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ClareR (5603 KP) rated The Kompromat Kill (Sean Richardson #2) in Books
May 25, 2019 (Updated May 25, 2019)
In this return to the world of Sean Richardson, we follow him as he tries to turn an Iranian Spy. He gets caught up in a nuclear bomb plot, and learns more about his mother who was also a spy, in the process.
This is all ‘seat of your pants’ stuff - non-stop action from start to finish. I’ve never really been an espionage novel fan, but the first book in this series changed my mind. This book does nothing to dissuade me from my new-found appreciation of the spy novel. The detail is very interesting, the excitement and danger are tangible, and Sean’s moral compass is reassuring. This is quite an emotional novel in places, as he finds out more information about two very important people.
Well worth a read if you like espionage novels, and also worth a read if like me, you’ve never read them and you’re feeling a bit adventurous!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Michael Jenkins for reading along with us!
This is all ‘seat of your pants’ stuff - non-stop action from start to finish. I’ve never really been an espionage novel fan, but the first book in this series changed my mind. This book does nothing to dissuade me from my new-found appreciation of the spy novel. The detail is very interesting, the excitement and danger are tangible, and Sean’s moral compass is reassuring. This is quite an emotional novel in places, as he finds out more information about two very important people.
Well worth a read if you like espionage novels, and also worth a read if like me, you’ve never read them and you’re feeling a bit adventurous!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Michael Jenkins for reading along with us!
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated The Homecoming in Books
May 30, 2019
Dark family thriller - not for the faint hearted
There’s not a lot I want to say about this book plot wise, going into it blind is a real thrill, but the opening hook is:
Following the death of their father siblings Aaron, Franny and Bridge, along with their mother are brought to the Belfountain estate for the reading of his will. It turns out he had a lot more money than they thought but also an odd sense of humour. To get there share of the inheritance they have to stay at Belfountain with no contact with the outside world for 30 days. Sounds crazy but who wouldn’t when there are millions up for grab?
What follows is the ever increasing occurrence of creepy stuff and the realisation that none of them know who their father really was. It’s a very dark suspense tale once it gets going, with some strong horror elements.
By the end I felt I’d just read a great Black Mirror episode, so recommended for fans of that.
Following the death of their father siblings Aaron, Franny and Bridge, along with their mother are brought to the Belfountain estate for the reading of his will. It turns out he had a lot more money than they thought but also an odd sense of humour. To get there share of the inheritance they have to stay at Belfountain with no contact with the outside world for 30 days. Sounds crazy but who wouldn’t when there are millions up for grab?
What follows is the ever increasing occurrence of creepy stuff and the realisation that none of them know who their father really was. It’s a very dark suspense tale once it gets going, with some strong horror elements.
By the end I felt I’d just read a great Black Mirror episode, so recommended for fans of that.
Lenard (726 KP) rated Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) in Movies
Jun 2, 2019
Oh no there goes Boston?
Four years ago, Godzilla awoke and destroyed San Francisco. A small boy was trampled. While the mother worked on a way to communicate with monsters, the father ran away and went into wildlife photography. Now, working for Monarch, the monster hunting secret organization, mom is captured and her Orca device is being used to wake up all the monsters (I refuse to call them Titans). Plot twist: mom wants the monsters to destroy everything so the Earth can rebuild itself. Yes, another ecoterrorist plot. There is also some lesson about symbiosis and invasive species but that is for ecology class. Anyway, a few times, Godzilla shows up just in time to save the puny humans who have tried for 65 years to kill him. Why are all these doctors and professors so dumb in these Godzilla movies? Everything they do leads to another problem like they never consider the consequences of their action if it alleviates the present predicament.
Lilyn G - Sci-Fi & Scary (91 KP) rated Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) in Movies
Jan 31, 2018
Forced humor, cliches, and way too many jokes about male anatomy.
Contains spoilers, click to show
Okay, I'll start by saying that I did legit chuckle a few times watching Jumanji. I can't even recall why at this point, but there was definitely some laughter involved.
What stands out to me though (I watched the movie a few weeks ago) was all the things that annoyed me.
