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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Our Kind of Cruelty: A Novel in Books
May 15, 2018
Eerily mesmerizing & creepy thriller
Mike Hayes had a terrible childhood, where he was neglected by his drunken mother and beaten by her string of hapless boyfriends. At ten, he was taken into care, eventually winding up with a nice couple. With their help, Mike went on to a good university, where he met Verity (V), with whom he fell madly in love. V helped Mike learn the ways of the world and society. They also played a sexual game called the Crave that brought them even closer together. However, after Mike went to New York for two years for work, their relationship ended. Even worse, Verity is now getting married to another man, Angus. At first, Mike is devastated. But soon, he realizes that V's wedding invitation is just another piece of Crave. As such, he must watch her, track her, and prepare his home for her inevitable return--all parts of the tense and careful game that is Crave.
Well, this was an interesting one. It was a pretty quick read, yet sometimes felt a bit long. It was definitely creepy, for sure. Hall has created a slow-burning thriller here, and you become eerily mesmerized by Mike's crazy. In fact, at times, I almost found myself rooting for him, despite the fact you knew he was unreliable, delusional, and not at all good for anyone in the novel. The book is less "edge-on-your-seat" thriller and more a character-driven study. Be prepared for Mike, Mike, and more Mike. The novel is told from his perspective and we're reliant entirely on his mindset. Because we know we can't trust said mindset, we're constantly waiting for something bad to happen. It's like watching a train wreck. A very twisted one.
That being said, the novel can be fascinating at times, but it also hard to know where it's going. As you're constantly waiting for something terrible to occur, you're waiting. And waiting. The novel moves slowly, with its intense focus on Mike, and his thoughts on Verity. I would have liked more insight to V, for instance, or the other people in Mike's life. So at that point, things can get feel drawn out. Not to mention, is Mike really this delusional, you wonder? Can he really believe what he's spouting? Needless to say the book is very effective at making you feel uncomfortable. It captures anger, longing, tension, and more (stalking?!) very well.
Overall, this novel drew me in with its creepy tone and compelling character of Mike. It's definitely slow-moving at times, but oddly fascinating as well.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Well, this was an interesting one. It was a pretty quick read, yet sometimes felt a bit long. It was definitely creepy, for sure. Hall has created a slow-burning thriller here, and you become eerily mesmerized by Mike's crazy. In fact, at times, I almost found myself rooting for him, despite the fact you knew he was unreliable, delusional, and not at all good for anyone in the novel. The book is less "edge-on-your-seat" thriller and more a character-driven study. Be prepared for Mike, Mike, and more Mike. The novel is told from his perspective and we're reliant entirely on his mindset. Because we know we can't trust said mindset, we're constantly waiting for something bad to happen. It's like watching a train wreck. A very twisted one.
That being said, the novel can be fascinating at times, but it also hard to know where it's going. As you're constantly waiting for something terrible to occur, you're waiting. And waiting. The novel moves slowly, with its intense focus on Mike, and his thoughts on Verity. I would have liked more insight to V, for instance, or the other people in Mike's life. So at that point, things can get feel drawn out. Not to mention, is Mike really this delusional, you wonder? Can he really believe what he's spouting? Needless to say the book is very effective at making you feel uncomfortable. It captures anger, longing, tension, and more (stalking?!) very well.
Overall, this novel drew me in with its creepy tone and compelling character of Mike. It's definitely slow-moving at times, but oddly fascinating as well.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Baby Teeth in Books
Jun 8, 2018
CREEP AF and FANTASTIC!
This book is CREEPY AF! And I gobbled up every deliciously freaky disturbing morsel of it.
Hanna is Looney Tunes - she's like the Poltergeist girl, Firestarter and The Shining twins all wrapped into one with a hearty dash of Chucky. I loved every minute. What is creepier than a cute little kid who wants to kill her mom? I dare you to find something more disturbingly fantastic. Serious anxiety and massive doses of weird are peppered throughout in just the right amounts. I didn't want it to end, but I thought it was flawless from start to finish.
