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ClareR (6241 KP) rated Spider, Spider in Books
Feb 24, 2026
I’ve been wanting to read this ever since I first saw it on Instagram and then read the synopsis. I thought I’d look on NetGalley, just on the off chance that I could request a digital copy, and I found the audiobook. I’m so glad that I did!! I love an atmospheric, gothic read/ listen!
Molly Hanson narrates this so well from the points of view of young Nancy Ratcliffe and a woman called Spider. Both have been abused at the hands of the same man. Anyone who calls himself “The Prophet” is a red flag in the first place!
Nancy’s experience is in the “current” Victorian day, and Spiders is in the past (I wasn’t sure how long ago, though). Both stories are told in alternating chapters for the most part - and their actions are completely understandable.
It’s a story of religious control, female rage and revenge. The story flowed really well, and I was drawn in, hoping that they would both got their revenge and get away with it!!
Many thanks to Bolinda Audio, L. C. Winter and NetGalley for my copy of this thrilling book.
Molly Hanson narrates this so well from the points of view of young Nancy Ratcliffe and a woman called Spider. Both have been abused at the hands of the same man. Anyone who calls himself “The Prophet” is a red flag in the first place!
Nancy’s experience is in the “current” Victorian day, and Spiders is in the past (I wasn’t sure how long ago, though). Both stories are told in alternating chapters for the most part - and their actions are completely understandable.
It’s a story of religious control, female rage and revenge. The story flowed really well, and I was drawn in, hoping that they would both got their revenge and get away with it!!
Many thanks to Bolinda Audio, L. C. Winter and NetGalley for my copy of this thrilling book.
David McK (3801 KP) rated Oppenheimer (2023) in Movies
Mar 14, 2024
"Today I am become death, the destroyer of worlds ..."
I meant to see this during the summer of 2023, but missed it.
Only saw it on a re-release, following loads of Oscar wins, in March 2024.
If I could compare it to a single other movie, that would probably be "Schindler's List": this (and that), I feel, is one of those movies that you can say you've seen, probably be glad you did, but wouldn't be rushing back to anytime soon.
As a Nolan movie, this is also told with lots of out-of-sequence shots, and jumping quite a bit between time: we have whole sections set in the 19402 (in colour) intercut with 1950/60s(? I'm not sure on the exact date) black and white segments.
The movie is also largely (but not exclusively) told through the eyes of Oppenheimer, following the work of a team of scientists who developed the first A-bomb, and only lightly touching on the effects of said bomb(s) being dropped on Japan.
It's a well shot and well acted movie, undeniably, but - as mentioned above - not one I'd be rushing back to see any time soon.
Only saw it on a re-release, following loads of Oscar wins, in March 2024.
If I could compare it to a single other movie, that would probably be "Schindler's List": this (and that), I feel, is one of those movies that you can say you've seen, probably be glad you did, but wouldn't be rushing back to anytime soon.
As a Nolan movie, this is also told with lots of out-of-sequence shots, and jumping quite a bit between time: we have whole sections set in the 19402 (in colour) intercut with 1950/60s(? I'm not sure on the exact date) black and white segments.
The movie is also largely (but not exclusively) told through the eyes of Oppenheimer, following the work of a team of scientists who developed the first A-bomb, and only lightly touching on the effects of said bomb(s) being dropped on Japan.
It's a well shot and well acted movie, undeniably, but - as mentioned above - not one I'd be rushing back to see any time soon.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2585 KP) rated Solid Gold Murder in Books
Jul 30, 2025 (Updated Jul 30, 2025)
Second Gold Rush Leads to a Solid Second Mystery
When some guests find real gold flakes at Dee’s motel, it sets off a second gold rush in the area. Among those who show up are Sylvan Burr, a smug tech mogul who is looking to strike it rich again. When someone shoves him down a mine shaft, the question is who didn’t want the man dead. Can Dee figure out what happened?
I love the first book in this series, and I’m happy that this book is a solid follow up. The location is great, one I’d want to visit between murders. The mystery is strong with plenty to keep us guessing. And that’s not to mention several subplots that weave in and out of the story. I do wish we saw more of Jonas, Dee’s new boyfriend, but that’s a minor complaint. The rest of the cast are fun, and the suspects solid. We also get some great laughs. In the way of extras, there are some road trip tips and a recipe. This is another delightful mystery from Ellen Byron. You’ll be glad you picked it up.
