Review: Camouflage by Mariyam Hasnain

Actual rating: 3.5 stars.  

 

 The Blurb:

“She looked gorgeous in off white bathrobe clung to her voluptuous wet body with her wet hair clumsily wrapped in a white towel. I couldn't take my eyes off her shiny toned long legs protruding out of the knee-length bathing gown as she led me in. I felt envious of the water droplets still hovering on her waxed legs.”

Thailand 2013, Mark a corporate executive quits his job and migrates to the city of Bangkok where he meets the love of his life. Sheina is the girl of his dreams, young gorgeously pretty, and his next door neighbor. Mark falls for Sheina, though unknown of the future.

What follows next is the deadly game of drugs, sex, and deceit as Mark discovers that his very own neighbor is not all what she claims to be.

Set in contemporary Bangkok, city of temples and brothels, Camouflage is an insightful must read for all those who are embarking on their first trip or a seasoned traveler to Thailand.

 
ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for my honest review:

Mark Statler is a bestselling crime author living in Bangkok. Lately, someone has been messing with him in a big way--including hacking into his emails and replacing his latest book with nonsense. Coincidentally, he has also recently begun a relationship with his young Thai neighbor, Sheina.

From the start, I was quick to point the finger at Sheina because of timing, but lo and behold the answer to what has been happening is much more complex. In that regard, I was definitely surprised by the direction the plot took. I can't really describe it without spoiling it, but trust me when I say that whatever your initial gut feeling is, just wait, there's more!



The character dialogue is very formal, which takes a bit of getting used to. At times I felt it didn’t really reflect how casual acquaintances would speak to one another. But then, etiquette around the globe is different when it comes to expected formality. Considering this is set in Bangkok, I presume that could be a factor.

For example:
"Yes...I do remember and I can't forget the way you behaved that day. Clad in an outfit that I’d ensconced in an aloof corner of my closet just to wear it on our first date, I desperately wanted your eyes on me, and you didn't just notice me," she spoke her heart.



That being said, the formality doesn't take away from the intrigue. Hasnain weaves a complex mystery with many layers to peel away as you go. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a good mystery with a splash of romance to spice things up.