Search
Search results
Awix (3310 KP) rated Star Trek VI - The Undiscovered Country (1991) in Movies
Feb 12, 2018 (Updated Feb 12, 2018)
One last spin around the Alpha Quadrant for the original crew before they're dispatched to the Starfleet equivalent of a retirement home: the Klingon version of Chernobyl blows up, forcing the bumpy-headed ones to enter peace talks with the Federation; Klingon Gorbachev gets offed and Kirk and McCoy are framed for the murder.
As you can probably tell I've always felt this particular Trek movie to be rather over-rated; it deals with issues of racism and xenophobia but never goes dark enough to properly do them justice. Dramatically it would have been much more interesting if one of the regular characters had turned out to be a traitor, but the Trekkies would have gone berserk (to say nothing of the actor, I expect). Ambles along pleasantly enough, in the end: the studio's insistence on including as many jokes as possible continues to plague the series, and the political allegories are simplistic. Christopher Plummer has fun chewing the scenery as a Shakespeare-loving Klingon warrior.
As you can probably tell I've always felt this particular Trek movie to be rather over-rated; it deals with issues of racism and xenophobia but never goes dark enough to properly do them justice. Dramatically it would have been much more interesting if one of the regular characters had turned out to be a traitor, but the Trekkies would have gone berserk (to say nothing of the actor, I expect). Ambles along pleasantly enough, in the end: the studio's insistence on including as many jokes as possible continues to plague the series, and the political allegories are simplistic. Christopher Plummer has fun chewing the scenery as a Shakespeare-loving Klingon warrior.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Pirate Vishnu in Books
Jul 27, 2018
Jaya’s Second Treasure Hunt Hits Close to Home
Jaya Jones has yet to live down the fame of her first treasure hunt when a man walks into her office with a second treasure map. This one appears to have the location of a treasure in San Francisco, but it’s the connection to Jaya’s family that peaks her interest. The map was drawn by her great-granduncle. A dead body only complicates Jaya’s quest. Can she stay alive long enough to learn what is going on?
I always enjoy finding a twist on the murder mystery theme, and this is a good one. The treasure hunt is as important as figuring out who the killer is, and between the two, the pages fly by. The twists get bigger the further into the book we get. I did think one stretched believability just a bit, but it was a minor deal. The characters are strong, and I’m curious where the complications in Jaya’s love life will go.
I always enjoy finding a twist on the murder mystery theme, and this is a good one. The treasure hunt is as important as figuring out who the killer is, and between the two, the pages fly by. The twists get bigger the further into the book we get. I did think one stretched believability just a bit, but it was a minor deal. The characters are strong, and I’m curious where the complications in Jaya’s love life will go.
Sue (5 KP) rated Vlad-Handing (Silver Hills Cozy Mysteries, #5) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Vlad-Handing is book 5 in the Silver Hills Cozy Mystery series. It is set in a singles/retirement residency (think 55 and older) filled with an eccentric cast of characters. This time around, Flo and Agnes find themselves trying to prove that manager Vlad Newsome, who many consider a reprehensible creature of the night, is innocent of murder. The only problem is that these ladies are a not 100% sure that Vlad isn’t the murderer.
Flo and Agnes are two ladies that you would love to call your friends. They are laugh out loud funny adding comedy to a terrific cozy mystery that will have you in stitches until the end. I highly suggest starting out with book 1 Dose Vidanya and reading the books in order. While these books can be read stand alone, the cast of characters build as each book in the series continues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Flo and Agnes are two ladies that you would love to call your friends. They are laugh out loud funny adding comedy to a terrific cozy mystery that will have you in stitches until the end. I highly suggest starting out with book 1 Dose Vidanya and reading the books in order. While these books can be read stand alone, the cast of characters build as each book in the series continues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sue (5 KP) rated I Know What You Bid Last Summer (Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery #5) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Sarah Winston, a garage sale expert, knows how to run a successful garage sale and has made a business out of it. As part of a charity event, Sarah volunteers her expertise and agrees to manage an athletic equipment swap. While preparing the event, she is knocked out by a would-be robber and then the day of the event discovers the dead body of the local superintendent.
