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Mayhawke (97 KP) rated The Big Over Easy: An Investigation with the Nursery Crime Division in Books
Feb 7, 2018
Fford. If you don't know him you should, especially if you love Adams & Pratchett
I picked this up on the off-chance , when it was on special offer. This is how I like to try out writers that are new to me. Buy 'em cheap and then it doesn't matter if (as is so often the case) they end up in the secondhand-bookshop.
If only more of them had fulfilled their promise as this did!
I really wasn't entirely clear on what I was getting, (that happens to me sometimes - I thought 'The Mummy' was a horror film!) but I'm so very glad I got it.
What Adams did for Sci-Fi and Pratchett did for Fantasy, so now Fford s doing for the 'tec novel. This amazing imagination give us a story in which Humpty-Dumpty, noted intellectual, womaniser and law-bender,is found dead at the bottom of a wall. It looks like suicide, but is it? Enter Jack Spratt hard-working, family-man detective with the Nursery Crimes Division.
Few things, even those I love actually make me laugh out loud, but this managed it on several occasions. If you like off-the-wall, bizarre or just plain silly, buy this.Then buy the rest of his books.
If only more of them had fulfilled their promise as this did!
I really wasn't entirely clear on what I was getting, (that happens to me sometimes - I thought 'The Mummy' was a horror film!) but I'm so very glad I got it.
What Adams did for Sci-Fi and Pratchett did for Fantasy, so now Fford s doing for the 'tec novel. This amazing imagination give us a story in which Humpty-Dumpty, noted intellectual, womaniser and law-bender,is found dead at the bottom of a wall. It looks like suicide, but is it? Enter Jack Spratt hard-working, family-man detective with the Nursery Crimes Division.
Few things, even those I love actually make me laugh out loud, but this managed it on several occasions. If you like off-the-wall, bizarre or just plain silly, buy this.Then buy the rest of his books.
Lindsay (1735 KP) rated A Gift of Grace (Kauffman Amish Bakery, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
The start with several different issues are address in this first book in the series. Rebecca is first having trouble conceiving a child of her own. She get a letter or will after her older sister and brother in law are killed in as automobile accident. She is left to raise two teenage girls.
Jessica and Lindsay are force to move and live with their Aunt and Uncle in this Amish Community. Jessica has a hard time adjusting to live in this small community. Jessica is found guilty of doing just about everything wrong. Lindsay on the other hand is adjusting just fine and fitting in with where is living. Lindsay start wearing plain dresses and start doing things the Amish way. Lindsay goes to work with Rebecca at the bakery for she likes baking. Jessica is sent to work with her Uncle Daniel at the Furniture store as an accountant. Though Jessica does not understand that she and Lindsay are done school though the Amish way of live. Lindsay does not seem to mind. Lindsay by the way try to make new friends and meeting her cousins and other family members. Can it be possible that Lindsay and Jessica are complete opposite of each other and every simpler to Rebecca and Grace?
Jessica and Lindsay are force to move and live with their Aunt and Uncle in this Amish Community. Jessica has a hard time adjusting to live in this small community. Jessica is found guilty of doing just about everything wrong. Lindsay on the other hand is adjusting just fine and fitting in with where is living. Lindsay start wearing plain dresses and start doing things the Amish way. Lindsay goes to work with Rebecca at the bakery for she likes baking. Jessica is sent to work with her Uncle Daniel at the Furniture store as an accountant. Though Jessica does not understand that she and Lindsay are done school though the Amish way of live. Lindsay does not seem to mind. Lindsay by the way try to make new friends and meeting her cousins and other family members. Can it be possible that Lindsay and Jessica are complete opposite of each other and every simpler to Rebecca and Grace?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2294 KP) rated Too Big to Die (An Odelia Grey Mystery, #12) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Too Big to Die by Sue Ann Jaffarian (Odelia Grey #12) – 5
One Saturday, Odelia and Greg’s errands are interrupted when they see a dog trapped in a car on a hot day. They rescue the dog, but the dog’s owner is less than happy with them. She turns out to be former reality TV star Marla Kingston, and her husband is a client of the law firm where Odelia works. While he makes Odelia’s work life difficult, the man who stopped to help them winds up dead. What have Odelia and Greg gotten into now?
