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Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Long Drop in Books
Mar 15, 2018
This is the first book I've read by Denise Mina, but it won't be the last! I found this novel instantly exciting and by the time I got to 30% I was hooked and couldn't put it down, finally finishing it at 1:30 in the morning. This novel drips with menace and chills you to the bone in some parts, it's really a fantastic and quick thriller read.
This book tells the story of Peter Manuel, real life Scottish serial killer. Like with so many other books on the market nowadays, this is a non-fic-fiction novel. It's based its contents on real events but the author has weaved a story around it too.
What's so striking about this novel is Mina's ability to tell a story. The story flowed brilliantly and it never lost my interest, even when we started getting into some of the more in-depth and historic facts about Glasgow. The writing style is short and snappy, so you really feel yourself racing through this.
Characters. Oh wow, the characters. Somehow, you feel simultaneously angry and empathetic for everyone in this book, even Peter Manuel, the serial killer. Mina's character development is superb and you find yourself getting drawn into each person's story so quickly. We follow Peter Manuel and William Watt throughout most of this novel, but there are small scenes popped in that introduce characters we only meet once throughout the entire book, yet I still felt like I knew them and I still invested myself in their stories, no matter how short.
Overall, this book was really superb and if you're looking for something dark, but quick to read, this is the book for you. At only 240 pages, you'll find yourself racing through this! I can't wait to read more of Mina's work, if it's all as good as this one.
This book tells the story of Peter Manuel, real life Scottish serial killer. Like with so many other books on the market nowadays, this is a non-fic-fiction novel. It's based its contents on real events but the author has weaved a story around it too.
What's so striking about this novel is Mina's ability to tell a story. The story flowed brilliantly and it never lost my interest, even when we started getting into some of the more in-depth and historic facts about Glasgow. The writing style is short and snappy, so you really feel yourself racing through this.
Characters. Oh wow, the characters. Somehow, you feel simultaneously angry and empathetic for everyone in this book, even Peter Manuel, the serial killer. Mina's character development is superb and you find yourself getting drawn into each person's story so quickly. We follow Peter Manuel and William Watt throughout most of this novel, but there are small scenes popped in that introduce characters we only meet once throughout the entire book, yet I still felt like I knew them and I still invested myself in their stories, no matter how short.
Overall, this book was really superb and if you're looking for something dark, but quick to read, this is the book for you. At only 240 pages, you'll find yourself racing through this! I can't wait to read more of Mina's work, if it's all as good as this one.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Third Floor (Angel Hill, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
The feels with this book! This book scared me, and I loved it! It was the blurb that made me want to read this book. Even reading the blurb now sends chills down my neck. This is the kind of horror I wish more authors would write.
The title is perfect for the book. Most of the ghostly goings on happen on the third floor. While it's not an overly creepy title, it still works.
I don't really like the cover. Yes, it is the house the story is about, but it doesn't give off any spooky vibes. I, personally, would've liked to see some creepy stuff on the cover like ghosts, but to each their own I guess.
The world building was eerie and perfect for a horror novel. I got chills so many times while reading this book. Moore did an excellent job as portraying just how scary Angel Hill is as well as the spooky house the Kitches live in. (Oh, and if you're a fan of Silent Hill, I just want to say that Angel Hill reminded me a bit of Silent Hill). I read this book at night, so every noise and shadow scared me thanks to this book. (I did like being scared though).
The pacing was fantastic!! I was hooked from the first page. In fact, I was actually hooked from the first sentence. I love the way the story unfolded and flowed easily from one paragraph to the next.
The story line was great! While the whole plot of a house being haunted isn't new at all, Moore did a fantastic job of making it feel like it was a whole new concept. There was a skeptic and a believer in the same household, and while it was frustrating that Jack didn't believe Liz, I was interested in finding out what it'd take to make Jack believe. There was a minor plot twist that I wouldn't have predicted either. For those of you who don't like cliff hanger endings, then this a book for you. No cliff hanger endings are found in The Third Floor.
I thought all the characters, even minor ones, were very well written. I sympathized with Liz because she had to experience all the ghostly activity first hand. I felt scared for her, and I was also worried that something bad would happen to her in that house. I found myself wanting to protect Liz. I didn't really like Jack to much, not because he was a poorly written character which he's quite the opposite. I just didn't like how he, to me, tried to make Liz feel like she was crazy. He'd get angry with her about things that she didn't do. It was like he didn't trust her at all. I understand that he's a big time skeptic, but I thought, maybe, he could've been a little bit nicer to her and more willing to listen. I loved little Joey. He came across as such a sweet child. He was also experiencing supernatural events firsthand and even more so than Liz. I just wanted to go over to that house, get Joey, and never bring him back until Jack realized what was going on.
