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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Get Fluffy (Pampered Pets Mystery #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When Mel gets stuck with Fluffy, the famous dog of Mona Michaels, all Mel wants to do is return the dog. However, when the two arrive at Mona’s mansion, Mona has been murdered. Mel wants to stay out of the investigation, but she keeps learning things that the point her toward the killer. Will she solve the crime?
I wanted to get to book two in this series soon to meet Mel, the cousin of the main character in the first in the series. This book was just as delightful as that first one. We get a mostly new cast of characters, who are all very strong. The mystery is great with lots of secrets and surprises on the way to the logical conclusion. And the antics of the pets in the book are delightfully fun.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-get-fluffy-by-sparkle-abbey.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I wanted to get to book two in this series soon to meet Mel, the cousin of the main character in the first in the series. This book was just as delightful as that first one. We get a mostly new cast of characters, who are all very strong. The mystery is great with lots of secrets and surprises on the way to the logical conclusion. And the antics of the pets in the book are delightfully fun.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-get-fluffy-by-sparkle-abbey.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Murder on Astor Place (Gaslight Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Midwife Sarah Brandt is returning to visit a mother and newborn when she learns there has been a death at the home. A boarder was strangled during the night, and it turns out this is the younger sister of someone she knew years ago. Determined to see justice done, Sarah teams up with the very reluctant Frank Malloy, the detective assigned to the case, to find the killer.
This book really does feature two detectives as both Sarah and Frank are active contributers to seeing justice done. The hopping back and forth between them only enhances the story and gives us more twists. All the characters are strong as well, and I truly liked spending time with them, especially the leads. I did feel the climax was over the top, but that is my only complaint with this mystery.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-murder-on-astor-place-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book really does feature two detectives as both Sarah and Frank are active contributers to seeing justice done. The hopping back and forth between them only enhances the story and gives us more twists. All the characters are strong as well, and I truly liked spending time with them, especially the leads. I did feel the climax was over the top, but that is my only complaint with this mystery.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-murder-on-astor-place-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Chrissie-ann (78 KP) rated Rillington Place in TV
Jun 18, 2018
Unnerving factual crime drama
I watched this last night as it has made its way onto netflix. Based on real life events in the 1940s surrounding an infamous UK serial killer. Having a strong curiosity and interest in serial killers I thought I would give this a go.
I have not been disappointed,John Christie is an individual I have read a lot about and I feel this show really shows him in a disturbing way. It shows how his relationships are affected and formed while he manipulates people to ensure he is in control of every situation.
Tim Roth as John Christie is impressive, his acting brings John Christie back to life. There is always a feeling of fear and uncertainty, as Tim Roth develops his character in a way that shows how calculating he was.
One of the best shows I have watched in a while, luckily only a 3 parter so I didn't have to pull an all nighter!
I have not been disappointed,John Christie is an individual I have read a lot about and I feel this show really shows him in a disturbing way. It shows how his relationships are affected and formed while he manipulates people to ensure he is in control of every situation.
Tim Roth as John Christie is impressive, his acting brings John Christie back to life. There is always a feeling of fear and uncertainty, as Tim Roth develops his character in a way that shows how calculating he was.
One of the best shows I have watched in a while, luckily only a 3 parter so I didn't have to pull an all nighter!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated “K” is for Killer in Books
Jun 26, 2018
Kinsey Faces a Daunting Case
PI Kinsey Millhone’s latest case is a cold one. Lorna Kepler has been dead for 10 months, and when she died she had been dead for two weeks before she was found, so the police couldn’t even determine the cause of death. As Kinsey begins to investigate, she realizes that Lorna had a completely secret life, and the investigation causes Kinsey to become a night owl like Lorna was. Will following her footsteps lead to her killer?
This is another great mystery. The cold case quality leads to some interesting complications to the investigation. Lorna’s life included some things that don’t normally pop up in my cozies, but we didn’t get gratuitous detail, which I appreciated. The ending was a bit rushed, but that’s a minor complaint. We don’t see much of the other series characters, but Kinsey is fantastic as always, and the book is populated with real people that draw us into the story.
