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BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Art Fiasco (Poppy Denby Investigates #5) in Books
Nov 9, 2020
The protagonist in this book is Poppy Denby, an investigative journalist from London, who is visiting her family in Newcastle and the towns around it. After a famous artist is murdered, Poppy needs to figure out who actually killed her, to protect her aunt, that is accused of it. I fell in love with Poppy instantly, she is such a cool young woman, and her interactions with other characters are very amusing to read about. The story is told from multiple perspectives, and it was a true joy to know more about the characters that sometimes get forgotten. There are quite a few characters in this book, and the author provides a very handy list of all the characters at the beginning of the book. (I did not need to use it though 🙂 ) All the characters are diverse, very charismatic, very intriguing personalities, some of them have disabilities, and I really loved the author’s choice of all the characters for this novel.
The narrative of this book was very absorbing to me. I really loved the 1920ties atmosphere and the whole setting of this novel. I liked the way the author played with the multiple timelines in this novel, there were parts from the past, as well as the present, that increased my curiosity even more. There is a lot of things happening in this novel, but the whole investigation was written superbly. I really loved how the author was trying to confuse the reader, and how all the clues were piecing the whole story beautifully. The topics discussed in this novel were paedophilia, coal miner’s lives, the art world, romance, family relationships, teenage pregnancy and many more. The author has experience in art and journalism, and I really liked that she utilised her personal experience in this novel.
I absolutely loved the writing style of this book, the whole book is masterfully plotted and kept me guessing throughout the whole book. The author provides the map of Newcastle in 1920ies, to allow the reader to follow Poppy throughout her adventure. The chapters are to the longer side, but the story really gripped me, so I just could not put it down. Even though this book is a part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. The ending of this book was spectacular and I think it rounded the story very well.
So, to conclude, Poppy Denby has a new fan! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, filled with unique and complex personalities as well as incredibly well-plotted narrative, the had me glued to this book, and always intrigued.
The narrative of this book was very absorbing to me. I really loved the 1920ties atmosphere and the whole setting of this novel. I liked the way the author played with the multiple timelines in this novel, there were parts from the past, as well as the present, that increased my curiosity even more. There is a lot of things happening in this novel, but the whole investigation was written superbly. I really loved how the author was trying to confuse the reader, and how all the clues were piecing the whole story beautifully. The topics discussed in this novel were paedophilia, coal miner’s lives, the art world, romance, family relationships, teenage pregnancy and many more. The author has experience in art and journalism, and I really liked that she utilised her personal experience in this novel.
I absolutely loved the writing style of this book, the whole book is masterfully plotted and kept me guessing throughout the whole book. The author provides the map of Newcastle in 1920ies, to allow the reader to follow Poppy throughout her adventure. The chapters are to the longer side, but the story really gripped me, so I just could not put it down. Even though this book is a part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. The ending of this book was spectacular and I think it rounded the story very well.
So, to conclude, Poppy Denby has a new fan! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, filled with unique and complex personalities as well as incredibly well-plotted narrative, the had me glued to this book, and always intrigued.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Thirteen in Books
Sep 24, 2020
More reviews on https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com
The story is told from a dual perspective – Eddie’s and Kane’s. These two characters would be our protagonists. Eddie is a defence attorney, a man with a very messed up personal life, who keeps making very dangerous decisions, and that is what makes him so awesome. Eddie has his faults and is not perfect, but at the same time, he is so intriguing and incredibly smart! Kane is a genius psychopath, (Hannibal Lecter could be his inspiration 😀 ), who can steal any identity he chooses. So, when you have these two amazingly developed personalities, the story can’t be boring. 😀
And of course, it is not! The narrative is very well paced, creating optical illusions and mind games in every chapter. It has plenty of twists, turns and unexpected findings, and the plot absolutely absorbed me. I love when authors include murderers and their thoughts in the thrillers, Kane’s actions and thoughts gave so much depth and intrigue to this book, and it was an absolute joy to read it. I really enjoyed Eddie’s smart moves while solving this case, but he was pretty lucky to get all the information delivered to him, without the help, I don’t think he could’ve succeeded as much. I really liked, that Steve Cavanagh utilized his knowledge of courts and jury in this book, there were plenty of new things I learned, and I am very grateful for that.
