Death In a Lonely Place by Stig Abell

Just a short distance from A Little Sky, where Jake Jackson resided, a five-year-old girl was kidnapped. The only trace left behind was a business card bearing the words NO TABOO. Chief Inspector Watson deduced that it was likely connected to a past case that Jake had investigated. NO TABOO denotes a group of crimes that have not been punished. Strangely, the girl was located safe and sound through an anonymous tip. 

Jake and Livia receive an invitation from Sam Martison, a notable billionaire, to a house party where they rub shoulders with wealthy and powerful guests known for their questionable reputation. Jake suspects they have ties to NO TABOO. Pretty much of a coincidences, huh?? The gathering like intentionally vague to me. Things were too exaggerated when they were getting ready to play a murder mystery game. The way the story was written was effective in creating a rich tapestry. I have a mixed love-hate reaction to this book as a result.

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 

You Know What You Did by K. T. Nguyen

Annie Shaw, a rising local artist has led a nearly perfect life. Her family fled Vietnam by boat during the war and was fortunate enough to build a new life in America. Her mother was from the typical mindset of an Asian Mom. She has an obsessive disorder and controls every aspect of Annie's life. 

Her life changed when she met Duncan Shaw. He was a dependable and compassionate man she could rely on. Unfortunately, her mother's death and her dog was poison took a toll on her mind. She started taking medication and struggling with sleep deprivation. The stress affected her mental health when she became a person of interest in the death of her client and her secret companion's body was covered in spider bites. Someone must have framed her. The world can be a scary place to navigate when you are betrayed by the person whom you trusted the most!

I have to admit, I almost dnf'ed the book. The reason is I can't tolerate an unlikeable character. Annie struggles to articulate her thoughts. Other than a slow pace, there would always be some part that would be missing and something goes wrong in this setting to sink in. Although the plot takes its time to unfold, it's well worth the wait, I guess.

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 

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