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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated For Cheddar or Worse (A Cheese Shop Mystery #7) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Providence is hosting its first annual Cheese Festival, and several people involved in making and selling cheese are coming together to share ideas on the process. Newlyweds Charlotte and Jordan are excited to be a part of it – until Lara Berry shows up. Lara’s public persona hides a truly nasty person underneath, and she is murdered after telling the rest of the group exactly what she thinks of them. Can Charlotte figure out who actually killed Lara?
This book had some of the most intense scenes in the series, although I did feel the plot got a little sidetracked a couple of times. Still, it built up to a logical and exciting climax. Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series, but the author has done a good job of wrapping things up for those of us who are fans. That’s wonderful since these characters have always been strong, and they continue to be strong here.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-for-cheddar-or-worse-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book had some of the most intense scenes in the series, although I did feel the plot got a little sidetracked a couple of times. Still, it built up to a logical and exciting climax. Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series, but the author has done a good job of wrapping things up for those of us who are fans. That’s wonderful since these characters have always been strong, and they continue to be strong here.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-for-cheddar-or-worse-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Awix (3310 KP) rated Hereditary (2018) in Movies
Jun 16, 2018 (Updated Jun 16, 2018)
Never-knowingly-underwrought horror movie (looks like one of those post-horror movies for a bit; but no, it's a horror movie after all). Screwed up but nicely affluent family contends with aftermath of bereavement; is the mother right in her belief that supernatural forces are at work around them, or just a bit nuts?
First half is a horribly intense and rather oppressive study of grief and emotional dysfunction; not actually what you'd call scary, though. Second half is a much more traditional horror movie with spooky seances, severed heads a go go, waking nightmares, embroidered doormats and many other clichés - but still not actually what you'd call scary in any but the most superficial way. Plot is all over the place; all the bits that will make you jump are in the trailer, pretty much. Very possibly worth watching for a brilliant performance by Toni Collette, but this is the equivalent of a really good stereo in a car with a cruddy engine. The movie is atmospheric and the director shows promise, but if this is what counts as a great horror movie nowadays the genre is in serious trouble.
First half is a horribly intense and rather oppressive study of grief and emotional dysfunction; not actually what you'd call scary, though. Second half is a much more traditional horror movie with spooky seances, severed heads a go go, waking nightmares, embroidered doormats and many other clichés - but still not actually what you'd call scary in any but the most superficial way. Plot is all over the place; all the bits that will make you jump are in the trailer, pretty much. Very possibly worth watching for a brilliant performance by Toni Collette, but this is the equivalent of a really good stereo in a car with a cruddy engine. The movie is atmospheric and the director shows promise, but if this is what counts as a great horror movie nowadays the genre is in serious trouble.

Katarzyna Krasuska (81 KP) rated Stalkers in Books
Aug 10, 2018
Scary, scary stuff
So here it is: A serial killer story that (for me) tops them all...so far, of course.
Just reading the back of the book gives you a chill and immediately you want to know more...
The story is very dark, very unnerving. Over thirty successful and happy women goes missing without any trace. One minute they're living their lives as usual, going on about their business, then 'click' and they're gone!
Detective Heck's search for criminals & victims is so intense, that my heart was at full speed non-stop. The organisation he's dealing with is way beyond evil. I mean Jack the Ripper, Al-Qaeda & Charles Manson all in one. Although even they seem like bunny rabbits next to this lot.
Everything you read feels so real, that for a moment I was worried that if I continue on reading...they will come for me! And I'm not being funny but only a well written book can give you this kind of experience.
And finally, to top it all, it has a ''Chuck Norris moment'' in it, which I seriously did not expect.
A definite must read.
Just reading the back of the book gives you a chill and immediately you want to know more...
The story is very dark, very unnerving. Over thirty successful and happy women goes missing without any trace. One minute they're living their lives as usual, going on about their business, then 'click' and they're gone!
Detective Heck's search for criminals & victims is so intense, that my heart was at full speed non-stop. The organisation he's dealing with is way beyond evil. I mean Jack the Ripper, Al-Qaeda & Charles Manson all in one. Although even they seem like bunny rabbits next to this lot.
Everything you read feels so real, that for a moment I was worried that if I continue on reading...they will come for me! And I'm not being funny but only a well written book can give you this kind of experience.
And finally, to top it all, it has a ''Chuck Norris moment'' in it, which I seriously did not expect.
A definite must read.