The dialogue in this book was never awkward or disjointed. The character interactions felt realistic and never forced. There were a few grammar mistakes that I came across in the book, but nothing major that would take away from how fantastic the book is. There is violence and swearing in the book as well as a few sexual references (though not many).
Overall, The Third Floor is an incredibly spooky read which I think most horror fans will love. It has a fantastic plot, great world building, and likable characters. This is a story that you may want to leave the lights on when you read it though.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 17+ who are into spooky ghost stories and those who like being scared.
<b>I'd give The Third Floor by C. Dennis Moore a 4.75 out of 5.</b>
(I borrowed this book for free from the Amazon's Kindle Owners' Lending Library. I was not required to write a review).
The feels with this book! This book scared me, and I loved it! It was the blurb that made me want to read this book. Even reading the blurb now sends chills down my neck. This is the kind of horror I wish more authors would write.
The title is perfect for the book. Most of the ghostly goings on happen on the third floor. While it's not an overly creepy title, it still works.
I don't really like the cover. Yes, it is the house the story is about, but it doesn't give off any spooky vibes. I, personally, would've liked to see some creepy stuff on the cover like ghosts, but to each their own I guess.
The world building was eerie and perfect for a horror novel. I got chills so many times while reading this book. Moore did an excellent job as portraying just how scary Angel Hill is as well as the spooky house the Kitches live in. (Oh, and if you're a fan of Silent Hill, I just want to say that Angel Hill reminded me a bit of Silent Hill). I read this book at night, so every noise and shadow scared me thanks to this book. (I did like being scared though).
The pacing was fantastic!! I was hooked from the first page. In fact, I was actually hooked from the first sentence. I love the way the story unfolded and flowed easily from one paragraph to the next.
The story line was great! While the whole plot of a house being haunted isn't new at all, Moore did a fantastic job of making it feel like it was a whole new concept. There was a skeptic and a believer in the same household, and while it was frustrating that Jack didn't believe Liz, I was interested in finding out what it'd take to make Jack believe. There was a minor plot twist that I wouldn't have predicted either. For those of you who don't like cliff hanger endings, then this a book for you. No cliff hanger endings are found in The Third Floor.
I thought all the characters, even minor ones, were very well written. I sympathized with Liz because she had to experience all the ghostly activity first hand. I felt scared for her, and I was also worried that something bad would happen to her in that house. I found myself wanting to protect Liz. I didn't really like Jack to much, not because he was a poorly written character which he's quite the opposite. I just didn't like how he, to me, tried to make Liz feel like she was crazy. He'd get angry with her about things that she didn't do. It was like he didn't trust her at all. I understand that he's a big time skeptic, but I thought, maybe, he could've been a little bit nicer to her and more willing to listen. I loved little Joey. He came across as such a sweet child. He was also experiencing supernatural events firsthand and even more so than Liz. I just wanted to go over to that house, get Joey, and never bring him back until Jack realized what was going on.
The dialogue in this book was never awkward or disjointed. The character interactions felt realistic and never forced. There were a few grammar mistakes that I came across in the book, but nothing major that would take away from how fantastic the book is. There is violence and swearing in the book as well as a few sexual references (though not many).
Overall, The Third Floor is an incredibly spooky read which I think most horror fans will love. It has a fantastic plot, great world building, and likable characters. This is a story that you may want to leave the lights on when you read it though.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 17+ who are into spooky ghost stories and those who like being scared.
<b>I'd give The Third Floor by C. Dennis Moore a 4.75 out of 5.</b>
(I borrowed this book for free from the Amazon's Kindle Owners' Lending Library. I was not required to write a review).
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated The Mountains Wild in Books
Jun 24, 2020
Mystery from the Past; Race Against Time in the Present
In 1993, Maggie D’Arcy’s cousin Erin vanished while living in Ireland. Maggie went over for a couple of months trying to figure out what happened, but the mystery was never solved. It did have a profound impact on her life since after returning home, Maggie become a cop herself on Long Island. Now, another young woman has vanished. In the search for her, a skeleton has been found, and buried with the skeleton is Erin’s scarf. Has Erin been found after all these years? Where is the new woman who has vanished? Are the cases connected?
