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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2554 KP) rated One Wrong Word in Books
Jul 25, 2024
Rehabbing the Innocent. But Is He Innocent?
Ned Bannister, on trial for hitting and killing a man with his car, has been found innocent. But the public isn’t so ready to forgive, which means life is still difficult for him and his family. That’s why his wife, Cordelia, hires PR expert Arden Ward to help. But Arden is having a crisis of her own, with her job on the line after being accused of an affair. When the Bannister’s case takes an unexpected turn, Arden is left wondering who she can trust. Can she figure out a way to help her client and find her future?
This book has an interesting premise, and I was quickly hooked. But then we hit the middle, where we had questions asked multiple times with very few answers of any kind. I would have been happy with lies, even, to advance the story and set up some twists. We do reach a satisfying climax, but the pacing could have been better. One character was whiney, but I found the rest of the characters likeable, and enjoyed spending time with them. Most of the story is told from Arden’s third person point-of-view, which helps us get to know her better, but we get some chapters from other’s view points. I’m wondering if I’m just not having realistic expectations for phycological thrillers. If you like the genre and this premise sounds interesting, definitely give this book a chance.
This book has an interesting premise, and I was quickly hooked. But then we hit the middle, where we had questions asked multiple times with very few answers of any kind. I would have been happy with lies, even, to advance the story and set up some twists. We do reach a satisfying climax, but the pacing could have been better. One character was whiney, but I found the rest of the characters likeable, and enjoyed spending time with them. Most of the story is told from Arden’s third person point-of-view, which helps us get to know her better, but we get some chapters from other’s view points. I’m wondering if I’m just not having realistic expectations for phycological thrillers. If you like the genre and this premise sounds interesting, definitely give this book a chance.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2554 KP) rated Home for the Homicides in Books
Dec 18, 2025
Who is the Christmas Grinch?
It’s the middle of December, and New Oslo has been subjected to some pranks in the last few days, but things are about to escalate. First, Tessa Treslow and her aunt Edna find a man who was car jacked and left on the side of the road. Then, various businesses in town are being vandalized. But when a murder victim is found at the sight of a fire, Tessa really steps up her sleuthing. Can she figure out who is responsible before things take a second deadly turn?
It was great to visit the characters during the Christmas season. I loved how the season was incorporated into the plot. Due to the nature of the crimes, it takes a while to zero in on definite suspects or motives, but the book always feels like it is moving forward. Having said that, the ending isn’t as definitive as I normally like, but it worked in this case. I struggled with some character ages (feel like we should have had an additional generation in there). On the other hand, we got to meet more of Tessa’s family, and I really loved spending time with them. They all felt real. And I enjoyed catching up with our friends in town as well. Fans will enjoy this holiday offering. And if you haven’t found this fun series yet, I recommend you fix that today.
It was great to visit the characters during the Christmas season. I loved how the season was incorporated into the plot. Due to the nature of the crimes, it takes a while to zero in on definite suspects or motives, but the book always feels like it is moving forward. Having said that, the ending isn’t as definitive as I normally like, but it worked in this case. I struggled with some character ages (feel like we should have had an additional generation in there). On the other hand, we got to meet more of Tessa’s family, and I really loved spending time with them. They all felt real. And I enjoyed catching up with our friends in town as well. Fans will enjoy this holiday offering. And if you haven’t found this fun series yet, I recommend you fix that today.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word (2016) in Movies
Sep 7, 2017
Disappointing even though it's based on a terrifying true story
I was looking forward to watch this film given that the story of Johnny Frank Garrett is on par with the real life mysteries of Amityville and The Omen. However, the film completely missed the point and went straight to a Rob Zombie type horror film.
Garrett was executed in reality in 1992 following the rape and murder of a nun. On what many believe shoddy evidence, he was found guilty despite proclaiming his innocence throughout. His last words were chillingly prophetic as much of what he said allegedly came true.
