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Darren (1599 KP) rated Killing Ground (2016) in Movies
Oct 14, 2019
Story: Killing Ground starts when couple Ian (Meadows) and Samantha (Dyer) head off for a romantic camping trip, learning they are not the only couple on the grounds they look to stay out of the others way, only to never see them return to their grounds. Scotty (Pedersen) and Tood (Glenane) are two locals of the area that come off shady, also have had run ins with the law.
We know something happened to the family in the camp next door and when Ian and Samantha find their baby wandering around the area. Soon they will be fighting for their lives against the criminal psychopaths that enjoy hunting.
Thoughts on Killing Ground
Characters – Ian is a doctor who along with his girlfriend goes on the camping trip, he knows how to survive any injuries which makes him the one that could help survive the attack because o his logical decision making process. Samantha is the girlfriend that is using the trip for a big moment only to find herself needing to fight to survive. Scotty is the one of the two which seems to be the mastermind, well leader of the two who knows how to control the situation and Tood. Tood is the loose cannon, who comes off simple minded at times and other times he comes off like the psychopath he is meant to be.
Performances – The performances in this film do come off real, we believe the couple Ian Meadows & Harriet Dyer with each decision they must make, we also get scared of both the Aaron’s who gives us uneasy performances through the whole film.
Story – The story here follows three lines to start with, we have the couple heading of to their romantic camping trip, the family on their camping trip, that we know something happens to and the two men who will be committing the crime. To start with this felt annoying, I won’t lie, but soon this just builds the tension through the film as we just want to know what happens, with each twist that connection the stories becoming unsettling. We see the aftermath of what has happened over just putting us through the events, which only continues to make everything extra disturbing. This is a type of story we have seen before, though the fresh approach to this only makes this more interesting to watch even if you want to look away.
Horror – This is easily one of the most disturbing horror films you will see, when you stop to think about anything that happens, what you end up feeling is just uneasy because of what happens off camera, with the tension only making this harder to get through.
Settings – The film takes place in a remote camping ground which gives us the feeling of isolation, with have no phone signal and the humans might not be the only danger here, this is a perfect use of setting.
Special Effects – The effects are used to make each moment look more horrific, they are subtle and effective.
Scene of the Movie – When the couple plan to leave, we have a wonderful shot of Samantha walking away with somebody desperately needing help behind her.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – I didn’t like the opening moments of the three stories, it does work once we are get going.
Final Thoughts – This is one of the most disturbing non-graphic films I have seen, being left to imagine just what happens is even worse than watching it.
Overall: Unsettling and disturbing.
We know something happened to the family in the camp next door and when Ian and Samantha find their baby wandering around the area. Soon they will be fighting for their lives against the criminal psychopaths that enjoy hunting.
Thoughts on Killing Ground
Characters – Ian is a doctor who along with his girlfriend goes on the camping trip, he knows how to survive any injuries which makes him the one that could help survive the attack because o his logical decision making process. Samantha is the girlfriend that is using the trip for a big moment only to find herself needing to fight to survive. Scotty is the one of the two which seems to be the mastermind, well leader of the two who knows how to control the situation and Tood. Tood is the loose cannon, who comes off simple minded at times and other times he comes off like the psychopath he is meant to be.
Performances – The performances in this film do come off real, we believe the couple Ian Meadows & Harriet Dyer with each decision they must make, we also get scared of both the Aaron’s who gives us uneasy performances through the whole film.
Story – The story here follows three lines to start with, we have the couple heading of to their romantic camping trip, the family on their camping trip, that we know something happens to and the two men who will be committing the crime. To start with this felt annoying, I won’t lie, but soon this just builds the tension through the film as we just want to know what happens, with each twist that connection the stories becoming unsettling. We see the aftermath of what has happened over just putting us through the events, which only continues to make everything extra disturbing. This is a type of story we have seen before, though the fresh approach to this only makes this more interesting to watch even if you want to look away.
Horror – This is easily one of the most disturbing horror films you will see, when you stop to think about anything that happens, what you end up feeling is just uneasy because of what happens off camera, with the tension only making this harder to get through.
Settings – The film takes place in a remote camping ground which gives us the feeling of isolation, with have no phone signal and the humans might not be the only danger here, this is a perfect use of setting.
Special Effects – The effects are used to make each moment look more horrific, they are subtle and effective.
Scene of the Movie – When the couple plan to leave, we have a wonderful shot of Samantha walking away with somebody desperately needing help behind her.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – I didn’t like the opening moments of the three stories, it does work once we are get going.
