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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated Murder Most Fowl in Books
Sep 1, 2021 (Updated Sep 1, 2021)
Which of the Things Meg is Juggling Led to Murder?
It’s turning into a crazy summer for Meg Langslow. Not only is her husband, Michael, directing a production of Macbeth, but the actors are camping out on their farm. Meanwhile, another group has decided to reenact what life was like in sixth center Scotland, and they are camped nearby. Filming all of this is a documentarian, Damien Goodwin. But when he shows what he has so far, no one seems happy. The next morning, Meg finds Damien’s dead body. Can she figure out who killed him?
Because of all the plot threads that need to be set up, this book feels like it is taking a bit of time to get going, but it is all definitely worth it as we get to see everything pay off before Meg solves the mystery. Of course, spending time with Meg is always a joy. She and the other from the large cast of regulars are a delight as always, and the suspects fit perfectly into the world. I grinned through much of the book, and even laughed a few times. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with this entry. If you are looking for a light mystery, this series is definitely for you.
Because of all the plot threads that need to be set up, this book feels like it is taking a bit of time to get going, but it is all definitely worth it as we get to see everything pay off before Meg solves the mystery. Of course, spending time with Meg is always a joy. She and the other from the large cast of regulars are a delight as always, and the suspects fit perfectly into the world. I grinned through much of the book, and even laughed a few times. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with this entry. If you are looking for a light mystery, this series is definitely for you.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated A Gathering Of Secrets in Books
Apr 10, 2019
Kate Burkholder is the chief of police for the small town of Painter's Mill in Ohio. When a young Amish man is found burned to death in his family's barn, Kate is determined to find out who is responsible. Being ex-Amish herself, Kate has a strong connection to the people. But trying out to find out who would have wanted Daniel Gingerich dead is turning into quite a list. You see, Daniel wasn't the good Amish boy every portrayed him to be. He had a dirty secret and once Chief Burkholder is able to uncover his secrets, she may be able to find his killer.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When I first heard about this book, I was quite intrigued by the story line. I didn't know that this was a part of a series, so that was a little disappointing, but I don't feel like I missed out on too much. I definitely want to go back and read the rest of the series.
Daniel Gingerich is in the period of an Amish person's life called Rumspringa. This is a time once Amish reach adulthood that they take the time to "find themselves". Daniel had a serious girlfriend and had plans to marry her. But he was a young man and attractive. He could have almost any girl he wanted. So why was he killed and who did it? When Kate finds out Daniel's secret, the suspect pool grows bigger and bigger the more she digs into this young man's life. The Amish community is so tight knit that no one wants to tell anyone's secrets.
This book was very hard to put down, and there were surprises I didn't see coming. I look forward to reading more books by Linda Castillo.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When I first heard about this book, I was quite intrigued by the story line. I didn't know that this was a part of a series, so that was a little disappointing, but I don't feel like I missed out on too much. I definitely want to go back and read the rest of the series.
Daniel Gingerich is in the period of an Amish person's life called Rumspringa. This is a time once Amish reach adulthood that they take the time to "find themselves". Daniel had a serious girlfriend and had plans to marry her. But he was a young man and attractive. He could have almost any girl he wanted. So why was he killed and who did it? When Kate finds out Daniel's secret, the suspect pool grows bigger and bigger the more she digs into this young man's life. The Amish community is so tight knit that no one wants to tell anyone's secrets.
This book was very hard to put down, and there were surprises I didn't see coming. I look forward to reading more books by Linda Castillo.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Dark Harmony (The Bargainer #3) in Books
May 5, 2020
71 of 200
Kindle
Dark Harmony ( The Bargainer book 3)
By Laura Thalassa
There are worse things than death. Things that lurk in the shadows and slip into your dreams. Things that have no business existing. Things that once slept … but have now awoken.
For Callypso Lillis, the fae magic that now runs through her veins is equal parts curse and good fortune. For the very thing that bonds her to Desmond Flynn, the King of the Night, also makes her vulnerable to the Thief of Souls, a man who wants to break the world … and Callie along with it.
But it’s not just the Thief whose shadow looms over the Otherworld. Des’s father is back from the dead, and he wants revenge on the son who sent him to the grave in the first place.
Des and Callie must figure out how to stop both men, and time is running out. Because there are forces at play working to tear the lovers apart once and for all … and unfortunately for them, death is no longer the worst thing to fear.
What an ending! I have absolutely loved everything about this series it was just so good. I have been looking for a decent fey series for so long! I think I’ll definitely be rereading this one! Highly recommended If you like your fey, hot sex but not constantly shoved down your throat and characters you can laugh, cry, love and hate. This was a series the author was giving away whist the world was on a crazy lockdown to so thank you Laura Thalassa!!
Kindle
Dark Harmony ( The Bargainer book 3)
By Laura Thalassa
There are worse things than death. Things that lurk in the shadows and slip into your dreams. Things that have no business existing. Things that once slept … but have now awoken.
For Callypso Lillis, the fae magic that now runs through her veins is equal parts curse and good fortune. For the very thing that bonds her to Desmond Flynn, the King of the Night, also makes her vulnerable to the Thief of Souls, a man who wants to break the world … and Callie along with it.
