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 ⭐

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

From the moment I started The Housemaid, I thought I was in for a straightforward story. But by the time I reached the end, my adrenaline was through the roof! This psychological thriller took me on a wild ride, and I absolutely loved every twist and turn.

The story starts with Millie Calloway, a woman struggling to rebuild her life after spending the past ten years in prison. Rejection after rejection has left her desperate, forcing her to live in her car. So when she lands a live-in housekeeping job with the wealthy and elegant Nina Winchester, it feels like a dream—especially with the added bonus of a generous salary.

At first glance, Nina seems easy to work for. She has it all: a lavish home, endless wealth, and a husband who is the definition of perfection—Andrew Winchester is charming, caring, wealthy, and heartbreakingly handsome. But as Millie settles in, an unsettling feeling gnaws at her. Nina’s mood swings are erratic, her behavior unpredictable, and she scrutinizes Millie’s every move. Then there are the whispers, the rumors about the Winchesters, and before Millie knows it, she finds herself sympathizing with Andrew… maybe even falling for him.

Part II flips the script. We step into Nina’s world, and suddenly, everything shifts. The puzzle pieces snap into place, and the truth is far darker than I ever imagined. The character development is masterfully executed, tying the plot together in a way that leaves me breathless. It is a gripping, chilling, and brilliantly plotted novel that keeps me guessing until the very end - I give it a solid 4.5 stars!

Anak yatim piatu

Buat julung kalinya aku bawak budak 2 ekor ni balik kampung. Betapa bertanggungjawabnya aku kalau nak dibandingkan dengan mak budak berbulus ni. Harap² mak dia insaflah lepas ni dan berterima kasih pada aku sebab jadi mak angkat walau pun tak sempurna.😭

Famous by Blake Crouch

I’ve always been curious about this author’s work, given the glowing praise surrounding it. This novel was first published in 2011—one of his psychological thrillers —and didn't disappoint. While some reviews mention otherwise, I found it to be a deliberate and unsettling buildup to something truly unforgettable.

Meet Lancelot Blue Dunkquist, a man burdened by an uncanny resemblance to Oscar-winning actor James Jansen. Wherever he goes, people mistake him for the elusive star, a man rumored to be battling personal demons and disappearing from the public eye. But instead of brushing off the comparisons, Lance becomes obsessed. The idea of stepping into Jansen’s life grips him so tightly that he abandons his mundane routine, leaves his parent's house, and heads straight to New York, setting into motion a plan only he fully understands.

Lance is unpredictable, unreliable, and dangerously charismatic. As he maneuvers through the lives of those who idolize Jansen, charming his way into exclusive circles, the lines between reality and illusion blur. Then comes the moment he finally stands face to face with the real James Jansen—an encounter that unravels into a shocking, spiraling chain of events. He achieves what he set out to do... but not in the way anyone could have expected.

Darkly humorous and layered with psychological tension, though it moves at a slow burn, the payoff is worth it. The ending? I loved it. If you appreciate mind games and an unreliable narrator, this book is for you. Solid 4 stars from me.

Pantai Lido suatu masa dulu

Rindunya zaman ni. Kat sinilah tempat lepak family aku petang/ malam. Masa kami berempat dulu, abah memang akan sentiasa luangkan masa untuk kami walau pun dia penat balik kerja. Kenangan yang tak akan aku lupakan. 

Gaji abah tak banyak masa tu. Tapi kalau pegi sini mesti dia beli jajan. Paling aku ingat ice-cream calong dengan yongtaufu/cucuk². Sedap giler pada aku masa tu. Duduk² sambil hirup udara tepi pantai, the real definition.😩. 

