Search
Search results
Down and Dirty (Cole McGinnis #5)
8.0
Rate It
Book
From the moment former LAPD detective Bobby Dawson spots Ichiro Tokugawa, he knows the man is...
Contemporary MM Romance Crime Mystery Suspense
Dirty Heart (Cole McGinnis #6)
9.0
Rate It
Book
Final book in the Dirty Series arc. Former LAPD detective Cole McGinnis’s life nearly ended the...
Contemporary MM Romance Crime Mystery Suspense
Never Fall Again (Gossamer Falls #1)
Book
Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an...
Romance Suspense Christian Fiction
Blindspot
Book
An ambitious district attorney. An enemy she can’t see. A daughter at risk. From the author of...
Domestic Murder Psychological Thriller
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2324 KP) rated The Key to Deceit in Books
Aug 10, 2024 (Updated Aug 10, 2024)
Unlocking a Spy Ring
Ellie McDonnell is happy when Major Ramsey walks back into her life with another case he needs help with. A young woman has recently been found in the Thames, and she was wearing a bracelet locked to her wrist. Ellie successfully takes it off, but what the two find inside just leads to more questions. Soon, they realize they are on the trail of spies for Germany. Can they find them to stop them in time?
I enjoyed the first in the series, and I was happy to see the second one is just as fun. Ellie has a logical reason to be involved in the case, and the story unfolded in a logical way while keeping me fully hooked until we get to the suspense climax. On the other hand, I’m already frustrated by the love triangle, especially since I suspect I know where it is going to wind up, and I’m not going to be happy about it. The characters are loads of fun, probably because most of them are on the shady side of the law, and I enjoyed spending time with them. I also appreciated how real history from 1940 was woven into the book. Overall, I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the third.
I enjoyed the first in the series, and I was happy to see the second one is just as fun. Ellie has a logical reason to be involved in the case, and the story unfolded in a logical way while keeping me fully hooked until we get to the suspense climax. On the other hand, I’m already frustrated by the love triangle, especially since I suspect I know where it is going to wind up, and I’m not going to be happy about it. The characters are loads of fun, probably because most of them are on the shady side of the law, and I enjoyed spending time with them. I also appreciated how real history from 1940 was woven into the book. Overall, I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the third.
Now Comes the Dark (Basic Instincts #1)
Book
Roman Ballentyne is forced to make some changes. The city he loves is no longer safe. Tensions are...
Contemporary Dark MM Romance Thriller Mystery
Entangled Beta (Murder and Mayhem Omegaverse #2)
Cassie Lein and Bre Rose
8.0
Rate It
Book
Blood wasn’t something I ever craved—until I did. My life was quiet—until my best friend...
Multiple Partners Omegaverse Romance Suspense
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Stonehearst Asylum (2015) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
In the late 19th century in England, medicine was by today’s standards primitive and at times barbaric. The nature of psychiatric care of the times was even more frightening as maladies that today are treated with medication often resulted in a lifetime of confinement in an Asylum where all manner of treatments which today would be considered torture were used.
In the new thriller “Stonehearst Asylum” a young doctor named Edward Newgate (Jim Sturgess), travels to a remote asylum on Christmas Eve to being a practical study following his time at Oxford.
He is greeted upon his arrival by Silas Lamb (Ben Kingsley, who is eager to size up the new assistant upon his arrival.
Newgate is fascinated by the patients especially one named Eliza (Kate Beckinsale), who shows a grace and range of talents not normally associated with those who have been committed. It is explained that all of those assigned to Stonehearts are from the upper class of society and as such, their maladies have made them outcasts from polite society.
Edward begins to have concerns when he is told by Eliza that he must leave immediately and not return and despite her warnings, he remains and soon makes a startling discovery.
It is learned that a patient named Salt (Michael Caine) is actually the man in charge of the facility and that Lamb is a dangerous psychopath who has imprisoned or killed the asylum staff and has replaced them with his fellow inmates.
Trapped in a world gone mad, Edward must strive to do his duty as a physician to care for those in need, while trying to walk the line between the madness of Lamb and his fellow inmates.
The film is a well-cast and exciting thriller that keeps you entertained without resorting to the standard scares and tricks of other suspense films.
The characters have a complexity and compassion to them as you will find yourself engrossed by the various characters and their situations.
Director Brad Anderson is no stranger to suspense and he has crafted a captivating take that is rich with the visuals of the era yet remaining a character based drama it its core.
The film is based on a short story by Edgar Allen Poe and Mel Gibson is one of the Producers attached to the film which helps underscore how they were able to assemble such a strong cast to the film despite the lack of a major studio to finance or distribute the film.
The film does have some moments that at times make you wonder why some characters did not take more obvious courses of action but yet the film works in spite of this.
