The Tokyo Zodiac Murders by Soji Shimada

Over forty years have passed since the murders. Several diligent amateur detectives have been trying to figure it out. The case of serial murders, which took place in 1936, is popularly known as the Tokyo Zodiac Murders and is one of the most peculiar and elusive mysteries in the history of crime. The case remains an utter mystery. A duo, Kazumi Ishioka and Kiyoshi Mitarai, are compelling characters; Kiyoshi's sardonic wit and sharp intellect contrast sharply with Kazumi's. Their dynamic adds depth to the process of solving the mystery of the Umezawa family genocide.

Heikichi Umezawa was such a maniac about his art. He was found dead in his studio behind a locked door. He happened to leave a "document" about his fascination with creating a perfect woman named Azoth. There was no evidence left at the scene, and his daughters and nieces, who did not have strong alibis, were brutally killed months later. They were buried in different places, and each body had been cut up in a different way, exactly as described in Heikichi's last cryptic notes.

A woman visited Kiyoshi to tell him about a shocking incident in which her father was used by some criminals involved in Heikichi's case. After her father passed away, he left behind a confession that enlightened Kiyoshi about the cold case.

TTZM belongs to the classic Japanese honkaku subgenre of murder mystery. It prioritizes fair-play puzzles where readers are encouraged to solve the crime alongside the detective based on the clues given. I rated it 4.5 ⭐️ for its masterful plotting and engaging mystery.

An Eye For An Eye by Jeffrey Archer

This seventh book features Chief Superintendent William Warwick and his sidekick, Chief Inspector Ross Hogan, as they encounter the infamous Miles Faulkner after three years in prison. Faulkner, known as the most celebrated forger in the country, is determined to get revenge on Warwick and his team.

I found the story idea somewhat repetitive. To be honest, I wasn't particularly impressed when I first started reading, and the slow-burn thriller aspect was initially off-putting. However, as I continued reading, the pieces began to fall into place, and I became engaged enough to finish the book. Heheh. The ending left room for further stories, and I look forward to the next installment, which is set to be the finale.

In the early chapters, I became invested in Simon Hartley, Britain's chief arms negotiator, who is falsely charged with murder and languishing in a foreign jail in Saudi Arabia. Inspector Ross is tasked with protecting the witness who could help save Simon's life. This delicate situation could potentially lead to a diplomatic incident due to the upcoming Saudi delegation's visit to Britain. Additionally, it's revealed that Simon's ancestors were friends of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, which has been in the family for over two hundred years, is now worth over a million dollars and is highly sought after by many people.

Overall, this book offers a mix of political intrigue, personal stakes, and historical elements, though it might tread familiar ground for fans of the series.

What A Way To Go by Bella Mackie

Entertaining and interesting, I found this to be another enjoyable read from the author with great characters and a compelling plot. Anthony Wistern was the head of the most influential financial mega company. He was found dead, impaled on a pole in the lake at his evening party for his sixtieth birthday celebration. Despite there being several people who harbored a deep hatred for Anthony, including his family and business rivals, the police did not treat the death as suspicious. He is survived by his wife and four children, whose emotional state has been affected by the death; they are demanding, intimidating, and annoying. They have always been all about reputation and money.

In this interim stage leading to the next phase, Anthony must first learn how he died. His memory of the events leading up to his death has faded; instead, he looks up to see his family fighting and play-acting in grief. Stranded in a place of reflection and contemplation, he does not lose his sense of humor, though.

They might be in for a nasty surprise when the will is read. They find out that the man who was meant to showcase his status, success, and power had been a fraudster all along. The character development and the plot kept me invested in how the story turned out.

 

Talking To Strangers by Fiona Barton

In a small town, the discovery of a body in the woods could be the story that breaks the monotony of mind-numbing local news, and Kiki Nunn cannot afford to miss this opportunity. The deceased was none other than Karen Simmons, whom Kiki had previously interviewed for a dating feature. Karen was an outgoing member of a singles group called the Free Spirits, known for her enthusiasm for seeking love.

As Kiki investigates further, she delves into chat rooms on dating apps, eventually stumbling upon a disturbing network of predators. Her investigations uncover connections to an old case involving the murder of a boy named Archie, who was killed sixteen years ago in the same woods. Archie's mother, Annie, reappears after all this time to plead with the police to reopen the case, as there are still unanswered questions surrounding her son's death. A 24-year-old sex offender named Nicky Donovan was arrested at the time but killed himself while in custody, leading them to believe he was wrongly convicted.

All this would never have happened if Kiki had not teamed up with DI Elise King. They expose the dark web of predators lurking in the small town of Ebbing. This novel is narrated by three strong female protagonists and addresses significant issues such as misogyny, sexual violence, and rape. It evokes a wide range of emotions and explores the unimaginable aftermath of these experiences. I am drawn to books with strong female characters, as they resonate with the realities many women face and relate to the #MeToo movement. 4.5 ⭐️

Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin

Rosemary and her husband, Guy Woodhouse, signed a lease on a charming four-room apartment in Bramford, a place they had always dreamed of living in. Despite a friend's warning about Bramford's unpleasant reputation—early linked to incidents of cannibalism, witchcraft, and even dead infants in its history—they decided to move in.

Shortly after their arrival, tragedy struck when a young woman was found dead; she had lived with their elderly neighbors, Minnie and Roman Castevet. Despite the unlikelihood of forming a bond with them, the Castevets treated them with kindness and concern. After an unsettling dinner with them, Rosemary began experiencing a strange dream. Not long after that, Rosemary announced her pregnancy, and they became more attached. 

However, Rosemary started to feel that something was wrong. She experienced strange cravings, along with constant pain and distress. This story kept me guessing right from the very beginning. I was unsure whether the main character could be trusted or if she was starting to lose her mind. The narrative provides a chilling experience as it reveals the unfolding events alongside the characters. The book effectively sets a suspenseful atmosphere, and the ending transitions smoothly. I particularly loved the noir vibes of the '60s.