Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham

This may be my first time reading Michael Robotham but surely not the last. His writing claims distinguishable visceral qualities to form a good example of characters. The third instalment brings another solid crime writing. 

On his nineteenth birthday, Elias Haven killed his parents and twin sisters. He began to hear voices of “demons” that tormented him and told him to commit murder leaving his brother, Cyrus Haven the only one who survived. After 20 years, he was released from psychiatric hospital. 

Cyrus is now a forensic psychologist who investigates a violent and suspicious death. Rohan Kirk, 67 was found beaten to death in his house and his daughter, Maya is missing. Two days later, the police discovered her body. The case is unexpectedly drawn into the prior crime based on the similarities of facts. A great crime thriller that kept me guessing right up to the end! And the method of alternating chapter by chapter between POV characters is brilliant. I give 4.8 ⭐️

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

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

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My Husband by Maud Ventura

Oh my. I don't think Ariane needs a husband more than a psychiatrist. After 15 years together, she couldn't stop comparing her life and evaluating the relationship. She has always loved her husband unconditionally, despite jealousy and doubt. She became obsessed and meticulous about everything and wrote down notes categorized thematically to reflect experiences that influenced her daily life. She's even going through her husband's things. 

This book contains themes of chronic anxiety, marital problems, and adultery. Going through her life is exhausting. Generally, the idea that this kind of person existed before me is surreal, even revolting. What I need most in a long-term marriage is peace, quiet, and learning how to restrain. There's no single formula for successful marriages. It does not come with a guide. Bear in mind that marriages take work, sacrifice, and respect.  

So, what's wrong with Ariane's husband? Is he some kind of psycho or what? And yet, the epilogue of the book shows the perspective and frame of the story from him. Brief, unsettling, and mind-boggling. I give 4.5 ⭐️ 

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

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

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#donereading #MyHusband by #MaudVentura #igbooks #igreads #emabaca #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookstagram #goodreads #letsgetreading #definitelybooks 

The End of August by Yu Miri

This book has a lot to offer as a valuable window into Korean history. The End of August is a semi-autobiographical of the author's grandfather, Lee Woo-Cheol from 1925 until he died in the late 1970s. The story begins with the scene of called forth for her ancestors through ritual (thanks to kdrama!). How the author put down their last moments together is phenomenal and like a closure for me.

Lee Woo-Cheol was a long-distance runner in Korea. His dream was robbed because the Tokyo Olympics were cancelled in 1938. Furthermore, he has mouths to feed and is trapped under Japanese rule. Despite all that, he was a philanderer, and his wife left him leaving their children behind. The rest of the story is quite sordid like everyone in the family has such a terrible fate.

Considering everything, it's a remarkable and thought-provoking exploration of a Japanese invasion, women's exploitation, and communism through the lasting impact of dramatic backstories. I give 4.5 ⭐️

Thanks to @times.reads and @putrifariza for the review copy. Opinions are my own 💙

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

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#donereading #TheEndofAugust by #YuMiri #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendations #igbooks #igreads #goodreads #emabaca #malaysiamembaca