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Split (2016)
Split (2016)
2016 | Horror, Thriller
M. Night Shyamalan once again has audiences very excited for absolutely no reason. The trailer portrays an interesting psychological thriller of a man (James McAvoy) subjected to many different forms of consciousness, as the plot tells he is one of the first to openly portray over twenty different personalities.

He even takes on different physical characteristics down to a metabolic level as he switches from persona to persona. This combined with the character of a doctor (Betty Buckley) who is thrilled to perhaps have discovered the missing link to understanding the unused portion of the human mind, sounds like it makes for a great sci-fi thriller.

Unfortunately rather quickly the plot devolves after the disturbed man’s abduction of three teenage girls turns over the top hokey and stereotypical. Nothing can be said that will make up for the impending disappointment of viewers as yet again Mr. Shyamalan has an idea that sounds quite intriguing, yet falls completely flat and leaves viewers feeling as if they are the brunt of the joke.

As the psychotic killer develops into a character audiences could really be scared of, a turn for the worst happens when he is transformed by his own mind into an animal. Reaching beyond anything physically possible in a much staged way, he becomes a superhuman creature who rampages until he is caught.

Even with skilled acting at his disposal Shyamalan has managed to make another very poor quality film. At each step of the way, the suspense almost grabs you but is completely predictable. It’s too bad but this one earns
  
Deadlock (FBI Thriller #24)
Deadlock (FBI Thriller #24)
Catherine Coulter | 2020 | Mystery, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.

Fans of Deadlock Catherine Coulter's FBI Thriller series will recognize Savich, Sherlock, and the rest of the recurring characters in the 24th book of the series, Deadlock. Joining them is a familiar foe from the 20th book of the series, Insidious. I am late to the game and started reading the series with book #23, Labyrinth. This book works as a stand-alone novel, but reading Insidious would help you understand the backstory more.

Husband and wife team, Savich and Sherlock, are used to their hectic schedules working as FBI agents. However, they are the focus of a cunning psychopath who is bent on revenge. While trying to find out who is responsible for who attacked them, Savich needs to work on a case in which he was in the right place at the right time, preventing a Congressman's wife, Rebecca, from being kidnapped. He is torn between keeping his family safe and keeping Rebecca safe.

Coulter presents a suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. Much of what occurs is unsurprising, but it is those little nuggets of suspense that leaves you wanting more.

I am glad I found Savich and Sherlock and welcome them as old friends.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/27/20.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2464 KP) rated 26 Below in Books

Sep 13, 2024 (Updated Sep 13, 2024)  
26 Below
26 Below
Kimberley Woodhouse | 2023 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Can Darcie and Jason Stop a Villain Cold?
Darcie Phillips is thrilled to be leading the new Emergency Operations Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. On the team is Jason Myers, a cybersecurity expert. But they’ve just barely begun their jobs when a strange woman appears in town warning about something happening when the temperature drops to 26 below. Since winter is coming, that will be soon. Can Darcie and Jason figure out a way to deal with this crisis?

I was intrigued by this premise, so I decided to give this book a try. Unfortunately, I found this book uneven. There is more buildup than pay off, and some of that buildup gets swept under the rug. I did like Darci and Jason and find them compelling characters, although the rest of the team are fairly one note. This is a Christian novel, and I found that aspect refreshing and emotionally touching in ways I wasn’t expecting. I think this is more of a character study than a thriller, and I wasn’t expecting that. There are a couple of small timeline issues, made more obvious by the way each scene is headlined with date and time. But I had to laugh at how much of a cold weather wimp I am while reading how these characters felt about the weather in Alaska. I am still considering picking up the next book since I am intrigued by the threads left opened here. If you are looking for strong characters in a light thriller, you should consider picking this book up.