 

Berbeza dengan sekarang. Aku nak tanya, sekarang tempat tu dah maju ke? Dengan terbinanya kondo, soho, kau rasa itu ke ukuran kemajuan? Kebahagiaan? Emm...tapi tulah aku bukan siapa². Aku cuma ikan kaloi...blupblupblup

Invisible Helix by Keigo Higashino

Ryota Uetsuji’s body is found floating in the bay with a bullet wound in his back. His girlfriend, Sonoka Shimauchi, immediately becomes the prime suspect—except she has an airtight alibi. Days before his corpse surfaced, she had already reported him missing. Now, as the homicide team races to untangle the mystery, Sonoka becomes more elusive, slipping through their grasp like a shadow. The deeper the investigation goes, the murkier the waters become. The homicide team discovered that the victim had a history of abusive behavior, making him a person who was universally disliked. 

Manabu Yukawa's connection to the case seems incidental at first, a mere coincidence in a tangled investigation. He was known for his razor-sharp intellect but whose true intentions remain shrouded in mystery. But as the investigation deepens, so does his involvement. Yukawa isn’t just solving a crime—he’s navigating a path toward something far more personal. The answers, when they come, are as startling as the crime itself.

With shifting perspectives, unexpected twists, and a fresh look at Yukawa’s enigmatic nature, this mystery pulls into a web of secrets where every answer leads to more questions. Brilliant, and utterly gripping—this is a case that won’t let go until the final, shocking revelation. 4.5 ⭐

Bubur chacha

Bahan tak cukup tapi tetap teruskan. Malas nak pegi kedai.🙃

The Noh Mask Murder by Akimitsu Takagi

A haunting tale of mystery and tragedy, The Noh Mask Murders begins in the sweltering summer of 1946 when Akimitsu Takagi, our narrator, unexpectedly crosses paths with his old schoolmate, Koichi Yanagi. Koichi, well aware of Akimitsu’s passion for detective fiction and his amateur sleuthing skills, soon seeks his help with a chilling case involving the Chizui family—the very people who have given him shelter in exchange for his work in their lab. But before Akimitsu can intervene, tragedy strikes. Taijiro Chizui is found dead in his sealed bedroom, his lifeless body overshadowed by a sinister family heirloom: an eerie, cursed Noh mask said to bring doom to those who possess it.

As the investigation unfolds, catastrophe continues to grip the Chizui household. Taijiro’s death is not an isolated misfortune—ten years earlier, his brother also met an untimely end, reportedly from a heart attack. Coincidence? Or something far more sinister? Urban legends whisper of vengeful spirits, and with four more deaths following in the mansion’s shadowed halls, the line between folklore and reality begins to blur.

Despite his initial determination, Akimitsu is forced to abandon the case, leaving the authorities to untangle the web of deceit and superstition. But when public prosecutor Hiroyuki Ishikari later sends him a package—containing Koichi’s journal and a letter—the full, horrifying extent of the Chizui family's nightmare is laid bare. The confessions within those pages are staggering!

As I turned the final pages, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the Chizui family’s secrets ran deeper than anyone dared admit. With its labyrinthine twists and unreliable narrators, this novel keeps you questioning everything. 4.5 ⭐ Thank you to @NetGalley and @pushkin_press for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sister Snake by Amanda Lee Koe

Another queer book during Ramadan—oops! Sorry! 😂 But beyond that, I found myself deeply invested in this story filled with Chinese folklore, sisterhood, and political intrigue set across different timelines and locations. The concept of immortal beings struggling with human limitations—especially addiction, identity, and survival—adds emotional depth, making it more than just a fantasy story.

Set in 1615, during the Ming Dynasty, two snakes—one green, one white—manifest in an underwater cave, securing a lilac lotus a hundred years before they can finally transition into human form. Though not bound by blood, they emerge into the world as sisters, utterly devoted to each other.

Bai Suzhen, the White Snake, embraces human life, eventually settling in Singapore. She marries Paul, a Minister for Education, and finds herself unexpectedly pregnant—an event that throws her carefully constructed life into chaos. Meanwhile, her estranged sister, Xiaoqing (now Emerald), struggles in New York, desperate for fast cash to survive as a "normal" human. But in a tragic twist, she accidentally gets shot.

