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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Family Plot in Books
Sep 16, 2021
Dahlia Lighthouse and her siblings were all named after various people murdered by serial killers. Her parents are obsessed by true crime, and the children were raised in an isolated island home known as the "Murder Mansion" to the locals. Each sibling left when they received their inheritance, except for Dahlia's twin brother, Andy, who disappeared when they were sixteen. Dahlia's been gone from home for seven years when she reluctantly returns after her father's death. Once home, the family receives some terrible news; someone is already buried in their father's plot: Andy, his skull split with an ax. As Dahlia tries to work through her grief over Andy and attempt to figure out what happened to him, she begins to realize that it may trace back to her island home and her family.
"I have to find out what happened to Andy. Then I have to leave this place for good."
This is a dark thriller that will appeal to true crime fans. The Lighthouse family embodies true crime--home schooled, the kids write reports on various serial killer victims and they perform rituals related to their deaths. The obsession with death and murder runs deep, and it's certainly unsettling at first. Dahlia's mother lost her own parents in a gruesome way, and it's definitely apparent that this family isn't quite right.
The first half of this book was really fascinating for me. Weird yes, but oddly interesting as you get to know this messed up family and all their dark secrets. Dahlia seems like a sister grieving the loss of her twin brother, and you find yourself wanting to know what happened to him. There's certainly a limited pool of suspects (small island) but the book keeps you guessing.
The second half did not seem as strong as the first. The weirdness factor ratchets up to almost unbelievable. Dahlia's older siblings are annoying and too much. The limited pool of subjects becomes almost cloying, suddenly making things seem too obvious as the plot thickens and become a bit too bizarre. Things get incredibly grim at times.
Still, while this is a strange read, overall it's a page-turner and something kept me reading. It's like a trainwreck from which you cannot look away. Collins definitely includes some good points about the bonds of family and people's obsession with crime and murder. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Atria Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
"I have to find out what happened to Andy. Then I have to leave this place for good."
This is a dark thriller that will appeal to true crime fans. The Lighthouse family embodies true crime--home schooled, the kids write reports on various serial killer victims and they perform rituals related to their deaths. The obsession with death and murder runs deep, and it's certainly unsettling at first. Dahlia's mother lost her own parents in a gruesome way, and it's definitely apparent that this family isn't quite right.
The first half of this book was really fascinating for me. Weird yes, but oddly interesting as you get to know this messed up family and all their dark secrets. Dahlia seems like a sister grieving the loss of her twin brother, and you find yourself wanting to know what happened to him. There's certainly a limited pool of suspects (small island) but the book keeps you guessing.
The second half did not seem as strong as the first. The weirdness factor ratchets up to almost unbelievable. Dahlia's older siblings are annoying and too much. The limited pool of subjects becomes almost cloying, suddenly making things seem too obvious as the plot thickens and become a bit too bizarre. Things get incredibly grim at times.
Still, while this is a strange read, overall it's a page-turner and something kept me reading. It's like a trainwreck from which you cannot look away. Collins definitely includes some good points about the bonds of family and people's obsession with crime and murder. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Atria Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Debbiereadsbook (1608 KP) rated Machine, Metal, Magic (Mind % Machine #1) in Books
May 14, 2018
really REALLY good
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Jaime runs, after the facility he and his kind were housed in, was attacked and everyone else killed. He can talk to the computers that run everything. He thinks this is not a gift, but a curse. He finds himself taken prisoner by a starship crew, carrying a cargo that needs delivering. Rylan is his jailer. But Rylan is keeping secrets from his crew, just as much as they keep secrets from him.
Sci-fi is growing on me, it really is!
Sometimes, sci-fi can be a little overwhelming, with all the technology and what-not, but not so here. I loved how it was explained how Jaime talks to the computers, to the ship, and to Rylan's artificial arm. Love how they play with that one ?
Loved how we don't get what Rylan is up to,not all in one go, and loved how I did not see what was in the cargo coming at me, never in a million years! I had an idea, but that was way off base!
I wrote four stars at the top of the page, but honestly?? Can't find a single thing to fault it!
First in the series Mind + Machine, and I hope I get to read more. Also first I've read of Ms dare, so hope that it's not the last. I loved how she spins her tale, how you don't get it all in one go, just in dribs and drabs, a little at a time. Meant I can keep up!
so, because I can't fault it....
