they dismiss him as drunk or high.

Fast forward twenty-two years, Sami, now an ex-NYPD detective, is living a life carefully constructed around guilt and regrets. He’s convinced he was responsible for Anna’s death until the unthinkable happens: Anna walks into his classroom. Alive. But she’s no longer Anna. She’s now Victoria Belmond, the same woman who mysteriously vanished twenty-five years ago during the Y2K chaos. Even more unsettling, Victoria remembers nothing from the eleven years she was missing.

Sami needs answers, but the past is far from done with him. With Tad Grayson—the man who murdered Sami’s fiancée—recently released, and a stalker targeting his new family, the shadows from his past begin to close in fast. The mystery he thought was buried resurfaces, more twisted than ever. Each chapter unravels a new layer, building suspense and dread. The character arcs are stunning and the pacing relentless. It hit me so hard when the secret was revealed which exploited my readers' naivety. 5⭐

Down Cemetery Road by Mick Herron

It took me about a week to finish this book and definitely worth a 5-star rating. Mick Herron has firmly earned a spot among my favorite authors. Reading his work is like binge-watching a high-end thriller series: sharp, layered, and full of tension you can feel in your bones.

The story opens with a bang—literally. An explosion tears through a quiet neighborhood, just a few hundred yards from where Sarah Tucker is having dinner with friends. The house belongs to Maddie Singleton and her family. In the chaos, two people die—Maddie and her war-veteran husband, Thomas. Only their daughter, Dinah, survives. But here’s where things get strange - Thomas, presumed dead for four years!

Sarah isn’t just curious—she’s obsessed. It begins as a flicker of concern for this girl. Sarah's imagination runs wild, and at first, she seems almost reckless. But as more people get pulled into the story and the danger escalates, I found myself completely hooked by the character's instincts and grit.

Dinah’s disappearance received no media coverage. She then approached a private detective agency and met Joe Silvermann, who later died under suspicious circumstances. Sarah was the last person to see him, which put her under suspicion. The incident seemed like a warning, and it looked as though she was being framed. Joe’s wife, Zoe Boehm, also believed that too.

Zoe's brief cameo didn't distract me at all. Herron layers the plot with espionage, betrayal, and a creeping sense of national stakes far bigger than one missing girl. What makes this book exceptional is Sarah’s journey, which is full of unexpected consequences. This is smart, high-stakes storytelling and I can't recommend it enough.

The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor

I don’t usually read dark fantasy, but The Otherwhere Post pulled me in with its immersive world-building and powerful character development. From the very first page, I found myself rooting for Maeve Abenthy, an 18-year-old girl haunted by a past she didn’t choose and a legacy she never asked for.

For the last seven years, Maeve has lived in the shadows, always looking over her shoulder, changing names and cities to escape the stigma of being Jonathan Abenthy’s daughter, a disgraced scriptomancer accused of an unforgivable crime. But when a mysterious letter arrives seven years too late, everything changes.

The letter, sent by her father’s old friend, claims he was innocent. The truth might be buried in the heart of the Otherwhere Post, a secretive, magical courier service that trains apprentices in the dangerous art of scriptomancy. Every year, only a few make it through the grueling Program. And Maeve, desperate to uncover the truth, knows this is her only chance to access the sender and rewrite her father's legacy.

Disguised and determined, Maeve steps into a world where ink holds power, danger waits at every corner, and letters carry more than just words, truth, lies, and sometimes, salvation. Along the way, she encounters peril, betrayal, and unexpected friendships that slowly help her heal.

The Otherwhere Post isn’t just a fantasy tale. It's a story about identity, courage, and redemption. Even if you’re not a usual reader of dark fantasy, this one might surprise you.

The Goldens by Lauren Wilson

At eighteen, Chloe Hughes enters Dern University with dreams. Insecure, estranged from herself, and barely tolerating her flatmate, she drifts until she meets Clara Holland.

Clara, the picture-perfect social media influencer, is everything Chloe isn’t: glamorous, magnetic, effortlessly adored. She doesn’t just light up a room, she pulls the whole universe toward her. And somehow, Chloe is chosen. Swept into Clara’s glittering inner circle, she finds herself among beautiful and popular women. For once, Chloe feels wanted. 

