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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Out of Control in Books
Jan 11, 2021
This kept me guessing from the first page. We don't figure out what she's doing at the police station for quite a few pages and it just goes from there. It was very intriguing. I can't say too much without giving the story away.
I liked the budding romance between Liva--strange name, so I had to mentally change it to Livia all the time--and Jaime but I would have loved them to finish what they started about 80% in. It'd been building for so long!! Nevertheless, I really liked this book.
I liked the budding romance between Liva--strange name, so I had to mentally change it to Livia all the time--and Jaime but I would have loved them to finish what they started about 80% in. It'd been building for so long!! Nevertheless, I really liked this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated You Have the Right to Remain Puzzled (Puzzle Lady #8) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The Puzzle Lady is back and dealing with stolen chairs, charges of plagiarism, and being framed for murder. And to think she was complaining about being bored. I was impressed with how everything was tied together in the end. My only real complaint here was that the witty banter between characters I normally love had too much of an angry tent to it for the first half of the book. Still, there were plenty of laughs. Now, if only Dennis would die soon I'd really be happy.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/02/book-review-you-have-right-to-remain.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/02/book-review-you-have-right-to-remain.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Nancy Whang recommended Kinda Kinks by The Kinks in Music (curated)
Dwimmler (0 KP) rated The Woman in Cabin 10 in Books
Apr 26, 2018
Predictable
I get that mystery and thriller is hard to do now because there have been SO MANY mystery/thriller novels released. I will also say, while I love the genre, it is hard for me to find one I like, so that might just be me being picky. That being said, the biggest disappointment for me was the character development. She tried so hard to set up the mood of suspense and the backstory of why the main character is consistently fearful and anxious, but it seems like she skipped over adding any depth to the character, which makes no sense since most the book is the character being in her own head. Her thoughts are so one-note, though, I couldn’t connect with or even like her and, by the end, I found myself hoping she would die (which is not usually what I root for to happen). She throws in a few tidbits of backstory later on into the book, almost as though they are part of a great reveal, but it fell flat for me and it was a “too little too late” sort of situation. It was a good, easy read for vacation (which is when I read it), but I was slightly disappointed given the amount of publicity this book has been getting.
CHILLFILTR (46 KP) rated Go On by Phillip Sandifer in Music
Jul 11, 2019
Phillip Sandifer has a sound that is both polished and a little bit unfettered. With a career like his, it's easy to wonder if he's talking about himself with his single Seen Too Much.
Phillip was born in Baltimore, Maryland but moved to Texas as a young man. He can take credit for 22 top 40 Adult Contemporary songs. He has made recordings for a number of different labels, including Disney Records. With Seen Too Much, he makes a much needed statement about cognitive dissonance in society today and maybe clears the air a bit for those of us paying attention.
“I ain’t sleeping well, there just too much wrong
won’t someone help me with an honest song”
— Phillip Sandifer
I think perhaps we have all seen a bit too much in these last few years. I'm glad there are people writing about it.
Phillip was born in Baltimore, Maryland but moved to Texas as a young man. He can take credit for 22 top 40 Adult Contemporary songs. He has made recordings for a number of different labels, including Disney Records. With Seen Too Much, he makes a much needed statement about cognitive dissonance in society today and maybe clears the air a bit for those of us paying attention.
“I ain’t sleeping well, there just too much wrong
won’t someone help me with an honest song”
— Phillip Sandifer
I think perhaps we have all seen a bit too much in these last few years. I'm glad there are people writing about it.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Night Olivia Fell in Books
Mar 15, 2019
Wow!
I had been wanting to read The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald for awhile. I was beyond thrilled when I was able to borrow the eBook from my library. Luckily, the book lived up to the hype I had built in my mind.
I found the plot of The Night Olivia Fell to be very intriguing and well written. There were so many feelings with this novel. I enjoyed reading things from Abi's perspective and then going back in time to read flashbacks in Olivia's perspective. I found myself trying to decide if Olivia really was murdered or if she killed herself. There were so many times I thought I had figured out who pushed Olivia just to be wrong. I did find myself hoping that by some miracle, Olivia would go back to being the same before she fell off the bridge. (Hope springs eternal with me.) This was more than just the mystery of Olivia's fall. Olivia was also trying to figure out who her father was, and there was also Olivia's blossoming romance with Derrick. There were a few plot twists which were enjoyable. My only complaint is that I wish there would have been information on the court case. I just felt that I needed closure and to make sure justice was served. Other than that, I felt like the story was written perfectly.
I felt that the characters in The Night Olivia Fell were very fleshed out and realistic. My heart went out to both Olivia and Abi. I could understand how Abi just wanted to make sure Olivia was safe and doing well, but I could also sympathize with out Olivia felt like Abi was smothering her a lot of the time. Olivia was very much like a typical teenager to begin with, but once she found out she was pregnant, I felt like she really blossomed. Olivia would have been an excellent mother, and it was sweet to see how she was willing to protect her unborn baby. Abi just wanted what was best for Olivia being as she was a single mother. She worked her behind off to make sure Olivia was okay. It was obvious how much Abi loved Olivia. Kendall was a bit of a wild card. I liked her, but I was always wondering if she had an endgame. Gavin was another wild card. I wanted to believe he wouldn't stoop so low as to hurt a young innocent girl, but then the more I read about him, the more I wasn't sure of his character. I started out feeling sorry for Tyler with how much he had going on with him, but I was glad that Olivia chose Derek. Derek seemed to be really sweet, and it was sad that people judged him based on a some stretched truths.
