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TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Network of Deceit in Books
Feb 22, 2021
Great Deductive Reasoning
Detective Amara Alvarez from the SAPD (San Antonio Police Department) Homicide brings us a great new case in Network of Deceit. From the first page, I was hooked on this story. I was a big fan of Collision of Lies the first book in this stand-alone series, for the character development Tom Threadgill uses, and how he walks us through the case just as if we were there asking the questions to figure out the case right along Detective Alvarez. Detective Alvarez has a light sense of humor, and she is a bit of a quirky character take this for instance: “[Detective Alvarez] heading home to Larry, her three-foot-long pet iguana”. I also love Tom Threadgill’s use of dry sarcastic humor and wit in the conversations between Detective Alvarez and Detective Jeremiah “Starsky” Peckham is it fun to read and adds another layer to the story.
This particular case was rife with speculation, suspense, and unanswered questions that left me guessing until the end. A true mystery in every sense of the word. We are shown every step in the case and it is not tv fast paced, it is realistic. Tom Threadgill gives accurate timelines for the turnaround on things like autopsy reports and toxicology reports, unlike most tv shows. I also really enjoyed the cybercrime aspects of the story and I thought that it was explained in an easy-to-understand way for anyone, even if you do not have any previous knowledge of cybercrimes.
I would suggest that you go back and read Collision of Lies before this one as it gives you more background on the characters and you would have a better understanding of the case the previous book covers that is mentioned a few times in this one. But this one can be read as a stand-alone since the whole case is started and wrapped up in this book. Overall, I truly loved this book, and the way Tom Threadgill moved the case along, and I am looking forward to what other adventures that Detective Alvarez takes me on. 5 out of 5 stars.
This particular case was rife with speculation, suspense, and unanswered questions that left me guessing until the end. A true mystery in every sense of the word. We are shown every step in the case and it is not tv fast paced, it is realistic. Tom Threadgill gives accurate timelines for the turnaround on things like autopsy reports and toxicology reports, unlike most tv shows. I also really enjoyed the cybercrime aspects of the story and I thought that it was explained in an easy-to-understand way for anyone, even if you do not have any previous knowledge of cybercrimes.
I would suggest that you go back and read Collision of Lies before this one as it gives you more background on the characters and you would have a better understanding of the case the previous book covers that is mentioned a few times in this one. But this one can be read as a stand-alone since the whole case is started and wrapped up in this book. Overall, I truly loved this book, and the way Tom Threadgill moved the case along, and I am looking forward to what other adventures that Detective Alvarez takes me on. 5 out of 5 stars.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Gotta Get Theroux This in Books
Apr 25, 2021
52 of 250
Book
Gotta get Theroux This
By Louis Theroux
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
In 1994 fledgling journalist Louis Theroux was given a one-off gig on Michael Moore’s TV Nation, presenting a segment on apocalyptic religious sects. Gawky, socially awkward and totally unqualified, his first reaction to this exciting opportunity was panic. But he’d always been drawn to off-beat characters, so maybe his enthusiasm would carry the day. Or, you know, maybe it wouldn’t . . .
In Gotta Get Theroux This, Louis takes the reader on a joyous journey from his anxiety-prone childhood to his unexpectedly successful career. Nervously accepting the BBC’s offer of his own series, he went on to create an award-winning documentary style that has seen him immersed in the weird worlds of paranoid US militias and secretive pro-wrestlers, get under the skin of celebrities like Max Clifford and Chris Eubank and tackle gang culture in San Quentin prison, all the time wondering whether the same qualities that make him good at documentaries might also make him bad at life.
As Louis woos his beautiful wife Nancy and learns how to be a father, he also dares to take on the powerful Church of Scientology. Just as challenging is the revelation that one of his old subjects, Jimmy Savile, was a secret sexual predator, prompting him to question our understanding of how evil takes place. Filled with wry observation and self-deprecating humour, this is Louis at his most insightful and honest best.
