ClareR (6256 KP) rated Death at the Sign of the Rook in Books
Nov 23, 2025
Death at the Sign of the Rook gives a nod to the Golden Age of Agatha Christie I think, with the murder set in a grand country house that’s fighting for survival, by turning part of it into a country hotel.
There are some very Christie-esque characters: an army major, a vicar, a dowager and of course, the sleuth with his sidekick (in the form of Jackson Brodie and DC Reggie Chase).
There’s art theft, people in disguise, secrets, lies and a truly awful Murder Mystery weekend! And Brodie can’t even get away because of the snowstorm!
This is everything I’d hoped for: funny, clever, fast-paced and immersive. I loved how it all came together at the end.
I can’t wait for the next instalment now!
Shady Hollow
5.0
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The first book in the Shady Hollow series, in which we are introduced to the village of Shady...
Candy Canes of Christmas Past
8.0
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Christmas past meets Christmas present in this holiday whodunit set in Tinker’s Cove, Maine,...
Murder at the Marina
8.0
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She's got to solve this-or her friends are sunk . . . Kelly Jackson, manager of the Redwood Cove...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2658 KP) rated Murder by Design in Books
Jun 24, 2026 (Updated Jun 24, 2026)
The set up with these characters provides plenty of opportunities for comedy, and I enjoy much of it, although at times, it didn’t quite land. Still, I enjoyed getting to know them. While Bixby says some stuff he shouldn’t, I actually expected him to be pushing a few more boundaries. And I am ready to move into his house! The mystery kept me entertained, although I did feel the ending was a little weaker than it could be. Overall, I enjoyed this new series and look forward to reading more about these characters.
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
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 (2658 KP) rated Artifact (Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
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 (7800 KP) rated Cluedo: Sherlock Edition in Tabletop Games
Apr 4, 2018
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.