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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Precious and Grace in Books
Oct 15, 2017
Don't read this if you haven't read the others
So I probably shouldn't have started reading this series from the 17th instalment, as you have zero grasp of the characters and the context in which these women have set up this agency.
In this latest installment of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, Precious Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi help a young woman on a quest to find someone from her past.
A young Canadian woman who spent her early childhood in Botswana requests the agency's help in recovering important pieces of her life there. With only a faded photograph - and, of course, some good old-fashioned detective skills - to guide them, Precious and Grace set out to locate the house that the woman used to live in and the caretaker who looked after her many years ago.
The problem is that as a stand-alone book it seems rather bland and a bit of an anti-climax. However, I'm sure it's much more interesting having read the rest of the series.
In this latest installment of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, Precious Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi help a young woman on a quest to find someone from her past.
A young Canadian woman who spent her early childhood in Botswana requests the agency's help in recovering important pieces of her life there. With only a faded photograph - and, of course, some good old-fashioned detective skills - to guide them, Precious and Grace set out to locate the house that the woman used to live in and the caretaker who looked after her many years ago.
The problem is that as a stand-alone book it seems rather bland and a bit of an anti-climax. However, I'm sure it's much more interesting having read the rest of the series.

KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated Pushing Daisies - Season 2 in TV
Jan 9, 2018
As mentioned in the first season, the story follows Emerson Cod, a private investigator; Charlotte Charles, Ned's childhood sweetheart brought back from the dead by Ned; and Ned, who has the ability to bring the dead back to life for one minute before something else takes its place.
Each episode entails all kinds of quirky murder mysteries in which Ned, Emerson, and Charlotte must solve together. As the season progresses, we learn more about each character and other sub characters such as Olive Snook.
We see Emerson in his flight to get in contact with his long lost daughter, Charlotte who tricks Ned into bringing her deceased father back to life, Olives unrequited love with Ned, and Ned who can never touch his only true, Charlotte, love again.
However, I will warn you, the series end kind of abruptly. The contract for a third series, for some reason, was cancelled meaning everything had to be tied up at the end when it should not have. It is rather unfortunate because it is such a good series.
Each episode entails all kinds of quirky murder mysteries in which Ned, Emerson, and Charlotte must solve together. As the season progresses, we learn more about each character and other sub characters such as Olive Snook.
We see Emerson in his flight to get in contact with his long lost daughter, Charlotte who tricks Ned into bringing her deceased father back to life, Olives unrequited love with Ned, and Ned who can never touch his only true, Charlotte, love again.
However, I will warn you, the series end kind of abruptly. The contract for a third series, for some reason, was cancelled meaning everything had to be tied up at the end when it should not have. It is rather unfortunate because it is such a good series.

Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Evidence Against You in Books
May 22, 2019
It's the day Izzy's father will be released from jail.
She has every reason to feel conflicted - he's the man who gave her a childhood filled with happy memories.
But he has also just served seventeen years for the murder of her mother.
Now, Izzy's father sends her a letter. He wants to talk, to defend himself against each piece of evidence from his trial.
But should she give him the benefit of the doubt?
Or is her father guilty as charged, and luring her into a trap?
This is an utterly amazing thriller,
The story is told in a very good way in that the past and present are told in alternating way and we get to find out facts about the case in drips.
Lots of twists and turns and keeps you wanting to know whats going to happen next and leaves the best to the very end.
A must read for 2019!
Highly Recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin UK Michael Joseph and the author for the chance to review.
She has every reason to feel conflicted - he's the man who gave her a childhood filled with happy memories.
But he has also just served seventeen years for the murder of her mother.
Now, Izzy's father sends her a letter. He wants to talk, to defend himself against each piece of evidence from his trial.
But should she give him the benefit of the doubt?
Or is her father guilty as charged, and luring her into a trap?
This is an utterly amazing thriller,
The story is told in a very good way in that the past and present are told in alternating way and we get to find out facts about the case in drips.
Lots of twists and turns and keeps you wanting to know whats going to happen next and leaves the best to the very end.
A must read for 2019!
Highly Recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin UK Michael Joseph and the author for the chance to review.

