COOL READS: 2025

coolreads # Retro Books # The Geneva Strategy

The Geneva Strategy

Author: Jamie Freveletti

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

ISBN: 9781455577583

Year Published: 2015

The Geneva Strategy sees Jamie Freveletti stepping confidently into the Robert Ludlum–created Covert-One universe, delivering a fast-paced, globally scaled thriller that blends clandestine operations, international law, and cutting-edge biological warfare. Featuring Dr Jon Smith and the elite Covert-One team, the novel honours the franchise’s legacy while injecting it with Freveletti’s trademark technical precision and contemporary urgency.

BookXcess

The Library by BookXcess opens at Sunway Square Mall

BookXcess opened the largest 24-hour bookstore in Southeast Asia on Dec 10, 2025 at the latest mall in Sunway.

The four-storey mall houses some 130 shops and is accessible via the township’s elevated pedestrian walkway and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

The Library occupies 38,000 sq ft area and is the only 24-hour bookstore in Malaysia.

BIG BAD WOLF BOOK SALE 2025

A celebration of reading

Big Bad Wolf returns with its biggest, boldest sale yet

(From left) Big Bad Wolf mascot; Jacqueline Ng; Muhammad Iman

Zafran (Captain Book Imanz); and Andrew Yap,

at the official opening of the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale 2025

in Kuala Lumpur.

BIG BAD WOLF BOOK SALE 2025 officially kicked off on Dec 19, 2025 with the launch of the “World’s Biggest Book Sale”, offering millions of books at its most accessible prices to date. This time, the event is held at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre.

With books starting from just RM3 and iconic titles such as Harry Potter available from RM19.99, the 2025 sale marks a new milestone in scale, value, and inclusivity.

Renowned for its unmatched size and affordability, Big Bad Wolf continues to make reading accessible to all — from children’s favourites and young adult fiction to non-fiction, classics, and international bestsellers. The sale reinforces the brand’s long-standing mission: to keep books inclusive, affordable, and within reach of every readers.

Tom Clancy’s Act of Defiance
Authors: Brian Andrews & Jeff Wilson
Publisher: Sphere
ISBN: 9781408727881

Act of Defiance marks Brian Andrews & Jeff Wilson’s confident continuation of the Tom Clancy universe, delivering a tightly engineered military-tech thriller that blends geopolitical tension, precision action, and character-driven stakes. Known for their own successful Tier One series, Andrews and Wilson bring an unmistakable authenticity to Clancy’s established world—leaner in pacing, more modern in tone, yet fully respectful of the late author’s legacy of high-stakes realism.

One False Move

Author: Harlan Coben

Publisher: Orion Books

ISBN: 9781409150534

Year Published: 1998

Harlan Coben’s One False Move is a brisk, tightly wound thriller that shows why he is still one of the most dependable names in contemporary crime fiction. First published in 1998 as part of his Myron Bolitar series, the novel showcases the author’s signature blend of razor-sharp dialogue, emotional vulnerability, and a plot engineered with near-mathematical precision. Even decades after its release, the story retains its energy—propelled by a moral tension that still resonates today.

(Re)Defining Singapore

Authors/Editors: Fiona Leung, Bianca Cheo and Woon Tai Ho
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing
ISBN: 9789819824717

At the heart of (Re)Defining Singapore lies a provocative and timely question: how does a small, super-efficient city-state—one that has stunned the world with its rapid rise from vulnerability to prosperity—redefine itself in an era marked by digital disruption, fluid identities and diminishing reverence for long-standing national narratives? This anthology of essays, written by 26 contributors across disciplines, engages this question with breadth, nuance and an eye on the nation’s evolving psyche.

coolreads # Retro Books # Airframe

Airframe

Author: Michael Crichton

Publisher: Arrow Books

ISBN: 9780345402875

Year Published: 1996

Michael Crichton’s Airframe is a masterclass in technical suspense, a fast-paced industrial thriller that replaces dinosaurs and viruses with the equally dangerous realm of aviation engineering, corporate politics, and media manipulation.

