Janji by Tere Liye


5 ⭐ – Perjalanan yang Sarat Makna dan Emosi. Ini kali keempat aku membaca karya Tere Liye, dan kali ini rasanya benar-benar pas dengan jiwa. Membuka tirai dengan kisah tiga pelajar nakal: Baso, Hasan, dan Kaharuddin yang hampir membuat kepala sekolah agama berputus asa. Sebagai jalan terakhir, mereka diberi satu misi yang bakal mengubah segalanya—mencari seorang lelaki bernama Bahar.

Empat puluh tahun lalu, Bahar adalah santri yang gagal dibimbing oleh Abuya, pengasas sekolah agama tersebut. Kehilangan ibu bapanya menjadikannya seorang yang liar— suka berjudi, bergaduh, hingga akhirnya terlibat dalam tragedi kebakaran yang meragut nyawa santri lain. Abuya menanggung rasa bersalah sepanjang hayatnya, yakin ini adalah hukuman Tuhan. Sebelum ajal menjemput, dia meminta anaknya mencari Bahar yang diusir sebelum ini untuk meredakan gelisah yang sudah lama menghantui.

Misi itu menjadi perjalanan penuh pelajaran buat Baso, Hasan, dan Kaharuddin. Bahar yang tidak pernah mereka temui secara langsung mengajarkan mereka makna kehidupan yang sejati. Di sebalik gelarannya sebagai lelaki liar, Bahar adalah sosok yang diam-diam menolong orang dalam kesusahan. Berpandukan alamat yang sudah lama, mereka menyusuri jejak empat dekad yang penuh rahsia dan luka.

Berkali-kali sepanjang membaca—aku tersentuh dengan ketabahan Bahar dan kisah hidupnya yang penuh ujian. Ada sesuatu yang indah tentang karakter yang kompleks dan perjalanan yang penuh keinsafan ini.

Jika ada satu hal yang pasti, karya ini adalah impak bagaimana perjalanan hidup seseorang boleh menjadi cermin yang memantulkan makna kepada orang lain. Sarat dengan emosi dan makna yang mendalam. Highly recommended!

Mahir Jahit Nadi

Sejak minggu lepas bermulanya kelas Mahir Nadi Kelas Menjahit. Walau pun mengantuk kugagahkan jua. Ada dua tenaga pengajar buat masa ni. Kuliah sangat santai dan mudah faham. Minggu depan dah mula kelas untuk pengajaran yang lebih serius. 

The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie

It’s been a while since I delved into an Agatha Christie novel, and The Pale Horse was a thrilling return to her world of intrigue. This time, Mark Easterbrook steps in as the central protagonist—a scholarly, worldly man whose calm demeanor belies the dark mystery he’s about to unravel. Adding charm and wit to the narrative is none other than Ariadne Oliver, the famous crime novelist and long-time friend of Mark.

At first glance, the death at the center of this story seems like one of those perplexing cases Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple might have tackled. However, the tale takes a slower, simmering start. About halfway through, I began to feel restless—until Mrs. Oliver, the spirited Ginger, and the sharp-eyed Detective Inspector Lejeune joined forces to investigate, reigniting the story with fresh energy.

The plot kicks off with a casual countryside gathering, where an unsettling comment catches Mark's attention: "If you wanted to get rid of someone, the Pale Horse was the place to go." Intrigued and disturbed, Mark soon finds himself at a decrepit old inn with a reputation for black magic, now run by a mysterious group of woman.

Things take a sinister turn when Mark crosses paths with Jim Corrigan, a police surgeon, who shares the grim details of a case involving Father Gorman's suspicious death. The priest was carrying a cryptic list of names, most of whom had died from seemingly natural causes. What was the connection, if any? This shadowy puzzle becomes the heart of the investigation.

As the plot thickens, a witness emerges, identifying a potential suspect, and the chase to untangle truth from deception begins. Christie's signature web of red herrings, speculative theories, and hidden motives had me second-guessing at every turn. The tension ramps up in the second half, making the unraveling of the mystery as thrilling as it is perilous—one that may even claim another victim before the final revelation.

All in all, The Pale Horse is a testament to Christie’s genius for blending psychological suspense with old-school detective intrigue. If you’re looking for a novel with occult undertones and a maze-like plot, this one won't disappoint. 4⭐

V as in Victim by Lawrence Treat


Step back into the golden age of crime fiction with this nostalgic, slow-burn detective novel from 1945. Mitch Taylor, a competent yet restless third-grade detective, feels out of place in his department and dreads the tedious legwork that comes with the job. Beneath his stoic exterior lies a simmering desire for a promotion, though he knows he'll need to make a lasting impression to earn it.

When a hit-and-run incident turns disturbingly deliberate, Mitch finds himself teamed up with Jub Freeman, a meticulous forensic technician at a time when forensic science was barely respected. Their investigation starts with a routine witness interview but soon spirals into a web of mystery involving a distressed woman named Andrea Minx, a missing friend, a dead cat, and—inevitably—murder.

The discovery of Peter Jarvis’s body, found with a fatal head wound and no murder weapon in sight, thrusts Mitch and Jub into a tense hunt for answers. As they chase elusive clues and unravel hidden connections, their contrasting crime-solving styles make for a compelling partnership.

What truly sets this novel apart is its reflective, witty writing, peppered with humor that feels timeless. The author masterfully keeps readers guessing until the very last page, delivering a crime story rich with twists and golden-age charm. If you crave a detective story brimming with wit, suspense, and vintage appeal, this is a must-read. Solid 4 ⭐ for a gripping, nostalgic ride.

We Were Warned by Chelsea Ichaso




A Thrilling and Spooky Mystery You Can't Put Down! This book had me hooked from the first page! The story is set in the creepy Fairport Village, where a mother, Hazel Blackmore, cursed the place after killing her son and herself 25 years ago. Since then, the village has turned into a spooky, abandoned ruin.