I love the first book in this series, and I’m happy that this book is a solid follow up. The location is great, one I’d want to visit between murders. The mystery is strong with plenty to keep us guessing. And that’s not to mention several subplots that weave in and out of the story. I do wish we saw more of Jonas, Dee’s new boyfriend, but that’s a minor complaint. The rest of the cast are fun, and the suspects solid. We also get some great laughs. In the way of extras, there are some road trip tips and a recipe. This is another delightful mystery from Ellen Byron. You’ll be glad you picked it up.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2585 KP) rated Fatal Sign-Off in Books
Aug 27, 2025
Local Podcaster Signs Off for Good
It’s been a mostly quiet few months for Winnie Lark in the small town of Copper Bay. The drama in town involves Milton Mulligan who has started a podcast that trashes local businesses. So, when he is poisoned, the question is who didn’t have a motive. With some of Winnie’s family and friends on the suspect list, she can’t help but investigate Milton’s death. Will she uncover the culprit?
I fell in love with these characters in the earlier books of the series, so I was anxious to revisit them again. It was like meeting up with old friends, and I enjoyed the growth we saw in many of their relationships. The mystery is well paced with plenty of red herrings and twists. But the climax left me impressed with how things had been planned out. I did have to roll my eyes at how some political issues were put into the book in a way that felt unnecessary and forced to me. On the other hand, I loved the references to other books, especially cozy mysteries. If you love cozy mysteries, you need to pick up this series.
I fell in love with these characters in the earlier books of the series, so I was anxious to revisit them again. It was like meeting up with old friends, and I enjoyed the growth we saw in many of their relationships. The mystery is well paced with plenty of red herrings and twists. But the climax left me impressed with how things had been planned out. I did have to roll my eyes at how some political issues were put into the book in a way that felt unnecessary and forced to me. On the other hand, I loved the references to other books, especially cozy mysteries. If you love cozy mysteries, you need to pick up this series.
U Is for Undertow (Kinsey Millhone, #21)
9.0
Rate It
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Sue Grafton takes the mystery genre to new heights with this twisting, complex #1 New York Times...
The Alcoholic Mercenary
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They said, “See Naples and then die!” Rachel had thought it was to do with the place’s...
Historical Crime
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2585 KP) rated The Clairvoyant Countess in Books
Mar 30, 2023 (Updated Mar 30, 2023)
I Saw My Reaction Coming, but Not for the Reasons I Expected
Madame Karitska is a psychic, and when she meets a young woman in danger, Madame Karitska reaches out to Lieutenant Pruden for help. Thus begins their relationships as Madame Karitska helps him on several other case. What really happened with a couple of murders three years ago? And did a young woman die in a car accident?
I don’t normally pick up supernatural themed stories, but since I love this author’s Mrs. Pollifax series, I decided to give it a try. Sadly, it disappointed. I tried, but I couldn’t let go of the supernatural element. I think part of that was because it made the stories a bit easy to solve. I was also expecting a novel instead of a series of short stories. There are a couple of arcs that tie them together, mainly for Lieutenant Pruden, who is as equally an important character as Madame Karitska. Yet I did enjoy some of the stories in this collection, and I really liked the characters, so this wasn’t a completely loss.
I don’t normally pick up supernatural themed stories, but since I love this author’s Mrs. Pollifax series, I decided to give it a try. Sadly, it disappointed. I tried, but I couldn’t let go of the supernatural element. I think part of that was because it made the stories a bit easy to solve. I was also expecting a novel instead of a series of short stories. There are a couple of arcs that tie them together, mainly for Lieutenant Pruden, who is as equally an important character as Madame Karitska. Yet I did enjoy some of the stories in this collection, and I really liked the characters, so this wasn’t a completely loss.