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Jaime runs, after the facility he and his kind were housed in, was attacked and everyone else killed. He can talk to the computers that run everything. He thinks this is not a gift, but a curse. He finds himself taken prisoner by a starship crew, carrying a cargo that needs delivering. Rylan is his jailer. But Rylan is keeping secrets from his crew, just as much as they keep secrets from him.
Sci-fi is growing on me, it really is!
Sometimes, sci-fi can be a little overwhelming, with all the technology and what-not, but not so here. I loved how it was explained how Jaime talks to the computers, to the ship, and to Rylan's artificial arm. Love how they play with that one ?
Loved how we don't get what Rylan is up to,not all in one go, and loved how I did not see what was in the cargo coming at me, never in a million years! I had an idea, but that was way off base!
I wrote four stars at the top of the page, but honestly?? Can't find a single thing to fault it!
First in the series Mind + Machine, and I hope I get to read more. Also first I've read of Ms dare, so hope that it's not the last. I loved how she spins her tale, how you don't get it all in one go, just in dribs and drabs, a little at a time. Meant I can keep up!
so, because I can't fault it....
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Game Of Thrones - Season 8 in TV
May 20, 2019
Bit of disappointment
I guess it's true what they say that when you get to the top the only way is down, and sadly it appears as though this is also true for Game of Thrones. Whilst Thrones hasn't fallen quite to the bottom, this final series proves to be a bit of a disappointment.
The first two episodes start off well, slow but full of detail and some great character based scenes that are exactly what you'd expect from GoT. The problem is that the remainder of the episodes feel very very rushed, which considering this series has been 2 years in the making, is a bit of a concern. There are some plot 'oddities' - not really holes but just moments of why the 'F' did they do that? Admittedly there are some brilliant moments too but I think sadly these are sometimes outweighed by the oddities. This series is meant to wrap everything up and provide some much needed satisfaction to the viewers. But the issue is that it doesn't seem like the writers have been paying too much attention to what the viewers wanted. There are some characters and storylines that are wrapped up well, others that are rather underwhelming either way and some that had me screaming at the screen in anger and frustration.
It seems that despite the mostly feature length episodes, these still weren't long enough and from episode 3 onwards the whole thing just feels totally rushed and lacking in the detail I've grown to expect. The final episode does at least provide some satisfaction, but for me it wasn't good enough to right some of the earlier issues.
While this isn't a bad series, it isn't great either and I came away feeling severely underwhelmed.
The first two episodes start off well, slow but full of detail and some great character based scenes that are exactly what you'd expect from GoT. The problem is that the remainder of the episodes feel very very rushed, which considering this series has been 2 years in the making, is a bit of a concern. There are some plot 'oddities' - not really holes but just moments of why the 'F' did they do that? Admittedly there are some brilliant moments too but I think sadly these are sometimes outweighed by the oddities. This series is meant to wrap everything up and provide some much needed satisfaction to the viewers. But the issue is that it doesn't seem like the writers have been paying too much attention to what the viewers wanted. There are some characters and storylines that are wrapped up well, others that are rather underwhelming either way and some that had me screaming at the screen in anger and frustration.
It seems that despite the mostly feature length episodes, these still weren't long enough and from episode 3 onwards the whole thing just feels totally rushed and lacking in the detail I've grown to expect. The final episode does at least provide some satisfaction, but for me it wasn't good enough to right some of the earlier issues.
While this isn't a bad series, it isn't great either and I came away feeling severely underwhelmed.
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated Amish Christmas Memories in Books
Jan 4, 2019
A young man seems to be watching a young woman walking down his street or lane. When she is wabbling or weaving across the road and then falls. He springs into action. What happens to her. She has no coat on or hat?
How did she get to where she is? Caleb is worried about her once she falls into the snow. When she wakes up does not know how she got where is? All she remembers is Caleb holding her to him. He does take her to his parent home. They welcome her and try and help her. Who is she? The only thing that she has that tell anything about her is that of a book. Her name is in the book. Well her first name.
Things are hard for her and she want to remember? It will take some time, in the meantime, she gets to know Caleb and his family. As they get to know her. Will Caleb learn change is good as well as bad? Rachel seems to want to get Caleb to understand her. Will they find love together? It seems that Rachel really wants her memories back. Will she get them for Christmas?
Vannetta Chapman does a sweet and wonderfully good job of pulling you along for the journey. She takes your heart for a ride. Will they receive what they need and will god provide where they are to belong. Vannetta seems to be able to bring new illnesses through the eyes of Amish. This book about love but also learning to deal with amnesia. We can sometimes forget that our brains and Amish family deal with the same kind of injuries as everyone else. Will Caleb and Rachel both get what they need?