When Henry de Rossi, head of audiovisuals at Fairport High School, decides to make a documentary about the village, he brings his paid assistant, Eden Stafford, along. Things take a deadly turn when some classmates join them, and the night ends in tragedy—Henry is found dead, and it's ruled as a suicide. But Eden knows something isn’t right.

Determined to uncover the truth, Eden risks her life as secrets and danger creep out of the shadows. With an unknown serial killer on the loose and strange events happening, the group must break the curse before it's too late.

The story is packed with twists, tension, and a creepy atmosphere that keeps you on edge. Eden is a brave and smart main character, and her journey is so exciting to follow. Just when you think you know what’s going on—BAM! Another surprise hits you. This is the second book I've read from this author, and I'm officially a fan! If you love thrilling mysteries with spooky vibes and jaw-dropping twists, you’ll love this. 4.5 ⭐ for a thrilling page-turner I couldn’t put down!
 

Universality by Natasha Brown


This novel isn’t just a political satire—it’s a sharp, multi-layered exploration of sociopolitical issues and the crumbling social systems we navigate daily. But I’ll admit, the complex plot occasionally left me puzzled, making me realize that this genre might not be my cup of tea.

The story begins with Richard Spencer, a powerful, wealthy figure convinced that Jake Leonard has stolen his gold bar—despite never actually meeting him. What makes this twist even more intriguing is how the tale unfolds: through an article written by struggling freelance journalist Hannah. The piece gains massive public attention and is even set to be adapted for TV. But as the frenzy builds, Hannah starts doubting the investigation, while Richard faces intense backlash as accusations link him to criminal activities—a consequence of his capitalist image.

Yet this isn’t your typical thriller. The narrative centers on two women journalists, Hannah and Lenny, who engage in deeply charged conversations about modern Britain. Their debates touch on everything from media sensationalism and sexism to racism, capitalism, and politics. It’s a raw and thought-provoking discussion, though some readers might find the tone a bit preachy or confrontational.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky Collections


Fyodor Dostoevsky's works aren't exactly light reading. His complex characters, philosophical themes, and intricate plots can be quite challenging. But that's also what makes his novels so profound and rewarding. I came across it on social media and decided to give it a try. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely — even after more than a century has passed. These stories are filled with the darkest moments and heart-wrenching tales. These four works explore loneliness, love, and the journeys through the human soul.

1. White Nights

A lonely man spends his nights wandering the streets. One evening, he meets Nastenka, a young woman crying by the river. They immediately become friends and share their stories. Nastenka is waiting for the man she loves, who promised to return after a year. This bittersweet story captures the pain of longing and fleeting connections.

2. The House of the Dead

Based on Dostoevsky’s time in a Siberian prison, this work shares gripping stories of the prisoners:

Baklushkin's Story: A man convicted of murder finds his heart torn by unattainable love. The woman he adores is forced into another man’s arms, underscoring the cruelty of fate.

Akulka's Husband: A young woman, Akulka, suffers abuse from her husband due to cruel gossip, leading to a tragic ending.

In the Hospital: The prison hospital shows both suffering and rare moments of kindness among prisoners, both anguish and unexpected compassion, revealing humanity's resilience even in the bleakest circumstances.

3. Notes from Underground

This story is about a bitter and lonely man who writes about his strange thoughts and experiences. He feels superior to others but is also full of self-doubt. As he spirals between arrogance and self-loathing, he navigates a series of obsessions over an officer, absurd encounters with so-called friends, and emotionally hurts a woman he just met. The story dives deep into the dark, introspective journey of the mind of a nameless narrator.

4. The Dream of a Ridiculous Man

A man ready to end his life has a strange dream. This surreal experience transforms his outlook, filling him with newfound hope and a desire to embrace life through Dostoevsky's philosophy.

Overall, each story delves into themes of isolation, unattainable love, and the complexity of the human condition. Dostoyevsky's significant difficulties in his childhood and his enduring imprisonment profoundly impacted his outlook on human frailty.

Old Soul by Susan Barker

Mind-blowing storytelling! This is my second attempt at reading Susan Barker, and once again, I’m in awe of her genius. Barker masterfully weaves her narratives with compelling premises, intricate plots, and just the right amount of mystery to leave you hooked at the end of every chapter. Her storytelling is nothing short of brilliant, beautiful, and utterly powerful. A well-deserved 5-star read! A huge thank you to @putrifariza and @times.reads for the advance uncorrected proof copy.

The story kicks off with Jake, who strikes up what seems like a mundane conversation with a stranger, Mariko while waiting for a flight. They share little in common—except being late for their flights. But everything changes when Mariko reveals a chilling detail about her brother’s mysterious death eleven years ago. Jake is immediately drawn to her story, haunted by the uncanny similarity to the death of his best friend, Lena, in 2011. For over a decade, Jake has been tormented by Lena’s cryptic last words: “Something is coming for me.”

Barker’s narrative alternates between multiple perspectives, unraveling the lives of characters bound by eerie encounters with a woman who defies explanation. She has no permanent name, doesn’t age, and leaves a devastating pattern in her wake. Yet, she remains free, manipulating and preying on others to sustain herself. Her sinister legacy is marked by chilling photographs of her victims—images that seem to strip their subjects of life itself.

Jake is determined to uncover the truth and end this horrifying cycle. His relentless pursuit of answers brings him face-to-face with unspeakable dangers, testing his resolve at every turn.

Set for release in February 2025, this spellbinding title is one you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, supernatural mysteries, or just exceptional storytelling, Susan Barker delivers on every front.

Available at major bookstores in Malaysia, Singapore, and online platforms. All views are my own. 🩵