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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2423 KP) rated Space Case (Moon Base Alpha #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Dashiell Gibson is one of the first people living on the Moon colony, and he’s found life for the kids to be rather boring. All that changes when one of the residents is found dead outside the base. While everyone thinks it was an accident, Dash is certain it was murder. But can he prove it?
This is a great combination of mystery and science fiction. The setting is realistically done and really adds to the story. The target middle grade audience will love the characters and the humor. Personally, I never saw the ending coming. I can’t wait for the sequel.
You can read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/10/book-review-space-case-by-stuart-gibbs.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a great combination of mystery and science fiction. The setting is realistically done and really adds to the story. The target middle grade audience will love the characters and the humor. Personally, I never saw the ending coming. I can’t wait for the sequel.
You can read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/10/book-review-space-case-by-stuart-gibbs.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2423 KP) rated Bluffing is Murder in Books
Mar 9, 2018
While out for a run, Lauren finds the body of Charles Heard, a man she had publically argued with the previous day. Is local politics involved in his death? Or is something else in play?
The mystery in this one could have been stronger, but I did still enjoy the book. The plot was always moving forward, and the characters are great. Watching the growth between the books makes it even more interesting.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
SECOND NOTE: Tace Baker is actually a pen name for Edith Maxwell and no relation to me.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/11/book-review-bluffing-is-murder-by-tace.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The mystery in this one could have been stronger, but I did still enjoy the book. The plot was always moving forward, and the characters are great. Watching the growth between the books makes it even more interesting.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
SECOND NOTE: Tace Baker is actually a pen name for Edith Maxwell and no relation to me.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/11/book-review-bluffing-is-murder-by-tace.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
Feb 12, 2018
Hard to see past the moustache
Nice-looking and competent new version of the Agatha Christie classic, made in the traditional all-star manner. A bit hard to be gripped by the actual murder-mystery plot, but maybe that's because the twist in this story is so famous it barely qualifies as such any more.
Often looks more like a commercial for a luxury railway touring holiday than an actual thriller, but I suppose the production values are part of the appeal of this sort of film. Ken Branagh is arguably just a little bit hammy as a version of Poirot who appears to have some form of ASD, but he has a certain moral authority. Probably won't rock your world but passes the time nicely enough.
Often looks more like a commercial for a luxury railway touring holiday than an actual thriller, but I suppose the production values are part of the appeal of this sort of film. Ken Branagh is arguably just a little bit hammy as a version of Poirot who appears to have some form of ASD, but he has a certain moral authority. Probably won't rock your world but passes the time nicely enough.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Sharp Objects in TV
Aug 29, 2018
A great slow burner...
... But a shame about the ending! I did really enjoy this drama series. It has a great cast, cinematography and a gripping raw, brutal and haunting storyline. It's a very classy production. Definitely one that centres on character study, the murder mystery side almost taking a back seat. The only reason I can't give it a 9 or 10 the ending and final episode felt kinda rushed with a lot of unanswered questions. A twist that came out of nowhere. You have to watch until the end of the credits for a very quick summing up scene. After the pace of the first 7 episodes it was a slightly disappointing end to a great series.
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated A Fine Year for Murder in Books
Aug 30, 2018
Lauren Carr has brought you another thriller of a story. A Fine Year for Murder is a doozy of a mystery and gut wrenching. No has any ideas that Jessica as seen a family be murdered. When Dallas Walker start talking about a case that see is investing the case called Pine Creek Massacre.
I loved the story and the way it was laid out. Jessica is dealing with nightmares, and things get more intense when something happens to young girls. What is triggering her nightmares? It a book you can not put down once you start to read it. All of Lauren Carr books are like that. She makes you want more and leaves to read her next book.
I loved the story and the way it was laid out. Jessica is dealing with nightmares, and things get more intense when something happens to young girls. What is triggering her nightmares? It a book you can not put down once you start to read it. All of Lauren Carr books are like that. She makes you want more and leaves to read her next book.