Sarah becomes an amateur detective and compiles a list of murder suspects that all seem to be other members of the school board. With her quick wit and sleuthing talents, Sarah must find the killer before the killer makes her another item for the dumpster.
This book is more than a charming cozy mystery; the author gives you inside tips into the world of garage sale selling and buying. The mystery, suspense, and moments of comedy keep you interested, while you try to guess who the culprit is.
Sarah becomes an amateur detective and compiles a list of murder suspects that all seem to be other members of the school board. With her quick wit and sleuthing talents, Sarah must find the killer before the killer makes her another item for the dumpster.
This book is more than a charming cozy mystery; the author gives you inside tips into the world of garage sale selling and buying. The mystery, suspense, and moments of comedy keep you interested, while you try to guess who the culprit is.
Sue (5 KP) rated Death on the Menu in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Hayley Snow is a food critic for Key Zest magazine and also assists her mom at a catering business. When a bid is won for a catering job for a high profile 3-day Cuban event, Hayley once more finds herself knee-deep in murder.
Just as the flan is being served during the event, Hemingway’s Nobel prize gold medal is discovered missing from its case and the new busboy Gabriel is found stabbed to death in a storeroom. Gabriel’s family wants answers, so Hayley puts on her sleuthing cap to figure out who amongst the long list of suspects wanted Gabriel dead. Why was he murdered and what does it have to do with the missing gold medal?
Lucy Burdette weaves a wonderful mystery which includes a female lead with a flair for solving murders, a supporting case of fun & quirky characters, a great mix of possible suspects, and lots of twists and turns until you finally discover whodunnit.
Just as the flan is being served during the event, Hemingway’s Nobel prize gold medal is discovered missing from its case and the new busboy Gabriel is found stabbed to death in a storeroom. Gabriel’s family wants answers, so Hayley puts on her sleuthing cap to figure out who amongst the long list of suspects wanted Gabriel dead. Why was he murdered and what does it have to do with the missing gold medal?
Lucy Burdette weaves a wonderful mystery which includes a female lead with a flair for solving murders, a supporting case of fun & quirky characters, a great mix of possible suspects, and lots of twists and turns until you finally discover whodunnit.
ClareR (5674 KP) rated The Wanderer in Books
Nov 21, 2018 (Updated Nov 21, 2018)
Icelandic not-so noir
Does no one tell the truth to the police anymore? Even if they’re innocent?!
It seems that everyone wants to keep their secrets to themselves in this book, even if they think the information might relate to the murder of an Italian tourist. A camera crew, who are filming a documentary about Gudrid the Wanderer in Iceland, find her body outside a church where they’re filming. Magnus Jonson is in charge of the police investigation.
I really enjoyed the references to the Icelandic Sagas (I’ve now got a book of them on my Christmas list!), and Magnus seems to be a very nice police officer! Everyone else appears to just be looking out for themselves, to the detriment of everyone else.
Great story though! This is the fifth in a series, I haven’t read the others, and I don’t think it actually matters story-wise. I would very much like to read the others though!!
It seems that everyone wants to keep their secrets to themselves in this book, even if they think the information might relate to the murder of an Italian tourist. A camera crew, who are filming a documentary about Gudrid the Wanderer in Iceland, find her body outside a church where they’re filming. Magnus Jonson is in charge of the police investigation.
I really enjoyed the references to the Icelandic Sagas (I’ve now got a book of them on my Christmas list!), and Magnus seems to be a very nice police officer! Everyone else appears to just be looking out for themselves, to the detriment of everyone else.
Great story though! This is the fifth in a series, I haven’t read the others, and I don’t think it actually matters story-wise. I would very much like to read the others though!!
ClareR (5674 KP) rated Fables: Volume 1: Legends in Exile in Books
Jan 5, 2019
An interesting take on fairy tales!
I kept seeing this series being recommended, and I eventually managed to convince my husband to buy it for me for Christmas. I'm glad he did - I loved it!
The Adversary has forced the Fairy Tales out of their homelands and those who have survived now live in New York. They have their own government, and they are hiding from the general population in plain sight.
