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Mina Scarletti returns in her most thrilling mystery yet! Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes,...
Ghosts Suspense Historical Fiction
The Song of Names (2019)
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Tim Roth and Clive Owen star in François Girard’s (Hochelaga, Land of Souls) latest sweeping...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated A Link To Kill (Hawthorne & Horowitz Mystery #3) in Books
Aug 29, 2021
I haven't read anything by Mr Horowitz before and was a little apprehensive about reading this, with it being the third in the series, but I needn't have worried - this is a unique and enjoyable mystery.
I have never read a book where the author puts himself as one of the main characters in a book but here he is joining up with an ex-Detective Inspector Hawthorne and, I must say, it really worked for me. Mr Horowitz doesn't take himself too seriously and he comes across as a Dr Watson-type character to Hawthorne's Sherlock Holmes - which, let's face it, isn't a bad thing at all. How much the fictional Horowitz is like the real Horowitz, I don't know but I like him!
Anyway, Horowitz and Hawthorne have been invited to take part in a literary festival on the island of Alderney. A murder ensues and Hawthorne is asked to assist the local constabulary to investigate with Horowitz in tow. The relationship between the two is a complex one ... do they really like each other or do they just tolerate each other for the purposes of writing books? I am still working that one out but I am liking it.
This is a proper old-style mystery with a cast of excellent characters many of whom have their own secrets which creates multiple suspects and I for one must have said "I knew it was them all along" numerous times and was wrong! There is a lot of humour and tongue-in-cheek moments which make this a fun and enjoyable read with a very satisfying ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was quite nice to read a murder/mystery without a plethora of violence for once and I am very much looking forward to more "adventures" from Hawthorne and Horowitz.
A thank you must go to Penguin Random House UK / Cornerstone via NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review.
I have never read a book where the author puts himself as one of the main characters in a book but here he is joining up with an ex-Detective Inspector Hawthorne and, I must say, it really worked for me. Mr Horowitz doesn't take himself too seriously and he comes across as a Dr Watson-type character to Hawthorne's Sherlock Holmes - which, let's face it, isn't a bad thing at all. How much the fictional Horowitz is like the real Horowitz, I don't know but I like him!
Anyway, Horowitz and Hawthorne have been invited to take part in a literary festival on the island of Alderney. A murder ensues and Hawthorne is asked to assist the local constabulary to investigate with Horowitz in tow. The relationship between the two is a complex one ... do they really like each other or do they just tolerate each other for the purposes of writing books? I am still working that one out but I am liking it.
This is a proper old-style mystery with a cast of excellent characters many of whom have their own secrets which creates multiple suspects and I for one must have said "I knew it was them all along" numerous times and was wrong! There is a lot of humour and tongue-in-cheek moments which make this a fun and enjoyable read with a very satisfying ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was quite nice to read a murder/mystery without a plethora of violence for once and I am very much looking forward to more "adventures" from Hawthorne and Horowitz.
A thank you must go to Penguin Random House UK / Cornerstone via NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Scream 6 (2023) in Movies
Mar 8, 2023
Following the events of “Scream” which not only served as a soft reboot
and the fifth film in the series; “Scream VI” has arrived a year later and
picks up shortly where the last film ended. The survivors have now moved
to New York to attend college and are eager to put the horror of the
massacres behind them.
Sam (Melissa Barrera), has started dating in secret and is overly
protective of her sister Tara (Jenna Ortega), to the point where Tara has
started to lash out. When a murder is reported that has evidence of
Ghostface influence, Sam desires to leave the city with Tara but again
finds her sister reluctant and the sister find themselves suspects under
Detective Bailey (Dermot Mulroney). The fact that Tara is rooming with
Bailey’s daughter does not help as many online conspiracy nuts think that
Sam is behind the recent and new killings based on her lineage and has
gotten away with it once again.
As the threatening calls, attacks, and body count start to rise; Gail
Weathers (Courtney Cox), arrives much to the chagrin of the survivors who
believe that she is there simply to fein friendship and support all the
while looking for material for another book.
