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Mel and Angie have entered a pastry baking contest, hoping to beat their rival Olivia for the grand prize. The judges are mostly people Mel knew from culinary school, including her old mentor Vic Mazzotta. Vic can be a hard man to live, but Mel is still surprised when he is found dead inside an ice truck. Had he made a lethal enemy?

The book sets up the suspects and motives early on before Vic’s body is even found. I did feel the pacing sagged a bit in the middle, but for the most part, this was a great mystery with some good twists and a great climax. The characters are fun as always, too. It’s easy to see why the series is so popular.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-death-by-dozen-by-jenn.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
GoodFellas (1990)
GoodFellas (1990)
1990 | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Perhaps the jewel in the crown of Scorsese’s gangster movies, from a fine crop. Adopting the voice of Henry Hill (a career defining role for Ray Liotta) as narrator is the first point of difference, and it works with tremendous effect. The suggestion is we are watching one man’s version of events that may or may not be entirely true. It is a relentless piece of cinema, that drives with complete bravado through each scene of shocking violence, machismo and greed. Too many memorable moments to mention… De Niro’s fountain pen; Pesci’s “Funny How?”, etc. A high level of rewatchabilty sets it above a lot of its rivals. It never judges or preaches to us, but lets us feel bad for enjoying the often repellent acts as so much fun! A product of 90s extremism, but never gratuitous. Simply a joy to watch and a nailed on classic.