We join the Big Bad Wolf (who looks human - of course) as he investigates the murder of Rose Red. Other fairytale characters are featured during the course of Wolf's investigation: Snow White, Prince Charming (who is a sleaze ball!), Jack and loads of other characters. I can see the basis of the other comics emerging in this first one, and I really liked the bits at the end: short cartoons and stories about the battles with the Adversary and the Fairytales' escapes. Really good stuff!!
The Adversary has forced the Fairy Tales out of their homelands and those who have survived now live in New York. They have their own government, and they are hiding from the general population in plain sight.
We join the Big Bad Wolf (who looks human - of course) as he investigates the murder of Rose Red. Other fairytale characters are featured during the course of Wolf's investigation: Snow White, Prince Charming (who is a sleaze ball!), Jack and loads of other characters. I can see the basis of the other comics emerging in this first one, and I really liked the bits at the end: short cartoons and stories about the battles with the Adversary and the Fairytales' escapes. Really good stuff!!
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Bluff in Books
Dec 11, 2018
A fun romp.
This book was so much fun, and made me wonder why I hadn't read any previous titles written by this author. It's almost like Jackie Collins Lite. A fun, fast-paced read during which the reader does not need to expend extra brain power to figure things out, Bluff begins with the high-society murder of the century, and takes you on a rollicking ride with Maud Warner, Jean Sunderland and Danya, and various other quirky characters who help to flesh out the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style. The story came together pretty seamlessly. There were several small reveals throughout the story, delivered in such a way that they didn't seem like reveals. One of them had me practically cheering out loud - hell yes, ladies!
While I do wish there had been more poker involved, the poker scenes that are included are well done and interesting.
Thank you to Bookish First and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital ARE!
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style. The story came together pretty seamlessly. There were several small reveals throughout the story, delivered in such a way that they didn't seem like reveals. One of them had me practically cheering out loud - hell yes, ladies!
While I do wish there had been more poker involved, the poker scenes that are included are well done and interesting.
Thank you to Bookish First and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital ARE!
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Hudson's Kill in Books
Oct 25, 2019
Hudson's Kill
If you have seen Gangs of New York then you know the period this novel is set. This book is completely immersive, Hirsch has done an incredible amount of research, to the language used, the the style of buildings. I often felt myself drawn into the period, even dreaming about the city in my sleep, his descriptions become so vivid. Hudson's Kill has pretty much got a bit of everything for everyone. It's a thriller, it's a murder mystery, it's a political and corruption rollercoaster, it's full of action, it has heroes , villains and enough in every page to keep you turning. All this and written in a way that is very easy and absorbing. Hirsch is a master and it is very hard to believe this is only his second novel. Hudson's Kill deserves to be celebrated and loved, a rare book that will delight so many and deserves to be read. 4/5
Andrew Kennedy (199 KP) rated Deadly Detention (2017) in Movies
Jul 16, 2019
Yes this seems to have a Breakfast Club does horror vibe to it but it's more Dawson's Creek, if Dawson's Creeks writing went downhill and they did murder.
The acting is questionable for a movie but be perfect for a TV teen drama, the plot is paper thin but it's the ridiculous set up I have the biggest problem with.
So a bunch of stereotypes, I'm sorry I mean kids turn up on Saturday for detention but due to, I kid you not, a rabid possum incident at the school they are having detention in a former prison. WTF?!? Are rabid possums a big problem in America? Why are they using a prison? Surely there must be other schools.
So teacher is killed, kids are left with a psycho who wants something.
Murders occur off screen, very little blood and very little scare factor.
Yet somehow I started to enjoy the characters interactions with each other.
More Dawson's Creek then Wolf Creek
The acting is questionable for a movie but be perfect for a TV teen drama, the plot is paper thin but it's the ridiculous set up I have the biggest problem with.
So a bunch of stereotypes, I'm sorry I mean kids turn up on Saturday for detention but due to, I kid you not, a rabid possum incident at the school they are having detention in a former prison. WTF?!? Are rabid possums a big problem in America? Why are they using a prison? Surely there must be other schools.
So teacher is killed, kids are left with a psycho who wants something.
Murders occur off screen, very little blood and very little scare factor.
Yet somehow I started to enjoy the characters interactions with each other.
More Dawson's Creek then Wolf Creek