Any fan of this long running series will tell you to expect a fast-moving case, and that’s exactly what we find here as well. One of the complications that arises here involves a series regular; that part of the book will appeal most to fans of the series. Zee is a strong character in this book, and I always love seeing her, although all the series regulars get a scene or two to shine. A suspenseful climax caps another fantastic book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-to-big-to-die-by-sue-ann.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
One Saturday, Odelia and Greg’s errands are interrupted when they see a dog trapped in a car on a hot day. They rescue the dog, but the dog’s owner is less than happy with them. She turns out to be former reality TV star Marla Kingston, and her husband is a client of the law firm where Odelia works. While he makes Odelia’s work life difficult, the man who stopped to help them winds up dead. What have Odelia and Greg gotten into now?
Any fan of this long running series will tell you to expect a fast-moving case, and that’s exactly what we find here as well. One of the complications that arises here involves a series regular; that part of the book will appeal most to fans of the series. Zee is a strong character in this book, and I always love seeing her, although all the series regulars get a scene or two to shine. A suspenseful climax caps another fantastic book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-to-big-to-die-by-sue-ann.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2294 KP) rated Midnight Snacks are Murder in Books
Aug 3, 2018
Was the Murder the Result of a Snack Attack?
When someone starts breaking into houses in the neighborhood taking nick knacks and sweets, Poppy McAlister is shocked to discover that it is her aunt Ginny sleepwalking under the power of some new medication. However, when a murder takes place a couple of blocks away, the police zero in on Aunt Ginny as the culprit. The victim, unknown to both Poppy and Aunt Ginny, seems like he could have been a nice guy or a complete jerk. Which was true?
This book spent quite a bit of time setting up the premise, but once the murder took place, things really picked up. I enjoyed needing to learn what kind of guy the victim was since it added a nice twist to the mystery. The suspects were strong, and I could have seen any of them as the killer before we reached the climax. The love triangle is just heating up; I know which guy I am rooting for, but I could see myself happy with either of them at this point. I did find a couple of the characters annoying, especially Poppy’s mother-in-law. Aunt Ginny provides lots of laughs, and the gluten-free, paleo friendly recipes at the end sound delicious.
This book spent quite a bit of time setting up the premise, but once the murder took place, things really picked up. I enjoyed needing to learn what kind of guy the victim was since it added a nice twist to the mystery. The suspects were strong, and I could have seen any of them as the killer before we reached the climax. The love triangle is just heating up; I know which guy I am rooting for, but I could see myself happy with either of them at this point. I did find a couple of the characters annoying, especially Poppy’s mother-in-law. Aunt Ginny provides lots of laughs, and the gluten-free, paleo friendly recipes at the end sound delicious.
ClareR (5824 KP) rated Bottled Goods in Books
Aug 18, 2018 (Updated Aug 18, 2018)
Life in Ceausescu’s Romania.
Set in Romania in the 1970’s, this portrays life for Alina and her husband, Liviu, under the Communist Ceausescu regime. Life for them becomes even harder when Alina’s brother in law defects to Germany. Her husband is a head teacher and is transferred to a difficult, failing school and seems to rely heavily on the alcohol that he drinks on the long train journey home. Meanwhile, Alina is harassed by a Secret Service agent, and this becomes very sinister.
The bottled goods of the title could be used as a metaphor for different aspects of this story: the perfumes Alina covets from the West; Liviu’s reliance on alcohol; how the couple (and probably their countrymen) bottle up their emotions and desire to defect; and a final, more fairytale bottling up - which I won’t give away.
