Five Cases

My Thoughts on Five Cases

"Five Cases" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of curiosity and caution. The premise – a genius detective solving crimes with a touch of romance – definitely piqued my interest. After reading, I can say it's a mixed bag, offering some enjoyable moments but also falling short in certain areas.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of intriguing mysteries and the dynamic between the two male leads. The "bickering couple" tag is always a good sign for me, and I was hoping for some witty banter and compelling character development. While I did find some of that, the overall experience was a bit uneven.

What Works Well

I really enjoyed the character interactions, especially between the main couple. The "old married couple" vibe, even before the romance fully blossoms, is charming and provides a solid foundation for the story. I also appreciated the portrayal of the female characters, who are thankfully neither evil nor whiny – a welcome change from some BL novels. The cases themselves, while not mind-blowing, are grounded and feature killers with believable motivations, which I found refreshing. The novel's brevity is also a plus; it doesn't drag on unnecessarily, keeping the plot moving at a decent pace.

Areas of Concern

The "genius detective" aspect of the protagonist, Lu Hui, felt a bit forced at times. There were moments when the other characters' reliance on him seemed contrived, and the cases weren't always complex enough to justify his supposed brilliance. I also found some of the character interactions a little awkward, especially early on. It took me a while to warm up to the dynamic, and I can see why some readers might be turned off by it.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Five Cases" is a decent read if you're looking for a light, character-driven mystery with a romantic subplot. It's not a groundbreaking crime novel, but it offers enjoyable interactions and a refreshing take on the genre. If you're a fan of slow-burn romance and don't mind overlooking some plot inconsistencies, this might be worth checking out. I'd give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.