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Had to abandon the one, I just couldn't get into the story.

1961 in a Dutch province, Isobel lives a lonely life, bitter, disciplined and unhappy. Then her brother's girl friend Eva turns up and both their lives are upended with a secret that eventually unravels. Beautifully written with lavish descriptions that emerge you completely in the story. Loved it.

I've been a Murikami fan for ever and could not wait for this latest novel to be translated into English. You have to like his style, it's truly magical. The boundaries between what is real and what is the unreal, the past and the future are meshed. You need an open mind for these kind of meanderings. It did not disappoint.

For fans of Nordic Noir, this is one of the best books I have read. Carl Moreck is teamed up with Assad, his assistant to work on cold cases. The writing is witty and the story line is absolutely chilling. It's not your standard predictable and gruesome serial killer. This is some bent and twisted stuff that is truly gripping.

A group of high school friends suddenly abandon one of the group for an unexplained reason. After many years, Tsukuru finds out why they abandoned him and in the process, understands more about himself. A must for Murikami fans but if you're new to him, I'd suggest starting with some of his earlier books.