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Merissa (13283 KP) created a post
Jun 5, 2025
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Try Not to Breathe in Books
Feb 19, 2018
Try Not to Breathe is a terrific thriller from a first time novelist, and I'm already looking forward to her next book. Touted as being "for fans of Paula Hawkins", I was expecting another unreliable narrator thriller, but this story is different. As it says in the description, it is told from both Amy and Alex's points of view, but also from Amy's childhood boyfriend's point of view. Two of the narrators are not unreliable. Alex and Jake / Jacob just don't have all of the answers yet, and we learn any new information right along with them. Amy is another story. In her dream-like state, sometimes she remembers things, and sometimes not. When she does have useful information she is unable to communicate it to anyone.
This book is a great mystery, but it is also a heartbreaking story of a girl left to live inside her own mind after a terrible attack left her in a near vegetative state, and the effect that her attack has on her family and those who love her. However much liberty the author may have taken in creating Amy's world, she did a great job of bringing life to a character who was seen as already dead by so many.
I would recommend this one to all mystery / thriller fans. Whether you are a fan of the unreliable narrator trope or not, this is an enjoyable read.
NOTE: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a great mystery, but it is also a heartbreaking story of a girl left to live inside her own mind after a terrible attack left her in a near vegetative state, and the effect that her attack has on her family and those who love her. However much liberty the author may have taken in creating Amy's world, she did a great job of bringing life to a character who was seen as already dead by so many.
I would recommend this one to all mystery / thriller fans. Whether you are a fan of the unreliable narrator trope or not, this is an enjoyable read.
NOTE: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Inception (2010) in Movies
Aug 17, 2020
It's possible that Inception isn't the best film of the 21st century so far, but I'm blowed if I can think of a better candidate. What starts off looking like a slick thriller with SF trimmings - expert psycho-thief takes on one last job, breaking into a businessman's subconscious mind to implant a suggestion - turns into a dizzyingly complex and astonishingly self-assured examination of memory, reality, and the medium itself, with the execution matching the strength and ambition of the concept.
Consider: the film is based around a whole series of concepts and rules created out of whole cloth, which have to be explained to the audience. Most movies would really struggle to do only this. But Christopher Nolan not only succeeds, he uses it simply as the basis for a story rich in other layers of metaphor and emotion, while also playing with the rules of cinematic grammar and genre - the dreamscapes are implicitly likened to film narratives, with the successive levels resembling increasingly outlandish thriller sub-genres (gritty urban action, Mission Impossible, Bond) the further removed from the real world they are. But what is cinema if not a chance for people to share a dream together? Dreams as good as this one are vanishingly rare, alas.
Consider: the film is based around a whole series of concepts and rules created out of whole cloth, which have to be explained to the audience. Most movies would really struggle to do only this. But Christopher Nolan not only succeeds, he uses it simply as the basis for a story rich in other layers of metaphor and emotion, while also playing with the rules of cinematic grammar and genre - the dreamscapes are implicitly likened to film narratives, with the successive levels resembling increasingly outlandish thriller sub-genres (gritty urban action, Mission Impossible, Bond) the further removed from the real world they are. But what is cinema if not a chance for people to share a dream together? Dreams as good as this one are vanishingly rare, alas.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Mother May I in Books
Apr 15, 2021
A riveting and addictive thriller about the power of motherhood
Bree Cabbat wakes up in the middle night, convinced a witch was peering into her bedroom window. Surely it was just a dream, she thinks, trying to get over the bad feeling the dream leaves behind. But the next day she sees the witch again--a haggard old woman--at the private school her daughters attend. Minutes later, Bree's infant son, Robert, vanishes, stolen from his car seat while she watches her oldest daughter rehearse. There's a note left behind, and Bree is told she cannot go to the police or fail to the follow instructions whatsoever. A woman contacts Bree, and Bree learns the old woman is a mother herself. She has a task for Bree; Bree agrees to do it, for she would do anything to get her son back. But completing that request sets off a series of events that Bree could have never foreseen, unleashing buried secrets and disastrous consequences. And in the end, it comes down to this: how far will two mothers go to protect their children?
"I felt more than I thought, Something bad is coming for us."
Wow, MOTHER MAY I was an excellent thriller! I was sucked in from the beginning, and this riveting page-turner never let me go. It was surprisingly captivating and so suspenseful--Bree's son Robert is taken nearly immediately, and the rest of the book revolves around her frantically trying to get him back. As she does, she learns more about the woman who stole him. The relationship the two form over the phone is fascinating. Bree is one tough cookie, as is her friend from college, Marshall, a PI at her husband's law firm.
