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The Dead House
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'Chilling, atmospheric and so gripping it hurts. The Dead House is a masterpiece. You won't read a...
Merissa (11935 KP) created a post
Mar 13, 2021
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Before The Storm (DCI Lorimer #18) in Books
Mar 28, 2021
Where have I been living and why have I never read anything by Alex Gray before? This is book 18 for heaven's sake!!! I must have been living under a rock and walking around with my eyes closed to have missed this series because if the previous 17 are anything close to being as good as this, I really have been missing out on a treat. I was a little concerned that coming into an already well established series wasn't a good idea but I needn't have worried as this worked really well as a standalone.
This is an excellent police procedural with a very up-to-date and relevant story line. It is not a white-knuckle, action packed story and it's not full of swearing, violence or gory details but it is written at a steady pace with a growing sense of tension and urgency which makes it a compulsive and riveting read.
The characters are so good and so well developed that I really felt I knew them. I read a lot of crime fiction and police procedurals and I have to say that it is refreshing for the main character not to be full of his own troubles or issues or who is in conflict with either his colleagues or his bosses. Daniel was an excellent addition and his relationship with his neighbour, Netta, was a joy to read ... I do hope that these 2 make an appearance in subsequent books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and would very much recommend this to everyone and I must thank The Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review.
Alex Gray is definitely on my watchlist now!
This is an excellent police procedural with a very up-to-date and relevant story line. It is not a white-knuckle, action packed story and it's not full of swearing, violence or gory details but it is written at a steady pace with a growing sense of tension and urgency which makes it a compulsive and riveting read.
The characters are so good and so well developed that I really felt I knew them. I read a lot of crime fiction and police procedurals and I have to say that it is refreshing for the main character not to be full of his own troubles or issues or who is in conflict with either his colleagues or his bosses. Daniel was an excellent addition and his relationship with his neighbour, Netta, was a joy to read ... I do hope that these 2 make an appearance in subsequent books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and would very much recommend this to everyone and I must thank The Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review.
Alex Gray is definitely on my watchlist now!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Killer Inside (Joe Stark #3) in Books
Jul 20, 2021
Loved it - proper rollercoaster of a ride that I didn't want to get off!
At first, I didn't realise this was the third in the series starring Joe Stark as I have never read anything by Matthew Frank before but first the title and then the blurb enticed me and had I not read some other reviews first, I wouldn't have known. So, I can safely say that this can be read as a standalone because although I have probably missed a lot of backstory and character development, for me it didn't detract from my enjoyment one little bit.
I absolutely love the character of Joe Stark - yes, he is a bit of a clichƩ being ex-military with a troubled history now working within the police but, for me, this made him an interesting and complex character. The supporting cast were equally well developed and I think Julian Sinclair was a great "baddie".
At first, you think the plot is going to be pretty simple and straightforward but as the book progresses, it becomes more complex; the police investigation plays this out really well with them struggling to put the pieces of the puzzle together with many of their leads ending in dead ends. The politics within the police also provide an interesting side story as does Joe's complicated life.
This is fast paced with plenty of twists and action. It is also a dark read with some scenes that some might find disturbing so if you are easily shocked, I would give this a miss but I would definitely recommend this to others who enjoy this genre and eagerly await the next instalment.
Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
At first, I didn't realise this was the third in the series starring Joe Stark as I have never read anything by Matthew Frank before but first the title and then the blurb enticed me and had I not read some other reviews first, I wouldn't have known. So, I can safely say that this can be read as a standalone because although I have probably missed a lot of backstory and character development, for me it didn't detract from my enjoyment one little bit.
I absolutely love the character of Joe Stark - yes, he is a bit of a clichƩ being ex-military with a troubled history now working within the police but, for me, this made him an interesting and complex character. The supporting cast were equally well developed and I think Julian Sinclair was a great "baddie".
At first, you think the plot is going to be pretty simple and straightforward but as the book progresses, it becomes more complex; the police investigation plays this out really well with them struggling to put the pieces of the puzzle together with many of their leads ending in dead ends. The politics within the police also provide an interesting side story as does Joe's complicated life.
