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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Keep It In The Family in Books
Oct 23, 2022
I haven't read anything by John Marrs before but I will keep my eyes open in the future as this dark, family drama/thriller kept me engaged most of the time. I must provide a warning that this book deals with child abuse and murder and some scenes are upsetting as you can imagine so be aware.
Mia and Finn have put all their money into buying a derelict property to do up but during the renovation, a grisly discovery in the attic causes all manner of problems and long held, deep, dark secrets are revealed with devastating consequences.
With a cast of flawed characters and a dark and twisty plot, this was an engaging read and although it went a bit flat in the middle, it held my interest and I thank Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Keep it in the Family.
Mia and Finn have put all their money into buying a derelict property to do up but during the renovation, a grisly discovery in the attic causes all manner of problems and long held, deep, dark secrets are revealed with devastating consequences.
With a cast of flawed characters and a dark and twisty plot, this was an engaging read and although it went a bit flat in the middle, it held my interest and I thank Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Keep it in the Family.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated All That Lives (Inspector McLean #12) in Books
Feb 27, 2022
You would have thought that by book 12 things would be starting to get a little stale with Inspector McLean but let me reassure you that this is absolutely not the case. Let me also reassure you that this can be successfully read as a standalone although I would recommend you read previous books in the series just because they are great!
Once again, Mr Oswald writes a thoroughly riveting and engaging story that mixes the past, present and the 'strange' with ease. The plot is complex with a few strands but it all comes together in the end but not without twists, turns and some pretty 'hairy' and emotional moments along the way.
Mr Oswald creates excellent, believable and memorable characters that stay with you long after you have read the last page and I eagerly await the next.
Thank you to Headline Publishing and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Once again, Mr Oswald writes a thoroughly riveting and engaging story that mixes the past, present and the 'strange' with ease. The plot is complex with a few strands but it all comes together in the end but not without twists, turns and some pretty 'hairy' and emotional moments along the way.
Mr Oswald creates excellent, believable and memorable characters that stay with you long after you have read the last page and I eagerly await the next.
Thank you to Headline Publishing and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Blood Tide (DS Max Craigie #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2022
Neil Lancaster has done it again! I thought he would be hard pressed coming up with a book that could better the first in this series, Dead Man's Grave, and although he hasn't, he has matched it and I have become completely consumed and engaged with Max Craigie and his team.
This is a cracker of a book; with excellent characters (both 'goodies' and 'baddies', new ones and old ones) and an engaging and riveting plot told at a fast pace with great twists and turns. What more could you ask for? A cute dog? Yep, got that too 😁
Now whilst this works well as a standalone, I would highly recommend you read the first, you will not be disappointed and you, like me, will be hooked and itching for the next instalment to come out.
Thank you to HQ and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This is a cracker of a book; with excellent characters (both 'goodies' and 'baddies', new ones and old ones) and an engaging and riveting plot told at a fast pace with great twists and turns. What more could you ask for? A cute dog? Yep, got that too 😁
Now whilst this works well as a standalone, I would highly recommend you read the first, you will not be disappointed and you, like me, will be hooked and itching for the next instalment to come out.
Thank you to HQ and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Party at No. 12 [Audiobook] in Books
Mar 13, 2022
![The Party at No. 12 [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/8b7/a74a6e8b-b9f7-4586-9265-c063397278b7.jpg?m=1647201513)
When a group of women get together for a going-away party, there is likely to be some drama or other but no one could predict what was going to happen at No 12.
"Everyone’s invited. Someone will never leave."
This was entertaining. I listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrators did a great job of portraying each of the different characters; they drew me in and kept me there until the end.
The characters are an interesting bunch of people; not particularly likeable but interesting nonetheless. The plot is engaging with the requisite twists and turns which keeps you guessing and the pace is good.
Overall, an enjoyable listen and whilst I haven't read or listened to anything by this author before, I will certainly keep an eye out in the future.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for my audio copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
"Everyone’s invited. Someone will never leave."
This was entertaining. I listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrators did a great job of portraying each of the different characters; they drew me in and kept me there until the end.
The characters are an interesting bunch of people; not particularly likeable but interesting nonetheless. The plot is engaging with the requisite twists and turns which keeps you guessing and the pace is good.
