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The Case of the 'Hail Mary' Celeste: The Case Files of Jack Wenlock, Railway Detective
Book
Read 'How to Make Exploding Spiders', in which Malcolm talks about the research he did into Boy’s...
The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic
7.7
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The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic is a sparkling romantic adventure. When Nora Fischer...
Murder of a Lady
Book
Duchlan Castle is a gloomy, forbidding place in the Scottish Highlands. Late one night the body of...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2287 KP) rated Murder in Greenwich Village in Books
Mar 10, 2021 (Updated Mar 10, 2021)
The Murdered Roommate
In the summer of 1913, Louise Faulk is enjoying her new life in New York City until one evening when she and her roommate, Callie, return to their apartment to find Callie’s cousin, Ethel, dead. Ethel had been staying with them for several weeks, but was from out of town and hardly knew anyone. The police focus on someone that Louise knows would never commit murder, so she starts to investigate. But who could have motive to kill Ethel?
The book starts off quickly, but I did feel the pacing was a bit uneven as the story unfolded. There was one thing that I wasn’t satisfied with at the end of the book as well, but only because I disagreed with Louise’s conclusion. Overall, the plot is interesting and held my interest all the way until we reached the logical climax. Louise is a wonderful main character, and I’m very interested to see where the series takes her next. The suspects are strong, and the rest of the cast is interesting. The book was a little darker than I was expecting, more a traditional than the cozies I normally read. As long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. I will definitely be visiting Louise again. I’m anxious to find out what happens to her next.
The book starts off quickly, but I did feel the pacing was a bit uneven as the story unfolded. There was one thing that I wasn’t satisfied with at the end of the book as well, but only because I disagreed with Louise’s conclusion. Overall, the plot is interesting and held my interest all the way until we reached the logical climax. Louise is a wonderful main character, and I’m very interested to see where the series takes her next. The suspects are strong, and the rest of the cast is interesting. The book was a little darker than I was expecting, more a traditional than the cozies I normally read. As long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. I will definitely be visiting Louise again. I’m anxious to find out what happens to her next.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2287 KP) rated Hard Cold Winter in Books
Oct 20, 2020
Bodies at a Cabin
Van Shaw has just returned to Seattle from his time in the Army Rangers when Willard, one of his grandfather’s friends, asks for a favor. Willard is concerned about his niece, who went to her boyfriend’s cabin and hasn’t been heard from since. Van goes out there and discovers a grisly scene. It looks like a murder suicide, but Van begins to investigate anyway. He soon finds himself facing more danger than he bargained for. Will his Ranger training keep him alive? Or are the forces at work too great for him?
After enjoying the first book in the series, I was anxious to revisit Van. He was just as great a character this time around, and I enjoyed watching him grow a bit and interact with the characters, both old and new. The plot just continues to build until we reach the satisfying and explosive climax. The series is darker than I normally enjoy, and that did bother me a little, but that is completely on me. I do appreciate how Van’s past, both before the Army and as a Ranger, is worked into the story, and the light it shines on the struggles vets face when they return to civilian life. I will be picking up the third book soon.
After enjoying the first book in the series, I was anxious to revisit Van. He was just as great a character this time around, and I enjoyed watching him grow a bit and interact with the characters, both old and new. The plot just continues to build until we reach the satisfying and explosive climax. The series is darker than I normally enjoy, and that did bother me a little, but that is completely on me. I do appreciate how Van’s past, both before the Army and as a Ranger, is worked into the story, and the light it shines on the struggles vets face when they return to civilian life. I will be picking up the third book soon.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated A Terrible Love (A Terrible Love, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was quickly captivated by this story and the characters and quickly devoured this book.
The story has some dark aspects but they are to be expected in most New Adult books. This one is slightly darker than others and focuses on abuse and violence.
I’ll start by mentioning Devin Castile, I think I fell for him pretty early on or he at least got me a little hot and bothered. Wowzer! Well done for creating such a hot character :D
Mitch on the other hand seemed sweet and kind but their wasn’t really a spark there. He seemed too much of a gentleman (but some women like that).
