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The Patient
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The Silent Patient by way of Stephen King: Parker, a young, overconfident psychiatrist new to his...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2352 KP) rated A Streetcar Named Murder in Books
Dec 15, 2022
Promising First Draft, but Needed Lots of Work
Valerie Cooper is facing changes in her life. A young widow, her twin sons are now off at college, and she struggling to fill her days. An unexpected letter reveals she’s inherited the estate of one of her late husband’s great uncles, a man that Valerie didn’t know existed. The inheritance includes an antique shop. Meanwhile, Valerie attends a Halloween costume ball, but the night ends when she finds a woman she knows stabbed to death outside the dance. What is going on?
I sat down to read this hoping to find a new series I’d enjoy. Sadly, it was very disappointing. The author tried for something different when it came to the plot, which I appreciate, but the result wasn’t plotted well at all but did pick up in the second half. It wasn’t helped by Valerie’s constant reflections on her life before her husband died and questioning why she’d never heard of this great uncle. While this is important for Valerie’s character growth, it got to be a bit much. Unfortunately, the ARC I read was also riddled with errors that should have been caught in editing, some of which made me question if what I saw from the suspects was the suspects hiding something or the sloppy editing. Meanwhile, the author goes too far in making the victim unlikeable, turning her one dimensional. I did like Valerie and her family and friends. But there is not enough good here to recommend the book.
I sat down to read this hoping to find a new series I’d enjoy. Sadly, it was very disappointing. The author tried for something different when it came to the plot, which I appreciate, but the result wasn’t plotted well at all but did pick up in the second half. It wasn’t helped by Valerie’s constant reflections on her life before her husband died and questioning why she’d never heard of this great uncle. While this is important for Valerie’s character growth, it got to be a bit much. Unfortunately, the ARC I read was also riddled with errors that should have been caught in editing, some of which made me question if what I saw from the suspects was the suspects hiding something or the sloppy editing. Meanwhile, the author goes too far in making the victim unlikeable, turning her one dimensional. I did like Valerie and her family and friends. But there is not enough good here to recommend the book.
Merissa (12919 KP) rated Sink or Swim: Part One (Aria & the Seven Seas, #1) in Books
Nov 15, 2022
Aria's back... and she's TROUBLE!
SINK OR SWIM is Aria's story. Well, the first part of it at least. We first met her in the Wildeward Academy series but you don't need to have read those - although I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do!
Aria is happy with her life Topside, performing with her band and getting sustenance that way. When she is summoned back to the Deep, she has no idea what's going to happen.
Oh, man. What a start! Aria is a blast, always has been, always will be. I couldn't figure out just how she would settle down, but Ms Blythe hasn't let me down! Instead of one mate, Aria is going to have multiple. They'll need each other too, to keep her appetite fed.
It's not all fun and games though, oh no. We have assassination attempts, political intrigue, slimy want-to-punch-them-in-the-face characters, as well as our wannabe Royal Pod. We've met two for sure, probably three of the heirs, and I'm hoping we meet the others soon.
A brilliant start to the trilogy with a favourite character of mine from Wildeward. I really need to read them again! I think I'll finish Aria's story first though. Do I recommend this book? You betcha! Absolutely loved it and can't wait for more.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aria is happy with her life Topside, performing with her band and getting sustenance that way. When she is summoned back to the Deep, she has no idea what's going to happen.
Oh, man. What a start! Aria is a blast, always has been, always will be. I couldn't figure out just how she would settle down, but Ms Blythe hasn't let me down! Instead of one mate, Aria is going to have multiple. They'll need each other too, to keep her appetite fed.
It's not all fun and games though, oh no. We have assassination attempts, political intrigue, slimy want-to-punch-them-in-the-face characters, as well as our wannabe Royal Pod. We've met two for sure, probably three of the heirs, and I'm hoping we meet the others soon.
A brilliant start to the trilogy with a favourite character of mine from Wildeward. I really need to read them again! I think I'll finish Aria's story first though. Do I recommend this book? You betcha! Absolutely loved it and can't wait for more.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2352 KP) rated Keep Your Family Close in Books
Dec 9, 2023
Two Cases for Matthias Honeywell to Solve
Detective Matthias Honeywell is called to the scene of a man shot in an alley near a bar. Sounds like a mugging on the surface, especially since his wallet is missing. Is it that simple? Or is there more to it than that? If it is a mugging, will they ever figure out who did it? Meanwhile, he’s also working on the case of a waitress who vanished while walking home from work one night. Will he get a break in that case?
