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Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Killing Floor: (Jack Reacher 1) in Books
May 26, 2019 (Updated May 26, 2019)
Good solid action and mystery. Has a Hollywood summer action blockbuster feel
My first Jack Reacher read and I started with the first of this expansive series. I went into this book expecting it to be a bit too action heavy for my tastes but was pleasantly surprised that the mystery element was pretty gripping. Really enjoyed the main story.
This book introduces ex-military policeman Jack Reacher who is currently of no fixed abode travelling where his whims take him. When he passes through the small yet pristine town of Margrave, Georgia, he is promptly arrested for murder. As the out of town stranger he must convince the town of his innocence, the investigation leads to uncovering uncomfortable truths about this little town.
It was well paced and action sequences weren't too over the top hard to follow affairs. Ok you need to suspend some belief to get along with the plot. I usually struggle to let maddening coincidences go but this book didn't seem to tick me off too much so they must of been done fairly well. Eye-roll at the romance line but again not overdone.
All in all this was a great holiday read, fast paced page turning fun. I will visit with Mr Reacher again
This book introduces ex-military policeman Jack Reacher who is currently of no fixed abode travelling where his whims take him. When he passes through the small yet pristine town of Margrave, Georgia, he is promptly arrested for murder. As the out of town stranger he must convince the town of his innocence, the investigation leads to uncovering uncomfortable truths about this little town.
It was well paced and action sequences weren't too over the top hard to follow affairs. Ok you need to suspend some belief to get along with the plot. I usually struggle to let maddening coincidences go but this book didn't seem to tick me off too much so they must of been done fairly well. Eye-roll at the romance line but again not overdone.
All in all this was a great holiday read, fast paced page turning fun. I will visit with Mr Reacher again
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Before I Met Him in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Before I Met Him is another gripping book from author John Nicholl featuring DI Gareth Gravel. With not enough evidence to prosecute abuser Sheridan, the best thing the cops can do now, is to wait for him to slip up. Oh, right. Tell that to the little six year old girl and her family, and see what happens next… and that’s just how Nicholl played this story. Seventeen years later we get to see exactly what damage was done. The hunted does in fact become the hunter.
Wow! As depressing as this sounds this is a fantastic, gory, and engrossing read. Before I Met Him blends the psychological thrills expected in a crime book with elements of pure horror. Who wouldn’t want the abused to get their own back? But is there ever a right way to do it? Is an eye for any eye justice, or plain old revenge? If you can’t hunt the one that did it to you, will any other abuser do? There are just some of the questions this book had me thinking as I dissected each twist and turn and raced towards the blood curdling end.
It’s dark, sadistic, and totally creepy. It’s another brilliant, well-written John Nicholl book!
Bloody marvellous!
Literally.
Wow! As depressing as this sounds this is a fantastic, gory, and engrossing read. Before I Met Him blends the psychological thrills expected in a crime book with elements of pure horror. Who wouldn’t want the abused to get their own back? But is there ever a right way to do it? Is an eye for any eye justice, or plain old revenge? If you can’t hunt the one that did it to you, will any other abuser do? There are just some of the questions this book had me thinking as I dissected each twist and turn and raced towards the blood curdling end.
It’s dark, sadistic, and totally creepy. It’s another brilliant, well-written John Nicholl book!
Bloody marvellous!
Literally.
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Grey Bastards in Books
Jul 12, 2018
Fantastic
* Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This grimdark fantasy tale takes place in a world where human-orc halfbreeds (half-orcs) have been freed from slavery and grudgingly given patches of land by the humans in thanks for their help in vanquishing the bloodthirsty orcs. These half-orcs roam the land in biker gangs looking to protect their Lots from orcs and the occasional mindless centaur raid. These hoofs have a fierce brotherhood with strict laws and rules and take no nonsense.
The story follows the Grey Bastards, one such hoof, as they inadvertently anger their human opposites and put their truce at danger. There then follows a twisting, turning adventure revealing more and more of the land's past as Jackal, the main PoV character, looks to strengthen and protect his hoof from internal and external forces.
A fantastically written tale set in an exciting land with a fresh feel to it - some standard fantasy races portrayed differently here, and in a world that feels like the Mexican borderlands.
An utterly gripping story with brilliant narrative and an enjoyable complex plot revealed at perfect pace.
This grimdark fantasy tale takes place in a world where human-orc halfbreeds (half-orcs) have been freed from slavery and grudgingly given patches of land by the humans in thanks for their help in vanquishing the bloodthirsty orcs. These half-orcs roam the land in biker gangs looking to protect their Lots from orcs and the occasional mindless centaur raid. These hoofs have a fierce brotherhood with strict laws and rules and take no nonsense.
The story follows the Grey Bastards, one such hoof, as they inadvertently anger their human opposites and put their truce at danger. There then follows a twisting, turning adventure revealing more and more of the land's past as Jackal, the main PoV character, looks to strengthen and protect his hoof from internal and external forces.
A fantastically written tale set in an exciting land with a fresh feel to it - some standard fantasy races portrayed differently here, and in a world that feels like the Mexican borderlands.
