Another underrated story from Fixi. I give this one 5 ⭐.
What I love most about this book is the writing. The author has a way of making me feel intrigued from the very beginning. You can tell he did enough research to make the story believable and give me a glimpse of what the characters are about to experience.
Darat Kumut is a small town in Tawau. Tourists are drawn to its quiet atmosphere, tranquility, serenity, beautiful scenery, friendly locals, luxurious resorts, and casino. On the surface, it seems like the perfect getaway. Yet, every place has its dark side.
Wesley Moysin was once a news reporter. Looking for a fresh start, he moved to Darat Kumut and began working at All Convenience Store, owned by his aunt. Not long after settling in, he had a confrontation with Tommy Asandu, a local troublemaker who seemed to attract nothing but problems wherever he went.
A few weeks later, Tommy's body was found floating near the jetty. The autopsy concluded that he had died from a heroin overdose.
The problem is, Wesley is not entirely convinced.
He suffers from memory blanks and cannot remember what he was doing on the night Tommy died. Still haunted by trauma from his previous job, he struggles to trust his own memories. His co worker's aunt at the store who also a celebrated crime novelist, encourages him to write again and investigate Tommy's death. Perhaps uncovering the truth will help him get back on track.
As Wesley digs deeper, he discovers that Tommy's death may be connected to the disappearance of a girl several months earlier and a drug trafficking operation. A single suspicious death turns into two homicides and before long, Wesley's life is in jeopardy.
At first, I thought this would be another straightforward crime story. But the author really showcases his talent here. The protagonist is compelling, the pacing is sharp, and the world building makes Darat Kumut feel alive. As a whodunit, the novel does a great job of keeping readers guessing. Kudos!