But Clara’s charm curdles. She doesn’t want a best friend. She wants a follower. A worshipper. As the cracks begin to show, Chloe becomes entangled in something far darker than friendship. When her flatmate vanishes after one of Clara’s exclusive parties, rumors begin to spread.

Clara calls her followers the Goldens bound by aesthetic, loyalty, and carefully enforced rules. But the media paints them as something else: a cult disguised in glitter and girl power. 

4.5 ⭐.I docked half a star because I loathed Chloe. Not as poorly written, but as a person. Her passivity and blind devotion was infuriating. Strangely, I hated her more than Clara, which says a lot. But that’s also the author’s skill to create a believable and suspenseful narrative. Both Chloe and Clara are disturbingly complex and vividly real, one of the most compelling characters I’ve encountered this year.

The story unravels like a slow burn with psychological tension simmering just beneath the surface. It’s not fast-paced, yet I tore through it. Disturbing, timely, and eerily reflective of influencer culture.

Set to release in June 2025, this haunting, twist psychological thriller is one you won’t want to miss. Perfect for fans of toxic friendships, mind games, and stories between admiration and obsession.

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

Surprise, surprise! I love it. This is the romcom I needed, and it kept a smile on my face through the pages until the end. The premise is quite cliché, but I still adore the chemistry between the characters.

The story revolves around Aiden Valentine, a radio DJ for "Heartstrings," Baltimore's romance hotline and the most popular late-night radio show. However, the ratings have been struggling, and he hasn't been able to engage a decent audience for months. Aiden is supposed to be giving love advice, but his short temper and jaded feelings about love have impacted the show. He’s fallen out of love with romance after being burned by too many lackluster calls. Clearly, something needs to change.

When Aiden receives a call from Maya Stone, who is discussing her mother Lucie's dull love life, having never seriously dated anyone, he sees an opportunity to help both of them as well as his show. Maya is hoping for some relationship advice, and their interview goes viral, which turns out to be a good thing for the radio station.

The show plans for Lucie to join Aiden on Heartstrings to seek out her happy ending. Although talking live on air might not be what she wants, she's willing to step out of her comfort zone to find the love she needs. Despite the hopeless candidates for her dates, Aiden can’t seem to get Lucie out of his head, pondering the realities of dating and the magic of love. There, I spoiled the review! 😂

Yes, it's a bit of a trope fest, but it's done so well. The character-driven plot kept me hooked, and even though it’s 400 pages, I flew through it. Fast-paced, sweet, hilarious, and heartwarming. I’m officially obsessed.

The Daughter by T. M. Logan

Evie Wingfield seemed like an average, bright, driven teenager, ambitious, curious, and focused on getting into law school. The university promised her the freedom she craved until she vanished. When her mother, Lauren, arrives to pick her up at the end of term, she's met with a chilling revelation: Evie quit the course months ago and never said a word.

With growing unease, Lauren and her son Lucas set out to uncover the truth. What starts as a mother’s desperate search spirals into a maze of secrets, lies, and buried truths that neither Lauren nor Evie is ready to face. Told through dual perspectives, the story starts off slow, drawing readers into the emotional depth of a fractured family before plunging headlong into a web of suspense halfway through.

As the mystery unravels, it becomes clear: the clues left behind aren’t just dangerous, but they’re explosive. And some truths may be better left buried. While the plot’s progression is straightforward and the character choices predictable, the power lies in the quiet, haunting way the consequences unfold. A subtle thriller that smolders before it burns.

This Immaculate Body by Emma Van Straaten

When Alice moved to a new place, wrestling with loneliness and the weight of starting over, she made an unexpected choice—she became a cleaner as a part-timer. Her family was horrified. She insisted it was temporary. But this wasn’t just about cleaning.

Once a week, she scrubbed Tom’s flat—a man she’d never met, yet somehow knew intimately. Through the clutter of his life, she pieced together his habits, his dreams, his favorite drink and place. And then... she fell for him. Not in the usual way. Alice’s infatuation was one-sided, all-consuming, and fueled by imagination. A cleaner by trade, but a voyeur by heart, she took her "job" very seriously.

