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08 January, 2026

The Tenant by Katrine Engberg - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title: The Tenant

Author: Katrine Engberg

Genre: Mystery, thriller, suspense

Publisher: Gallery / Scout Press

Print Length: 368 pages

Source: A copy from the local library





Blurb:

When a young woman is discovered brutally murdered in her own apartment, with an intricate pattern of lines carved into her face, Copenhagen police detectives Jeppe Korner and Anette Werner are assigned to the case. In short order, they establish a link between the victim, Julie Stender, and her landlady, Esther de Laurenti, who’s a bit too fond of drink and the host of raucous dinner parties with her artist friends. Esther also turns out to be a budding novelist—and when Julie turns up as a murder victim in the still-unfinished mystery she’s writing, the link between fiction and real life grows both more urgent and more dangerous.

But Esther’s role in this twisted scenario is not quite as clear as it first seems. Is she the culprit—or just another victim, trapped in a twisted game of vengeance? Anette and Jeppe must dig more deeply into the two women’s pasts to discover the identity of the brutal puppet-master pulling the strings in this electrifying literary thriller.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Purchase Link:

Amazon


My Review:

The Tenant is a great example of a murder mystery thriller. I am not looking forward to reading a crime thriller, but this book was recommended by other bloggers. This book really impressed me.

The story is about two investigators, Jeppe and Annette, solving a murder mystery that becomes too complex with a web of unknown elements. The investigation starts with Julia's murder, but then it progresses to the murder of her friend Kristopher and the abduction of an old lady, Esther. 

During the investigation, many characters are introduced. Each character has multiple layers and secrets. The characters of Erik and Christopher are different in their own way.


What is great?

I love the story and twists. The story takes many turns that we don't expect. So, it gets interesting and stays like that till 3/4th of the book.

The characterization is great. The way the author reveals details and family secrets gradually is interesting to read. 

What might have been better?

Not much to say about negatives. The reasons for the murder are a little bit implausible, and the relationships of the characters make it more complex. 


Overall, a great crime thriller if you are into that genre.

My Rating: 5/5


Until next time,



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06 January, 2026

What the Train Left Behind by Kalpesh Desai - [Book Review]

 Book Details:

Title: What the Train Left Behind 

Author: Kalpesh Desai

Genre: Historical fiction, short stories

Publisher: Kalpesh Desai

Print Length: 120 pages

Source: A review copy from the author



Blurb:

What the Train Left Behind is a literary short story collection set in the long aftermath of the Partition of India and Pakistan.

Rather than returning to the moment of rupture, this book listens to what followed: how ordinary people adjusted to borders drawn after lives had already begun. Across spare, interconnected stories, Kalpesh Desai traces how a single people, divided by lines, continued to live familiar lives, eating the same food, speaking the same language, while slowly drifting apart.

Set in everyday spaces such as homes, offices, ration queues, and courtyards, these stories follow the quiet decisions that shape destinies. A clerk delays a record. A mother teaches a safer sentence. A letter returns unopened. A song is lowered before the verse ends. What changes here is not loud or sudden, but persistent, settling into habit, language, and inheritance.

Written with restraint and moral clarity, What the Train Left Behind offers a deeply human portrait of Partition's legacy across generations.

This book will resonate with readers of literary fiction, diaspora communities, and anyone interested in how historical events continue to shape private lives. It is especially suited for book clubs, intergenerational conversations, and readers drawn to quiet, morally attentive storytelling.

This is not a book about borders being drawn.

It is about how they learned where to live.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Purchase Link:

Amazon


My Review:

This book is a collection of short stories about the impact of the partition of India and Pakistan on people and their emotions. 

The stories are very short and focus on feelings like resistance, hopelessness, and yearning. The partition changed the everyday lives of several people; the stories show subtle differences in their lives and how they cope with it. 

After each story, there are a few blank pages. I thought, those are to process our thoughts and journal them or think about similar scenarios in our lives. 

What is great?

The raw emotions and subtle changes in mood are portrayed well in each story. The stories linger in our minds and hearts for a few days even after completing the book. They touch your heart. There is also good poetry to read. It is a quick read.

What might have been better?

A few stories are excellent, a few are too short, and some are a few lines. A few are poems, whereas the majority are stories. I didn't like this combination. 

I didn't expect just a title with a single line. I didn't like this format. 

My Rating: 4/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Until next time,




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05 January, 2026

The Ultimate 1-day Valley of Fire State Park Itinerary

🔥 One Perfect Day in Valley of Fire State Park: A Complete Itinerary

Just an hour from the bright lights of Las Vegas lies Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s oldest and most dramatic state park. Known for its fiery red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and otherworldly landscapes, this desert gem is ideal for a memorable one-day adventure.