How did she get to where she is? Caleb is worried about her once she falls into the snow. When she wakes up does not know how she got where is? All she remembers is Caleb holding her to him. He does take her to his parent home. They welcome her and try and help her. Who is she? The only thing that she has that tell anything about her is that of a book. Her name is in the book. Well her first name.
Things are hard for her and she want to remember? It will take some time, in the meantime, she gets to know Caleb and his family. As they get to know her. Will Caleb learn change is good as well as bad? Rachel seems to want to get Caleb to understand her. Will they find love together? It seems that Rachel really wants her memories back. Will she get them for Christmas?
Vannetta Chapman does a sweet and wonderfully good job of pulling you along for the journey. She takes your heart for a ride. Will they receive what they need and will god provide where they are to belong. Vannetta seems to be able to bring new illnesses through the eyes of Amish. This book about love but also learning to deal with amnesia. We can sometimes forget that our brains and Amish family deal with the same kind of injuries as everyone else. Will Caleb and Rachel both get what they need?
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
The newest installment of The Hunger Games series brings us to District 13 after Katniss Everdeen has been rescued from the Games and whisked off to supposed safety.
The movie is huge and sweeping and grabs the viewer from the very start.
Unlike the first two films, it could conceivably stand alone, and the viewer would ‘get it’ without having read the books.
I read all 3 books back to back in 15 hours, back before the first movie was released. The Mockingjay – Part 1 makes me want to go re-read the books all over again.
All the main characters are back; Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Liam Hemsworth as Gail Hawthorne, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, Woody Harrelson as Haymitch, Elizabeth Banks as Effie, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch,
and Donald Sutherland as President Snow. Mockingjay introduces Julianne Moore as President Coin.
A lot of the movie is based on Katniss watching screens to see what is going on in the capital, but there are enough outside action scenes throughout the film to ensure you don’t just feel like you’re watching a film of someone watching tv.
I didn’t, and don’t think anyone in the theatre had any teary eyed moments like I did in the first two films. This movie was less emotionally heart wrenching, and had much more of a ‘rally the troops’ feel, but that’s what the goal was. I certainly was rooting for Katniss in the action scenes and at several points in the film I jumped in my seat.
I didn’t really ‘like’ the ending scene, but understand why it was ended there. Mockingjay part 1 completely builds suspense for what will be Mockingjay 2, and again, drives me to want to re-read the books.
I would give this movie 4.75 out of 5 stars.
The movie is huge and sweeping and grabs the viewer from the very start.
Unlike the first two films, it could conceivably stand alone, and the viewer would ‘get it’ without having read the books.
I read all 3 books back to back in 15 hours, back before the first movie was released. The Mockingjay – Part 1 makes me want to go re-read the books all over again.
All the main characters are back; Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Liam Hemsworth as Gail Hawthorne, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, Woody Harrelson as Haymitch, Elizabeth Banks as Effie, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch,
and Donald Sutherland as President Snow. Mockingjay introduces Julianne Moore as President Coin.
A lot of the movie is based on Katniss watching screens to see what is going on in the capital, but there are enough outside action scenes throughout the film to ensure you don’t just feel like you’re watching a film of someone watching tv.
I didn’t, and don’t think anyone in the theatre had any teary eyed moments like I did in the first two films. This movie was less emotionally heart wrenching, and had much more of a ‘rally the troops’ feel, but that’s what the goal was. I certainly was rooting for Katniss in the action scenes and at several points in the film I jumped in my seat.
I didn’t really ‘like’ the ending scene, but understand why it was ended there. Mockingjay part 1 completely builds suspense for what will be Mockingjay 2, and again, drives me to want to re-read the books.
I would give this movie 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Merissa (13583 KP) rated Black (The Silver #2) in Books
Feb 17, 2020
Black is the second book in the Silver series and this time the focus is on Jet. He was stolen from his family at a very young age and given to the Woman, who only wanted him for deathmatches. There was no love, care, or attention in Jet's life from that moment. All that changes when Jaze rescues him and takes him in. It doesn't all suddenly become sunshine and roses though and THAT is what made this book so good!