I’m a huge fan of Louis Theroux I love his documentaries so when he released this book I was so looking forward to reading it. It did not disappoint as you read you read with his voice in your head! His life and adventures are just so fascinating I laughed and also felt a little sad in places! He’s open and candid about his work and relationships. I love hearing how he got his true love and it’s like every marriage with its twists and turns. I learnt so much about him. Well worth the read!!
Book
Gotta get Theroux This
By Louis Theroux
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
In 1994 fledgling journalist Louis Theroux was given a one-off gig on Michael Moore’s TV Nation, presenting a segment on apocalyptic religious sects. Gawky, socially awkward and totally unqualified, his first reaction to this exciting opportunity was panic. But he’d always been drawn to off-beat characters, so maybe his enthusiasm would carry the day. Or, you know, maybe it wouldn’t . . .
In Gotta Get Theroux This, Louis takes the reader on a joyous journey from his anxiety-prone childhood to his unexpectedly successful career. Nervously accepting the BBC’s offer of his own series, he went on to create an award-winning documentary style that has seen him immersed in the weird worlds of paranoid US militias and secretive pro-wrestlers, get under the skin of celebrities like Max Clifford and Chris Eubank and tackle gang culture in San Quentin prison, all the time wondering whether the same qualities that make him good at documentaries might also make him bad at life.
As Louis woos his beautiful wife Nancy and learns how to be a father, he also dares to take on the powerful Church of Scientology. Just as challenging is the revelation that one of his old subjects, Jimmy Savile, was a secret sexual predator, prompting him to question our understanding of how evil takes place. Filled with wry observation and self-deprecating humour, this is Louis at his most insightful and honest best.
I’m a huge fan of Louis Theroux I love his documentaries so when he released this book I was so looking forward to reading it. It did not disappoint as you read you read with his voice in your head! His life and adventures are just so fascinating I laughed and also felt a little sad in places! He’s open and candid about his work and relationships. I love hearing how he got his true love and it’s like every marriage with its twists and turns. I learnt so much about him. Well worth the read!!
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated The New Enchantress (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #3) in Books
Jun 5, 2021
Suppose you're looking for a good fantasy or girl hero for your middle-grade children. This book "The New Enchantress" is a good one to have. It is about a girl named Alyssa who gets caught with lasting powers that she can not lose.
The first two books are must-reads and introduce us to Alyssa and her adventures. This book is the third in the series and continues Alyssa's journey with her newfound powers. She seems to signify hexing with uncontrollable forces.
Will Alyssa learn lessons and find a way to figure out how to control her newfound powers? Simon tells her that she will need to learn how to control her emotions and her magic promo. Or she will be enslaved to Boo Champ Cory. Will she and her friends learn the lesson they need to know. Will their friendship end?
Alyssa occurs put to the test. How will the magical mission do and take for Alyssa to succeed? Or will Alyssa start to forget her loved one and never remember? Boo Champ Cory and allies seem to have a plan, but will it work?
The plot gets more interesting once the twist and turns start to happen. When chaos strikes, will Alyssa and her allies come out on top, or will they not. This book is excellent for teens and girls alike. There is some trouble that you will be hoping for Alyssa to figure out her problems but will see in time. Will she beat her enemies, or will she not.
The story starts slow, but it gets more entertaining as it goes. My rating remains based on that which is a 4.5 stars (Moons) rating. There are several twists and turns and somewhat starts at the beginning. I do wonder what will happen and if the author will add another book. This series is good to have on your teen bookshelves or middle-grade child or children bookshelves. It does seem to deal with what some middle grades need to deal with friends and even their own emotions and feelings.
The first two books are must-reads and introduce us to Alyssa and her adventures. This book is the third in the series and continues Alyssa's journey with her newfound powers. She seems to signify hexing with uncontrollable forces.
Will Alyssa learn lessons and find a way to figure out how to control her newfound powers? Simon tells her that she will need to learn how to control her emotions and her magic promo. Or she will be enslaved to Boo Champ Cory. Will she and her friends learn the lesson they need to know. Will their friendship end?
Alyssa occurs put to the test. How will the magical mission do and take for Alyssa to succeed? Or will Alyssa start to forget her loved one and never remember? Boo Champ Cory and allies seem to have a plan, but will it work?