This is fast paced with plenty of twists and action. It is also a dark read with some scenes that some might find disturbing so if you are easily shocked, I would give this a miss but I would definitely recommend this to others who enjoy this genre and eagerly await the next instalment.
Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
ClareR (5667 KP) rated False Witness in Books
Jul 27, 2021
False Witness is a standalone thriller by Karin Slaughter, and what a fantastic read it is!
Itās set during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we can see the drastic effect itās had on peopleās everyday lives, as well as the working life of a Leigh, a lawyer.
When Leigh walks in to a meeting with a new client - a man accused of violently raping a woman - she doesnāt expect to see someone from her past. Itās a past that she doesnāt talk about, and has told no-one about in its entirety. Even her husband.
Trevor Tennant is the boy that Leigh and her sister, Callie, used to babysit, and now it seems that he has picked up some of the bad habits that his father had: violence against women for one thing. Except Buddy Waleski, Trevors father, also liked very young girls.
Somehow, Trevor has found out what happened between his father and the sisters on the night Buddy disappeared, and blackmails Leigh in order to get him off all charges. He sees the acts of his paedophile father as acceptable, that Callie enjoyed the abuse - in fact he doesnāt believe it was abuse at all. The entitlement is strong in this story - as well as a twisted view of life in general!
Callie is such a vulnerable character. As strong as her sister is, Callie hides behind heroin. Itās a life of existing and getting to the next fix. Sheās a really caring person though: she loves animals and she repeatedly puts others before herself.
This is a really dark, high paced, intelligent novel, and it kept me riveted to the screen as I read it in instalments on The Pigeonhole. It was torture waiting for the next instalment, and Iād definitely recommend it!
Itās set during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we can see the drastic effect itās had on peopleās everyday lives, as well as the working life of a Leigh, a lawyer.
When Leigh walks in to a meeting with a new client - a man accused of violently raping a woman - she doesnāt expect to see someone from her past. Itās a past that she doesnāt talk about, and has told no-one about in its entirety. Even her husband.
Trevor Tennant is the boy that Leigh and her sister, Callie, used to babysit, and now it seems that he has picked up some of the bad habits that his father had: violence against women for one thing. Except Buddy Waleski, Trevors father, also liked very young girls.
Somehow, Trevor has found out what happened between his father and the sisters on the night Buddy disappeared, and blackmails Leigh in order to get him off all charges. He sees the acts of his paedophile father as acceptable, that Callie enjoyed the abuse - in fact he doesnāt believe it was abuse at all. The entitlement is strong in this story - as well as a twisted view of life in general!
Callie is such a vulnerable character. As strong as her sister is, Callie hides behind heroin. Itās a life of existing and getting to the next fix. Sheās a really caring person though: she loves animals and she repeatedly puts others before herself.
This is a really dark, high paced, intelligent novel, and it kept me riveted to the screen as I read it in instalments on The Pigeonhole. It was torture waiting for the next instalment, and Iād definitely recommend it!
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Lacuna in Books
Oct 23, 2020
Lacuna is a standalone fantasy but I really, REALLY, hope to return to this world. I need more of Crow and Tancho, it's as simple as that!
Their world is split into four, with one ruler for each quarter. To ensure no fighting, there is a central command (if you like) but obviously, not everything can be good in paradise. I loved how each quarter was so different and how the people embodied their element. Crow and Tancho, without doubt, are my favourites and that is completely as it should be.
When they find out what their birthmark bond is actually about, I thought it fantastic. They wanted to kill each other most of the time and their verbal battles, childishness and general poutiness were spot on. After all, how would you feel being tied to someone you didn't know, even if you did find them attractive?
The world-building is perfect and the pacing is second-to-none. There is plenty of action going on in Crow and Tancho's world and therefore, it makes sense, that they would have no time to explore their growing bond. When they do, however, they make up for lost time. š There is also a brilliant cast of supporting characters, from best friends to the other king and queen. They all have their own foibles and interests but pull together perfectly.
I adore MM and Fantasy so, for me, this was the perfect blend of both. An amazing story set in a fantastic world with an outstanding storyline and wonderful characters. What more could you ask for? Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Their world is split into four, with one ruler for each quarter. To ensure no fighting, there is a central command (if you like) but obviously, not everything can be good in paradise. I loved how each quarter was so different and how the people embodied their element. Crow and Tancho, without doubt, are my favourites and that is completely as it should be.
