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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated A Stolen Child in Books
Jun 21, 2023
Murder and Kidnapping
Maggie D’arcy has completed her training and has officially joined the Garda in Ireland. While she waits for an opportunity to be promoted to detective, she is on patrol and is called to the scene of a murder. Not only does Maggie recognize it as an address she had been to a few days before after a domestic disturbance call, she also realizes that the victim had a toddler who is now missing. On loan to the detectives for this case, can Maggie find the child in time? Will her knowledge of the neighborhood help?
Maggie has been on quite a journey in this series, and it’s nice to see this natural step in her career. The plot starts strongly. While it does get a little uneven in the middle, things pick up when we get to several logical twists at the climax. I liked how Maggie’s knowledge of the neighborhood where the crime took place played an important part of the plot. The suspects come to life, and it is nice to see Maggie’s relationships grown, both personally and professionally. As a police procedural, this is a bit darker than the cozies I typically read, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. If you are looking for a solid police procedural set in Ireland, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
Maggie has been on quite a journey in this series, and it’s nice to see this natural step in her career. The plot starts strongly. While it does get a little uneven in the middle, things pick up when we get to several logical twists at the climax. I liked how Maggie’s knowledge of the neighborhood where the crime took place played an important part of the plot. The suspects come to life, and it is nice to see Maggie’s relationships grown, both personally and professionally. As a police procedural, this is a bit darker than the cozies I typically read, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. If you are looking for a solid police procedural set in Ireland, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
b.Young (97 KP) rated A Week in Winter in Books
May 7, 2018
A heart-warming, light read
I am a fan of Maeve Binchy and A Week in Winter did not disappoint.
The story begins with Chicky Starr and her idea of setting up a B&B in a small coastal town of western Ireland. With the help of a few of her friends and family, her dreams become a reality and she soon welcomes her first guests.
The story continues to detail the reasons behind each of the guests stay at Stone House. I was eager to learn the cicumstances of each guest and how their situation improved upon staying at Stone House for that week in winter.
The story begins with Chicky Starr and her idea of setting up a B&B in a small coastal town of western Ireland. With the help of a few of her friends and family, her dreams become a reality and she soon welcomes her first guests.
The story continues to detail the reasons behind each of the guests stay at Stone House. I was eager to learn the cicumstances of each guest and how their situation improved upon staying at Stone House for that week in winter.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Freakdog (Red Mist) (2009) in Movies
Apr 30, 2019
This could have been so much better. Nice idea but on a tight budget, and thin plot lines it doesn't live up to potential. I thought Arielle Kebbel being in this might be a good sign, but it's not up to the usual quality of films she is in.
I also have to add I really don't understand why they try to Americanise this film? It was obvious to me this was made in the UK, Northern Ireland, so why not set it there? Why try to make out it's a small town in America? Only for those who don't mind low budget horrors.
I also have to add I really don't understand why they try to Americanise this film? It was obvious to me this was made in the UK, Northern Ireland, so why not set it there? Why try to make out it's a small town in America? Only for those who don't mind low budget horrors.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated It's Not Yet Dark (2016) in Movies
Dec 10, 2018
Emotional and compelling
I was moved to tears by this Netflix documentary about filmmaker Simon Fitzmaurice. He is a man with ALS (MND) in Ireland who still pursued his dreams despite losing so much in his personal life including his ability to walk, talk and basically live off of a machine and the assistance of others to survive.
Watching a film like this puts your own petty problems into perspective and makes you not only want to be a better person, but count every blessing you have and every day you continue to awaken each morning.
Everyone should check this film out.
Watching a film like this puts your own petty problems into perspective and makes you not only want to be a better person, but count every blessing you have and every day you continue to awaken each morning.
Everyone should check this film out.
