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Send your email and MMS texting with handwritten text. This will give your emails a nice personal...

Forget You
Book
There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four-year...

Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated Underwater (2020) in Movies
Nov 1, 2021 (Updated Nov 3, 2021)
When I first saw the trailer for Underwater I thought of two of my favourite undersea movies, The Abyss, Deep Star Six and Leviathon, so I was a little apprehensive to see this movie, but last night I thought I might as well check it out for myself at Cineworld and see how it plays out.
Almost 7 miles below the ocean surface a drilling rig is hit by what the crew at first believe to be an earthquake, but as tragedy unfolds upon the remaining survivors, it turns out that they have discovered something deadly in the form of some rather mean-looking underwater lifeforms that seem to be very unhappy with the drilling that is going on.
Now the survivors have to fight their way across the seabed to escape to the surface while being hunted by the creatures!
I have to say about the Underwater that at first, this looks like a movie that is certainly going to have you on the edge of your seat and for most of it it does, but with most of Kristen Stewart‘s roles she seems to be emotionless and the I did find myself losing interest in her character, that had a blonde Eminem style haircut, I found the other characters more interesting, but not that much!
Almost 7 miles below the ocean surface a drilling rig is hit by what the crew at first believe to be an earthquake, but as tragedy unfolds upon the remaining survivors, it turns out that they have discovered something deadly in the form of some rather mean-looking underwater lifeforms that seem to be very unhappy with the drilling that is going on.
Now the survivors have to fight their way across the seabed to escape to the surface while being hunted by the creatures!
I have to say about the Underwater that at first, this looks like a movie that is certainly going to have you on the edge of your seat and for most of it it does, but with most of Kristen Stewart‘s roles she seems to be emotionless and the I did find myself losing interest in her character, that had a blonde Eminem style haircut, I found the other characters more interesting, but not that much!

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated The Invisible Assistant in Books
Jan 26, 2022
Magical Locked Room Mystery
Magician Eli Marks is surprised when his ex-wife, Deirdre, shows up at one of his magic shows with her new husband, Homicide Detective Fred Hutton. However, they are there seeking Eli’s advice. A recent murder/suicide inside a lock townhome appears to be open and shut to Fred, but Deirdre, a DA, is certain that something else is going on, and she is hoping that Eli’s unique view of things will help explain what really happened. Will his knowledge of magic help solve the case?
I’ve been meaning to read this story for a while, and I’m glad I finally did. This is a classic locked room mystery, and I always enjoy those. The solution was logical if a bit of a stretch. Still, I was willing to buy into it. We really only have three characters in this story, and the interaction between them was fun. As a fan of the series, I laughed at some of it, in fact. I suspect that those coming to the characters first the first time will find it just as amusing. The story is set early in the series, so fans should expect those dynamics as they read. Whether you are new to Eli’s world or not, this is a short story you’ll enjoy.
I’ve been meaning to read this story for a while, and I’m glad I finally did. This is a classic locked room mystery, and I always enjoy those. The solution was logical if a bit of a stretch. Still, I was willing to buy into it. We really only have three characters in this story, and the interaction between them was fun. As a fan of the series, I laughed at some of it, in fact. I suspect that those coming to the characters first the first time will find it just as amusing. The story is set early in the series, so fans should expect those dynamics as they read. Whether you are new to Eli’s world or not, this is a short story you’ll enjoy.

Christmas Past
Book
Behind every Christmas tradition is a story — usually, a forgotten one. Each year, as we decorate...

