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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2377 KP) rated Shadow Of Doubt (The Carol Childs Mysteries, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Carol Childs is making a career change to reporter for a talk radio station in Los Angeles, and she jumps on any scoop she can get. Which is why she uses her relationship with her neighbor Samantha to get inside scoop on the death of Sam’s aunt Pepper Millhouse, one of Hollywood’s top agents. However, when what appeared to be an accident looks like murder, Carol begins to wonder if she is in over her head. Can she use her insider status to uncover the truth?
I really enjoyed this debut. It starts strong and never lags as we go from one twist to another until we reach the ending. Along the way, we get to know the cast of characters, all of whom come across as developed here. I did find one character, a psychic, more annoying than entertaining. Additionally, the book had several handfuls of typos scattered throughout the book, which annoyed me. Still, both of these were minor, and I will be reading about Carol’s further adventures soon.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-shadow-of-doubt-by-nancy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I really enjoyed this debut. It starts strong and never lags as we go from one twist to another until we reach the ending. Along the way, we get to know the cast of characters, all of whom come across as developed here. I did find one character, a psychic, more annoying than entertaining. Additionally, the book had several handfuls of typos scattered throughout the book, which annoyed me. Still, both of these were minor, and I will be reading about Carol’s further adventures soon.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-shadow-of-doubt-by-nancy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I very much enjoyed this novel. The story was so fresh and different than what I have been reading recently. Plus, it's a standalone!!
I enjoyed how Mead attempts to put words to gaining the ability of hearing after coming from a society that has been deaf for centuries. It explored how a person would be able to deal with suddenly being able to hear out of nowhere.
Though I enjoyed this novel, it was not my favorite of hers. There were moments, especially at the end, that I would have liked to see expanded and explained more. I felt like there wasn't enough build up to it for the ending she gave it. It was very reminiscent of a fairy tale where everything gets resolved very quickly.
I wished that more of the magical aspects that were introduced into the story were both introduced earlier and worked into the story more.
That being said, I loved the relationships between the characters, especially between the two sisters. Fei's relationship with Li Wei could have been built up and explained a bit more, thought.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but, like I said, it wasn't my favorite.
I enjoyed how Mead attempts to put words to gaining the ability of hearing after coming from a society that has been deaf for centuries. It explored how a person would be able to deal with suddenly being able to hear out of nowhere.
Though I enjoyed this novel, it was not my favorite of hers. There were moments, especially at the end, that I would have liked to see expanded and explained more. I felt like there wasn't enough build up to it for the ending she gave it. It was very reminiscent of a fairy tale where everything gets resolved very quickly.
I wished that more of the magical aspects that were introduced into the story were both introduced earlier and worked into the story more.
That being said, I loved the relationships between the characters, especially between the two sisters. Fei's relationship with Li Wei could have been built up and explained a bit more, thought.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but, like I said, it wasn't my favorite.
Awix (3310 KP) rated She (1965) in Movies
Feb 24, 2018
Blue Flame Blues
Well-remembered Hammer fantasy has lavish production values, thoughtful script, terrific cast. World-weary explorers find themselves drawn to lost city in the mountains of North Africa, where they find a living legend and a blue flame with the power to grant immortality.
Obviously, you have to overlook the fact that the ancient Egyptian queen looks and sounds so Swiss, but apart from that there is a lot to enjoy here, although it is probably all a bit unreconstructed by modern standards (the whiter and blonder you are, the more important and beautiful). Peter Cushing does the business, as usual; Christopher Lee doesn't get enough to do. The main problem is that the film's central relationship (between Richardson and Andress) is just terribly tepid and not dramatic enough to power the second half of the film; as a result this is one of those movies that starts very strongly but discovers that the lost city is worth seeing, but not really worth the trouble of going to see. Probably still worth a look, overall, if 60s fantasy films are your cup of tea.
Obviously, you have to overlook the fact that the ancient Egyptian queen looks and sounds so Swiss, but apart from that there is a lot to enjoy here, although it is probably all a bit unreconstructed by modern standards (the whiter and blonder you are, the more important and beautiful). Peter Cushing does the business, as usual; Christopher Lee doesn't get enough to do. The main problem is that the film's central relationship (between Richardson and Andress) is just terribly tepid and not dramatic enough to power the second half of the film; as a result this is one of those movies that starts very strongly but discovers that the lost city is worth seeing, but not really worth the trouble of going to see. Probably still worth a look, overall, if 60s fantasy films are your cup of tea.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Redemption Point (Crimson Lake #2) in Books
Mar 11, 2018
This is a sequel to Crimson Lake; a book I gave 4 stars; this one also gets 4 stars. I really recommend you read Crimson Lake before reading this otherwise you will not get the really important background to the 2 main characters, Ted and Amanda and, I feel, that is essential to get everything out of this story and an understanding of these 2 very different and intriguing characters.
The story has 2 main facets. The first being the murder of two young people and the second of Ted's attempts to clear his name of the violent attack on a young girl. Both parts fit together really well as does the unlikely partnership of Ted and Amanda and the relationship between Ted and his geese!
