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BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Burning Girls in Books
Jan 26, 2021
The protagonist in this book is Jack, a female vicar, that has been sent to a little village to take over the church that has been vacant. Her daughter Flo is a teenager that had to change her life from Nottingham to Chapel Croft. I really loved the brilliant selection of characters. They are all mysterious, intriguing and different. I thoroughly enjoyed Jacks thoughts about being a priest, the church’s role and religion in general. It was very modern and stigma defining. I really liked Flo as well, she seems like a very smart young lady, full of curiosity and teenage rebellion. 🙂
Like always, the narrative is creepy, mysterious and very well planned out. There are multiple stories running through this book. This book is told from multiple perspectives, and I absolutely adored that. Jack’s perspective investigates a story of two young ladies that disappeared thirty years ago and a mysterious suicide of the previous vicar. And Flo’s perspective shares very creepy encounters with local youth. The whole book is covered in a mysterious shroud, suspense is seeping through the pages, and the story simply had me absorbed. The topics discussed in this book are religion, evil youth, parenting issues, over the top religiousness, church work, vicar’s life, tight community nuances, murder and many more.
The writing style of this book is impeccable. C.J. Tudor’s writing is evolving with every single book. The setting and the mood of this book is perfect for horror, and the mystery just drives suspense through this novel. The chapters are pretty short, so it is a fast and gripping book. The culmination and the ending are brilliant, and I loved how the book was rounded up. I have to warn the reader, that this book has murders, pretty gross stories, burning people and psychopaths.
So, to conclude, this was my first book of 2021 and is going straight to my top 10 of this year. I loved everything about this novel, it has very unique and complex characters as well as an amazingly delivered plot full of twists, intriguing stories and mystery. I strongly recommend to anyone who loves Stephen King or a good mystery.
Like always, the narrative is creepy, mysterious and very well planned out. There are multiple stories running through this book. This book is told from multiple perspectives, and I absolutely adored that. Jack’s perspective investigates a story of two young ladies that disappeared thirty years ago and a mysterious suicide of the previous vicar. And Flo’s perspective shares very creepy encounters with local youth. The whole book is covered in a mysterious shroud, suspense is seeping through the pages, and the story simply had me absorbed. The topics discussed in this book are religion, evil youth, parenting issues, over the top religiousness, church work, vicar’s life, tight community nuances, murder and many more.
The writing style of this book is impeccable. C.J. Tudor’s writing is evolving with every single book. The setting and the mood of this book is perfect for horror, and the mystery just drives suspense through this novel. The chapters are pretty short, so it is a fast and gripping book. The culmination and the ending are brilliant, and I loved how the book was rounded up. I have to warn the reader, that this book has murders, pretty gross stories, burning people and psychopaths.
So, to conclude, this was my first book of 2021 and is going straight to my top 10 of this year. I loved everything about this novel, it has very unique and complex characters as well as an amazingly delivered plot full of twists, intriguing stories and mystery. I strongly recommend to anyone who loves Stephen King or a good mystery.
James P. Sumner (65 KP) rated Brightburn (2019) in Movies
Jun 27, 2019
A dark, dark twist on the superhero genre.
Before I start, a disclaimer: I drastically misinterpreted the story of this movie from the trailer.
Another disclaimer: I really don't like horror movies!
Yes, this is a horror movie. Not the scariest, I imagine. Having not seen many to compare it to, I can only guess. But it had its jump-scares, and its gory scenes, and a constant, overwhelming tension that made you feel like the next second will contain something that will make you leap from your seat.
The story is an interesting one, that hasn't yet been done to death. What if Superman grew up evil? At no point does this film act like, or compare itself to, a superhero film, but that's the basic premise.
This ticks all the boxes for a standard horror flick - strong, beautiful female, slightly annoying husband punching above his weight, and a creepy-looking kid who you just know is going to be evil.
Some scenes are graphically violent, some were uncomfortably creepy, others were just kinda funny. Fans of horror movies will probably feel a little underwhelmed here, because as much as I was scared out of my mind for most of it, true horror aficionados will likely expect more scares for their money. Similarly, if you enjoy comic book movies, this REALLY isn't the film for you. The premise might have its roots in the superhero genre, but Superman, it isn't!