An utterly gripping story with brilliant narrative and an enjoyable complex plot revealed at perfect pace.
Tammy (5 KP) rated The Husband's Secret in Books
Aug 16, 2018 (Updated Aug 16, 2018)
Gritty, gripping with a perfect plot
I've read big little lies and knew how Liane Moriarty liked to base the plot around a number of strong female characters that captivate and draw you fully into the story. 'My husband's secret' was no different! This book kept me hooked from start to finish, I literally couldn't put it down at times and spent a couple of nights without much sleep as I kept saying 'one more chapter'. It took me three days to read this spell bounding novel. When I had to function in the real world, I found that I was thinking about what could possibly happen next in the book. I'm not going to give anything Away with 'spoilers' but let's just say that if you like a dark and gritty book full of twists and turns, strong relatable characters with passionate backgrounds, then this is the book for you. I've just started 'truly, madly, guilty' written by Liane Moriarty and I'm hoping it's going to be just as good. I have found a new great author!
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Giver (2014) in Movies
Aug 27, 2018
Watch this for the story, not for the cast
A very good premise in this film, following a community generations after the decision has been made to strive for a eutopia of bland polite sameness. No longer do people see colours (literally), all phrases have to be precise (something I think we could gain a lot by bringing in now!) and there are strict rules around curfews and behaviour, with everything being watched and lives pre-ordained.
The film follows three young people as they turn 18 and are allocated their jobs for life. Jonas has been selected to be the next Receiver of Knowledge - a role where he will receive all knowledge before the new world (of colours, wars, love, emotions, sledging).
Gripping dystopian vision of a future dreamworld and how wrong it would all be, and how, like religion, some good ideas become wrongly used as a strict framework for living life.
Needless to say, Jonas goes a bit daft with all this new knowledge (he somehow understood some of Jeff Bridges's incoherent mumbling) and looks to change the world for the better.
A short, enjoyable, family friendly version of Black Mirror with a slightly disappointing though happy ending.
The film follows three young people as they turn 18 and are allocated their jobs for life. Jonas has been selected to be the next Receiver of Knowledge - a role where he will receive all knowledge before the new world (of colours, wars, love, emotions, sledging).
Gripping dystopian vision of a future dreamworld and how wrong it would all be, and how, like religion, some good ideas become wrongly used as a strict framework for living life.
Needless to say, Jonas goes a bit daft with all this new knowledge (he somehow understood some of Jeff Bridges's incoherent mumbling) and looks to change the world for the better.
A short, enjoyable, family friendly version of Black Mirror with a slightly disappointing though happy ending.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Bridge Across the Ocean in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Susan Meissner has a beautiful style of storytelling. I simply adore her use of dual timelines. Her books are set in such unique settings that are gripping and engaging. However, this particular book wasn't for me. I will tell you upfront that I was unable to finish this book. I read far enough to know that I still think Susan is an incredible author, but there were aspects to this story that I just couldn't handle. Namely, there are ghosts. I do not consider this a spoiler, because you find out on the first page. However, it is not listed in the description very well. They talk about the ship being haunted, but not that the main character actually sees ghosts and talks with them. I tried picking it up a few times, but every time left me disappointed and quite frankly, creeped out. I don't do creepy. If you do enjoy stories with supernatural aspects like ghosts, I am sure you will enjoy this book immensely. I look forward to reading more books by Susan Meissner in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of A Bridge Across the Ocean from the publishers through NetGalley. This is my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy of A Bridge Across the Ocean from the publishers through NetGalley. This is my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Rache (174 KP) rated The Angel of Vine in Podcasts
Jan 12, 2019
Brilliant storyline (4 more)
True Crime inspired
Amazing cast
Glorious suspense
Truly Wonderful writing
Fantastic Fiction
As a fan of true crime podcasts, I have very few fiction podcasts in my favourites (mostly things like King Falls AM, for the wackiness) and I tend to avoid crime fiction, primarily because the real thing is better, crazier, and so much more twisted.
The Angel of Vine is a sublime fictional podcast, written to sound like true crime in the Noir tradition being retold in the modern podcast format. The podcast begins with the discovery of some old cassette tapes by the family of a deceased ex-cop turned private detective, and their choice to involve a podcaster/reporter to help them investigate the story enshrined in those cassettes.
Following the investigation into the murder of a young actress in Hollywood, the podcaster makes use of the recordings to tell Harry's story.
Voiced by some amazing talent (including the gorgeous growl of Joe Manganiello, the incomparable Alan Tudzyk, and the delightful Mischa Collins) the story is gripping, compelling, and extremely difficult to not binge.
For fans of true crime, crime drama, and any sort of Noir (Sam Spade eat your heart out), this is a podcast to listen to, save, and listen to again later.
The Angel of Vine is a sublime fictional podcast, written to sound like true crime in the Noir tradition being retold in the modern podcast format. The podcast begins with the discovery of some old cassette tapes by the family of a deceased ex-cop turned private detective, and their choice to involve a podcaster/reporter to help them investigate the story enshrined in those cassettes.
Following the investigation into the murder of a young actress in Hollywood, the podcaster makes use of the recordings to tell Harry's story.