I also really liked Brad and Carlie, they were fun characters and I enjoyed the banter they shared with Jess
Although dark, this is a well written book and having looked on GoodReads I’ve seen their is going to be a second book, A Brutal Tenderness, which sounds like it will tell the story from Devin’s POV. I’ll tell you now I will definitely be interested in seeing things from his view and I’ve marked it as “to-read”
I really enjoyed it and recommend it to those who like New Adult books and those who like their books a little grittier.
I was quickly captivated by this story and the characters and quickly devoured this book.
The story has some dark aspects but they are to be expected in most New Adult books. This one is slightly darker than others and focuses on abuse and violence.
I’ll start by mentioning Devin Castile, I think I fell for him pretty early on or he at least got me a little hot and bothered. Wowzer! Well done for creating such a hot character :D
Mitch on the other hand seemed sweet and kind but their wasn’t really a spark there. He seemed too much of a gentleman (but some women like that).
I also really liked Brad and Carlie, they were fun characters and I enjoyed the banter they shared with Jess
Although dark, this is a well written book and having looked on GoodReads I’ve seen their is going to be a second book, A Brutal Tenderness, which sounds like it will tell the story from Devin’s POV. I’ll tell you now I will definitely be interested in seeing things from his view and I’ve marked it as “to-read”
I really enjoyed it and recommend it to those who like New Adult books and those who like their books a little grittier.
_RainAllTheTime (17 KP) rated Hellboy (2019) in Movies
Sep 8, 2019
Better than online reviews suggest
Contains spoilers, click to show
Firstly, this version of Hellboy doesn't deserve only 17% on Rotten Tomatoes!
Yes it's different to the 2004 Hellboy, it's less jokey, more serious and darker.
I love Ron Pearlman in the 2004 Hellboy film, lets face it, he is an amazing Hellboy but I was very happy with David Harbours version of Hellboy. He played the tournamented demon perfectly. He was serious, yet funny.
Also I love the fact that in this version, Alice is played by a young, black woman, who is feisty and powerful. Sasha Lane plays the psychic, badass amazingly.
Throughout the film there is a few surprises in terms of who you'd think would star in this film, alot of familiar faces, and big names.
The storyline is well done, it's more like the Hellboy comics I read growning up than the first films. There is dark plots, Hellboys inner struggle of trying to keep his demon side down, amazing effects and real emotions.
I feel it's only let down was the fact is came out in cinemas as two major Marvel films also came into the cinema.
I very much look forward to a sequel, and judging by the first clip after the credits.....and the reveal of a certain favourite characters hand......it looks like a sequel is very much on the cards.
Yes it's different to the 2004 Hellboy, it's less jokey, more serious and darker.
I love Ron Pearlman in the 2004 Hellboy film, lets face it, he is an amazing Hellboy but I was very happy with David Harbours version of Hellboy. He played the tournamented demon perfectly. He was serious, yet funny.
Also I love the fact that in this version, Alice is played by a young, black woman, who is feisty and powerful. Sasha Lane plays the psychic, badass amazingly.
Throughout the film there is a few surprises in terms of who you'd think would star in this film, alot of familiar faces, and big names.
The storyline is well done, it's more like the Hellboy comics I read growning up than the first films. There is dark plots, Hellboys inner struggle of trying to keep his demon side down, amazing effects and real emotions.
I feel it's only let down was the fact is came out in cinemas as two major Marvel films also came into the cinema.
I very much look forward to a sequel, and judging by the first clip after the credits.....and the reveal of a certain favourite characters hand......it looks like a sequel is very much on the cards.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated American Horror Story - Season 2 in TV
Oct 5, 2019
Horror TV doesn't get much better
The second season on AHS, also known as 'Asylum' is fantastic, and in my opinion, still the best season to date.
The anthology template applied to AHS is given it first workout here - it's great to see familiar faces from the first season, albeit playing completely different characters. And the characters here are really something.