Unexpected scares aside, it wasn't a bad movie, really. The ending had a nice spin to it that you don't see all that often. There's also footage over the early credits that suggests this film may be the beginning of a larger universe - a concept begun with the MCU and since adopted by a number of studios and franchises. While few have seen even a glimpse of Marvel's success, this has the same amount of potential as Godzilla's Monsterverse, at least.
If you pay for your cinema tickets, save your money for something more worthy. If you have a monthly pass and can see whatever you want, catch this one if you're bored sometime. Failing that, watch it at home so you can leave the lights on and not look like a baby!
Another disclaimer: I really don't like horror movies!
Yes, this is a horror movie. Not the scariest, I imagine. Having not seen many to compare it to, I can only guess. But it had its jump-scares, and its gory scenes, and a constant, overwhelming tension that made you feel like the next second will contain something that will make you leap from your seat.
The story is an interesting one, that hasn't yet been done to death. What if Superman grew up evil? At no point does this film act like, or compare itself to, a superhero film, but that's the basic premise.
This ticks all the boxes for a standard horror flick - strong, beautiful female, slightly annoying husband punching above his weight, and a creepy-looking kid who you just know is going to be evil.
Some scenes are graphically violent, some were uncomfortably creepy, others were just kinda funny. Fans of horror movies will probably feel a little underwhelmed here, because as much as I was scared out of my mind for most of it, true horror aficionados will likely expect more scares for their money. Similarly, if you enjoy comic book movies, this REALLY isn't the film for you. The premise might have its roots in the superhero genre, but Superman, it isn't!
Unexpected scares aside, it wasn't a bad movie, really. The ending had a nice spin to it that you don't see all that often. There's also footage over the early credits that suggests this film may be the beginning of a larger universe - a concept begun with the MCU and since adopted by a number of studios and franchises. While few have seen even a glimpse of Marvel's success, this has the same amount of potential as Godzilla's Monsterverse, at least.
If you pay for your cinema tickets, save your money for something more worthy. If you have a monthly pass and can see whatever you want, catch this one if you're bored sometime. Failing that, watch it at home so you can leave the lights on and not look like a baby!
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Out of the Shadows (2017) in Movies
Oct 8, 2017
Lots of jumping out of your seat
So the story is flimsy and it seems like a seriously low budget production, plus the documentary style horror has been done to death (excuse the pun) - so expect a lot of cheap thrills.
The premise of this film begins with a ghost hunter who was haunted by his mistake of leaving his friend inside of an asylum after being chased by ghosts. He is then approached again some years later to return to the scene of the crime to find out what happened there.
No doubt, I did keep having to distract myself with my phone in order to avoid keep jumping out of my seat. The main poltergeist /demon in question is more than slightly creepy but there was too much of a mish mash of horror stories. From Blair Witch, The Grudge to The Quiet Ones, all of which did a lot better with the genre. So if you want to see a life-changing film, this isn't it.
The premise of this film begins with a ghost hunter who was haunted by his mistake of leaving his friend inside of an asylum after being chased by ghosts. He is then approached again some years later to return to the scene of the crime to find out what happened there.
No doubt, I did keep having to distract myself with my phone in order to avoid keep jumping out of my seat. The main poltergeist /demon in question is more than slightly creepy but there was too much of a mish mash of horror stories. From Blair Witch, The Grudge to The Quiet Ones, all of which did a lot better with the genre. So if you want to see a life-changing film, this isn't it.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Saw II (2005) in Movies
Dec 29, 2017
The best Saw sequel
Let's face it, they never should have attempted to make a Saw sequel. The original film was so original and interesting with such an unforeseen twist, that it shouldve been left alone. But sadly the Saw films have now turned into yet another franchise that will never die.