Valley of Fire State Park is on the way to popular places like Zion National Park / Page, Arizona/ Grand Canyon National Park from Las Vegas. 









Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or road-trip enthusiast, here’s how to spend one perfect day exploring Valley of Fire. If you have only half a day to spend, this itinerary can be tailored to fit your time.

📍 Getting There

Location: About 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas
Drive Time: ~1 hour
Entry Fee:

  • $10 per vehicle (Nevada residents)

  • $15 per vehicle (non-residents)

👉 Arrive early, especially in warmer months, to beat the heat and crowds.

You can book flights here. 


Shuttles:

Book a transfer

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🗓️ One-Day Valley of Fire Itinerary

Enjoy the Scenic Drive

Start your day early and drive along Valley of Fire Highway, where vibrant red, pink, and orange rock formations greet you instantly. Pull over at viewpoints to soak in the surreal desert scenery.


From the visitor center, drive towards Balancing Rock, Mouse's Tank, and towards White Domes loop. This drive is very scenic. The Canyon narrows down, and the road goes through a lot of ups and downs with beautiful views of red rock formations. 


Balancing Rock



📸 Golden hour is magical here—perfect for photography.

Fire Wave Trail

Distance: 1.5 miles out and back
Difficulty: Easy

One of the park’s most famous hikes, the Fire Wave Trail features stunning swirls of red, white, and pink sandstone that resemble ocean waves frozen in stone.

💡 Tip: Wear sturdy shoes—the rock can be slick.

This seemed like an easy walk, but you need a little rock scrambling. The trail is not clearly marked, but since this is popular, we followed the other hiking groups.  A few people also continue on the Seven Wonders loop, which is 1.8 miles. 


The Fire wave pattern



We hiked to Fire Wave and came back. The formations really stand out like the wave patterns on red rocks. You get good photos if the sunlight is not too bright and if it's a cloudy day. 

White Domes Loop Trail

Distance: 1.1 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate

This trail showcases:

  • Slot canyons

  • Colorful rock layers

  • Remnants of an old Hollywood film set

It’s short but incredibly diverse—don’t skip it!

This is the last point in the scenic drive, and this hike is well worth it.

 Rainbow Vista

Drive to Rainbow Vista, one of the park’s most breathtaking viewpoints.

🌈 From here you’ll see:

  • Multi-colored sandstone ridges

  • Vast desert landscapes

  • Panoramic views are perfect for photos

You can stop at this viewpoint while returning from the scenic drive.





Atlatl Rock & Petroglyphs

Next, explore Atlatl Rock, home to ancient petroglyphs carved by Ancestral Puebloans over 2,000 years ago.

  • Short stair climb to the viewing area

  • Interpretive signs explain the carvings

  • Fascinating cultural insight into early desert life

On the way to Atlatl Rock, you will find beehive formations. Those are cool as well.


Arch rock 
Photo by Andrew LaBonne: https://www.pexels.com/photo/arch-rock-in-the-valley-of-fire-6070117/



Beehive formation



Mouse’s Tank Trail

Distance: 0.75 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy

A flat walk through a rocky canyon leading to Mouse’s Tank, a natural water basin. Along the way, spot more petroglyphs etched into canyon walls.

We skipped this due to a lack of time.

Elephant Rock

Just inside the east entrance, Elephant Rock is a natural sandstone formation shaped like an elephant.

  • Easy walk from the parking area

  • Great quick stop to stretch your legs

  • Iconic photo opportunity

We covered this while exiting the park and driving towards Page. Not a hike, actually. We can see the rock formation with a 0.2-mile out-and-back trail.


Elephant Rock



Sunset at Fire Canyon or Seven Sisters

End your day watching the rocks glow in deep reds and golds as the sun sets.

🌞 Best sunset spots:

  • Fire Canyon Overlook

  • Seven Sisters


🎒 What to Bring

  • Plenty of water (no vendors inside the park)

  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

  • Comfortable hiking shoes

  • Snacks or picnic lunch

  • Camera or phone for photos

⚠️ Helpful Tips

  • Visit October–April for cooler weather

  • Summer temperatures can exceed 110°F

  • No cell service in many areas

  • Stay on marked trails to protect fragile terrain

✨ Final Thoughts

Valley of Fire State Park feels like stepping onto another planet—fiery landscapes, ancient history, and quiet desert beauty all in one place. With this one-day itinerary, you’ll experience the park’s highlights without feeling rushed.

Whether you’re visiting from Las Vegas or passing through Nevada, the Valley of Fire is an unforgettable day trip worth every minute.

Until next time,





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