Like the African American kid from what appeared to be upper middle class whose mother made it seem like the team was his only hope of succeeding.
Also, the fact that it's of course the African American character in the game that is the one who loves alcohol and gets plastered without exercising any common sense.
Or, you know, the fact that it was just so funny to see Jack Black overplaying the 'female trapped in a man's body' thing to limp-wristing levels.
This movie could have been so much better than it was. But it was almost painful to watch. I was hoping we were moving past thinking that laughing at this type of crap was a good thing.
What stands out to me though (I watched the movie a few weeks ago) was all the things that annoyed me.
Like the African American kid from what appeared to be upper middle class whose mother made it seem like the team was his only hope of succeeding.
Also, the fact that it's of course the African American character in the game that is the one who loves alcohol and gets plastered without exercising any common sense.
Or, you know, the fact that it was just so funny to see Jack Black overplaying the 'female trapped in a man's body' thing to limp-wristing levels.
This movie could have been so much better than it was. But it was almost painful to watch. I was hoping we were moving past thinking that laughing at this type of crap was a good thing.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Florida in Books
Jan 17, 2018
Wonderful short stories, despite disjointed flow
For those who are unfamiliar of the landscape and society of Florida, Lauren Groff's collection of stories is enticing and varied. Ranging from the usual depictions of alligators, to the atypical descriptions of those who just want to get away, Groff attempts to show the various characters found in the sweltering heat and stormy climes of southern USA.
I particularly enjoyed the story of the mother who takes her two young sons to France to escape the tropical summers and her restless life. It is detailed and you get a sense of her edginess throughout, worried that something may happen to her children or to have an unpleasant encounter with their overbearing landlord.
My only gripe would be that because each story is not clearly signposted, the flow of the stories become confusing and it takes a minute to realise you've begun a whole new chapter. It is a bit jarring, so shorter stories became completely unmemorable as a result. However, it is a pleasant read overall, I enjoyed her writing style.
I particularly enjoyed the story of the mother who takes her two young sons to France to escape the tropical summers and her restless life. It is detailed and you get a sense of her edginess throughout, worried that something may happen to her children or to have an unpleasant encounter with their overbearing landlord.
My only gripe would be that because each story is not clearly signposted, the flow of the stories become confusing and it takes a minute to realise you've begun a whole new chapter. It is a bit jarring, so shorter stories became completely unmemorable as a result. However, it is a pleasant read overall, I enjoyed her writing style.
Maddi Zoe (6 KP) rated Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) in Movies
Feb 8, 2018
Casting (2 more)
Storyline
Dark humour
Simply brilliant
Contains spoilers, click to show
Martin McDonagh has delivered an amazing screenplay, with amazing direction. It is dark humour, which is not for everyone, but the dramatic storyline should still please movie lovers.
Frances McDormand is amazing as the mother of a girl who was raped and murdered. The story is poignant, very in your face and heart wrenching at times.
With supporting performances from Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell who are also amazing, it's no surprise it won Best Drama Motion Picture at the Golden Globes.
*Spoilers ahead*
The only disappointing thing is that we spend the whole movie hoping with all the characters that we will find the killer, and at one point we think we have found him. But I heard the audience collectively groan in disappointment when it wasn't him. And it was a disappointing ending to not get closure on the case.
But having said that, it is a style that McDonagh often goes with.
Frances McDormand is amazing as the mother of a girl who was raped and murdered. The story is poignant, very in your face and heart wrenching at times.
With supporting performances from Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell who are also amazing, it's no surprise it won Best Drama Motion Picture at the Golden Globes.
*Spoilers ahead*
The only disappointing thing is that we spend the whole movie hoping with all the characters that we will find the killer, and at one point we think we have found him. But I heard the audience collectively groan in disappointment when it wasn't him. And it was a disappointing ending to not get closure on the case.
But having said that, it is a style that McDonagh often goes with.
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Rocking Kin (The Lucy & Harris Novella Series Book 3) in Books
Jan 31, 2018
Another fabulous book from Terri Anne Browning!