coolreads # The Tin Men

The Tin Men

Authors: Nelson DeMille & Alex DeMille

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

ISBN: 9781501101878

In The Tin Men, DeMille senior and junior deliver a high-octane military-tech thriller that both satisfies the genre’s demands and asks sharper questions about the future of warfare. The setting is a remote desert base, Camp Hayden, where a platoon of US Army Rangers is pitted against a cadre of “lethal autonomous weapons” – seven-foot-tall titanium robots nick-named the “tin men”.

coolreads # Retro Books # The 6th Target

The 6th Target

Authors: James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

ISBN: 9780755349319

Year Published: 2009

James Patterson and Maxine Paetro’s The 6th Target is another high-octane installment in the bestselling Women’s Murder Club series — a literary franchise that combines police procedural grit, courtroom drama, and emotional insight into women’s friendships. Set in San Francisco, this sixth book continues the intertwined stories of four remarkable women: Lindsay Boxer, the tenacious homicide inspector; Claire Washburn, the medical examiner; Cindy Thomas, the intrepid reporter; and Yuki Castellano, the rising assistant district attorney.

The Intruder

Author: Freida McFadden

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Poisoned Pen Press

ISBN: 9781464228612

Freida McFadden has built a reputation as one of today’s creative thriller writers, and The Intruder only reinforces that status. In her trademark psychological-suspense style, McFadden crafts a claustrophobic, nerve-wracking story about fear, secrets, and the fine line between protection and obsession. Fans of The Housemaid and The Coworker will find themselves right at home in this taut, unsettling tale that asks how well we really know those who share our homes—or our hearts.

Don’t Let Him In
Author: Lisa Jewell
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 978166033876

Lisa Jewell’s Don’t Let Him In is another of her masterful psychological thrillers that pulls readers into a world of creeping dread, fractured families, and the subtle erosion of trust.

Capture or Kill

Author: Don Bentley & Vince Flynn

Publisher: Emily Bestler Books

ISBN: 9781668045831

Don Bentley steps into the formidable shoes of continuing Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp saga with Capture or Kill, and he does so with confidence, grit, and reverence for the late author’s legacy.

coolreads # Retro Books # Malaysian Art Since the 1990s: Postmodern Situation

Malaysian Art

Since the 1990s:

Postmodern Situation

Author: Dr Sarena Abdullah

Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka

ISBN: 9789834915292

Dr Sarena Abdullah’s book explores how Malaysian art, especially by Malay artists, has evolved since the 1990s in what she terms the “postmodern situation”. Her central thesis is that there has been a shift away from earlier art grounded in nationalist, Malay, and Islamic centred identities toward a more critical and socially-engaged mode of art presentations.

The Secret of Secrets

Author: Dan Brown

Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

ISBN: 9780385546898

Dan Brown’s The Secret of Secrets (2025) is the sixth installment in the Robert Langdon series, and comes after an eight-year hiatus since Origin.

coolreads # Denied Access

Denied Access

Author: Vince Flynn

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books

ISBN: 9781398533059

Vince Flynn, widely recognised as one of the masters of political thrillers, delivers another high-octane installment in his celebrated Mitch Rapp series with Denied Access. Known for his sharp plotting, deep insider knowledge of counterterrorism, and ability to create a relentless pace, Flynn once again thrusts readers into a world of espionage, betrayal, and moral ambiguity.

The Lions of Lucerne
Author: Brad Thor
Publisher: Pocket Books
ISBN: 9780743436731
Year Published: 2002

Brad Thor’s The Lions of Lucerne (2002) kicks off his long-running series featuring Navy SEAL-turned-Secret Service agent Scot Harvath, delivering an action-heavy mix of political intrigue, international settings, and relentless pacing.

