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The Likeness (Dublin Murder Squad, #2)
8.3
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The haunting follow up to the Edgar Award-winning debut In the Woods Tana French astonished...
Halloween Cupcake Murder
Carlene O'Connor, Liz Ireland and Carol J. Perry
8.0
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From Galway, Ireland to Salem, Massachusetts, all the way up to the North Pole, a trio of Halloween...
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Pale Blue Eye (2022) in Movies
Jan 15, 2023
Haunting and Intriguing
An eerie, gothic murder mystery pairing an ingenious Detective with a young Edgar Allan Poe is now streaming on Netflix and is the perfect way to shut out the January winds and hibernate on your couch and get involved in the mystery while sitting in front of a warm, roaring fire (or heat lamp) and your favorite warm (possibly adult) beverage).
Written for the screen (from book by Louis Bayard) and Directed by Scott Cooper (OUT OF THE FURNACE), THE PALE BLUE EYE stars the always good Christian Bale (probably my favorite actor working today) as Civilian Detective Augustus Landor who is summoned to 1830’s West Point Military Academy to solve a murder. He is aided by a young cadet played by Harry Melling (Dudley Dursley in the HARRY POTTER FILMS) who turns out to be none other than Edgar Allan Poe.
Cooper films this movie in shadow and dark brown and yellow tones, giving the 1830’s setting a certain dream-like, dreary quality that underscores the gruesome goings-on happening behind the scenes at the fledgling United States Military Academy. These types of films - and the mood that is permeated throughout - can often be slow slogs and often times bogs down under the weight of it’s own pretentiousness - but Cooper keeps the action moving forward (though at a deliberate pace) often-times mimicking the piecing together of the circumstances that Bale’s character is doing.
Thank goodness Cooper had the good sense to reunite with his OUT OF THE FURNACE star and cast Bale in the lead role. The character of Detective Augustus Landor is dark and brooding - himself still working through the emotions of a tragedy from his past. But he is also thoughtful and deliberate in his detective work and Bale handles these moods…and the pacing of the film…like the pro that he is. If for no other reason, check out THE PALE BLUE EYE (a reference to Poe’s TELL TALE HEART) for Bale’s performance at the center of things.
Fortunately, Bale is aided in this film by a strong ensemble of (mostly) British actors from Toby Jones to Gillian Anderson to Simon McBurney and Timothy Spall - they all bring their considerable talents to lesser roles as suspects and/or witnesses in this “whodunnit”. Cooper also trots out good ol’ (and I do mean old) Robert Duvall for a “blink or you’ll miss it” cameo. The casting works well for this gothic murder mystery.
And then there is Melling as Edgar Allan Poe. He plays Poe as you might expect one to play a young Edgar Allan Poe - as an “odd duck” who is fascinated by macabre scenarios (which would be later found in his storytelling), but Melling gives him an intelligence and gentleness of soul that really works in this case.
The Cinematography of this movie is bleak and dark - as befits a gothic murder mystery - and the pacing is not fast in any sense of the word, but if you click into this world, you’ll be rewarding by an interesting murder mystery that resolves itself in a surprising - and satisfactory - way.
Letter Grade: B+
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Written for the screen (from book by Louis Bayard) and Directed by Scott Cooper (OUT OF THE FURNACE), THE PALE BLUE EYE stars the always good Christian Bale (probably my favorite actor working today) as Civilian Detective Augustus Landor who is summoned to 1830’s West Point Military Academy to solve a murder. He is aided by a young cadet played by Harry Melling (Dudley Dursley in the HARRY POTTER FILMS) who turns out to be none other than Edgar Allan Poe.
Cooper films this movie in shadow and dark brown and yellow tones, giving the 1830’s setting a certain dream-like, dreary quality that underscores the gruesome goings-on happening behind the scenes at the fledgling United States Military Academy. These types of films - and the mood that is permeated throughout - can often be slow slogs and often times bogs down under the weight of it’s own pretentiousness - but Cooper keeps the action moving forward (though at a deliberate pace) often-times mimicking the piecing together of the circumstances that Bale’s character is doing.