This was all presented in the form of flash fiction that joined together to make a whole story. I liked this approach. It made the whole book feel uncomfortable (you never quite get in to the swing or the rhythm of the story), probably how Alina and Liviu felt, constantly under threat of arrest.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Fairlight Books for my copy of this book.
The bottled goods of the title could be used as a metaphor for different aspects of this story: the perfumes Alina covets from the West; Liviu’s reliance on alcohol; how the couple (and probably their countrymen) bottle up their emotions and desire to defect; and a final, more fairytale bottling up - which I won’t give away.
This was all presented in the form of flash fiction that joined together to make a whole story. I liked this approach. It made the whole book feel uncomfortable (you never quite get in to the swing or the rhythm of the story), probably how Alina and Liviu felt, constantly under threat of arrest.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Fairlight Books for my copy of this book.
Danii19936 (3 KP) rated This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor in Books
Aug 20, 2018
MUST READ
After I graduated this summer I was reading just about anything I could due to all my free time and I saw sooooo many people recommending this book so although it’s not what I would normally read I gave it a go. I am SO glad I did, I read it within a couple of hours and I would argue it is my favourite book of the summer! It is incredibly eye opening. As a law graduate I like to think I am relatively clued up about society and although I knew that the medical profession gets no where near the credit they deserve I couldn’t believe how much they are put through! Adam Kay writes such a powerful piece while still being witty and engaging, you almost forget it is a true story! I fully support his message and as soon as I put the book down I was telling everyone I could about it! I would urge everyone to read this book! As a side note (and probably completely irrelevant) I couldn’t believe it when I saw an acknowledgement to one of my closest friends at the end of the book, it’s such a small world!
Mitch (0 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Nov 29, 2018
Mixed bag
Both me and my son looked forward to this film. As avid Pottermore followers and wizarding world fanatics this film was hit and miss. To start with it showed dark promise but chugged on with odd plotlines and unnecessary charachter additions. I also felt sorry for Eddie as his acting he was overshadowed by Judes Dumbledore somewhat. The other main characters in the first film were either background filler or dilluted down which was unfortunate.
Now to Johnny Depp......... Grindlewald was an opportunity missed in so many ways. My son asked at one point why he talked like Jack Sparrow which killed it for me even more.
Where were the beasts? We got a few newbies but to call a film fantastic beasts when there was very little of them is misleading and it should have been called the Origins of Dumbledore.
The best bit- baby nifflers and my favourite Pickett.
For a casual Potter fan and film goer its confusing but decent. For hardcore fans its a no no, it doesn't tell you anything you don't already know or suspected.
I hope the next few are given more care and attention and Depp gets acting classes in how to be a bad guy.
Now to Johnny Depp......... Grindlewald was an opportunity missed in so many ways. My son asked at one point why he talked like Jack Sparrow which killed it for me even more.
Where were the beasts? We got a few newbies but to call a film fantastic beasts when there was very little of them is misleading and it should have been called the Origins of Dumbledore.
The best bit- baby nifflers and my favourite Pickett.
For a casual Potter fan and film goer its confusing but decent. For hardcore fans its a no no, it doesn't tell you anything you don't already know or suspected.
I hope the next few are given more care and attention and Depp gets acting classes in how to be a bad guy.
Jessica Erdas (463 KP) rated Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes in TV
Jan 26, 2019
An interesting look into the mind of a killer
This Netflix original details the killing spree enacted by Ted Bundy and his downward spiral. Very interesting for those curious about the actions of serial killers. Some of the details are pretty hard to swallow, as would be expected of any story where murders are committed. I think one of the most interesting parts to the show was being able to see his mannerisms, arrogance, and even his voice as he denied his guilt despite tantamount evidence against him. Ted Bundy was a killer who completely flipped profiling on its head; before him there were common misconceptions that a serial killer was an unattractive, uneducated, and socially inept person but after his atrocities were exposed, it forced members of law enforcement to look deeper into the kinds of people who committed such crimes against humanity. It was also very interesting to see the effect the trials had on his mother and her tearful pleas to avoid the death penalty. I didn't feel that it incited any sympathy for Bundy but it kind of opens your eyes to the destruction of a family, regardless. A testament to a mother's love, even to those we don't feel deserve it.
