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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2082 KP) rated A Disguise to Die For (Costume Shop Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Margo Tamblyn returns home to help her father with the family costume shop, Disguise DeLimit, in time to put together a bunch of detective costumes for a birthday party. But when the guest of honor is murdered in the kitchen and Margo’s good friend Ebony is the prime suspect, Margo has to put her own detective costume on to find the killer.
This was a fantastic start to a new series. The plot was great with many twists and surprises before we reached the logical conclusion. The characters were stronger and had more depth than many characters in long running series do. And the costume element was just plain fun, as I expected it would be. I can’t wait to revisit these characters again soon.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-disguise-to-die-for-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This was a fantastic start to a new series. The plot was great with many twists and surprises before we reached the logical conclusion. The characters were stronger and had more depth than many characters in long running series do. And the costume element was just plain fun, as I expected it would be. I can’t wait to revisit these characters again soon.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-disguise-to-die-for-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2082 KP) rated Dressed to Confess (Costume Shop Mystery, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
It’s time for the annual Sagebrush Festival, and this year, the theme is board games, inspired by the opening act, the Domino Divas. This local group is reuniting after something broke them up 50 years ago. But the reunion isn’t going that well. After a bad rehearsal, group member Ronnie Cass doesn’t show up for their first performance. That’s when costume shop owner Margo Tamblyn finds Ronnie dead in her trailer. Did her murder have anything to do with what broke the group up 50 years ago?
As Margo investigates, she finds a bit of a conspiracy surrounding this murder, which just adds to the fun of the mystery. A couple of things get glossed over in the climax, but for the most part, everything is wrapped up well. I love this setting, a town that goes all out for every occasion, including throwing costume parties. And the characters are fantastic, just like they are in the earlier books in the series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-dressed-to-confess-by-diane.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
As Margo investigates, she finds a bit of a conspiracy surrounding this murder, which just adds to the fun of the mystery. A couple of things get glossed over in the climax, but for the most part, everything is wrapped up well. I love this setting, a town that goes all out for every occasion, including throwing costume parties. And the characters are fantastic, just like they are in the earlier books in the series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-dressed-to-confess-by-diane.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
David McK (3207 KP) rated Reliquary (Pendergast, #2) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
This is Lincoln Preston's (collaboration of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child) sequel to their earlier novel <i>Relic</i>.
As befits any sequel, the canvas is larger this time around, with the novel set in (and below) the entirety of Manhattan rather than just in Manhattan's Museum on Natural History (where <i>Relic</i> was set). It seems there are monsters in the sewers now ...
The novel also pretty much the same cast as the earlier book (Dr Frock, Margo Green, Bill Smithback, Lieutenant D'Agosta and Special Agent Pendergast), not all of whom who are who they appear to be, and is indeed a pretty gripping read!
As befits any sequel, the canvas is larger this time around, with the novel set in (and below) the entirety of Manhattan rather than just in Manhattan's Museum on Natural History (where <i>Relic</i> was set). It seems there are monsters in the sewers now ...
The novel also pretty much the same cast as the earlier book (Dr Frock, Margo Green, Bill Smithback, Lieutenant D'Agosta and Special Agent Pendergast), not all of whom who are who they appear to be, and is indeed a pretty gripping read!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2082 KP) rated True Fiction in Books
Apr 20, 2018
I Truly Enjoyed This Book, and that’s Not Fiction
When terrorists take control of a plane leaving Hawaii and crash it into the island, the entire country is horrified. But none more so than thriller writer Ian Ludlow. You see, he had suggested just the twist on 9/11 that happened here to the CIA a few years back during a brainstorming session to help them come up with worst case scenarios. Within a few hours, Ian is certain that the CIA is out to kill him to silence him. Using every trick in the book – tricks he knows thanks to the books he’s written, Ian flees from his book tour in Seattle with his author escort, Margo French. Will the two be able to survive?
This book doesn’t waste a minute throwing us into this thrill ride and never lets up until we reach the climax. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next, and the book manages to wink at a few clinches of the genre along the way. Ian and Margo were good characters, and another we meet along the way walks the fine line of being a caricature without being unbelievable. Since this is a thriller, there is a bit more language, violence, and sex than in the books I normally read. There is plenty of humor here to help ease the tension. I already can’t wait for the sequel.
This book doesn’t waste a minute throwing us into this thrill ride and never lets up until we reach the climax. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next, and the book manages to wink at a few clinches of the genre along the way. Ian and Margo were good characters, and another we meet along the way walks the fine line of being a caricature without being unbelievable. Since this is a thriller, there is a bit more language, violence, and sex than in the books I normally read. There is plenty of humor here to help ease the tension. I already can’t wait for the sequel.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Blue Labyrinth (Pendergast, #14) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
NOTE: If you haven't read anything in this series yet, Blue Labyrinth might not be the best place to start. There are returning characters from previous novels, and reading some of the earlier books (especially Relic, #1 in the series) will make this one even more enjoyable.
I love revisiting old friends and old places in this series, and the New York Museum of Natural History is by far my favorite place in Pendergasts New York. Blue Labyrinth opens with a dead body in the museum, and Margo Green called in to assist with the police investigation. Full of danger and Pendergast family drama, this installment moves along at an incredible pace, and is a great addition to the series.