To impress him, she even volunteered at a nursing home, hoping he’d see her as kind and noble. But beneath that façade, something was clearly off. Alice is painfully lonely, socially awkward, and emotionally fragile. Her world is small, but her delusions are vast—and hilariously detailed. I pity her family and cringed for her coworkers. But you can't stop reading.

After a year of fantasies, she finally decides to meet him. Then—bam!—Tom leaves her a 1-star review. The horror! Her perfectly constructed dream shatters. The planning for their "future" overwhelms her, and that’s when things really spiral.

This story had me hooked from the start. It’s funny, dark, and weirdly more or less relatable to today's viral story. Alice’s delulu is wild—and I loved every second of it. I wish it had more of her backstory. It would’ve made her descent into obsession even more powerful. Still, if you're into flawed characters and dangerously funny daydreams, this one’s for you.

The Strange Case of Jane O by Karen Thompson Walker

If I ever write a book, it would be something like this—part exploration of the human mind, part quiet mystery, and wholly unforgettable. It weaves threads of psychology, mental health, and the haunting unreliability of memory, all through a narrative that pulses with subtle suspense and emotional depth.

Told in alternating chapters—clinical reports and personal musings—the story follows Dr. Henry Byrd, a calm and measured psychiatrist, and his growing fascination with a private, enigmatic woman named Jane O. She claims they met twenty years ago under strange circumstances, but her story fractures from the beginning.

Jane was found unconscious in a park: unharmed, but lost in time, her memory blacked out for over 25 hours. There are no clear signs of trauma. No evidence of foul play. And yet, something isn’t right. Dr. Byrd suspects a connection between her brief, earlier visit to his office and this bizarre fugue state. But her crystal-clear autobiographical memory and occasional hallucinations suggest something deeper, more elusive.

After the blackout, Jane begins to write letters to her son in a notebook—a tender and heartbreaking attempt to explain the inexplicable. It’s a gesture meant for a future version of him, perhaps when he, too, begins to question the complexities of the mind and memory.

Then, two weeks later, she vanishes again—this time with her son—only to be found nine days later. For Dr. Byrd, this second disappearance becomes a turning point. A dissociative fugue, and also a doorway. A mirror. A chance to unravel not only Jane’s story but perhaps something buried within himself.

Jane’s memory is both her gift and her curse. And the most astonishing part is the intricate tapestry of pain and perception, which is known only to Jane and Dr. Byrd. 5 ⭐. An achingly beautiful, slow-burn mystery of the mind and heart. It moved me deeply

The Interdimensional Detective by Ten

Ava Brook's brother, River, vanishes just before an important interview, and with the local authorities dragging their feet, Ava makes a desperate call to a number she found on a bizarre ad — The Interdimensional Detective Bureau. What follows is a wild, heartfelt plunge into the unknown.

Amelia — a strange woman who casually steps out of what appears to be a dingy mobile toilet — turns out to be an interdimensional detective. Her "toilet" is actually a spaceship.

The rawness of Ava’s grief, the bittersweet hope in Amelia’s suggestion, and the reckless urgency of their search through alternate dimensions give this novella a pulse that's both sweet and thrilling. The world-building is vibrant without bogging down the pace, and the emotional stakes feel sharp and real.

For a novella, it’s wonderfully compact. Just enough to leave you wanting more, but not so much that it loses the electric feeling of a desperate rescue mission. If there had been more backstory, it might have stretched into a full novel — but honestly, the tightness of it works beautifully.

A strange, moving adventure. I loved it.

The Labyrinth House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

Shimada Kiyoshi returns in another spellbinding case that blurs the line between fiction and reality. When he receives a mysterious book from the elusive author Shishiya Kadomi—a pseudonym hiding a deeper trauma—he’s drawn into the chilling retelling of the Labyrinth House Murder Case, a haunting crime based on a real event from 1987.

Set in a bizarre mansion designed by the eccentric architect Nakamura Seiji—whose name is synonymous with architectural nightmares like The Decagon House and The Mill House—the story twists through narrow hallways and hidden truths. This time, the labyrinthine setting is the home of the reclusive mystery writer Miyagaki Yotaro, whose sixtieth birthday becomes a death sentence for several guests.