The Devil Reached Toward the Sky
Author: Garrett M. Graff
Publisher: Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 978-1668092415

Garrett M. Graff, known for his meticulous narrative nonfiction works such as The Only Plane in the Sky and Watergate: A New History, turns his focus to one of the most consequential episodes of the twentieth century — the birth of the atomic bomb.

The Hamptons Lawyer
Authors: James Patterson and Mike Lupica
Publisher: Little Brown
ISBN: 9780316569934

James Patterson’s collaborations are known for their brisk storytelling, fast dialogue, and tightly wound suspense. In The Hamptons Lawyer, co-written with sports journalist and novelist Mike Lupica, the duo shifts their attention from high-profile city thrillers to the privileged enclaves of Long Island’s Hamptons.

Dead Fall

Author: Brad Thor

Publisher: Emily Bestler Books

ISBN: 9781982182199

Year Published: 2023

In Dead Fall, the 22nd installment of Brad Thor’s long-running Scot Harvath series, the action shifts to war-torn Ukraine in the aftermath of Russia’s brutal invasion. With geopolitical tension, battlefield espionage, and trademark high-octane combat, Thor delivers a taut and timely thriller that blends current affairs with relentless pace and morally complex choices.

coolreads # Arkangel

Arkangel

Author: James Rollins

Publisher: William Morrow

ISBN: 9780062893161

James Rollins' Arkangel, the 18th entry in the Sigma Force series, is a masterful blend of historical intrigue, scientific speculation, and relentless action that transports readers from the depths of the Vatican's archives to the icy expanses of the Arctic Circle. Released in 2024, this novel exemplifies Rollins' talent for weaving complex story plots that intertwine past and present.

Compact in size, bold in capability

Galaxy Z Flip7 redefines the flip phone experience for users with advanced functionality in compact form

By Sebastian Lim

Galaxy Z Fold7 rises bar for smartphones and book lovers alike

Merging cutting-edge engineering with powerful AI capabilities, the latest Samsung device delivers an ultra-premium mobile experience

By Sebastian Lim

TechToday @ coolreads

Why we’re launching a Tech Section on Coolreads

Edge of Honor

Author: Brad Thor

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books

ISBN: 9781982182274

Brad Thor’s Edge of Honor offers readers a riveting deep-dive into loyalty, betrayal, and the murky waters of international espionage. While not officially part of the author’s popular Scot Harvath series, this stand-alone novel — reissued after being originally written early in Thor’s career — reveals the foundations of the taut storytelling, sharp pacing, and geopolitical awareness that would become his trademarks.

The Rape of Nanking

Author: Iris Chang

Publisher: Basic Books

ISBN: 9780786727605

Year Published: 1997

Iris Chang’s The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II is a harrowing, meticulously researched, and emotionally powerful account of one of the most horrific war crimes of the 20th century.

Black Order

Author: James Rollins

Publisher: HarperCollins

ISBN: 9780060765378

Year Published: 2007

James Rollins’ Black Order is a masterclass in the techno-thriller genre, blending cutting-edge science, historical conspiracy, and relentless action. As the third installment in the Sigma Force series, the novel continues Rollins’ tradition of crafting fast-paced narratives that appeal to fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and Michael Crichton. In Black Order, Rollins deftly balances multiple plot threads that span continents, ideologies, and timelines — drawing the reader into a mystery that is as intellectually intriguing as well as thrilling.

coolreads # Retro Books # Mr. Einstein's Secretary

Mr. Einstein's Secretary

Author: Matthew Reilly

Publisher: Orion

ISBN: 9781398721272

Year Published: 2024

Matthew Reilly's Mr. Einstein’s Secretary marks a notable shift from his signature high-octane thrillers. It delves into the realm of historical espionage with a narrative that spans four tumultuous decades of the 20th century.

