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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Untold: The Daniel Morgan Murder in Podcasts
Jan 5, 2018 (Updated Jan 5, 2018)
A hideous look into the British justice system
Very rarely do we such corruption on a grand scale in the UK, and yet the murder case of Daniel Morgan seems to be symbolic of this. Even after more than 30 years, the case remains 'unsolved', mainly due to underhand deals and lack of fervour to prosecute those responsible.
From corrupt police officers, phone hacking, and eventually murder, Morgan was a private investigator looking into bribery of police officers, some by journalists in the 1980's. For those aware of the phone hacking scandal, it seemed to only get traction and recognition in the last ten years, yet was apparent two decades prior to this. Morgan was found bludgeoned to death in his car, and since then his family have found ample evidence to show widespread cover-ups, and a botched investigation in order to keep the crime underwraps.
Journalist Peter Jukes alongside family members created this podcast to expose the truly horrifying scale of this issue. It is another well-made, engrossing, albeit cautionary tale about how much we can trust our institutions and how much they prop each other up for support. Worth the listen.
From corrupt police officers, phone hacking, and eventually murder, Morgan was a private investigator looking into bribery of police officers, some by journalists in the 1980's. For those aware of the phone hacking scandal, it seemed to only get traction and recognition in the last ten years, yet was apparent two decades prior to this. Morgan was found bludgeoned to death in his car, and since then his family have found ample evidence to show widespread cover-ups, and a botched investigation in order to keep the crime underwraps.
Journalist Peter Jukes alongside family members created this podcast to expose the truly horrifying scale of this issue. It is another well-made, engrossing, albeit cautionary tale about how much we can trust our institutions and how much they prop each other up for support. Worth the listen.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated I am Pilgrim in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Gripping and thrilling
This book is an entirely unexpected revelation. I've seen the good reviews but just assumed it was yet another run of the mill crime/murder mystery thriller (I may have skim read the synopsis), but I couldn't have been more wrong.
It starts off fairly slowly, but a part of the way in I was hooked. Its a gripping and truly thrilling tale of espionage, terrorism and with a little bit of murder mystery thrown in too. Its well written for the most part and Scott/Brodie/Pilgrim is an interesting and likeable main character. The story itself is so detailed and descriptive, you can't doubt any of it and once it gets going, it really progresses at a very quick pace. The fact that it has links to 9/11 too was also very well done and quite emotional.
My only criticisms are some of the actions of Pilgrim are a little dumb or unbelievable at times, especially considering he's meant to be one of the best. But other than that, this is a fantastic, albeit maybe slightly too long, thriller that really keeps you hooked.
It starts off fairly slowly, but a part of the way in I was hooked. Its a gripping and truly thrilling tale of espionage, terrorism and with a little bit of murder mystery thrown in too. Its well written for the most part and Scott/Brodie/Pilgrim is an interesting and likeable main character. The story itself is so detailed and descriptive, you can't doubt any of it and once it gets going, it really progresses at a very quick pace. The fact that it has links to 9/11 too was also very well done and quite emotional.
My only criticisms are some of the actions of Pilgrim are a little dumb or unbelievable at times, especially considering he's meant to be one of the best. But other than that, this is a fantastic, albeit maybe slightly too long, thriller that really keeps you hooked.
Sue (5 KP) rated Lethal Licorice (Amish Candy Shop Mystery, #2) in Books
Apr 23, 2018
Lethal Licorice is the 2nd book in the delightful new Amish Candy Shop Murder series by author Amanda Flower.
What is Bailey King, an “Englisch” chocolatier from Manhattan, doing as a competitor in the Amish Confectionery Competition in tiny Harvest, Ohio? Filling in for her recently deceased grandfather (co-owner of Swissmen Sweets), Bailey finds herself competing against not so friendly or accepting Amish candy makers. When vocal candy maker Josephine Weaver of Berlin puts up a fuss and then is later found dead from a severe allergy to anise (the major ingredient in licorice), Bailey becomes the number one suspect. Following along as Bailey tries to compete and do her grandparents proud while sticking her nose into finding the real murder culprit.