The arrival of now FBI agent Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere), moves things
into overdrive as the attacks, deaths, and danger become more frequent and
brutal and the investigation leads to even more questions and mysteries as
the characters struggle to survive.
While like the prior films I was able to figure out who was responsible
very early as well as all but one of the twists, the film still
entertained and in a era where many franchises are going through the
motions, “Scream VI” shows that there is still plenty of life left thanks
to an enjoyable cast, some creative and intense scenes, and a formula that
fans should enjoy.
3.5 stars out of 5
and the fifth film in the series; “Scream VI” has arrived a year later and
picks up shortly where the last film ended. The survivors have now moved
to New York to attend college and are eager to put the horror of the
massacres behind them.
Sam (Melissa Barrera), has started dating in secret and is overly
protective of her sister Tara (Jenna Ortega), to the point where Tara has
started to lash out. When a murder is reported that has evidence of
Ghostface influence, Sam desires to leave the city with Tara but again
finds her sister reluctant and the sister find themselves suspects under
Detective Bailey (Dermot Mulroney). The fact that Tara is rooming with
Bailey’s daughter does not help as many online conspiracy nuts think that
Sam is behind the recent and new killings based on her lineage and has
gotten away with it once again.
As the threatening calls, attacks, and body count start to rise; Gail
Weathers (Courtney Cox), arrives much to the chagrin of the survivors who
believe that she is there simply to fein friendship and support all the
while looking for material for another book.
The arrival of now FBI agent Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere), moves things
into overdrive as the attacks, deaths, and danger become more frequent and
brutal and the investigation leads to even more questions and mysteries as
the characters struggle to survive.
While like the prior films I was able to figure out who was responsible
very early as well as all but one of the twists, the film still
entertained and in a era where many franchises are going through the
motions, “Scream VI” shows that there is still plenty of life left thanks
to an enjoyable cast, some creative and intense scenes, and a formula that
fans should enjoy.
3.5 stars out of 5
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Dec 7, 2021
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Echo Killing ( Harper McClain 1) in Books
Dec 28, 2023
206 of 235
Kindle
The Echo Killing ( Harper McClain 1)
By Christi Daugherty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When a murder echoing a fifteen-year-old cold case rocks the Southern town of Savannah, crime reporter Harper McClain risks everything to find the identity of this calculated killer in Christi Daugherty's new novel The Echo Killing.
A city of antebellum architecture, picturesque parks, and cobblestone streets, Savannah moves at a graceful pace. But for Harper McClain, the timeless beauty and culture that distinguishes her home’s Southern heritage vanishes during the dark and dangerous nights. She wouldn’t have it any other way. Not even finding her mother brutally murdered in their home when she was twelve has made her love Savannah any less.
Her mother’s killer was never found, and that unsolved murder left Harper with an obsession that drove her to become one of the best crime reporters in the state of Georgia. She spends her nights with the police, searching for criminals. Her latest investigation takes her to the scene of a homicide where the details are hauntingly familiar: a young girl being led from the scene by a detective, a female victim naked and stabbed multiple times in the kitchen, and no traces of any evidence pointing towards a suspect.
Harper has seen all of this before in her own life. The similarities between the murder of Marie Whitney and her own mother’s death lead her to believe they’re both victims of the same killer. At last, she has the chance to find the murderer who’s eluded justice for fifteen years and make sure another little girl isn’t forever haunted by a senseless act of violence—even if it puts Harper in the killer’s cross-hairs…
This was really good I enjoyed it. I did catch on to the killer early on but it was still a really good read. Characters were interesting and the storyline was good. Looking forward to more.
Kindle
The Echo Killing ( Harper McClain 1)
By Christi Daugherty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When a murder echoing a fifteen-year-old cold case rocks the Southern town of Savannah, crime reporter Harper McClain risks everything to find the identity of this calculated killer in Christi Daugherty's new novel The Echo Killing.