Dork_knight74 (881 KP) rated The Lodgers (2017) in Movies
Sep 29, 2018
This movie was on Netflix. It's about twin siblings cursed by an incestual family curse. The sister is trying to break it and get free of it and their old house. It's an Irish tale(at least, it takes place in Ireland). The acting was good and the imagery was pretty creepy. Overall it was a decent "creepy" movie. It's listed as horror but it's not really scary. It's kind of slow moving, but keeps the interest. Between the subject content and the little bit of nudity I'd say it's not for kids. It's worth a watch if you're bored and/or into these kind of creepy, "old style" movies.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Leap Year (2010) in Movies
Mar 8, 2020
This movie... This whole plot... I don't even know what to say or where to begin. It's just bad. I like Matthew Goode, I've seen him in other things that are great and Amy Adams obviously is incredible, their chemistry was great. It's just... bad! The entire storyline of Anna going to Ireland to propose to Jeremy and falling for Declan along the way - it's just played out. Some of the characters and the journey itself were just tiresome and overplayed. I think it's a fine movie to watch to pass time, but not one that will ever be praised for being anything but a miss.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Ireland The Best: The insider’s guide to Ireland in Books
Feb 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! But I would Highly suggest buying an actual copy of it!
I love all things travel and knew when this book popped up that I had to read it. For someone who has always wanted to go to Ireland but has yet to have the opportunity this book was a dream! It made my imaginations come alive with the descriptions from the authors. The only thing I wish was that there were pictures in the book.
Highly recommend for anyone who likes travel.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed with in are my own.
I love all things travel and knew when this book popped up that I had to read it. For someone who has always wanted to go to Ireland but has yet to have the opportunity this book was a dream! It made my imaginations come alive with the descriptions from the authors. The only thing I wish was that there were pictures in the book.
Highly recommend for anyone who likes travel.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed with in are my own.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Midlife Blues ( Not too Late 2) in Books
May 19, 2024
100 of 220
Kindle
Midlife Blues (Not Too Late 2)
By Victoria Danann
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Begins with the formerly reclusive, gentleman vampire hosting a murder mystery dinner you'll never forget, and ends with the case of the captured kelpie. From Hallow Hill to northern Ireland, don't miss your favorite judge's magical adventures.
I liked it but it didn’t have the punch the first one had. It was interesting hearing the court trials and meeting so many different creatures. Felt a little rushed to me but I it still made me smile. Worth a read! To be honest who would want this job and to live in this village? My dream!
Kindle
Midlife Blues (Not Too Late 2)
By Victoria Danann
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Begins with the formerly reclusive, gentleman vampire hosting a murder mystery dinner you'll never forget, and ends with the case of the captured kelpie. From Hallow Hill to northern Ireland, don't miss your favorite judge's magical adventures.
I liked it but it didn’t have the punch the first one had. It was interesting hearing the court trials and meeting so many different creatures. Felt a little rushed to me but I it still made me smile. Worth a read! To be honest who would want this job and to live in this village? My dream!
ClareR (5885 KP) rated The Rules of Revelation in Books
May 30, 2021
I really enjoyed The Rules of Revelation - although I started reading it fully prepared to be confused. I wasn’t. This is the third and final part of a trilogy - I do own the first two books, but in true Clare style, I haven’t read them. I like that this stands alone, although I’m sure that I will have missed out on some important parts of the plot - never fear! I’ll just go back and read the first two!
I really like stories set around bands or singers - and this does have something extra to that storyline. The side character really made this novel interesting. I loved Maureen, the mother of the local big drug baron. She really doesn’t care what anyone feels or thinks about her, and isn’t frightened by her son one bit - unlike most of Cork.
Georgie is an ex sex-worker who wants what she thinks is fair - and that’s to make sure that Ryan Cusak’s band, Lord Urchin, get what they deserve. Nothing. I can’t help but think that a lot of her problems come from the fact that she is so easily taken advantage of: in her past as well as by the journalist in her present.
And then there’s the love story of Ryan and Karine. How much more complicated could they make it for one another? On top of that, is Ryan’s battle to make his art accessible to others, to sell an album or play to an audience, but his past is constantly putting a spanner in the works. He wants to improve his life from his poor, deprived upbringing, and put his drug-dealing past firmly behind him.
And all of this set in a time of great change in Ireland. Maureen should see some positives in the new Ireland. She talks about Cork being a city for men, but Ireland has just passed laws for marriage equality and abortion rights.
There’s a lot going on in this novel, I’d never get through all of it here, and I wouldn’t want to. You should just read it. I loved it, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
I really like stories set around bands or singers - and this does have something extra to that storyline. The side character really made this novel interesting. I loved Maureen, the mother of the local big drug baron. She really doesn’t care what anyone feels or thinks about her, and isn’t frightened by her son one bit - unlike most of Cork.
Georgie is an ex sex-worker who wants what she thinks is fair - and that’s to make sure that Ryan Cusak’s band, Lord Urchin, get what they deserve. Nothing. I can’t help but think that a lot of her problems come from the fact that she is so easily taken advantage of: in her past as well as by the journalist in her present.
And then there’s the love story of Ryan and Karine. How much more complicated could they make it for one another? On top of that, is Ryan’s battle to make his art accessible to others, to sell an album or play to an audience, but his past is constantly putting a spanner in the works. He wants to improve his life from his poor, deprived upbringing, and put his drug-dealing past firmly behind him.
And all of this set in a time of great change in Ireland. Maureen should see some positives in the new Ireland. She talks about Cork being a city for men, but Ireland has just passed laws for marriage equality and abortion rights.
There’s a lot going on in this novel, I’d never get through all of it here, and I wouldn’t want to. You should just read it. I loved it, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Petrus (Fueled By Lust #12) in Books
Oct 30, 2019
Petrus is the twelfth book in the Fueled by Lust series, and I would certainly recommend you read them in order. Not only will that give you a better understanding of the overall story arc, but you will get to meet the characters in greater detail, helping you to know them more.
Petrus was one of the unfortunate Insedi who had a faulty necklace. This meant that when he kissed Ireland for the first time, nothing happened, much to his distress. Ireland, of course, knows nothing about the Insedi or necklaces, so she wondered what the hell was going on. To try and protect her, Petrus was cruel to be kind, which then backfired when he found out about the faulty necklaces. So now he has to try and coax her back to him.
I love this series, I really do. I have loved each and every one of the Insedi warriors, and this book is no different in that regard. What I didn't love as much were the other men in this. I can sort of understand Ludo, especially once you learn of the near-miss between him and Ireland, although I much preferred Makar and Baruch because they were already a 'couple' (so to speak). It was Damon who didn't do it for me though. I loved how it was written with a human being included into a triad but I would have loved more from him during the book. He was there at the beginning, bam, I love you's to Ireland, but then he disappears until near the end. One evening (or so it seemed) and he's into the triad, now quadrat! And then throw in the BDSM elements that Petrus and Ludo are happy for him to take the lead on... I don't know. It just didn't feel right to me, and I pains me to write that!
There were no errors in this book that disrupted my reading, and I found myself to be just as lost within the Insedi world as ever. It just didn't move in the same way as the previous books have. And Cato is still hands-down my favourite!!!
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! Because it is part of an amazing world full of interesting and intriguing characters. It isn't just the warriors who will delight you, but their partners too. Trust me, the women are just as badass in their own ways, and Makenna and Ireland's quips and witticisms to each other were fantastic to read. So yes, I recommend it. Just start from the beginning and you will love the Insedi just as much as I do!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Petrus was one of the unfortunate Insedi who had a faulty necklace. This meant that when he kissed Ireland for the first time, nothing happened, much to his distress. Ireland, of course, knows nothing about the Insedi or necklaces, so she wondered what the hell was going on. To try and protect her, Petrus was cruel to be kind, which then backfired when he found out about the faulty necklaces. So now he has to try and coax her back to him.
I love this series, I really do. I have loved each and every one of the Insedi warriors, and this book is no different in that regard. What I didn't love as much were the other men in this. I can sort of understand Ludo, especially once you learn of the near-miss between him and Ireland, although I much preferred Makar and Baruch because they were already a 'couple' (so to speak). It was Damon who didn't do it for me though. I loved how it was written with a human being included into a triad but I would have loved more from him during the book. He was there at the beginning, bam, I love you's to Ireland, but then he disappears until near the end. One evening (or so it seemed) and he's into the triad, now quadrat! And then throw in the BDSM elements that Petrus and Ludo are happy for him to take the lead on... I don't know. It just didn't feel right to me, and I pains me to write that!
There were no errors in this book that disrupted my reading, and I found myself to be just as lost within the Insedi world as ever. It just didn't move in the same way as the previous books have. And Cato is still hands-down my favourite!!!
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! Because it is part of an amazing world full of interesting and intriguing characters. It isn't just the warriors who will delight you, but their partners too. Trust me, the women are just as badass in their own ways, and Makenna and Ireland's quips and witticisms to each other were fantastic to read. So yes, I recommend it. Just start from the beginning and you will love the Insedi just as much as I do!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!