It’s been years since Sarah Stewart Taylor released a book, but I was thrilled to pick up something from her again. I’d forgotten just how atmospheric her writing is, but I was soon back under her spell. The pacing was off near the beginning since Maggie doesn’t have any jurisdiction in Ireland, but eventually she found a way into the case and we started getting the twists that lead us to the climax. The book takes place in 1993, the present, and even further in the past as Maggie and Erin are growing up. All of these time periods are easy to follow. They also allow us to see how characters have matured over the years, which I enjoyed. This is Maggie’s story, and I couldn’t help but feel for her as the book progressed and the story unfolded. The story also switches from past to present tense depending on which time period we are reading about. It took my brain a bit of time to adjust to this, but I did rather quickly. This is more serious than the cozies I often read, but if you keep that in mind, you’ll enjoy this book as well.
It’s been years since Sarah Stewart Taylor released a book, but I was thrilled to pick up something from her again. I’d forgotten just how atmospheric her writing is, but I was soon back under her spell. The pacing was off near the beginning since Maggie doesn’t have any jurisdiction in Ireland, but eventually she found a way into the case and we started getting the twists that lead us to the climax. The book takes place in 1993, the present, and even further in the past as Maggie and Erin are growing up. All of these time periods are easy to follow. They also allow us to see how characters have matured over the years, which I enjoyed. This is Maggie’s story, and I couldn’t help but feel for her as the book progressed and the story unfolded. The story also switches from past to present tense depending on which time period we are reading about. It took my brain a bit of time to adjust to this, but I did rather quickly. This is more serious than the cozies I often read, but if you keep that in mind, you’ll enjoy this book as well.
Debbiereadsbook (1171 KP) rated The Simple Truth (Falls Village #10) in Books
Mar 18, 2021
It's a really lovely book, of knowing what you should have done, and making it all right in the end.
I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 10 in the Falls Village series, and I have not read any of the others. I did not think I was missing anything by not doing.
There is a bit at the front of the book, a prologue I think it is, that talks about the history of the village. I found myself skipping past that.
What I really loved about this book was that we have an established couple. Bran and Nick have been together 3 years. They are engaged. Bran, however, failed to tell his parents yet and this triggers all sorts of problems when they decide to visit.
I really felt for Nick, when he realised what Bran had not yet done. While Bran dod not actually LIE, he failed to tell Nick that he hand't told his parents about how serious their personal relationship was, as well as their professional one. But Nick loves Bran, that much is clear by the pain he is feeling, so Nick will wait it out.
I loved that Bran's parents were waiting for Bran to tell them! They KNEW! They knew a long time ago that Bran was gay and they were waiting for him.
Loved that while Nick is incredibly wealthy, he doesn't flaunt it. He uses it when he needs to.
It's a really lovely book, of knowing what you should have done, and making it all right in the end.
It's not especially explicit, but it is steamy. I loved the references to Nick's heritage, all the little traditions that he brings to the home.
I really enjoyed this, it just didn't quite hit *THAT* spot, you know??
Thank you, for my copy.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 10 in the Falls Village series, and I have not read any of the others. I did not think I was missing anything by not doing.
There is a bit at the front of the book, a prologue I think it is, that talks about the history of the village. I found myself skipping past that.
What I really loved about this book was that we have an established couple. Bran and Nick have been together 3 years. They are engaged. Bran, however, failed to tell his parents yet and this triggers all sorts of problems when they decide to visit.
I really felt for Nick, when he realised what Bran had not yet done. While Bran dod not actually LIE, he failed to tell Nick that he hand't told his parents about how serious their personal relationship was, as well as their professional one. But Nick loves Bran, that much is clear by the pain he is feeling, so Nick will wait it out.
I loved that Bran's parents were waiting for Bran to tell them! They KNEW! They knew a long time ago that Bran was gay and they were waiting for him.
Loved that while Nick is incredibly wealthy, he doesn't flaunt it. He uses it when he needs to.
It's a really lovely book, of knowing what you should have done, and making it all right in the end.
It's not especially explicit, but it is steamy. I loved the references to Nick's heritage, all the little traditions that he brings to the home.
I really enjoyed this, it just didn't quite hit *THAT* spot, you know??