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Vinyl Resting Place in Books
Mar 16, 2023 (Updated Mar 16, 2023)
Vinyl May Not be Dead, but Somebody Is
Juni Jessup and her sisters have opened Sip and Spin Records, a combined record store and coffee shop, on the site of the one that their family used to own before records stopped selling. The night before their official opening, they are throwing a party, but things turn tragic afterward when Juni finds a dead body in their storage closet. When their uncle is arrested for the crime, Juni and her sisters don’t hesitate to put their shop up to get him released on bail. But then he vanishes. Can the three of them figure out what is really going on in time to save their shop?
I really enjoyed this debut. The plot takes off in a couple of different directions, and I enjoyed that creativity. I did feel it slowed down a little in the middle, but it picked up again for a fantastic climax. You can feel the history between Juni and her sisters, and I loved their relationships. There are other fun series regulars, and the suspects fit into the book perfectly. I also enjoyed the humor running through the book. The setting, a small town just outside of Austin, Texas, was charming as well. I can’t wait to revisit Juni and the rest of the characters again soon.
I really enjoyed this debut. The plot takes off in a couple of different directions, and I enjoyed that creativity. I did feel it slowed down a little in the middle, but it picked up again for a fantastic climax. You can feel the history between Juni and her sisters, and I loved their relationships. There are other fun series regulars, and the suspects fit into the book perfectly. I also enjoyed the humor running through the book. The setting, a small town just outside of Austin, Texas, was charming as well. I can’t wait to revisit Juni and the rest of the characters again soon.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated The Drop (Harry Bosch #17) in Books
Jul 26, 2022
Bosch Has Two Cases Dropped on Him
LAPD Detective Harry Bosch is excited when he and his partner get handed a hot lead on a cold case from 1989. DNA from a blood sample has identified a suspect. The problem? He was eight-years-old when the murder happened. Before they can figure out what is really going on, they are handed a fresh case. Councilman Irvin Irving’s son died when he fell out of a hotel balcony. The question is, did he jump or was he pushed. Despite their previous history, Irving specifically requested Bosch work the case. Can he avoid the politics and solve both cases?
I was immediately intrigued with both of the cases presented here. Between the two, the story was always moving forward, and I had a hard time stopping before I reached the logical climax. One aspect was left opened, but it was small. One of the storylines goes pretty dark, and overall this is a darker book than I typically read, but as long as you know that, you’ll be fine. I do like Bosch, but some of his behavior to his partner was frustrating here. On the other hand, I enjoy watching his relationship with his daughter continue to grow. This is another strong entry that will please fans of the series.
I was immediately intrigued with both of the cases presented here. Between the two, the story was always moving forward, and I had a hard time stopping before I reached the logical climax. One aspect was left opened, but it was small. One of the storylines goes pretty dark, and overall this is a darker book than I typically read, but as long as you know that, you’ll be fine. I do like Bosch, but some of his behavior to his partner was frustrating here. On the other hand, I enjoy watching his relationship with his daughter continue to grow. This is another strong entry that will please fans of the series.

Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Kiss Me Deadly in Books
Jun 13, 2023
Paper Dolls, I felt was perfect for a full length story
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
6 short stories, of the horror/paranormal variety.
So, here's the thing.
I like short stories, I really do. The skill with a short is, you gotta grab the reader, and hold on for those few pages and not let go.
And here, I was only grabbed once or twice, and one of those was an excerpt from another collection.
I loved the excerpt from One, which appears in Rock Paper Scissors. That really got me good and excited for this collection, it really did. I'd like to go back and read THAT particular story.
The Swinging Tree was rather good too. That certainly grabbed and didn't let go!
Paper Dolls, I felt was perfect for a full length story. What Zach and Paris could get up to boggles the (obviously very twisted) mind!
But the other stories, while well written and well told, didn't grab me too much.
I think it would have better, for ME, had I not read these short stories back to back. Maybe if I had read one, then something else, then come back to these, I might have enjoyed them better.
But still, an enjoyable way to pass an hour.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
6 short stories, of the horror/paranormal variety.
So, here's the thing.
I like short stories, I really do. The skill with a short is, you gotta grab the reader, and hold on for those few pages and not let go.
And here, I was only grabbed once or twice, and one of those was an excerpt from another collection.
I loved the excerpt from One, which appears in Rock Paper Scissors. That really got me good and excited for this collection, it really did. I'd like to go back and read THAT particular story.
The Swinging Tree was rather good too. That certainly grabbed and didn't let go!
Paper Dolls, I felt was perfect for a full length story. What Zach and Paris could get up to boggles the (obviously very twisted) mind!
But the other stories, while well written and well told, didn't grab me too much.
I think it would have better, for ME, had I not read these short stories back to back. Maybe if I had read one, then something else, then come back to these, I might have enjoyed them better.
But still, an enjoyable way to pass an hour.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere

Merissa (13169 KP) rated Fallen (Everwood Falls #2) in Books
Apr 12, 2024
FALLEN is the second book in the Everwood Falls series, and this time we follow Lucien and Isabel as they navigate Lucien's curse and Isabel's lack of memories. She is also dealing with her own problems, such as a stalker who is trying to kill her.
It was wonderful seeing the familiar characters again, although it did take me a moment to get them sorted in my head. I love seeing how they all live and work together with their different strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately for me, that means I also forget which one is a what. I get there though!
I thought the mystery side was well done, giving plenty of opportunities to see it all building as it comes together. The only part that got me (as such) was how Lucien and Isabel went from avoiding each other to declaring their love. It just seemed a little fast (if you ignore the prior two thousand years) with no real build-up to it.
A great addition to the series and a welcome return to Everwood Falls. I look forward to reading more in the future.
** 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!
Apr 12, 2024
It was wonderful seeing the familiar characters again, although it did take me a moment to get them sorted in my head. I love seeing how they all live and work together with their different strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately for me, that means I also forget which one is a what. I get there though!
I thought the mystery side was well done, giving plenty of opportunities to see it all building as it comes together. The only part that got me (as such) was how Lucien and Isabel went from avoiding each other to declaring their love. It just seemed a little fast (if you ignore the prior two thousand years) with no real build-up to it.
A great addition to the series and a welcome return to Everwood Falls. I look forward to reading more in the future.
** 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!
Apr 12, 2024