A city of antebellum architecture, picturesque parks, and cobblestone streets, Savannah moves at a graceful pace. But for Harper McClain, the timeless beauty and culture that distinguishes her home’s Southern heritage vanishes during the dark and dangerous nights. She wouldn’t have it any other way. Not even finding her mother brutally murdered in their home when she was twelve has made her love Savannah any less.
Her mother’s killer was never found, and that unsolved murder left Harper with an obsession that drove her to become one of the best crime reporters in the state of Georgia. She spends her nights with the police, searching for criminals. Her latest investigation takes her to the scene of a homicide where the details are hauntingly familiar: a young girl being led from the scene by a detective, a female victim naked and stabbed multiple times in the kitchen, and no traces of any evidence pointing towards a suspect.
Harper has seen all of this before in her own life. The similarities between the murder of Marie Whitney and her own mother’s death lead her to believe they’re both victims of the same killer. At last, she has the chance to find the murderer who’s eluded justice for fifteen years and make sure another little girl isn’t forever haunted by a senseless act of violence—even if it puts Harper in the killer’s cross-hairs…
This was really good I enjoyed it. I did catch on to the killer early on but it was still a really good read. Characters were interesting and the storyline was good. Looking forward to more.
The London Forgery (A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #1)
Book
1973. Art historian Fabiola Bennett sees herself as a prudently observant deer who becomes a daring...
Historical Mystery Dual Timeline
Debbiereadsbook (1437 KP) rated Nothing But the Night (Basic Instincts #2) in Books
Apr 20, 2025
It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Basic Instincts series and I have not read book 1, Now Comes The Dark. I did not feel I missed anything by not doing so, so I would say this can totally be read as a stand alone. Roman and Mallon pop up, but only in passing.
Marc is not happy with the local police about their lack of progress in finding his brother's killer. Because Marc does not believe that Theo's death was an accident. Enter Jason, a local private detective. But just as his investigation gets moving, their chief witness is murdered and both men find themselves in a fight for their lives, with no clue who is behind it all.
I just wanna say: Well played, Mr Collins, so very well played! I did not see the whodunnit coming at me, not at all! I love being kept on my toes, I really do. So, I loved that coming out of nowhere and whooping me upside the head!
As Marc and Jason get to know each other, their relationship builds. I liked that build up and when it spilled over. I can't say I liked the reason it spilled over, and I'm not going to elaborate due to spoilers, but I think when it does spill over, it was exactly at the right time for these two.
It moves at speed sometimes, and slows up in others, just enough for you to catch up. It's dark and deadly, and sweet and emotional. Steamy and smexy. It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
I absolutely need to read book 3, but I've no clue who that would be or even IF there will be a book 3! And at some point, I'd like to go back and read book 1.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Basic Instincts series and I have not read book 1, Now Comes The Dark. I did not feel I missed anything by not doing so, so I would say this can totally be read as a stand alone. Roman and Mallon pop up, but only in passing.
Marc is not happy with the local police about their lack of progress in finding his brother's killer. Because Marc does not believe that Theo's death was an accident. Enter Jason, a local private detective. But just as his investigation gets moving, their chief witness is murdered and both men find themselves in a fight for their lives, with no clue who is behind it all.
I just wanna say: Well played, Mr Collins, so very well played! I did not see the whodunnit coming at me, not at all! I love being kept on my toes, I really do. So, I loved that coming out of nowhere and whooping me upside the head!
As Marc and Jason get to know each other, their relationship builds. I liked that build up and when it spilled over. I can't say I liked the reason it spilled over, and I'm not going to elaborate due to spoilers, but I think when it does spill over, it was exactly at the right time for these two.
It moves at speed sometimes, and slows up in others, just enough for you to catch up. It's dark and deadly, and sweet and emotional. Steamy and smexy. It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
I absolutely need to read book 3, but I've no clue who that would be or even IF there will be a book 3! And at some point, I'd like to go back and read book 1.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Bad Samaritan (2018) in Movies
Oct 3, 2018 (Updated Oct 3, 2018)
Tacky jump-scares (1 more)
Constantly asks you to accept huge leaps of logic
What A Waste
Bad Samaritan is a movie that I really should have liked. I am a huge fan of David Tennant, I love a decent thriller movie and the trailer for the movie teased an intriguing plot as well. Unfortunately, I didn't like much of it, in fact it really annoyed me how little I liked when watching this thing.