Thank goodness Cooper had the good sense to reunite with his OUT OF THE FURNACE star and cast Bale in the lead role. The character of Detective Augustus Landor is dark and brooding - himself still working through the emotions of a tragedy from his past. But he is also thoughtful and deliberate in his detective work and Bale handles these moods…and the pacing of the film…like the pro that he is. If for no other reason, check out THE PALE BLUE EYE (a reference to Poe’s TELL TALE HEART) for Bale’s performance at the center of things.
Fortunately, Bale is aided in this film by a strong ensemble of (mostly) British actors from Toby Jones to Gillian Anderson to Simon McBurney and Timothy Spall - they all bring their considerable talents to lesser roles as suspects and/or witnesses in this “whodunnit”. Cooper also trots out good ol’ (and I do mean old) Robert Duvall for a “blink or you’ll miss it” cameo. The casting works well for this gothic murder mystery.
And then there is Melling as Edgar Allan Poe. He plays Poe as you might expect one to play a young Edgar Allan Poe - as an “odd duck” who is fascinated by macabre scenarios (which would be later found in his storytelling), but Melling gives him an intelligence and gentleness of soul that really works in this case.
The Cinematography of this movie is bleak and dark - as befits a gothic murder mystery - and the pacing is not fast in any sense of the word, but if you click into this world, you’ll be rewarding by an interesting murder mystery that resolves itself in a surprising - and satisfactory - way.
Letter Grade: B+
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2163 KP) rated Artifact (Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
New history professor Jaya Jones is trying to process the death of her ex-boyfriend when she receives a package in the mail from him that contains a bracelet. It looks to be old and possibly valuable. Now, she’s wondering if he really died in an accident like everyone thinks or if it was murder. And what is the story of the bracelet?
While I always enjoy a cozy mystery, I love when an author adds something else, which is the case here. I was hoping for a caper feel to things, and this book delivered on that perfectly. Between the mystery and the treasure hunt, there is always something going on. Along the way, we get to meet a great cast of characters. I’ll definitely be back for more.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-artifact-by-gigi-pandian.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While I always enjoy a cozy mystery, I love when an author adds something else, which is the case here. I was hoping for a caper feel to things, and this book delivered on that perfectly. Between the mystery and the treasure hunt, there is always something going on. Along the way, we get to meet a great cast of characters. I’ll definitely be back for more.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-artifact-by-gigi-pandian.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Cluedo: Sherlock Edition in Tabletop Games
Apr 4, 2018
A great themed version
Cluedo isn't a game for everyone, but if you love Sherlock and mystery games then I'd highly recommend this. Although it's not quite on par with the classic original, it's a great addition.
Theme-wise, Sherlock is obviously a no brainer when it comes to a murder mystery game. It features all of your favourite characters from the show and 9 recognisable and memorable locations from across the series. The weapons stay as standard, which is actually fairly clever to at least keep something in line with the original edition. Even the 'who killed Moriarty' theme is in keeping with the show.
My only issue with this, and in fact every version of Cluedo, is that contrary to the instructions playing it with 2 people is impossible. It's far too easy and boring and really needs more players to make it more exciting.
Theme-wise, Sherlock is obviously a no brainer when it comes to a murder mystery game. It features all of your favourite characters from the show and 9 recognisable and memorable locations from across the series. The weapons stay as standard, which is actually fairly clever to at least keep something in line with the original edition. Even the 'who killed Moriarty' theme is in keeping with the show.
My only issue with this, and in fact every version of Cluedo, is that contrary to the instructions playing it with 2 people is impossible. It's far too easy and boring and really needs more players to make it more exciting.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Let the Dead Speak (Maeve Kerrigan, #7) in Books
Feb 19, 2018
This is the 7th novel in the Maeve Kerrigan series, but only the second one I have read. I have to say that I am really enjoying this series. The characters are very well rounded and realistic, and the procedural aspect of the mystery is detailed enough to make me feel as though I’m right there in the thick of things.