Many of those involved in the case including jury members met mysterious deaths as well as their family members post-execution. And this is where this filmmaker came in. Instead of exploring the connections and insanity of the deaths itself, he turns Garrett into a demon-like character which makes the whole film a bit of a joke. What a disappointment.
Garrett was executed in reality in 1992 following the rape and murder of a nun. On what many believe shoddy evidence, he was found guilty despite proclaiming his innocence throughout. His last words were chillingly prophetic as much of what he said allegedly came true.
Many of those involved in the case including jury members met mysterious deaths as well as their family members post-execution. And this is where this filmmaker came in. Instead of exploring the connections and insanity of the deaths itself, he turns Garrett into a demon-like character which makes the whole film a bit of a joke. What a disappointment.
b.Young (97 KP) rated Ink and Bone (The Great Library #1) in Books
May 6, 2018
Imaginative plot (2 more)
Plot twists galore
The whole darn book!
A book about books! Need I say more?
Secret tunnels, alchemy, automatons, danger around every corner, and a Great Library that controls the knowledge of the people!
But also friendships, rivalries, teleporting, and villains!
In a world where it is illegal to own an actual book and The Great Library of Alexandria has installed itself and evil automatons in every major city in order to control the knowledge of the citizens of the entire world, Jess Brightwell, the son of a book smuggler has been accepted to train for a position in The Great Library.
Tensions run high, as his father has alterior motives for Jess should he secure the position. Jess is forced to choose between his loyalty to his family and at times his newly found friends or his fear of the wrath The Great Library.
This is a tempestuous tale that left me emotional and wanting more!
But also friendships, rivalries, teleporting, and villains!
In a world where it is illegal to own an actual book and The Great Library of Alexandria has installed itself and evil automatons in every major city in order to control the knowledge of the citizens of the entire world, Jess Brightwell, the son of a book smuggler has been accepted to train for a position in The Great Library.
Tensions run high, as his father has alterior motives for Jess should he secure the position. Jess is forced to choose between his loyalty to his family and at times his newly found friends or his fear of the wrath The Great Library.
This is a tempestuous tale that left me emotional and wanting more!
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated Washington D.C. Monsters: A Search-And-Find Book in Books
Apr 10, 2018
Having a curiousity about the capital, having family from there or are just plain curious about the places to visit there, this book is a great way of introducing little ones to that environment. Another book in the city looking at places in the United States of America. Based on the task of searching for monsters this book encourages readers to use their observational skills to look for and find the "cute" monsters. I say "cute" as to prevent my little one from getting the idea that monsters are everywhere I made them out to be cute, monsters in the cupboard and under the bed are enough for us thanks. Some of the monsters were easier to find than others which allow for a longevity for the title that is not always found in this type of search and find book. All in all, a worthwhile book to get those little ones curious about the world around them.
April Rose Mossow (93 KP) rated Sadie in Books
May 20, 2019
When Sadie’s sister Maddie is found dead, it sets off a series of events: A road trip, uncovering secrets, but also, asking more questions than it answers. I really enjoyed this book, slowly the adrenaline just kicks you into gear and you’re rushing through the book to finish. It’s a murder-mystery, tangled with lies, family dysfunction, and vengeance. Told between podcasts and the perspective of its main character, it’s a different style of writing, written especially for this generation’s teens. You feel so deeply for Sadie, and the people she meets along the way. The story is fast-paced and keeps you thoroughly engaged. (I didn’t want to put it down!) Sadie is a well written, real character you root for through the entirety of the book. It’s such a sad chain of events, you don’t really know what to expect, but you hope against all hope that Sadie makes it out alive.
Jennifer Daniell (108 KP) rated The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek in Books
Jun 9, 2019
I LOVED this book.