Let's start off with the cast. David Tennant is, - as he always is, - absolutely fantastic in this role. In any other better movie, he would be in with a shout for an award for this role, unfortunately he is surrounded by absolutely overwhelming amount of trash. Robert Sheehan does a serviceable job with what he has given, but some of the lines he delivers are just too forced and cheesy to be taken seriously. The actor playing his best friend is just playing a stereotypical nonchalant small time criminal. Kerry Condon plays the hostage that David Tennant is keeping in his house and she also does a decent enough job with the shoddy material she has been given to work with.
The only other positive that I can think of other than Tennant's performance, is the way that Tennant's character systematically ruins Sheehan's character's life. He makes him lose his job, he blackmails him via social media, he attacks his girlfriend and he wrecks his car. The way that this sequence played out reminded me of Frank Miller's Daredevil story Born Again, where Kingpin learns Daredevil's real identity and destroys his life piece by piece via the people he cares about. Don't get me wrong, it is done far better in Born Again and Born Again is a much better story overall than Bad Samaritan, but it was the only element of this movies plot that I liked other than what we already saw in the trailers.
Now that we have discussed the few positives that this movie has, let's go through everything else. First of all, I have never heard a more out-of-place, inappropriate score to go along with what is happening onscreen. It genuinely felt like a temp score that was put in preliminarily until the proper one was put in and then they just left it in and didn't bother going back to improve it.
Then there was the cheap jump-scares, Although they are mostly consigned to the first act in the movie, they are still far too frequent and totally unnecessary. The last one that I remember happening was so egregious, (when David Tennant was standing behind the detective outside the house,) it actually bordered on parody. There was no story justification for it whatsoever, why would this guy who is trying to appear normal and as if nothing is wrong, creep up behind a detective who is investigating him and just stand there like a creep to give him a fright? It makes absolutely no sense. To be honest, the movie is abundant with things that don't make any sense and you are almost constantly asked to make huge leaps of logic when watching it.
There's also the fact that this movie has no idea what it wants to be. Dean Devlin who directed this, also directed last year's Geostorm. Now Geostorm was a steaming pile of shit, but at least it knew what it wanted to be. The tone in Bad Samaritan is totally all over the place and doesn't work in any way or flow well at all. This movie also plays like a check-list of thriller movie clichés. Everything from cheesy flashbacks showing the villains messed up past to the detectives not believing the protagonist's claims even when he has photo evidence on his phone.
Overall, this film is a huge waste. David Tennant's fantastic performance that he puts in here as an unhinged, genuinely scary villain is wasted in this trash movie. The trailers showed us a potentially thrilling plot that could have really been exciting and engaging only to totally waste it on a flick full of mediocre production elements and a half baked storyline. The only reason that this scored 4 was because of Tennant's brilliant performance, if not for that, this movie would have scored a 2 at best.
Let's start off with the cast. David Tennant is, - as he always is, - absolutely fantastic in this role. In any other better movie, he would be in with a shout for an award for this role, unfortunately he is surrounded by absolutely overwhelming amount of trash. Robert Sheehan does a serviceable job with what he has given, but some of the lines he delivers are just too forced and cheesy to be taken seriously. The actor playing his best friend is just playing a stereotypical nonchalant small time criminal. Kerry Condon plays the hostage that David Tennant is keeping in his house and she also does a decent enough job with the shoddy material she has been given to work with.