Jet has issues, he really does, and let's face it, you would do too if you'd gone through what he did. He proves he is intelligent by teaching himself English, Spanish, and lip-reading. He shows compassion by not killing someone until he realises that it just doesn't work that way and understands the pact made by the other wolves. My heart broke for him in so many ways and yet I was proud of him too. He didn't stop trying and would do anything to protect those he called his own.
This was incredibly written and I read it in one sitting. I was literally unable to stop reading until I knew all was good in Jet's world. The world-building just gets better as it becomes clearer with each book. The characters grow and change, becoming 'more'. I loved hearing about Jaze and Nikki and I hope we continue hearing about past couples as the series progresses.
A darker fantastic young adult paranormal that I absolutely recommend! The only thing I don't know is what happened to Shadow's Curse. I'm presuming he's dead but I really wish he wasn't!
* 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!
Jet has issues, he really does, and let's face it, you would do too if you'd gone through what he did. He proves he is intelligent by teaching himself English, Spanish, and lip-reading. He shows compassion by not killing someone until he realises that it just doesn't work that way and understands the pact made by the other wolves. My heart broke for him in so many ways and yet I was proud of him too. He didn't stop trying and would do anything to protect those he called his own.
This was incredibly written and I read it in one sitting. I was literally unable to stop reading until I knew all was good in Jet's world. The world-building just gets better as it becomes clearer with each book. The characters grow and change, becoming 'more'. I loved hearing about Jaze and Nikki and I hope we continue hearing about past couples as the series progresses.
A darker fantastic young adult paranormal that I absolutely recommend! The only thing I don't know is what happened to Shadow's Curse. I'm presuming he's dead but I really wish he wasn't!
* 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!
Nothing: A Very Short Introduction
Book
What is 'nothing'? What remains when you take all the matter away? Can empty space - a void - exist?...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2460 KP) rated S is for Silence (Kinsey Millhone, #19) in Books
May 15, 2021
Kinsey Tries to Solve a Very Cold Case
On July 4, 1953, Victoria Sullivan vanished without a trace and was never heard from again. Her abusive husband lived under the shadow of suspicion, and her then seven-year-old daughter, Daisy, has lived with the questions about what happened to her mother and why. And so, thirty-four years later, she hires PI Kinsey Millhone to try to finally solve this mystery. Kinsey is reluctant to take on the case. After all this time, what can she find? Yet, as she begins to poke around, she suspects that the people she is talking to know more than they’ve ever told the police or are telling her. Can she figure out what happened?
Cold cases can make excellent novels, and this is a perfect example. It is obvious early on that Kinsey is gaining new information, but how that is going to play out keeps us guessing until the end. I was certain I knew who it was, but I was wrong. Still, the ending did make sense to me. The characters are strong as always. Kinsey spends much of the book out of town, so we don’t see much of the regulars, which was disappointing, but a minor issue. While all the “modern” 1987 scenes are narrated from Kinsey’s first-person point of view, there are sections from other character’s point of view back in 1953. As good as some of those scenes are, sadly, there are some very graphic scenes in them. We could have easily done without them and it wouldn’t have impacted the story at all. I’m taking a star off for that. If you are a fan, be prepared to skim those scenes and you’ll still enjoy the book overall.
Cold cases can make excellent novels, and this is a perfect example. It is obvious early on that Kinsey is gaining new information, but how that is going to play out keeps us guessing until the end. I was certain I knew who it was, but I was wrong. Still, the ending did make sense to me. The characters are strong as always. Kinsey spends much of the book out of town, so we don’t see much of the regulars, which was disappointing, but a minor issue. While all the “modern” 1987 scenes are narrated from Kinsey’s first-person point of view, there are sections from other character’s point of view back in 1953. As good as some of those scenes are, sadly, there are some very graphic scenes in them. We could have easily done without them and it wouldn’t have impacted the story at all. I’m taking a star off for that. If you are a fan, be prepared to skim those scenes and you’ll still enjoy the book overall.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Retribution (A Claire Whitcomb Western #1) in Books
Nov 8, 2020
I am lucky enough to be a part of D.V. Berkom's advance reader team and I was sent a copy of this prior to it's release on 20-Nov-2020 for which I will be eternally grateful because what we have here is an introduction to what I believe will be another excellent series featuring a strong female character.
I am not normally one for reading westerns, in fact I usually give them a wide berth and don't even bother reading the blurb but given I have read several of D.V. Berkom's books featuring the excellent Leine Basso, when I was asked if I would like to receive an advance copy, I thought why the heck not and I was so pleased I did.