I loved the writing style of this book, it is easy and understandable, and this book can easily be read as stand alone. The characters used from the past are well explained and didn’t leave me confused. The chapters are pretty short, and due to constant change between the characters, the pages just fly by. I do have to throw in a disclaimer that there are plenty of blood, graphic murders, and other gross things described in this book, so before reading, make sure you can stomach that. 😀 I really enjoyed the ending and all the surprises it brought, I think it rounded up the story very nicely.
So, to conclude, Steve Cavanagh definitely knows what he is doing when it comes to writing. He is a master of crime novels, and even though this book was my first encounter with this author’s work, it definitely will not be the last. He chose perfect characters for this book, and the plot kept me guessing and always intrigued. I thoroughly enjoyed this court thriller, and it is an absolute must-read. I do hope you will like it as much as I did. Enjoy 🙂
The story is told from a dual perspective – Eddie’s and Kane’s. These two characters would be our protagonists. Eddie is a defence attorney, a man with a very messed up personal life, who keeps making very dangerous decisions, and that is what makes him so awesome. Eddie has his faults and is not perfect, but at the same time, he is so intriguing and incredibly smart! Kane is a genius psychopath, (Hannibal Lecter could be his inspiration 😀 ), who can steal any identity he chooses. So, when you have these two amazingly developed personalities, the story can’t be boring. 😀
And of course, it is not! The narrative is very well paced, creating optical illusions and mind games in every chapter. It has plenty of twists, turns and unexpected findings, and the plot absolutely absorbed me. I love when authors include murderers and their thoughts in the thrillers, Kane’s actions and thoughts gave so much depth and intrigue to this book, and it was an absolute joy to read it. I really enjoyed Eddie’s smart moves while solving this case, but he was pretty lucky to get all the information delivered to him, without the help, I don’t think he could’ve succeeded as much. I really liked, that Steve Cavanagh utilized his knowledge of courts and jury in this book, there were plenty of new things I learned, and I am very grateful for that.
I loved the writing style of this book, it is easy and understandable, and this book can easily be read as stand alone. The characters used from the past are well explained and didn’t leave me confused. The chapters are pretty short, and due to constant change between the characters, the pages just fly by. I do have to throw in a disclaimer that there are plenty of blood, graphic murders, and other gross things described in this book, so before reading, make sure you can stomach that. 😀 I really enjoyed the ending and all the surprises it brought, I think it rounded up the story very nicely.
So, to conclude, Steve Cavanagh definitely knows what he is doing when it comes to writing. He is a master of crime novels, and even though this book was my first encounter with this author’s work, it definitely will not be the last. He chose perfect characters for this book, and the plot kept me guessing and always intrigued. I thoroughly enjoyed this court thriller, and it is an absolute must-read. I do hope you will like it as much as I did. Enjoy 🙂
Becs (244 KP) rated Song Of The Sparrow in Books
Oct 2, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Poetry, Romance.
Type: Stand-alone
Audience/ Reading Level: 12+
Interests: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Historical Reads, Lyricism, Poetry, Retellings.
Point of View: Third person
Promise: A tale of love, betrayal, and war.
Insights: I have no idea where or when I received/ got this novel. But ever since that day, Song of the Sparrow has been one of my favorite retellings of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. My copy is very beaten up, so it’s gotten it’s many of read-throughs in. It also makes me think that I use to be pretty rough with my books. (what in the heck is wrong with you Becca! smh) I remember reading through SotS and thinking of myself as Elaine, the MC. Does anybody else do that? Because it hasn’t gone away with me.
I loved every aspect of this little novel. My favorite part was not only the retelling of King Arthur and the Knights but also how the novel was written in a sort of lyricism way, a lot like poetry. Novels written this way have always drawn my attention and I find them quite refreshing to read when in a slump or trying to get out of one.
Favorite Quotes: “I am Elaine daughter of Barnard of Ascolat. Motherless. Sisterless. I sing these words to you now, because the point of light grows smaller, ever smaller now, even more distant now. And with this song, I pray I may push back the tides of war and death. So, I sing these words that this light, this tiny ray of light and hope may live on. I dare not hope that I may live on too.”
“So long ago now. But you remind me of her, you know. Sometimes I forget that you are not she. Sometimes I forget that I should not blame you for leaving me. It was her. I was her.”
What will you gain?: A new telling of what life back in the olden days was like for a female in an all men village.
Aesthetics: Everytime I read-through Song of the Sparrow, I always stare at the cover. Something about it is just very appealing, not only to the eyes but also with the mind. Another aesthetic I found that I loved was how the story was written like lyricism/poetry.