This book is a must read! It has a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a great cast of characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end, then Lethal Licorice needs to be added to your book list.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
What is Bailey King, an “Englisch” chocolatier from Manhattan, doing as a competitor in the Amish Confectionery Competition in tiny Harvest, Ohio? Filling in for her recently deceased grandfather (co-owner of Swissmen Sweets), Bailey finds herself competing against not so friendly or accepting Amish candy makers. When vocal candy maker Josephine Weaver of Berlin puts up a fuss and then is later found dead from a severe allergy to anise (the major ingredient in licorice), Bailey becomes the number one suspect. Following along as Bailey tries to compete and do her grandparents proud while sticking her nose into finding the real murder culprit.
This book is a must read! It has a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a great cast of characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end, then Lethal Licorice needs to be added to your book list.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated Kill and Run in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Laura Carr has really done it again to me. The story had me going from the start of who guessed the murderer. Her written catches you and grabs your attention and keeping entertained and wondering. Murphy some how get on to this murder case by being sent down from NCIS.
How Murphy's stepmother Cameron and his wife Jessica get in the middle of it is beyond it. They start to go from one crime scene to another. Murphy is called in and I wonder what's going to happen to them it is all up in the air. Surprises and twists waiting at every turn of the pages.
You get pulled in and can not be pulled back out. We meet a young girl that is left behind that is connected to five murders in Washington, D.C. Where a murder that happens thirteen years before and what happen to that person come to light. Who is behind it all? Military seems to be hiding something that they seem not to want to come out. You will never be able to figure it out until it all revealed at the end.
How Murphy's stepmother Cameron and his wife Jessica get in the middle of it is beyond it. They start to go from one crime scene to another. Murphy is called in and I wonder what's going to happen to them it is all up in the air. Surprises and twists waiting at every turn of the pages.
You get pulled in and can not be pulled back out. We meet a young girl that is left behind that is connected to five murders in Washington, D.C. Where a murder that happens thirteen years before and what happen to that person come to light. Who is behind it all? Military seems to be hiding something that they seem not to want to come out. You will never be able to figure it out until it all revealed at the end.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Their Little Secret in Books
May 22, 2019
She says she's an ordinary mother.
He knows a liar when he sees one.
Sarah thinks of herself as a normal single mum. It's what she wants others to think of her. But the truth is, she needs something new, something thrilling.
Meanwhile, DI Tom Thorne is investigating a woman's suicide, convinced she was driven to do it by a man who preys on vulnerable women.
A man who is about to change Sarah's life.
Their little secret is actually book 16 featuring Detective Tom Thorne,
This story begins with a suicide. A woman throws herself under a train because she was conned. Although this is not a murder, Thorne still feels the need to investigate. Those around him do not understand but go along with him. Consequently, they have DNA information that links to an actual murder.
This story is told from the viewpoint of two characters and it has loads of twists and turns.
Loved the plot and again so very well written.
I adore the character of Thorne and of course all the supporting ones that reappear.
Highly Recommend!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
He knows a liar when he sees one.
Sarah thinks of herself as a normal single mum. It's what she wants others to think of her. But the truth is, she needs something new, something thrilling.
Meanwhile, DI Tom Thorne is investigating a woman's suicide, convinced she was driven to do it by a man who preys on vulnerable women.
A man who is about to change Sarah's life.
Their little secret is actually book 16 featuring Detective Tom Thorne,
This story begins with a suicide. A woman throws herself under a train because she was conned. Although this is not a murder, Thorne still feels the need to investigate. Those around him do not understand but go along with him. Consequently, they have DNA information that links to an actual murder.
This story is told from the viewpoint of two characters and it has loads of twists and turns.
Loved the plot and again so very well written.
I adore the character of Thorne and of course all the supporting ones that reappear.
Highly Recommend!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 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>.
With the covered bridge festival under way, Charlotte has talked Francine and her husband into a photo shoot to help knock an item off Charlotte’s bucket list. However, when they are almost done, they hear gunshots and see a man run out of a field, slide down under the bridge, and collapse. The man turns out to be Francine’s cousin, and she begins poking around to find out what happened. Can she figure it out?