Miyagaki’s shocking suicide during the celebration throws the inheritance of his vast estate into chaos, and the mounting deaths that follow turn what should’ve been a literary gathering into a locked-room nightmare. With layers of deception and clues laced with references to Greek mythology, the book brilliantly fuses honkaku logic, classic whodunnit pacing, and mythological symbolism into a mind-bending narrative.

Shimada Kiyoshi shines once again as the brilliant detective unraveling a mystery only he could solve. With every page, I was pulled deeper into the maze—never sure what lay around the next corner. A masterful blend of brain and suspense, this is a must-read for fans of smart, atmospheric mysteries. Five stars—no question.

Thank you to @netgalley and @pushkin_press for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

📚

Bayang Sofea by Teme Abdullah

Di awal penceritaan, kita diperkenalkan kepada dua watak utama—Sofea dan Danny—yang dahulunya bersahabat baik semasa zaman persekolahan. Namun, kerana salah faham yang tidak diselesaikan, mereka membawa haluan masing-masing. Sofea kini bekerja dalam dunia korporat yang penuh persaingan, manakala Danny memilih laluan sebagai peninju profesional.

Penulis kemudiannya menyuntik unsur misteri apabila watak Sofea digambarkan seolah-olah sedang melarikan diri daripada seseorang, menjadikan dirinya paranoid dan sentiasa berjaga-jaga. Dalam masa yang sama, Danny pula mula menyedari bahawa dirinya dipergunakan oleh sebuah organisasi rahsia yang mempunyai pengaruh besar dalam dunia sukan Nusaraya. Organisasi ini dikatakan memanipulasi kehidupan tokoh-tokoh ternama dengan janji kemasyhuran, selagi mereka akur kepada arahan yang diberi.

Apa yang aku suka tentang buku ini ialah gaya penceritaannya yang pantas dan mendebarkan. Premisnya juga unik—gabungan dunia korporat yang penuh drama, hasad dengki, dan politik kotor, bersama konflik dalaman watak-watak yang menarik.

Namun, aku merasakan pembangunan watak agak mendatar. Kebanyakan watak tampak dua dimensi, dan ada beberapa babak yang terasa tidak relevan, malah sedikit cringey dan ada part yang eh tiberr pulak. Walaupun begitu, aku tetap berpuas hati dapat menghabiskan bacaan ini, lebih-lebih lagi selepas hype buku ini sedikit reda. Ia tetap satu pengalaman yang menghiburkan.

Salutation Road by Salma Ibrahim

Salutation Road delivers a poignant and thought-provoking tale that straddles the line between reality and imagination, identity and displacement.

Sirad Ali is a quiet, introspective girl living in Greenwich, a place that feels more like a cage than a home. Her world is defined by the expectations of others, and her identity is shaped by the shadows of perception. Memories of her birthplace, Somalia, have blurred into abstraction—distant echoes of a life she barely recalls. With the burden of family responsibility weighing heavily on her shoulders, Sirad quietly drifts through a life that doesn’t quite feel like her own.

Then, something extraordinary happens.

Sirad receives an invitation to participate in a mysterious project called Unclassified—a one-day journey into a parallel realm designed for third-culture youth. The aim is to reconnect with their ancestral pasts in an alternate lifetime. What begins as a suspected prank soon morphs into an uncanny reality as she boards a bus from London to Mogadishu.

There, in Somalia, both familiar and utterly foreign, Sirad confronts an alternate version of herself—Ubah. This mirror image is bold, restless, and rebellious, married yet yearning for freedom. Through Ubah, Sirad is forced to face the fragments of a life she left behind, in a city scarred by war but still pulsing with untold stories.

As the two girls’ lives intertwine, Unclassified becomes more than just a journey—it’s a meditation on identity, memory, and the invisible threads that bind us to the past and future. When Ubah chooses to escape her life and board the same bus Sirad arrived on, the consequences ripple across realities, leaving both girls changed in profound, haunting ways.

Despite a few minor narrative loopholes, it is a bold, imaginative debut. The author has crafted rich, multidimensional characters and infused the novel with emotional resonance. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page—one that dares to ask what it means to belong and whether true freedom lies in staying or in the courage to leave.

