Kate Morton Continues to Prove Why She is One of My Favourite Authors in "The Clockmaker's Daughter"

Title: The Clockmaker's Daughter
Author: Kate Morton
Publication Date: September 28th, 2018
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In the summer of 1862, a group of young artists led by the passionate and talented Edward Radcliffe descends upon Birchwood Manor on the banks of the Upper Thames. Their plan: to spend a secluded summer month in a haze of inspiration and creativity. But by the time their stay is over, one woman has been shot dead while another has disappeared; a priceless heirloom is missing; and Edward Radcliffe's life is in ruins. 

Over one hundred and fifty years later, Elodie Winslow, a young archivist in London, uncovers a leather satchel containing two seemingly unrelated items: a sepia photograph of an arresting-looking woman in Victorian clothing, and an artist's sketchbook containing the drawing of a twin-gabled house on the bend of a river. 

Why does Birchwood Manor feel so familiar to Elodie? And who is the beautiful woman in the photograph? Will she ever give up her secrets?

Review

I honestly believe that a reading experience can be greatly affected by the mood you're in or intentions you have whilst reading, which is to say that sometimes it's not fair to judge a book if I am never in a great mood while reading it or didn't feel like reading but forced myself to. I say this because for the first third maybe, or even half of this read, I wasn't in a terrible reading slump and was not enjoying any of the things that usually made me happy. I felt like I needed to read because if I didn't I was letting myself down and because of this, it caused me to read The Clockmaker's Daughter begrudgingly and very slowly. At first I put this down to the plot not being able to grab my attention and the pacing slow. There was a lot of jumping to and from different time periods and the voices and tense would change, causing me to become frustrated in the inability to understand what I was reading. So I put it down, for a very long time. 

To my surprise, I came back to The Clockmaker's Daughter after a few months and became completely enthralled. I was absolutely captivated by Morton's writing and the story that was unfolding in front of me. I couldn't believe I had doubted her storytelling ability, as there hasn't been one read from Morton I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. Whilst I plodded through the first half of the book, the second book I whizzed through before realising I had already reached the end. The characters began to jump out at me, with their voices drawing me in emotionally and compelling me to stay with them as each of them went through their own personal journeys, ultimately arriving at a somewhat destination, both literally and figuratively. I was also shocked at how much I still retained whilst I continued to read, which meant that even if I felt like I wasn't understanding, Morton still left quite an impression on me through her thorough and vivid writing. 

In fact, the beauty about Kate Morton's books lies in her incredible storytelling. She is able to devise a complex plot, spanning across many years and generations, involving many characters (although not always known to each other) and be able to tie it all together at the end with a flourish. If you ever need a reason to read anything from Morton, it's the shocking endings she drops on you, with absolutely no warning. There is simply no way to deduce what is to come, unless you're a psychic. When I read the plot twist to The Clockmaker's Daughter I realised just how wrong I was in judging the book the way I had previously. It was an immense shock and I immediately put the book down because I didn't want to believe that was had happened in the past. However, as much as I didn't like the revelation, it was more because I found it to be too heartbreaking and was only hoping for a somewhat happier plot progression, not because of Morton's writing and plot. If anything the truth behind the mystery was a lot more impactful, serving to emphasise the importance of not being judgemental and how there are always two sides to a story. Also, that humans are complex. We are a bundle of emotions that can really drive our way of thinking and behaviours, and whilst we may not act in a certain way, the ability to empathise/sympathise would do us a lot better than we think. I also liked the exploration of staying true to one self, how strong our desires can be and that we may not always have control over the situation we're in but rather control on how we react to those situations. 

Again, I can't believe I would doubt one of my favourite authors. Morton has managed, as always, to deliver a beautiful, thought-provoking and genius read that remains as memorable as her other reads.

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Why You'll Love One Of Us Is Lying

Title: One of Us Is Lying

Author: Karen M. McManus

Publication Date: May 30th, 2017

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On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention. 

Browyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule. 

Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess.

Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.

Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.

And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High's notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention, Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn't an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he'd planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four them suspects in his murder.

Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who's still on the loose? Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.

Review

Another 2017 read, guys please bear with me while I get through my last few reviews of 2017! 

This was a killer read - pardon the pun. I love a good mystery that’s well set out to lead to a shocking ending alongside having characters that I can invest in. One of Us Is Lying is exactly that. I was on edge for most of the story and knew that I couldn’t put it down until I finished. It’s a fairly short read that delivers an immense amount of impact, not only from the mystery itself but from McManus exploring diversity, acceptance and other social issues that crop up within high school as well.

McManus delivers a clever and surprising plot twist, which took the book from a 4 stars to 5.&nbspThere was no way I could’ve suspected that was the resolution to the novel, but it was well thought out and explained, that I wasn’t questioning how ludicrous it seemed to be. The plot was fast paced and suspenseful, being an absolute page turner.

I didn’t expect to see such strong character developments or feel attached to them either. The personalities introduced are somewhat cliches to novels set in high school however, they have a lot more depth to them that is revealed and explored as the plot progresses. Each character will come across as relatable, with issues that most of us have dealt with or are dealing with currently. Honestly, I didn’t expect to like them that much but they were pretty much all flawed characters and I am a sucker for that.

Throughout all the crime solving and character development is another aspect that made One of Us Is Lying an engaging read. McManus addresses social issues that have been and continue to be discussed amongst our social sphere. Trigger warnings for bullying, school shootings, suicide, abusive relationships, mental health, discrimination against LGBQT+ community. As much as I love a gripping read, nothing is more satisfying than reading a novel that engages me with real life concerns that gets me thinking and is challenging.

Bottom line. You should read it.