The only other positive that I can think of other than Tennant's performance, is the way that Tennant's character systematically ruins Sheehan's character's life. He makes him lose his job, he blackmails him via social media, he attacks his girlfriend and he wrecks his car. The way that this sequence played out reminded me of Frank Miller's Daredevil story Born Again, where Kingpin learns Daredevil's real identity and destroys his life piece by piece via the people he cares about. Don't get me wrong, it is done far better in Born Again and Born Again is a much better story overall than Bad Samaritan, but it was the only element of this movies plot that I liked other than what we already saw in the trailers.
Now that we have discussed the few positives that this movie has, let's go through everything else. First of all, I have never heard a more out-of-place, inappropriate score to go along with what is happening onscreen. It genuinely felt like a temp score that was put in preliminarily until the proper one was put in and then they just left it in and didn't bother going back to improve it.
Then there was the cheap jump-scares, Although they are mostly consigned to the first act in the movie, they are still far too frequent and totally unnecessary. The last one that I remember happening was so egregious, (when David Tennant was standing behind the detective outside the house,) it actually bordered on parody. There was no story justification for it whatsoever, why would this guy who is trying to appear normal and as if nothing is wrong, creep up behind a detective who is investigating him and just stand there like a creep to give him a fright? It makes absolutely no sense. To be honest, the movie is abundant with things that don't make any sense and you are almost constantly asked to make huge leaps of logic when watching it.
There's also the fact that this movie has no idea what it wants to be. Dean Devlin who directed this, also directed last year's Geostorm. Now Geostorm was a steaming pile of shit, but at least it knew what it wanted to be. The tone in Bad Samaritan is totally all over the place and doesn't work in any way or flow well at all. This movie also plays like a check-list of thriller movie clichés. Everything from cheesy flashbacks showing the villains messed up past to the detectives not believing the protagonist's claims even when he has photo evidence on his phone.
Overall, this film is a huge waste. David Tennant's fantastic performance that he puts in here as an unhinged, genuinely scary villain is wasted in this trash movie. The trailers showed us a potentially thrilling plot that could have really been exciting and engaging only to totally waste it on a flick full of mediocre production elements and a half baked storyline. The only reason that this scored 4 was because of Tennant's brilliant performance, if not for that, this movie would have scored a 2 at best.
Darren (1599 KP) rated 13 Sins (2014) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Story: 13 Sins starts as Elliot Brindle (Webber) about to get married to Shelby (Wesley) and start his own family but because he isn’t as ruthless in his salesman job he loses his job making it difficult to supporting his mentally disabled brother Michael (Graye) and his bitter father (Bower).
Running out of options a chance phone call promises him money for doing something as simple as killing a fly once complete Elliot gets a second phone call with the promise of more money for a task. With two challenges down Elliot get offered a chance to enter into a game to complete in 11 more challenges to get more money that could change his life forever.
When the challenge starts to become very twisted it grabs the attention of Detective Chilcoat (Perlman) but just how far will Elliot will go for the money.
REPORT THIS AD
13 Sins gives us a horror thriller that pushes our character to the limit which is why I do think this is a very enjoyable. I will say it starts out slow and puts the character in a position that you would expect them to take the challenge by not knowing how far they would be pushed. This helps us think this would be hard to say no to. I will say this really pulls you in but I do think the certain moments at the end feel forced.
Actor Review
Mark Webber: Elliot Brindle is a down on his luck salesman who is about to get married, have his own child all while supporting his mentally disabled brother and alcoholic father. When he gets phone call he gets a chance to end all of his money troubles by completing a set of challenges, this will test Elliot to the very limits leaving us to wonder how far he will do. Mark is great in this role making us feel like he really is an average man struggling.
Devon Graye: Michael Brindle is the mentally disabled brother of Elliot who is about to find himself back in a home if his brother doesn’t find money to support him. Devon seems like an important character that just seems to get forgotten through the final outcome of the film.
Rutina Wesley: Shelby is the fiancée of Elliot who is getting ever so upset with Elliot on the day of the challenges because he is coming off distant but her relationship is important to everything that is happening. Rutina is basic in this supporting role because we don’t get the screen time.
Ron Perlman: Detective Chilcoat takes the case that Elliot finds himself causing him to discover what has been happening for years. Ron is solid in this supporting role that has a moment that is worth the wait nearer the end.
