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Damaged
Damaged
Martina Cole | 2017 | Crime
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Another Amazing book from Martina Cole
When the bodies of missing schoolgirls start turning up, former DCI Kate Burrows is dragged out of retirement.

A new Grantley serial killer is in town and DCI Annie Carr turns to Kate for help. She welcomes the distraction from her home life with former gangster, Patrick Kelly, whose long lost son has turned up out of the blue, bringing trouble with him.

It soon becomes clear the killer is on their doorstep and as the body count grows, Kate and Annie face a race against the clock.

But they have no real leads ... and there's more to these murders than meets the eye. Can Kate take the killer down before another schoolgirl dies?

I absolutely love Martina Cole and this series is my favourite! It kicks you in the gut within the first 4 chapters especially if you're a mum to young girls. Martina writes in such a way your scared of what's on the the next page! Although nothing stops you from turning the page!
Following DI Kate Burrows and Pat Kelly's life has been just eye opening and a full on roller coaster. Time to reread !
  
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Erika (17789 KP) rated Hamnet in Books

Jan 10, 2021  
Hamnet
Hamnet
Maggie O'Farrell | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry
7
8.4 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Hamnet was the 1st book I read in 2020 that was named after the son, but, in reality, the entire book is about the mother.
Hamnet is the story of an little, unknown playwright's son, who died of the plague. Just kidding, the playwright is obviously Shakespeare, but he is never named. Which is fine with me, he wasn't the focus.
Nothing much is really known about Hamnet, the author did some extensive research, and created the series of events. I thought they were all plausible, and I always appreciate a heavily researched historical fiction novel.
In truth, the focus of the novel is on Anne Hathaway, called Agnes in this novel. It's possible her true name was Agnes, rather than Anne. Now, I had a slight problem with the character of Agnes in general. This was the major negative in the book for me, I feel as though the woman in the woods, is she or isn't she a witch situation is getting overplayed way too much. Now, I see it as the equivalent as the manic pixie dream girl. I understand this woman of the woods trope is to empower the female characters, but it's just too familiar at this point.
I feel mostly that every book I read is predictable, when you read over 100 books a year, it's hard not to predict the ending. Is it necessarily a bad thing? Of course it's not, but that coupled with the manic pixie woman of the woods is why I can't rate this higher than good.
I have to add that one of my favorite parts, that was probably really unnecessary, was the journey of the plague-carrying flea. I thought it was amusing, and kind of odd.
I can definitely see why this book was up for prizes, and I'm sure to the casual reader, it was better than good.
  
We Three Queens
We Three Queens
Rhys Bowen | 2024 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
An Invasion of Guests
Lady Georgiana is enjoying her new life as a mother, but she is about to be besieged by guests. First comes Wallis Simpson at the request of King Edward while he tries to figure out how he can marry her. Then comes Georgie’s brother and sister-in-law as they look for a school for their son. Finally, Sir Hubert returns home with a film crew in tow. They want to feature the estate in a film about Henry the VIII. Unfortunately, not long after the film crew arrives someone vanishes. Can Georgie figure out what is happening?

Over the course of this series (hard to believe we are on book 18), I’ve enjoyed watching real history unfold, and I liked that again here. Unfortunately, the story started slowly and was uneven. Still, the ending did tie things up logically. Fortunately, the regular characters are their normal charming shelves, and the new characters fit into Georgie’s world. Fans will enjoy catching up with Georgie and the gang. If that’s not you, head back to the beginning to get to know the characters before you pick up this book.
  
Sin (Salvation #1)
Sin (Salvation #1)
Remi Varlow | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
SIN is the first book in the Salvation series, and we meet Sin, Cassidy, Mercer, and others for the first time.

Sin is the son of Gideon and has been plotting his 'father's' downfall for years. This includes ensuring no one gets close to him other than Mercer, so they don't get hurt or become a target. This becomes a problem when Gideon marries Sheila, and her son, Cassidy, is brought into the fold. Cassidy is two years younger than Sin, and something about him immediately puts Sin into protection mode, even if it means sending Cassidy far away, out of his father's reach. Of course, something was going to happen, and Cassidy is brought home when Sin least expects it, throwing his plans into the air.

What a brilliant story! I loved how Cassidy and Sin's relationship evolved, even against Sin's wishes. Gideon is a real piece of work and deserved everything that came his way. I also thought Mercer was brilliant, especially his comments to Cassidy on his birthday. His story is next and I can't wait. I also hope we see more of Cassidy and Sin!

The epilogue was perfect, wrapping up their story nicely while leaving me wanting more, simply because I'm greedy. A great smoothly paced read, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

** 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!
Jul 19, 2025
  
Winnie the Pooh (2011)
Winnie the Pooh (2011)
2011 | Animation, Family
8
8.2 (12 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Everyone’s favorite “tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff” is back in this sweet and lovable adaption of the beloved classic series written by A.A. Milnes. For those who aren’t familiar with the story of this beloved bear, young Christopher Robin and his active imagination creates the world of 100 Acre Woods along with its adorable characters, Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga and her son Roo, Eeyore and the bouncy Tigger.

As with most of the stories in the series, Winnie the Pooh is on an adventure in search of his favorite tasty treat: honey. As he begins scouring the woods for honey, he runs into his friend, the depressed donkey, Eeyore. Eeyore’s tail has gone missing and so begins the contest, to see which one of the 100 Acre Woods residents can come up with the best solution for a new tail for Eeyore. The prize, to Winnie the Pooh’s excitement, is a pot of honey! While they are on the hunt to help Eeyore find a new tail, the gang realizes that Christopher Robin has been kidnapped by a terrifying creature called the “Backson.”

With a run time of just over an hour, I was very impressed with the amount of substance this movie had. I was very glad that Disney stayed true to the way I remembered these characters from my childhood. The movie is instantly engaging with the story beginning in Christopher Robin’s bedroom and continues on by capturing the creative magic of being a child. Many people will probably write this movie off, due to its simplicity, however sometimes it’s the simple things in life that can provide such a wealth of charm, fun and beauty.