The pacing was done brilliantly for The Night Olivia Fell. Not once did I ever feel like the story dragged on or was becoming too predictable. I felt as if each page was an adventure which made this book an easy read.
Trigger warnings for The Night Olivia Fell include violence, threats, blackmail, profanity, and a semi-graphic sex scene between a 17 year old girl and her boyfriend.
All in all, The Night Olivia Fell was a great read! It had such an interesting plot as well as fantastically written characters. This book grabs you by the hand and never lets you go. I would definitely recommend The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald to those aged 17+. It's one of those books that leaves you thinking about it long after you've finished it.
I found the plot of The Night Olivia Fell to be very intriguing and well written. There were so many feelings with this novel. I enjoyed reading things from Abi's perspective and then going back in time to read flashbacks in Olivia's perspective. I found myself trying to decide if Olivia really was murdered or if she killed herself. There were so many times I thought I had figured out who pushed Olivia just to be wrong. I did find myself hoping that by some miracle, Olivia would go back to being the same before she fell off the bridge. (Hope springs eternal with me.) This was more than just the mystery of Olivia's fall. Olivia was also trying to figure out who her father was, and there was also Olivia's blossoming romance with Derrick. There were a few plot twists which were enjoyable. My only complaint is that I wish there would have been information on the court case. I just felt that I needed closure and to make sure justice was served. Other than that, I felt like the story was written perfectly.
I felt that the characters in The Night Olivia Fell were very fleshed out and realistic. My heart went out to both Olivia and Abi. I could understand how Abi just wanted to make sure Olivia was safe and doing well, but I could also sympathize with out Olivia felt like Abi was smothering her a lot of the time. Olivia was very much like a typical teenager to begin with, but once she found out she was pregnant, I felt like she really blossomed. Olivia would have been an excellent mother, and it was sweet to see how she was willing to protect her unborn baby. Abi just wanted what was best for Olivia being as she was a single mother. She worked her behind off to make sure Olivia was okay. It was obvious how much Abi loved Olivia. Kendall was a bit of a wild card. I liked her, but I was always wondering if she had an endgame. Gavin was another wild card. I wanted to believe he wouldn't stoop so low as to hurt a young innocent girl, but then the more I read about him, the more I wasn't sure of his character. I started out feeling sorry for Tyler with how much he had going on with him, but I was glad that Olivia chose Derek. Derek seemed to be really sweet, and it was sad that people judged him based on a some stretched truths.
The pacing was done brilliantly for The Night Olivia Fell. Not once did I ever feel like the story dragged on or was becoming too predictable. I felt as if each page was an adventure which made this book an easy read.
Trigger warnings for The Night Olivia Fell include violence, threats, blackmail, profanity, and a semi-graphic sex scene between a 17 year old girl and her boyfriend.
All in all, The Night Olivia Fell was a great read! It had such an interesting plot as well as fantastically written characters. This book grabs you by the hand and never lets you go. I would definitely recommend The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald to those aged 17+. It's one of those books that leaves you thinking about it long after you've finished it.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Thursday Murder Club in Books
Jul 2, 2021
Humour (2 more)
Plot
Kept me guessing
This was not what I expected at all. I’d heard all the hype around it and tried to keep an open mind to be able to honestly review it.
I loved it, it started off quite slow at first but as soon as I got to a part about 4 pensioners somehow making a detective feel uncomfortable with a cup of tea and some cake I knew that it could only go up from there. There are some really funny quotes that I couldn’t contain my snorts of laughter whilst reading, luckily reading it at home meant there weren’t too many funny looks.
Following the Thursday Murder Club around their investigations and them somehow getting to the same place as the police investigating at around the same time was entertaining. I am still none the wiser as to what Elizabeth actually did for a living, and I think that really adds to the fun of the book, not knowing who else she can ask for a “favour” in order to further her investigations. When one murder turned into two and then a third was added into the mix, I really was kept guessing throughout as to who the murderer or murderers were. Each time I was sure, something else was thrown into the works as to why it couldn’t be them. I really was kept guessing until the very end, which I love when it comes to murder mysteries! The humour in the book also made it live up to the hype, and after having had conversations with my Nan this week about Whatsapp, I was loving when they found out how to use Skype and having lessons on how to text people nicely and abbreviations in texts. I am very much looking forward to the second instalment of the series!
I loved it, it started off quite slow at first but as soon as I got to a part about 4 pensioners somehow making a detective feel uncomfortable with a cup of tea and some cake I knew that it could only go up from there. There are some really funny quotes that I couldn’t contain my snorts of laughter whilst reading, luckily reading it at home meant there weren’t too many funny looks.
