End of Story by A. J. Finn

What the fish. 

I think some people make the mistake of making excuses when they’re apologizing to their children. What's worse than not saying sorry is saying it for the sake of it. This is what happened to Sebastian Trapp, a well-known mystery novelist.

His wife and son went missing in 1999 from separate locations, seemingly vanishing into thin air. Since then, he has refrained from discussing their disappearance and has been on a hiatus.

Nicky Hunter was considered lucky to receive a response from her beloved author. Until their latest correspondence, she was invited to his house to tell his story for the sake of a dying man.

The author takes on a rollercoaster ride of emotions when a new Mrs Trapp is found dead in a goldfish pond. Suicide seemed very out of character. With new mysteries unfolding, the story kept me captivated especially the vibes. Instead of the slow-burn mystery, the twists are unexpected. I didn't see that coming! 4.5 ⭐️

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

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

Sebenarnya Ilusi by Paksa Tulis

Muhammad Seth hampir diculik oleh sindiket menjual organ kanak-kanak semasa kecil. Penyelamatnya mati dipukul oleh penculik. Walaupun peristiwa itu berlaku 22 tahun lepas, Seth mengalami post-trauma yang menjejaskan hidupnya. Dia merasakan yang kematian penyelamatnya dulu dan perpisahan ibu bapanya sebagai punca permasalahan hidupnya.

Orked pula berjuang mendapatkan phd. Melakukan pelbagai kerja dalam satu masa bagi menampung kehidupan dan komitmen disebabkan dia tidak dapat menamatkan pengajian seperti yang ditetapkan hingga terpaksa merahsiakan masalah dari ibu bapanya di kampung.

Mereka dipertemukan dalam grab yang dipandu Orked. Dan dari situ hubungan mereka mula berputik. Nampak klise tapi bagi aku topik depresi yang dialami Orked betul-betul memberi kesan. Ditambah pula cerita ini berdasarkan pengalaman penulis sendiri. Beberapa kali juga aku lap air mata ni. Apa yang aku boleh katakan walaupun kita di kelilingi keluarga dan sahabat, namun jangan ambil mudah depresi dan kesihatan mental. Sila dapatkan rawatan dari pakar! Terima kasih penulis kerana menghadiahkan naskhah realis ini sempena giveaway di X. Semoga impian penulis untuk melihat karya ini di kaca tv tercapai. 4 ⭐️

The House In The Pines by Ana Reyes

For nearly 7 years, Maya Edwards believed that Frank Bellamy was responsible for the death of her friend, Aubrey West. She witnessed the incident firsthand, but it was later classified as a 'sudden unexplained death' by the medical examiner. Her inability to provide evidence hindered her from explaining how he had managed to do it. Consequently, she was diagnosed with a brief psychotic disorder.

The sight of a video showing a dead girl resurfaced her trauma, surprisingly when she realized the girl was with Frank. Despite the emotional toll, she was determined to return to the place where it all began. Predictable but provides an interesting insight story, mainly about her father's book and Frank's cabin.

In this debut, Maya is portrayed as complicated, flawed, and unlikable. Something was off with her even before all that happened. But I find myself drawn to her behaviour patterns. 4 ⭐️

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

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

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