Search
Search results
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Murder on the Med in Books
Jun 7, 2024
Kat Finds Sailing with Seniors Dangerous
Kat’s latest assignment for the travel magazine she works for is supposed to be a quiet, relaxing week on a luxury ship that caters to seniors who live on board full time. She’s supposed to spend a week experiencing everything the ship has to offer as it cruises on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. But then, Kat hears that the woman whose unit she is subleasing might not have left the ship willingly. Kat isn’t quite willing to take it seriously until she finds the woman’s purse in the cabin. Then she finds a rare coin. What is really going on?
While we don’t really see any of the other characters we’ve met in this series, that gives Kat plenty of time to shine. It’s also great if you’ve missed the earlier books. It was a little work to keep all the people we met straight, but I did by the end, and it was worth it since the plot is wonderful. Just as I was wondering where things might go next, we got a great twist that kept me turning pages as quickly as I could. I did think there were some timeline issues, but nothing that impacted the plot. On the other hand, I really want to visit the Amalfi Coast now and see these areas for myself. If you are looking for a great armchair travel book, you’ll be glad you booked passage on this deadly Mediterranean cruise.
While we don’t really see any of the other characters we’ve met in this series, that gives Kat plenty of time to shine. It’s also great if you’ve missed the earlier books. It was a little work to keep all the people we met straight, but I did by the end, and it was worth it since the plot is wonderful. Just as I was wondering where things might go next, we got a great twist that kept me turning pages as quickly as I could. I did think there were some timeline issues, but nothing that impacted the plot. On the other hand, I really want to visit the Amalfi Coast now and see these areas for myself. If you are looking for a great armchair travel book, you’ll be glad you booked passage on this deadly Mediterranean cruise.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Training Day (2001) in Movies
Jun 11, 2020
King Kong Ain't Got Shit On Ms
I love this movie, i have seen it about 5-7 times now. It is on my top ten films of all time. I love Denzel Performace, he played as a excellent villian, and he should do it more often, cause he doesnt play the villian that much, the only other film I can think of is "American Gangster" and thats it.
The plot: Police drama about a veteran officer who escorts a rookie on his first day with the LAPD's tough inner-city narcotics unit. "Training Day" is a blistering action drama that asks the audience to decide what is necessary, what is heroic and what crosses the line in the harrowing gray zone of fighting urban crime. Does law-abiding law enforcement come at the expense of justice and public safety? If so, do we demand safe streets at any cost?
In June 2003, the American Film Institute named Alonzo Harris the 50th greatest screen villain of all time in its list AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains.
Also excellent quotes like..
"You gotta be a wolf to catch a wolf."
"You gotta control your smiles & cries because that's all you have & nobody can take that away from you."
"You wanna go to jail or you wanna go home?"
"To protect the sheep you gotta catch the wolf, and it takes a wolf to catch a wolf."
"I've been planning this all week, son. You talk that crazy shit, I'll make sure that blood gets to the lab. You wanna walk your baby nuts around the block, you won't make it to the corner, but if you're cool, if you're cool... then you're a hero. You're a virgin shooter above suspicion."
"You don't know any stories? Okay, I'll tell you a story. This is a newspaper. It's 90 per cent bullshit, but it's entertaining. That's why I read it, because it entertains me. You won't let me read it, so you entertain me with your bullshit. Tell me a story, right now."
"This shit's chess, it ain't checkers."
"You got a dick. You do have a dick, don't you? Okay, the dick lines up straight like that right? To the right of it and to the left of it are pockets, right? In those pockets are money. Look in either one of 'em, pay the bill."
And of course..
"Aww, you motherfuckers. Okay. Alright. I'm putting cases on all you bitches. Huh. You think you can do this shit... Jake. You think you can do this to me? You motherfuckers will be playing basketball in Pelican Bay when I get finished with you. SHU program, nigga. 23 hour lockdown. I'm the man up in this piece. You'll never see the light of... who the fuck do you think you're fucking with? I'm the police, I run shit around here. You just live here. Yeah, that's right, you better walk away. Go on and walk away... 'cause I'm gonna' burn this motherfucker down. King Kong ain't got shit on me. That's right, that's right. Shit, I don't, fuck. I'm winning anyway, I'm winning... I'm winning any motherfucking way. I can't lose. Yeah, you can shoot me, but you can't kill me."