"If you ever want to see your baby again, GO HOME"
Bree was once a poor kid, raised by a fearful mother in rural Georgia, but she's now a wealthy wife and mother, having married an attorney with family money and connections. She's worked hard to push off her mom's fears and wariness and feels like that her picture perfect life has proved her right. But with Robert's kidnapping, she starts to wonder if her mom was justified all along. The novel deftly explores the theme of class. It offers some wonderful messages on the power of motherhood--no matter how wealthy you may be. It certainly makes you think: what would you do in Bree's situation? And the old woman's?
Perhaps not everything in this tale is plausible, but I could have cared less. I was here for all of it! It was incredibly suspenseful and twisty, with information oozing out and surprising you at every turn. I truly couldn't put it down. This is definitely a winning thriller in my book! 4.5 stars.
"I felt more than I thought, Something bad is coming for us."
Wow, MOTHER MAY I was an excellent thriller! I was sucked in from the beginning, and this riveting page-turner never let me go. It was surprisingly captivating and so suspenseful--Bree's son Robert is taken nearly immediately, and the rest of the book revolves around her frantically trying to get him back. As she does, she learns more about the woman who stole him. The relationship the two form over the phone is fascinating. Bree is one tough cookie, as is her friend from college, Marshall, a PI at her husband's law firm.
"If you ever want to see your baby again, GO HOME"
Bree was once a poor kid, raised by a fearful mother in rural Georgia, but she's now a wealthy wife and mother, having married an attorney with family money and connections. She's worked hard to push off her mom's fears and wariness and feels like that her picture perfect life has proved her right. But with Robert's kidnapping, she starts to wonder if her mom was justified all along. The novel deftly explores the theme of class. It offers some wonderful messages on the power of motherhood--no matter how wealthy you may be. It certainly makes you think: what would you do in Bree's situation? And the old woman's?
Perhaps not everything in this tale is plausible, but I could have cared less. I was here for all of it! It was incredibly suspenseful and twisty, with information oozing out and surprising you at every turn. I truly couldn't put it down. This is definitely a winning thriller in my book! 4.5 stars.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Sunshine (2007) in Movies
Sep 20, 2020
Frantic, superhuman space escapism (spacapism? spacecapism? spacescapism?) which revels in chucking its cast of unfortunate characters head-first into ludicrous amounts of mental anguish, bodily torment, and spiritual deformation with nary a single solitary moment of repose. What do you do when you can't even trust your own mind (especially if it's scarier when you can) and don't even have the time to be sure before you act? Part sumptuous feast for the senses, part wildly fun men-on-a-mission space adventure, part bonkers slasher flick, part volatile mindfuck. Still one of the best looking movies you're likely to find, I'm never any less than blown away with how orgasmic this looks and sounds - the CGI is just immaculate. And the tech-fetish is so striking but never intrusive. Bonus points for being a pre-apocalyptic, time sensitive future sci-fi thriller that doesn't turn into a surface-level lecture on misplaced technophobia or "maybe *we're* the real virus" nonsense. Boyle and Garland are a dream team duo, knocked it right out of the park with this one - five hundred times the movie 𝘚𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘥𝘰𝘨 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦 is.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Dec 17, 2021
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Firestarter (1984) in Movies
May 13, 2022
Firestarter is a relatively slow paced, sci-fi tinged thriller, with some nicely executed set pieces conservatively strewn throughout, and it works for the most part. The narrative is prone to drag on occasion, but it's pacing means that we get a host of characters that have room to breathe, and we can get to know. Whether it's Drew Barrymores adorable/unsettling protagonist (who straight up outshines the rest of the cast), David Keiths Roadhouse looking dad of the year, or George C. Scotts dodgy as hell orderly/assassin bastard, the characters are well realised and interesting to follow.
The effects work is top notch for the time, delighting in its multiple explosions and impressive fire stunts, and they make for some memorable moments, especially when Charlie goes full Carrie during the climax, all set to an 80s-as-fuck Tangerine Dream soundtrack
There are certainly better Stephen King adaptions out there, but Firestarter is a competent sci-fi horror that deserves its spot in amongst the big boys of the genre during this era. Interested to see how the upcoming remake holds up in comparison.
The effects work is top notch for the time, delighting in its multiple explosions and impressive fire stunts, and they make for some memorable moments, especially when Charlie goes full Carrie during the climax, all set to an 80s-as-fuck Tangerine Dream soundtrack
There are certainly better Stephen King adaptions out there, but Firestarter is a competent sci-fi horror that deserves its spot in amongst the big boys of the genre during this era. Interested to see how the upcoming remake holds up in comparison.
okletmereviewit (4 KP) rated A Cure For Wellness (2017) in Movies
May 11, 2018
Strange Psychological Thriller
This movie is dry but gripping. You start off the movie with a young business executive (Lockhart played by Dane DeHaan) being whisked away on a train heading through scenic Swiss countryside. He has been charged with the task of returning a top level CEO (Pembroke played by Harry Groener) who has to return to New York to broker a merger. The movie from the get go does a lot of jumping around. One moment you are watching scenes from the past thinking it is part of the present, and then you realize that you catching memories. But when they come into play they really make no sense to what is happening on screen at that moment.