ArecRain (8 KP) rated Everealm (Everealm, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little confused going into this novel because I wasnt sure what to expect. From what I have researched, this is supposedly young adult. While the writing style makes it seem YA, there themes not appropriate for that age range. I guess new adult would be more appropriate?
Regardless, the cover is absolutely gorgeous and reflect the feel of the novel. As a fan of fantasy and fairytale retellings, Everealm was a novel I didnt even know I was looking for. The world and creatures she paints with her words are nostalgic of old childhood fairytales. While it still has many [cliché] themes that seem to be found in all YA novels (love triangle, etc.), the author added her own touch. It is a guilty pleasure feel good novel, free of heavy complexities that makes a novel more work than pleasure.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel and the feel that accompanied reading it. It is nothing groundbreaking, but the author has a lovely style that could be great.
I was a little confused going into this novel because I wasnt sure what to expect. From what I have researched, this is supposedly young adult. While the writing style makes it seem YA, there themes not appropriate for that age range. I guess new adult would be more appropriate?
Regardless, the cover is absolutely gorgeous and reflect the feel of the novel. As a fan of fantasy and fairytale retellings, Everealm was a novel I didnt even know I was looking for. The world and creatures she paints with her words are nostalgic of old childhood fairytales. While it still has many [cliché] themes that seem to be found in all YA novels (love triangle, etc.), the author added her own touch. It is a guilty pleasure feel good novel, free of heavy complexities that makes a novel more work than pleasure.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel and the feel that accompanied reading it. It is nothing groundbreaking, but the author has a lovely style that could be great.

Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Bird Eater in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I honestly wasn't looking to pick up another horror novel so soon after the last one, but seeing the glowing write-up on Amazon I couldn't resist. I have to agree with their editor and say it was pretty damn scary. The novel uses many familiar horror tropes in a story about a man returning to his possibly haunted childhood home after having had a rather traumatic experience. Is he seeing ghosts or is his grief making him insane? Not exactly a new idea, but it is executed very well, with engaging characters and frequently suspenseful scenarios. What sells the whole thing the most for me is the genuinely frightening "ghost". I can honestly say that for 2 consecutive nights, when I got out of bed to use the restroom, I was suddenly filled with trepidation about venturing into the dark hallway for fear it might be lurking in the shadows. And if that's not the sign of a successful horror story, then I don't know what is.

Awix (3310 KP) rated Gorgo (1961) in Movies
Feb 12, 2018
The poster tagline 'Like nothing you've ever seen before' is really pushing it a bit considering this British suitamation movie is composed almost entirely of bits from other, better-known films. Generations of British people have grown up believing they've seen a proper Godzilla film when in fact they were just exposed to this in their childhood. On the other hand, Eugene Lourie also directed The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, one of the original Godzilla's main inspirations, so you could say he's just repeating himself rather than actually being derivative.
Soundly scripted with a decent twist and pretty good performances, and the devastation of London by Gorgo's mum in the final reel is well-staged. Persistent rumour suggests that a young John Carpenter made an unofficial sequel, Gorgo Vs Godzilla, but no-one seems to know for sure if this even exists - shame, as on the strength of this outing Gorgo and his mum had potential for their own series. Only really of interest to fans of vintage monster movies, but a distinctive and rather distinguished entry to this genre.
Soundly scripted with a decent twist and pretty good performances, and the devastation of London by Gorgo's mum in the final reel is well-staged. Persistent rumour suggests that a young John Carpenter made an unofficial sequel, Gorgo Vs Godzilla, but no-one seems to know for sure if this even exists - shame, as on the strength of this outing Gorgo and his mum had potential for their own series. Only really of interest to fans of vintage monster movies, but a distinctive and rather distinguished entry to this genre.