“And at that moment, a lilting melody lifts to the moon as a single sparrow sings.”
Type: Stand-alone
Audience/ Reading Level: 12+
Interests: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Historical Reads, Lyricism, Poetry, Retellings.
Point of View: Third person
Promise: A tale of love, betrayal, and war.
Insights: I have no idea where or when I received/ got this novel. But ever since that day, Song of the Sparrow has been one of my favorite retellings of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. My copy is very beaten up, so it’s gotten it’s many of read-throughs in. It also makes me think that I use to be pretty rough with my books. (what in the heck is wrong with you Becca! smh) I remember reading through SotS and thinking of myself as Elaine, the MC. Does anybody else do that? Because it hasn’t gone away with me.
I loved every aspect of this little novel. My favorite part was not only the retelling of King Arthur and the Knights but also how the novel was written in a sort of lyricism way, a lot like poetry. Novels written this way have always drawn my attention and I find them quite refreshing to read when in a slump or trying to get out of one.
Favorite Quotes: “I am Elaine daughter of Barnard of Ascolat. Motherless. Sisterless. I sing these words to you now, because the point of light grows smaller, ever smaller now, even more distant now. And with this song, I pray I may push back the tides of war and death. So, I sing these words that this light, this tiny ray of light and hope may live on. I dare not hope that I may live on too.”
“So long ago now. But you remind me of her, you know. Sometimes I forget that you are not she. Sometimes I forget that I should not blame you for leaving me. It was her. I was her.”
What will you gain?: A new telling of what life back in the olden days was like for a female in an all men village.
Aesthetics: Everytime I read-through Song of the Sparrow, I always stare at the cover. Something about it is just very appealing, not only to the eyes but also with the mind. Another aesthetic I found that I loved was how the story was written like lyricism/poetry.
“And at that moment, a lilting melody lifts to the moon as a single sparrow sings.”
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Joker (2019) in Movies
Oct 8, 2019 (Updated Oct 23, 2019)
Believe the hype
Contains spoilers, click to show
Full disclaimer - I have not been a massive fan of any movies DC related since the Dark Knight trilogy. There have been highlights here and there, but it's a been a rough few years to say the least.
I went to see Joker under a pretty neutral assumption - I had heard the good reviews, the bad reviews, and seen the incredibly well put together trailers - but I was still worried that I wouldn't like it.
What I was presented with was quite possibly the film of the year (I can't realistically see anything beating it at this point)
Make no mistake - Joker is a character driven think piece, light on action, and at times difficult to watch.
Jaoquin Phoenix is absolutely phenomenal as Arthur Fleck, and as we watch his descent into madness (or mental freedom depending on which way you look at it), it's hard not to sympathise with him - I felt myself welling up on more than one occasion.
Frances Conroy deserves a round of applause as well, carving out a fading and sad character failing to realise just how low Arthur is spiralling.
The film itself is bleak, painting a realistic Gotham City, on the brink of anarchy, not too dissimilar to how our world is IRL. All it takes is someone ballsy enough to pull the trigger to set it all off.
The film is draped with tense scene after tense scene as the plot builds up to its climax.
The films depiction of mental health issues rings louder than ever, showing us an all too real world that dismisses and laughs at those who suffer with such issues. It's haunting.
The final act is breathtaking - watching Arthur/Joker on Murray Franklin's talk show - when he's underneath the make up, he's a completely different person, threatening, but with a point that makes sense, and that what makes him so sinister.
The much discussed violence is seldom, but impactful, and most importantly, has a purpose as it builds character growth. Everything just seems so wonderfully crafted - hats off to Todd Phillips.
The score is pretty much flawless, hitting all the right notes, as is the cinematography, showcasing fantastic shots continuously throughout.
Joker feels like a true stand-alone, and is concrete evidence why DC should maybe concentrate on one off efforts rather than building an underwhelming connected universe...
It's a fantastic film through and through, and Phoenix deserves an Oscar, at the very least a nomination.
I went to see Joker under a pretty neutral assumption - I had heard the good reviews, the bad reviews, and seen the incredibly well put together trailers - but I was still worried that I wouldn't like it.
What I was presented with was quite possibly the film of the year (I can't realistically see anything beating it at this point)
Make no mistake - Joker is a character driven think piece, light on action, and at times difficult to watch.
Jaoquin Phoenix is absolutely phenomenal as Arthur Fleck, and as we watch his descent into madness (or mental freedom depending on which way you look at it), it's hard not to sympathise with him - I felt myself welling up on more than one occasion.