Over the centuries, both sisters have fought against their primal instincts, resisting their need for human qi to sustain their immortality. But secrets have a way of unraveling, and theirs is no exception. Soon, Singapore itself is on high alert.

I also love how the author brought in humor and imagination (the idea of vipers attacking Parliament is such a fun mental image!). The book seems to balance mythology, dark themes, and humor, which makes it feel fresh. A solid 4.5 ⭐! 

Alternatif buku percuma

Aku rasa aku sorang je kot yang tak terkesan dengan polisi baru Amazon 26 Februari lepas. Sebabnya aku lagi suka download ebook dari Netgalley. Gila banyak buku yang aku download walau pun aku tahu tak baca.😅😅

Nasib baik kindle cuma 8GB je. Banyak je ebook yang bagu-bagus. Dan semalam aku saja gatal cuba Edelweiss. Pehh...kalau tak tahan, nasihat aku jangan cuba download apps tu ye. Aku tido pukul 3 pagi sebab banyak sangat ebook yang best. Ya Allah aku bersyukur aku ada kindle dan diberi kesempatan masih minat membaca walau pun duit takde sangat.😅😅

Karipap resepi sendiri

Nampak macam tak menarik tapi ok daripada yang minggu lepas. Padahal minggu lepas aku guna resepi popular tu. Hari ni guna resepi suka hati aku. Agaknya intipatinya kita tak payah bergantung harap ke orang ke?😅

Wander In The Dark by Jumata Emill

Amir Trudeau has no interest in the elite social scene at Truman Academy, and his strained relationship with his half-brother, Marcel, isn’t making his new school experience any easier. But Marcel is determined to fix things between them.

When Amir gets a text from Chloe Danvers—Marcel’s best friend and one of the school’s most popular juniors—inviting him to Marcel’s birthday party, he hesitates but decides to go. Later that night, he keeps Chloe company at her house. The last thing he remembers is hanging out with her before he passes out.

When he wakes up, Chloe is dead, her bedroom ransacked, and the evidence is stacked against him. Before he can even process what’s happening, Amir is arrested. Now, he’s out on bail, but the clock is ticking toward a trial that could end with his conviction—or worse, the death penalty.

Marcel is torn between grief for his best friend and loyalty to his brother, but one thing is clear: Amir is innocent. With his freedom on the line, Marcel must become his own detective to unravel the truth.

This queer YA novel is more than just a thrilling mystery—it’s a gripping exploration of family, friendship, and the fight for justice. It also sheds light on the realities of racial bias and the ongoing impact of the Black Lives Matter movement. While the ending might be a bit chaotic, the journey is an intense and compelling ride.

Daun pandan

Menjadi pulak daun pandan belakang rumah. Selalunya sendu je. Nak guna 3, 4 helai je buat bubur kacang buka puasa nanti. Yang lain nak buat bunga rampai.

Strange Pictures by Uketsu

This is yet another five-star read that I absolutely loved! Strange Pictures captivated me from the very first page. Uketsu's debut novel is a brilliant example of layered storytelling, expertly intertwining multiple narrators and shifting points of view. The various timelines keep you engaged until the final reveal in this compelling whodunit.

At the heart of the novel lies a chilling mystery: the brutal and unsolved murder of Yoshiharu Miura, an art teacher who was found stabbed to death on a mountainside. A lone sketch of the mountain was left at the crime scene, serving as an eerie, silent witness to the crime. Miura was not particularly well-liked; his students disliked him, and his family relationships were strained. But was that enough motive for murder? The police were unable to find an answer.

Three years later, Shunsuke Iwata, one of Miura’s former students, sets out to investigate. In a shocking turn of events, he, too, is murdered in the exact same fashion. A twisted pattern begins to emerge—one that suggests a serial killer is lurking in the shadows.