David McK (3520 KP) rated The Blade Itself in Books
Jan 28, 2019
So, 'The Blade Itself'.
Like some other of these sprawling epic fantasies, this was a novel that, while I'd heard of it and had heard good things, I'd never actually got round to reading: put off, perhaps, by the sheer size of it?
That is, I'd never read it until now.
Following a group of disparate characters who eventually, by the end of the novel, more-or-less come together (in the same geographical location) or, at least, very obviously heading towards doing so, I have to say that I did quite enjoy it.
While I was initially concerned that the book may drag a bit (again, due to the sheer size ...), thankfully this did not prove to be the case. OK, there may have been certain sections that (IMO) it would have been better where they pruned somewhat, overall the story did move along well enough, and did hold my attention.
Like a heavy dinner, however, I think I may need a break before moving onto the next ([b: Before They Are Hanged|902715|Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2)|Joe Abercrombie|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1179318094s/902715.jpg|2116927]): two back-to-back is one too many!
Like some other of these sprawling epic fantasies, this was a novel that, while I'd heard of it and had heard good things, I'd never actually got round to reading: put off, perhaps, by the sheer size of it?
That is, I'd never read it until now.
Following a group of disparate characters who eventually, by the end of the novel, more-or-less come together (in the same geographical location) or, at least, very obviously heading towards doing so, I have to say that I did quite enjoy it.
While I was initially concerned that the book may drag a bit (again, due to the sheer size ...), thankfully this did not prove to be the case. OK, there may have been certain sections that (IMO) it would have been better where they pruned somewhat, overall the story did move along well enough, and did hold my attention.
Like a heavy dinner, however, I think I may need a break before moving onto the next ([b: Before They Are Hanged|902715|Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2)|Joe Abercrombie|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1179318094s/902715.jpg|2116927]): two back-to-back is one too many!
Bubba Gee (147 KP) rated Breaking Bad in TV
Jun 23, 2019
The best ever
Contains spoilers, click to show
This is an epic journey of a nice guy gone bad as he simply has had enough of being shat on.
We start with a nice mild mannered high school chemistry teacher Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston) who pays his taxes has an average life and finds out he has cancer.
Through his brother in law, a DEA agent and all around asshole, Walter White discovers how with his knowledge of chemistry he can make the purest crystal meth on the street.
Enter Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul)
an ex student of Mr White and low level weed dealer.
Walter uses Jesse to connect himself to the local alberquerque criminal underworld and begins production.
Over the next few series Walter White evolves into his alter ego Heisenberg, a badass, producer, seller, murderer, and generally all around kingpin of New Mexico.
From dealings with other criminals to Mexican drug cartels and beyond,this is an epic tale of a good man gone bad with murder, revenge, international trafficking, twists and turns all along the way.
It really is an absolute credit to the writers and cast.
It also enforces that you shouldn't underestimate anyone no matter how insignificant they may seem.
We start with a nice mild mannered high school chemistry teacher Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston) who pays his taxes has an average life and finds out he has cancer.
Through his brother in law, a DEA agent and all around asshole, Walter White discovers how with his knowledge of chemistry he can make the purest crystal meth on the street.
Enter Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul)
an ex student of Mr White and low level weed dealer.
Walter uses Jesse to connect himself to the local alberquerque criminal underworld and begins production.
Over the next few series Walter White evolves into his alter ego Heisenberg, a badass, producer, seller, murderer, and generally all around kingpin of New Mexico.
From dealings with other criminals to Mexican drug cartels and beyond,this is an epic tale of a good man gone bad with murder, revenge, international trafficking, twists and turns all along the way.
It really is an absolute credit to the writers and cast.
It also enforces that you shouldn't underestimate anyone no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Ross (3284 KP) Feb 7, 2018
Mayhawke (97 KP) Feb 9, 2018