Frances Conroy deserves a round of applause as well, carving out a fading and sad character failing to realise just how low Arthur is spiralling.
The film itself is bleak, painting a realistic Gotham City, on the brink of anarchy, not too dissimilar to how our world is IRL. All it takes is someone ballsy enough to pull the trigger to set it all off.
The film is draped with tense scene after tense scene as the plot builds up to its climax.
The films depiction of mental health issues rings louder than ever, showing us an all too real world that dismisses and laughs at those who suffer with such issues. It's haunting.
The final act is breathtaking - watching Arthur/Joker on Murray Franklin's talk show - when he's underneath the make up, he's a completely different person, threatening, but with a point that makes sense, and that what makes him so sinister.
The much discussed violence is seldom, but impactful, and most importantly, has a purpose as it builds character growth. Everything just seems so wonderfully crafted - hats off to Todd Phillips.
The score is pretty much flawless, hitting all the right notes, as is the cinematography, showcasing fantastic shots continuously throughout.
Joker feels like a true stand-alone, and is concrete evidence why DC should maybe concentrate on one off efforts rather than building an underwhelming connected universe...
It's a fantastic film through and through, and Phoenix deserves an Oscar, at the very least a nomination.
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Debbiereadsbook (1821 KP) rated Lodrick & Godefroy (Ambrosia #1) in Books
Sep 10, 2024
loved the marked differences between Godefroy and Aldred!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the first book in the Ambrosia series, but I am reading this AFTER I already read book 2, Rowan & Aldred. I would say, because of that, they can both be read as stand alone reads, but are best enjoyed when read in order,
I loved, like LOVED book two. It was so dark and deadly and it pushed ALL my buttons. This one is not so dark, but it still pushed my buttons, just in a different way, and I loved it too!
Lodrick, as a human, is given Ambrosia, and gets addicted. It only takes one sip, after all. Lodrick is rescued from the throes pf addiction by Godefroy, the God of Peace and Harmony. He has long since given up on finding a companion, will Lodrick accept him?
What I loved about this, was how very DIFFERENT Godefroy and Aldred are, in all ways. Aldred had no desire to soothe Rowan, (at least, not at first) but Godefroy is all about soothing Lodrick, and keeping him happy.
Lodrick, however, thinks Godefroy is too much: too sweet, too kind, and too suffocating and at the worst time, he pushes Godefroy away. Neither of them knew that Godefroy would suffer as well as Lodrick.
The book comes with couple of trigger warnings.
Addiction: Lodrick becomes addicted to Ambrosia, and there is no getting over it. He can only exist as a nymph, as Godefroy's nymph, getting his fix from Godefroy and the smexy times. Lodrick knows this, but he hates it, at first.
Dub/non Con: While Lodrick is away with Godefroy at another Goddess's party, and finds himself in the middle of a rather large smexy pile. Now, at points, he does say he wants it, he needs it. But, at others, he realises the situation he finds himself in. It was difficult reading, once Lodrick realises, and I wasn't sure he was going to get out of it.
So, some darker lines, but nothing as dark as book 2 and I loved that it wasn't! It's an altogether lighter read than book 2, but not a fluffy read, at all.
And I loved it!! I think had I read this BEFORE book 2, I might not have loved it quite so much but the marked differences between Godefroy and Aldred, and also between Lodrick and Rowan make this book.
5 full and shiny stars
This is the first book in the Ambrosia series, but I am reading this AFTER I already read book 2, Rowan & Aldred. I would say, because of that, they can both be read as stand alone reads, but are best enjoyed when read in order,
I loved, like LOVED book two. It was so dark and deadly and it pushed ALL my buttons. This one is not so dark, but it still pushed my buttons, just in a different way, and I loved it too!
Lodrick, as a human, is given Ambrosia, and gets addicted. It only takes one sip, after all. Lodrick is rescued from the throes pf addiction by Godefroy, the God of Peace and Harmony. He has long since given up on finding a companion, will Lodrick accept him?
What I loved about this, was how very DIFFERENT Godefroy and Aldred are, in all ways. Aldred had no desire to soothe Rowan, (at least, not at first) but Godefroy is all about soothing Lodrick, and keeping him happy.
Lodrick, however, thinks Godefroy is too much: too sweet, too kind, and too suffocating and at the worst time, he pushes Godefroy away. Neither of them knew that Godefroy would suffer as well as Lodrick.