When they find out what their birthmark bond is actually about, I thought it fantastic. They wanted to kill each other most of the time and their verbal battles, childishness and general poutiness were spot on. After all, how would you feel being tied to someone you didn't know, even if you did find them attractive?
The world-building is perfect and the pacing is second-to-none. There is plenty of action going on in Crow and Tancho's world and therefore, it makes sense, that they would have no time to explore their growing bond. When they do, however, they make up for lost time. š There is also a brilliant cast of supporting characters, from best friends to the other king and queen. They all have their own foibles and interests but pull together perfectly.
I adore MM and Fantasy so, for me, this was the perfect blend of both. An amazing story set in a fantastic world with an outstanding storyline and wonderful characters. What more could you ask for? Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Keeper - Single by Olivia Nelson in Music
Jun 25, 2019
Olivia Nelson is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter based in East London. Not too long ago, she released an honest R&B tune, entitled, āKeeperā, the third track from her upcoming EP.
āI hope he cracks your back and treats you better than he did to me. I hope he builds a bridge and gets over his insecurities. Iām so over the complications, over the not letting go. Iām ready to move on, ready to open the door. And sheās a keeper if she can deal with all your sh*t. No, I wasnāt the one, wasnāt no fun to play with.ā ā lyrics
āKeeperā tells a straightforward tale of a young woman who sends her ex-beau an evergreen message.
Apparently, not too long ago, the once budding couple called it quits. Their breakup occurred because she lived in a fairytale world while he simultaneously dated someone else.
Later, after healing from her heartache, she tells her ex to keep his new girl close because sheās the only one who will deal with his shenanigans.
āKeeperā contains a bittersweet storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and funky instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
āItās a message to his new girlfriend. A warning of whatās potentially to come.ā ā Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson blossomed after releasing her collaborative debut, āSomeone That You Loveā, which has amassed over 15M streams; and her standalone single, āSmother Meā, has over 1M streams online.
She is labeled one of British R&Bās most exciting new talents and set to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading & Leeds Festival this year. Followed by her own headline show at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen in London on October 15, 2019.
āI hope he cracks your back and treats you better than he did to me. I hope he builds a bridge and gets over his insecurities. Iām so over the complications, over the not letting go. Iām ready to move on, ready to open the door. And sheās a keeper if she can deal with all your sh*t. No, I wasnāt the one, wasnāt no fun to play with.ā ā lyrics
āKeeperā tells a straightforward tale of a young woman who sends her ex-beau an evergreen message.
Apparently, not too long ago, the once budding couple called it quits. Their breakup occurred because she lived in a fairytale world while he simultaneously dated someone else.
Later, after healing from her heartache, she tells her ex to keep his new girl close because sheās the only one who will deal with his shenanigans.
āKeeperā contains a bittersweet storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and funky instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
āItās a message to his new girlfriend. A warning of whatās potentially to come.ā ā Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson blossomed after releasing her collaborative debut, āSomeone That You Loveā, which has amassed over 15M streams; and her standalone single, āSmother Meā, has over 1M streams online.
She is labeled one of British R&Bās most exciting new talents and set to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading & Leeds Festival this year. Followed by her own headline show at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen in London on October 15, 2019.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Scent of Death (David Hunter #6) in Books
Sep 27, 2019
Gripping
I remember, many moons ago, reading The Chemistry of Death and Written in Bone and thoroughly enjoying them and have always had Simon Beckett on my radar as an author to pick up but alas I seem to have been side-tracked by the sheer plethora of excellent books out there so have sadly missed out on the other books in this series but on starting to read this, it was like putting on a comfy pair of slippers and snuggling down on the sofa (or, in my case whilst on holiday, in front of a swimming pool in the Portuguese sun) and losing a few hours amongst the pages of this gripping book.