Claire, her husband Josiah and 3 children move to the Wild West in search of a new life however, tragedy strikes when Josiah and the children are brutally killed and Claire is left alone. It soon transpires that Claire is being accused of the murders and so she teams up with Mart and Thomas to clear her name and seek revenge.
This is a fast paced read with excellent characters, great setting and exciting plot. If I have one complaint, it's that it's over way too quickly; I was left wanting to read more now ... oh well, I will just have to wait to see what scrapes and adventures Claire finds herself mixed up in and how her character develops as she roams the Wild West on her trusty steed, Rose.
Thank you to D.V. Berkom for writing another absolute cracker, for giving me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and for introducing me to another genre ... now hurry up and get the next one finished 😉
I am not normally one for reading westerns, in fact I usually give them a wide berth and don't even bother reading the blurb but given I have read several of D.V. Berkom's books featuring the excellent Leine Basso, when I was asked if I would like to receive an advance copy, I thought why the heck not and I was so pleased I did.
Claire, her husband Josiah and 3 children move to the Wild West in search of a new life however, tragedy strikes when Josiah and the children are brutally killed and Claire is left alone. It soon transpires that Claire is being accused of the murders and so she teams up with Mart and Thomas to clear her name and seek revenge.
This is a fast paced read with excellent characters, great setting and exciting plot. If I have one complaint, it's that it's over way too quickly; I was left wanting to read more now ... oh well, I will just have to wait to see what scrapes and adventures Claire finds herself mixed up in and how her character develops as she roams the Wild West on her trusty steed, Rose.
Thank you to D.V. Berkom for writing another absolute cracker, for giving me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and for introducing me to another genre ... now hurry up and get the next one finished 😉
ClareR (6037 KP) rated The Wild Girls in Books
Apr 24, 2021
This was my first Phoebe Morgan book, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed - I was guessing right up to the end!
Felicity, Grace, Alice and Hannah have been friends since they were teenagers: The Wild Girls.
So when Felicity meets the man of her dreams, she’s excited to introduce him to her friends. Except the night takes an unexpected turn.
Two years later, Felicity invites her three friends to her birthday party in Botswana, all expenses paid for, and they all look forward to a rest and some re-bonding (if that’s even a word 🤷🏼♀️).
Grace, Hannah and Alice arrive at the holiday lodge compound and Felicity is nowhere to be seen. She tells them via WhatsApp that she’s unwell and will see them the next day, and to enjoy their evening. It sounds like a gorgeous place. Each of them has a private lodge with a plunge pool, the main lodge is beautiful and seems to have food and champagne on tap, and the Bush is just the other side of the compounds fence. Grace is excited, even though she comes across as an incredible anxious person. And there is a reason. In fact, Hannah and Alice have their own secrets too.
This is not a story where the weekend goes as the women had planned. Everything goes back to that night two years ago. What happened?
Well, obviously we find out, but what a journey we have to the big reveal! I loved it - and I didn’t guess what was going on at all (this is a common occurrence with me - I have no wish to solve the mystery - I want to read it!)
If you enjoy a good whodunnit, then you’ll love this book! I did.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this - the 24 hour wait between staves was AGONISING!!
Felicity, Grace, Alice and Hannah have been friends since they were teenagers: The Wild Girls.
So when Felicity meets the man of her dreams, she’s excited to introduce him to her friends. Except the night takes an unexpected turn.
Two years later, Felicity invites her three friends to her birthday party in Botswana, all expenses paid for, and they all look forward to a rest and some re-bonding (if that’s even a word 🤷🏼♀️).
Grace, Hannah and Alice arrive at the holiday lodge compound and Felicity is nowhere to be seen. She tells them via WhatsApp that she’s unwell and will see them the next day, and to enjoy their evening. It sounds like a gorgeous place. Each of them has a private lodge with a plunge pool, the main lodge is beautiful and seems to have food and champagne on tap, and the Bush is just the other side of the compounds fence. Grace is excited, even though she comes across as an incredible anxious person. And there is a reason. In fact, Hannah and Alice have their own secrets too.
This is not a story where the weekend goes as the women had planned. Everything goes back to that night two years ago. What happened?
Well, obviously we find out, but what a journey we have to the big reveal! I loved it - and I didn’t guess what was going on at all (this is a common occurrence with me - I have no wish to solve the mystery - I want to read it!)
If you enjoy a good whodunnit, then you’ll love this book! I did.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this - the 24 hour wait between staves was AGONISING!!