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Recommended gritty read
What a roller-coaster of a ride that was! I'm sure I experienced all the emotions known to man whilst reading this book - joy, surprise, sadness, disgust, anger, anticipation and fear to name but a few.
The characters are believable and brilliant although not all of them are particularly likeable. The story is gripping and had me hooked from start to finish and although I anticipated the end, it didn't disappoint or spoil it for me. The only complaint I have is the epilogue ... what the heck?!?! I found it cheesy and, in my humble opinion, totally unnecessary apart from tying up a couple of loose ends which could have been put elsewhere in the book however, this didn't ruin it for me it just made me "tut" and roll my eyes.
Kimberley Chambers isn't known as the "Queen of Gangland Crime Fiction" for nothing and I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy a gritty story that's not all about violence and hate.
Thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
The characters are believable and brilliant although not all of them are particularly likeable. The story is gripping and had me hooked from start to finish and although I anticipated the end, it didn't disappoint or spoil it for me. The only complaint I have is the epilogue ... what the heck?!?! I found it cheesy and, in my humble opinion, totally unnecessary apart from tying up a couple of loose ends which could have been put elsewhere in the book however, this didn't ruin it for me it just made me "tut" and roll my eyes.
Kimberley Chambers isn't known as the "Queen of Gangland Crime Fiction" for nothing and I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy a gritty story that's not all about violence and hate.
Thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated I Let You Go in Books
May 14, 2019
Cleverly written plot
I had heard so much about this story that I had to see what all the hype was about for myself. Trust me, it did not let me down! This is the new Gone Girl and I would urge you all to read it if you haven’t already. I awarded this story five stars as it is outstanding, well written, easy to read and I was hooked throughout. Yes! I devoured and loved it. This story made me feel many different emotions throughout and is a story I will always remember with a cleverly written plot. Readers will need to prepare themselves for many twists, turns and shocking outcomes ahead! I did not expect the outcome at all until all was revealed and I really was shocked! I cannot wait to read more by Clare Mackintosh if it is going to be as good as this. You will forget the world while reading this, I did. This is the perfect story for you ALL but more specifically for readers who enjoy a brilliant thriller, mystery, crime, suspense, contemporary and bestsellers genre’s. Enjoy, this is a book you will not regret buying!
Beckie Shelton (40 KP) rated A Child for the Devil in Books
Feb 8, 2018
i won this book through good reads first reads,and wow what a read, firstly i don't want to give to much away as i feel that would spoil the journey this book takes you on,ill start with saying this book is not what id usually pick up to read,but saying that a bit of change is good and can sometimes surprise you, its written in the first person which i usually find a bit irritating but in this case fitted the story perfectly,its also pretty violent in places which i didn't mind as the story line merited this,I always judge the merit of a book by how long it takes me to finish (i read this in a day)Once i started i needed to finish, i felt like i was on a personal journey with Conrad jones and Evie and i wanted to be there to the bitter end no matter the outcome.This was a brilliant read that keeps you captivated from beginning to end,its gritty and a real page turner which currently my partner is engrossed in i would definitely recommend this book a 5 star thumbs up from me.
Despite the hype and excitement, I was disappointed by The Cursed Child, but only because it tried to do too much. I loved returning to the wizarding world and seeing the world through the eyes of Albus Potter, but at the same time, I couldn't quite picture it as important scenes were hurried through, I thought, and I found it difficult to become fully submerged in it - but this may be because it is a screenplay rather than a novel.
I loved the interaction between Harry and Albus, their troubled relationship is at the heart of the play, and I enjoyed the banter between Albus and Scorpius. They are a right playful, troublesome pair indeed, complete opposites to their fathers in every way. It was a delight to see into the married life of Ron & Hermione and Harry & Ginny. Even after all this time, they have profound love and duty to one another. It was wonderful to see the ships still sailing.
Now on the whole, there is much JK could have done to make it better, but for the reasons I have highlighted, it is a brilliant additon to the Harry Potter series.
I loved the interaction between Harry and Albus, their troubled relationship is at the heart of the play, and I enjoyed the banter between Albus and Scorpius. They are a right playful, troublesome pair indeed, complete opposites to their fathers in every way. It was a delight to see into the married life of Ron & Hermione and Harry & Ginny. Even after all this time, they have profound love and duty to one another. It was wonderful to see the ships still sailing.