The Athena Project

Author: Brad Thor

Publisher: Pocket Star Books

ISBN: 9781439192979

Year Published: 2010

Brad Thor’s The Athena Project offers a high-octane thriller that branches off from his popular Scot Harvath series, introducing readers to a new team of operatives: four highly trained female agents from a covert, all-female Delta Force unit. Fast-paced and action-driven, the novel blends espionage, cutting-edge science, and military tactics in a way that will appeal to fans of techno-thrillers and clandestine ops fiction.

coolreads # Retro Books # Area 7

Area 7

Author: Matthew Reilly

Publisher: Pan Books

ISBN: 9780330487580

Year Published: 2001

Matthew Reilly’s Area 7 is an adrenaline-fueled, high-octane thriller that picks up where his earlier novel Ice Station left off. This time, the indestructible Shane Schofield — code-named "Scarecrow" — returns for another explosive adventure, guarding the President of the United States during a seemingly routine base visit that quickly spirals into a deadly game of survival and betrayal.

The Reversal

Author: Michael Connelly

Publisher: Orion Books

ISBN: 9781409157403

Year Published: 2015

Michael Connelly's The Reversal is a gripping legal thriller that brings together two of his most popular protagonists — defense attorney Mickey Haller and LAPD detective Harry Bosch. The novel is the third entry in the Mickey Haller series, but it also functions as a crossover with the Bosch series, adding layers of complexity and character development for fans of either or both.

Backlash

Author: Brad Thor

Publisher: Emily Bestler Books

ISBN: 9781982148584

Year Published: 2022

Brad Thor’s Backlash is a relentless, adrenaline-fueled thriller that plunges readers into the darkest corners of survival and revenge. As the 19th installment in the Scot Harvath series, the novel strips the seasoned counterterrorism operative of all his resources and places him in the deadliest situation of his life. Unlike previous entries that often feature high-tech tools and elite teamwork, Backlash is a gritty, bare-knuckled survival story that showcases Harvath’s raw willpower and tactical skills.

Enemy at the Gates

Author: Kyle Mills

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

ISBN: 9781760857622

Kyle Mills continues Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp series with Enemy at the Gates, the 20th installment in the high-stakes political thriller franchise. Known for weaving timely geopolitics with pulse-pounding action, Mills doesn’t disappoint as he thrusts CIA super-agent Mitch Rapp into a world of unprecedented secrecy, betrayal, and global manipulation.

coolreads # Retro Books # The First Lady

The First Lady

Author: James Patterson & Brendan DuBois

Publisher: Century

ISBN: 978178099787

James Patterson, along with co-author Brendan DuBois, delivers another gripping political thriller in The First Lady, a novel that combines scandal, mystery, and suspense against the backdrop of American politics. Known for his fast-paced storytelling and short chapters that keep readers turning the page, Patterson once again proves his mastery of the genre.

The First Family

Author: Michael Palmer and Daniel Palmer

Publisher: St Martin's Paperbacks

ISBN: 9781250107435

The First Family is a gripping medical-political thriller co-written by Michael Palmer and his son Daniel Palmer. Published posthumously after Michael's death, the novel showcases the duo's talent for crafting suspenseful thrillers that blend cutting-edge medicine with high-stakes political drama.

coolreads # Retro Books # Midnight Black

Midnight Black

Author: Mark Greaney

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN: ‎978-0593548189

Midnight Black is a gripping thriller by Mark Greaney, renowned for his Gray Man series. This novel us a mark different from his previous works, and it delves into the world of drug enforcement and the personal demons of its protagonist, Courtland Gentry.

coolreads # Retro Books # Kill Shot

Kill Shot

Author: Vince Flynn

Publisher: Emily Bestler/Atria Books

ISBN: 9781471148903

Year Published: 2012

Kill Shot is the second installment in the Mitch Rapp origin series by the late Vince Flynn, and it further cements the young CIA operative’s place as one of the great fictional spies.