That said, this first sequel isn't half bad and is by far the best out of all of them. The story is fairly interesting and the end twists do come as a surprise. The problem lies with Jigsaw's motives being a little patchy with Eric Matthews, and the main issue is it will never match the originality of the first film. It also changes how you feel about Jigsaw himself. In the first film until the end, he is just a mysterious voice and figure with a creepy doll and that's a good thing. With this sequel (and all of the others), they're trying to add depth to his character and they just end up overcomplicating things. Especially with all of this "helpers" Less is definitely more in this case.
That said, this first sequel isn't half bad and is by far the best out of all of them. The story is fairly interesting and the end twists do come as a surprise. The problem lies with Jigsaw's motives being a little patchy with Eric Matthews, and the main issue is it will never match the originality of the first film. It also changes how you feel about Jigsaw himself. In the first film until the end, he is just a mysterious voice and figure with a creepy doll and that's a good thing. With this sequel (and all of the others), they're trying to add depth to his character and they just end up overcomplicating things. Especially with all of this "helpers" Less is definitely more in this case.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Unsane (2018) in Movies
Feb 5, 2019
Starts off well, but with a poor ending
I’ll start off by saying I’m really impressed with the fact that this was filmed on a iPhone. Yes it’s pretty obvious in parts that it’s been done on a phone, and it gives the film a certain look, but I quite liked it. It really fit in with the overall tone of the film.
Claire Foy is a great actress and she is one of the main reasons this is watchable, and there’s a fun cameo from Matt Damon. The story itself starts off well and the first half of the film is actually very intriguing and thrilling. It makes you wonder what’s going on and it’s quite creepy and disturbing. The main problem with this film though is that the second half is a massive letdown. It wasn’t the ending that I’d expected or hoped for, and it was beyond predictable and just a bit ridiculous. It’s such a shame that the ending is stupid, as otherwise this would be a great film.
Claire Foy is a great actress and she is one of the main reasons this is watchable, and there’s a fun cameo from Matt Damon. The story itself starts off well and the first half of the film is actually very intriguing and thrilling. It makes you wonder what’s going on and it’s quite creepy and disturbing. The main problem with this film though is that the second half is a massive letdown. It wasn’t the ending that I’d expected or hoped for, and it was beyond predictable and just a bit ridiculous. It’s such a shame that the ending is stupid, as otherwise this would be a great film.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Devouring (The Devouring, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
For a book classified as young adult horror, THE DEVOURING defies the usual so-called teen horror and actually does feel horrific. I wouldn't say it's in the same league as some of the best adult horror books out there, but it holds its own and the author does a terrific job creating a tense and creepy atmosphere. I've never been one who has ever scared easily, but if I had read this at a younger age I just might have become a little paranoid. The narrative is swift, engaging and simply told (I simply 'devoured' it. Oh har har har. Okay I'll shut-up now. ;P). Reggie is relatable and strong, while Vour Henry if effectively disturbing, and Eben is enigmatic. The other characters are fine for their purpose, although I do wonder at the twins, and I have a feeling they might feature more in the sequel, which I look forward to reading. A warning for the queasy: disturbing and violent imagery is used quite a bit, so some people might want to pass on this book.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The First Purge (2018) in Movies
Mar 3, 2019
Entirely unnecessary
It really frustrates me when they make films like this that are so obviously motivated by the money only. Did we really need a prequel to the Purge films to know exactly how it all began? Of course we didn't as everything we needed to know was in the other Purge films anyway. How many people have really wanted a Purge prequel? And sadly this film is as unnecessary as you'd expect.
Most of it plays out in a similar way to the others, and is entirely predictable and lacking in originality. It doesn't even have any creepy costumes or decent deaths like the others, so it really is lacking entirely. It gets slightly more interesting towards the end with the Raid-like tower block scenes but even this seems to just be trying to replicate the Raid and all of the other films like it. The characters too are all immediately forgettable.
Unless you absolutely love the other Purge films, this really isn't worth a watch.
Most of it plays out in a similar way to the others, and is entirely predictable and lacking in originality. It doesn't even have any creepy costumes or decent deaths like the others, so it really is lacking entirely. It gets slightly more interesting towards the end with the Raid-like tower block scenes but even this seems to just be trying to replicate the Raid and all of the other films like it. The characters too are all immediately forgettable.