Suzette and Alex seem to be super cool modern parents. I picture them as hipster artists, living in a gorgeous modern home designed by Swedish green architect Alex. Suzette's incredible drawings hung on the walls and her beautiful interior design skills evident throughout. They are so in love and seem to have a perfect little beautiful girl named Hanna. She's adorable and so smart and oh, maybe just a smidge of BAT SH*T CRAZY.
Her "quirks" start pretty tame - she doesn't speak. And 6 years old - not a peep. Cue the creepy child music... soon, she's writing weird, angry messages to her mom, and getting kicked out of schools. Her mom has taken her to endless doctor appointments and had her development skills tested to no avail, but is still convinced there is something wrong with her child. And slowly, with every act of rebellion towards her, Hanna is beginning to scare her. Like, a lot.
The fact that Hanna ADORES Alex, and will do anything for him, is Suzette's biggest struggle. How does she get it through to her husband that the child he thinks as a sweet loving little girl, is trying to kill her? Everything Hanna does is when it's just the two of them. She is calculated, and devious. Is she a witch? Possessed by the devil? Psychopathic? Suzette is losing the battle trying to figure out what is wrong with her child. It's only a matter of time before she plunges a knife through her mother's heart!
There's a lot of talk about this book. I think if you don't like creepy murderous kids, it's probably not the book for you. But this books takes risks, and for us thriller/horror fans, they are applauded. Zoje Stage is at the top of my list of new favorite writers. The marketing campaign behind this book is smart and you can even follow one of the 'characters' adventures on Zoje's Instagram - which is hysterical!
I loved every minute of this book. I will be first in line when Zoje Stage writes the next one.
Hanna is Looney Tunes - she's like the Poltergeist girl, Firestarter and The Shining twins all wrapped into one with a hearty dash of Chucky. I loved every minute. What is creepier than a cute little kid who wants to kill her mom? I dare you to find something more disturbingly fantastic. Serious anxiety and massive doses of weird are peppered throughout in just the right amounts. I didn't want it to end, but I thought it was flawless from start to finish.
Suzette and Alex seem to be super cool modern parents. I picture them as hipster artists, living in a gorgeous modern home designed by Swedish green architect Alex. Suzette's incredible drawings hung on the walls and her beautiful interior design skills evident throughout. They are so in love and seem to have a perfect little beautiful girl named Hanna. She's adorable and so smart and oh, maybe just a smidge of BAT SH*T CRAZY.
Her "quirks" start pretty tame - she doesn't speak. And 6 years old - not a peep. Cue the creepy child music... soon, she's writing weird, angry messages to her mom, and getting kicked out of schools. Her mom has taken her to endless doctor appointments and had her development skills tested to no avail, but is still convinced there is something wrong with her child. And slowly, with every act of rebellion towards her, Hanna is beginning to scare her. Like, a lot.
The fact that Hanna ADORES Alex, and will do anything for him, is Suzette's biggest struggle. How does she get it through to her husband that the child he thinks as a sweet loving little girl, is trying to kill her? Everything Hanna does is when it's just the two of them. She is calculated, and devious. Is she a witch? Possessed by the devil? Psychopathic? Suzette is losing the battle trying to figure out what is wrong with her child. It's only a matter of time before she plunges a knife through her mother's heart!
There's a lot of talk about this book. I think if you don't like creepy murderous kids, it's probably not the book for you. But this books takes risks, and for us thriller/horror fans, they are applauded. Zoje Stage is at the top of my list of new favorite writers. The marketing campaign behind this book is smart and you can even follow one of the 'characters' adventures on Zoje's Instagram - which is hysterical!
I loved every minute of this book. I will be first in line when Zoje Stage writes the next one.
Steven Sklansky (231 KP) rated The Strain - Season 4 in TV
Jul 24, 2017
Entertaining (2 more)
Creepy
Suspenseful
Final Season has Kicked Off With a Bang
The first 2 episodes of season 4 have been amazing. All of the characters have been split up and it has been fun seeing where everyone has ended up. I feel like trying to fix the vampire problem would take more then this final season but we will have to see how the last 8 episode play out.