Thank you, for my copy.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated The Festival (2018) in Movies
May 14, 2019
Mud spelt backwards
#thefestival #thefestivalmovie is overlong, overstuffed, unfunny, repetitive and out dated dribble. After enjoying all 3 seasons of #theInbetweeners I found by the time the films were released the formula was starting to become tiresome and predictable. So now along comes The #Festival and I'm sad to say nothing has changed at all. Within the first ten minutes I found myself exhausted by its relentless #humour and its need to shock, its all just far to simple/predictable and tries nothing new at all going for cheap #laughs over quality every time. Acting is also at times borderline atrocious with most scenes feeling far too scripted and forced. I found none of the characters likable and even during the standard ups and downs of the story you can see things coming from a mile off so I just couldnt sympathise or warm to any of them. Considering they are at a festival #music is not integrated well here, there's #famous hits blasted out over montages but very rarely are we treated to artists blaring from stages or shown bands on stage. This is #teenage humour at its most garish with no jokes hitting their mark/done better in other films and most out stay their welcome. Not many people were laughing in my screening either except one teen who was roaring from start to finish. I appreciate I may not be the target audience for this type of film any more but I cant help but feel with this kind of film now days once you've seen one you've seen them all. Overall it does nail the shit side of attending a festival extremely well but it lacks so much in atmosphere that its almost impossible to enjoy the cliched barebones story or care for its dull characters. A complete waste of my time and I just cant recommend it to anyone accept giggly #teens. #odeon #odeonlimitless #funny #silly #sex #camping #dj #joethomas #drunk #jermaineclement #noelfielding
#filmreview #filmbuff #filmcritic #inbetweeners #uk #british #joke #party #drinking
#filmreview #filmbuff #filmcritic #inbetweeners #uk #british #joke #party #drinking
Dean (6925 KP) rated the Xbox One version of Life is Strange in Video Games
Aug 25, 2018
Great story (3 more)
Very good voice acting
Cool soundtrack
Unique gameplay
An amazing immersive game
A little late to the party for this game released early in 2015. I had heard good things and all episodes were available for just a few pounds on Xbox Live gold so I gave it a go.
You will be hooked very early on. It's a unique game unlike anything I've played before. You make decisions as you go which can effect the past, present and future! In terms of story it's like a college drama like mean girls, mixed with something like Chronicle and mostly The Butterfly effect. In regards to gameplay it's similar to something like Shenmue or a detective game. You have to explore, find out clues, details and talk to characters for information.
I found it like playing an interactive film as it has a lot of cinematic moments. It's so gripping you'll likely play each of the 5 episodes in one sitting, around 3 hours each. The story is great with some dramatic moments and voice acting of a high standard, I liked a lot of the pop culture references.
The graphics are good although stylised rather than going for a realistic look. The soundtrack is subtle and very cool as well. It also has the replay value of trying it again making different decisions.
I can't praise it enough. I completed it in just a few days because you can't put it down. Everyone should check it out. It would be great if this got made into a film! The sequel is out soon.
You will be hooked very early on. It's a unique game unlike anything I've played before. You make decisions as you go which can effect the past, present and future! In terms of story it's like a college drama like mean girls, mixed with something like Chronicle and mostly The Butterfly effect. In regards to gameplay it's similar to something like Shenmue or a detective game. You have to explore, find out clues, details and talk to characters for information.
I found it like playing an interactive film as it has a lot of cinematic moments. It's so gripping you'll likely play each of the 5 episodes in one sitting, around 3 hours each. The story is great with some dramatic moments and voice acting of a high standard, I liked a lot of the pop culture references.
The graphics are good although stylised rather than going for a realistic look. The soundtrack is subtle and very cool as well. It also has the replay value of trying it again making different decisions.
