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Mission: Impossible (1996)
Mission: Impossible (1996)
1996 | Action, Mystery
The first of the Tom Cruise starring M:I films, this is actually a very different piece than some of the later entries with a smaller scale, more personal, threat than the world threatening shenanigans that would follow (note: I quite like some of the later films).

here, we have Tom Cruise's superspy Ethan Hunt on the run and trying to clear his name after being framed for the murder of his entire team (during the bravura opening section), a task that involves the now-iconic 'dangling-form-the-wires' scene when he (and the new team he puts together) has to break into the CIA headquarters in Langley to steal some data - a masterclass in suspense.

Yes, it has aged slightly (it is over 25 years old now, remember!), but still holds up surprisingly well!
  
No Quarter Given
No Quarter Given
Neil Broadfoot | 2022 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
"This is not murder. This is justice."

This is the latest in this series starring Connor Fraser and what a series it is!

No Quarter Given is a dark and gritty read that is not for the feint-hearted. It has some scenes that some may find distressing as they relate to child abuse so be warned, if this is a trigger for you, I would think before picking this up.

Having given that warning, this is intense, well written and fast paced with excellent characters but amongst the violence and tension, there is dark humour and moments of vulnerability for the main character.

This is an excellent addition to the series and thank you to Little, Brown Book Group via NetGalley for giving me the opportunity of reading and sharing my thoughts.
  
One to Die For (Les Petites Morts)
One to Die For (Les Petites Morts)
Arial Burnz | 2011 | Erotica, Paranormal, Romance
8
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
In this short erotic paranormal story, we meet Russell; he's a self-published author with enough money to pay for a clever marketing campaign and to donate to his favourite causes. He lives in a mansion with his childhood friend and makes use of the stories told about him to get what he wants!

This is not a romance story, but it is compelling reading! There is murder, an obsessed crazy woman, journalists, and of course, a vampire. All of this is packed into a steamy bundle of fun.

Well-written, fast-paced, and steamy! Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 16, 2016
  
Then She Vanishes
Then She Vanishes
Claire Douglas | 2019 | Crime, Mystery, Thriller
6
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
83 of 235
Book
Then she Vanishes
By Claire Douglass
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jess and Heather were once best friends - until the night Heather's sister Flora vanished. The night that lies tore their friendship apart.

But years later, when a brutal double murder shakes their childhood town, Jess returns home.

Because the suspect is Heather.

What happened to the girl you used to know?

I’m not sure where I stand with this book. It took me so long to read and not because it was bad because it wasn’t it was a good story but I think it was just a bit drawn out and a bit slow to begin with. The ending was good which is why it’s a 3 and not a 2 star. I’m definitely sitting on the fence with this one.
  
The Family Plot
The Family Plot
Megan Collins | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dahlia Lighthouse and her siblings were all named after various people murdered by serial killers. Her parents are obsessed by true crime, and the children were raised in an isolated island home known as the "Murder Mansion" to the locals. Each sibling left when they received their inheritance, except for Dahlia's twin brother, Andy, who disappeared when they were sixteen. Dahlia's been gone from home for seven years when she reluctantly returns after her father's death. Once home, the family receives some terrible news; someone is already buried in their father's plot: Andy, his skull split with an ax. As Dahlia tries to work through her grief over Andy and attempt to figure out what happened to him, she begins to realize that it may trace back to her island home and her family.

"I have to find out what happened to Andy. Then I have to leave this place for good."

This is a dark thriller that will appeal to true crime fans. The Lighthouse family embodies true crime--home schooled, the kids write reports on various serial killer victims and they perform rituals related to their deaths. The obsession with death and murder runs deep, and it's certainly unsettling at first. Dahlia's mother lost her own parents in a gruesome way, and it's definitely apparent that this family isn't quite right.

The first half of this book was really fascinating for me. Weird yes, but oddly interesting as you get to know this messed up family and all their dark secrets. Dahlia seems like a sister grieving the loss of her twin brother, and you find yourself wanting to know what happened to him. There's certainly a limited pool of suspects (small island) but the book keeps you guessing.

The second half did not seem as strong as the first. The weirdness factor ratchets up to almost unbelievable. Dahlia's older siblings are annoying and too much. The limited pool of subjects becomes almost cloying, suddenly making things seem too obvious as the plot thickens and become a bit too bizarre. Things get incredibly grim at times.

Still, while this is a strange read, overall it's a page-turner and something kept me reading. It's like a trainwreck from which you cannot look away. Collins definitely includes some good points about the bonds of family and people's obsession with crime and murder. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Atria Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
  
The Murder House
The Murder House
James Patterson, David Ellis | 2015 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.5 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
7 Ocean Drive also known as The Murder House, gives Detective Jenna Murphy the creeps. She used to play on the beaches right outside this house when she was little. Since she has been away from Southhampton Township for so long, she can't recall why. When two dead bodies are found in the house, Detective Murphy is on the case to find the killer. The number one suspect, Noah Walker has strong ties to the house and is known for his past crimes. The story behind the house is a good setting for any haunted house, but this house isn't exactly haunted as it is just strange for all the death in encapsulates.

The Murder House is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You get to a point where you think you know what is going to happen next, and chances are you will be wrong. You don't know who to route for to be the bad guy or the good guy. I found myself yelling at the book and gasping on a few occasions because I couldn't believe what was happening. I thought I had it all figured out from the beginning. It's been a while since I've read a James Patterson book where I was wrong about who the killer was going to be. I was really stumped on this one. I was truly immersed in the story. I have always been a big James Patterson fan and this book I will have to say will be one of my favorites. It has everything you want from a good thriller. I always will recommend a book by James Patterson, they are usually quick to read and entertaining, but this one is highly recommended.