The story line that is the most interesting to me so far is with Fet. He seems to be the only one trying to end the vampires reign on the US. I just don't know how a nuclear warhead is going to solve the problem. We will have to wait and see.
I know this is not my best work write now, just getting started. Follow me and let me know what you think of season 4 so far.
The story line that is the most interesting to me so far is with Fet. He seems to be the only one trying to end the vampires reign on the US. I just don't know how a nuclear warhead is going to solve the problem. We will have to wait and see.
I know this is not my best work write now, just getting started. Follow me and let me know what you think of season 4 so far.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Get Out (2017) in Movies
Jan 13, 2018
Good but overrated
I really disliked this on watching this at the cinema, but after watching it again for a second time I have changed my first impression - but it is still a bit overrated.
The performances are good and I like the storyline itself and it's message about today's society. The twist and the resolution were pretty good if not a little bonkers, and Chris and Rod are really endearing characters. It's some of the horror and suspense aspects themselves that I have an issue with. Sometimes the direction and soundtrack really work to create tension and suspense, but then in other scenes it lacks any subtlety whatsoever and actually becomes funny. Lingering shots on characters looking over the top creepy really doesn't work.
But this aside, it's still one of the better horror films of recent years, even if it doesn't live up to the hype.
The performances are good and I like the storyline itself and it's message about today's society. The twist and the resolution were pretty good if not a little bonkers, and Chris and Rod are really endearing characters. It's some of the horror and suspense aspects themselves that I have an issue with. Sometimes the direction and soundtrack really work to create tension and suspense, but then in other scenes it lacks any subtlety whatsoever and actually becomes funny. Lingering shots on characters looking over the top creepy really doesn't work.
But this aside, it's still one of the better horror films of recent years, even if it doesn't live up to the hype.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Mama (2013) in Movies
Apr 15, 2018
I thought I'd heard a lot of good things about this film, but watching it recently, I must have been horribly mistaken.
This is a poor excuse for a horror film. The plot is ridiculously weak and silly and it's this way right from the very opening scene. I do think Jessica Chastain is a good actress, but not in this. She isn't given a massive amount to work with and does badly with what she does have. The CGI is very poor for the most part and is often laughably bad, and the scares are just predictable. What really killed this film for me though is Mama herself. She isn't in the slightest bit scary or creepy, and instead looks that odd and weird that she's actually quite funny. She just looks terrible, and it kinda kills a horror film when the main terror is laughable.
This is a poor excuse for a horror film. The plot is ridiculously weak and silly and it's this way right from the very opening scene. I do think Jessica Chastain is a good actress, but not in this. She isn't given a massive amount to work with and does badly with what she does have. The CGI is very poor for the most part and is often laughably bad, and the scares are just predictable. What really killed this film for me though is Mama herself. She isn't in the slightest bit scary or creepy, and instead looks that odd and weird that she's actually quite funny. She just looks terrible, and it kinda kills a horror film when the main terror is laughable.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006) in Movies
May 13, 2019
Amor et Psyche
Number 6 of my #top10 #favourite #films is 'Perfume The Story Of A Murderer'.
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#Perfume is such a #strange film, it extreamly long and almost feels like 3 separate films about the same character sewn together. Every time i watch it i feel absorbed by in this amazing #fairytale, maybe its the #magic, the #wonder and the sheer #beauty of it thats so intoxicating. Then theres the #violence, the #filth and the straight up #creepy but no matter how odd the film seems to get you cant help but be #mesmerized by it constantly. With such memorable characters, smashing dialog, huge well designed sets/costumes, great acting and an absolutely griping/highly satisfying story Perfume for me is an incredible hidden gem. If you like #fantasy, #gothic #horror, #serialkillers and #beautiful #perioddramas its a must see. ------------------------------------------------
#sundayfunday #weeked #scary #killer #alanrickman #dustinhofman #purfumethestoryofamurderer #runlolarun
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#Perfume is such a #strange film, it extreamly long and almost feels like 3 separate films about the same character sewn together. Every time i watch it i feel absorbed by in this amazing #fairytale, maybe its the #magic, the #wonder and the sheer #beauty of it thats so intoxicating. Then theres the #violence, the #filth and the straight up #creepy but no matter how odd the film seems to get you cant help but be #mesmerized by it constantly. With such memorable characters, smashing dialog, huge well designed sets/costumes, great acting and an absolutely griping/highly satisfying story Perfume for me is an incredible hidden gem. If you like #fantasy, #gothic #horror, #serialkillers and #beautiful #perioddramas its a must see. ------------------------------------------------
#sundayfunday #weeked #scary #killer #alanrickman #dustinhofman #purfumethestoryofamurderer #runlolarun
Suspenseful (3 more)
Creepy Factor
The Twist
Soundtrack
Some scenes were a bit slow to begin with (1 more)
Unanswered Questions
On the edge of my seat, another fantastic horror from Jordan Peele!