I can't praise it enough. I completed it in just a few days because you can't put it down. Everyone should check it out. It would be great if this got made into a film! The sequel is out soon.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This book was very good. I enjoyed listening to it when I had a free chance. I gave it a four out of five because there were a few moments, especially in the beginning, where I found it hard to connect to the characters. Elisa seemed like she was just self-deprecating for a lot of the book and that got tiresome after a while. When she started to grow as a character, I started to like it more. I wish there wasn't that love triangle in the story, but I understand why it had to be there. I just feel like these love triangles are in most books and I want there to be more without it (That's just a personal note) There were even some relationships between characters that I thought were going to pan out to be romantic, but didn't. But who knows, there are other books in the series after all! Some of the puzzles that the characters had to solve I felt were kind of predictable but others were genuinely surprising. I fell in love with so many side characters and I wish we had been able to see more of them throughout the story. While Elisa is a compelling narrator, I felt like the other characters had more to them. This was a great break from the myriad of historical or classic novels that I have had to read recently. If you like fantasy and adventure stories, pick this up. I really recommend it.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Tampa in Books
Mar 15, 2018
This book is meant to shock! Based on the case of Florida teacher Debra Lafave, this book explores a taboo subject with a twist. Not as often do you hear of a female teacher having an affair with a student, so it's a great book that flips this subject on its head to reveal a shocking double standard that's sadly present in our society.
I was so interested in where this story was going and how it was going to end that I hardly put it down! Definitely a NSFW book with some rather graphic scenes. Don't expect this book to be anything like Lolita in the sense that Nabokov writes in a such a way that you catch yourself slipping and feeling sorry for Humbert on occasion, Nutting makes no efforts to make us feel sorry for Celeste, she's presented as a lust driven woman who will stop at nothing to fufill her desires.
By liking this book I am not condoning the actions written within, I simply found this a fascinating read. Very different to anything I've read before.
I was so interested in where this story was going and how it was going to end that I hardly put it down! Definitely a NSFW book with some rather graphic scenes. Don't expect this book to be anything like Lolita in the sense that Nabokov writes in a such a way that you catch yourself slipping and feeling sorry for Humbert on occasion, Nutting makes no efforts to make us feel sorry for Celeste, she's presented as a lust driven woman who will stop at nothing to fufill her desires.
By liking this book I am not condoning the actions written within, I simply found this a fascinating read. Very different to anything I've read before.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Read Me Like a Book in Books
Nov 9, 2018
⚢⚢⚢⚢ <b>4 'Be True To You' Stars</b> ❤
This was such a beautiful book, inside and out (just look at this gorgeous cover art) I could of done with having this book years ago!
Here we have our wonderful MC Ashleigh who is on a journey of self-discovery in the world of love. When things start to fall flat with her current boyfriend she turns to her teacher Miss Murray for help and support...little did Ashleigh know that friendship would turn into love.
A wonderful 'coming-out' story split into 3 sections following Ashleigh's bond with her teacher, the warm fuzzy feelings to ice cold heartbreak, this book will put you through the wringer...but in a good way!
I liked all of the characters and I found that it some ways I could relate to the story. The only downside for me was everyone 'knew' Ash was gay before she knew herself. This didn't sit too well with me...stereotyping maybe? Perhaps.
Overall, a great read!
This was such a beautiful book, inside and out (just look at this gorgeous cover art) I could of done with having this book years ago!
Here we have our wonderful MC Ashleigh who is on a journey of self-discovery in the world of love. When things start to fall flat with her current boyfriend she turns to her teacher Miss Murray for help and support...little did Ashleigh know that friendship would turn into love.
A wonderful 'coming-out' story split into 3 sections following Ashleigh's bond with her teacher, the warm fuzzy feelings to ice cold heartbreak, this book will put you through the wringer...but in a good way!
I liked all of the characters and I found that it some ways I could relate to the story. The only downside for me was everyone 'knew' Ash was gay before she knew herself. This didn't sit too well with me...stereotyping maybe? Perhaps.
Overall, a great read!
Merissa (11958 KP) rated Her Secret Inheritance (Isobel Key #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
So life has gone full circle for Lou and she is returning to the place where she found herself 5 years ago. She has grown up and achieved much during those years but she still wonders what will happen if she happens to run into Brian. Let me tell you, sparks fly! Brian is not the same, easy going laddie that he used to be and yes, some of that is Lou's fault - if you can call it that as she just wasn't ready to settle down. I think I actually like Brian a bit more in this book because he's grown into such a strong character. He still has feelings and compassion but now he won't let anyone, even Lou, tell him what he's got to do.
This story is compact but still full of action. It is very well written and comes to a satisfying conclusion. The characters have more depth which makes them more engaging than ever. A perfect sequel to The Secret of Isobel Key. The only problem I have is that I still want more! ;)
This story is compact but still full of action. It is very well written and comes to a satisfying conclusion. The characters have more depth which makes them more engaging than ever. A perfect sequel to The Secret of Isobel Key. The only problem I have is that I still want more! ;)