When 18 year old Chloe Emery leaves her father’s house earlier than planned to return home to her mother’s house, she’s greeted with what appears to be the scene of a homicide, but no body. As Maeve and her team dig into the matter, they find more and more suspects, and more people guilty of something, whether to not it be murder, than they know what to do with. The story is suspenseful, deliberately paced, and full of twists. Let the Dead Speak is a must-read for mystery lovers.
When 18 year old Chloe Emery leaves her father’s house earlier than planned to return home to her mother’s house, she’s greeted with what appears to be the scene of a homicide, but no body. As Maeve and her team dig into the matter, they find more and more suspects, and more people guilty of something, whether to not it be murder, than they know what to do with. The story is suspenseful, deliberately paced, and full of twists. Let the Dead Speak is a must-read for mystery lovers.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Class Reunions Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
This, the first book in the Poppy McAllister series, was a five star read for me. Maybe even 6. I loved Poppys continual inner monologue. I loved the way I could actually relate to her. I loved the way she learned to believe in herself. I loved Fig! It was refreshing to have a cat in a cozy series who was so completely self-absorbed and cat-like.
A well-thought-out mystery to top it all off kept me engrossed enough to finish this book in a single sitting. If you enjoy a clever, humorous mystery with a loveable protagonist that you just want good things to happen to, go get yourself a copy of Class Reunions Are Murder. You will not be disappointed.
<i>Note: Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy of the book.</i>
A well-thought-out mystery to top it all off kept me engrossed enough to finish this book in a single sitting. If you enjoy a clever, humorous mystery with a loveable protagonist that you just want good things to happen to, go get yourself a copy of Class Reunions Are Murder. You will not be disappointed.
<i>Note: Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy of the book.</i>
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2163 KP) rated It’s Your Party, Die If You Want To in Books
Apr 13, 2018
Two Parties and a Murder
Party planner Liv McKay is busy with two parties before Halloween, but she’s making time for a retreat for the women business owners of Dixie, Tennessee. However, the first night, the group’s president is found murdered. Morgan Robison wasn’t well liked around town for multiple reasons, not the least of which is her reputation as a husband stealer. But why did she push someone at the retreat too far?
It was great to be back in Dixie with Liv, her best friend Di, and the rest of the characters I met in book one. They are all fun to be with, and I love their various relationships. The suspects are good, although the mystery gets derailed by party planning at times. Despite the weak pacing, there are some good twists and clues, and Liv picks up on the key clues in to time solve the mystery.
It was great to be back in Dixie with Liv, her best friend Di, and the rest of the characters I met in book one. They are all fun to be with, and I love their various relationships. The suspects are good, although the mystery gets derailed by party planning at times. Despite the weak pacing, there are some good twists and clues, and Liv picks up on the key clues in to time solve the mystery.
MoMoBookDiary (20 KP) rated Murder in the morning in Books
Oct 1, 2018
MoMo Book Diary recommends ‘Murder in the Morning’ which is the second of the Melissa Craig cozy mystery series by Betty Rowland.
Having enjoyed the first Melissa Craig instalment I was eager to get into the follow up. I found this instalment, which begins where the previous book concluded, to be more entertaining than the first. However, this could be due to reading them both in order and in the same week – I would definitely suggest reading them in order and together as I did.
Whilst the book focuses on a new crime the characters involved were developed in the first instalment and I assume will continue through the ongoing series.
This series will be enjoyed by those who enjoy Midsomer Murders, Agatha Raisin and Father Brown type of mystery!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Having enjoyed the first Melissa Craig instalment I was eager to get into the follow up. I found this instalment, which begins where the previous book concluded, to be more entertaining than the first. However, this could be due to reading them both in order and in the same week – I would definitely suggest reading them in order and together as I did.
Whilst the book focuses on a new crime the characters involved were developed in the first instalment and I assume will continue through the ongoing series.
This series will be enjoyed by those who enjoy Midsomer Murders, Agatha Raisin and Father Brown type of mystery!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The Crossing
9.3
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Six months ago, Harry Bosch left the LAPD before they could fire him, and then hired maverick...
mystery series