Kevin Phillipson (10072 KP) rated Scream (2022) in Movies
Jan 20, 2022
Melissa Barrera (1 more)
The gore
Hello Sidney
Watched today I liked it it alot as a long time fan of the scream movies going back to to 1997 when I first saw the first one and loving it even getting the twist after the first half an hour and seeing all the sequels as well at the cinema over the years the second film is still my favourite of all the five. When I heard the team behind ready or not was gonna make this movie I was excited cause I loved that movie so I knew what I was gonna get with one. Any way on to the film everything I would expect from a scream movie the gore the creepy voice on the phone played once again by Roger l jackson all the talk about sequels reboots and other stuff not forgetting the return of Sidney Gail and dewey it wouldn't be the without them . I also liked at the end when they put for wes a fitting tribute to wes craven. Also once again worked out the twist again but I won't give it away here spoilers
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2585 KP) rated A Test of Wills (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #1) in Books
Jun 30, 2022
I Don’t Believe I Will Read More in This Series
Ian Rutledge has returned from the Great War, and is back at his old job at Scotland Yard. However, he is still dealing with the horrors of what he saw and did during his five years away. His first case back takes him to a small village that has asked for help after a beloved colonel was shot on his estate. Rutledge quickly realizes the political ramifications of the case, but can he figure out really happened?
I’ve heard about this series for a long time. I suspected it would be too dark for me, but I decided to try it anyway. Sadly, this is definitely darker than my normal choices. Rutledge and several other characters are dealing with some serious consequences of war. It’s realistic, but dark. On the other hand, Rutledge is an interesting character, partially because of this darkness. Where the novel really fails is the plot. After a good start, it bogs down in the middle before giving us a whiplash climax. It is logical, but too abrupt. I’m glad I gave the series a try, but I doubt I will be back.
I’ve heard about this series for a long time. I suspected it would be too dark for me, but I decided to try it anyway. Sadly, this is definitely darker than my normal choices. Rutledge and several other characters are dealing with some serious consequences of war. It’s realistic, but dark. On the other hand, Rutledge is an interesting character, partially because of this darkness. Where the novel really fails is the plot. After a good start, it bogs down in the middle before giving us a whiplash climax. It is logical, but too abrupt. I’m glad I gave the series a try, but I doubt I will be back.
David McK (3801 KP) rated The Truth (Discworld, #25; Industrial Revolution, #2) in Books
Sep 11, 2022
The Truth shall set you Fret!
<2022 update>
Still as good as ever!
<original review below>
So, over the weekend I watched a BBC documentary about the late, great, Sir Terry Pratchett (Terry Pratchett: Back in Black) as part of which they brought up the fact that his earliest job had been as a reporter for his local paper (and saw his first corpse a few hours later, work experience meaning something in those days ...) .
Experience that shows in this novel.
The second of the so-called Industrial Revolutions (after Moving Pictures) sub-series of the Discworld novels, this is - IMO - the first to really get into the meat of said revolution, and concerns itself with Ankh-Morporks first newspaper, alongside a plot to depose the Patrician - a character, I feel, who (whilst mostly in the background in the earlier novels) comes more to the fore in this, as do the likes of Foul Ol' Ron, Coffin Henry, The Duck Man and Gaspode
Of course, it wouldn't be a Pratchett novel without a generous portion of puns running alongside the satire, parody and memorable characters (such as, say, Otto von Chriek: the vampire with a thing for flash photography ...)
Still as good as ever!
<original review below>
So, over the weekend I watched a BBC documentary about the late, great, Sir Terry Pratchett (Terry Pratchett: Back in Black) as part of which they brought up the fact that his earliest job had been as a reporter for his local paper (and saw his first corpse a few hours later, work experience meaning something in those days ...) .
Experience that shows in this novel.
The second of the so-called Industrial Revolutions (after Moving Pictures) sub-series of the Discworld novels, this is - IMO - the first to really get into the meat of said revolution, and concerns itself with Ankh-Morporks first newspaper, alongside a plot to depose the Patrician - a character, I feel, who (whilst mostly in the background in the earlier novels) comes more to the fore in this, as do the likes of Foul Ol' Ron, Coffin Henry, The Duck Man and Gaspode
Of course, it wouldn't be a Pratchett novel without a generous portion of puns running alongside the satire, parody and memorable characters (such as, say, Otto von Chriek: the vampire with a thing for flash photography ...)