Nicknamed Bluet due to her blue skin, Cussy Mary has been an outcast her whole life. Deep in Kentucky, Blue skinned people are looked down upon as tainted, unholy, second class citizens. Now 19, her coal mining father wants nothing more for her than to settle down with a husband and have a family like a decent woman should but she has found her place - as a Book Woman, riding the trails delivering books to the Hill folk, who can't or won't get an education otherwise. Through the books and magazines she delivers she is making a difference in the lives of her patrons, and they are making a difference in hers, giving her a sense of pride an income, and a community. But not everyone is accepting of her as a Blue, and she is increasingly more threatened by the local Preacher, who is determined to "save" her.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2554 KP) rated I Am Half-Sick of Shadows (Flavia de Luce, #4) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
It’s the week before Christmas, and a movie crew is coming to film at Flavia’s family home. While excited, Flavia is plotting how to trap Father Christmas when he shows up on Christmas morning. However, that takes a back seat when the lead actress is film is murdered. Fortunately for Flavia, the suspects are trapped in her home due to a massive snow storm. Can she figure out who the killer is?
While I do like the characters and didn’t find Flavia nearly as annoying in this book as I did the previous one, I found the plot way too slow. The murder happened half way through the book, and the tension and set up to justify that just wasn’t present. Once the murder took place, the book definitely picked up, however.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-i-am-half-sick-of-shadows.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While I do like the characters and didn’t find Flavia nearly as annoying in this book as I did the previous one, I found the plot way too slow. The murder happened half way through the book, and the tension and set up to justify that just wasn’t present. Once the murder took place, the book definitely picked up, however.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-i-am-half-sick-of-shadows.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2554 KP) rated A Red Herring Without Mustard (Flavia de Luce, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
A gypsy woman is traveling through the village where eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce lives, and Flavia invites the woman to set up camp in the pasture on the edge of the family property. Late that night, someone attacks the woman, and Flavia feels responsible for figuring out what exactly happened to her guest. Can she do it?
Flavia is a different character for a series aimed at adults, and I find I do enjoy spending time with her. Unfortunately, she can get annoying at times, and I definitely found that the case here as I wanted to slap some sense into her. Other characters tried, so that made me feel better. The story can get a bit bogged down in Flavia’s side stories in the narration, but it was a pleasure seeing how the various threads were all brought together for the climax.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/12/book-review-red-herring-without-mustard.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Flavia is a different character for a series aimed at adults, and I find I do enjoy spending time with her. Unfortunately, she can get annoying at times, and I definitely found that the case here as I wanted to slap some sense into her. Other characters tried, so that made me feel better. The story can get a bit bogged down in Flavia’s side stories in the narration, but it was a pleasure seeing how the various threads were all brought together for the climax.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/12/book-review-red-herring-without-mustard.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sue (5 KP) rated Death on the Menu in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Hayley Snow is a food critic for Key Zest magazine and also assists her mom at a catering business. When a bid is won for a catering job for a high profile 3-day Cuban event, Hayley once more finds herself knee-deep in murder.
Just as the flan is being served during the event, Hemingway’s Nobel prize gold medal is discovered missing from its case and the new busboy Gabriel is found stabbed to death in a storeroom. Gabriel’s family wants answers, so Hayley puts on her sleuthing cap to figure out who amongst the long list of suspects wanted Gabriel dead. Why was he murdered and what does it have to do with the missing gold medal?
Lucy Burdette weaves a wonderful mystery which includes a female lead with a flair for solving murders, a supporting case of fun & quirky characters, a great mix of possible suspects, and lots of twists and turns until you finally discover whodunnit.
Just as the flan is being served during the event, Hemingway’s Nobel prize gold medal is discovered missing from its case and the new busboy Gabriel is found stabbed to death in a storeroom. Gabriel’s family wants answers, so Hayley puts on her sleuthing cap to figure out who amongst the long list of suspects wanted Gabriel dead. Why was he murdered and what does it have to do with the missing gold medal?
Lucy Burdette weaves a wonderful mystery which includes a female lead with a flair for solving murders, a supporting case of fun & quirky characters, a great mix of possible suspects, and lots of twists and turns until you finally discover whodunnit.