But it’s not just the Thief whose shadow looms over the Otherworld. Des’s father is back from the dead, and he wants revenge on the son who sent him to the grave in the first place.
Des and Callie must figure out how to stop both men, and time is running out. Because there are forces at play working to tear the lovers apart once and for all … and unfortunately for them, death is no longer the worst thing to fear.
What an ending! I have absolutely loved everything about this series it was just so good. I have been looking for a decent fey series for so long! I think I’ll definitely be rereading this one! Highly recommended If you like your fey, hot sex but not constantly shoved down your throat and characters you can laugh, cry, love and hate. This was a series the author was giving away whist the world was on a crazy lockdown to so thank you Laura Thalassa!!
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Countdown (2019) in Movies
Jun 2, 2022
A group of teens are playing a game of cards at a house party when they discover an app which tells you when you will die, they all download it for a bit of fun. Everybody gets dates years or months from now, except one teen who only gets several hours. They all laugh it off and continue with their party. After the party this girl gets into an argument with her boyfriend and ends up walking home alone where she is eventually killed in her bathroom by an unseen force.
Fast forward to a hospital student nurse going about her duty, she speaks to the first girls boyfriend who is due to go into surgery after his car crash. He had downloaded the app and had been given hours to live and was scared he wouldn't wake up from his surgery. The student nurse laughs it off and downloads the app herself which tells her she dies in 2 days. When Evan (the first victims boyfriend) dies right when he was due to, Quinn realises it isn't just an app and sets about how to stop it.
I quite enjoyed the movie even though it was very predictable at times, and sometimes characters were so face-palm stupid! I liked that it has a final destination feel to it, I do think it should have stayed serious though as the scene with the priest was over the top with its silliness, and the way Quinn opens Evans dead body eyes to unlock his phone was laughable. These aside though, it is a fun horror movie which I recommend you watch at least once.
Fast forward to a hospital student nurse going about her duty, she speaks to the first girls boyfriend who is due to go into surgery after his car crash. He had downloaded the app and had been given hours to live and was scared he wouldn't wake up from his surgery. The student nurse laughs it off and downloads the app herself which tells her she dies in 2 days. When Evan (the first victims boyfriend) dies right when he was due to, Quinn realises it isn't just an app and sets about how to stop it.
I quite enjoyed the movie even though it was very predictable at times, and sometimes characters were so face-palm stupid! I liked that it has a final destination feel to it, I do think it should have stayed serious though as the scene with the priest was over the top with its silliness, and the way Quinn opens Evans dead body eyes to unlock his phone was laughable. These aside though, it is a fun horror movie which I recommend you watch at least once.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated Bake Offed in Books
Dec 1, 2022 (Updated Dec 1, 2022)
Mystery at the Mystery Convention
Val Deniston and her granddad are going to the Maryland Mystery Fan Fest to help her friend Bethany with it. And Granddad, aka the Codger Cook, is participating in the mystery themed baking competition the first night. One of his fellow contestants is Cynthia Sweet, the woman that Granddad feels stole his shot at turning his Codger Cook recipe column into a book. But when Val finds Cynthia dead in the middle of the night, the two of them start to discover that other people didn’t like Cynthia either. Can they figure out who killed her?
Since the fest is out of town, we don’t see much of the other series regulars, but the series usually focuses on Val and Granddad, so it’s not too big of a loss. This also gives us plenty of time to get to know the new characters, who rise to the occasion. And there is a return appearance by a character from early in the series that is fun. The plot is wonderful. It is intricately plotted, yet it holds together at the end. As someone who complains about the timelines in books when they don’t work, I have to praise this one for holding together perfectly. I got a kick out of the mystery fest setting. The recipes at the end are great fun as well, but I’ll leave that for you to explore on your own. Fans of the series will be happy with this book. If you are looking for a fun culinary cozy series, I definitely recommend you check this one out.
Since the fest is out of town, we don’t see much of the other series regulars, but the series usually focuses on Val and Granddad, so it’s not too big of a loss. This also gives us plenty of time to get to know the new characters, who rise to the occasion. And there is a return appearance by a character from early in the series that is fun. The plot is wonderful. It is intricately plotted, yet it holds together at the end. As someone who complains about the timelines in books when they don’t work, I have to praise this one for holding together perfectly. I got a kick out of the mystery fest setting. The recipes at the end are great fun as well, but I’ll leave that for you to explore on your own. Fans of the series will be happy with this book. If you are looking for a fun culinary cozy series, I definitely recommend you check this one out.
Lindsay (1786 KP) rated Lights Out in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
This book is quite good. I enjoyed the writing from the author. It starts out with Paul having dreams of someone with green glowing eyes. We learn a little more about Paul Holten's job or profession. We get to learn about Aaron a little bit. Paul is handed a list and envelope after Paul's girlfriend Kelly leaves him.
