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The Fighter Verses Bible memory system was created to help believers persevere in the fight of faith...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated What's Done in Darkness: A Novel in Books
Jun 24, 2021
An excellent dark and foreboding mystery
Sarabeth is seventeen when she's held captive for nearly a week and then dumped along the side of the road, bound and blindfolded. She doesn't know who took her, or where. The police doubt her story and her parents do not even report her missing from their rural Arkansas farm . Sarabeth had argued with her religious parents, who insisted she follow their strict rules and marry someone of their choosing. As she returns home and finds her family appalled by her kidnapping, she realizes something good may come from the abduction: she can escape life on the farm for good. Five years later, she's now known as Sara when investigator Nick Farrow asks her to help with the missing persons case of another girl--one incredibly similar to Sara's. Reluctantly, Sara returns home, where she must face her darkest fears (and her family) to assist in bringing this girl home.
"Sarabeth had come to think of her time on the farm as a sentence that she had to serve, one with an end date. Now it seemed like she'd have to plan an escape."
I adore Laura McHugh's writing at this point. She's an excellent writer, and this is a great mystery in her deft hands. The religious, almost cult-like aspect of Sarabeth's family seems extremely timely in this era. We see how they narrow her options, forcing her to choose between her family and her own life. Religion and darkness are major themes in this book, with darkness playing not just in the title but across the entire novel. McHugh weaves it in and out of her story--Sara being afraid of the dark, darkness and shadows lurking at every turn. And it's a dark book to read too, even if it has its light moments. Still there's hope here as well.
I loved how Sara was a complicated heroine, with a complex past and many scars. She reminded me of Joanna Schaffhausen's Ellery Hathaway in that sense--a troubled soul who must overcome her own darkness to try to save others. Her interactions with Nick were an excellent respite, and I certainly could see myself reading about these two again.
"A piece of me was still there in Arkansas, but I was gone. No one in my new life knew who I was, what had happened to me, and I wanted to keep it that way."
The book is atmospheric, sucking us into both the deep religious aspect of the Ozarks and the Arkansas countryside. The Arkansas hills seem to play their own role in the book--another character so to speak. This one kept me guessing and even as I worked out some pieces, there were plenty of twists and turns. It's a fairly quick read, but an excellent one. Certainly recommend to mystery fans and those who enjoy a character-driven read.
"Sarabeth had come to think of her time on the farm as a sentence that she had to serve, one with an end date. Now it seemed like she'd have to plan an escape."
I adore Laura McHugh's writing at this point. She's an excellent writer, and this is a great mystery in her deft hands. The religious, almost cult-like aspect of Sarabeth's family seems extremely timely in this era. We see how they narrow her options, forcing her to choose between her family and her own life. Religion and darkness are major themes in this book, with darkness playing not just in the title but across the entire novel. McHugh weaves it in and out of her story--Sara being afraid of the dark, darkness and shadows lurking at every turn. And it's a dark book to read too, even if it has its light moments. Still there's hope here as well.
I loved how Sara was a complicated heroine, with a complex past and many scars. She reminded me of Joanna Schaffhausen's Ellery Hathaway in that sense--a troubled soul who must overcome her own darkness to try to save others. Her interactions with Nick were an excellent respite, and I certainly could see myself reading about these two again.
"A piece of me was still there in Arkansas, but I was gone. No one in my new life knew who I was, what had happened to me, and I wanted to keep it that way."
The book is atmospheric, sucking us into both the deep religious aspect of the Ozarks and the Arkansas countryside. The Arkansas hills seem to play their own role in the book--another character so to speak. This one kept me guessing and even as I worked out some pieces, there were plenty of twists and turns. It's a fairly quick read, but an excellent one. Certainly recommend to mystery fans and those who enjoy a character-driven read.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche in Books
Sep 2, 2021
I am excited to present my first guest review, from my wonderful wife, Kate! Thanks, babe, for your review of this book, the seventh in Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes' series.
When I heard there was going to be another book in the Enola Holmes series, I jumped at the chance and promised my book-loving wife that I would write a guest review. So, here it is! Please accept my apologies ahead of time for the fact that I cannot (and would never dare try to) match the quality and skill that my wife demonstrates in her own book reviews.
Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche, by Nancy Springer, is another book in the growing series following Ms. Enola Holmes, the 15 year old sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes. This book is being released over 10 years after the last published novel, which came out in 2010. The earlier six novels covered the ongoing story of Enola’s (often contentious) relationship with her brothers (Sherlock and Mycroft), as well as brought the reader resolution about Enola’s missing/runaway mother. This new story starts with a Prologue written by none other than Sherlock himself, who provides a summary of these tales, and tells of his earlier encounters with Enola. His introduction even suggests his level of respect for her has improved dramatically. The new story finds the young detective (or Scientific Perditorian, as she has dubbed herself) seeking the whereabouts of Miss Leticia Glover’s twin sister, Flossie. Glover has been told that her sister has died, but the circumstances surrounding Flossie’s death are mysteriously vague. Initially, Glover seeks the assistance of Mr. Sherlock Holmes, but she ends up with the masterful pair of Enola and Sherlock, who are finally working together on a case. The two detectives set out, albeit in opposite directions, to ascertain the fate of the missing twin.
I think the allure of these books for me is the underlying message that Enola is as good as, if not better (or at least cleverer) than her notorious older brother. In the previous stories I enjoyed her ability to reach conclusions before him, even if she was getting there with only a slight edge. This particular story seamlessly continues the message that Enola’s keen mind works in ways that Sherlock’s doesn’t.
I thoroughly enjoyed this seventh book in the Enola Holmes series and hope that the author continues with her story. And, while I do enjoy that Enola and Sherlock have mended their relationship and are able to work together, I hope Enola can still find time to shine on her own. This particular book began with a Prologue from Sherlock, and ended with an Epilogue also penned from his perspective. As these stories are supposed to be Enola’s, it felt wrong for the final word to be coming from someone else. Beyond that, this was an excellent mystery and fun, quick read.
When I heard there was going to be another book in the Enola Holmes series, I jumped at the chance and promised my book-loving wife that I would write a guest review. So, here it is! Please accept my apologies ahead of time for the fact that I cannot (and would never dare try to) match the quality and skill that my wife demonstrates in her own book reviews.
Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche, by Nancy Springer, is another book in the growing series following Ms. Enola Holmes, the 15 year old sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes. This book is being released over 10 years after the last published novel, which came out in 2010. The earlier six novels covered the ongoing story of Enola’s (often contentious) relationship with her brothers (Sherlock and Mycroft), as well as brought the reader resolution about Enola’s missing/runaway mother. This new story starts with a Prologue written by none other than Sherlock himself, who provides a summary of these tales, and tells of his earlier encounters with Enola. His introduction even suggests his level of respect for her has improved dramatically. The new story finds the young detective (or Scientific Perditorian, as she has dubbed herself) seeking the whereabouts of Miss Leticia Glover’s twin sister, Flossie. Glover has been told that her sister has died, but the circumstances surrounding Flossie’s death are mysteriously vague. Initially, Glover seeks the assistance of Mr. Sherlock Holmes, but she ends up with the masterful pair of Enola and Sherlock, who are finally working together on a case. The two detectives set out, albeit in opposite directions, to ascertain the fate of the missing twin.
I think the allure of these books for me is the underlying message that Enola is as good as, if not better (or at least cleverer) than her notorious older brother. In the previous stories I enjoyed her ability to reach conclusions before him, even if she was getting there with only a slight edge. This particular story seamlessly continues the message that Enola’s keen mind works in ways that Sherlock’s doesn’t.
I thoroughly enjoyed this seventh book in the Enola Holmes series and hope that the author continues with her story. And, while I do enjoy that Enola and Sherlock have mended their relationship and are able to work together, I hope Enola can still find time to shine on her own. This particular book began with a Prologue from Sherlock, and ended with an Epilogue also penned from his perspective. As these stories are supposed to be Enola’s, it felt wrong for the final word to be coming from someone else. Beyond that, this was an excellent mystery and fun, quick read.
Verner Latskin (74 KP) rated Deadpool (2016) in Movies
Jul 20, 2017
It's a freaking Deadpool movie (4 more)
Deadpool.
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, arguably the reason he was put on this earth
It's fun, really funny, and appropriately shallow where it should be
The modest budget was very good for this film, forcing (allowing?) a focus on character
It could have been funnier still (1 more)
Not enough Deadpool.
A more than promising start to the only superhero franchise I can really get excited about anymore
After ten plus years of overly serious, dour, and sometimes downright depressing movies about silly people who choose to dress in silly outfits when they fight equally ridiculous "bad guys", we finally got Deadpool. Sure, Guardians of the Galaxy was the first one to take itself not so seriously, and it was genuinely great, but nothing beats the small scale stakes of a guy who just wants really good plastic surgery so his girlfriend will still want to f him. Because that's what Deadpool is, and it's great. It could have perhaps, possibly, still been funnier, as there are several scenes that just felt as if they were missing 'something', but that might be largely due to the fact that we don't get to Deadpool being Deadpool until almost half way through - i know a lot of people would disagree, but for me, the only real problem with "Deadpool" is that there isn't enough Deadpool. But what we get is pretty amazing.