The Waiting

Author: Michael Connelly

Publisher: Little Brown

ISBN: 978-0316563796

The Waiting is the sixth installment in Michael Connelly's Ballard and Bosch series, seamlessly intertwining the narratives of LAPD Detective Renée Ballard and retired detective Harry Bosch. Connelly masterfully crafts a multifaceted thriller that delves deep into the complexities of cold case investigations, personal vendettas, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Camino Winds

Author: John Grisham

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

ISBN: 9781529342451

Year Published: 2020

This novel centres around Bruce Cable and his bookstore Bay Books. Bruce lives in Camino Island, Florida, and is in charge of the local author celebrities that visit the place. His bookstore is considered one of the best in the country where authors from everywhere want to be featured and included to stop in their book tours.

Code Red

Author: Kyle Mills

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books

ISBN: 9781398500853

Year Published: 2023

After entering into Mitch Rapp’s world following Vince Flynn’s death in 2013, Kyle Mills now prepares to exit the series after writing an incredible nine books. He has one more breathtaking adventure for the readers before packing up.

Sentinel

Author: Mark Greaney

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN: 9780593436936

Year Published: 2024

Sentinel by Mark Greaney is a high-octane thriller that plunges readers into the volatile political landscape of Ghana, where protagonist Joshua Duffy faces a relentless battle to protect his family and fulfill his mission.

Memorial Day

Author: Vince Flynn

Publisher: Pocket Star Books

ISBN: 9780743453981

Year PubIished: 2004

Vince Flynn’s Memorial Day is a gripping political thriller featuring counterterrorism operative Mitch Rapp in one of his most high-stakes missions yet. Published in 2004, this novel is the fifth in the Mitch Rapp series and exemplifies Flynn’s signature blend of action, intelligence, and real-world geopolitical intrigue.

The Last Man

Author: Vince Flynn

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

ISBN: 9783865525604

Year Published: 2012

Vince Flynn has been filling in the early, or hidden, years of Mitch Rapp, the covert CIA agent in the earlier books like American Assassin and Kill Shot. Although they told the story of Rapp’s origin, Flynn’s now places him very much in the here and now. Rapp is an uncompromising force capable of knocking any object in his way off its pins. The Last Man finds Rapp in his 40s, still capable, but physically if not emotionally vulnerable as he faces enemies from within and without in pursuit of a security breach that threatens to expose CIA assets to America’s enemies throughout the world.

A Heartbeat Away

Author: Michael Palmer

Publisher: Saint Martin Press

ISBN: 9780312587529

Year Published: 2011

A Heartbeat Away is another addition to Michael Palmer’s long list of popular medical-themed thrillers. This book’s greatest strength is its premise. In the morass of killer virus stories in the market, this one stands out with a great setup - a biological warfare agent infects virtually every person of importance in the United States government during the State of the Union speech as nearly all of the president's cabinet members are infected.

Lethal Agent

Author: Kyle Mills

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books

ISBN: 9781501190629

Year Published: 2019

Lethal Agent is Kyle Mills' fifth book in Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp saga. It is also one of his most entertaining.

coolreads # Retro Books # Total Power

Total Power

Author: Kyle Mills and Vince Flynn

Publisher: Simon& Schuster

ISBN: 9781925750393

Year Published: 2020

When the lights go out in the United States and the whole country goes dark, it’s up to Mitch Rapp to once again save the day in the thriller from Kyle Mills.

Killing Floor

Author: Lee Child

Publisher: Putnam

ISBN: 9780553826166

Year Published: 1997

Killing Floor is the first book in the bestselling Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. It introduces Reacher for the first time, as the tough ex-military cop who now lives off the grid and doesn't even carry a mobile phone. He doesn't own a vehicle either. And he doesn't have a middle name. Ever since Reacher left the military, he's been travelling around the country on foot with only the clothes on his back.

Red War

Author: Kyle Mills

Publisher: Atria

ISBN: 9781501190599

Year Published: 2018

The 17th thriller adventure in the series started by the late Vince Flynn and the fourth by Kyle Mills after he took over, features Mitch Rapp trying very hard to prevent a war.