Its a excellent, phenomenal movie and a must watch film.
The plot: Police drama about a veteran officer who escorts a rookie on his first day with the LAPD's tough inner-city narcotics unit. "Training Day" is a blistering action drama that asks the audience to decide what is necessary, what is heroic and what crosses the line in the harrowing gray zone of fighting urban crime. Does law-abiding law enforcement come at the expense of justice and public safety? If so, do we demand safe streets at any cost?
In June 2003, the American Film Institute named Alonzo Harris the 50th greatest screen villain of all time in its list AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains.
Also excellent quotes like..
"You gotta be a wolf to catch a wolf."
"You gotta control your smiles & cries because that's all you have & nobody can take that away from you."
"You wanna go to jail or you wanna go home?"
"To protect the sheep you gotta catch the wolf, and it takes a wolf to catch a wolf."
"I've been planning this all week, son. You talk that crazy shit, I'll make sure that blood gets to the lab. You wanna walk your baby nuts around the block, you won't make it to the corner, but if you're cool, if you're cool... then you're a hero. You're a virgin shooter above suspicion."
"You don't know any stories? Okay, I'll tell you a story. This is a newspaper. It's 90 per cent bullshit, but it's entertaining. That's why I read it, because it entertains me. You won't let me read it, so you entertain me with your bullshit. Tell me a story, right now."
"This shit's chess, it ain't checkers."
"You got a dick. You do have a dick, don't you? Okay, the dick lines up straight like that right? To the right of it and to the left of it are pockets, right? In those pockets are money. Look in either one of 'em, pay the bill."
And of course..
"Aww, you motherfuckers. Okay. Alright. I'm putting cases on all you bitches. Huh. You think you can do this shit... Jake. You think you can do this to me? You motherfuckers will be playing basketball in Pelican Bay when I get finished with you. SHU program, nigga. 23 hour lockdown. I'm the man up in this piece. You'll never see the light of... who the fuck do you think you're fucking with? I'm the police, I run shit around here. You just live here. Yeah, that's right, you better walk away. Go on and walk away... 'cause I'm gonna' burn this motherfucker down. King Kong ain't got shit on me. That's right, that's right. Shit, I don't, fuck. I'm winning anyway, I'm winning... I'm winning any motherfucking way. I can't lose. Yeah, you can shoot me, but you can't kill me."
Its a excellent, phenomenal movie and a must watch film.
The World Goes On
Ottilie Mulzet, George Szirtes, Laszlo Krasznahorkai and John Batki
Book
A magnificent new collection of stories by “the contemporary Hungarian master of apocalypse”...
fiction
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Love and Death Among the Cheetahs in Books
Aug 7, 2019
Honeymoon Safari with Murder
Lady Georgiana and Darcy have finally wed, and Darcy has a surprise – an extended honeymoon in Kenya. Georgie is excited to get to see local wildlife, but once they arrive, she quickly learns that Darcy is hoping to get some information on a notorious jewel thief that is rumored to be making an appearance in the country soon. The couple are quick to settle into the British colony in the country, but they begin to realize that not everyone is as friendly as they first appear. Then a murder interrupts their trip. Can they figure out what is happening?
Those who are fans of Darcy (like me), will be pleased with his presence in this book. As is befitting a honeymoon, he and Georgie are true partners in figuring out what is happening around them. Not that he steals the show from Georgie, who still figures out just about everything along the way. We do get the usual slow start, which allows us a little time to hear from most of the series regulars before heading down to Kenya. And let me say their trip made me very happy for how travel has advanced since the 1930’s. Even when we arrive in Kenya, it takes a bit of time for the murder to take place, but once it does, the mystery is well worth the wait with some great secrets that Georgie and Darcy must bring to light. I did have a hard time keeping all of the British colonists straight, but that never got in the way of following the mystery. My bigger complaint is an event that takes place in the middle of the book that seems force to have Darcy and Georgie where they are needed for the plot. I appreciated how the book worked in the world politics of the time without feeling out of place in the series. And I also appreciated the ability to be an arm chair traveler since I can’t take a vacation this year, although it really made me want to go on a safari of my own.