Merissa (12358 KP) rated Hooked on a Witch (Keepers of the Veil #4) in Books
Sep 6, 2017
Hooked on a Witch (Keepers of the Veil #4) by Zoe Forward
Hooked on a Witch is the fourth book in the Keepers of the Veil series, and can be read as a standalone, so long as you don't mind catching up as you go along. Shannon is learning what it is to be a Pleiades Witch, for all that she may not have long to live. During her search for a specific object, she reunites with Merck, a young man she knew from school who she liked. Things move on very quickly as one enemy and another comes after Shannon and Merck, throwing them together even though they decide otherwise.
This is a fast-paced and action-filled book. Shannon is still very nervous about her magic, whilst Merck is completely confident in his. Together, these two help the other, giving them something they didn't realise was missing. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I really hope that I see more of these two, as I would love to see Shannon blossom into her abilities, and to gain confidence as the leader of the Pleiades Witches. With a neat twist at the end, this book was thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a fast-paced and action-filled book. Shannon is still very nervous about her magic, whilst Merck is completely confident in his. Together, these two help the other, giving them something they didn't realise was missing. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I really hope that I see more of these two, as I would love to see Shannon blossom into her abilities, and to gain confidence as the leader of the Pleiades Witches. With a neat twist at the end, this book was thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Steel Justice in Books
May 10, 2018
Michelle is a very adventurous girl. She gets is from her father, Max Steel. When Michelle is invited on the yacht of her father's enemy, Malcolm Microbe, her sense of adventure gets the best of her. She seems something she shouldn't have, and the next thing you know, she and her best friend are missing.
Jasmine Bronson is an investigative reporter in Eden Cove, she fights hard to get the story she wants. Taking on a new job and trying to prove herself, she comes across something that forces her to join up with Max Steel to find Michelle.
Steel Justice was a great book. I will admit that about 1/3 of the way through, I got a little bored and wondered when the adventure was going to come back. At 50% through the end, it was hard to put it down. At the beginning you are introduced to a lot of different characters that make you wonder how all of these people play a part in the disappearance of one girl. So many things going on in this picturesque town in Australia. You're not sure if you want to visit, or steer clear. There are different parts of this story that all come together at the end. You have to stick around for the finale. It's a great story and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Jasmine Bronson is an investigative reporter in Eden Cove, she fights hard to get the story she wants. Taking on a new job and trying to prove herself, she comes across something that forces her to join up with Max Steel to find Michelle.
Steel Justice was a great book. I will admit that about 1/3 of the way through, I got a little bored and wondered when the adventure was going to come back. At 50% through the end, it was hard to put it down. At the beginning you are introduced to a lot of different characters that make you wonder how all of these people play a part in the disappearance of one girl. So many things going on in this picturesque town in Australia. You're not sure if you want to visit, or steer clear. There are different parts of this story that all come together at the end. You have to stick around for the finale. It's a great story and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Spartan Gold (Fargo Adventure, #1) in Books
Apr 17, 2018
Sam and Remi Fargo (1 more)
Adventure involving Wine, Nazis, Spartans, and much more.
Great Book to satisfy the adventure seeker in your soul.
My mother is a Clive Cussler reader, and has been for years... she's been pitching them to me for a long time. I went to see the Dirk Pitt movie with Matthew McConaughey a while back and thought I had no interest in anything Clive Cussler after that.... Turns out, I was missing out.... I've still yet to try a Dirk Pitt novel, but these Fargos are entirely different, and I kinda love them as people, let alone characters. This is the first of the series, and I don't think you need to start with this one, but I thought it was appropriate. I loved all the different locations they go to, and all the different interesting things they do and the puzzles and riddles they solve. It's a very easy read, prefect for the beach, or in my case: Audiobook on the way to and from work. I've now read a few of the books and I enjoy each of them. I'm sad when I've completed each of them knowing I can never read that one again for the first time. but I'm sure I will re-read them again later in life. When I've forgotten enough of them to be surprised again. Are they Perfect? no, are they Fun? yes....
