Crime

 Death Of An Idol by Rima Ray

         Genre: Crime, murder

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

A Gritty Crime Murder

If you’re a fan of K-pop and gritty mysteries, Death of an Idol by Rima Ray is a must-read. The story follows Tae, a former idol-turned-PhD student, who is haunted by the "accidental" deaths of his bandmate, Mino, and his fiancée. I loved how the book bridges the gap between the glitzy world of Seoul and Tae’s quiet life in Pittsburgh. The emotional weight of Tae's grief feels authentic, and his partnership with Detective Hana adds a fantastic dynamic to the investigation.

The pacing is generally solid, though some transitions between past and present can feel a bit quick. However, the way Ray weaves these "coincidences" into a darker conspiracy kept me hooked until the end. It’s a compelling look at the pressures of fame and the search for closure. If you enjoy character-driven whodunits with an international flair, definitely give this one a go!

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Charlotte Pass by Lee Christine

Genre: Crime, murder

                                    Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★

If you're hunting for an atmospheric mystery with a cool, unique setting, Charlotte Pass by Lee Christine is totally worth picking up. Set in the chilly, isolated Snowy Mountains, the story kicks off when ski patroller Vanessa Bell discovers human bones. Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder soon links them to Celia Delaney, who vanished back in 1964.

The snowed-in, locked-room vibe during Winterfest really amps up the suspense, especially when a second murder proves the killer is still lurking in the village. Christine brilliantly weaves decades-old secrets with modern-day danger. My only minor critique is that a few secondary characters felt a bit thin, but the vivid alpine setting and clever plot twists more than make up for it. It’s a gripping, snow-bound thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end!

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