This is another great mystery. The cold case quality leads to some interesting complications to the investigation. Lorna’s life included some things that don’t normally pop up in my cozies, but we didn’t get gratuitous detail, which I appreciated. The ending was a bit rushed, but that’s a minor complaint. We don’t see much of the other series characters, but Kinsey is fantastic as always, and the book is populated with real people that draw us into the story.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Smiley (2012) in Movies
Jul 23, 2018
The ending couldn't save the rest of the movie (3 more)
Cliche plot you have seen before
Bad acting
Annoying characters
The internet's bloody mary
This was a terrible movie
Bloody mary meets unfriended? It feels like a typical supernatural slasher you have seen plenty of times.
None of the characters are likeable, if anything they are actually annoying right from the first start especially the main girl. Again there is no logic, it's not creepy or gory and I found it just boring.
Don't get me wrong I love urban legends when it is done right.
The killer was not designed well, not shown enough and not creepy enough. Only a few deaths that were not scary or gory.
I couldn't wait for this movie to end but I'm happy I watched it so that you don't have to. It was paced horribly and even a good twist at the end couldn't save this movie.
Bloody mary meets unfriended? It feels like a typical supernatural slasher you have seen plenty of times.
None of the characters are likeable, if anything they are actually annoying right from the first start especially the main girl. Again there is no logic, it's not creepy or gory and I found it just boring.
Don't get me wrong I love urban legends when it is done right.
The killer was not designed well, not shown enough and not creepy enough. Only a few deaths that were not scary or gory.
I couldn't wait for this movie to end but I'm happy I watched it so that you don't have to. It was paced horribly and even a good twist at the end couldn't save this movie.
AHarvey (1 KP) rated Burned (Burned, #1) in Books
Jul 5, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
Where does one begin when trying to explain the overwhelming admiration they have for this book.
I loved that I could not only relate to the character on her views on religion, sex, gender roles, and romance, but, also the fact that the author never makes light of the abuse or sexualization of women in this novel.
This leaves you pondering what you would do in Pattyn's place. I couldn't help but root for her despite her turning into a cold stone killer at the end of the novel.
This gives you a better understanding of people in abusive relationships and how it affects those associated with it. It not only showcases different levels of abuse (whether it's sexual, verbal, or physical) but also shows you the raw painful aftermath that the abuse victims face.
This book was brilliantly written and I recommend this to anyone who can stomach it's horrific content of abuse.
I loved that I could not only relate to the character on her views on religion, sex, gender roles, and romance, but, also the fact that the author never makes light of the abuse or sexualization of women in this novel.
This leaves you pondering what you would do in Pattyn's place. I couldn't help but root for her despite her turning into a cold stone killer at the end of the novel.
This gives you a better understanding of people in abusive relationships and how it affects those associated with it. It not only showcases different levels of abuse (whether it's sexual, verbal, or physical) but also shows you the raw painful aftermath that the abuse victims face.
This book was brilliantly written and I recommend this to anyone who can stomach it's horrific content of abuse.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Pirate Vishnu in Books
Jul 27, 2018
Jaya’s Second Treasure Hunt Hits Close to Home
Jaya Jones has yet to live down the fame of her first treasure hunt when a man walks into her office with a second treasure map. This one appears to have the location of a treasure in San Francisco, but it’s the connection to Jaya’s family that peaks her interest. The map was drawn by her great-granduncle. A dead body only complicates Jaya’s quest. Can she stay alive long enough to learn what is going on?
I always enjoy finding a twist on the murder mystery theme, and this is a good one. The treasure hunt is as important as figuring out who the killer is, and between the two, the pages fly by. The twists get bigger the further into the book we get. I did think one stretched believability just a bit, but it was a minor deal. The characters are strong, and I’m curious where the complications in Jaya’s love life will go.