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Deal Breaker (Myron Bolitar #1) in Books
Apr 3, 2019
Myron Bolitar is an accomplished sports agent in New York City. He doesn't have very many clients, and the ones he does have aren't very big names. His newest client, Christian Steele has been signed by the Titans this year, but trouble seems to find Christian around every turn. A year ago, his fiancee went missing and now her father has turned up dead. What is the connection of these two incidents? How can Myron help clear Christian's name and find out what happened to Cathy? With the help of Myron's best friend, Win and his ex-girlfriend Jessica, who also happens to be Cathy's sister, they will get to the bottom of this no matter what they have to do, to get to the truth.
This book is the first in the Myron Bolitar series. We are introduced to Myron and his cohorts and find out about his background. I enjoy a good series and I can't wait to find out more about these characters.
This was a book that kept my attention the whole time. There are times when listening to an audio book that the story gets lost along the way. But not for this one. I found myself wanting to listen and find out what was going to happen next. I definitely didn't see the ending coming. I can't wait to see what Book 2 in the series has in store.
This book is the first in the Myron Bolitar series. We are introduced to Myron and his cohorts and find out about his background. I enjoy a good series and I can't wait to find out more about these characters.
This was a book that kept my attention the whole time. There are times when listening to an audio book that the story gets lost along the way. But not for this one. I found myself wanting to listen and find out what was going to happen next. I definitely didn't see the ending coming. I can't wait to see what Book 2 in the series has in store.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Curious Minds in Books
Apr 10, 2019
Riley Moon works for Blane-Grunwald, a financial company who only handles the most wealthy's accounts. Emerson Knight is one of those clients, and he is an eccentric as they come. When Riley is told to go to his house to discuss his accounts with him, she doesn't know what she is in for. Greeted with all kinds of creatures roaming the property, Emerson isn't thrilled to see Riley instead of Gunter his usual analyst. When Riley explains that Gunter is missing and she is here to take his place, Emerson enlists Riley's help to find Gunter and find out what is really going on at Blane-Grunwald.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book was really interesting, and like true Janet Evanovich fashion, it wasn't short on humor either.
Emerson and Riley discover that the gold being held by Blane-Grunwald is fake. When they make this discovery, they embark on a mission to find out where the gold is and how to get it back. Faced with obstacles all along the way and the Grunwald family with their high positions in the United States Government trying to stop the mission, Emerson and Riley won't stop until they get to the bottom of the issue. They both surprise each other with their determination and strength and together, nothing can bring them down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book was really interesting, and like true Janet Evanovich fashion, it wasn't short on humor either.
Emerson and Riley discover that the gold being held by Blane-Grunwald is fake. When they make this discovery, they embark on a mission to find out where the gold is and how to get it back. Faced with obstacles all along the way and the Grunwald family with their high positions in the United States Government trying to stop the mission, Emerson and Riley won't stop until they get to the bottom of the issue. They both surprise each other with their determination and strength and together, nothing can bring them down.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Fade Away (Myron Bolitar #3) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
Myron Bolitar has a meeting with the President of the Dragons. What he isn't expecting, is to be offered a position on the team. He won't get much playing time, but the underlying issue is that they need him to find another player, Greg Downing. Myron and Greg have known each other for many years, Myron even dated Greg's wife way back when. But Greg is known to disappear, so why is everyone so intent on having Myron locate him now? The reason is one you won't believe.
I have grown to love the characters in the Myron Bolitar series. The adventures they find themselves in are really not something you would expect from a sports agent and a rich guy.
When Greg Downing goes missing at first it's no big deal since this is something he does frequently. But the Dragons are about to go to the playoffs and Greg would never disappear at a time like this. Myron and Win go and take a look at Greg's place, but what they find is very unusual. When the place go back to investigate, the evidence is no longer there. What was Greg involved in? Who knows where Greg is? Why did Greg pick this time to disappear?
Finding out who is behind Greg's disappearance can end up a life or death situation for Myron. Will he find Greg and will he continue with his position on the Dragons?
I have grown to love the characters in the Myron Bolitar series. The adventures they find themselves in are really not something you would expect from a sports agent and a rich guy.
When Greg Downing goes missing at first it's no big deal since this is something he does frequently. But the Dragons are about to go to the playoffs and Greg would never disappear at a time like this. Myron and Win go and take a look at Greg's place, but what they find is very unusual. When the place go back to investigate, the evidence is no longer there. What was Greg involved in? Who knows where Greg is? Why did Greg pick this time to disappear?
Finding out who is behind Greg's disappearance can end up a life or death situation for Myron. Will he find Greg and will he continue with his position on the Dragons?