Voiced by some amazing talent (including the gorgeous growl of Joe Manganiello, the incomparable Alan Tudzyk, and the delightful Mischa Collins) the story is gripping, compelling, and extremely difficult to not binge.
For fans of true crime, crime drama, and any sort of Noir (Sam Spade eat your heart out), this is a podcast to listen to, save, and listen to again later.
Merissa (13015 KP) rated The Handoff (Big Play, #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
In the third instalment of the Big Play series, we meet Finn in more detail. He is the cool, collected, one that has been there for Colt and Mack throughout. When Mack goes to New Zealand, he asks Finn to keep an eye on his sister as he feels that she is not quite herself. Finn wants to say no but doesn't. Instead, he ends up helping Layla in more ways than he could ever have imagined, and as a result, sees her as a completely different person. Due to Finn's support, Layla changes herself and finds courage when she thought she had none.
With hints being given with the overall story arc, as well as snippets pertaining to Layla directly, this is a wonderful addition. Well written, full of emotion and gripping situations and characters, this is guaranteed to draw you in to their story. You will be with Layla and Finn every step of the way, encouraging them to carry on when it seems too hard.
This is one of those series that I absolutely can't wait for the next book, but that is also bittersweet as I know it's the last one. Highly recommended.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
With hints being given with the overall story arc, as well as snippets pertaining to Layla directly, this is a wonderful addition. Well written, full of emotion and gripping situations and characters, this is guaranteed to draw you in to their story. You will be with Layla and Finn every step of the way, encouraging them to carry on when it seems too hard.
This is one of those series that I absolutely can't wait for the next book, but that is also bittersweet as I know it's the last one. Highly recommended.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
David McK (3562 KP) rated The Martian in Books
Jan 28, 2019
OK ... I'll admit it: I wasn't sure whether I would like this book or not.
I've been burned in the past with books that have been turned into movies where (IMO) the source material just wasn't really all that great.
I also have to make clear - I haven't actually seen the film yet, so can't compare the two, but I did wonder how interesting a story told almost entirely from one person's perspective - with that person also entirely on his own, kinda like a modern-day/near future Robinson Crusoe could be.
Now that I have read it, I must admit: i did find this a gripping read, even if there are passages that just seem to drag on a bit. The story, for anyone who doesn't know, is about astronaut Mark Watney, who has been left behind on the planet Mars by his crew-mates, who believe he has died, and the efforts he goes to to survive, while NASA do their best to formulate a rescue plan (as do his crew-mates when they discover he is still alive, and now the only man on the planet for an entire 2 years or so).
The ending, though, is also a bit anti-climactic: what happens next??
I've been burned in the past with books that have been turned into movies where (IMO) the source material just wasn't really all that great.
I also have to make clear - I haven't actually seen the film yet, so can't compare the two, but I did wonder how interesting a story told almost entirely from one person's perspective - with that person also entirely on his own, kinda like a modern-day/near future Robinson Crusoe could be.
Now that I have read it, I must admit: i did find this a gripping read, even if there are passages that just seem to drag on a bit. The story, for anyone who doesn't know, is about astronaut Mark Watney, who has been left behind on the planet Mars by his crew-mates, who believe he has died, and the efforts he goes to to survive, while NASA do their best to formulate a rescue plan (as do his crew-mates when they discover he is still alive, and now the only man on the planet for an entire 2 years or so).
The ending, though, is also a bit anti-climactic: what happens next??
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Tell Me Who I Am (2019) in Movies
Oct 25, 2019
It's direction. (2 more)
The courage of the people involved.
The way it's shot.
Heartbreaking. Unbelievable.
The story follows twins Alex and Marcus they are 54 years old and when they were 18 Alex lost his memory. He couldn't remember anything or anyone other than his twin brother. (All in the introduction, no spoilers here)
It is something so unique it wouldn't be believed if it wasn't true. This in itself is such an interesting premise but it's full of so many twists and turns by the end you're head is spinning.
The story is gripping, at times I thought I'm tired maybe here will be a good time to pause, go to sleep and start back up tomorrow but I couldn't switch it off. It makes you go from confusion, anger, sadness and rage in such a small amount of time.
What makes this so heartbreaking is that not only is it true, it is something I believe every person should watch. It touches on subjects that happen in peoples everyday lives and aren't talked about enough.
I sincerely hope people will watch this, appreciate these courageous men for their pure strength and if the story they tell is similar to something in your life, it will help you open up too.
It is something so unique it wouldn't be believed if it wasn't true. This in itself is such an interesting premise but it's full of so many twists and turns by the end you're head is spinning.
The story is gripping, at times I thought I'm tired maybe here will be a good time to pause, go to sleep and start back up tomorrow but I couldn't switch it off. It makes you go from confusion, anger, sadness and rage in such a small amount of time.
What makes this so heartbreaking is that not only is it true, it is something I believe every person should watch. It touches on subjects that happen in peoples everyday lives and aren't talked about enough.
I sincerely hope people will watch this, appreciate these courageous men for their pure strength and if the story they tell is similar to something in your life, it will help you open up too.