Unless you absolutely love the other Purge films, this really isn't worth a watch.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Someone You Know in Books
Mar 15, 2019
When TessÂ’ sister Edie disappeared 20 years ago, the case went cold. Now her body has at last been discovered and Tess travels back to her hometown to find out what really happened to her. Who can she really trust from her past?
If you are looking for a thriller with a difference, you will not be disappointed by this. This is a fantastic story with an ending you won't see coming. This debut thriller has red herrings and twists to keep you guessing to the very end. Fabulous fast paced read and the author has a way of drip feeding you little bits at a time and you won't want to stop til you have reached the end.
You have here a thick plot with loads of suspense, well structured characters. The story is done in two timelines that keeps you held in utter suspense. This story is dark, twisted, creepy and very atmospheric; you won't be able to put this one down!
Make this one of your must reads....Highly recommend!!!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy.
If you are looking for a thriller with a difference, you will not be disappointed by this. This is a fantastic story with an ending you won't see coming. This debut thriller has red herrings and twists to keep you guessing to the very end. Fabulous fast paced read and the author has a way of drip feeding you little bits at a time and you won't want to stop til you have reached the end.
You have here a thick plot with loads of suspense, well structured characters. The story is done in two timelines that keeps you held in utter suspense. This story is dark, twisted, creepy and very atmospheric; you won't be able to put this one down!
Make this one of your must reads....Highly recommend!!!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Resident (2012) in Movies
Apr 26, 2019
Icky, undistinguished psycho-thriller finds Hammer in House of Mystery and Suspense mode. Except there's not much of either, given that no-one ever moves into a lovely new apartment and finds it's just as good as it seemed on the viewing. The usual fem jeop ensues as Hilary Swank's doctor has to fend off not just her landlord (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) but his elderly dad (his eminence Christopher Lee, in a regrettably small part).
Really has very little to differentiate or commend it beyond Lee's creepy cameo and some fun and games with the chronology at one point; you find yourself wondering just why you're watching a film with such an unpleasant vibe to it - it's kind of playing the game where it seems to be perfectly okay to dwell at great length on the most repellent behaviour, as long as there's a bit of carthartic vengeance in the end. I am seldom convinced by this, especially not when the rest of the film put together in such an average manner.
Really has very little to differentiate or commend it beyond Lee's creepy cameo and some fun and games with the chronology at one point; you find yourself wondering just why you're watching a film with such an unpleasant vibe to it - it's kind of playing the game where it seems to be perfectly okay to dwell at great length on the most repellent behaviour, as long as there's a bit of carthartic vengeance in the end. I am seldom convinced by this, especially not when the rest of the film put together in such an average manner.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Sleep in Books
May 22, 2019
Anna suffers from crushing insomnia following an accident that she feels responsible for. Unable to forgive herself she moves to Rum to try and escape.
At first it would appear that the location and the job are just what the Dr ordered until the new intake of guests arrive and with them more disaster for Anna. The story is made even more interesting with what is going on at home. At first you cannot see any link, but as the story builds to its thrilling climax you realize the connection and there is even an unexpected twist at the end.
Once again C.L. Taylor has delivered a perfect thriller. I raced through this book as once I started I just couldn't stop. I kept thinking I had it all figured out.... BIG MISTAKE!!!! The ending is just WOW!
The setting is just wonderful for this story and just takes it to that next level.
Creepy, chilling, exciting and intriguing. A true reminder to never take things on face value!
Many thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books for the chance to read, review!
At first it would appear that the location and the job are just what the Dr ordered until the new intake of guests arrive and with them more disaster for Anna. The story is made even more interesting with what is going on at home. At first you cannot see any link, but as the story builds to its thrilling climax you realize the connection and there is even an unexpected twist at the end.
Once again C.L. Taylor has delivered a perfect thriller. I raced through this book as once I started I just couldn't stop. I kept thinking I had it all figured out.... BIG MISTAKE!!!! The ending is just WOW!
The setting is just wonderful for this story and just takes it to that next level.
Creepy, chilling, exciting and intriguing. A true reminder to never take things on face value!
Many thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books for the chance to read, review!