Support Cast: 13 Sins has a supporting cast that is included in the game in ways you have to figure out how they are involved.
Director Review: Daniel Stamm – Daniel gives us a thriller that is shocking in places as we just have to see how far we see our character go.
Horror: 13 Sins has gore moments that shock but filled with suspense around the gore.
Thriller: 13 Sins keeps us on edge as we wonder what will happen next in the game.
Settings: 13 Sins doesn’t have the most iconic locations which helps make us think it is in a small city but with the bigger picture of the game doesn’t work.
Special Effects: 13 Sins has great special effects used throughout with the gore factors.
Suggestion: 13 Sins is one for the horror fans to watch. (Horror Fans Watch)
Best Part: Final twist.
Worst Part: Slow starting.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Similar Too: Would You Rather, Cheap Thrills
Oscar Chances: No
Budget: $4 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes
Tagline: You don’t play the game. It plays you.
Overall: Surprisingly entertaining horror thriller keeping us guessing throughout.
https://moviesreview101.com/2016/10/03/movie-reviews-101-midnight-halloween-horror-13-sins-2014/
Running out of options a chance phone call promises him money for doing something as simple as killing a fly once complete Elliot gets a second phone call with the promise of more money for a task. With two challenges down Elliot get offered a chance to enter into a game to complete in 11 more challenges to get more money that could change his life forever.
When the challenge starts to become very twisted it grabs the attention of Detective Chilcoat (Perlman) but just how far will Elliot will go for the money.
REPORT THIS AD
13 Sins gives us a horror thriller that pushes our character to the limit which is why I do think this is a very enjoyable. I will say it starts out slow and puts the character in a position that you would expect them to take the challenge by not knowing how far they would be pushed. This helps us think this would be hard to say no to. I will say this really pulls you in but I do think the certain moments at the end feel forced.
Actor Review
Mark Webber: Elliot Brindle is a down on his luck salesman who is about to get married, have his own child all while supporting his mentally disabled brother and alcoholic father. When he gets phone call he gets a chance to end all of his money troubles by completing a set of challenges, this will test Elliot to the very limits leaving us to wonder how far he will do. Mark is great in this role making us feel like he really is an average man struggling.
Devon Graye: Michael Brindle is the mentally disabled brother of Elliot who is about to find himself back in a home if his brother doesn’t find money to support him. Devon seems like an important character that just seems to get forgotten through the final outcome of the film.
Rutina Wesley: Shelby is the fiancée of Elliot who is getting ever so upset with Elliot on the day of the challenges because he is coming off distant but her relationship is important to everything that is happening. Rutina is basic in this supporting role because we don’t get the screen time.
Ron Perlman: Detective Chilcoat takes the case that Elliot finds himself causing him to discover what has been happening for years. Ron is solid in this supporting role that has a moment that is worth the wait nearer the end.
Support Cast: 13 Sins has a supporting cast that is included in the game in ways you have to figure out how they are involved.
Director Review: Daniel Stamm – Daniel gives us a thriller that is shocking in places as we just have to see how far we see our character go.
Horror: 13 Sins has gore moments that shock but filled with suspense around the gore.
Thriller: 13 Sins keeps us on edge as we wonder what will happen next in the game.
Settings: 13 Sins doesn’t have the most iconic locations which helps make us think it is in a small city but with the bigger picture of the game doesn’t work.
Special Effects: 13 Sins has great special effects used throughout with the gore factors.
Suggestion: 13 Sins is one for the horror fans to watch. (Horror Fans Watch)
Best Part: Final twist.
Worst Part: Slow starting.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Similar Too: Would You Rather, Cheap Thrills
Oscar Chances: No
Budget: $4 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes
Tagline: You don’t play the game. It plays you.
Overall: Surprisingly entertaining horror thriller keeping us guessing throughout.
https://moviesreview101.com/2016/10/03/movie-reviews-101-midnight-halloween-horror-13-sins-2014/