Lenard (726 KP) rated John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
John Wick is an existential comedy about a man lost in a battle between the woman he loves and the work he can't leave behind. He transverses a desert landscape that signifies the loneliness he feels inside over abandoning his love. A mysterious stranger sings Roy Orbison while trapezist circle his head. Just kidding, John Wick gets a $14 millions bounty after an unauthorized murder. Every one is out to get him and his friends are given days to reprove their honor. The movie is nonstop action and acidic threats. Given how many time I have had to rethink the film, I realize while it had its small flaws, it is the best possible version of itself--hence the 10 bomb rating.
Shane Crick (5 KP) rated The Eyes of Death in Books
Dec 10, 2018
An entertaining read that will keep your mind racing, trying to figure out whom the Fawn Island killer really Is. You'll engage In the adventures, mishaps, and mayhem that occurs through Stephen Hall's quest of Interviewing and getting to better know the Fawn Island residents. Along with figuring out If Kimball's death was a true accident or pure murder. No one Is as they seem upon Fawn Island and this leads to new Insights, hidden secrets, and the hunt for a killer. Get entwined with a varied cast of characters that will engulf you Into the story and keep you turning the pages until the very end. If your an Agatha Christie fan, this will definitely be a treat for you to enjoy from this author.
David McK (3623 KP) rated Lion in the Valley (Amelia Peabody, #4) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The fourth of Elizabeth Peter's Amelia Peabody series of books, this again sees the Victorian archaeologist return to Egypt, in the company of her husband and precocious son.
As before, they are then caught up in a mystery surrounding a murder as well as the usual romantic entanglements for these novels. This also sees the return of the 'Master Criminal' from the previous books, who is both named (obviously not his real name) and looks like becoming a recurring character in the series as a whole.
I found this to be a diverting enough read, but not up to the standards of the first novel, perhaps due to the fact that I am now familiar with the type of story it is.
As before, they are then caught up in a mystery surrounding a murder as well as the usual romantic entanglements for these novels. This also sees the return of the 'Master Criminal' from the previous books, who is both named (obviously not his real name) and looks like becoming a recurring character in the series as a whole.
I found this to be a diverting enough read, but not up to the standards of the first novel, perhaps due to the fact that I am now familiar with the type of story it is.
Otway93 (580 KP) rated Resident Evil 2: The Board Game: Murder from Above (Expansion) in Tabletop Games
Oct 25, 2019
Pieces (1 more)
Cost
Misleading Packaging (1 more)
Gameplay
A disappointing addition to an excellent game.
"Murder from Above" is one of the poorest expansions of the Resident Evil 2 board game.
It adds very little to the actual gameplay, with only one additional scenario to add to the core game.
In the reasonably large cardboard box filled with non-recyclable plastic, there are only 5 small figures (Giant Moth and 4 Murders of Crows), 3 cards and a sheet of paper with the scenario on...that's it.
But it is also the cheapest expansion to the game costing around £10 compared to the larger expansions that cost £30-40 (but do add more to the game).
A good, but at the same time underwhelming addition.
It adds very little to the actual gameplay, with only one additional scenario to add to the core game.
In the reasonably large cardboard box filled with non-recyclable plastic, there are only 5 small figures (Giant Moth and 4 Murders of Crows), 3 cards and a sheet of paper with the scenario on...that's it.
But it is also the cheapest expansion to the game costing around £10 compared to the larger expansions that cost £30-40 (but do add more to the game).
A good, but at the same time underwhelming addition.
Dork_knight74 (881 KP) rated Wolves at the Door (2016) in Movies
Jul 15, 2019
Not bad
Based on the Sharoin Taste murder by the Mansion family in the late sixties, this movie was pretty good. The acting was well done and the cinematography,while looking like it was made in the eighties(intentionally I think), was decent. If you know your history you'll already know the storyline. They played it out at a good pace and kept it intense. The beginning scene wasn't really necessary but it is what it is. The movie felt kind of like you were watching "The Strangers', with no real sense to the violence, but again, if you know your history you know that was the case with this story at the time. Entertaining enough, this one is worth a watch.