Those who are fans of Darcy (like me), will be pleased with his presence in this book. As is befitting a honeymoon, he and Georgie are true partners in figuring out what is happening around them. Not that he steals the show from Georgie, who still figures out just about everything along the way. We do get the usual slow start, which allows us a little time to hear from most of the series regulars before heading down to Kenya. And let me say their trip made me very happy for how travel has advanced since the 1930’s. Even when we arrive in Kenya, it takes a bit of time for the murder to take place, but once it does, the mystery is well worth the wait with some great secrets that Georgie and Darcy must bring to light. I did have a hard time keeping all of the British colonists straight, but that never got in the way of following the mystery. My bigger complaint is an event that takes place in the middle of the book that seems force to have Darcy and Georgie where they are needed for the plot. I appreciated how the book worked in the world politics of the time without feeling out of place in the series. And I also appreciated the ability to be an arm chair traveler since I can’t take a vacation this year, although it really made me want to go on a safari of my own.
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Harrowing of Doom in Books
Jan 7, 2021
Good book, but no real insight to Doom
As I am currently wading my way through the early 90s Infinity Gauntlet/War saga and all the crossover issues of comics, I was intrigued at the sometime villain, complex character that is Victor Von Doom. This book seemed to be the perfect chance to put some meat on the bones of this intriguing powerful character.
The book starts on Walpurgis night, as Doom looks towards the coming midsummer and his annual battle with Mephisto's forces of Hell as he tries to reclaim his mother's soul. Beaten once more, Doom hits on a plan to take the fight to Hell on his own terms.
Meanwhile, Doom's mother's previously defeated foe, a prince, seeks to take back control of the country, using terror attacks while Doom is distracted with his Hellish fight.
The story has some good characters, in the few people trusted with helping Doom to accomplish his plan (his mother's former ally and now recluse, a priest with heretical powers and his security chief) which help to tell the story. However, throughout the book we are treated to the same sense of mystery of the insides of Doom's mind that we see in the comics.
The book is good, an interesting one where an over-powered character is undone by refusing to delegate or being too egotistical, and it is something of a page-turner. But as a Doom-focused book, it left me wanting more.
I received an advance eARC of this book from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts on Walpurgis night, as Doom looks towards the coming midsummer and his annual battle with Mephisto's forces of Hell as he tries to reclaim his mother's soul. Beaten once more, Doom hits on a plan to take the fight to Hell on his own terms.
Meanwhile, Doom's mother's previously defeated foe, a prince, seeks to take back control of the country, using terror attacks while Doom is distracted with his Hellish fight.
The story has some good characters, in the few people trusted with helping Doom to accomplish his plan (his mother's former ally and now recluse, a priest with heretical powers and his security chief) which help to tell the story. However, throughout the book we are treated to the same sense of mystery of the insides of Doom's mind that we see in the comics.
The book is good, an interesting one where an over-powered character is undone by refusing to delegate or being too egotistical, and it is something of a page-turner. But as a Doom-focused book, it left me wanting more.
I received an advance eARC of this book from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Clues to You (Love in the Comptons #3) in Books
Sep 19, 2023
CLUES TO YOU is the third book in the Love in the Comptons series but can be read as a standalone, although previous characters are mentioned in passing.
Now, straight into this one...
I don't usually do mysteries. Not at all. You can keep your Poirots and Marples. They just don't interest me at all. BUT Kate and Max? Sign me up! I loved this sleuthing duo and their gentle romance.
There is a lot to this book. Not only do you have the characters' real lives and backgrounds to deal with, but you also have the murder-mystery weekend too, where no one is as they seem. Well, apart from Merryman himself, that is. And - here's the thing - I was engrossed in both parts! I loved the whodunnit side and seeing Kate and Max work together, once their misunderstandings were gone. I also loved seeing them as themselves, dealing with others - some good, some not so good (I'm looking at you, Paul!), and generally finding out what they had in common.
Love in the Comptons is a series that just keeps on getting better. I loved this book from beginning to end - which did surprise me. The writing is THAT good! So take it from me, someone who doesn't do mysteries, this book will grip you from beginning to end! Highly recommended.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 5, 2023
Now, straight into this one...