Following the Thursday Murder Club around their investigations and them somehow getting to the same place as the police investigating at around the same time was entertaining. I am still none the wiser as to what Elizabeth actually did for a living, and I think that really adds to the fun of the book, not knowing who else she can ask for a “favour” in order to further her investigations. When one murder turned into two and then a third was added into the mix, I really was kept guessing throughout as to who the murderer or murderers were. Each time I was sure, something else was thrown into the works as to why it couldn’t be them. I really was kept guessing until the very end, which I love when it comes to murder mysteries! The humour in the book also made it live up to the hype, and after having had conversations with my Nan this week about Whatsapp, I was loving when they found out how to use Skype and having lessons on how to text people nicely and abbreviations in texts. I am very much looking forward to the second instalment of the series!
Steph (468 KP) rated Poison Study (Study, #1) in Books
Jul 9, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was wel-written, fast-paced, and complex. I thought Snyder did an excellent job creating well-rounded characters. I absolutely adored Yelena and Valek and their relationship throughout the book! The plot was extremely well-done. There was just the right amount of complexity to leave you satisfied with the political intrigue and not be overwhelmed with detail.
My only complaint was the ending/resolution. I thought the Commander was unnecessarily uncompromising and ungrateful. Surely since Yelena had just saved his life and his country? Empire? he would bend a little. Especially since they had just formed that bond. What use is Yelena to him in the south? I think his excuse about the rules is bullshit too. Who of the generals would even know that he had saved her life and such?
Also I was a little I satisfied with how relaxed Yelena and Valek are about parting. Maybe it's their confidence that they will see each other again and find a way to make it work, but I just didn't really feel the depth of their emotions like I had in the rest of the book. It was a little fast.
My only complaint was the ending/resolution. I thought the Commander was unnecessarily uncompromising and ungrateful. Surely since Yelena had just saved his life and his country? Empire? he would bend a little. Especially since they had just formed that bond. What use is Yelena to him in the south? I think his excuse about the rules is bullshit too. Who of the generals would even know that he had saved her life and such?
Also I was a little I satisfied with how relaxed Yelena and Valek are about parting. Maybe it's their confidence that they will see each other again and find a way to make it work, but I just didn't really feel the depth of their emotions like I had in the rest of the book. It was a little fast.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Beat Depression Fast: 10 Steps to a Happier You Using Positive Psychology in Books
Nov 14, 2018
3.5 stars
As I have mentioned before in another review I find it difficult to rate self help books. The reason for this is because I cannot state if the activities within these pages will actually work. Recovery from depression is a very long journey, longer than this book takes to read and so I can't really comment on if these theories work as I'm yet to delve deeper. I was struggling between 3 stars and 4 stars so I settled with a 3.5. Some of the terminology was a bit much to understand in places and I thought there was perhaps a bit too much repetition, also there were a couple mistakes which could actually offend some people. On the other hand, this book was filled with some great information. I have read a fair few self help books on depression and so I was surprised to come across some new information I didn't already know. I was able to discover more ways in which depression can take hold and actually found out I drastically need to change my diet...I never really thought about it before but after doing one of the exercises I discovered how poor my diet actually is. The meditation parts in this book were ok, easy to follow and understand but I'm yet to know if they will work. The journey of recovery will continue long after this book is returned to the library.
As I have mentioned before in another review I find it difficult to rate self help books. The reason for this is because I cannot state if the activities within these pages will actually work. Recovery from depression is a very long journey, longer than this book takes to read and so I can't really comment on if these theories work as I'm yet to delve deeper. I was struggling between 3 stars and 4 stars so I settled with a 3.5. Some of the terminology was a bit much to understand in places and I thought there was perhaps a bit too much repetition, also there were a couple mistakes which could actually offend some people. On the other hand, this book was filled with some great information. I have read a fair few self help books on depression and so I was surprised to come across some new information I didn't already know. I was able to discover more ways in which depression can take hold and actually found out I drastically need to change my diet...I never really thought about it before but after doing one of the exercises I discovered how poor my diet actually is. The meditation parts in this book were ok, easy to follow and understand but I'm yet to know if they will work. The journey of recovery will continue long after this book is returned to the library.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Wethering the Storm (The Storm, #2) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
It's been too long
This book has been on my kindle for a good five years or so and it's roughly been that same amount of time since I read TMS so it's been a bit weird coming back to this couple after so long. I remembered certain bits of the first book but not a lot.
I liked this but it didn't have the same intensity that I remembered from the first. I wasn't screaming at my kindle for them to get together and stop being idiots because they're an established, very happy couple. There was very little angst. It was all rather sedate but sex filled.
I am glad that pretty much everyone got their HAE though!
This book has been on my kindle for a good five years or so and it's roughly been that same amount of time since I read TMS so it's been a bit weird coming back to this couple after so long. I remembered certain bits of the first book but not a lot.
I liked this but it didn't have the same intensity that I remembered from the first. I wasn't screaming at my kindle for them to get together and stop being idiots because they're an established, very happy couple. There was very little angst. It was all rather sedate but sex filled.
I am glad that pretty much everyone got their HAE though!