Sarah Paulson, Zachary Quinto, Joseph Fiennes, Evan Peters, Lizzie Brocheré, James Cromwell, Lily Rabe - they're all amazing in their own ways. Each character has several layers to them,lacing mystery and intrigue throughout Asylum to keep you guessing.
The unmistakable star of Asylum though is of course Jessica Lange.
Here character Sister Jude is an incredible villain for the most part, and equally sympathetic in other parts. Jessica Lange plays the part with aplomb, obviously enjoying every second of it, and is the main reason why this season is such a stand out.
The tone of Asylum is a lot more full on than Murder House - it's nastier, gorier, funnier, darker.
The cinematography is pretty bang on throughout, spoiling us with creepy shot after creepy shot.
It's honestly great, hard to find much to dislike. The hammier elements in AHS are often overdone and what ultimately stop this show from reaching perfection, but Asylum is as close as it has come for now.
The anthology template applied to AHS is given it first workout here - it's great to see familiar faces from the first season, albeit playing completely different characters. And the characters here are really something.
Sarah Paulson, Zachary Quinto, Joseph Fiennes, Evan Peters, Lizzie Brocheré, James Cromwell, Lily Rabe - they're all amazing in their own ways. Each character has several layers to them,lacing mystery and intrigue throughout Asylum to keep you guessing.
The unmistakable star of Asylum though is of course Jessica Lange.
Here character Sister Jude is an incredible villain for the most part, and equally sympathetic in other parts. Jessica Lange plays the part with aplomb, obviously enjoying every second of it, and is the main reason why this season is such a stand out.
The tone of Asylum is a lot more full on than Murder House - it's nastier, gorier, funnier, darker.
The cinematography is pretty bang on throughout, spoiling us with creepy shot after creepy shot.
It's honestly great, hard to find much to dislike. The hammier elements in AHS are often overdone and what ultimately stop this show from reaching perfection, but Asylum is as close as it has come for now.
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Crawl (2019) in Movies
May 30, 2020
Laughably bad
This isnt the type of film I'd usually be interested in, but when you're stuck at home & this is the latest Sky premiere, it seems rude not to watch it.
To be fair, this film made me laugh so it was fairly entertaining. However I'm pretty sure this wasn't intentional. It made me laugh at how cheesy and bad and cliched it was. The script is terrible, and the majority of scenes are predictable and cliched. Like the swimming and motivational speeches in a lull between gator attacks, and the characters seemingly strange and inexplicable actions and doing completely the wrong thing (like shouting for helping metres away in a category 5 hurricane). This really made me giggle, but also made me want to bang my head against the wall it was so cringeworthy.
The effects too are pretty terrible. They dont look too bad in the darker more cramped basement scenes, but everything else looks pretty second rate. There's a decent amount of gore but even this gets ridiculous when you start to consider the amount of injuries these characters are obtaining without dying.
To be quite honest, this isnt the worst creature horror I've ever seen but it is definitely not the best. I'd suggest Lake Placid might be a better option.
To be fair, this film made me laugh so it was fairly entertaining. However I'm pretty sure this wasn't intentional. It made me laugh at how cheesy and bad and cliched it was. The script is terrible, and the majority of scenes are predictable and cliched. Like the swimming and motivational speeches in a lull between gator attacks, and the characters seemingly strange and inexplicable actions and doing completely the wrong thing (like shouting for helping metres away in a category 5 hurricane). This really made me giggle, but also made me want to bang my head against the wall it was so cringeworthy.
The effects too are pretty terrible. They dont look too bad in the darker more cramped basement scenes, but everything else looks pretty second rate. There's a decent amount of gore but even this gets ridiculous when you start to consider the amount of injuries these characters are obtaining without dying.
To be quite honest, this isnt the worst creature horror I've ever seen but it is definitely not the best. I'd suggest Lake Placid might be a better option.
Smolder (Underground Encounters #1)
8.0
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I never thought a gym crush could be deadly... We all lead double lives in a way. Only the most...
Paranormal Romance