What makes Strange Pictures truly fascinating is its deep psychological undercurrents. Through the lens of childhood art, the novel explores how social alienation and suppressed emotions can fester into something much darker. The eerie, almost poetic way Uketsu ties artistic expression to the unraveling of the human mind adds a unique, unsettling dimension to the story.

The Mercy Chair by M. W. Craven

In this gripping sixth installment, Washington Poe and his brilliant yet socially awkward sidekick, Tilly Bradshaw, are called to investigate a brutal and ritualistic murder—a man tied to a tree and stoned to death. Given Christianity’s fraught history with this form of execution, Poe suspects a religious motive.

The victim, Cornelius Green, was a founding member of the Children of Job—a secluded religious retreat offering conversion therapy with devastating psychological consequences. To some, Green was a devout "Christian soldier." To others, he was a zealot—a monster who justified his twisted practices in the name of faith. His death shakes the foundation of the group, but as Poe and Tilly dig deeper, they realize Green’s murder is far more than an act of revenge or fanaticism.

Green’s body, covered in cryptic religious tattoos, holds the key to a much darker mystery—one that stretches back sixteen years to the infamous Bowman family massacre. And in a chilling twist, the case is also linked to a corpse Poe unearthed months prior, buried under a coffin where it never should have been. The deeper they go, the more tangled the web becomes, leading to a breathtaking conclusion.

This book is an absolute masterpiece! The intricate plot, relentless suspense, and shocking twists left me reeling, and the ending—oh, the ending! I spent a week trying to process the horror that unfolded. If you love dark, intelligent thrillers, this series is a must-read. Now, I’m counting the days until The Final Vow! 5⭐

Selamat Berpuasa

Semoga ibadah puasa kita diterima Allah S.W.T. Amin.

Selamat Berpuasa

InsyaAllah hari esok, Ahad 2 Mac 2025 kita akan berpuasa di bulan Ramadan. Semoga ibadah ini menjadi bekalan kita di sana nanti. Selamat berpuasa! From the River to the Sea!

Witchcraft For Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

Neva Craven was only fifteen when she made a mistake—but the punishment would last a lifetime. In the 1970s, her strict parents sent her away to the Home for Unwed Mothers, a cold, controlled place where no one used their real names. There, under the watchful eyes of Miss Wellwood and her staff, Neva—now called Fern—followed strict schedules, took lessons, and counted down the days until she would give birth, hand over her baby to a "deserving" family, and pretend none of it ever happened.

But then, something extraordinary happened.

Amid the bleakness, Fern and her friends—Rose, Zinnia, and Holly—found solace in an unexpected visitor: the bookmobile. And in that bookmobile was Miss Parcae, a librarian with secrets of her own. When she hands Fern a peculiar book, How to Be a Groovy Witch, it seems like nothing more than a distraction. But when the spells work, the girls realize witchcraft might be the answer to their problems. At first, it’s a game. Then, it’s survival.

But magic always comes with a price. And Miss Parcae isn’t as kind as she first seemed. If they want true freedom, they must pledge eternal loyalty and complete obedience. The question is—how far are they willing to go?

Hendrix delivers another masterpiece! The haunting atmosphere, the raw emotions, the growing sense of unease—it all builds to a thrilling, unforgettable climax. The chaos, the desperation, and the eerie allure of power kept me hooked until the very last page. A must-read. 5 ⭐

The Gift by Sebastian Fitzek

Milan Berg is a petty criminal with a secret—he’s illiterate. Though he has a brilliant photographic memory and strong mental arithmetic skills, the inability to read or write haunts him, making survival a constant struggle. That is until he meets Andra, who offers him a job and an unexpected sense of purpose.