Plus, Honeywell’s friend, Emma Anderson, gets a new lead on where her missing sister might be. The lead is a week old; will it lead Emma to her sister?
With so many storylines, it isn’t a surprise that I found this book to be a page turning. There was always something happening to keep me engaged. The characters were strong, and that drew me in as well. There was one part of the solution that bothered me, but all my questions were answered. Meanwhile, those who enjoyed the first book will be happy to hear the sparks between Honeywell and Emma are as strong as ever. Plus, we get to see some interesting growth in them and meet some great new characters. Since this is a police procedural, it’s a little darker than my typical cozy, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. This is a great second book in a series that will keep you turning pages.
Plus, Honeywell’s friend, Emma Anderson, gets a new lead on where her missing sister might be. The lead is a week old; will it lead Emma to her sister?
With so many storylines, it isn’t a surprise that I found this book to be a page turning. There was always something happening to keep me engaged. The characters were strong, and that drew me in as well. There was one part of the solution that bothered me, but all my questions were answered. Meanwhile, those who enjoyed the first book will be happy to hear the sparks between Honeywell and Emma are as strong as ever. Plus, we get to see some interesting growth in them and meet some great new characters. Since this is a police procedural, it’s a little darker than my typical cozy, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. This is a great second book in a series that will keep you turning pages.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2352 KP) rated Easter Basket Murder in Books
Jan 25, 2024 (Updated Jan 25, 2024)
Here’s to a Deadly Easter
Kensington has called on their go to trio for three new holiday themed mysteries, this time featuring Easter. Up first, Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone gets involved with a promotion for the local businesses leads to the theft of a golden Easter egg. Then Lee Hollis’s Hayley Powell finds the Easter Bunny dead at a community Easter egg hunt. Finally, Barbara Ross’s Julia Snowden’s Easter on the family island off the coast of Maine is interrupted when she finds a man in coat tails dead in the garden. Then, a few minutes later, he’s gone.
All three stories have fun with the theme, and present it in some clever ways. As is often the case, I found the first story the weakest, but the mysteries in the other two stories are strong. Still, I was engaged no matter which story I was reading. All three have some great Easter elements that made me feel like it was spring. And I love the community aspects we get. I’m only a regular reader of Barbara Ross’s series, and I was interested in the updates we got on the characters there. If you are looking for some new dishes to serve this year, you’ll be interested in the recipes we get with the second and third story. Each story is roughly 100 pages, so you can read them in a sitting or two. Overall, this is a fun anthology you’ll be happy hopped on to your to be read pile.
All three stories have fun with the theme, and present it in some clever ways. As is often the case, I found the first story the weakest, but the mysteries in the other two stories are strong. Still, I was engaged no matter which story I was reading. All three have some great Easter elements that made me feel like it was spring. And I love the community aspects we get. I’m only a regular reader of Barbara Ross’s series, and I was interested in the updates we got on the characters there. If you are looking for some new dishes to serve this year, you’ll be interested in the recipes we get with the second and third story. Each story is roughly 100 pages, so you can read them in a sitting or two. Overall, this is a fun anthology you’ll be happy hopped on to your to be read pile.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2352 KP) rated Murder Out of Character in Books
Mar 1, 2024 (Updated Mar 1, 2024)
Has Marvey Found a Hit List?
The summer fun raising campaign for the library is kicking off with a cocktail reception, and Marvey Harris is in the thick of things thanks to her job. The event goes well, but as the staff is cleaning up, Marvey finds a list of names left behind by someone. She’s intrigued since her good friend Spence is on it as is a man who has just died.
Two days later, another person on the list has died. Marvey can’t help but think she’s found a list that someone is targeting, but she is having a hard time getting anyone to take her seriously. Especially since no one seems to be able to figure out a solid connection between the four people on the list. Can Marvey discover what is going on before a killer strikes again?