The plot gets more interesting once the twist and turns start to happen. When chaos strikes, will Alyssa and her allies come out on top, or will they not. This book is excellent for teens and girls alike. There is some trouble that you will be hoping for Alyssa to figure out her problems but will see in time. Will she beat her enemies, or will she not.
The story starts slow, but it gets more entertaining as it goes. My rating remains based on that which is a 4.5 stars (Moons) rating. There are several twists and turns and somewhat starts at the beginning. I do wonder what will happen and if the author will add another book. This series is good to have on your teen bookshelves or middle-grade child or children bookshelves. It does seem to deal with what some middle grades need to deal with friends and even their own emotions and feelings.
ClareR (5945 KP) rated The Smallest Man in Books
Jun 20, 2021
As soon as I read the synopsis of this book, I knew that I had to read it. I haven’t read many books set during this period, and as a big historical fiction fan, I could see that i needed to rectify this! To be quite honest, I didn’t even know the name of Charles I’s wife (it’s Henrietta Maria, by the way).
The queen’s dwarf, Nat Davy, leads an incredibly lucky life, even though his size would, under normal circumstances have potentially led to a life of being manipulated and used for others financial advantage. Nat misses his mother and brother in the time after he arrives at the palace, and had tried all sorts of stretching exercises to stay with them, but his father sees him as useless, pointless, a waste of his money. And when Nat’s father sells him to the Duke of Buckingham, he doesn’t know that he’s being sold into a life of privilege.
Although he’s terrified, and believes at one point that he’s going to be eaten, Nat is a very brave child. He does what’s asked of him, and is rewarded for his courage. He has an education, food, comfort and beautiful clothes.
Nat grabs his new life with both hands and begins to enjoy it - until he finds himself fleeing the country with the queen at the start of the Civil War. This must have been a pretty terrifying period to have been living in. Soldiers seemed to swap sides depending on who was winning - but Nat remains loyal to the queen.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Nat and his adventures. He’s a wonderful character, and he certainly lived an amazing life. Whilst Nat is an imagined character based on the real ‘dwarf’ Jeffrey Hudson, his imagined life was actually very tame in comparison to that of the real person. But I fell for Nat Davy. There’s no wonder that he had so many good friends who loved and respected him. Have I said that I loved this book? Well, I’ve said it again - I’d highly recommend it too!
The queen’s dwarf, Nat Davy, leads an incredibly lucky life, even though his size would, under normal circumstances have potentially led to a life of being manipulated and used for others financial advantage. Nat misses his mother and brother in the time after he arrives at the palace, and had tried all sorts of stretching exercises to stay with them, but his father sees him as useless, pointless, a waste of his money. And when Nat’s father sells him to the Duke of Buckingham, he doesn’t know that he’s being sold into a life of privilege.
Although he’s terrified, and believes at one point that he’s going to be eaten, Nat is a very brave child. He does what’s asked of him, and is rewarded for his courage. He has an education, food, comfort and beautiful clothes.
Nat grabs his new life with both hands and begins to enjoy it - until he finds himself fleeing the country with the queen at the start of the Civil War. This must have been a pretty terrifying period to have been living in. Soldiers seemed to swap sides depending on who was winning - but Nat remains loyal to the queen.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Nat and his adventures. He’s a wonderful character, and he certainly lived an amazing life. Whilst Nat is an imagined character based on the real ‘dwarf’ Jeffrey Hudson, his imagined life was actually very tame in comparison to that of the real person. But I fell for Nat Davy. There’s no wonder that he had so many good friends who loved and respected him. Have I said that I loved this book? Well, I’ve said it again - I’d highly recommend it too!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated How to Find a Princess in Books
Jul 15, 2021
A repetitive and lackluster romance
Makeda Hicks loses her job and her girlfriend in the same day. Reeling, she's forced to move back with her grandmother and help out at her bed and breakfast. Being back with Grandmore means hearing more about when Grandmore supposedly had a passionate affair with the Prince of Ibarania--leading to Makeda's mother. Makeda has no patience for this story, as her mother's obsession with being a Princess dominated Makeda's entire childhood. When it never panned out, she disconnected from life (and Makeda), receding into alcoholism and forcing Makeda to grow up fast. When Beznaria Chetchevaliere, an investigator for the World Federation of Monarchies shows up at the B&B, claiming to be looking for Ibarania's missing heir, Makeda wants nothing to do with it. But the beautiful and chaotic investigator is surprisingly persuasive. Can she convince Makeda to go with her--and is Makeda indeed the heir to Ibarania?