I always enjoy finding a twist on the murder mystery theme, and this is a good one. The treasure hunt is as important as figuring out who the killer is, and between the two, the pages fly by. The twists get bigger the further into the book we get. I did think one stretched believability just a bit, but it was a minor deal. The characters are strong, and I’m curious where the complications in Jaya’s love life will go.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Clown (2016) in Movies
Sep 12, 2018
This guy ain't clowning around...
Clown is like a classic twilight-zone style curse movie, where a dad puts on an antique clown suit, which turns out to have dire consequences that essentially turn him into a child eating killer clown.
There are some great comedic moments, as you would expect, some gross body horror, gruesome kills and actually pretty good performances.
Despite the b-movie plot, the acting is very solid, and the whole feel is of a well-made, well budgeted horror film, that would not have been out of place on a decent cinema release.
There are plenty of plot holes, bad decisions and parts that drag on a little, but overall this is a pretty entertaining movie, which provides a throwback experience to an 80's style slasher but with modern production values, so what is not to like?
There are some great comedic moments, as you would expect, some gross body horror, gruesome kills and actually pretty good performances.
Despite the b-movie plot, the acting is very solid, and the whole feel is of a well-made, well budgeted horror film, that would not have been out of place on a decent cinema release.
There are plenty of plot holes, bad decisions and parts that drag on a little, but overall this is a pretty entertaining movie, which provides a throwback experience to an 80's style slasher but with modern production values, so what is not to like?
[a:Dan Brown|630|Dan Brown|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1399396714p2/630.jpg]'s fifth Robert Langdon book, largely set in and around Barcelona, Spain, and which I read while on holiday to that location.
If you've read any of Brown's previous Robert Langdon - a role which, now, I assocaite firmly with Tom Hanks - books, then you'd know pretty much what to expect: a mad dash around the various locations within, a bit of science (some of which I'd already heard, other of which I hadn't relaised before) thrown in, some plot elelments that would make you roll your eyes if you stopped and thought about them, but actually, all-in-all, a pretty fun read.
In other words, a case where (like in most of his books) the sum is greater than the parts.
Even if, in this case, I found the supposed 'twist' (the identity of Kirsch's killer) to be as plain as the nose on your face.
If you've read any of Brown's previous Robert Langdon - a role which, now, I assocaite firmly with Tom Hanks - books, then you'd know pretty much what to expect: a mad dash around the various locations within, a bit of science (some of which I'd already heard, other of which I hadn't relaised before) thrown in, some plot elelments that would make you roll your eyes if you stopped and thought about them, but actually, all-in-all, a pretty fun read.
In other words, a case where (like in most of his books) the sum is greater than the parts.
Even if, in this case, I found the supposed 'twist' (the identity of Kirsch's killer) to be as plain as the nose on your face.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Happy Death Day (2017) in Movies
Aug 12, 2019 (Updated Oct 25, 2019)
Happy Death Day is far more enjoyable than it has any right to be - a PG-13 rated horror version of Groundhog Day sounds pretty uninteresting on paper, but it absolutely doesn't take itself seriously, and that works in it's favour.
The basic plot premise is nothing new, and has been done better in films like Edge of Tomorrow, but it has fun with it.
Every side character is set up to have a motive, so the identity of the masked killer is well hidden, and keeps you guessing throughout.
The lead actress Jessica Rothe is really good fun, as her character goes through a personality shift as she learns to appreciate the people in her life instead of being a total douche. (This would usually be an eye rolling plot point, but the film genuinely lands some good emotional beats)
It's definitely a far cry from being a classic horror film (that PG-13 rating is a potential contributor) but it's honestly a fun movie.
The basic plot premise is nothing new, and has been done better in films like Edge of Tomorrow, but it has fun with it.
Every side character is set up to have a motive, so the identity of the masked killer is well hidden, and keeps you guessing throughout.
The lead actress Jessica Rothe is really good fun, as her character goes through a personality shift as she learns to appreciate the people in her life instead of being a total douche. (This would usually be an eye rolling plot point, but the film genuinely lands some good emotional beats)
It's definitely a far cry from being a classic horror film (that PG-13 rating is a potential contributor) but it's honestly a fun movie.