In the end the haunting setting and subject matter mesh well with the characters to create a thrilling and entertaining drama that is one of the more enjoyable surprises of the year.
http://sknr.net/2014/10/24/stonehearst-asylum/
In the new thriller “Stonehearst Asylum” a young doctor named Edward Newgate (Jim Sturgess), travels to a remote asylum on Christmas Eve to being a practical study following his time at Oxford.
He is greeted upon his arrival by Silas Lamb (Ben Kingsley, who is eager to size up the new assistant upon his arrival.
Newgate is fascinated by the patients especially one named Eliza (Kate Beckinsale), who shows a grace and range of talents not normally associated with those who have been committed. It is explained that all of those assigned to Stonehearts are from the upper class of society and as such, their maladies have made them outcasts from polite society.
Edward begins to have concerns when he is told by Eliza that he must leave immediately and not return and despite her warnings, he remains and soon makes a startling discovery.
It is learned that a patient named Salt (Michael Caine) is actually the man in charge of the facility and that Lamb is a dangerous psychopath who has imprisoned or killed the asylum staff and has replaced them with his fellow inmates.
Trapped in a world gone mad, Edward must strive to do his duty as a physician to care for those in need, while trying to walk the line between the madness of Lamb and his fellow inmates.
The film is a well-cast and exciting thriller that keeps you entertained without resorting to the standard scares and tricks of other suspense films.
The characters have a complexity and compassion to them as you will find yourself engrossed by the various characters and their situations.
Director Brad Anderson is no stranger to suspense and he has crafted a captivating take that is rich with the visuals of the era yet remaining a character based drama it its core.
The film is based on a short story by Edgar Allen Poe and Mel Gibson is one of the Producers attached to the film which helps underscore how they were able to assemble such a strong cast to the film despite the lack of a major studio to finance or distribute the film.
The film does have some moments that at times make you wonder why some characters did not take more obvious courses of action but yet the film works in spite of this.
In the end the haunting setting and subject matter mesh well with the characters to create a thrilling and entertaining drama that is one of the more enjoyable surprises of the year.
http://sknr.net/2014/10/24/stonehearst-asylum/
Darren (1599 KP) rated Rec 3: Genesis (2012) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Story: We start by seeing friends and family coming together for the wedding of our two leads Clara and Koldo. The wedding goes perfectly but as they after party continues one of the guests starts coming off sick and the quarantine team turn up. One an infected guest starts to spread the virus all hell lets loose and we have to follow our groom and a few friends as they try to find safety and watch how he has to find his bride. All this while the bride tries to escape but refuses to leave without her groom.
With the first two in the series being set in the same building it is nice to see something different and with the wedding we get a one night chaos idea. It has the basic escape from the zombie like creatures that we have seen before with the self-sacrifice but lacks the unique kills. It ends up turning into a romantic escape as the two want to find each other and end up getting all their friends and family killed. It is very basic but does what you ask it too. (6/10)
Actor Review
Leticia Dolera: Clara bride who escapes with a priest and a few friends but once she releases her groom is not out she wants to go back and armed with chainsaw she goes back for him. Leticia gives a good performance. (7/10)
Diego Martin: Koldo groom who escapes and tries to save the people he is with before going back in his armour to save his bride. Diego gives a good performance. (7/10)
Support Cast: Friends and family back up the support cast and end up becoming victims while our heroes try to escape.
Director Review: Paco Plaza – Paco makes a solid bloody zombie film that has some good kills but lacks what made the first one special. (5/10)
Horror: Never really reaches the levels of the first ones. (3/10)
Settings: Fresh setting for the series works because it shows how one of the greatest moments of a couple’s life could turn into the biggest nightmare in a matter of moments. (8/10)
Special Effects: Great effects used for the kills and zombies images. (9/10)
Suggestion: This is one for the horror fans to try, it is bloodier that the first too but lacks the suspense they had. (Try It)
Best Part: Chainsaw time
Worst Part: No suspense
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: There is a fourth in the series.
Opening Credits Rating: We get to see photos of the two leads as they grow up until they are about to get married. (7/10)
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Runtime: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
Tagline: You may now kiss the bride
Overall: That moment when zombies crash your wedding
https://moviesreview101.com/2014/12/05/rec-3-genesis-2012/
With the first two in the series being set in the same building it is nice to see something different and with the wedding we get a one night chaos idea. It has the basic escape from the zombie like creatures that we have seen before with the self-sacrifice but lacks the unique kills. It ends up turning into a romantic escape as the two want to find each other and end up getting all their friends and family killed. It is very basic but does what you ask it too. (6/10)
Actor Review
Leticia Dolera: Clara bride who escapes with a priest and a few friends but once she releases her groom is not out she wants to go back and armed with chainsaw she goes back for him. Leticia gives a good performance. (7/10)
Diego Martin: Koldo groom who escapes and tries to save the people he is with before going back in his armour to save his bride. Diego gives a good performance. (7/10)
Support Cast: Friends and family back up the support cast and end up becoming victims while our heroes try to escape.