"No adventures, no drama, and always there to lend a helping hand, even when her hands were full, that was Makeda."
This was one of my #Pride reads for June, and it sounded so cute. There were definitely funny and enjoyable moments, and I'm always glad to see queer romances in the world, but overall, this one didn't really work for me. I am a sucker for a good Hallmark movie, but even I couldn't get into this crazy idea--an unhinged royal investigator, a reluctant heir... and eventually a lot of fakedating and a cargo ship. It was all too much.
It's hard to believe the instachemistry between Bez and Makeda, especially as we do not get a lot of backstory on the two women. Makeda's "will I go with Bez or won't I" takes an inordinately long time--it was incredibly frustrating. Just decide already! Things are repeated over and over, making the story feel inordinately long. Being unable to get into the characters or their romance, it was just hard to really love this one. The pacing and timing always seemed off. I wound up skimming the last half just to find out what would happen, otherwise it would have been a DNF. 2 stars.
"No adventures, no drama, and always there to lend a helping hand, even when her hands were full, that was Makeda."
This was one of my #Pride reads for June, and it sounded so cute. There were definitely funny and enjoyable moments, and I'm always glad to see queer romances in the world, but overall, this one didn't really work for me. I am a sucker for a good Hallmark movie, but even I couldn't get into this crazy idea--an unhinged royal investigator, a reluctant heir... and eventually a lot of fakedating and a cargo ship. It was all too much.
It's hard to believe the instachemistry between Bez and Makeda, especially as we do not get a lot of backstory on the two women. Makeda's "will I go with Bez or won't I" takes an inordinately long time--it was incredibly frustrating. Just decide already! Things are repeated over and over, making the story feel inordinately long. Being unable to get into the characters or their romance, it was just hard to really love this one. The pacing and timing always seemed off. I wound up skimming the last half just to find out what would happen, otherwise it would have been a DNF. 2 stars.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Sleeper in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist in this book is Will, he is a sixteen-year-old spy, and the whole book is set in 1941, during the Second World War. I loved that this book is telling an action-filled story but during WWII! I loved how the author described everything, from guns, cars to buildings and streets.
This story was told from single, Will’s, perspective but it was fully sufficient for me, as this story was trying to keep the secrets and give out all the findings slowly. I really liked how J. D. Fennell chose the characters for this novel. The character’s personalities fitted them really well, and all the characters were very interesting to read about. I really liked Will, I think he is very suitable to be a protagonist, he has these super cool qualities, but at the same time, he is very human-like, where he gets injured and suffers from tiredness.
I read this book after a slow one, so all the pace and action was very needed for me. The story keeps moving in every chapter, Will is always on the run, so the setting is constantly changing, but I absolutely loved how the author described wartime London. J.D Fennell transferred the view and the spirit of that time perfectly to me. I felt like I was next to Will during his adventures. 😀 I liked that this story carries a lot of feelings, friendships, loss, and it is very interesting to see how Will is dealing with all of this.
I found the writing style easy and pleasant to read, the chapters are pretty short and it made the whole reading experience quite fast. The ending was very well deserved and left me fully satisfied. So, to conclude, if you like stories like Bourne or Maze Runner, I think you will enjoy this one as well. The characters are very well developed, and the plot is constantly moving. I think this book would be an amazing action/adventure film, and I hope it will come to screens someday. I strongly recommend this book, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did…
This story was told from single, Will’s, perspective but it was fully sufficient for me, as this story was trying to keep the secrets and give out all the findings slowly. I really liked how J. D. Fennell chose the characters for this novel. The character’s personalities fitted them really well, and all the characters were very interesting to read about. I really liked Will, I think he is very suitable to be a protagonist, he has these super cool qualities, but at the same time, he is very human-like, where he gets injured and suffers from tiredness.