Now on the whole, there is much JK could have done to make it better, but for the reasons I have highlighted, it is a brilliant additon to the Harry Potter series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated By Cook or by Crook (A Five-Ingredient Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Val Deniston is hoping to turn her gig at the athletic club snack bar into a catering gig, but when she shows up to meet with Nadia, she finds the woman stabbed on her kitchen floor. With the police focusing on Val’s cousin, she needs to sort through the suspects and find out who had the perfect recipe for murder.
What intrigued me the most about this book was the five refrain, I knew there would be five suspects and five clues. I was wondering how the author would pull it off without having to fill page time. She did it beautifully. There was always something happening that kept me engaged, and the way she pulled things together at the end was brilliant. I did have a bit of a hard time warming up to the characters, and the data dump early on didn’t help, but by the end I had grown to like them. I can’t wait to meet up with them again in another book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-by-cook-or-by-crook-by-maya.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
What intrigued me the most about this book was the five refrain, I knew there would be five suspects and five clues. I was wondering how the author would pull it off without having to fill page time. She did it beautifully. There was always something happening that kept me engaged, and the way she pulled things together at the end was brilliant. I did have a bit of a hard time warming up to the characters, and the data dump early on didn’t help, but by the end I had grown to like them. I can’t wait to meet up with them again in another book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-by-cook-or-by-crook-by-maya.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Merissa (13063 KP) rated No Limits (No Shame #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2018
No Limits (No Shame #2) by Nora Phoenix
No Limits is the second book in the No Shame series, and this time we focus on Josh, now that Indy and Noah have their HFN. Josh is happy for them, but wants a man of his own. At the same time, he doesn't want to lose Noah and Indy, so he doesn't really know what to do. With some 'subtle' prompting by Noah, Connor contacts Josh in the hope of going on a date. Josh deals with him in his usual blunt and honest style.
This story adds more to Indy and Noah's story, whilst filling in the blanks about Josh and Connor. Once again, this is original, so don't expect a 'normal' storyline. Nora Phoenix is pushing the boundaries between what you might expect and what you get. I for one think that it's absolutely brilliant, and once again, can't wait to read more.
Excellently written and with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this was once again a book to sit and read, whilst thoroughly enjoying every twist and turn. Absolutely recommended by me.
This story adds more to Indy and Noah's story, whilst filling in the blanks about Josh and Connor. Once again, this is original, so don't expect a 'normal' storyline. Nora Phoenix is pushing the boundaries between what you might expect and what you get. I for one think that it's absolutely brilliant, and once again, can't wait to read more.
Excellently written and with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this was once again a book to sit and read, whilst thoroughly enjoying every twist and turn. Absolutely recommended by me.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Hereditary (2018) in Movies
Jun 16, 2018 (Updated Jun 16, 2018)
Never-knowingly-underwrought horror movie (looks like one of those post-horror movies for a bit; but no, it's a horror movie after all). Screwed up but nicely affluent family contends with aftermath of bereavement; is the mother right in her belief that supernatural forces are at work around them, or just a bit nuts?
First half is a horribly intense and rather oppressive study of grief and emotional dysfunction; not actually what you'd call scary, though. Second half is a much more traditional horror movie with spooky seances, severed heads a go go, waking nightmares, embroidered doormats and many other clichés - but still not actually what you'd call scary in any but the most superficial way. Plot is all over the place; all the bits that will make you jump are in the trailer, pretty much. Very possibly worth watching for a brilliant performance by Toni Collette, but this is the equivalent of a really good stereo in a car with a cruddy engine. The movie is atmospheric and the director shows promise, but if this is what counts as a great horror movie nowadays the genre is in serious trouble.
First half is a horribly intense and rather oppressive study of grief and emotional dysfunction; not actually what you'd call scary, though. Second half is a much more traditional horror movie with spooky seances, severed heads a go go, waking nightmares, embroidered doormats and many other clichés - but still not actually what you'd call scary in any but the most superficial way. Plot is all over the place; all the bits that will make you jump are in the trailer, pretty much. Very possibly worth watching for a brilliant performance by Toni Collette, but this is the equivalent of a really good stereo in a car with a cruddy engine. The movie is atmospheric and the director shows promise, but if this is what counts as a great horror movie nowadays the genre is in serious trouble.