One fateful day, while waiting at a traffic light, Milan spots something unsettling. A terrified girl in the back seat of a car presses a note against the window. Though he can’t read what it says, he knows she’s in danger. With Andra’s help, he begins an investigation that leads them to an abandoned villa, uncovering more questions than answers. Then, the unthinkable happens—a call from the kidnapper, demanding a ransom. Why would a stranger target him for blackmail? 

A single clue—a photo with a hidden code—reveals the girl’s name: Zoe. But what truly chills Milan is recognizing the code. It’s one he and his childhood girlfriend invented in secret. How could this girl possibly know it? As past and present collide, Milan finds himself drawn into a dark mystery that forces him to confront the most traumatic night of his life—the night his mother died.

This novel is a masterclass in psychological suspense, blending mystery, trauma, and the power of the written word in a gripping narrative. The translation captures the intensity of the original, making every twist and revelation hit just as hard. The ending is unforgettable. If you love thrillers that challenge your mind and emotions, this one is a must-read.

Reading progress

TBR untuk bulan ni. 

Tapi malam waktu nak tidur je aku boleh baca dengan aman. 

Masalahnya, time tulah mata nak bercinta dengan tidur.

Aku rasa bulan ni macam tak produktif tapi aku fikir positif. 

Membaca adalah minat aku.

Walau pun dapat baca seperenggan, tetap hobi aku adalah membaca. 

I can do this! 😁

Moisturiser 'A'

Ada satu produk moisturiser 'A' aku beli awal tahun lepas sebab tergoda dengan iklan yang lalu lalang dekat tiktok. Aku gigihlah guna dalam 10 ke 20 sachet. Muka jadi berminyak dan keluar ruam. Aku berhenti guna. At the end, aku guna safi yang hijau. Tu je yang sesuai dengan kulit muka aku. 

Aku menyesal tak beli moisturiser 'A' tu? Sebab banyak lagi aku tak guna. Jawapannya, TAK. Kebetulan aku cuba guna produk tu kat tangan, siku, lutut. Ada perbezaan, ya! Kulit lembut sikit. Apa maknanya tu? 😅😅. Happy me, again. 

Gunung Datuk

Menghabiskan masa cuti sekolah. Dah lama giler aku plan nak pegi Gunung Datuk. Siap tanya orang yang dah naik dan segala persiapan. Tapi macam biasa, itu semua anganan. Bila dah lama tak brisk walk, memang terasa kepancitan yang nyata. Bolehlah nak santai² petang.

Waktu aku sampai, cuaca pun dah nak hujan. Budak² hiking dah beransur balik. Kagum betul. 

Cuti Sekolah

Cerita cuti sekolah 13 hb yang lepas. Lebih kurang 35 tahun aku tak jejak kaki ke sini. Hah. Kira umur aku berapa. Nostalgia betul. Tiket masuk amatlah berbaloi. 

Makan kat cafe. Alhamdulillah. Sebab lapar sangat dan cuaca pun menyengat.

Kononnya nak ke Muzium Kesenian Islam. Aku rasa tak sedap hati sebab tak banyak kereta yang parking. Rupanya tiket masuk RM 20. Kan. Lain kalilah. Priority😂😂.

Last² ambik gambar jelah. Dekat Masjid Negara. Tempat ikonik siaran langsung solat Jumaat dekat tv.

Cuaca cantik.

Sebab dah petang sangat, lain kali jelah singgah sini. Konon nak naik mrt. Tapi biasalah aku ni dah warga emas.

Last destination. Sambil² tunggu Maghrib, lepak tasik depan Masjid Negeri. Ringkas saja. Mata aku dah berat. 

Janji by Tere Liye

5 ⭐ – Perjalanan yang Sarat Makna dan Emosi. Ini kali keempat aku membaca karya Tere Liye, dan kali ini rasanya benar-benar pas dengan jiwa. Membuka tirai dengan kisah tiga pelajar nakal: Baso, Hasan, dan Kaharuddin yang hampir membuat kepala sekolah agama berputus asa. Sebagai jalan terakhir, mereka diberi satu misi yang bakal mengubah segalanya—mencari seorang lelaki bernama Bahar.

