Search
Christine A. (965 KP) rated A Cut for a Cut (Detective Kate Young #2) in Books
Jul 21, 2021
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
Detective Kate Young is back in the second installment of Carol Wyer's Detective Kate Young series, A Cut for a Cut. To give a fair review, I read the first book in the series, An Eye for an Eye. Some books in a series can stand alone. With this one, you would benefit from reading the first book.
I am a fan of Wyer's two police procedural series, her DI Robyn Carter series and the Detective Natalie Ward series, and was excited about a new series.
Young is a damaged but determined detective who works with a small team. She is struggling to come to terms with her husband's murder, and her team begins to notice she is not on the top of her game when they are tasked with finding who is sexually assaulting then killing young women. The investigation hits home when one of the victims is a woman the team all know through work. All through this, Kate continues an unsanctioned investigation started in the first book.
Let me just say, if you are a fan of British police procedural and strong women characters, then this or either of Wyer's other two series are ones to read.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com.
Detective Kate Young is back in the second installment of Carol Wyer's Detective Kate Young series, A Cut for a Cut. To give a fair review, I read the first book in the series, An Eye for an Eye. Some books in a series can stand alone. With this one, you would benefit from reading the first book.
I am a fan of Wyer's two police procedural series, her DI Robyn Carter series and the Detective Natalie Ward series, and was excited about a new series.
Young is a damaged but determined detective who works with a small team. She is struggling to come to terms with her husband's murder, and her team begins to notice she is not on the top of her game when they are tasked with finding who is sexually assaulting then killing young women. The investigation hits home when one of the victims is a woman the team all know through work. All through this, Kate continues an unsanctioned investigation started in the first book.
Let me just say, if you are a fan of British police procedural and strong women characters, then this or either of Wyer's other two series are ones to read.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com.
Cunning Women
9.0
Rate It
Book
When it is no longer safe to be a witch, they call themselves cunning. 1620s Lancashire. Away...
Historical fiction Witches Witchcraft Gothic 17th century England
The Gender Game (The Gender Game, #1)
10.0
Rate It
Book
For fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent comes a story like no other... A toxic river divides...
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Favourite (2018) in Movies
Jan 24, 2019
Quirky and original with strong performances and direction
Greek Director Yorgos Lanthimos is the director of such quirky, bizarre comedy/dramas as DOGTOOTH, THE LOBSTER and KILLING OF A SACRED DEER and his latest, THE FAVOURITE is no different, so when it was nominated for 10 Oscars, I thought I'd better go see what all the fuss was all about.
And I'm glad I did for THE FAVOURITE is a biting, funny, sarcastic, bizarre, intense and interesting Royal Court drama about the inner workings, back channel dealings and backstabbing social climbing in Queen Anne's court in England in the early 18th Century as seen through Lanthimos' camera lens - a lens that is different indeed.
Starring Oscar winners Rachel Weisz (THE CONSTANT GARDNER) and Emma Stone (LA LA LAND) in their Oscar nominated turns as cousins who vie for the attentions of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman, also Oscar nominated), it is the rare film that features 3 strong women who play off each other well and where each one is a full character in and of themselves - all 3 with strengths and weaknesses that make them real and compelling and performed by 3 strong actresses. Needless to say that each Oscar nod is well deserved.
But the real star of this film is the sensibilities and camera work of Lanthimos. He uses unusual camera angles, unusual angles and bizarre imagery to show the unreality of the court in relation to the real world around them and is a commentary on these people as much as it shows the action on the screen. This film is an artist with a true, unique vision and is one that, while not for everyone, is one that worked for me.
Lanthimos layers on a rich tapestry of story (by Oscar nominated Screenplay writers Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara) locations (by Oscar nominated Production Designers Fijona Crombie and Alice Felton), Costumes (by Oscar nominated costumer Sandy Powell) , editing (by Oscar nominated Yorgos Mavropsaridis), Cinematography (by Oscar nominated Robbie Ryan) and performances, direction and film.
I think you get the point - this film has become (rightfully so) a darling of the Awards season and is well worth checking out - while this film is not entirely successful in what it attempts to do, it is fun to watch the attempt and the strong performances, characters, direction, costumes, cinematography, etc...which more than makes up for any shortcomings in the story (especially the final act of the film).
