293. Classic Tales of Detection & Adventure by Edgar Allan Poe

BOOK REVIEW: Classic Tales of Detection & Adventure by Edgar Allan Poe

When the name of Edgar Allan Poe comes to mind, his stories of the macabre and horror pounce to the forefront. However, he has also written stories that closely resemble today's detective stories as well as stories of discovery and adventure that will occur only in our wildest dreams.

This book consists of Edgar's 5 best stories of detection and adventure and will hold lovers of classics in their grip.

Originally published in Graham's Magazine in 1841, The Murders in the Rue Morgue is considered to be the first classic tale of detection that gave birth to the genre of crime fiction which we know and love today.

It introduced the sleuth C. Auguste Dupin and this "locked room" puzzle was followed by 2 more adventures for Monsieur Dupin: The Mystery of Marie Rôget and The Purloined Letter.

In addition, readers can enjoy an early Poe detective story, Thou Art the Man!, which seeks to uncover the murderer of the wealthy Barnabas Shuttleworthy, and The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall, the tale of his adventure to reach the moon in a revolutionary new balloon!

I personally enjoyed this book as it portrayed another side of Edgar's writing style, the bright side opposing the dark. I would like to recommend this highly as a compilation of classics to be appreciated.

 

292. The Malaysian Book of the Undead by Danny Lim

BOOK REVIEW: The Malaysian Book of the Undead by Danny Lim

Asians are really superstitious and Malaysians are not an exception. We believe in the supernatural and all those which go bump-in-the-night. The author has compiled most of Malaysia's otherworldly occupants in this book.

This book is a compendium of multicultural ghosts, spirits and emanations. Discover their origins, characteristics and whenever possible, how to make sure they stay away from you. 

This chatty and occasionally ironic guide is sure to come in handy each time you hear something go bump, or even "kak-kak-kak-kak-kak", in the night.

Some lively illustrations will make readers' minds race in horror, conjuring up none too pleasant a scene. Watch out for them as they stealthily creep to you in the dark.

291. Rosa and the Veil of Gold by Kim Wilkins

BOOK REVIEW: Rosa and the Veil of Gold by Kim Wilkins

Fairytales used to be the realm of children. Tales of mystery and deceit and magic cleverly woven to not scare them into oblivion. It's wonderful to read a book that is so magical that I have started believing in fairytales myself (adult version of course). This novel based in Russia is priceless.

Beyond this world, behind the veil of history, lies the Kingdom of the Rus, the land where all the magic fled. Rosa Kovalenka is wild and beautiful and broken; when she returned to Russia, her homeland, she left behind her lover Daniel, and part of herself. 

She is trying to rebuild her life when she finds a golden bear, hidden in a bathhouse wall, and her inherited Second Sight recognises the sudden lash of power as something otherworldly, something dangerous. Released from the protection of the bathhouse, the golden bear starts to recall the magic that once raged through the land of the Rus.

Daniel, all unwitting, has been caught up in the golden bear's magic, and to save him, Rosa, trapped herself in a shadowy tangle of grief and desire, must draw on her own untried powers to rescue her lover and mend the Veil between the worlds. 

Breathtakingly written, the story revolves around the Russian folklore of old. So intriguing was it that I was sucked deep into the storyline, chasing the Snow Witch. 

290. Calm: Secrets to Serenity from the Cultures of the World by Lonely Planet

BOOK REVIEW: Calm - Secrets to Serenity from the Cultures of the World by Lonely Planet

Being human, we have always sought a moment of peace and solitude. Morning rush hour and constant work deadlines have left us yearning for a spot of calm. However, we are left clueless as to how to acheive a state of mindful peace surrounded by a cacophony of sound.

In this pocket edition of Lonely Planet, you can read on how to get a slice of calm in your daily life from the diverse world cultures that we are lucky to have.

Learn to laugh down your fears at Halloween  step outside yourself at a Venetian masquerade ball or access theta brain waves with Malian drumming. Draw upon these and other calming cultural secrets from around the world.

This book does fit into your pocket, so if you are ever lost in the modern jungle and are seeking ways to bring down your stress levels, be sure to whip out this gem and pick out a slice of serenity to apply on the spot.

289. Gingerbread Cookie Murder by Laura Levine, Joanne Fluke and Leslie Miller

BOOK REVIEW: Gingerbread Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine and Leslie Meier

Christmas is the time of year where festivities abound and joy spills over the thresholds of the home. The story of Santa on his reindeer-led sleigh never fails to put a smile on our faces. But stories of Christmas need not be the boring ones with this book, femme fatales taking centre stage as they solve murders during the festive season.

Consisting of 3 stories in a book, murder will make its own special delivery, thrilling the socks off readers as you delve into the stories with a hot mug of cocoa.

In "Gingerbread Cookie Murder" by Joanne Fluke, when Hannah Swensen finds her neighbour Ernie Kusak with his head bashed in and sprawled on the floor of his condo next to an upended box of Hannah's Gingerbread Cookies, she discovers a flurry of murder suspects that's as long as her holiday shopping list.

In "The Dangers of Gingerbread Cookies" by Laura Levine, Jaine Austen has been enlisted to help with her parents' retirement community's play The Gingerbread Cookie That Saves Christmas. Playboy Dr. Preston McCay is playing the role of the gingerbread cookie when he "accidentally" falls to his death during the final act. 

In "Gingerbread Cookies and Gunshots" by Leslie Meier, when Lucy Stone discovers the body of Rick Juergens, whose 5-year-old son Nemo disappeared, she senses foul play. Crumbs from a gingerbread cookie Lucy gave to Nemo are found in the back seat of Rick's car. With the hours quickly ticking till Christmas, Lucy races against the clock to find a killer before he strikes again.

This book brought a sprinkling of laughter and Christmas spirit coupled with a healthy dose of intriguing mysteries that would undoubtedly make the holidays shine a tad brighter.