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The Lake House by Kate Morton

Title: The Lake House Author: Kate Morton
Publication Date: October 20th, 2015
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In 1933, the Edevane family home, Loeanneth, hosts a grand party. Sixteen year old Alice Edevane is especially excited because she's about to share her great writing idea to a person she shouldn't have fallen in love with. By midnight, the family are torn apart and Loeanneth is abandoned forever.

Seventy years later, Sadie Sparrow is sent to her grandfather's for some time off from the Police force. She accidentally comes upon Loeanneth and the events of the night of the party unravel as Sadie begins to delve into the family history. In doing so, Sadie reaches out to Alice who has now become a famous detective novelist. Suddenly, Alice is thrusted back into her past but she's not sure she's ready to revisit it.

Review

Kate Morton seems to write according to a formula revolving around family mysteries that are resolved in the present time but always end up leaving me shocked and in awe at how well she writes.

Morton excels in writing vivid, descriptive imagery including the setting, character and context. It's very easy for me to visualise how a character looks like and the actual scenery. In The Lake House the  family's estate is grand and beautiful, and it's so easy to envision it because Morton is skilled in showing not telling. Even in its decaying nature, there is still a sense of the summery days where the story re-visits to recount the past. There's a nostalgic feeling as I read, and it's a common perception when reading any Morton novel.

I love that I got both the present and past, interweaved into each other so that I was literally on the same page as Sadie as she slowly inched to the truth. The more that was revealed, the more surprised but also saddened I was. Morton explores family ties, loyalty and trust, but also writes a great recount of PSTD that allowed me to further understand the tragedy of such a condition. 

Each of Morton's characters all leave a distinctive impression, whether it be a relatable aspect - most often a flaw - or because I've become so involved in their life to let go. Sadie is definitely a vehicle to drive the story, but that doesn't deter from me admiring how hard-working and smart she is. Alice was the more intriguing character because I got to witness her both when she was young until old age, and how the events of the past had defined and changed her. I remember a lot about their lives and their history because of how involved I was in their story arc and how it progressed.

I liked the unraveling of the mystery, paced well enough, although I'm not going to lie there were parts I did gloss over. The ending was heartwarming, albeit a little too convenient but does play on the idea of fate a lot. I think what keeps me on edge all the time is how Morton will allude to a certain ending, but is so much further from the actual events that happen, which leads to a great surprise. A pleasant read, although not the best from Morton.

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The Troupe Becomes A Surprising Favourite

Title: The Troupe
Author: Robert Jackson Bennet
Publication Date: February 21st, 2012
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Vaudeville: mad, mercenary, dreamy, and absurd, a world of clashing cultures and ferocious showmanship and wickedly delightful deceptions.

But sixteen-year-old pianist George Carole has joined vaudeville for one reason only: to find the man he suspects to be his father, the great Heironomo Silenus. Yet as he chases down his father’s troupe, he begins to understand that their performances are strange even for vaudeville: for wherever they happen to tour, the very nature of the world seems to change. 

Because there is a secret within Silenus’s show so ancient and dangerous that it has won him many powerful enemies. And it’s not until after he joins them that George realizes the troupe is not simply touring: they are running for their very lives.

And soon, George is as well. (Source: Goodreads)

Review

The Troupe was nothing I expected but boy was I blown away. Everything about this novel had me in awe and I found it left a huge impression on me.

Loved:

1. World Building
Bennet created a unique and fascinating world, which was well thought out and carried so many vivid descriptions. What I loved most was that the world added to the plot to drive the progression. It wasn't just a setting/context that gave a backdrop to the characters. For some reason, the world itself felt like it's own character that gave depth to the story and had so much to tell on its own.

2. Character Progression
Any novel that strips characters back and build as the plot moves on is a plus for me. We go from characters who are one dimensional on the page to having so much depth from learning and growing, and having the author reveal their backstory. I'm not going to say I loved all the characters, some of them were horrible (personality wise) and others didn't really make an impression on me. Surprisingly, I found George to be an okay character compared to the other companions that he found himself with by the end of the novel. Each of them did carry a relatable trait, which I really liked because there were some good messages to gain from their experiences.

3. Overall Storyline
The novel was surprisingly deep and meaningful, moving beyond the story of George trying to find his father. I found it ingenious that Bennet used fantasy and mythical elements to address larger issues, which are concerns that are relevant at present and need to be tackled. It talks of family ties, desires and dreams, identity, and social and environmental issues, which is astounding to me. I got so much out of The Troupe and the final few chapters were ones that stood out to me. It was touching and even heartbreaking at times.

Not So Much:

I don't have much that I dislike about this novel (my raving above can vouch for that), but The Troupe  is a long novel. This means that there are some moments where I glossed over because I found it to be slow or not entirely important to the plot. If I had to admit, I probably would say the middle parts are harder to remember than the beginning and end. Also, there is a lot of explicit words which isn't necessarily a bad thing but does restrict the audience level.

The Troupe was a work in progress for me, but once I reached the end I found that I loved it so much and was so glad I stumbled across it. It's not a hugely popular novel but it deserves to be known!

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The Virgin Suicides May Have Flown Right Over My Head

Title: The Virgin Suicides
Author: Jeffrey Eugenides
Publication Date: 1993
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The shocking thing about the five Lisbon sisters was how nearly normal they seemed when their mother let them out for the one and only date of their lives.

Twenty years on, their enigmatic personalities are embalmed in the memories of the boys who worshipped them and who now recall their shared adolescence: the brassiere draped over a crucifix belonging to the promiscuous Lux: the sisters' breathtaking appearance on the night of the dance; and the sultry, sleepy street across which they watched a family disintegrate and fragile lives disappear.