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(OfMarquis)
And I'm glad I did for THE FAVOURITE is a biting, funny, sarcastic, bizarre, intense and interesting Royal Court drama about the inner workings, back channel dealings and backstabbing social climbing in Queen Anne's court in England in the early 18th Century as seen through Lanthimos' camera lens - a lens that is different indeed.
Starring Oscar winners Rachel Weisz (THE CONSTANT GARDNER) and Emma Stone (LA LA LAND) in their Oscar nominated turns as cousins who vie for the attentions of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman, also Oscar nominated), it is the rare film that features 3 strong women who play off each other well and where each one is a full character in and of themselves - all 3 with strengths and weaknesses that make them real and compelling and performed by 3 strong actresses. Needless to say that each Oscar nod is well deserved.
But the real star of this film is the sensibilities and camera work of Lanthimos. He uses unusual camera angles, unusual angles and bizarre imagery to show the unreality of the court in relation to the real world around them and is a commentary on these people as much as it shows the action on the screen. This film is an artist with a true, unique vision and is one that, while not for everyone, is one that worked for me.
Lanthimos layers on a rich tapestry of story (by Oscar nominated Screenplay writers Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara) locations (by Oscar nominated Production Designers Fijona Crombie and Alice Felton), Costumes (by Oscar nominated costumer Sandy Powell) , editing (by Oscar nominated Yorgos Mavropsaridis), Cinematography (by Oscar nominated Robbie Ryan) and performances, direction and film.
I think you get the point - this film has become (rightfully so) a darling of the Awards season and is well worth checking out - while this film is not entirely successful in what it attempts to do, it is fun to watch the attempt and the strong performances, characters, direction, costumes, cinematography, etc...which more than makes up for any shortcomings in the story (especially the final act of the film).
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(OfMarquis)
ClareR (5726 KP) rated A Matter of Oaths in Books
Nov 15, 2017
Believable characters (1 more)
Great world building
A worthy Space Opera!
A story that drops you right in to the action. The world building is believable and the characters are diverse. Considering that this was first published in 1988, there are characters of colour. gay and women in positions of unquestioned authority. None of this seems forced, the gay relationship isn't contrived, the leading female character, Rally, isn't over-bearing as so many strong female characters are often written in the past, and she is very competent and highly thought of by other characters in the book.
How this has slipped through the net, I will never understand. This deserves to be more widely known, and it is such a shame that the author didn't publish anything else that I know of or have been able to find. If she did, I would find it, read it and no doubt recommend it!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Bloomsbury Caravel, for my copy of the book and the opportunity to read and review it!
How this has slipped through the net, I will never understand. This deserves to be more widely known, and it is such a shame that the author didn't publish anything else that I know of or have been able to find. If she did, I would find it, read it and no doubt recommend it!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Bloomsbury Caravel, for my copy of the book and the opportunity to read and review it!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Turning the Tide in Books
Apr 11, 2018
Who Killed the Suffragist?
While the country is gearing up for the Presidential election of 1888, Rose Carroll and others in her town in Massachusetts are gearing up for a peaceful protest in support of women’s suffrage. Days before the election, Rose finds the body of Rowena Felch, the local leader of the movement, dead outside her home. Could it be that someone hates the idea of women voting that much? Or is there another motive?
While women’s suffrage is a strong theme in the book, Rose quickly finds other motives for murder. I did feel the plot slowed down a time or two, but that never lasted for very long. In fact, the author was able to work in development in the mystery in the middle of some of the scenes about the suffrage movement. I especially appreciated the fact that some of the males in this book supported the movement, too. The characters are great as always, and a couple of sub-plots advance series storylines well. All told, this is another great book.
While women’s suffrage is a strong theme in the book, Rose quickly finds other motives for murder. I did feel the plot slowed down a time or two, but that never lasted for very long. In fact, the author was able to work in development in the mystery in the middle of some of the scenes about the suffrage movement. I especially appreciated the fact that some of the males in this book supported the movement, too. The characters are great as always, and a couple of sub-plots advance series storylines well. All told, this is another great book.
Maris (8 KP) rated Children of Blood and Bone: Book 1 in Books
Jun 10, 2019
It took me a moment to get into it, but I promise you after I kept reading it just got better and better. I loved the ending, it was absolutely wonderful and a great read.
This book has a three characters view. Zelie , Amari, and Inan. Each chapter you get to see how these characters grow and become stronger and show who they truly are. I personally love Amari and the strength you get to see from her and how she grows as a character.
