Search

Search only in certain items:

A detailed look into the world of forensic pathology.
I don’t read a lot on non-fiction and when I do it is rarely an autobiography or memoir but when I happened to see Unnatural Causes I decided to jump in and hopefully get a better understanding of a profession so often touched on in my beloved crime thriller books. I didn’t regret it for a second.

Dr Richard Shepherd, as one of the UK’s top forensic pathologists, has performed over 23,000 postmortems; that’s a lot of dead bodies! Fascinated by cracking the puzzle of what killed each one this book covers a whole host of unusual cases. Clearing up many misconceptions of the world of forensic pathology we get a great insight into a job few people could stomach.

As he covers many interesting cases we get a unique behind the curtain look into some famous murders and disasters. Shipman, Stephen Lawrence, the Hungerford massacre, the Marchioness disaster, he is even involved in Diana’s inquest. The look into the very difficult area of the death of babies shows a complicated area where everything is not as black and white as we’d like it to be.

His single minded quest for the truth and the very distressing nature of his work takes a toll on his mental health and family life. Although not as fascinating as the cases themselves it’s important to cover this, bring into sharp focus the debt society owes to those willing to surround themselves in such a grim profession.
  
The Woman in the Window
The Woman in the Window
A.J. Finn | 2018 | Thriller
7
8.0 (42 Ratings)
Book Rating
A pretty good debut
An interesting psychological thriller full of suspense that although I enjoyed, it took me quite a while in before I connected with the main character, Anna, for some reason; I've been wracking my brains trying to think why but I just can't come up with an explanation and because of this, I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I could have which is a shame because it's a great story and not like anything I have read before.

The story is told completely from Anna's perspective but because of her fragile mental health and the wine and medication concoction, you question whether what she is saying is actually what is happening ... as she herself ends up doing.

I found it quite a sad book overall and I felt a lot of empathy for Anna and her situation but it was also a story of triumph over adversity with a gradual build up to the explosive ending which I found very satisfying.

Overall, a pretty good debut that is not full of the usual blood and violence ... it's definitely a slow burner that builds and builds to a satisfying conclusion.

I think this book would transfer really well to the big screen and I am pleased to note that it is in development as a major motion picture from Fox - it's just a shame that Alfred Hitchcock isn't alive to direct it!

Thanks to the publisher, HarperCollins UK HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
  
40x40

Rea Gorman (5 KP) rated 22 Scars in Books

Sep 16, 2018  
22 Scars
22 Scars
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fantastic book
This book is amazing!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. As soon as I read the book description, I knew it was a book I really wanted to read. The book goes above and beyond the expectations I had after reading the description. The way this book is written is fantastic, I found myself constantly thinking about the book even when I wasn’t reading it. I couldn’t wait to turn each page, it is a real page turner and kept my interest right to the very last page. The themes in this book are quite heavy and dark but I feel the author explored these themes in a very true to life way and in a respectful way. This book is very close to my heart. The author tells the story from various points of view and each point of view is vital to the main story. I have read many books and I don’t think I have ever read a book quite like this. Due to the dark themes, this book may not be for everyone, but I feel that I would recommend this to those whose life has been touched by mental health in one way or another. I would have liked the story to have continued further from where it ended but I feel the ending fits the story perfectly. Some books you remember for a little while after you’ve read them and other books stick with you forever. This book will be with me forever.
  
Million Things - Single by Featurette
Million Things - Single by Featurette
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Featurette is an electro-pop duo based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Not too long ago, they released a music video for their “Million Things” single.

“With ‘Million Things’, we’re trying to capture a snapshot of the social media driven world we live in, and how it affects our relationships and even mental health. Everyone’s trying to be insta-famous. Everyone’s got to look their best at all times and ‘play the part’ so that they’re not forgotten. We’ve got to be one step ahead, more likes, more followers, it’s endless. It can be draining to create a world where we’re always presenting our ‘best self’.” – Featurette

‘Million Things’ highlights our vulnerabilities. Also, it asks the probing questions: How did we get to this point? And, what price did we have to pay along the way?

The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, it possesses lush instrumentation scented with an electro-pop aroma.

“We live tethered to our Instagram feeds. Also, we care more about what we look like on the outside than how we’re doing on the inside. ‘Million Things’ is about having everything you’ve ever dreamed of, but the loneliness we’re left with if we don’t have anyone to share in the moments that matter.” – Featurette

Featurette consists of Lexie Jay (lead vocals) and Jon Fedorsen (drums, production). The bubbly duo has spent the past several months in the studio, writing and producing their upcoming sophomore album.

Their musical influences include Tove Lo, Phantogram, Bjork, and Deadmau5.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/featurette-million-things/