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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Closed Casket: The New Hercule Poirot Mystery in Books
Jul 28, 2017
A good adaptation of a classic but leave it be
I really quite enjoyed this version of Agatha Christie's classic Belgian detective despite being a huge fan of the original. Having read most of the collection I was a bit irked at having it rehashed under someone else's guise. Sophie Hannah has done a good job of bringing the old elements from the original but it should be said to leave it be. Hannah quite easily could have created a new character without taking literary licence from Christie.
It seems that in order for her book to be noticed in an already over saturated area, Hannah has reincarnated the character. She needs more confidence in her writing - so I hope that she chooses to be a bit more original next time.
It seems that in order for her book to be noticed in an already over saturated area, Hannah has reincarnated the character. She needs more confidence in her writing - so I hope that she chooses to be a bit more original next time.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Tilt-a-Whirl: John Ceepak, Book 1 in Books
Jul 30, 2017
Pretty hilarious but requires a bit of sensitivity
I thoroughly enjoyed this Cabot Cove style detective story, especially for a first book right up until the last 20 mins where the author could have handled the actual tragic circumstance with a little more sensitivity and not brush it off as just part of an investigation.
The narrator, who poses as the 24-year-old sidekick is brilliant, his antics and hilarious commentary kept the entire plot together at a wonderful pace. Unfortunately, when the story turns dark and serious, the tone didn't change and it almost seemed to be a mockery of a very disturbing situation. The plot twist in the end, however, was a good day to go. I would definitely read more in this series mostly because of the comedic aspect.
The narrator, who poses as the 24-year-old sidekick is brilliant, his antics and hilarious commentary kept the entire plot together at a wonderful pace. Unfortunately, when the story turns dark and serious, the tone didn't change and it almost seemed to be a mockery of a very disturbing situation. The plot twist in the end, however, was a good day to go. I would definitely read more in this series mostly because of the comedic aspect.
Sue (5 KP) rated Paper, Scissors, Death (Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery, #1) in Books
Apr 23, 2018
book description:
Mousy housewife Kiki Lowenstein has two great loves: scrapbooking and her young daughter, Anya. But her happy family album is ruined when her husband, George, is found naked and dead in a hotel room. As Kiki tracks down George's murderer, she discovers his sordid secret life.
Cruel taunts by George's former flame compel Kiki to spout an unwise threat. When the woman is murdered, Kiki's scissor-sharp words make her the prime suspect. She could be creating scrapbook keepsakes for the rest of her life-behind bars. Supported by her loyal friends, along with a little help (and a lot of stomach flutters) from the dashing Detective Detweiler, can Kiki cut the true killer out of the picture and design a new life for herself and Anya?
Mousy housewife Kiki Lowenstein has two great loves: scrapbooking and her young daughter, Anya. But her happy family album is ruined when her husband, George, is found naked and dead in a hotel room. As Kiki tracks down George's murderer, she discovers his sordid secret life.
Cruel taunts by George's former flame compel Kiki to spout an unwise threat. When the woman is murdered, Kiki's scissor-sharp words make her the prime suspect. She could be creating scrapbook keepsakes for the rest of her life-behind bars. Supported by her loyal friends, along with a little help (and a lot of stomach flutters) from the dashing Detective Detweiler, can Kiki cut the true killer out of the picture and design a new life for herself and Anya?
Sue (5 KP) rated Cut, Crop & Die (Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery, #2) in Books
Apr 23, 2018
book description:
All it took was one scone. When the hot-tempered (and widely hated) hobbyist Yvonne Gaynor eats a tainted pastry at Kiki's scrapbooking crop party, it triggers an allergy that leads to Yvonne's death. Even worse, the police suspect foul play when they realize that someone tampered with the treats and swiped the victim's allergy medication.
An expert at stealing design ideas, Yvonne had enough enemies to fill a memory album. Soon, the scrapbooking community pins her murder on Kiki's friends and our ace scrapper finds herself dealing with anti-Semitic threats at the shop, a quarrelsome pre-teen daughter at home, a meddlesome mother-in-law, and constant financial pressure. Despite help from the handsome yet annoyingly coy Detective Detweiler, Kiki has her work cut out for her in solving the crime.
All it took was one scone. When the hot-tempered (and widely hated) hobbyist Yvonne Gaynor eats a tainted pastry at Kiki's scrapbooking crop party, it triggers an allergy that leads to Yvonne's death. Even worse, the police suspect foul play when they realize that someone tampered with the treats and swiped the victim's allergy medication.
An expert at stealing design ideas, Yvonne had enough enemies to fill a memory album. Soon, the scrapbooking community pins her murder on Kiki's friends and our ace scrapper finds herself dealing with anti-Semitic threats at the shop, a quarrelsome pre-teen daughter at home, a meddlesome mother-in-law, and constant financial pressure. Despite help from the handsome yet annoyingly coy Detective Detweiler, Kiki has her work cut out for her in solving the crime.