I loved the first book in this series and I was anxious to revisit the characters. It’s nice to have a group of 60-something women who are still full of life and pursuing their dreams. The murder, while good, does take an interesting twist near the end, and I’m very curious to see just how this factors in to later books in the series. If you are looking for a fun, light cozy that isn’t in the normal mold, this book is definitely for you.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-murder-under-covered-bridge.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I loved the first book in this series and I was anxious to revisit the characters. It’s nice to have a group of 60-something women who are still full of life and pursuing their dreams. The murder, while good, does take an interesting twist near the end, and I’m very curious to see just how this factors in to later books in the series. If you are looking for a fun, light cozy that isn’t in the normal mold, this book is definitely for you.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-murder-under-covered-bridge.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Banana Cream Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen, #21) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The latest murder in Lake Eden doesn’t even wait for Hannah to return from her honeymoon. In fact, Hannah’s mom discovers the body when she hears screaming and gun shots from her neighbor’s condo. Tori, the mayor’s sister, was a Broadway actress before she retired to Lake Eden. She doesn’t have many friends in the area, but she doesn’t have many enemies either. Hannah can’t seem to find anyone with a motive to kill the woman. What is she missing?
Fans of the series will be delighted to find that this book is more of the same. All the characters we love are back. Food talk slows down the mystery early on, but the plot gains momentum as we go along. In fact, I thought it was one of the better mysteries of recent books in the series. Of course, there are lots of recipes. The ending left me intrigued for the next in the series but also very fearful that what I’ve feared for a couple of books now is about to happen.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-banana-cream-pie-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Fans of the series will be delighted to find that this book is more of the same. All the characters we love are back. Food talk slows down the mystery early on, but the plot gains momentum as we go along. In fact, I thought it was one of the better mysteries of recent books in the series. Of course, there are lots of recipes. The ending left me intrigued for the next in the series but also very fearful that what I’ve feared for a couple of books now is about to happen.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-banana-cream-pie-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Pop Goes the Murder (Popcorn Shop Mystery #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
While Rebecca has tried to distance herself from her ex-husband, famed TV chef Antoine, she can’t turn him away when he comes to town to do a segment on her popcorn shop POPS. However, Rebecca’s meeting with Antoine’s assistant Melanie turns into a shock when she finds the woman electrocuted in her bathtub. When the police go from suicide to murder, Rebecca thinks they’ve picked the wrong suspect. Can she find the right one?
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and I was delighted with this one as well. Several of the characters I liked in the first weren’t around much here, but the characters we did see again or meet for the first time or than made up for it. The plot was strong, with plenty of suspects to choose from. I did figure things out a bit early, but that wasn’t an issue since I was having so much fun.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-pop-goes-murder-by-kristi.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and I was delighted with this one as well. Several of the characters I liked in the first weren’t around much here, but the characters we did see again or meet for the first time or than made up for it. The plot was strong, with plenty of suspects to choose from. I did figure things out a bit early, but that wasn’t an issue since I was having so much fun.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-pop-goes-murder-by-kristi.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Dying for a Taste (A Sally Solari Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Sally is shocked to learn that her aunt Letta has been murdered in the restaurant that Letta owns in Santa Cruz. The evidence seems to point to Javier, Letta’s sous chef. Yet Sally doesn’t think he’d murder Letta, so she starts digging into Letta’s life. She uncovered some surprising secrets, but which of them might have gotten Letta murdered?
I really enjoyed this debut. It got off to a bit of a slow start as Sally dealt with the aftermath of having a relative die, but this section does help develop her character and sets up suspects. Once she fully commits to the investigation things pick up. We are introduced to several viable suspects. The story touches on some other issues as well, presenting them in a well-rounded manner and never forgetting that this is a murder mystery, both of which I greatly appreciated. The climax was creative and fun. I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what happens to Sally next.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-dying-for-taste-by-leslie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I really enjoyed this debut. It got off to a bit of a slow start as Sally dealt with the aftermath of having a relative die, but this section does help develop her character and sets up suspects. Once she fully commits to the investigation things pick up. We are introduced to several viable suspects. The story touches on some other issues as well, presenting them in a well-rounded manner and never forgetting that this is a murder mystery, both of which I greatly appreciated. The climax was creative and fun. I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what happens to Sally next.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-dying-for-taste-by-leslie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.