Well written; funny and sad with a story that will make you shout at it at times and laugh out loud at others, Redemption Point and its predecessor are books I'm glad I didn't miss out on and I would highly recommend.
Thanks go to Ellie Gibbons, Marketing Manager at Cornerstone - Penguin Random House UK and the author, Candice Fox for my copy in return for an honest review.
The story has 2 main facets. The first being the murder of two young people and the second of Ted's attempts to clear his name of the violent attack on a young girl. Both parts fit together really well as does the unlikely partnership of Ted and Amanda and the relationship between Ted and his geese!
Well written; funny and sad with a story that will make you shout at it at times and laugh out loud at others, Redemption Point and its predecessor are books I'm glad I didn't miss out on and I would highly recommend.
Thanks go to Ellie Gibbons, Marketing Manager at Cornerstone - Penguin Random House UK and the author, Candice Fox for my copy in return for an honest review.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Body Finder (The Body Finder, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
Okay, so I didn't fall in love with this book right away. For awhile, I thought I was going to rate the book 2, maybe 3 stars. However, about 2/3 of the way into the book, it became really good, and it definitely got boosted to 4 stars.
I loved, loved, loved the relationship between Jay & Violet. I thought it was really sweet =) I loved how protective he was of her, not in the "she's a girl so she can't take care of herself" way but because he genuinely cared for her.
The character of Chelsea made me laugh. I loved her sarcasm =)
It did have a hint of Mean Girls in it though. The character of Claire reminded me a lot of Amanda Seyfried's character in the film. And there is the mention of a Queen Bee.
I loved the plot as well. I've never read anything like it. I like the way the author brought together the elements of suspense, crime, romance, and paranormal. They all blended very well.
I'd definitely recommend this book. It does take a long time to get going, as I've said before, but once it does, it definitely drags you in!
I loved, loved, loved the relationship between Jay & Violet. I thought it was really sweet =) I loved how protective he was of her, not in the "she's a girl so she can't take care of herself" way but because he genuinely cared for her.
The character of Chelsea made me laugh. I loved her sarcasm =)
It did have a hint of Mean Girls in it though. The character of Claire reminded me a lot of Amanda Seyfried's character in the film. And there is the mention of a Queen Bee.
I loved the plot as well. I've never read anything like it. I like the way the author brought together the elements of suspense, crime, romance, and paranormal. They all blended very well.
I'd definitely recommend this book. It does take a long time to get going, as I've said before, but once it does, it definitely drags you in!
Gail (4 KP) rated Havoc (A Silent Sons MC #2) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Havoc by Ambere Sabo
Five Stars
Havoc was an intriguing read. I found myself sad and ready to defend him at every turn. Angel was so feisty and stubborn. They made an interesting pair. I felt bad for Havoc when his sister turned to Gunner over him. But on the other hand he left on a man hunt to find their father not thinking of the other people who cared about him. Bikers always fascinated me the loyalty they have for each other and the lengths they go to protect their families. The visuals the author gave painted a clear picture of a young man wishing to free his family from the pain and stress his father brought upon them. You get a clear picture of how fierce and scared Angel was through out the whole story. Their relationship was hot and short but I guess once you know what you want you go for it and don’t let it go. Havoc was really just a soft teddy bear inside with the means to kill and protect all those he loved. The perfect blend of alpha male and sensitive.
Five Stars
Havoc was an intriguing read. I found myself sad and ready to defend him at every turn. Angel was so feisty and stubborn. They made an interesting pair. I felt bad for Havoc when his sister turned to Gunner over him. But on the other hand he left on a man hunt to find their father not thinking of the other people who cared about him. Bikers always fascinated me the loyalty they have for each other and the lengths they go to protect their families. The visuals the author gave painted a clear picture of a young man wishing to free his family from the pain and stress his father brought upon them. You get a clear picture of how fierce and scared Angel was through out the whole story. Their relationship was hot and short but I guess once you know what you want you go for it and don’t let it go. Havoc was really just a soft teddy bear inside with the means to kill and protect all those he loved. The perfect blend of alpha male and sensitive.
Gail (4 KP) rated Only (Alex Conner Chronicles, #3) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Only: The Alex Connor Chronicles book 3
Four stars
This was an interesting read. Different in a good way. I was confused some what when the scenes changed. But it didn’t take too much away from my enjoyment of this book. I recommend reading the first two books first. I didn’t think about that when I started reading this book. So I was a little lost in the beginning. It’s a lot at first when you just jump right in but I liked it without the knowing the back story. The author offered US something unique and compelling. If you’re interested in other world reading and magic this is a good series for that. Alex is a strong character who is scared to be soft and scared at times. But when it was needed her back was made of steel. I will go back to read the first two books because I would like to know what happened to Justin. Her relationship with Valant is intriguing also. Then there is Ryan. Can you say oh la la. Definitely a series worth picking up to give a try. The authors style was smooth and had a very good dialogue.