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler

As I made my way through the book, it struck me as a heartfelt exploration of past regrets and the desire for redemption. At sixty-one, Gail Simmons is staring down the possibility of retirement or, worse, termination just before her daughter’s wedding. Her people skills, or lack thereof, have put her in a tough spot at work, yet financially, she cannot afford to quit her job.

At the same time, Gail’s daughter, Debbie, is dealing with tensions of her own. A confrontation with her fiancé and a future mother-in-law creates a strain that spills into the wedding plans. Gail, feeling pushed to the sidelines, begins to worry that Debbie might start favoring her future in-law over her. It's a relatable conflict, and readers may find themselves connecting with this story on a personal level. 

At its core, the book delves into themes of family, marriage, and the painful midlife crisis. Gail’s journey is filled with emotional highs and lows. Some will see it as a path to growth and self-discovery, while others might reflect on their own experiences with uncertainty and the search for meaning.

Despite its deeper themes, the book remains accessible and easy to read. It offers a thoughtful, touching experience without being overly complex. A compelling look at the relationships that shape us and the choices that define us.

The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer

Near Metland Farm, hidden among the cliffs, a near-mythical colony of guillemots once laid eggs unlike any other. The Metland Egg—cone-shaped, blood-red, and several times the size of a hen’s egg—became the stuff of legend. A prized possession among early 20th-century collectors, it was as elusive as it was illegal in modern times. Most striking of all, the egg was red..

A hundred years later, the Metland Egg has become more myth than reality—until Weird Nick tells his friend Patrick Fort that a strange egg has been stolen from his house. An inheritance from his father, the stolen artifact turns out to be the legendary Metland Egg itself, and its disappearance sets them on a path filled with secrets, obsessions, and the shadowy underworld of illegal wildlife collectors.

What unfolds is a richly layered, dual-timeline mystery, filled with twists that pull readers deeper into both the past and present. The narrative deftly juggles the tension of a classic whodunit with the quiet melancholy of lost heritage and fragile ecosystems. But what truly makes the story stand out is the character of Patrick Fort. His literal interpretation of language, difficulty with sarcasm, and social challenges strongly suggest traits of Asperger’s Syndrome. 

As I reached the end of this spellbinding novel, I found myself both satisfied and haunted. The writing is immersive, the pacing well-balanced, and the tone strikes just the right chord between nostalgic and urgent. And yet, one question lingers, quietly unsettling in its simplicity: Aren’t eggs supposed to hatch?

4.5 ⭐A richly imagined, emotionally intelligent story that combines the thrill of a mystery with the quiet wonder of natural history. Riveting.

The Death Of Us by Abigail Dean

Despite the slow-burn pacing, I found myself completely drawn into the chilling chronology of this story, told through the eyes of Isabel Nolan. What begins as a seemingly ordinary love-at-first-sight moment between Isabel and Edward Hennessy in the '90s quickly unfolds into something far more haunting. The author’s writing style is magnetic — weaving tenderness and terror with equal finesse.

As fear spread through the city, small crimes turned into something far more dangerous — the rise of a serial attacker known as the South London Invader. Starting in the late '80s with petty thefts and break-ins, his crimes grew darker over the years, leading to violent home invasions, torture, and eventually, murder.

Each page is a raw glimpse into the trauma left behind — how victims live under the shadow of being watched, how ordinary life slowly unravels. In 2001, tragedy strikes Isabel herself. What follows is not just her struggle to survive, but to exist. The emotional aftermath is palpable. You feel it in every missed detail, every strained attempt to return to normalcy.

Told in a striking epistolary format, the novel feels like reading Isabel's private messages — personal, vulnerable, and eerily intimate. Her words to address the Invader himself, as if trying to reclaim power over the narrative. The emotional weight Isabel and Edward carry after their trauma is rendered with aching.

This isn't just a story about a criminal — it’s about the enduring wounds left behind, and the quiet, invisible strength it takes to go on living. Every chapter brings new revelations, questions, and heartbreaks. I couldn’t put it down. I give 5 ⭐