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated Paper Towns in Books
Feb 5, 2019
Fun (2 more)
Has a dectetive style
Short chapters
Detective style
Ok I love John Green as I've said for his other books I've reviewed but I can't help but say I was disappointed with the ending of this, it was totally not what I was expecting and not as dramatic as I thought. However, the book is very fun to read and it really gets you thinking. Margo is a very clever girl with an imaginative mind who just can't stop in one place. Q is a sucker for love and falls into a bit of a predicament. Qs determination is frustrating for his friends but friends stick together like they should. Overall a good read and would recommend it. I'm now going to watch the film.
Madbatdan82 (341 KP) rated Mr Mercedes in TV
Mar 10, 2019
A 'killer series' well worth a binge.
We were looking for a new season to binge through and discovered this and were not disappointed. Simple premise - retired grizzled cop cant forget that one unsolved case. Starts to look back into it and the killer starts to play games with him. What sets it apart from other similar series are the performances particularly the brilliant Brendan Gleeson as the old retired detective. All the characters are developed in a way that you feel there's something wrong with them but you still have some sympathy - even with the killer. From episode one there's some really nasty deaths as well. So we'll worth a watch and there's now a second season to continue you're enjoyment.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Q: The Winged Serpent (1982) in Movies
Mar 31, 2019 (Updated Mar 31, 2019)
Hugely likeable, tongue-in-cheek mash-up of monster movie and crime drama. An ancient Aztec dragon-bird-god begins terrorising window-cleaners, construction workers and other people on top of high buildings in New York. Small-time crook (Moriarty) comes across the lair but will only tell heroic detective (Carradine) if the price is right.
The stuff with the monster is grisly good fun, while the more down to earth scenes are lifted hugely by the terrific performance of Moriarty, who seems to think he's appearing in a John Cassavetes film. The special effects are heroically over-ambitious and a subplot about an Aztec cult committing human sacrifices feels like an awkward afterthought, but that just adds to the entertainment value of an unashamed exploitation movie, and a mighty fine one too.
The stuff with the monster is grisly good fun, while the more down to earth scenes are lifted hugely by the terrific performance of Moriarty, who seems to think he's appearing in a John Cassavetes film. The special effects are heroically over-ambitious and a subplot about an Aztec cult committing human sacrifices feels like an awkward afterthought, but that just adds to the entertainment value of an unashamed exploitation movie, and a mighty fine one too.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Lost and Fondue (A Cheese Shop Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Charlotte is catering a fundraiser at the old winery on the outskirts of town. During the scavenger hunt, she finds the body of one of the guests in the basement. With the police looking at someone Charlotte cares about, she must spring into detective mode to find the real killer.
I'm not sure why I waited so long to read this second book in the series. The characters were a tad overwhelming at first by their number, but I quickly had them all figured out. The plot slow down a tad in the middle, but the end result was great. I'll definitely be back for the next slice.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-review-lost-and-fondue-by-avery.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I'm not sure why I waited so long to read this second book in the series. The characters were a tad overwhelming at first by their number, but I quickly had them all figured out. The plot slow down a tad in the middle, but the end result was great. I'll definitely be back for the next slice.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-review-lost-and-fondue-by-avery.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Decanting a Murder (A Sommelier Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Katie Stillwell lives for wine, so when her best friend, Tessa, gets her an invitation to Frontier Winery’s 100th anniversary party, Katie gladly accepts. The night ends with tragedy when Katie finds the owner murdered. With Tessa missing, Katie must figure out what is really going on. Can she do it?
I’m not a wine drinker, but I completely enjoyed this debut. Tessa could be a bit much at times, but I liked her at others. I was bothered by how much the detective included Katie in the investigation, but overall I completely enjoyed this book. The story moved forward quickly, and Katie is a great main character. I can’t wait to revisit her.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-decanting-murder-by-nadine.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I’m not a wine drinker, but I completely enjoyed this debut. Tessa could be a bit much at times, but I liked her at others. I was bothered by how much the detective included Katie in the investigation, but overall I completely enjoyed this book. The story moved forward quickly, and Katie is a great main character. I can’t wait to revisit her.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-decanting-murder-by-nadine.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Tami (7 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Jul 10, 2018
Storyline (1 more)
Characters
This book was FANTASTIC.
I have never read a John Green book yet, so finding this gem from my local library system was a great find.
Aza has issues. Issues that none of would ever wish for our worst enemy much less a young girl. Her particular issue I don't have an exact word for, germ phobia with some invasive thoughts add some OCD in there?
Aza and her friend Daisy are looking to come into some money by doing some detective work. What she finds more than anything is an honest and open friendship with maybe a little love thrown in there.
My love for this book is amazing, now I have to find his other books and read them.
I have never read a John Green book yet, so finding this gem from my local library system was a great find.
Aza has issues. Issues that none of would ever wish for our worst enemy much less a young girl. Her particular issue I don't have an exact word for, germ phobia with some invasive thoughts add some OCD in there?
Aza and her friend Daisy are looking to come into some money by doing some detective work. What she finds more than anything is an honest and open friendship with maybe a little love thrown in there.
My love for this book is amazing, now I have to find his other books and read them.