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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2518 KP) rated Murder Cuts the Mustard in Books

Nov 3, 2019

Murder Adds Spice to Life

Walmsley Parva is facing yet another murder. It’s now June of 1921, and the body of Hector Lomax has been found in the graveyard. Hector was not a well-liked or respected man in town, and that holds true for Simpkins, Edwina’s elderly gardener. Simpkins was Hector’s brother-in-law, and they shared a house, so naturally, he becomes a suspect in Hector’s death. However, that isn’t the only surprise the day has in store for Simpkins and, by extension, Edwina and Beryl. It quickly becomes clear the pair of friends need to get to the bottom of what is happening for their own sake as well as that of Simpkins. Can they do it?

I love this duo. Edwina and Beryl complement each other perfectly, and with the book’s excellent use of limited third person, we get to know both of them. The growth in them continues here as well. The rest of the cast is just as strong. I did feel the plot got a little sidetracked in the middle, but I was always entertained and the book ramps up again for a logical climax. Since the story is set in 1921, we get an interesting look at the changes that were going on in the larger society at the time. I had never given these changes much thought, but I enjoy seeing how the characters are reacting to them. If you haven’t started this series yet, you really should. If you are already a fan, you’ll love our third visit with Beryl and Edwina.

Kudos

Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Little Dog (A Red Grouse Tale) in Books

Nov 20, 2019

The Little Dog (A Red Grouse Tale)

Leslie W.P. Garland | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry, Paranormal, Thriller

5.5

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

The first of The Red Grouse Tales follows a working week for Bill, a forester who has drawn the short straw of being partnered with Blackman, an unpopular co worker. On the way to their remote work site on the first day they encounter a small white dog sitting at the side of the road. Bill is curious why it is sitting miles from anywhere. Blackman shows a complete disinterest, if not active dislike. As the week wears on Bill comes to ponder on who Blackman is and why he behaves like he does. The final day is one he will never forget.

The tense nervousness Bill feels working with Blackman through the week permeates the page, the writing creating an energy from the silence between the two men and the attempts by Bill to keep away from Blackman as much as he can. As Bill's thoughts turn to the nature of what makes people do bad or evil things the presence of his co-worker becomes almost unbearable. Neither Bill nor the reader can wait for the week to end. The final events of the week make Bill question not only good and evil but if such deeds can provoke divine retribution.

As with the other Red Grouse tales, there is a subtle paranormal thread running through the story, and a great deal of philosophy too. It works almost perfectly as a short story, with its limited week duration and building sense of suspense and drama.

An excellent introduction to the Red Grouse stories, setting up the series quite neatly

Kudos

JT (287 KP) rated Arctic (2019) in Movies

Mar 10, 2020

Arctic (2019)

2019 | Adventure, Drama

8.0

(5 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Survival films have the ability to give us a sense of false hope by dragging us through a gut wrenching narrative that will ultimately end in heartache. Even right up until the final moments we still cling to the hope that a recuse will come.

Arctic takes us to a desolate and frozen landscape where there is no signs of life – that is until we meet Overgård (Mads Mikkelsen) whose plane has crashed in an environment that offers no chance of escape. We don’t know how long he has been there, but can deduce it must be some time given his efficient method for catching and storing fish and that the crashed shell of his plane almost seems homely.

He understands more than enough to survive showcasing map reading and technical skills to battle the elements. Through driving snow he has the determination to manually crank a radio system in the hope of catching a signal. I’m a massive fan of Mikkelsen whose calm facial expressions still give me nightmares after watching the hit series Hannibal in which he was fantastic.

Here those expressions are more pained than sinister as Overgård has to make a decision as to whether to stay put, or make the perilous journey to find rescue. The introduction of a second character makes that decision for him and armed with whatever he can carry and pull on a sled, he sets out into the bleak and unforgiving wilderness. With limited dialogue this minimalist survival thriller will set pulses racing to the end.