Alicia S (193 KP) rated Game Maker (Game, #2) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
OMG this book!? BEAUTIFUL love story... Read it in one sitting!? Danika (aka Dani) is the baby of the family, the only one still single and the one that oldest brother, Zander, is most protective of. It surely can't be good that her childhood crush happens to be Zander's best friend Zach. After obsessing over Zach since she was fourteen, she finally admits her feelings to Zach and they find themselves hiding.. Something that could be the one thing that tears them all apart. Surrounded by good friends and family, you can't help but fall I love with every one of the characters in this book... Abi, Dani's best friend and roommate KILLS me... Zach and Dani are adorable together and their constant banter and comments had me laughing my a$$ off. I bawled my eyes out, my heart breaking for them as they struggled through it all and I was a mess of happy tears by the end. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended book and can't wait for the next in the series!

MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated A Star Is Born (2018) in Movies
Oct 8, 2018
Give Bradley Cooper ALL the awards.
Let me start off by saying I've never seen the 1937 or 1954 versions of A Star Is Born, and I only very vaguely remember the 1976 Streisand version. That said, this movie was everything I wanted it to be, and I was enthralled from the very beginning.
While Lady Gaga's performance was amazing, Bradley Cooper's performance was a level above, and the fact that he directed as well just adds to that for me. The supporting cast was wonderful - notably Andrew Dice Clay as Ally's father, and Dave Chappelle as Jack's childhood friend.
The music was great, and I've already downloaded the soundtrack for the express purpose of listening to "Black Eyes" on repeat.
I went through all the emotions while watching this movie, and I'd definitely watch it again. It didn't feel too long, which is the case with so many movies these days, and the pace was steady but not slow.
Plus, as I overheard from one moviegoer: "I've never seen Bradley Cooper so hot." Amen, sister.
While Lady Gaga's performance was amazing, Bradley Cooper's performance was a level above, and the fact that he directed as well just adds to that for me. The supporting cast was wonderful - notably Andrew Dice Clay as Ally's father, and Dave Chappelle as Jack's childhood friend.
The music was great, and I've already downloaded the soundtrack for the express purpose of listening to "Black Eyes" on repeat.
I went through all the emotions while watching this movie, and I'd definitely watch it again. It didn't feel too long, which is the case with so many movies these days, and the pace was steady but not slow.
Plus, as I overheard from one moviegoer: "I've never seen Bradley Cooper so hot." Amen, sister.

Clarer3 (2 KP) rated The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Original Soundtrack / Various Artists in Music
Oct 26, 2018
People had been going on about this film for a few months before I decided “right everyone’s going on let’s see what the fuss it about” and damn why did I wait so long and miss out on seeing this on the big screen! It was fabulous! The colours, wardrobe, songs and cinematography was amazing! And a film you could watch on repeat.
Your transported away and back to the 19th century to P.T Barnums childhood pointing out the social hierarchies and the struggles he grew up with, while growing up and falling for a girl that’s upper class and showing he sacrifices she also made for love.
Fast forward a couple of years and there’s still a struggled combined with keeping his promises to his wife and children. Until he realised his dream of showcasing the worlds oddities,we follow his journey into success, downfalls, love, loss and an ongoing battle. A story that keeps you locked to the screen,smiling, crying and defiantly singing along!
A lovely addition to my favourite musicals list!
Your transported away and back to the 19th century to P.T Barnums childhood pointing out the social hierarchies and the struggles he grew up with, while growing up and falling for a girl that’s upper class and showing he sacrifices she also made for love.
Fast forward a couple of years and there’s still a struggled combined with keeping his promises to his wife and children. Until he realised his dream of showcasing the worlds oddities,we follow his journey into success, downfalls, love, loss and an ongoing battle. A story that keeps you locked to the screen,smiling, crying and defiantly singing along!
A lovely addition to my favourite musicals list!
This is just one of those books that stays with you for a long time after reading it as it's so compelling, emotional and so different from other young teen fantasy stories. I remember reading this one in school and very much enjoying it and so when I had the chance to borrow it from a friend and re read it I jumped at the chance as I knew it would take me back to my childhood. The story touches on family issues that may arise in a young persons life that are very difficult to deal with, yet this book explores these issues with a sensitive and caring nature but without distorting the truth about how hard those times may be. It allows a young child to escape into fantasy whilst trying to deal with 'grown up' family problems and unexpected illnesses. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages, even though it is more aimed at younger teens I believe we can all learn something from this book.