Another fabulous book from Terri Anne Browning! I've missed a bunch of this series and man I've got to get caught up!? Every one of her books sucks me in from page one and Rocking Kin was no different! Kin is struggling after the loss of her mother, having promised to move in with her Father, a man who has been non-existent in her life until now. Moved across the country, away from the only family she knows and loves, finding herself in a house she'll never consider home, surrounded by people who are family by name alone... Thankfully she meets Lucy, her new best friend and until Jace, a ghost from her past comes back into the picture, everything seemed manageable. But now he's back and her heart can't take another hit.... Fabulous rocker series & author, incredibly beautiful story, I couldn't help but fall in love with everyone of these characters. HIGHLY recommended book, series & author!!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Mulch Ado About Murder (Local Foods Mystery, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Cam Flaherty is helping new hydroponics farmer, Nicole, by starting a few plants for her. She’s dropping off a few of those plants when she finds Nicole dead in her greenhouse. The police question those protesting Nicole’s hydroponic methods, including Cam’s visiting mother, Deb. Deb is clearly hiding something from the police. Will it get her arrested for murder?
I hadn’t realized how much I had come to love these characters until I was visiting them again. They are wonderful, and I enjoyed getting to catch up on their lives. We’ve gotten to see a lot of growth in Cam over the course of the series, and watching her interact with her parents provides an opportunity for more. And the mystery? It starts quickly and moves along at a brisk pace with plenty of secrets and suspects before we reach the climax.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-mulch-ado-about-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I hadn’t realized how much I had come to love these characters until I was visiting them again. They are wonderful, and I enjoyed getting to catch up on their lives. We’ve gotten to see a lot of growth in Cam over the course of the series, and watching her interact with her parents provides an opportunity for more. And the mystery? It starts quickly and moves along at a brisk pace with plenty of secrets and suspects before we reach the climax.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-mulch-ado-about-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Destination wedding planner Kelsey McKenna thinks she’s seen everything at a wedding. That’s why, when one of the bridesmaids collapses at the end of the ceremony she thinks the woman is just hung over. Imagine her surprise when she realizes that Dana is dead. When the police arrest the bride’s sister for the crime, the mother of the bride insists that Kelsey has a duty to free her younger daughter. Can Kelsey figure out who the killer is?
I feel in love with this book in the very first chapter, and I was not at all disappointed as I kept reading. The plot is fast paced with plenty of twists along the way to a surprising yet logical conclusion. The characters are sharp. A few are a tad over the top, but that adds to the fun and humor of the mystery. I will definitely be attending Kelsey’s future weddings.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-terror-in-taffeta-by-marla.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I feel in love with this book in the very first chapter, and I was not at all disappointed as I kept reading. The plot is fast paced with plenty of twists along the way to a surprising yet logical conclusion. The characters are sharp. A few are a tad over the top, but that adds to the fun and humor of the mystery. I will definitely be attending Kelsey’s future weddings.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-terror-in-taffeta-by-marla.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Nineteen Minutes in Books
Feb 13, 2018
I know a lot of people call Picoult formulaic, but I can't help it -- call me a fan of the formula. This book is reminiscent of such Picoult classics as <i>The Pact</i> and <i>Salem Falls</i> in that it features a classic courtroom drama with a big surprise at the end.
And sure, maybe you can guess the surprise, maybe you know what's coming, but, to me, it doesn't stop the joy of reading along to find out whether you're right or not. I couldn't put this one down.
Story centers around a small town high school -- a student regularly bullied and victimized by his peers brings a gun to school and kills and injures a number of his classmates. The story is told from a variety of perspectives, including the shooter, his mother, the town judge, the judge's daughter (a high school student), and the detective on the case. Picoult does a find job of weaving all their stories together as the book comes to its inevitable shocking conclusion.
And sure, maybe you can guess the surprise, maybe you know what's coming, but, to me, it doesn't stop the joy of reading along to find out whether you're right or not. I couldn't put this one down.
Story centers around a small town high school -- a student regularly bullied and victimized by his peers brings a gun to school and kills and injures a number of his classmates. The story is told from a variety of perspectives, including the shooter, his mother, the town judge, the judge's daughter (a high school student), and the detective on the case. Picoult does a find job of weaving all their stories together as the book comes to its inevitable shocking conclusion.