Final Thoughts – This is one of the most disturbing non-graphic films I have seen, being left to imagine just what happens is even worse than watching it.
Overall: Unsettling and disturbing.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Couple on Cedar Close (Detective Dan Riley, #2) in Books
Feb 19, 2019
2nd in Detective Dan Riley series but can standalone
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
The Couple on Cedar Close by Anna-Lou Weatherley is the second in her Detective Dan Riley series but can standalone. I was unfamiliar with Anna-Lou Weatherley or her work but am thrilled that I found her.
Shortly after Laurie Mills found out her husband was having an affair, she in a serious car accident. The couple move to Ceder Close to put the affair behind them and to be near a mutual friend that is willing to help with Laurie's recovery. Laurie discovers the affair has not stopped and Robert is planning on divorcing her and move with his mistress and their child. Laurie attempts one last time to make Robert reconsider and prepares a fabulous meal. He does not show up but is later found dead with Laurie covered in his blood. DId she kill him during her blackout? If not her, then who?
The story is engaging and I found myself reading quickly to find out how the story ended. The basic premise is not new but Weatherley makes the story feel new. Her characters are well developed and, while they have their issues, you find yourself rooting for them.
I'm looking forward to more from Anna-Lou Weatherley.
The Couple on Cedar Close by Anna-Lou Weatherley is the second in her Detective Dan Riley series but can standalone. I was unfamiliar with Anna-Lou Weatherley or her work but am thrilled that I found her.
Shortly after Laurie Mills found out her husband was having an affair, she in a serious car accident. The couple move to Ceder Close to put the affair behind them and to be near a mutual friend that is willing to help with Laurie's recovery. Laurie discovers the affair has not stopped and Robert is planning on divorcing her and move with his mistress and their child. Laurie attempts one last time to make Robert reconsider and prepares a fabulous meal. He does not show up but is later found dead with Laurie covered in his blood. DId she kill him during her blackout? If not her, then who?
The story is engaging and I found myself reading quickly to find out how the story ended. The basic premise is not new but Weatherley makes the story feel new. Her characters are well developed and, while they have their issues, you find yourself rooting for them.
I'm looking forward to more from Anna-Lou Weatherley.
Ok this was steamy and dreamy. The author did this couple justice in bringing them together with her word magic. We continue one month later after the First Sight. Beth is back at work and moving forward with her business as a designer. When out of nowhere Adam Blaire finds her and presents her with a deal she doesn’t want to turn down.
Okay I enjoyed this couple in the prequel but they had me falling deeper in this book. Beth doesn’t do emotions she doesn’t want or need the baggage. But with the way Adam is digging his way under her skin she might not have a choice. But when Adam gives her ultimatums and leaves her at the door she walks away. Can they find their way back to each other or will their beginning be their end?
Man I’ve read some steamy books in my life but this one is at the top. Adam is just wow. He has stamina out of this world. The way he loves her and gives himself to her. Dream come true. Beth just does it without knowing she’s doing it. Gives him her all without fully knowing she did it.
If you're reading this review before buying this book you're wasting precious reading time. You could’ve already been in love with this author like me.
Okay I enjoyed this couple in the prequel but they had me falling deeper in this book. Beth doesn’t do emotions she doesn’t want or need the baggage. But with the way Adam is digging his way under her skin she might not have a choice. But when Adam gives her ultimatums and leaves her at the door she walks away. Can they find their way back to each other or will their beginning be their end?
Man I’ve read some steamy books in my life but this one is at the top. Adam is just wow. He has stamina out of this world. The way he loves her and gives himself to her. Dream come true. Beth just does it without knowing she’s doing it. Gives him her all without fully knowing she did it.
If you're reading this review before buying this book you're wasting precious reading time. You could’ve already been in love with this author like me.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2572 KP) rated Chasing Darkness in Books
Aug 18, 2018
Cole’s Latest Client – His Reputation
When the body of Lionel Byrd is found in his rental house, the police also find a photo album with pictures of murder victims. One of those victims was someone that Lionel had been arrested for killing three years ago, and Elvis Cole was hired by his defense attorney to help get him off. Elvis did thanks to an ironclad alibi. Was Elvis wrong then? Or is something else going on now?