Empat puluh tahun lalu, Bahar adalah santri yang gagal dibimbing oleh Abuya, pengasas sekolah agama tersebut. Kehilangan ibu bapanya menjadikannya seorang yang liar— suka berjudi, bergaduh, hingga akhirnya terlibat dalam tragedi kebakaran yang meragut nyawa santri lain. Abuya menanggung rasa bersalah sepanjang hayatnya, yakin ini adalah hukuman Tuhan. Sebelum ajal menjemput, dia meminta anaknya mencari Bahar yang diusir sebelum ini untuk meredakan gelisah yang sudah lama menghantui.

Misi itu menjadi perjalanan penuh pelajaran buat Baso, Hasan, dan Kaharuddin. Bahar yang tidak pernah mereka temui secara langsung mengajarkan mereka makna kehidupan yang sejati. Di sebalik gelarannya sebagai lelaki liar, Bahar adalah sosok yang diam-diam menolong orang dalam kesusahan. Berpandukan alamat yang sudah lama, mereka menyusuri jejak empat dekad yang penuh rahsia dan luka.

Berkali-kali sepanjang membaca—aku tersentuh dengan ketabahan Bahar dan kisah hidupnya yang penuh ujian. Ada sesuatu yang indah tentang karakter yang kompleks dan perjalanan yang penuh keinsafan ini.

Jika ada satu hal yang pasti, karya ini adalah impak bagaimana perjalanan hidup seseorang boleh menjadi cermin yang memantulkan makna kepada orang lain. Sarat dengan emosi dan makna yang mendalam. Highly recommended!

Mahir Jahit Nadi

Sejak minggu lepas bermulanya kelas Mahir Nadi Kelas Menjahit. Walau pun mengantuk kugagahkan jua. Ada dua tenaga pengajar buat masa ni. Kuliah sangat santai dan mudah faham. Minggu depan dah mula kelas untuk pengajaran yang lebih serius. 

The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie

It’s been a while since I delved into an Agatha Christie novel, and The Pale Horse was a thrilling return to her world of intrigue. This time, Mark Easterbrook steps in as the central protagonist—a scholarly, worldly man whose calm demeanor belies the dark mystery he’s about to unravel. Adding charm and wit to the narrative is none other than Ariadne Oliver, the famous crime novelist and long-time friend of Mark.

At first glance, the death at the center of this story seems like one of those perplexing cases Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple might have tackled. However, the tale takes a slower, simmering start. About halfway through, I began to feel restless—until Mrs. Oliver, the spirited Ginger, and the sharp-eyed Detective Inspector Lejeune joined forces to investigate, reigniting the story with fresh energy.

The plot kicks off with a casual countryside gathering, where an unsettling comment catches Mark's attention: "If you wanted to get rid of someone, the Pale Horse was the place to go." Intrigued and disturbed, Mark soon finds himself at a decrepit old inn with a reputation for black magic, now run by a mysterious group of woman.

Things take a sinister turn when Mark crosses paths with Jim Corrigan, a police surgeon, who shares the grim details of a case involving Father Gorman's suspicious death. The priest was carrying a cryptic list of names, most of whom had died from seemingly natural causes. What was the connection, if any? This shadowy puzzle becomes the heart of the investigation.

As the plot thickens, a witness emerges, identifying a potential suspect, and the chase to untangle truth from deception begins. Christie's signature web of red herrings, speculative theories, and hidden motives had me second-guessing at every turn. The tension ramps up in the second half, making the unraveling of the mystery as thrilling as it is perilous—one that may even claim another victim before the final revelation.

All in all, The Pale Horse is a testament to Christie’s genius for blending psychological suspense with old-school detective intrigue. If you’re looking for a novel with occult undertones and a maze-like plot, this one won't disappoint. 4⭐