I’d intended to get back and finish this series, and I was happy to see the main characters again. While the supporting players could have been a bit better developed, I love Marvey and her friends. They are just wonderful. I was intrigued by the plot, but it didn’t quite work for me. The pacing was off, with some repetitive scenes. While the killer and motive did make sense, there was still a major part of the plot that was never explained. If you are a plot first person, I’d recommend you skip this book. But if you enjoy reading about strong bonds between characters, you will want to check this one out.
Two days later, another person on the list has died. Marvey can’t help but think she’s found a list that someone is targeting, but she is having a hard time getting anyone to take her seriously. Especially since no one seems to be able to figure out a solid connection between the four people on the list. Can Marvey discover what is going on before a killer strikes again?
I’d intended to get back and finish this series, and I was happy to see the main characters again. While the supporting players could have been a bit better developed, I love Marvey and her friends. They are just wonderful. I was intrigued by the plot, but it didn’t quite work for me. The pacing was off, with some repetitive scenes. While the killer and motive did make sense, there was still a major part of the plot that was never explained. If you are a plot first person, I’d recommend you skip this book. But if you enjoy reading about strong bonds between characters, you will want to check this one out.
LucyB (47 KP) rated Dark Matter in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Mind-bending, fast-pasted, gripping to the end
Every so often, I come across an author who is so different, it blows me away. Blake Crouch is definitely one of those authors! The storyline is so completely 'way out' that I'm amazed he pulled it off, and his style of writing (short to the point of sparse) shouldn't work, but really does!
The story is about Martin, the man who has the perfect life, the perfect wife, a lovely son...but fifteen years ago, gave up his illustrious science career to have a family. Suddenly, he's kidnapped, drugged, and (wait for it), forced into an alternate reality. I can't say anymore without spoiling the plot, but what follows is a frenetic race through alternative realities to get back to the life he once knew, at any cost.
The storyline is impressive, not least because the concept is so complex, yet Crouch handles it with ease. I'd say that this is the author's greatest gift - being able to simplify and abbreviate, without dumbing down. In fact, this book is probably the best example of 'all killer, no filler' that I've ever read.
A formidable book... I'll be looking forward to reading the Wayward Pines series next!
The story is about Martin, the man who has the perfect life, the perfect wife, a lovely son...but fifteen years ago, gave up his illustrious science career to have a family. Suddenly, he's kidnapped, drugged, and (wait for it), forced into an alternate reality. I can't say anymore without spoiling the plot, but what follows is a frenetic race through alternative realities to get back to the life he once knew, at any cost.
The storyline is impressive, not least because the concept is so complex, yet Crouch handles it with ease. I'd say that this is the author's greatest gift - being able to simplify and abbreviate, without dumbing down. In fact, this book is probably the best example of 'all killer, no filler' that I've ever read.
A formidable book... I'll be looking forward to reading the Wayward Pines series next!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Creed II (2018) in Movies
Dec 8, 2018 (Updated Dec 8, 2018)
Eighth movie in the Rocky series is well-nigh miraculous, not for being a well-made sports drama (though it is that) but for revisiting some of the characters and events of Rocky IV (the silliest of these films) and still producing a credible, involving story. Donnie Creed wins the world title, but is challenged by Viktor Drago, the son of the man who killed his father umpty-tump years ago. What follows is a classical story of hubris, comeuppance, and redemption, with powerful themes of parental responsibility, legacy, and what it means to have the heart of a fighter. Plus lengthy sequences of beefy men bashing the living daylights out of each other, and the odd training montage too.
Really quite good in every department: the fights are as predictable as ever, but the storytelling really makes you feel them, and you care about the characters so much it doesn't really matter anyway. Carl Weathers must still be off somewhere muttering bitterly to himself about the fact that (one presumes) he's not making any money off these things, but Stallone does his latter-day character actor thing, Jordan carries the film well, and Tessa Thompson makes the most of a slightly underwritten part. Almost certainly the best movie in the filmography of Dolph Lundgren (this is not saying much) or Brigitte Nielson (this is probably saying even less).
