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Page-turning tales

As we approach the culmination of 2023, a season of contemplation and emotional reckoning is on the horizon.

In this period of introspection, where we reflect on the myriad experiences and actions that have defined our journey throughout the year, delve into these profound narratives which offer nuanced explorations of the human psyche.

From the extraordinary stories of an elderly man who claims to have lived multiple lives, a hotel maid ensnared in the mystery of sudden death, an ex-Army Ranger navigating a labyrinth of secrets, and a space pilot confronting the enigmatic silence of an inter-stellar colony.

AGAIN AND AGAIN
BY JONATHAN EVISON
Eugene Miles, a time-weary resident of a nursing home, spins tales of past lives to his new companion, Angel. Their unlikely friendship unfolds as Eugene recounts stories spanning a millennium, from medieval Spain to a life as a feline companion. The narrative weaves through time, exploring the depths of Eugene’s experiences and the profound connection he forges with Angel.

THE MYSTERY GUEST
BY NITA PROSE
Molly, the meticulous Head Maid of the Regency Grand Hotel, finds herself thrust into a perplexing case when a celebrated author dies unexpectedly. With Detective Stark suspecting foul play, Molly delves into her own past, revisiting childhood memories tied to the deceased. The investigation unveils not only a gripping mystery but also the complexities of Molly’s personal history.

ABOVE & BELOW: Books to read before the end of 2023. PHOTO: PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE; RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP; PAN MACMILLAN; STORM PUBLISHING; ST MARTIN’S PRESS; AMAZON PUBLISHING; HANOVER SQUARE PRESS & GP PUTNAM’S SONS
PHOTO: PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE; RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP; PAN MACMILLAN; STORM PUBLISHING; ST MARTIN’S PRESS; AMAZON PUBLISHING; HANOVER SQUARE PRESS & GP PUTNAM’S SONS
PHOTO: PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE; RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP; PAN MACMILLAN; STORM PUBLISHING; ST MARTIN’S PRESS; AMAZON PUBLISHING; HANOVER SQUARE PRESS & GP PUTNAM’S SONS
PHOTO: PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE; RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP; PAN MACMILLAN; STORM PUBLISHING; ST MARTIN’S PRESS; AMAZON PUBLISHING; HANOVER SQUARE PRESS & GP PUTNAM’S SONS
PHOTO: ENVATO

THE EDGE
BY DAVID BALDACCI
Ex-Army Ranger Travis Devine embarks on a perilous mission to solve the murder of a CIA operative and recover vital national security secrets. As he navigates a secretive small town, Devine faces uncooperative locals and hidden agendas. The story unfolds as a taut thriller, revealing the intricate layers of espionage and danger that threaten to unravel the fabric of national security.

REFRACTIONS
BY MV MELCER
Humanity’s first extra-solar colony, Bethesda, falls silent, prompting a risky rescue mission led by space pilot Nathalie Hart. Awakening prematurely from cryosleep, Nathalie discovers chaos on board and a fractured crew. With ominous messages and internal distrust, Nathalie must assume command to confront the unknown horrors awaiting them on Bethesda.

THE PORCELAIN MAKER
BY SARAH FREETHY
Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Germany, Max and Bettina’s love story unfolds. Separated by the war, Bettina’s daughter, Clara, embarks on a quest to uncover her father’s identity. The narrative elegantly juxtaposes the historical context with Clara’s contemporary journey, creating a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring impact of secrets.

LIGHTS OUT
BY ELISE HART KIPNESS
Former Olympic athlete Kate Green’s life takes a dramatic turn when an NBA superstar is found dead, implicating her best friend. Kate’s investigative journey intertwines with personal struggles, including rumours about her future and a complex relationship with her estranged detective father. The novel skillfully blends suspense with the intricacies of Kate’s personal dilemmas.

BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE
BY TOSHIKAZU KAWAGUCHI
In the magical Cafe Funiculi Funicula, patrons revisit their past to find closure. The fourth installment in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series follows four poignant stories, exploring themes of love, regret, and reconciliation. The cafe becomes a metaphysical backdrop for characters seeking resolution
and redemption.

THE GOOD PART
BY SOPHIE COUSENS
Lucy Young’s ordinary life takes a surreal turn when she stumbles upon a mysterious wishing machine. Skipping ahead to what seems like the good part, Lucy finds herself in her 40s, married with children. Cousens explores the complexities of Lucy’s newfound reality, inviting readers to ponder the price of skipping life’s challenges for a seemingly perfect existence. – Aqilah Rahman

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