Paul then his given a little boy named "Ethan". Things start to get quite more interesting once he left with Ethan. The action and adventures starts up after a few days when Aaron comes knocking on his door. Paul decides he wants to run,
Once on the road with Ethan. The story get more surprising and exciting. There are twists and turns in the book. It seems every time Paul turns around someone is chasing him. Aaron's words "your dead man". Though all that come after Paul seem to wonder if he going die to them. I do not want to giveaway anything that would be having trying to guess what happening. I am not going to spoil it for you or anyone that wants find out how it ends. Who is after Paul? Who is after both Paul and Ethan? Doe Paul and Ethan survive the death sentence that on his head? Who following Paul and Ethan? Can Paul save Ethan life or his own? You will need to read to find out. I advise that those that read this book should be warn that there is lots of deaths. I think is book is best for readers that are 13+ or older.
Paul then his given a little boy named "Ethan". Things start to get quite more interesting once he left with Ethan. The action and adventures starts up after a few days when Aaron comes knocking on his door. Paul decides he wants to run,
Once on the road with Ethan. The story get more surprising and exciting. There are twists and turns in the book. It seems every time Paul turns around someone is chasing him. Aaron's words "your dead man". Though all that come after Paul seem to wonder if he going die to them. I do not want to giveaway anything that would be having trying to guess what happening. I am not going to spoil it for you or anyone that wants find out how it ends. Who is after Paul? Who is after both Paul and Ethan? Doe Paul and Ethan survive the death sentence that on his head? Who following Paul and Ethan? Can Paul save Ethan life or his own? You will need to read to find out. I advise that those that read this book should be warn that there is lots of deaths. I think is book is best for readers that are 13+ or older.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Caressed by Ice (Psy-Changeling #3) in Books
Oct 1, 2019
Loved it from start to finish
Nalini Singh explores new heights of sensuality, returning to the world of the Psy - where two people who know evil intimately must unlock the good within their icy hearts...
As an Arrow, an elite soldier in the Psy Council ranks, Judd Lauren was forced to do terrible things in the name of his people. Now he is a defector, and his dark abilities have made him the most deadly of assassins - cold, pitiless, unfeeling. Until he meets Brenna...
Brenna Shane Kincaid was an innocent before she was abducted - and had her mind violated - by a serial killer. Her sense of evil runs so deep, she fears she could become a killer herself. Then the first dead body is found, victim of a familiar madness. Judd is her only hope, yet her sensual changeling side rebels against the inhuman chill of his personality, even as desire explodes between them. Shocking and raw, their passion is a danger that threatens not only their hearts, but their very lives...
Can't tell you how much I loved this book or this series! Nalini is just a fabulous writer I think this has to be my favourite book so far! It gives hope when things have been so bad and the worst has happened it lets you know you can overcome anything with the right help!
Highly recommended!
As an Arrow, an elite soldier in the Psy Council ranks, Judd Lauren was forced to do terrible things in the name of his people. Now he is a defector, and his dark abilities have made him the most deadly of assassins - cold, pitiless, unfeeling. Until he meets Brenna...
Brenna Shane Kincaid was an innocent before she was abducted - and had her mind violated - by a serial killer. Her sense of evil runs so deep, she fears she could become a killer herself. Then the first dead body is found, victim of a familiar madness. Judd is her only hope, yet her sensual changeling side rebels against the inhuman chill of his personality, even as desire explodes between them. Shocking and raw, their passion is a danger that threatens not only their hearts, but their very lives...
Can't tell you how much I loved this book or this series! Nalini is just a fabulous writer I think this has to be my favourite book so far! It gives hope when things have been so bad and the worst has happened it lets you know you can overcome anything with the right help!
Highly recommended!
The Turn of The Key
7.7
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'Will hold you captive until the brilliant ending' SHARI LAPENA, author of The Couple Next Door ...
Awix (3310 KP) rated Alita: Battle Angel (2019) in Movies
Feb 8, 2019
Another case of 'visionary film-makers' getting together to produce something visually lavish but also very derivative and hobbled by a goosey-goosey-gander plot. Cyber-surgeon and part-time bounty hunter (you can tell it's a comic book movie) finds a brain in a can and installs it in his dead daughter's robotic body; she turns out to be Alita, who looks like Gollum's better groomed little sister but fights like a CGI'd version of Bruce Lee. Alita tries bounty hunting, also has a go at roller-boogie, falls in love (somewhat unconvincingly). Some good actors are saddled with unrewarding parts.
Looks good (as you would expect) and the action sequences are impressive (ditto) but it's not especially involving and the shapeless story in particular is a problem. It all feels a bit cool and mechanical, without much of a sense of humour - the one really funny moment is unintentional. Not an outright bad movie but spending $200 million on an adaptation of a relatively obscure comic book with someone equally little-known in the title role is a mistake, unless you end up with a film that people are really going to get excited about. Alita is not that movie: it's just another good-looking but vacuous comic-book film.
Looks good (as you would expect) and the action sequences are impressive (ditto) but it's not especially involving and the shapeless story in particular is a problem. It all feels a bit cool and mechanical, without much of a sense of humour - the one really funny moment is unintentional. Not an outright bad movie but spending $200 million on an adaptation of a relatively obscure comic book with someone equally little-known in the title role is a mistake, unless you end up with a film that people are really going to get excited about. Alita is not that movie: it's just another good-looking but vacuous comic-book film.
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