Four stars
This was an interesting read. Different in a good way. I was confused some what when the scenes changed. But it didn’t take too much away from my enjoyment of this book. I recommend reading the first two books first. I didn’t think about that when I started reading this book. So I was a little lost in the beginning. It’s a lot at first when you just jump right in but I liked it without the knowing the back story. The author offered US something unique and compelling. If you’re interested in other world reading and magic this is a good series for that. Alex is a strong character who is scared to be soft and scared at times. But when it was needed her back was made of steel. I will go back to read the first two books because I would like to know what happened to Justin. Her relationship with Valant is intriguing also. Then there is Ryan. Can you say oh la la. Definitely a series worth picking up to give a try. The authors style was smooth and had a very good dialogue.
Anna Steele (111 KP) rated One of us is Lying in Books
Jun 1, 2018
Impossible to review without spoilers so ...
Contains spoilers, click to show
This book has so much going on I applaud for the complexity of the storyline and the intricacy of the conspiritorial heart of the novel. In the beginning the characters seem really flat, but they develope and change as the action unfolds.
It felt like Cooper being gay was more of a plot point than representation, but the inclusion of Kris and the slight focus on the family dealing with the revelation and his friend standing with him saved it for me.
Addy seemed like someone that let a relationship take over her whole life, and I thought that was a boring character choice, but when explained that her mom was he same was and she fought against it and became her own person, her character was redeemed for me.
Nate and Bronwyn’s Love conquers all in this book and is the primary fire with which my heart is stoked.
I love a well written mystery, but this one was hard for me to get into until I was barreling through the last hundred pages, needing answers to all the questions that came too late.
It felt like Cooper being gay was more of a plot point than representation, but the inclusion of Kris and the slight focus on the family dealing with the revelation and his friend standing with him saved it for me.
Addy seemed like someone that let a relationship take over her whole life, and I thought that was a boring character choice, but when explained that her mom was he same was and she fought against it and became her own person, her character was redeemed for me.
Nate and Bronwyn’s Love conquers all in this book and is the primary fire with which my heart is stoked.
I love a well written mystery, but this one was hard for me to get into until I was barreling through the last hundred pages, needing answers to all the questions that came too late.
Kristin (149 KP) rated The Brown House (The Visitor's Series #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love scary stories, ones that keep you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on, and this one definitely has the creepy factor. Christy has said the house used to be her husband's home growing up, and some of the experiences described in the book happened to him and his family. Whoa!!!
I couldn't help but get engrossed in the story, especially the developing relationship between Ephraim and Brylee, as well as her friendship with Lynley. Then there would be parts that made me just want to scream at the book, throw it across the room, something, because that's how drawn into it I was. Oh, and I read it in one day, because I just couldn't put it down, THAT'S how great it is. Although, because of the ending, I'm on pins and needles waiting for more. I'm so glad my book club read this one this month, so awesome!! I'd highly recommend to anyone who likes supernatural stories, ghost stories, haunted houses, and the like. Fantastic!!
5 stars =)
I absolutely love scary stories, ones that keep you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on, and this one definitely has the creepy factor. Christy has said the house used to be her husband's home growing up, and some of the experiences described in the book happened to him and his family. Whoa!!!
I couldn't help but get engrossed in the story, especially the developing relationship between Ephraim and Brylee, as well as her friendship with Lynley. Then there would be parts that made me just want to scream at the book, throw it across the room, something, because that's how drawn into it I was. Oh, and I read it in one day, because I just couldn't put it down, THAT'S how great it is. Although, because of the ending, I'm on pins and needles waiting for more. I'm so glad my book club read this one this month, so awesome!! I'd highly recommend to anyone who likes supernatural stories, ghost stories, haunted houses, and the like. Fantastic!!
5 stars =)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2377 KP) rated A Souffle of Suspicion in Books
Jul 11, 2018
Crush Week, Sweets Fest, and Murder
Things are hopping at Bistro and Maison Rousseau. Tourists have flocked to the Napa Valley for Crush Week and the first Sweet Treat festival is being hosted on the grounds of the hotel. Mimi is thrilled that both hotel and restaurant are booked solid for the week. Things take a deadly turn when Renee, the festival organizer and sister of Mimi’s head chef Camille, is found murdered in Camille’s kitchen. Who had a reason to murder the woman?
It was nice to return to the Napa Valley with Mimi as our host. The book starts out strongly. While I did feel the pace lagged a time or two, these were minor issues. The puzzle was very good with some clues coming into play late in the mystery that I had completely missed, yet they helped make the resolution completely believable. I did have trouble buying Mimi’s relationship with her friend and police chief Tyson, but the rest of the characters were great. The food left me drooling, so the recipes are the back are a welcome addition to this fun mystery.
It was nice to return to the Napa Valley with Mimi as our host. The book starts out strongly. While I did feel the pace lagged a time or two, these were minor issues. The puzzle was very good with some clues coming into play late in the mystery that I had completely missed, yet they helped make the resolution completely believable. I did have trouble buying Mimi’s relationship with her friend and police chief Tyson, but the rest of the characters were great. The food left me drooling, so the recipes are the back are a welcome addition to this fun mystery.