Overall, an enjoyable listen and whilst I haven't read or listened to anything by this author before, I will certainly keep an eye out in the future.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for my audio copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
David McK (3843 KP) rated The Hunt for Red October (1990) in Movies
Mar 22, 2022
This was one of those movies (which is now over 30 years old!) that I knew about, but had just never gotten around to watching before.
I have now and, honestly? It's not that great.
Based on a Tom Clancy novel of the same name (one of his Jack Ryan novels) and starring both Alec Baldwin (as Ryan) and Sean Connery (as the Soviet submarine commander Marko Ramius), this purports to be a thriller about, well, The Hunt for Red October (it's in the title, folks!), a new state of the art Soviet sub that is virtually undetectable and in which Ramius is in charge, with his motivations somewhat murky: is he defecting (it's set during the Cold War)? Is he preparing to launch a strike on the US mainland? Why is a Scot pretending to be Russian??
I have to say, I did find it somewhat slow and ponderous, lacking any real threat or even any means of engaging the viewers interest!
I have now and, honestly? It's not that great.
Based on a Tom Clancy novel of the same name (one of his Jack Ryan novels) and starring both Alec Baldwin (as Ryan) and Sean Connery (as the Soviet submarine commander Marko Ramius), this purports to be a thriller about, well, The Hunt for Red October (it's in the title, folks!), a new state of the art Soviet sub that is virtually undetectable and in which Ramius is in charge, with his motivations somewhat murky: is he defecting (it's set during the Cold War)? Is he preparing to launch a strike on the US mainland? Why is a Scot pretending to be Russian??
I have to say, I did find it somewhat slow and ponderous, lacking any real threat or even any means of engaging the viewers interest!
Dr Dystopian (529 KP) rated Stonemountain64 in YouTube Channels
Jan 30, 2022
Quality content (4 more)
Great community
Highly engaging
Skilled gameplay
Daily content
Livestreamer from his mums basement!
Having watched Stonemountain64 for many years now I have watched him grow from a YouTube only content creator to a Livestreamer alongside YouTube and various other social media platforms.
He led the charge as the first known serious streamer to move his Live stream content to Facebook gaming and has continued to grow year on year with live viewership growing from a few hundred each stream to routinely over 10k now.
With the team surrounding him and 6 days of live streams he is able to put put quality content regularly on his YouTube channel for those that miss live streams, want to watch the funny clips, catch ups or general gameplay.
His community is, by and large positive and friendly as is the man himself.
A top quality content creator that is well worth a watch.
He led the charge as the first known serious streamer to move his Live stream content to Facebook gaming and has continued to grow year on year with live viewership growing from a few hundred each stream to routinely over 10k now.
With the team surrounding him and 6 days of live streams he is able to put put quality content regularly on his YouTube channel for those that miss live streams, want to watch the funny clips, catch ups or general gameplay.
His community is, by and large positive and friendly as is the man himself.
A top quality content creator that is well worth a watch.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022) in Movies
Oct 13, 2022
Three Thousand Years of Longing is a film that manages to be compelling, magical, and very human all at one. It's a film that deals with a mystical concept but at its core, is about the basic need to feel loved and wanted, and the sacrifices that come with it.
It's also a huge love letter to story telling. A big chunk of the narrative structure is made up of the two leads regailing tales to eachother, and it's relentlessly engaging and wholesome. Tilda Swinton is fantastic, as she tends to be. Idris Elba has always been a bit hit and miss for me, but he also excels here, and the chemistry between the two of them is strong and sweet.
Throw in a heart wrenching score from Junkie XL and the unique visionary work of George Miller, and you're left with a piece that is built to bury itself into your mind and stay there for a while. A truly wonderful experience.
It's also a huge love letter to story telling. A big chunk of the narrative structure is made up of the two leads regailing tales to eachother, and it's relentlessly engaging and wholesome. Tilda Swinton is fantastic, as she tends to be. Idris Elba has always been a bit hit and miss for me, but he also excels here, and the chemistry between the two of them is strong and sweet.
Throw in a heart wrenching score from Junkie XL and the unique visionary work of George Miller, and you're left with a piece that is built to bury itself into your mind and stay there for a while. A truly wonderful experience.
Merissa (14082 KP) rated Midnight Conquest (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #1) in Books
May 30, 2023
This is the first book in the Bonded by Blood Vampire Chronicles. It is a paranormal romance/suspense, with a historical setting; rather than a historical romance with a paranormal twist. This is a distinction to be aware of as it MAY make a difference to a hardcore historical fan!
This story tells the tale of Broderick and Davina, how they meet, what impact on each others' lives they have or will have, tells of the fears they fight, and the enemies who plot against them. There will be an overall story arc running through this series, as the epilogue tells us when Cordelia once again makes an appearance.
With an engaging storyline, excellent world and character building, plus a smoothly paced plot that builds to a thrilling climax, this story is a wonderful start that nonetheless will leave you wanting to know more. Definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 21, 2016
This story tells the tale of Broderick and Davina, how they meet, what impact on each others' lives they have or will have, tells of the fears they fight, and the enemies who plot against them. There will be an overall story arc running through this series, as the epilogue tells us when Cordelia once again makes an appearance.
With an engaging storyline, excellent world and character building, plus a smoothly paced plot that builds to a thrilling climax, this story is a wonderful start that nonetheless will leave you wanting to know more. Definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 21, 2016
Aladdin and The Magic Lamp - Interactive Kids Book
Book and Education
App
>> Watch how a little lamp & it's genie can turn a tailor’s son into a real prince >> Educational...
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Slave (Finding Anna, #1) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
This book was provided as part of a blog tour for Lily Loves Indie. The full review can be found here http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=174 but here is a snippet for you...
Well, that being said, you could be forgiven for wondering where the four star review comes from. Let me tell you that despite my niggles, there are plenty of things that are very enjoyable about this book. One of which is the way the story is told from both perspectives quite evenly. Hayes usually splits the chapters equally between Brianna and Stephan, which means we get both of their views on the situation. However, it is the way she does this that makes it so effective and enjoyable. The switch between them isn't the other one simply repeating things from their viewpoint, far from it in fact. Rather, they may recap any major thoughts directly relating to the previous passage, but the 'next' character then moves the story further on. This keeps the plot ticking over nicely, and means that the reader can engage with both characters equally. Something that can be quite difficult has been carried out with a high level of skill and makes for very engaging reading.
The plot is another aspect that is worthy of positive praise. Although at times a little repetitive, it does have a strong arc that develops well. The idea of a submissive being abused by their previous Dom is not a new thing, but Hayes brings a unique twist to this aspect with the introduction of Brianna as a slave. It is sensitively handled throughout, and incredibly well portrayed by Hayes, who doesn't linger on the suffering, however she doesn't dwell on it either. Although it's clear from the start that Brianna has a lot of issues relating to her servitude to Ian, it's not constantly referred to and the emphasis is on her getting over those experiences. This makes it incredible engaging, and it's also very easy for the reader to empathise with Brianna as she takes the proverbial two steps forward, one step back.
Well, that being said, you could be forgiven for wondering where the four star review comes from. Let me tell you that despite my niggles, there are plenty of things that are very enjoyable about this book. One of which is the way the story is told from both perspectives quite evenly. Hayes usually splits the chapters equally between Brianna and Stephan, which means we get both of their views on the situation. However, it is the way she does this that makes it so effective and enjoyable. The switch between them isn't the other one simply repeating things from their viewpoint, far from it in fact. Rather, they may recap any major thoughts directly relating to the previous passage, but the 'next' character then moves the story further on. This keeps the plot ticking over nicely, and means that the reader can engage with both characters equally. Something that can be quite difficult has been carried out with a high level of skill and makes for very engaging reading.
The plot is another aspect that is worthy of positive praise. Although at times a little repetitive, it does have a strong arc that develops well. The idea of a submissive being abused by their previous Dom is not a new thing, but Hayes brings a unique twist to this aspect with the introduction of Brianna as a slave. It is sensitively handled throughout, and incredibly well portrayed by Hayes, who doesn't linger on the suffering, however she doesn't dwell on it either. Although it's clear from the start that Brianna has a lot of issues relating to her servitude to Ian, it's not constantly referred to and the emphasis is on her getting over those experiences. This makes it incredible engaging, and it's also very easy for the reader to empathise with Brianna as she takes the proverbial two steps forward, one step back.