Review: Strange Buildings (Strange #3) by Uketsu

5 stars for Strange Buildings (Strange book 3) by Uketsu.

This book reads like an extension of book 2 Strange Houses. There are eleven short stories on strange buildings. At first glance, the stories seems totally unrelated, but on careful reading, they begin to intertwine, telling one incredible tale.

This is basically one big story which the author ingeniously breaks up into eleven individual files or cases, to give the impression that they are not related. And then one by one as if solving a big jigsaw puzzle, these fragmented pieces are placed in their rightful position to form a big picture in the grand scheme of things.

I enjoy reading this third book in the Strange series as much as the first two. Because each story is short, it is easy to read and pause for a break before I continue with the next one. I have some fun trying to spot the connections as I read along. Well, I would say it is not easy!

Uketsu is a writer of great originality. I am impressed by the refreshing storyline and the writing style, especially how the author wraps up the story and ties up loose ends. The last chapter is akin to watching a movie that is left with less than ten minutes or so run time. You thought the perpetrator is finally apprehended. And then five minutes before the credits start rolling, the last piece of puzzle reveals its hiding place. And finally, the jigsaw is whole.

Review: Strange Houses (Strange #2) by Uketsu

4 stars for Strange Houses (Strange book 2) by Uketsu.

Strange Houses is a creepy puzzle-box of a book. Each chapter starts with an unusual, to the point of being freaky, house floor plan, then peels back the “normal” layout to reveal disturbing secrets hidden in the walls.

The story is not so much a horror, but leans more towards unsettling mystery. The reader in me feels like an architect-turned-detective as I manoeuvre these "haunted" house blueprints with "oh no" moments such as when a hallway makes no sense.

This book is perfect for you if you like weird-vibe stories that make you side-eye every corner of your own home.

Have you read it yet, or thinking of picking it up?

Review: Strange Pictures (Strange #1) by Uketsu

5 stars for Strange Pictures (Strange book 1) by Uketsu.

It has been a long while since I last read a mystery novel that I'd forgotten the thrill and fun of immersing myself in solving one.

This is the first time I am reading a book filled with so many pictures — or illustrations. I do wonder if these pictures are drawn by the author himself. If yes, that means the author is not just brilliant with weaving stories but gifted at drawing as well.

Each chapter starts with a “normal” picture, then author Uketsu zooms in on one tiny detail that turns everything sinister. It is a good thing that I bought the dead tree version of a book because I find myself constantly flipping back and forth to look at those pictures again and again.

Strange Pictures is a creepy, fast-paced book, and the reveals hit like a jump scare. You will never look at family photos or convenience store pictures the same way again.

Review: Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels #10) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels book 10) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

My memory fails me, for real this time. I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad. The fact is, this book reads absolutely new to me. I remember reading it in that same year it was first published but the thing is, I simply cannot recall anything at all, not even a vague impression. No inkling. Nothing. Zilch. The flip side is, reading this book as a first feels really wonderful.

Kate Daniels' world is never short of action and surprises. In this last instalment of the series, she is tasked to solve the mystery of two hundred missing people. In the midst of Kate's investigations, ancient creatures start popping out of her aunt Erra's nightmares and attack them. And as if these aren't trouble enough, Kate finds out that her father is secretly mobilising his army. To make matters worse, there is a Fae assassin running around in Atlanta city hoping to kill Kate, Curran and their son Conlan.

Magic Triumphs is as good a title as its delivery of the closing arc of a grand finale. There are troops, mages, witches, the Pack, the Undead, the military, the Druids, the Order, the pagans, the Red Guard and even the Iron Dogs. Yes, all the different factions in Atlanta make their appearance and contribute in their own way to a colourful firework that signals a closure to Kate Daniels.