I love revisiting old friends and old places in this series, and the New York Museum of Natural History is by far my favorite place in Pendergasts New York. Blue Labyrinth opens with a dead body in the museum, and Margo Green called in to assist with the police investigation. Full of danger and Pendergast family drama, this installment moves along at an incredible pace, and is a great addition to the series.
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated Paper Towns in Books
Feb 5, 2019
Fun (2 more)
Has a dectetive style
Short chapters
Detective style
Ok I love John Green as I've said for his other books I've reviewed but I can't help but say I was disappointed with the ending of this, it was totally not what I was expecting and not as dramatic as I thought. However, the book is very fun to read and it really gets you thinking. Margo is a very clever girl with an imaginative mind who just can't stop in one place. Q is a sucker for love and falls into a bit of a predicament. Qs determination is frustrating for his friends but friends stick together like they should. Overall a good read and would recommend it. I'm now going to watch the film.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated The Kitchen (2019) in Movies
Dec 3, 2019 (Updated Dec 3, 2019)
Here's my quick review for this one:
I had zero idea this movie was based on a DC graphic novel; I was just intrigued by the premise of mob wives taking over. I enjoyed the story line. Margo Martindale is always great, no exception here. Melissa McCarthy felt weak, acting-wise and character-wise. Elizabeth Moss was EVERYTHING, and I don't normally care about her one way or the other. Her character's story arc was by far my favorite, her acting the most believable.
And then we come to Tiffany Haddish. She makes me cringe, and her voice makes me want to puncture my own eardrums. I just do not like her, and this movie did nothing to change my opinion. But if you can get past her, the movie was worth a watch.
I had zero idea this movie was based on a DC graphic novel; I was just intrigued by the premise of mob wives taking over. I enjoyed the story line. Margo Martindale is always great, no exception here. Melissa McCarthy felt weak, acting-wise and character-wise. Elizabeth Moss was EVERYTHING, and I don't normally care about her one way or the other. Her character's story arc was by far my favorite, her acting the most believable.
And then we come to Tiffany Haddish. She makes me cringe, and her voice makes me want to puncture my own eardrums. I just do not like her, and this movie did nothing to change my opinion. But if you can get past her, the movie was worth a watch.
TheDefunctDiva (304 KP) rated Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) in Movies
Mar 8, 2020
Dynamic Duo
Contains spoilers, click to show
My boyfriend watched this movie three times before I had the opportunity. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Great setup to an ultimate revenge scene. I loved, loved, loved the costuming. But what was up with everyone's dirty feet??? I can see why Bruce Lee's family objected to the portrayal of the late, great actor. But we have to remember that this entire film is fiction and not fact. It did make me exceptionally sad that some of these events did not transpire in real life. I don't have the time for a three-hour movie, but I would definitely watch this again...
Sammeh Lowry (15 KP) rated Paper Towns in Books
Jul 13, 2019
Who is Margo Roth Spiegelman? That is exactly what Quentin Jacobson would like to know,or more importantly where is she. He's loved her for as long as he can remember,she on the other hand hasn't paid attention to him for many years until one night she climbs through his window and asks him to help her with some things she needs to do. The next day shes gone,but not before leaving some clues behind for him to follow. I found that this book drew me in and kept me wanting to know more and had me trying to piece together the clues myself.When I first began reading it I feared I was too old (being 24) for the kind of audience this book was aimed at,I didn't let that put me off and I am so pleased it didn't as the more I read the more I forgot about my thoughts during the first few chapters. This is the second book I have read by John Green and it impressed me as always :)
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Spirit Snatcher ( Dark Legacy 3) in Books
Mar 19, 2024
49 of 220
Kindle
Spirit Snatcher ( Dark legacy 3)
By Margo Ryerkerk
⭐️⭐️
Sierra is coming to terms with the discovery of her family's dark secrets and mastering the elements when London's Guardians begin to vanish one by one.
Certain the Culpatus is behind the abductions, she needs to uncover where they're taking the Guardians before it is too late. However, she can't do this alone and must team up with the last person she wants to deal with - Gavin.
Gavin has broken her heart, and yet, she still longs for him, even though she's dating Cooper.
The mission to rescue the Guardians will test Sierra, Gavin, and Cooper like nothing has ever before and take them deep into the lair of the Culpatus.
Will they manage to free their people, or will they end up prisoners themselves?
I don’t know why but this one I really really struggled with. I’m not sure where I became a little bored and it’s a shame as the other 2 books i enjoyed. This one I couldn’t get on with.
Kindle
Spirit Snatcher ( Dark legacy 3)
By Margo Ryerkerk
⭐️⭐️
Sierra is coming to terms with the discovery of her family's dark secrets and mastering the elements when London's Guardians begin to vanish one by one.
Certain the Culpatus is behind the abductions, she needs to uncover where they're taking the Guardians before it is too late. However, she can't do this alone and must team up with the last person she wants to deal with - Gavin.
Gavin has broken her heart, and yet, she still longs for him, even though she's dating Cooper.
The mission to rescue the Guardians will test Sierra, Gavin, and Cooper like nothing has ever before and take them deep into the lair of the Culpatus.
Will they manage to free their people, or will they end up prisoners themselves?
I don’t know why but this one I really really struggled with. I’m not sure where I became a little bored and it’s a shame as the other 2 books i enjoyed. This one I couldn’t get on with.