Calum (17 KP) rated Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006) in Movies
Jul 10, 2018
Catchy music/songs (3 more)
Good range of characters
Fun special effects
That museum scene
Story drags a little bit (2 more)
Somewhat predictable
Range of locations aren't very exciting
Great musical, okay everything else
Back in the summer of 2007 I was at a friends house. I was 10 years old and did not have much previous experience of music but decided to watch this. Looking back, I was probably a little too young for the language and adult themes but I can safely say that this movie single handedly got me into music. Even to this day I could recite every song word for word.
Aside from the amazing range of songs, it is quite a simple musical comedy. There are a good few funny moments but also a lot of jokes that just fall flat.. Let's be honest though, if you're a fan of Tenacious D, you aren't here for the comedy but for the music which I have to say again is simply brilliant! As long as you aren't too easily offended by some of the more vulgar scenes, this is a must watch!
Aside from the amazing range of songs, it is quite a simple musical comedy. There are a good few funny moments but also a lot of jokes that just fall flat.. Let's be honest though, if you're a fan of Tenacious D, you aren't here for the comedy but for the music which I have to say again is simply brilliant! As long as you aren't too easily offended by some of the more vulgar scenes, this is a must watch!
Merissa (13063 KP) rated The Elevator (Close Proximity #1) in Books
Jul 19, 2018
The Elevator (Close Proximity #1) by Erin M. Leaf
The Elevator is the first in the Close Proximity series, which from the looks of this book, is going to be short and steamy reads!
Adrian is a self-proclaimed geek, and works hard for a company that doesn't really appear to deserve him. Greyson is the owner of the building, definitely a millionaire but probably a multi-billionaire, and has his sights set on Adrian.
This is a short story, so expect a fast pace. The whole story takes place from Friday through Monday, so don't expect too much detail. The details you do get though, are brilliant and really help to see all the characters. It is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I would recommend this read as perfect for a coffee break book, so long as you don't mind being hot under the collar!
More in this series? Bring it on!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Adrian is a self-proclaimed geek, and works hard for a company that doesn't really appear to deserve him. Greyson is the owner of the building, definitely a millionaire but probably a multi-billionaire, and has his sights set on Adrian.
This is a short story, so expect a fast pace. The whole story takes place from Friday through Monday, so don't expect too much detail. The details you do get though, are brilliant and really help to see all the characters. It is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I would recommend this read as perfect for a coffee break book, so long as you don't mind being hot under the collar!
More in this series? Bring it on!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Hot Fuzz (2007) in Movies
Aug 24, 2018
Hilarious
I've re-watched this again recently and it's just as funny now as it was when I first saw it in the cinema.
It's hilarious, full of wit and British humour. Not only is it a brilliant comedy, it's a great action and mystery flick too. The pairing of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost works as well here as it did in Shaun of the Dead, and there's a great supporting cast in Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine and the rest, including those blink and you'll miss it cameos.
Whilst I work for a large urban police force, there are a lot of areas of policing I recognise in this film, which for me makes it even funnier watching it back. From having to bring cake (bribes) in for colleagues, to the old school Vauxhall cars, office banter and the more onerous side of policing, they really have done their research. Although I can safely say I've never met an officer quite as dedicated as Angel! But I do reckon a lot of our new recruits have the same view of policing as Danny does...
Such an entertaining film that doesn't get old.
It's hilarious, full of wit and British humour. Not only is it a brilliant comedy, it's a great action and mystery flick too. The pairing of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost works as well here as it did in Shaun of the Dead, and there's a great supporting cast in Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine and the rest, including those blink and you'll miss it cameos.
Whilst I work for a large urban police force, there are a lot of areas of policing I recognise in this film, which for me makes it even funnier watching it back. From having to bring cake (bribes) in for colleagues, to the old school Vauxhall cars, office banter and the more onerous side of policing, they really have done their research. Although I can safely say I've never met an officer quite as dedicated as Angel! But I do reckon a lot of our new recruits have the same view of policing as Danny does...
Such an entertaining film that doesn't get old.