I read this book after a slow one, so all the pace and action was very needed for me. The story keeps moving in every chapter, Will is always on the run, so the setting is constantly changing, but I absolutely loved how the author described wartime London. J.D Fennell transferred the view and the spirit of that time perfectly to me. I felt like I was next to Will during his adventures. 😀 I liked that this story carries a lot of feelings, friendships, loss, and it is very interesting to see how Will is dealing with all of this.
I found the writing style easy and pleasant to read, the chapters are pretty short and it made the whole reading experience quite fast. The ending was very well deserved and left me fully satisfied. So, to conclude, if you like stories like Bourne or Maze Runner, I think you will enjoy this one as well. The characters are very well developed, and the plot is constantly moving. I think this book would be an amazing action/adventure film, and I hope it will come to screens someday. I strongly recommend this book, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did…
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Gangster School in Books
Sep 24, 2020
There was a while since I had so much fun while reading a book. I would describe this book something like Hogwarts meets “Despicable Me”.
Our main characters in this book were Milly and Charlie, two year seven students, who just started a school for future villains. The whole book was told from these two people’s perspectives, sharing their thoughts and adventures. Like in most of the books about schools, there are plenty of various characters to choose from, but my favorite in this novel was Milly. I loved her personality and smartness, and I think she was a great young female lead. She is a very intelligent and observant girl indeed.
The plot of this book was about how Milly and Charlie had to stop an evil villain, who wants to ruin their school. It was filled with quite a lot of action and interesting details, but as an adult, I found the plot was quite predictable. I think that the idea and the setting are very original, but the “good vs. bad” thing was quite unimpressive. But this book directed at children so, I believe, they would love it. 🙂
I really enjoyed the light and funny writing style of this book, where the chapters are pretty short, bringing in something new in every chapter. I don’t think this book is suitable for very young children, it is all about how to be a good villain and it encourages the use of lying and deceit, so I would not want to encourage that in my 6-year-old nephew… However, I noticed that children’s books about thieves and villains are kind of on the “wave” right now… 😕
So, to conclude, as an adult I had great fun while reading this book. I found the characters very charming and the whole idea of gangster’s school pretty intriguing, and I would recommend this book if you (or your child/sibling/nephew/niece etc.) are into villains and saving the world (in this case saving the school). This book is a first in a series, and I will be waiting for more books to come. Please do give this a try and hopefully, you will enjoy it. 🙂
Our main characters in this book were Milly and Charlie, two year seven students, who just started a school for future villains. The whole book was told from these two people’s perspectives, sharing their thoughts and adventures. Like in most of the books about schools, there are plenty of various characters to choose from, but my favorite in this novel was Milly. I loved her personality and smartness, and I think she was a great young female lead. She is a very intelligent and observant girl indeed.
The plot of this book was about how Milly and Charlie had to stop an evil villain, who wants to ruin their school. It was filled with quite a lot of action and interesting details, but as an adult, I found the plot was quite predictable. I think that the idea and the setting are very original, but the “good vs. bad” thing was quite unimpressive. But this book directed at children so, I believe, they would love it. 🙂
I really enjoyed the light and funny writing style of this book, where the chapters are pretty short, bringing in something new in every chapter. I don’t think this book is suitable for very young children, it is all about how to be a good villain and it encourages the use of lying and deceit, so I would not want to encourage that in my 6-year-old nephew… However, I noticed that children’s books about thieves and villains are kind of on the “wave” right now… 😕
So, to conclude, as an adult I had great fun while reading this book. I found the characters very charming and the whole idea of gangster’s school pretty intriguing, and I would recommend this book if you (or your child/sibling/nephew/niece etc.) are into villains and saving the world (in this case saving the school). This book is a first in a series, and I will be waiting for more books to come. Please do give this a try and hopefully, you will enjoy it. 🙂
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