Zelie is such a strong, brave, and talented women, absolutely enjoyed how this character grew stronger as I read further on in the book.
Inan, I cant express how much I love this character. I looked forward to reading his view, he such a mystery and it wanted me to read more about how this character was going to plan out in the story. I cant wait for the next book to come out. I look forward to it cause this story had me hooked to the point I was pulling the book out at work!
This book has a three characters view. Zelie , Amari, and Inan. Each chapter you get to see how these characters grow and become stronger and show who they truly are. I personally love Amari and the strength you get to see from her and how she grows as a character.
Zelie is such a strong, brave, and talented women, absolutely enjoyed how this character grew stronger as I read further on in the book.
Inan, I cant express how much I love this character. I looked forward to reading his view, he such a mystery and it wanted me to read more about how this character was going to plan out in the story. I cant wait for the next book to come out. I look forward to it cause this story had me hooked to the point I was pulling the book out at work!
Lilyn G - Sci-Fi & Scary (91 KP) rated Wonder Woman (2017) in Movies
Jan 31, 2018
I don't get teary-eyed at girl power. I got teary-eyed.
I read somewhere (probably on Twitter) about women getting teary-eyed because of the sense of girl power that Wonder Woman gave them. I kind of scoffed at that, putting it down to 'emotional types'. And then I watched the movie, and at the key charging scene, I teared up! I couldn't believe it! But I'm able to laugh at myself about it, because it just proved how powerful aspects of Wonder Woman really were.
Wonder Woman changed the game for a lot of little girls and boys. It made them see that females can be strong and independent without guys telling them what to do or how to do it. It will always get major points from me for that.
Also, it was well-paced, fantastically acted, and I'm not above admitting that Gal Gadot is an absolute pleasure to watch on screen.
Patty Jenkins did a great job on Wonder Woman, and Gal Gadot made it even better.
Wonder Woman changed the game for a lot of little girls and boys. It made them see that females can be strong and independent without guys telling them what to do or how to do it. It will always get major points from me for that.
Also, it was well-paced, fantastically acted, and I'm not above admitting that Gal Gadot is an absolute pleasure to watch on screen.
Patty Jenkins did a great job on Wonder Woman, and Gal Gadot made it even better.
Amy-Faye is coordinating a celebration of Gothic novels for the local bookstore, culminating in a dance that night. The night ends in tragedy when a dead body is found – the body of a stranger. Amy-Faye had seen the victim during the events earlier in the day. Who was he? Why would someone kill him? And can the Readaholics’s latest read, Rebecca, offer some clues to the modern crime?
It is wonderful to be back in the presents of this group of mystery lovers. All five of the women are great and contribute in their own ways to the plot. The mystery is strong with some good twists and surprises before we reach the logical and satisfying ending. I hadn’t read Rebecca before I picked up this book, but that didn’t hamper my enjoyment at all.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-readaholics-and-gothic-gala.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
It is wonderful to be back in the presents of this group of mystery lovers. All five of the women are great and contribute in their own ways to the plot. The mystery is strong with some good twists and surprises before we reach the logical and satisfying ending. I hadn’t read Rebecca before I picked up this book, but that didn’t hamper my enjoyment at all.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-readaholics-and-gothic-gala.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Olive and Let Die (Greek to Me Mystery #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Georgie’s mother abandoned her 20 years ago, and Georgie has not heard from her since. Naturally, she is surprised when the woman walks back into her life, having reinvented herself as soap star Melanie Ashley. Before the two women can talk, however, they find a dead body. Melanie quickly identifies the victim as her cousin Doreen. Did Melanie’s return to town have something to do with Doreen’s death? What secret is Melanie hiding?
This is another fun, fast paced mystery. It did seem to wander a bit at the beginning, but everything comes into play before the climax. The climax is a little different for a cozy, and I thought it worked very well. The characters, old and new, are both really strong. Unfortunately, a few minor editing issues annoyed me, but they didn’t affect the plot or solution to the mystery in any way.
NOTE: I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/11/book-review-olive-and-let-die-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is another fun, fast paced mystery. It did seem to wander a bit at the beginning, but everything comes into play before the climax. The climax is a little different for a cozy, and I thought it worked very well. The characters, old and new, are both really strong. Unfortunately, a few minor editing issues annoyed me, but they didn’t affect the plot or solution to the mystery in any way.
NOTE: I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/11/book-review-olive-and-let-die-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.