The book comes with couple of trigger warnings.
Addiction: Lodrick becomes addicted to Ambrosia, and there is no getting over it. He can only exist as a nymph, as Godefroy's nymph, getting his fix from Godefroy and the smexy times. Lodrick knows this, but he hates it, at first.
Dub/non Con: While Lodrick is away with Godefroy at another Goddess's party, and finds himself in the middle of a rather large smexy pile. Now, at points, he does say he wants it, he needs it. But, at others, he realises the situation he finds himself in. It was difficult reading, once Lodrick realises, and I wasn't sure he was going to get out of it.
So, some darker lines, but nothing as dark as book 2 and I loved that it wasn't! It's an altogether lighter read than book 2, but not a fluffy read, at all.
And I loved it!! I think had I read this BEFORE book 2, I might not have loved it quite so much but the marked differences between Godefroy and Aldred, and also between Lodrick and Rowan make this book.
5 full and shiny stars
Debbiereadsbook (1821 KP) rated Sleigh Bells and Second Chances (Love in Mission City #3) in Books
Nov 12, 2024
Ryan's trauma is front and centre, Simeon's is not.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Mission City series. I have not read all of book 1 and book 2 not at all, YET. They can all be read as stand alone, and will only really give you spoilers for the previous book. I WILL get to them, I really enjoyed this one.
Ryan is at The Healing Horses Ranch for some major healing, both physically and mentally. Being in a war zone will do that to a man, add in all his team NOT coming home, and Ryan is a mess. Simeon is the handy man at the ranch and after a fraught first meeting, they begin as friends and develop into more. But Ryan will be leaving soon. Can Simeon give his heart only for Ryan to take it with him?
What I loved MOST about this book, was that while Ryan's trauma was front and centre, Simeon's was not. There were hints and clues dropped along the way but it wasn't til Simeon admitted it, even if to himself, what his trauma was. I wasn't able to put the clues together fast enough. My book brain was whirring, but not in the right direction.
I loved that Simeon felt comfortable around Ryan, right from the start. His stutter was not really a thing for Ryan. Simeon was just Simeon and very quickly Ryan found a safe place with Simeon.
It's fairly midrange angst, and is a SUPER slow burn, but I LOVED that it took til near the very end of the book, for Ryan and Simeon to get to the main event. Oh, its steamy and smexy but the smxey times are not what this book is about. It's super gentle, and sweet and almost warm and fuzzies but due to the emotional aspect.
It's about finding your forever person, when you least expect to, and being accepted into an extended family in a way your own family didn't really did.
Oh, I loved that Ryan's dad came good. Ryan had a complicated relationship with him before he left for the Ukraine, and it took time to repair that. I wasn't sure he would, to be honest.
As I said, not really necessary to read the other books first, but I will go back and read them.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Mission City series. I have not read all of book 1 and book 2 not at all, YET. They can all be read as stand alone, and will only really give you spoilers for the previous book. I WILL get to them, I really enjoyed this one.
Ryan is at The Healing Horses Ranch for some major healing, both physically and mentally. Being in a war zone will do that to a man, add in all his team NOT coming home, and Ryan is a mess. Simeon is the handy man at the ranch and after a fraught first meeting, they begin as friends and develop into more. But Ryan will be leaving soon. Can Simeon give his heart only for Ryan to take it with him?
What I loved MOST about this book, was that while Ryan's trauma was front and centre, Simeon's was not. There were hints and clues dropped along the way but it wasn't til Simeon admitted it, even if to himself, what his trauma was. I wasn't able to put the clues together fast enough. My book brain was whirring, but not in the right direction.
I loved that Simeon felt comfortable around Ryan, right from the start. His stutter was not really a thing for Ryan. Simeon was just Simeon and very quickly Ryan found a safe place with Simeon.
It's fairly midrange angst, and is a SUPER slow burn, but I LOVED that it took til near the very end of the book, for Ryan and Simeon to get to the main event. Oh, its steamy and smexy but the smxey times are not what this book is about. It's super gentle, and sweet and almost warm and fuzzies but due to the emotional aspect.
It's about finding your forever person, when you least expect to, and being accepted into an extended family in a way your own family didn't really did.
Oh, I loved that Ryan's dad came good. Ryan had a complicated relationship with him before he left for the Ukraine, and it took time to repair that. I wasn't sure he would, to be honest.
As I said, not really necessary to read the other books first, but I will go back and read them.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere