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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2615 KP) rated All Aboard for Murder in Books
Jul 29, 2026 (Updated Jul 29, 2026)
Dee is Tracking Another Killer
Every October, the community of Goldsgone, which is near Dee’s motel, celebrates the birthday of Angus Sprockles, the man who made sure they got designated a historic landmark. Of course, they are also celebrating Halloween. Among the events is a Halloween themed fundraiser for the historic society on the railroad that Angus’s only living heir runs. But the event ends with Moses Sprockles dead. It originally looks like an accident, but there are things that don’t add up. Dee’s father had become friends with Moses, and he asks Dee to poke around even though this murder doesn’t appear to have anything to do with her motel. Can Dee find the killer?
This series continues to be so much fun. The plot is strong, with several subplots strengthen the story. The California setting and the Hollywood elements add to the fun for me. I love the cast of characters no matter how much page time they get, and I appreciated how one relationship moved forward. Everything did reach a logical climax. And the story had appropriate autumn vibes with a fun Halloween element included as well. At the end, we get a road trip tip and a bonus recipe. I also smiled and laughed at the character’s antics and a few of the scenes. All told, this is another winner you’re sure to enjoy.
This series continues to be so much fun. The plot is strong, with several subplots strengthen the story. The California setting and the Hollywood elements add to the fun for me. I love the cast of characters no matter how much page time they get, and I appreciated how one relationship moved forward. Everything did reach a logical climax. And the story had appropriate autumn vibes with a fun Halloween element included as well. At the end, we get a road trip tip and a bonus recipe. I also smiled and laughed at the character’s antics and a few of the scenes. All told, this is another winner you’re sure to enjoy.
Dean (6927 KP) rated The Snowman (2017) in Movies
Oct 23, 2017 (Updated Feb 11, 2018)
Great location (1 more)
Basic plot was good
Ending was a let down (1 more)
Felt like there were a few plot holes
Could have been better
I was looking forward to this as it's been a while since there has been a good cop, serial killer film. It has a good cast and nice, picturesque setting in Norway. Overall I did enjoy it and I haven't read the book to compare it to. It does feel like a few plot lines aren't explained fully... I'm sure parts in the trailer aren't even in the film? The ending was a let down though after the build up. A good film that had great potential.
Rose (201 KP) rated It Follows (2015) in Movies
Jul 13, 2017
New take on old theme (1 more)
Dreamy, 80s quality
Hope it's not following me
I really enjoyed this movie. Nowadays, it takes more than a jump scare and some blood to get me to hop out of my seat and pay attention. I need atmosphere and creep factor and this movie delivered.
The old "killer goes after those that have sex in a horror movie" rule gets turned on its head with a new and, dare I say it, modern perspective.
I loved the eclectic, old Polaroid quality of each shot, giving the movie a retro vibe while being futuristic at the same time -- setting the movie in no exact time frame.
The old "killer goes after those that have sex in a horror movie" rule gets turned on its head with a new and, dare I say it, modern perspective.
I loved the eclectic, old Polaroid quality of each shot, giving the movie a retro vibe while being futuristic at the same time -- setting the movie in no exact time frame.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated H2O (The Rain, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
H20 is a different type of post apocolyptic read. First off the killer is bacteria in water, not really something you can avoid. Secondly the main character, Ruby, is not a prepper, survival type but a regular self centered teen. She only survives long enough to figure things out becuase of the people around her but that makes her more realistic. How many teens do you know are preppers or care about anything but their cell phones? As a long time middle school teacher I can tell you not many.
It was a steady paced quick read. I plan on reading the next in the series. It is in my "pile".
It was a steady paced quick read. I plan on reading the next in the series. It is in my "pile".
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Little Deaths in Books
Aug 11, 2017
A depressing tale about victim blaming
This is a deceptively feminist book showing how society portrays women and how they are expected to behave. At first it resembled Albert Camus' The Stranger in which the protagonist is victimised for not behaving the appropriate way after a death. But it looked further into how a mother is essentially blamed for killing her children because she partook in inappropriate behaviour following their murder. The book is intelligent because it leads the reader away from thinking about the real killer and focuses on the mother. Right until the end you almost forget what the story is really about. Surprisingly enjoyable.
Domonique (0 KP) rated In a Dark, Dark Wood in Books
May 12, 2018
This was so good! I still can't believe who the killer turned out to be, it was truly unexpected, which is what makes a good thriller. And the fact that she went so far to get what she wants only to not get it at all, that just goes to show you that some people really don't deserve happiness. I loved the character of Nora because she was so relatable and likable, some of the insecurities and doubts that she had I've experienced at one time myself. I'm glad the truth came out in the end and I would read another book by this author in a heartbeat!!
Sue (5 KP) rated Winter's Destiny in Books
Apr 23, 2018
Alone, with a fall gale howling around the rafters, Amy Johnstone turns to see a woman’s rain-streaked face staring back at her through the dark window.
The face is...identical to her own!
Instantly, Amy's life crumbles. Something sinister surrounds her and those she loves. She is catapulted into a world she knows nothing about--a place where a killer rules, where her life is in constant peril, and where her child has been taken.
WINTER’S DESTINY is an edge-of-the-seat thriller - love story set on the rugged Pacific Coast of Oregon. Here, the story reaches its unique and spectacular conclusion.
The face is...identical to her own!
Instantly, Amy's life crumbles. Something sinister surrounds her and those she loves. She is catapulted into a world she knows nothing about--a place where a killer rules, where her life is in constant peril, and where her child has been taken.
WINTER’S DESTINY is an edge-of-the-seat thriller - love story set on the rugged Pacific Coast of Oregon. Here, the story reaches its unique and spectacular conclusion.
Natalie Stone (3 KP) rated Suicide Squad (2016) in Movies
May 10, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
This film was a trip to the cinema worthy. Margot Robbie was on top form and a pleasure to watch her got batshit on the streets of Gotham. A pretty good romp of a film generally. Plenty of great action sequences and some good jokes. Will Smith gave a tremendous performance but felt he shouldn't have been the focus point of this film. I could have completely done without Jared Leto's Joker: completely ridiculous and over the top. I could have done with a lot more Killer Croc and Cara Delevigne's June Moon was a surprising addition she did a great job.
I had never heard about this true crime cases till I come upon Ann Marie Ackermann most excellent book. The story begins in the German town of Bonnigheim in the year 1835 where the town is left shocked by the assassination of its most respected citizen it's mayor. The reader follows the twists and turns of the muder investigation as a killer is searched for.
Eventually the investigation leads to the other side of the world and to one of Americans most respected Civil War heroes General Robert E Lee. The author has produced an excellent well researched study of the case and I would highly recommend this to other readers .
Eventually the investigation leads to the other side of the world and to one of Americans most respected Civil War heroes General Robert E Lee. The author has produced an excellent well researched study of the case and I would highly recommend this to other readers .
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2615 KP) rated Fun House (John Ceepak Mystery, #7) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
A reality competition has come to Sea Haven, and Ceepak and Danny have gotten caught up in the action when the sudden star of the show is caught with steroids. But when the bodies turn up, they have to dig deep to find the killer. As always, I loved spending time in this resort town and with the cops, who continue to develop as a characters. The book is filled with foul language, which reminds me why I don't watch the shows that were being spoofed here.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-fun-house-by-chris.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-fun-house-by-chris.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.