Finally got around to watching this. After watching "Get Out" I saw this was another horror film from the director Jordan Peele. After watching the trailer I wanted to get it watched straight away but never got around to it.
I'm glad I've finally got it watched. I was on the edge of my seat once the main story began with the gore and the suspense. It wasn't what I expected at all but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Would definitely recommend it if you enjoyed "Get Out" as it has a similar feel with a different story.
It had twists and turns throughout keeping the story flowing but there were a couple of questions that were left unanswered.
I'm glad I've finally got it watched. I was on the edge of my seat once the main story began with the gore and the suspense. It wasn't what I expected at all but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Would definitely recommend it if you enjoyed "Get Out" as it has a similar feel with a different story.
It had twists and turns throughout keeping the story flowing but there were a couple of questions that were left unanswered.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Bad Romance in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Well rounded and in-depth, Bad Romance feels like a true novel and not just an excuse to write a stepbrother romance. That is a trope that can go wrong very quickly but that author managed to juggle it well along with the rest of the novels drama.
It is easy to get caught up in the passion and emotions of Bad Romance. I found myself burning with rage at the useless parents, especially since they felt realistic. At first, the lead couples personalities annoyed me, but it was rewarding to watch their story unfold.
If you are looking for a romance filled with passion, both in and out of the bedroom, Bad Romance is definitely for you. If the stepbrother trope puts you off, dont be. Their parents were barely married before he left so there was no creepy of gross factor attached.
It is easy to get caught up in the passion and emotions of Bad Romance. I found myself burning with rage at the useless parents, especially since they felt realistic. At first, the lead couples personalities annoyed me, but it was rewarding to watch their story unfold.
If you are looking for a romance filled with passion, both in and out of the bedroom, Bad Romance is definitely for you. If the stepbrother trope puts you off, dont be. Their parents were barely married before he left so there was no creepy of gross factor attached.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Madman's Daughter (The Madman's Daughter, #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I am very glad I finally picked up this book. I got it for Christmas, but started reading so many other books that this one kinda got left behind. It is a great example of how creepy and intriguing can be mixed together in a very nice way. I loved the story itself. There were only a few moments where I felt that I c ould tell what was going to happen next. It kept me on the edge of my seat from the forst page. I really liked how all of the characters were named after other literary characters. It just made the book that much more fun for me. I would recommend this to anyone who likes gothic style horror and does not have a faint heart. There are a few scenes that can get intense and violent. I can't wait to start reading the next one!
Dana (24 KP) rated Salem's Lot in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I have not read too much by Stephen King, but I do consider him a great author. This book, in drawing inspiration from Bram Stoker's Dracula (which I didn't know until I read the forward of the book) is an excellent read! Like all of his books, there was the overarching creepy vibe to the setting and the characters. I didn't really trust any of them at any point in the story, which I think is the point. There is no reliable narrator in this.
It was cool to see the allusions to Dracula, the almost letter writing style was awesome because it comes directly from the source.
This book begs the question of what would happen if Dracula took place in a modern day town of middle America and answers that question well. I can't wait to pick up another book by Stephen King!
It was cool to see the allusions to Dracula, the almost letter writing style was awesome because it comes directly from the source.
This book begs the question of what would happen if Dracula took place in a modern day town of middle America and answers that question well. I can't wait to pick up another book by Stephen King!