I don't usually do mysteries. Not at all. You can keep your Poirots and Marples. They just don't interest me at all. BUT Kate and Max? Sign me up! I loved this sleuthing duo and their gentle romance.
There is a lot to this book. Not only do you have the characters' real lives and backgrounds to deal with, but you also have the murder-mystery weekend too, where no one is as they seem. Well, apart from Merryman himself, that is. And - here's the thing - I was engrossed in both parts! I loved the whodunnit side and seeing Kate and Max work together, once their misunderstandings were gone. I also loved seeing them as themselves, dealing with others - some good, some not so good (I'm looking at you, Paul!), and generally finding out what they had in common.
Love in the Comptons is a series that just keeps on getting better. I loved this book from beginning to end - which did surprise me. The writing is THAT good! So take it from me, someone who doesn't do mysteries, this book will grip you from beginning to end! Highly recommended.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 5, 2023
PRANK ME! 2 Trick Your Friends for iPhone & iPod touch
Catalogs and Productivity
App
*********************************** LAUNCH SPECIAL: $1.99 CENTS!! GET IT NOW BEFORE THE PRICE GOES...
Georgina DeBurca (2 KP) rated Sin For Love (Fortune For Love #1) in Books
Jan 29, 2018
Received this book as a gift from a party.
Sticking to my usual rules - I'm not gonna give anything away.
So - let's start with writing style - good. It flicks between the heroine and heroes pov. Every time the pov changed - it was headed by a name. Made me feel a little thick that I needed to be told but I know some people do struggle reading pov swap books. So I'll overlook that. Written well. Not many errors.
Storyline - well laid out and the writer knew what journey she wanted to take us on. it was emotional and sensual. Almost like a dirty sexual modern day fairy tale where the guy gets the girl after trial by fire.
Sex scenes were well written, creative and steamy as hell. Will warn - public masturbation, and some girl on girl.
Did I like this story - well... Yes and no. Well written and well thought out, steamy. the only bit that put me off were the sins, but they were integral to the story line to be fair, so I can't grumble too much. Liked the back stories and how their lives were linked after an incident in both their pasts.
Definitely worth a read. <3
Sticking to my usual rules - I'm not gonna give anything away.
So - let's start with writing style - good. It flicks between the heroine and heroes pov. Every time the pov changed - it was headed by a name. Made me feel a little thick that I needed to be told but I know some people do struggle reading pov swap books. So I'll overlook that. Written well. Not many errors.
Storyline - well laid out and the writer knew what journey she wanted to take us on. it was emotional and sensual. Almost like a dirty sexual modern day fairy tale where the guy gets the girl after trial by fire.
Sex scenes were well written, creative and steamy as hell. Will warn - public masturbation, and some girl on girl.
Did I like this story - well... Yes and no. Well written and well thought out, steamy. the only bit that put me off were the sins, but they were integral to the story line to be fair, so I can't grumble too much. Liked the back stories and how their lives were linked after an incident in both their pasts.
Definitely worth a read. <3
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Daytripper in Books
Feb 7, 2018
Absolutely beautiful work of art and fiction
Daytripper was one of those books that I've not only had on my to be read list for a long time but also on my actual bookshelf but I just never got around to reading it even though people have been telling me to read for just about as long as I've owned it, and finally I decided to pick it up.
From start to finish you just can't help but be drawn into the absolutely gorgeous world that Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon have created in just 256 pages, the story is all about life and death, beginning and ending and the moments that make up our lives and how different choice can truly change who we are as a person.
Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon manage to create a realm of fantasy realism that I just have not come across before and I can honestly say I don't think I'll come across again but I sure hope I do.
Daytripper was a very beautiful story but for me what really stood out the most was the art which was just absolutely breathtakingly beautiful after finishing the book I found myself flipping through the pages again just to really take in the artwork.
From start to finish you just can't help but be drawn into the absolutely gorgeous world that Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon have created in just 256 pages, the story is all about life and death, beginning and ending and the moments that make up our lives and how different choice can truly change who we are as a person.
Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon manage to create a realm of fantasy realism that I just have not come across before and I can honestly say I don't think I'll come across again but I sure hope I do.
Daytripper was a very beautiful story but for me what really stood out the most was the art which was just absolutely breathtakingly beautiful after finishing the book I found myself flipping through the pages again just to really take in the artwork.