CassidyTristyn (189 KP) rated Escaping the Holocaust: A True Story in Books
Aug 14, 2018
Content (2 more)
Good length for young readers
Quick read
Contains spoilers, click to show
I have read several Holocaust novels and each one never fails to give me new insight into that dark period of history. This book was no different. Having very recently read The Book Thief I was curious as to how much I'd like this book since I loved the other, and overall I enjoyed the read. Overall it took me maybe three hours to read the book. It is suggested for 5th-7th graders and I agree that is an appropriate age group despite the content. While it discusses World War 2 and the Holocaust it doesn't have any gory or too intense content that younger readers couldn't enjoy it. The story itself is a narrative of ones boys experience of his time in Poland when World War 2 began. He details him and his mother's journey across Poland and eventually into Hungary. It gives an innocents perspective on the events of war. It's a short read if you are just looking for something quick and entertaining. It would also be a good book to use to introduce your child or any young reader to dark topics such as the Holocaust.

Tammy (5 KP) rated Wuthering Heights in Books
Aug 19, 2018
Epic love story
Contains spoilers, click to show
I have a list of my top ten favourite books and wuthering heights is at the top of that list.
Not only is it beautifully written but the story itself got into my very soul when I first read it when I was 12 and I've read it every year since. Heathcliffe is the long suffering, misunderstood, brooding young man that I had hoped to meet when I was younger, his passion for Cathy was so intense and it still breaks my heart the lines written as he looks down at her dead body. I related to Cathy as a young woman, in so many ways. The wild at heart wanderer that wanted to be free and had a heart full of passion and adventure but also knew that at some point she had to conform to what was expected of her as a young woman. There are so many deeper meaning to this book and the struggles of growing up and whether to go with your heart or your head, you can see why it's in so many people's hearts.
Not only is it beautifully written but the story itself got into my very soul when I first read it when I was 12 and I've read it every year since. Heathcliffe is the long suffering, misunderstood, brooding young man that I had hoped to meet when I was younger, his passion for Cathy was so intense and it still breaks my heart the lines written as he looks down at her dead body. I related to Cathy as a young woman, in so many ways. The wild at heart wanderer that wanted to be free and had a heart full of passion and adventure but also knew that at some point she had to conform to what was expected of her as a young woman. There are so many deeper meaning to this book and the struggles of growing up and whether to go with your heart or your head, you can see why it's in so many people's hearts.
This is a reality show where 10 people have to commit a robbery, and evade the police for 2 weeks to be able to keep their cut of the money.
The actual robbery is planned and set up for them, they just have to carry it out, to the point that they are given a copy of the van keys. I’m guessing this is so that people cannot copy it.
I enjoyed this show as you saw the people trying to spend and hide their money, sometimes making questionable decisions and also saw the police and the methods they used to try and catch the criminals. If the police had enough evidence to charge them they had to hand over their cut and anything they had already bought.
It was an entertaining series and I guess a similar premise to Hunted, it was short so covered everything without too much repeating or dragging on. At the end there was a race between the surviving contestants and the police to see if the final people could evade the police and keep their share, which was pretty intense.
The actual robbery is planned and set up for them, they just have to carry it out, to the point that they are given a copy of the van keys. I’m guessing this is so that people cannot copy it.
I enjoyed this show as you saw the people trying to spend and hide their money, sometimes making questionable decisions and also saw the police and the methods they used to try and catch the criminals. If the police had enough evidence to charge them they had to hand over their cut and anything they had already bought.
It was an entertaining series and I guess a similar premise to Hunted, it was short so covered everything without too much repeating or dragging on. At the end there was a race between the surviving contestants and the police to see if the final people could evade the police and keep their share, which was pretty intense.

BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Matefinder (Matefinder, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I do not consider myself an expert on werewolf and vampire lore, but I do find them highly fascinating. Matefinder is a quick read, with an interesting story and unique characters.
I have had this book sitting on my nightstand for almost a year, waiting for me to pick it up. I am so glad I finally did. Kai and Aurora's story kept my eyes glued to the page till I finished it well past my bedtime last night.
Aurora is a strong female lead and she carries a powerful gift with her. She has overcome so much, survived so much. Discovering who she is and the strength and power she carries is an incredible thing to witness. Passionate (clean) kisses, intense fight scenes, tenderness, and a family/pack bond that is thicker than blood. If you enjoy books with vampires and werewolves, I recommend Matefinder to you.
**I would consider the rating to be PG-13.**
I received a complimentary copy of Matefinder from the author as part of a giveaway that I won. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I have had this book sitting on my nightstand for almost a year, waiting for me to pick it up. I am so glad I finally did. Kai and Aurora's story kept my eyes glued to the page till I finished it well past my bedtime last night.
Aurora is a strong female lead and she carries a powerful gift with her. She has overcome so much, survived so much. Discovering who she is and the strength and power she carries is an incredible thing to witness. Passionate (clean) kisses, intense fight scenes, tenderness, and a family/pack bond that is thicker than blood. If you enjoy books with vampires and werewolves, I recommend Matefinder to you.
**I would consider the rating to be PG-13.**
I received a complimentary copy of Matefinder from the author as part of a giveaway that I won. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Becs (244 KP) rated Bird Box (2018) in Movies
Jan 13, 2019
Intriguing
I watched Bird Box earlier this year and was really intrigued as what it was about. All due to the fact that I was reading the book for my Thriller book club and because of Sandra Friggin' Bullock.
It was good, but I was left confused as to what the "creatures" were and the ending was honestly such trash. I'm going to be that person and say: the book was better. But that's only because the book did a much better way at describing everything that was going on and it actually made sense.
The reason why I gave this such a high rating is that the movie was very enjoyable to watch. I would most defiantly re-watch it again and it was super intense, which are my type of movies. The execution was middle-ground, not the best but also not the worse. I also loved how they went from past to present, helped get a better understanding of the background of the story.
All in all, the movie had a few flaws but it was an interesting watch and left you on the edge of your seat at times.
It was good, but I was left confused as to what the "creatures" were and the ending was honestly such trash. I'm going to be that person and say: the book was better. But that's only because the book did a much better way at describing everything that was going on and it actually made sense.
The reason why I gave this such a high rating is that the movie was very enjoyable to watch. I would most defiantly re-watch it again and it was super intense, which are my type of movies. The execution was middle-ground, not the best but also not the worse. I also loved how they went from past to present, helped get a better understanding of the background of the story.
All in all, the movie had a few flaws but it was an interesting watch and left you on the edge of your seat at times.

Nick Beaty (70 KP) rated Mindhunter - Season 1 in TV
Jan 14, 2020 (Updated Jan 14, 2020)
Cameron Britton steals every scene...
I went in to Mindhunter with high expectations and ended up with a mixed bag of emotions by the end.
The scene's in which they interview the 'Serial Killers' are fascinating and make up the best parts of Mindhunter by far. They were intense, creepy and completely captivating. Cameron Britton's portrayal of Ed Kemper in particular, is absolutely superb and he steals every scene.
A few people have mentioned the slow pace of the show as a problem, I personally didn't mind this. For me the main problem lies with the lead character Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) who is very unlikable to say the least, he is arrogant, manipulative and very selfish. However his partnership with FBI agent Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) is another highlight, as they do have a good on screen chemistry.
Without adding any spoilers, I would say that for me the ending to season 1 is a bit of an anticlimax.
After all is said and done Mindhunter is still a good watch and I am looking forward to seeing where they take it in season 2.
The scene's in which they interview the 'Serial Killers' are fascinating and make up the best parts of Mindhunter by far. They were intense, creepy and completely captivating. Cameron Britton's portrayal of Ed Kemper in particular, is absolutely superb and he steals every scene.
A few people have mentioned the slow pace of the show as a problem, I personally didn't mind this. For me the main problem lies with the lead character Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) who is very unlikable to say the least, he is arrogant, manipulative and very selfish. However his partnership with FBI agent Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) is another highlight, as they do have a good on screen chemistry.
Without adding any spoilers, I would say that for me the ending to season 1 is a bit of an anticlimax.
After all is said and done Mindhunter is still a good watch and I am looking forward to seeing where they take it in season 2.

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Apartment 16 in Books
Jan 10, 2020
Terrifying
Contains spoilers, click to show
Some doors are better left closed—a spine-chilling horror novel from a new talent
In Barrington House, an upmarket block in London, there is an empty apartment. No one goes in and no one comes out, and it's been that way for 50 years, until the night a watchman hears a disturbance after midnight and is drawn to investigate. What he experiences is enough to change his life ...
This was the second book I picked up of Adams and I have to say I loved it! This is my 3rd time reading and I still get totally freaked out by it. The characters are so intense and creepy. He has a way with words that have you seeing things in the dark. Apartment 16 is just terrifying if you love horror I would highly recommend this or any other of his books. Following both Seth and Apryl as they discover the horror behind apartment 16 and the mixed characters at Barrington house gives you chills. He has a way of developing his characters so you are right there with them. This a strange book but so so good!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In Barrington House, an upmarket block in London, there is an empty apartment. No one goes in and no one comes out, and it's been that way for 50 years, until the night a watchman hears a disturbance after midnight and is drawn to investigate. What he experiences is enough to change his life ...
This was the second book I picked up of Adams and I have to say I loved it! This is my 3rd time reading and I still get totally freaked out by it. The characters are so intense and creepy. He has a way with words that have you seeing things in the dark. Apartment 16 is just terrifying if you love horror I would highly recommend this or any other of his books. Following both Seth and Apryl as they discover the horror behind apartment 16 and the mixed characters at Barrington house gives you chills. He has a way of developing his characters so you are right there with them. This a strange book but so so good!
⭐⭐⭐⭐