Hazel (2934 KP) rated Out For Blood (DI Eve Hunter #2) in Books
Dec 13, 2020
This is a gritty police procedural set in Aberdeen, Scotland which delves into the seedy and repulsive world of human trafficking but what does the death of a privileged young man and the apparent suicide of a young woman have in common? On first impressions, absolutely nothing however, DI Hunter and her team set about investigating and what they find is worse than they expected.
Mainly written from Eve's perspective interspersed with other characters and those of an unknown young woman, this gave insight from all the important protagonists in this book and provided a well-rounded view of the situation from all angles. The characters are well developed and believable with the relationships between Eve and her wider team excellently portrayed.
The story is a difficult one to read in parts but, I felt, was dealt with respectfully but with no holds-barred which made it feel authentic making me feel both sad and angry in equal measure that these things are likely to be happening to someone right now! The pace is good, it does start off a little slow but increases as the story develops and this follows the pace of the investigation, again making it feel believable and, once again, the author manages to keep the identity of the killer well hidden which kept me guessing and second guessing throughout.
Overall, I have no hesitation in recommending this to others who enjoy a cleverly written and gripping police procedural and I look forward to reading the next instalment in what is a great series with DI Hunter fast becoming a favourite character of mine.
I was fortunate enough to have been invited to read an advance copy by Transworld Publishers, part of Penguin Random House UK, via NetGalley in return for an unbiased and unedited review and for which, I am thankful.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Fast and the Furious (2001) in Movies
Mar 30, 2018 (Updated Mar 30, 2018)
Much grittier and more credible than the films made after the series entered its blockbuster incarnation; even the laws of physics are mostly respected. All the chasing about and scenes with people dismantling carburettors are the backdrop to a man confronting the dangerous glamour of a life of crime and having an existential crisis as a result. When all the stunts and action kick off the film becomes rather less interesting, even if it is more recognisable as what we now know as F&F. Smartly written, nicely performed; it's clear that no-one involved envisaged this as the Launchpad for a multi-billion dollar franchise, but it's the elements and themes established here that give the series much of its warmth and charm.
Grumpy Old Women
8.0
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We all know what it means these days to be a grumpy old man, because part of that role is to be...
The Boys Volume 2: Get Some
7.7
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David McK (3623 KP) rated Commander (Jack Lark #10) in Books
Aug 7, 2022
To be clear: that's neither a con nor a pro: just something to be aware of!
In this one, the latest at the time of reviewing, Jack Lark is in Egypt, between employment (well, of a salubrious sort), when he is offered the opportunity to join an expedition into the Sudan, taking charge of new recruits in doing so.
What follows is the delays and danger (both of the natural variety as well as the man-made) of such an expedition into the wilderness, including the hunting of Elephants for ivory (on an industrial scale), slave trading and other such unsavoury pursuits which the expedition both aims to take part in and to stop.
As for Lark himself? He comes across as more melancholy than I remember from previous entries; more given to introspection than before. However, he also seems to end the novel in a better place than when he started: let's see how long that lasts!
Ollie (A Little Christmas #3)
10.0
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Can dating via an app turn into something more when Ollie hides a major part of himself—how...
Contemporary MM Romance Daddy Kink
Kelly (279 KP) rated The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, #1) in Books
Jan 7, 2019
In my opinion The Eye of the World is the strongest book in the series, and is a fantastic hook to get you to read the following books. Although the series centres around many characters, the true main character of the first book is Rand al’Thor, a reluctant hero, who discovers he has magical abilities, which could ultimately destroy him. In an attempt to save Emonds Field, Rand and his friends flee, accompanied by an Aes Sedai (a female with magical powers). The story primarily details the journey of the group (either together or in smaller groups), detailing regular encounters with the dark ones forces. As such the story does follow the predictable fantasy format of -unlikely hero discovers that they have magical powers, and then goes on a journey to save the world, however it is an enjoyable tale.
The male characters in the book are diverse and entertaining- I struggled to decide which was my favourite character as they all had likeable features. One thing about the book, which does takeaway from
It’s score is Jordan’s portrayal of female characters. I found a lack of diversity amongst those female characters who were on the side we are led to route for, and some stereotyping of women. This was evident even amongst female characters that were meant to be in power. The women as a whole in the novel always needed a man to support them (for
Example Moiraine needing Lan, Egwene needing Rand, there are a few isolated incidents of independence amongst these female characters, but this was often as an exception to the rule. This is addressed a little in later books in the series, but not in the The Eye of the World.
Charles (Learning to Love #1)
10.0
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Opposites attract in this low-angst romance filled with British snark and humour. Life should be...
Contemporary MM Romance
The Fulbourn (Pitch & Sickle, #5)
10.0
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When the King of Daemonkind comes to call, be ready for hell to follow. After Lucifer’s...
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The Lilac Code: The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 7
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Will a case of mistaken identity be the death of her? Madison Reynolds is looking forward to a...
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