Really quite good in every department: the fights are as predictable as ever, but the storytelling really makes you feel them, and you care about the characters so much it doesn't really matter anyway. Carl Weathers must still be off somewhere muttering bitterly to himself about the fact that (one presumes) he's not making any money off these things, but Stallone does his latter-day character actor thing, Jordan carries the film well, and Tessa Thompson makes the most of a slightly underwritten part. Almost certainly the best movie in the filmography of Dolph Lundgren (this is not saying much) or Brigitte Nielson (this is probably saying even less).
Karica Truebenbach (156 KP) rated The Cutting Edge (Lincoln Rhyme, #14) in Books
Dec 9, 2018
Stale
In the latest Lincoln Rhyme mystery, a killer obsessed with diamonds is on the loose in New York, and it's up to the famed criminalist and his wife, Detective Amelia Sachs, to catch him. Now I love Jeffrey Deaver. The story and villains are never what they appear to be initially, and nothing hooks me faster than a plot twist.
That being said, the main characters are starting to bore me. There is no growth to them. Yes, Rhyme has a bit more mobility and is married, but even with these monumental life changes, Rhyme (and everyone else) remains stagnant. Essentially, Rhyme is the same man he was in the first book except now he wants to live.
The series hinges on his character. So even if the plot is amazing, it will fall flat if you aren't invested in the main character, and I wasn't. Additionally, the plot was not good this time. Or should I say, plots. There was too much going on. It was like pulling out Russian nesting dolls! I know this is the author's M.O., but geez! More is not always better. The plot twists felt forced just so Deaver could reveal one last ta-da! at the end. Wasn't worth the headache.
That being said, the main characters are starting to bore me. There is no growth to them. Yes, Rhyme has a bit more mobility and is married, but even with these monumental life changes, Rhyme (and everyone else) remains stagnant. Essentially, Rhyme is the same man he was in the first book except now he wants to live.
The series hinges on his character. So even if the plot is amazing, it will fall flat if you aren't invested in the main character, and I wasn't. Additionally, the plot was not good this time. Or should I say, plots. There was too much going on. It was like pulling out Russian nesting dolls! I know this is the author's M.O., but geez! More is not always better. The plot twists felt forced just so Deaver could reveal one last ta-da! at the end. Wasn't worth the headache.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Saw III (2006) in Movies
Jan 10, 2020
The Consquence's: One's Pain and One's suffering
Saw III- continues the story from the last film, continues the games, continues the touture and contiues to have good/great charcters like Jigsaw and Amanda. You really care about these charcters but at the same time, feel sick by these charcters actions.
The Plot: Dr. Lynn Denlon (Bahar Soomekh) becomes a pawn in the Jigsaw Killer's (Tobin Bell) latest gory game. Kidnapped and taken to an abandoned warehouse, she finds Jigsaw bedridden and dying. Her task is to keep the maniac alive long enough for Jeff (Angus Macfadyen), a fellow victim, to complete his own task. Each is unaware that Jigsaw has much bigger -- and deadlier -- plans in store.
Jeff's charcter- after his son is killed by a drunk driver, is put through a series of tests by Jigsaw in order to try to get him to let go of his vengeance for the man that killed his son. You care about Jeff, you feel his pain and suffering, you want him to survivie Jigsaw's games. You want to know who killed his son and by the end you will find out.
I liked this movie, i liked this sequel, i liked the story, i like psychological espect, the twist and turns and i liked the ending of all three movies so far.
The Plot: Dr. Lynn Denlon (Bahar Soomekh) becomes a pawn in the Jigsaw Killer's (Tobin Bell) latest gory game. Kidnapped and taken to an abandoned warehouse, she finds Jigsaw bedridden and dying. Her task is to keep the maniac alive long enough for Jeff (Angus Macfadyen), a fellow victim, to complete his own task. Each is unaware that Jigsaw has much bigger -- and deadlier -- plans in store.
Jeff's charcter- after his son is killed by a drunk driver, is put through a series of tests by Jigsaw in order to try to get him to let go of his vengeance for the man that killed his son. You care about Jeff, you feel his pain and suffering, you want him to survivie Jigsaw's games. You want to know who killed his son and by the end you will find out.
I liked this movie, i liked this sequel, i liked the story, i like psychological espect, the twist and turns and i liked the ending of all three movies so far.