The blurb gives an outline of what the story is about so I won't repeat it but what I will say is that it's as good, if not better, as it sounds. The setting is perfect and provides an additional layer of atmosphere and general creepiness and tension to this excellent book. The characters are well developed and believable; the details of the forensic side is not over done or too technical that you either get lost or lose interest and the plot development and twists means this is one book that I found hard to put down (clichƩ I know, but true).
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book to lovers of fast-paced thrillers from a different perspective than the usual police-procedurals and don't be put off that this is the 6th in the series as it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
My thanks go to the Publisher via NetGalley for accepting my request for a copy in return for an honest and unbiased review; you have helped to remind me of how good Simon Beckett's work is.
The blurb gives an outline of what the story is about so I won't repeat it but what I will say is that it's as good, if not better, as it sounds. The setting is perfect and provides an additional layer of atmosphere and general creepiness and tension to this excellent book. The characters are well developed and believable; the details of the forensic side is not over done or too technical that you either get lost or lose interest and the plot development and twists means this is one book that I found hard to put down (clichƩ I know, but true).
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book to lovers of fast-paced thrillers from a different perspective than the usual police-procedurals and don't be put off that this is the 6th in the series as it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
My thanks go to the Publisher via NetGalley for accepting my request for a copy in return for an honest and unbiased review; you have helped to remind me of how good Simon Beckett's work is.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Wonder Woman (2017) in Movies
Oct 1, 2019
A glimmer of hope
Contains spoilers, click to show
After a fleeting visit in Batman vs Superman (bleugh), my hopes weren't high for Wonder Woman.
But as everyone knows, it's actually pretty good.
One of the main problems with BvS is that it felt rushed, like Warner Bros were trying to pack in as much as they could in a short amount of time to establish a far reaching movie universe. Wonder Woman is a perfect example of why they should be concentrating on standalone movies first.
Given a full film to shine, Gal Gadot is a great fit as DCs First Lady. The time devoted to her backstory makes you care for her, and her surrounding team mates.
Gadot, and Chris Pine make a duo worth rooting for.
The story being set in wartime is used to great effect. The scene where Diana steps out into No Man's Land is nothing short of breathtaking. The visuals used throughout are great, and the script is a vast improvement on what we've had so far. There are no silly gimmicks like with Suicide Squad, just a good solid superhero adventure, with a good solid lead.
Wonder Woman falls apart at the final hurdle however. After Danny Huston (who is just sort of there) is set up to be Ares, it is revealed that David Thewlis' character is in fact Ares, and what follows is a climatic battle that is a dodgy CGI overload.
I have no problem with David Thewlis playing Ares, but his little mustache peeking out from underneath his Ares war helmet looks absolutely ridiculous.
But honestly, with the exception of the last 15 minutes, director Patty Jenkins has done a pretty decent job of bringing Wonder Woman to life. It's stands alongside Shazam! in terms of quality, and I'm actually looking forward to the upcoming sequel!
But as everyone knows, it's actually pretty good.
One of the main problems with BvS is that it felt rushed, like Warner Bros were trying to pack in as much as they could in a short amount of time to establish a far reaching movie universe. Wonder Woman is a perfect example of why they should be concentrating on standalone movies first.
Given a full film to shine, Gal Gadot is a great fit as DCs First Lady. The time devoted to her backstory makes you care for her, and her surrounding team mates.
Gadot, and Chris Pine make a duo worth rooting for.
The story being set in wartime is used to great effect. The scene where Diana steps out into No Man's Land is nothing short of breathtaking. The visuals used throughout are great, and the script is a vast improvement on what we've had so far. There are no silly gimmicks like with Suicide Squad, just a good solid superhero adventure, with a good solid lead.
Wonder Woman falls apart at the final hurdle however. After Danny Huston (who is just sort of there) is set up to be Ares, it is revealed that David Thewlis' character is in fact Ares, and what follows is a climatic battle that is a dodgy CGI overload.
I have no problem with David Thewlis playing Ares, but his little mustache peeking out from underneath his Ares war helmet looks absolutely ridiculous.
But honestly, with the exception of the last 15 minutes, director Patty Jenkins has done a pretty decent job of bringing Wonder Woman to life. It's stands alongside Shazam! in terms of quality, and I'm actually looking forward to the upcoming sequel!