Review

The Virgin Suicides is not a book for everyone. Even myself am conflicted as to if I like it or not.

I loved the book for the following elements:

1. The Writing
Eugenides has an amazing way of writing, which drew me in and kept me fascinated. You'll find the writing to be reflective of the period it was based in but it's amazing how a story told through some neighbourhood boys has a language that is eloquent and captivating. It also relayed a heavy tone reflecting the growing despair and hopelessness that the girls and the community went through. I found that emotion was a huge part whist reading and mine were manipulated after encountering different events and characters.

2. Narration 
The set up for the narrator(s) is ingenious. As a reader I've picked up the novel in order to find out about the five Lisbon sisters, but in doing so I've ended up reading through the perspective of the neighbourhood boys who, like me, are constantly looking into the sisters' lives and trying to deduce what is really happening. The boys fascinations with the girls mirrored mine and I feel like that was due to Eugenides' writing. How they felt was reflected on me and it made for the mystery all that more thrilling.

3. Use of Characters
I wouldn't say I love the characters but more the use of characters for plot development instead. Minor characters who may not leave impressions in other novels actually had their own stories to tell, which created a more descriptive profile of the Lisbon sister and were interesting in themselves.

Yet, I found that the book has so many underlying themes and messages that it was hard to wrap my head around it. When I thought I understood what was going on, it went straight off into another direction. What I did get out of it was potential suicide triggers and the affects it can have not only on the individual but everyone else amongst their social circle. But after much mulling I just feel as lost as ever with the entire plot. I do like that it got me thinking and I was invested for majority of the storyline. Nothing is worst than finishing a book and realising you pretty much skimmed it.

It definitely is a fascinating novel that has much to offer, but I feel like for some people it will resonate better than perhaps with me.

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The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold | As Realistic As It Gets

Title: The Lovely Bones
Author: Alice Sebold
Publication Date: July 3rd, 2002
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Susie Salmon is ambushed after school one day. Suddenly, Susie finds herself looking down her neighbourhood below.

So Susie continues to observe from her Heaven as her family and friends continue on with their lives, constantly wondering if her killer will ever be caught.

Review

"Because horror on Earth is real and it is every day. It is like a flower or like the sun; it cannot be contained."

The Lovely Bones is realistic. It's uncomfortable and raw, every bit memorable. I don't like it because it promises sunshines and rainbows at the end of a crap storm, but that it portrays the pain and grief that occurs from traumatising events. It also addresses issues that are usually ignored or forgotten, despite being glaringly obvious. I found that it threw these matters into my face and forced me to realise that maybe I'm suppose to face them and try to reconcile or resolve them. 

Susie's family is the main focus in the story, and their methods in dealing with Susie's death varies. I liked that they each had their own coping mechanism, and it was so easy to feel their attempts in trying to start living again. There was a whole ton of emotion weighing them down - especially Susie's sister, who I really sympathised with. Susie's mum, on the other hand, was the character I disliked the most, right after the rapist. I can understand her portrayal in the novel, but I don't condone or justify her actions. Yet, it's the way she's represented so realistically that makes her memorable, and perhaps most relatable. 

Using a dead person's voice as the narrator was also something that really interested me. Susie doesn't age in her heaven per se, but as she witnesses her former life grow, so to does her mind. Her narration is heavy with maturity and life lessons, and it's really sad to see her trying to help her family but cannot actually do anything. 

I am so glad I got around to reading this, finding it emotional and thought-provoking. There was a lot to process by the end of it. I don't love the entirety of it - right before the end something really weird happened and I'm not sure worked best for the actual story. What doesn't sit too well with me is maybe the justification of the rapist's actions through a brief background story. The experience as a whole though, really struck me. I loved that Sebold stripped everything back to reveal something so raw and gripping. It does become a little graphic, especially during the actual violent act, so just a warning. 

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Dangerous Boys - Abigail Haas

Title: Dangerous Boys
Author: Abigail Haas
Publication Date: August 14th, 2014
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Chloe cannot escape the chains of her hometown and responsibilities she thought she was done with after graduation. Defeated, she resigns herself to a life with no future. Then she meets Ethan, a boy who's just moved in and it seems like her life has picked up. That is until Ethan's brother, Oliver, makes his appearance.

Later, Chloe reflects on how her life spirals out of control as the three enter an abandoned estate and only Chloe leaves, dragging along one of the brothers while the other burns to death.

Review

No matter how much I've talked myself into liking this, I don't think it has lived up to the excitement of Dangerous Girls - which was down right amazing.

Dangerous Boys had all the right elements for a great thriller, but somehow it turned out bland and predictable. I kept wanting to reach the end just to clear the mystery for the sake of finishing the book, not because I was interested in it anymore. It really dragged on for me close to the middle, but the ending did pick up its pace so I wasn't left completely bored.

I don't particularly like Chloe despite how real she is. Props to Haas for creating a character that is quite relatable, even if I don't condone her actions. She seemed so real because of all her flaws. On the surface Chloe represented the well brought up daughter and straight A student. We sympathise with her for being tied down and having to prioritise responsibilities before herself. Yet, once the story grew I really started to question her character. Was it because of the brothers that influenced her to change or had she already had this in herself, just waiting for the right moment to break free?Questioning my judgement on characters was actually something I really enjoyed while reading this, because at least I was getting somewhat engaged in the story.

I don't entirely believe that the brothers - Ethan and Oliver - were realistic characters. It really felt like they were being portrayed as the angel and devil inside Chloe; one being extremely good and the other a total bad boy. I could understand how Chloe may have felt suffocated under Ethan and drawn towards Oliver and his dangerous ways, but it was too predictable right from the start. In the end I just felt really detached reading about them.

I wasn't completely disappointed with how the mystery unravelled; Haas did give me a surprise at the end, which made up for most things. Yet, it still felt like something was missing - like there wasn't enough fed to me and I was left wondering what was going to happen after. I haven't really come up to a solid conclusion about Chloe only because she still puzzles me, but at least I understand the motives behind the event and the darker side of human nature. There were big questions about morality and self-desires, and how selfish a person can be.

I do think Dangerous Boys was a good read, and I did finish it quickly. Just don't go into  it expecting a lot - like I did - and you might enjoy it better than me.

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Bad Kitty - Michele Jaffe

Title: Bad Kitty

Author: Michele Jaffe

Series: Bad Kitty #1 

Publication Date: January, 24th 2006

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Jasmine's an aspiring detective, self trained in sleuthing and investigating. Her dad's warned her to stay away from her usual mischief but a week in Vegas could contain many surprises.

It all starts with Jas run in with a cat.

Review

I haven't done a video review in so long, but I really enjoyed Bad Kitty so I thought it definitely needed a bit more attention.

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One Kick (Kick Lannigan #1) - Chelsea Cain

Disclaimer: I requested a copy of this novel to review from Simon & Schuster.

Plot:

Kick Lannigan was abducted as a child before being miraculously found and returned home. Ten years later and Kick has immersed herself in every self-defence and weaponry practice, vowing to be stronger than ever.

She's lived just fine on her own, but when Bishop - a mysterious man - comes to find her about the missing children's case, Kick is pulled back into a world she's tried hard to protect herself from.

Review:

One Kick is an easy read due to the fast pacing and intense plot development. Immediately, the prologue creates an impact, drawing me into a world that I did not expect to encounter in this story. I know Kick get's abducted, but there's more to it and it was definitely an eye-opener. The story has moments of flashback to introduce important parts, but they were done short and succinct so it left an impression. This also meant I wasn't jolted out of the present time whilst reading. It was a solid plot, straight forward and memorable. 

Chelsea Cain's writing was definitely a surprise, thrilling but also horrifying. There's quite a bit of gory moments, which I could stomach but still madee me cringe a bit. At first it was a little hard for me to get into the story, but then the novel started flowing and I quickly got hooked. It's pushed as a thriller, but does become quite emotional at some points. Cain does a great job in greying out the area between good and bad, especially in people, which I liked. 

I grew to like Kick, stubborn and hot-headed, but deeply scarred so you can't help but hold some sympathy towards her - even if she never asks for it. I admire her strength but can also relate to the vulnerability that is hidden underneath the front that she puts up. Her interactions with Bishop were amusing but also interesting. I'm not sure what direction they'll end up in, but it's definitely a relationship where they're both wary of each other yet, can still be open enough to develop a bond. As for Bishop, I'm intrigued about his role, but as a character he's still little too mysterious to really determine a conclusive judgement.

One Kick is the first in a series, but I found that it made for a good introduction to the characters and the setting. I'm not sure what the next book will touch upon, although it is hinted at the end. I do have a few questions but I'm hoping they'll be answered later on. The novel didn't end without some hiccups - I am confused at some parts as well - but they're not overly noticeable to detract from the entire story.

One thing I know for sure, One Kick has definitely pulled my interest into Cain's other works and the continuation of this series.

One Kick will be released on the 19th of August, 2014.

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The Waiting List

The Waiting List is a new feature hosted by PrintedWordsAnd (me), where I list some upcoming releases for the month that I'm most excited about! It's not an original idea, but I'm hoping it'll be useful guide for you guys.

(Links to Goodreads via images and titles)

YA Sequels

1. Opposition (Lux #5) by Jennifer Almentrout - 5th August

2. Isla and the Happily Every After (Anna and the French Kiss #3) by Stephanie Perkins - 14th August
One of the most raved about series, this final novel draws out the story of Isla and Josh who come to the quick realisation that happily ever afters may not really exist.
I still haven't ventured into this series yet, but I'm very tempted with all the hype around it. 

3. The Revenge of Seven (Lorien Legacies #5) by Pittacus Lore - 26th August

4. Yolo (Internet Girls #4) by Lauren Myracle - 26th August

Out of the series listed I've actually only read Internet Girls by Laruen Myracle, and really did like it. It might seem silly, but the format and the content is cute and funny. I do remember reading it in high school so I might revisit this series for nostalgic reasons. 

Mystery

1. Dangerous Boys by Abigail Haas - 14th August 

A thriller about three teens who enter a building one night, but only two come out alive. Questions are asked and Chloe has all the answers yet, can't seem to unlock them. 

I love a good mystery and this just sounds like the perfect one. 

Zoe who co-writes on Deadly Darlings listed this as her favourite read last month; read her review here!

Fantasy

1. Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M. Lee - 5th August

2. Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods by Rick Riordan - 19th August

A companion novel to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Rick Riordan brings back Percy Jackson to recount the origins of Olympus and the gods. 

I am so pumped for this because 1) I love Greek mythology and 2) the Percy Jackson series is simply amazing. 

Horror/Paranormal

1. Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine - 5th August

Wren is horrified at herself after making a deadly wish only to have the Ghost who haunts the medical clinic grant it. She soon learns that there are more things to fear, including the fact that the Ghost has watched over her for a very long time. 

I completely freaked out after realising that this is a modern take on The Phantom of Opera, one of my favourites musicals ever! Definitely on my TBR list this month.

2. The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco - 5th August

3. Into the Grey by Celine Kiernan - 26th August

After the fire, two boys realise they draw the attention of a ghost who seem to think he has found home with them.

Just how creepy does it sound to have a ghost target you for a person they think is familiar/want to be with. 

Sci-Fi

1. The Islands at the End of the World by Austin Aslan - 5th August

2. Lock In by John Scalzi - 26th August

Fifteen years on and a virus has spread across the globe. Of the 95% afflicted, 1% are diagnosed as "locked in" - awake and aware but paralysed. Before these people are deemed useless, two new technologies emerge, both depending on virtual reality. The use is regulated and licensed, but it's impossible to not lure others to abuse it. 

I'm not a massive fan of sci-fi but this one just seems like one of the best concepts of this genre. I think I'm going to get sucked in, especially because it involves a lot of social justice issues.

Historical Fiction

1. The King's Curse (The Cousins War #6) by Philippa Gregory - 14th August

Margaret Pole, cousin to Elizabeth of York, finds herself in the company of Arthur, prince of Wales, and his bride Katherine of Aragon. She becomes the chief lady-in-waiting after Katherine becomes Queen, but faces the challenges of court, whilst struggling to hide her identity.

This is by far my most anticipated novel for this month, following the era between The Lancasters and the Yorks. Gregory writes fascinating historical fiction and this series has been excellent so far. I am so excited for the finale and love the fact that it ties into the Tudor period.

Contemporary

1. I Love I Hate I Miss My Sister by Amelie Sarn, Y. Maudet  - 5th August

2. Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling by Lucy Frank - 5th August

Written in verse, two girls meet in a hospital ward and find themselves easing into a surprising friendship. 

I feel drawn to this novel only because I think it will be a beautiful and heartwarming read, whilst wringing out some emotions from me as well. Very high expectations here.

3. A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall - 26th August

4. Play Me Backwards by Adam Selzer - 26th August

Leon Harris is a sloth, slack and unmotivated, until he hears that his middle school girlfriend is returning home. He takes on advice from his best friend Stan, who claims to be Satan, but soon begins to think that maybe he shouldn't have agreed to hand over his soul after all.

I can already tell that this will be humorous and witty (well hopefully anyways). I'm ready for a good laugh out loud contemporary to get ready for Spring to come.

This is my waiting list for August, what's yours?

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We Were Liars - E. Lockhart

Plot:

Cadence Sinclair returns to her family's beach house on her 17th Summer. There she recounts the family's history as well as a story that should've been left untold.

Review:

I wrote a short plot for a reason - We Were Liars is a book you want to go in with as limited knowledge as you can. It's what everyone recommended, and something I definitely agree it.

There's only one word to explain my reading experience: wow. We Were Liars is the type of book that will baffle your mind, and at the end blow it up into smithereens. I think not knowing what the plot is about right from the beginning really enhances this experience, because you start to make speculations and these speculations will grow, pushing you to keep reading.

This is definitely a mystery that's well-executed. The build up of intensity was on-point, done through Cadence's recounts of the previous summers and her ties to the beach house. I found the writing to be beautiful and haunting, flowing at a good pace and almost melodically. I think what worked the best though, was how Lockhart caught me off guard just as the mystery hits its resolution. I floated through the story unaware I would be given the answer. In fact, it really did pull at some of my emotions, and I was close (very close) to shedding a tear.

I did find though, that I developed no attachments to the characters, despite them having some depths.   They weren't entirely flat, but they were one-sided. If the character was suppose to be bad, there were only negative features about them - not enough redeeming qualities to make save their character - and vice versa. I didn't particularly enjoy Cadence as a character either, she was just the vehicle to drive the plot for me.

Initially, I gave We Were Liars a full five-star rating, because I was completely taken aback with the ending of the story. Except I've had time to mull over it, and there were some minor issues, like the plot being a little dull at times, and the group being called 'The Liars' without a full explanation to the name. Still, for a novel that short, it definitely left a large impact. I flew through it in about an hour, because it was that easy to read.

I definitely recommend this thrilling and intriguing read. I can actually see this being made into a movie, just because I think it is a perfect mystery plot for the screen.

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More Than This - Patrick Ness

I went into this with one thought and came out completely mind blown. Seriously, a recommended read.

Rating: 4.5/5

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The Legacy - Katherine Webb

 
Plot:

After the death of their grandmother, sisters Erica and Beth Calcott return to their childhood summer house - Storton Manor. Once a place full of happy memories, they are now haunted by their cousin Henry vanishing mysteriously one holiday. Erica cannot stop thinking back to that summer as she goes through her grandmother's belonging, but comes up with no answers.

There are too many family secrets, from generations before them, in which they must face in order to move past the events of the present. This is their legacy.

Review:

As much as the plot sounds overly dramatic, that is basically what The Legacy is about. It's a lengthy novel with twists and turns, and stories between stories before we get to the finale. I found though, that for all the complexity, Katherine Webb did a good job in unravelling all the mysterious ties to create an intriguing read.

I'm pretty much a sucker for family mysteries, which is probably why I decided to read this. I don't think I was disappointed with the whole web of secrets, but more the experience of reading it. Whilst Webb's writing was descriptive and engaging, I found myself zoning out in some moments. I think the problem was the pacing and tone of the writing. I could imagine the scenery and places mentioned while reading, but because Erica's voice is so sentimental and whimsical, it really set a slow and dull tone. At some points I had to work really hard to plod through what was happening. However, Webb also includes Erica and Beth's great grandmother's story, placed between present chapters. Caroline's voice is a lot different, and I was more fascinated with her story as opposed to what was actually occurring in the present. In fact, I actually looked forward to her chapters more and there was no problem in reading that perspective. It was great to see that Webb created two distinctive voices as well, so it was clear who's view I was reading from.

I'm not sure I loved all the characters, just because I felt like they were flat. Beth had scars and the story tried to unravel her fears, but even the revelation couldn't really rescue her character. Erica was more like a curious teenager than her actual age, of which I could not pinpoint. I think I preferred Caroline and the characters in her past because they were a lot more interesting to read about.

The plot wove such an intricate storyline though, that I kept wondering how Webb would unravel all the mysteries. She did eventually, and in a way that caught me by surprise. This definitely made up for most of my reading experience, as the writing caught up with the intensity and helped me power through till the end. It did take awhile to get there, but I think it was worth it. It made me feel as though the read was actually worth it, I really did not expect for the mystery to be resolved as so.

There were still some questions that I had and moments that didn't really make sense or wasn't really addressed, but I just overlooked it at the end. It was deep and sad at some moments, and a lesson that can be learnt but overall it just lacked a little impact. I do recommend though, if you like a good mystery, especially one that has complexities but fit together to perfect the puzzle.

Rating: 3.5/5

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The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - Michelle Hodkin

Plot: 

Mara Dyer wakes up after a coma unaware of what has happened. She's informed that in a freak accident that resulted in the deaths of her friends, she was the only one to survive. Her family decides to move to help her recover from the trauma. Instead, Mara begins to experience moments of hallucinations. It also doesn't help that she meets a boy who apparently knows her quite well.

Mara must now determine if she really is losing her mind, or are all these delusions pointing her in the right direction.

Review:

I actually picked this up because I've heard some pretty good reviews about it, care of the Book Tube community. Also because it's a psychological thriller, which I beg to differ a little but we'll get to that later.

Right from the beginning, Hodkin has created a tone that will drive the entire novel. There's an underlying creepiness that basically stays at the back of your mind. I think what worked well was that I wasn't bombarded with constant "scary" scenes. Instead, there was a build up of suspense and lots and lots of questioning. I found myself experiencing Mara's emotions like I was right beside her. We were both confused and doubtful of her sanity. It felt so real.

I think the visual descriptions were pretty gruesome. It wasn't something to make me violently sick but at the same I did feel a little uneasy. It's what made the novel feel different to the usual thrillers. Still, I wouldn't classify the Mara Dyer series as entirely psychological thriller. True it was scary and haunting, but the novel took a turn and it became a romance in the second half. I didn't mind though, because I grew to love her romantic counterpart - Noah. He was probably really stereotypical. The mysterious, rebellious boy with a beautiful smile and just enough arrogance that it becomes attractive. I still fell for him though. I know it sounds weird, I mean he isn't real. But that's how an author succeeds in writing a character.

It's not like the romance in the novel deters from the central issue though, which was good. I wasn't going to keep reading if it was just the sappy stuff all the way through. It was still mostly about the inner conflict that Mara was experiencing.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer definitely gave me a lot of shocking moments.  It's quite possibly the one of the best novels I've read this year, having enough suspense and great plot development to keep me hooked for the entire time. The momentum rose and fell, keeping me on edge when needed. I read it in a day or so and couldn't believe how quickly I was drawn into it. Hodkin writes well, not above any other author, but certainly enough to catch my attention. Her plot is fast and intense, which I would like to thank her for. The ending finished on a massive plot twist and made me really want to go and buy the second book straight away. I mentally kicked myself as to why I didn't just purchase the entire series when I bought the first book. Still, now I have something to look forward to for next year.

I definitely recommend this - an exceptional read.

Rating: 5/5

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The Secret Keeper - Kate Morton

Plot: 

1961 - Laurel, at 16, witnesses a crime from her hideout spot in the treehouse.

2011 - Laurel is now a famous actress but the event from her childhood begins to linger in her mind.

So begins her journey from the past to present, as she finds the answers to questions that have lasted for more than most her life. The lives of Dorothy, Vivien and Jimmy are slowly opened up in a fascinating recount of their sudden encounter during the 1940s.

Review:

Kate Morton really hits the marks with her novels and The Secret Keeper is no exception. It makes for a great mystery/crime type of novel that isn't loaded with guts and blood, and disturbing killers. Instead, she takes on adult fiction and puts a twist to it. I find that that makes the novel really interesting and whilst the premise of this certainly doesn't sound any unique, the plot is actually a lot more surprising than expected.

It's a pretty thick read but even with the size (500+  pages) I was really immersed in what was happening. Morton has a way of writing, which really draws me in and leaves me in that world. It's probably the way she paints the scenery and the characters of the novel. I've never really seen how London exists, besides photos, especially "back in the days" but from reading I could make out the countryside and the town in which Dorothy, Vivien and Jimmy exist in. Morton does get a little "artsy" in the way she writes, using really drawn out ways to explain something but it didn't detract from the story so I didn't mind much.

The plot quickens probably from part 3 onwards, which really helps with the intensity of the mystery. I think I got really hooked from that moment and had to finish the novel. The plot twist that came about really made the wait so much better. It really reminded me why I love reading Morton's novels, because she delivers in the end.

I loved Jimmy and Vivien despite the fact that they aren't major characters in the novel. I found Jimmy sweet and Vivien just wholeheartedly good. Dorothy, on the other hand, I could've done without just because she really got my nerves. There has never been a character that was insanely naive and pretty much delusional. She had ambitions but no solid plan and when it all fell apart, well then. Laurel, I felt, was only a vehicle to drive the stories of the three people in the past. She was the predominant narrator but with her moments, they were gateways to the stories that occurred during the 1940s.

The Secret Keeper has left much for me to think about, which I like. I like that I can still think about the plot and the characters involve and sort of mull over what happened. It's mean I was mentally engaged whilst reading, which is what I think most authors would want. It's not my favourite Kate Morton novel but it's definitely a very enjoyable read. I shall forever be her fan if she continues this streak.

Click here to watch my review as well!

Rating: 4/5

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Rosebush - Michele Jaffe

Plot:
Sometimes the truth is a very thorny thing.

Jane is found unconscious in a rosebush after being hit by car. She can't remember anything about the incident and the police think it's just the usual hit and run. That is, until Jane's memory comes back about the night before.

It turns out there's a lot more than what everyone wants to believe.

Review:

I found Rosebush to be one of the most enjoyable novels I've read in awhile. It met with most of my expectations and I wouldn't mind reading it again.

The romance in the novel was much like any typical teen love story. The popular girl dating the popular boy, and they're perfect together. Well minus some hiccups. In comes a gorgeous male nurse and a hot friend who has the same interest as the protagonist. Add all these factors together and you get - chaos. It's not really believable but I didn't mind it too much considering there was a lot of character revelations from the interactions that occurred between the characters.

I think none of the major characters really stuck with me. Even Jane wasn't enough to have me connect with her. Only Bonnie made a mark not because of who she was but because of the message she brought across. Most of the characters were just easy to despise. That's about it.

However, that doesn't distract from the plot. I started out thinking it was a simple teenage novel with a mysterious twist to it. Instead, I got layers that held up a colossal structure. There's so much more to the supposed hit and run, so many things that add to one chilling truth. Many of the characters have great depths to them that it makes for an engaging read. It's also got quite a lot of messages for young readers, ranging from family and friend issues to trust and jealously. Basically the issues that a lot of adolescents have to face on an everyday basis.

Also, the thriller aspect was every bit what it should be. There was suspense, mystery and twists. I never suspected a thing, just assumptions that changed from time to time. When the culprit was revealed I was like wow, okay. I see. It was surprising and sort of scary at the same time.

I'm glad I followed my instincts and read this. Already, I have been drawn back into the story after skimming the ending again. It's not very memorable but that's good for me because that means I can read it again whilst developing new thoughts. Definitely give it a read.

Rating: 4/5

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The Killer In My Eyes - Giorgio Faletti

Plot:

Mayor Marsalis' son has been found dead in his apartment. The killer's left him naked and in a position identical to Linus, a character from the comic-strip Peanuts. Ex-cop Jordan is called in to investigate the death and soon there are a string of other deaths replicated in the same way. Along with Italian investigator Maureen Martini, Jordan must find the murderer before other characters are killed.

Review:
There are two concepts that I am absolutely astounded by in the novel, enough to think Faletti is an actual genius:
One, the idea of  moulding a well-known cartoon strip into something so sinister. I would like to award Faletti with an award for creativity because I would never have thought that Snoopy and his friends could play a part in a murder mystery And two, the reason for the title, which I really can't explain cause then it just ruins the novel. To put it simply, sometimes you just have to see it to believe it.
Like his other novels, Faletti's able to introduce a number of characters that somehow interlink with each other (sometimes by a bit too much coincidence) without making the plot confusing. The characters are there for a reason, whether to help solve the mystery or help the development of a character. They're not fleeting and suddenly forgotten, they're introduced and stay till the end. Faletti is able to develop his characters quite well despite the limited timespan the novel is set in. There are certain attachments that can be made with the characters and surprisingly, I felt it with the minor characters more than the protagonist. I love the fact that everyone is flawed in this novel. Everyone including our hero. Even the victims who  you are suppose to feel sympathy for actually leave much more of a bitter feeling.
While reading a Faletti novel there is a lot of deducing that will happen and sometimes I'm so certain it'll be this person, but with The Killer In My Eyes no matter how much I thought about it nothing seemed plausible. So when the major revealing happened I was surprised but also a bit confused. You know the whole, where did this come from, which (thankfully) the plot explains later on. It was unexpected in the fact that you just never pinpoint that character in the first place. I guess that is a successful aspect in writing a crime novel, the unexpected moments are always the best.
This is the third novel I've read from Faletti and I have to say I held high expectations. I've always admired his talent in springing the surprise at the last minute, making the mysteries so much more thrilling. The same happens in The Killer In My Eyes but for some reason it just didn't create the same reaction I had with his previous works (see reviews for his other novels here). That's not to say it was bad, it just wasn't his best. I still thoroughly enjoyed it though, majority of it was great. For a tiny portion it was a bit slow paced but I guess it needed to start building the intense again instead of just being on a high the entire time.
Most of the time if an author sticks with a particular genre their novels just seem like a carbon copy of each other, just with different character names and setting. With Faletti everything is different and that's what I love about his style of writing. It's always something new that has you completely engaged. Grab a copy and settle down because you'll be sucked into the story before you know it.
Rating: 4/5

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Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn

Plot:

Setting: North Carthage, Missouri

On the day of Nick's fifth wedding anniversary, his wife, Amy, disappears from their home. Initially, his innocence is certain and the support he receives is immense. Then Amy's unknown best-friend points at Nick and the police begin to find suspicious evidence that link to him. Suddenly Nick is the number one suspect

Review:

Gone Girl does everything a thriller should do. It's intense, shocking, grotesque and quite disturbing. That's about the only positive about this novel. Flynn produced a novel that had me sitting on the edge, that's for sure. I waited and waited and waited and waited just for the answer. In between that time there are a million twists that add depth to the plot. A simple mystery spirals into a haunting thriller that is quite the nail biter (excuse the cliche). The turning point in the novel needs only one word to describe it: wow.

However, all that ended at the finale of the novel. I am a reader that expects an amazing plot to end with a massive bang! Gone Girl did not deliver that. It was like enjoying a cool, fizzy coke and then taking the next sip only to find it flat and thick. How unsatisfying. All that time reading it and I was pushing for the ending, the moment where I close the book and say yes, it was a fantastic read. All I could say was oh, is that it? The ending is the do or die moment for me. It absolutely killed the book. Definitely the most disappointing aspect.

Flynn writes very well but was somehow quite dull. The first half was a drag and I had to really persevere  (I found myself becoming drowsy every so often), just for the sake of the answer. Perhaps this was because of the background information that Flynn included in order to set up the anticipation. The second half was immensely better, it was so easy to dive in and be completely engaged with what was happening.

The characters are unlikable. Whether that is Flynn's intention or not, I do not know. Both Nick and Amy have no redeeming qualities that make you want to like them or feel sympathetic towards their situation, which is weird seeing as they are both placed in situations everyone would tend to feel sorry for (especially Amy). The minor characters are just in the background and I hardly take notice of them. I don't even remember most of their names. There are characters that add an interesting twist in the plot and provide quite a bit of entertainment but there's really no hook that readers can connect to.

I guess when I picked up this novel I had a lot of expectations about it, seeing as how it has garnered many positive reviews. Maybe that's why I felt like it was such a let down. Overall, it was okay. It wasn't exceptional, although it could have been with how great the plot was. If you're a thriller fan than try it out, it might suit your taste. I just felt like it needed to be a little more compact, to the point, and have something drive the readers home quickly.

Rating: 3/5

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You Against Me - Jenny Downham

Plot:

Mikey McKenzie's sister, Karyn, has accused Tom Parker of raping her. Mikey is out to seek revenge for his sister. Ellie Parker, Tom's sister, only has one thought to defend her brother. Their paths soon cross and suddenly their lives can't stop going forward.

Review:

Did Tom Parker commit the crime? That's the question that readers hang onto until the final chapters of You Against Me. The novel pulls readers with it and doesn't let them go until it finally ends. That's how it felt like for me. You start off not knowing who is telling the truth - Karyn or Tom. Except the novel is narrated through Mikey and Ellie. Mikey creates the link of sympathy readers share for Karyn whilst Ellie almost demands readers to trust Tom. The sides you take shift as soon as the narrating perspective changes. It's hard not to feel sorry for Karyn, hiding from the outside world who judges her. It's hard to see Tom as guilty after hearing what he has done for Ellie ever since they were young.

Along side the mysterious case is the developing relationship between the two main characters. Yes, it was bound to happen. But it's not like you start the novel not knowing that Mikey and Ellie are bound to enter a relationship at some point. Their relationship actually adds to the depth of the novel. Their constant battle between loyalty to their family and the passion they feel for each other. Although Downham makes it out as love, during the time frame that the plot takes place in, it is not that realistic to really call it love. They are definitely drawn to each other, so I call it passion (and certain amounts of lust). Their relationship keeps readers interested as well, curious as to how it will end up.

Downham keeps readers on the edge, not leaving any hints to what really did happen.She has a knack of taking the most serious issues to create a plot that just stays with readers. The idea of rape may seem like it will be too much to handle but it is actually the opposite. It addresses the stereotype of low-socioeconomic families vs. middle/high class families and the idea that girls who wear certain revealing clothing are just "asking for it". There are a lot of family themes underlying the novel as well.

Jenny Downham is known for her previous novel, Before I Die, and so You Against Me carries a lot of expectations. Let me tell you now, they are quite different. It's not so much that one novel excels while the other is just average, it's just that from what I have heard, the anticipation really does make You Against Me a slight disappointment. I guess it's lucky that I do not remember much about Before I Die so I read this novel with a blank slate. It was truly an enjoying read, I went through it in one night. It definitely leaves readers emotionally overwhelmed though, which could be good or bad. I finished at 12AM and could not go to sleep until 2AM. You feel the sadness, the anger, the disappointment. It is actually all there.

There is so much more that I could say about this novel but if I had to have one complaint then the ending left me slightly unsatisfied. The question that circulates the novel is answered. Of course it is (otherwise I would've gone nuts) but it feels as though the novel started off high and led me through an intense ride only to drop off. Just a bit.

I would still recommend this novel though. Try it out, you fall to love Mikey. At least I hope you do, just like I did.

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Dead Lovely - Helen Fitzgerald

Plot:

Setting: Glasgow

Krissie returns to Glasgow only to find out she is pregnant. Her best friend, Sarah, has tried for her entire married life to get pregnant. With Sarah envying Krissie and Krissie unable to cope with single motherhood, the friends quickly descend towards disaster. After a camping trip goes horribly wrong it seems like nothing can be done to patch their shredded friendship. Especially if it involves betrayal and murder.

Review:

It's hard to believe Dead Lovely is Fitzgerald's debut novel. Not so much because it is spectacular and now one of my favourites. It's more of the plot that gets me. The novel started out really well. It was captivating, an exciting read that had me hooked. That lasted until half way. The camping trip was the obvious pivotal point. However, it also became the moment in which the entire novel became completely out of whack. In my opinion at least. Fitzgerald's writing was still engrossing, no doubt. The parts that touched on romance and their friendship were lighthearted and enjoyable. Except the novel slowly turned from one of many lessons to a horrifying murder mystery with gruesome scenes that dragged me out of reality. Further into the novel and the plot spun 360 degrees leaving me trying to fully understand everything that was happening. Only at the end did I entirely grasp the reason behind all the plans and introduction of characters. Fitzgerald tied off all loose ends very well.

It was engaging. I must commend Fitzgerald for still keeping my attention even if I was beginning to become disturbed. However, the humourous start is not enough for me to consider re-reading it. It was just all too much. Shock after shock, the novel became overwhelming. In a way Fitzgerald achieved what she wanted - the reactions towards the gory recounts that happen. Perhaps at this age it is not suited for me but Dead Lovely has no appeal. It is enjoyable for those who crave a thriller but also the more mellow side of a romance.

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