Its not a horrible movie, just kind of dry with a lot of jumping around from one moment to the next. At points in the movie you feel a bit confused, and with the twists and turns you begin to wonder if what is happening is a delusion or if it is some type of dream state.
All in all its a good movie if you have about 2hrs to dedicate to it. But if you love psychological thrillers, beautiful scenery's, and twisted plot lines, you are sure to love this movie.
Its not a horrible movie, just kind of dry with a lot of jumping around from one moment to the next. At points in the movie you feel a bit confused, and with the twists and turns you begin to wonder if what is happening is a delusion or if it is some type of dream state.
All in all its a good movie if you have about 2hrs to dedicate to it. But if you love psychological thrillers, beautiful scenery's, and twisted plot lines, you are sure to love this movie.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Perfect Mother in Books
Feb 2, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Caroline Mitchell has done it again. Her latest thriller, The Perfect Mother, is a stand-alone novel and not part of the DI Amy Winter series I enjoy.
In The Perfect Mother, Caroline Mitchell introduces us to Roz, a single, pregnant woman from Ireland who is not ready to be a mother. She is determined to do the right thing for her baby and joins an expensive, elite adoption service. She is thrilled when a secretive power couple is interested in raising her baby as their own. What starts as a dream come true quickly turns into a nightmare.
Once again, while reading a book by Caroline Mitchell, I stayed up way too late because I could not find a place to stop reading. I kept reading until the end. I was exhausted at work the next day but the book was worth it.
It started off as a slow burn but quickly picked up speed and went flying. It is a tense book that made me cheer and feel for the main character and her unborn child. Once Roz moves to NY the story does not twist and turn but is a solid line of suspense until the very end.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/2/20.
Caroline Mitchell has done it again. Her latest thriller, The Perfect Mother, is a stand-alone novel and not part of the DI Amy Winter series I enjoy.
In The Perfect Mother, Caroline Mitchell introduces us to Roz, a single, pregnant woman from Ireland who is not ready to be a mother. She is determined to do the right thing for her baby and joins an expensive, elite adoption service. She is thrilled when a secretive power couple is interested in raising her baby as their own. What starts as a dream come true quickly turns into a nightmare.
Once again, while reading a book by Caroline Mitchell, I stayed up way too late because I could not find a place to stop reading. I kept reading until the end. I was exhausted at work the next day but the book was worth it.
It started off as a slow burn but quickly picked up speed and went flying. It is a tense book that made me cheer and feel for the main character and her unborn child. Once Roz moves to NY the story does not twist and turn but is a solid line of suspense until the very end.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/2/20.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Scarlet at Crystal River (Haunted Shores Mysteries #3) in Books
Nov 6, 2021
A honeymoon in the sun at Christmas, surely there's nothing better than that to raise the spirits, quite literally!
Darrell and Erin Henshaw have gone to Crystal River on the gulf coast of Florida. They are enjoying their honeymoon as well as Christmas somewhere exotic being used to cold and snowy Christmases its fantastic exploring and getting a tan. If only Darrell wasn't being followed by the spirits of two lost Latino children needing him to discover what really happened to them. now With the help of his new wife and some new friends his discovery could just be the death of him or somebody he loves. can they do this before its too late?
At the start of the book you think its going to be all lovey dovey and nauseating there a newly married couple there bound to be. some of the descriptions of the scenery i am quite jealous it sounds absolutely gorgeous definitely a dream destination. Darrell then starts having his bad feelings and it puts you slightly on edge definitely keeps you gripped and wanting to find out what's happened to the children its a thriller for sure.
I haven't read the other 2 book in this series but from how well this one is written i will certainly indulging in them. I highly recommend this book for reading 4/5 stars
Darrell and Erin Henshaw have gone to Crystal River on the gulf coast of Florida. They are enjoying their honeymoon as well as Christmas somewhere exotic being used to cold and snowy Christmases its fantastic exploring and getting a tan. If only Darrell wasn't being followed by the spirits of two lost Latino children needing him to discover what really happened to them. now With the help of his new wife and some new friends his discovery could just be the death of him or somebody he loves. can they do this before its too late?
At the start of the book you think its going to be all lovey dovey and nauseating there a newly married couple there bound to be. some of the descriptions of the scenery i am quite jealous it sounds absolutely gorgeous definitely a dream destination. Darrell then starts having his bad feelings and it puts you slightly on edge definitely keeps you gripped and wanting to find out what's happened to the children its a thriller for sure.
I haven't read the other 2 book in this series but from how well this one is written i will certainly indulging in them. I highly recommend this book for reading 4/5 stars