This is a compelling case that moves quickly from one plot point to another. I followed Elvis down a couple of blind allies and wrong turns before he figured things out. While we don’t get all the answers we might like, the book isn’t set up to give them to us. However, the conclusion is still satisfying. The characters we meet here are strong. This is really Elvis’ story, so we don’t see too much of his partner Joe Pike. Another couple of regulars appear here, and they are definitely the best versions of themselves. Do take the title of the book seriously; some of what we learn along the way is more graphic than I felt it needed to be, and we don’t get as much of Elvis’ trademark wit here. Still, this was a book well worth reading.
This is a compelling case that moves quickly from one plot point to another. I followed Elvis down a couple of blind allies and wrong turns before he figured things out. While we don’t get all the answers we might like, the book isn’t set up to give them to us. However, the conclusion is still satisfying. The characters we meet here are strong. This is really Elvis’ story, so we don’t see too much of his partner Joe Pike. Another couple of regulars appear here, and they are definitely the best versions of themselves. Do take the title of the book seriously; some of what we learn along the way is more graphic than I felt it needed to be, and we don’t get as much of Elvis’ trademark wit here. Still, this was a book well worth reading.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Most Noble Heir in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Such a fun and unique story! Tensions are high as we begin this story and don't release until the end. I just had to know how it was all going to work out. Hannah has severe insecurities, and although relatable, a couple times I thought I was going to have to purse whomp her. Nolan...while sweet and charming, was a bit pig-headed on a couple of occasions. Watching Hannah and Nolan work through their insecurities and fears was real and heartbreaking. But I love, LOVE, how the author infuses the situation with GOD! It is truly amazing what can happen when we let HIM lead us, heal us, and strengthen us.
Set in the Victorian era, Susan Anne Mason brings to life the upstairs/downstairs aspects and the brilliance of them intertwining in an unexpected way. Conflicted between his heart and duty, will Nolan become the heir worthy of his father's praise and Hannah's heart? Can Hannah adjust to the changes in life now demanded of her?
Filled with surprises, excitements, devastations, and romance...This is a perfect book for reading on vacation this year! So grab your copy from the library or bookstore now.
I received a complimentary copy of A Most Noble Heir from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Set in the Victorian era, Susan Anne Mason brings to life the upstairs/downstairs aspects and the brilliance of them intertwining in an unexpected way. Conflicted between his heart and duty, will Nolan become the heir worthy of his father's praise and Hannah's heart? Can Hannah adjust to the changes in life now demanded of her?
Filled with surprises, excitements, devastations, and romance...This is a perfect book for reading on vacation this year! So grab your copy from the library or bookstore now.
I received a complimentary copy of A Most Noble Heir from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
David McK (3801 KP) rated Rebellion (Matthew Hawkwood, #4) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The fourth book in James McGee's Matthew Hawkwood series of books, and over the course of the last two (in particular), the eponymous Bow Street Runner is getting further and further away from his usual haunts!
In this installment, Hawkwood actually spends the vast majority of it in the heart of Imperial France: in Paris itself, while Napoleon is away on his ill-fated Russian campaign. Again taking real historical facts as its basis, this novel concerns itself primarily with a conspiracy attempt to over-throw the regime: an event which, obviously, did not succeed.
If I'm honest, and to draw an anology between these books and the Star Wars films (which might seem strange, but bear with me!), the first couple of books in the series are like the original couple of films: full of danger, action and excitement. This one, unfortunately, is more like Episode I: seeming to be setting itself up for a broader story arc, and more concerned with politics than with action and excitement.
Worth a read? Yes, but if this was my introduction to the series as a whole - which can, by and large, be read independently as they only occassionally refer to earlier events - I wouldn't be going out of my way to look for any others in thes series, unlike if I had read any of the others first.
In this installment, Hawkwood actually spends the vast majority of it in the heart of Imperial France: in Paris itself, while Napoleon is away on his ill-fated Russian campaign. Again taking real historical facts as its basis, this novel concerns itself primarily with a conspiracy attempt to over-throw the regime: an event which, obviously, did not succeed.
If I'm honest, and to draw an anology between these books and the Star Wars films (which might seem strange, but bear with me!), the first couple of books in the series are like the original couple of films: full of danger, action and excitement. This one, unfortunately, is more like Episode I: seeming to be setting itself up for a broader story arc, and more concerned with politics than with action and excitement.
Worth a read? Yes, but if this was my introduction to the series as a whole - which can, by and large, be read independently as they only occassionally refer to earlier events - I wouldn't be going out of my way to look for any others in thes series, unlike if I had read any of the others first.
PS
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