Director Review: Paco Plaza – Paco makes a solid bloody zombie film that has some good kills but lacks what made the first one special. (5/10)
Horror: Never really reaches the levels of the first ones. (3/10)
Settings: Fresh setting for the series works because it shows how one of the greatest moments of a couple’s life could turn into the biggest nightmare in a matter of moments. (8/10)
Special Effects: Great effects used for the kills and zombies images. (9/10)
Suggestion: This is one for the horror fans to try, it is bloodier that the first too but lacks the suspense they had. (Try It)
Best Part: Chainsaw time
Worst Part: No suspense
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: There is a fourth in the series.
Opening Credits Rating: We get to see photos of the two leads as they grow up until they are about to get married. (7/10)
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Runtime: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
Tagline: You may now kiss the bride
Overall: That moment when zombies crash your wedding
https://moviesreview101.com/2014/12/05/rec-3-genesis-2012/
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid (2004) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
Deep in the dense jungles of Borneo, a research team has come hoping to succeed where famed explorer Ponce De Leon once failed. History notes that De Leon ventured to Florida looking for the fabled Fountain of Youth that would endow all who drank from it with eternal youth and life.
The modern quest is taken up by a research team who believe that the rare Blood Orchid, which blooms every seven years is the key to eternal youth, as the small samples they obtained shows that the plant allows for greater cell reproduction and thus an end to aging.
With visions of billions of dollars in their heads, the team sets off to collect several samples of the orchid, as they only have a week to do so before they must wait another seven years for the flower to bloom again. Complicating matters is that the team has arrived during rainy season, and as such there is only one boat captain named Johnson (Johnny Messner), who will attempt to take the team down river in the dangerous conditions. The trip turns out to be even more dangerous than expected, and the team leader Dr. Byron (Matthew Marsden), offers and additional $50,00 to Johnson unbeknownst to his team to push on, no matter what.
When the boat jams a rudder due to debris and ends up on the bad side of a waterfall, the team finds themselves without any transportation and forced to trek across the jungle to not only catch other transportation, but to reach the Orchids in time. Unbeknownst to the team, they have entered an area of the jungle that is teaming with giant and deadly anacondas and the team is soon under attack by the large and deadly creatures that strike without warning and vanish almost as quickly as they appear.
Fractions soon arise as many in the team want to abandon the quest for the orchid and return to safety, while Byron insists that to give up now would be crazy and despite the risk, the prize the orchid promises is well worth the risk.
What follows is the typical cat and mouse game that while short on suspense does have some surprises and laughs along the way.
The snake effects are done via CGI this time out instead of animatronics, and the technology allows an even greater range of motion for the snakes, which adds to the suspense factor, as the snakes are able to appear as full body creatures rather then a simple head. The cast is solid especially Messner and Kadee Strickland as a scientist named Sam. The remainder of the cast has a bit of depth even those whose entire purpose is to become snake chow. Yes, the film is a B-Movie, and is light on plot, realism, and depth, but for late summer entertainment, “Anacondas” has enough bite to keep you interested.
The modern quest is taken up by a research team who believe that the rare Blood Orchid, which blooms every seven years is the key to eternal youth, as the small samples they obtained shows that the plant allows for greater cell reproduction and thus an end to aging.
With visions of billions of dollars in their heads, the team sets off to collect several samples of the orchid, as they only have a week to do so before they must wait another seven years for the flower to bloom again. Complicating matters is that the team has arrived during rainy season, and as such there is only one boat captain named Johnson (Johnny Messner), who will attempt to take the team down river in the dangerous conditions. The trip turns out to be even more dangerous than expected, and the team leader Dr. Byron (Matthew Marsden), offers and additional $50,00 to Johnson unbeknownst to his team to push on, no matter what.
When the boat jams a rudder due to debris and ends up on the bad side of a waterfall, the team finds themselves without any transportation and forced to trek across the jungle to not only catch other transportation, but to reach the Orchids in time. Unbeknownst to the team, they have entered an area of the jungle that is teaming with giant and deadly anacondas and the team is soon under attack by the large and deadly creatures that strike without warning and vanish almost as quickly as they appear.
Fractions soon arise as many in the team want to abandon the quest for the orchid and return to safety, while Byron insists that to give up now would be crazy and despite the risk, the prize the orchid promises is well worth the risk.
What follows is the typical cat and mouse game that while short on suspense does have some surprises and laughs along the way.
The snake effects are done via CGI this time out instead of animatronics, and the technology allows an even greater range of motion for the snakes, which adds to the suspense factor, as the snakes are able to appear as full body creatures rather then a simple head. The cast is solid especially Messner and Kadee Strickland as a scientist named Sam. The remainder of the cast has a bit of depth even those whose entire purpose is to become snake chow. Yes, the film is a B-Movie, and is light on plot, realism, and depth, but for late summer entertainment, “Anacondas” has enough bite to keep you interested.