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Corrupt Bodies: Death and Dirty Dealing in a London Morgue
Corrupt Bodies: Death and Dirty Dealing in a London Morgue
Peter Everett, Kris Hollington | 2019 | Crime, Medical & Veterinary
9
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dirty dealings in the industry of the deceased
Where do I start with the review on this one? It took me less than a day to read, I was hooked from the first moment, well written with respectful humour. It gave a fascinating insight into the industry and the impacts on the mental health of people working in this sector. It was detailed without being boring or overly graphic, it was honest and frank.

Everett shines light on the disgraceful activities going on behind the scenes in the funeral industry around the London area in the 1980s, from theft attributed to the mortuary staff, overlooked by the police working there, to scams and cons with funeral directors, and the difficulties Everett had when raising these with the superiors.

Everett also provides an insight into how he entered the industry, his fascination with the deceased leading him to his role, and how his position and dedication to the industry impacted his personal life.

It was an eye opener to the behind the scenes views that generally don't have light shined upon them. For individuals that enjoy reading this real life accounts of different industries, I would certainly recommend a read of this one.
  
The Art of Death
The Art of Death
David Fennell | 2021 | Crime
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Characters and twist on the murder genre (0 more)
Typos! (0 more)
Read in 2 days!
I knew I was going to like this book from the First Impression. I read quite a few crime novels and some can be quite "samey" but this was a bit different. The concept of murder victims displayed as artworks by the killer was an interesting twist on the genre. Also unnerving was the way he chose his victims by stalking them on social media and dating sites. It makes you think about what you put online.

Several characters could have been the killer. You decide who it is and then some small action or comment makes you think "Hang on, they just did........ maybe it's actually them?"

The two main police officers were well written, and I would like to see them again in another book. I really wanted to know Detective Inspector Grace Archer's back story from when she was a child and you do get to find out, but perhaps this will be explored further in future?

(A bit of a niggle is the number of typos in the text, at least 10-15!)

Overall, easy to get into, keeps your interest and I'd definitely read more by this author.
  
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Darren Fisher (2447 KP) rated Siege (1982) in Movies

Dec 13, 2020 (Updated Dec 13, 2020)  
Siege (1982)
Siege (1982)
1982 | Action, Thriller
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Overlooked excellent grindhouse thriller.
I rented this out a lot back in the 80s. This film needs an official re-release desperately (remains only available on VHS and Laserdisc).
Siege motors along at a fast pace, no lulls, just scene upon scene of intense cat and mouse between a gang of murderous thugs and a group of people (in what looks like the most rundown and scuzziest building ever) who take in a survivor from the gangs previous assault. Shades of John Carpenter's Assault on Precinct 13 and a cheeky wink towards Escape From New York, the gang take on more than they bargain for when the ever resourceful victims strike back. Solid acting all round and a sucker punch of a twist at the end. This is a must see! Essential grindhouse viewing!

Trivia:
1# It contains the only existing news footage of the actual 1981 Halifax Police strike.
2# Aka Self Defense (USA), Night Warriors (Europe), New York 1991 (Various countries). Seige was the UK title.
3# The Japanese release has a further 7 minutes of extra 'day-time' footage. Although this is interesting it doesn't really add anything to the final cut. Personally I prefer the 'night-time' version as it evokes more menace and gets straight to the point.
  
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Awix (3310 KP) rated Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992) in Movies

May 27, 2020 (Updated Aug 2, 2020)  
Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992)
Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992)
1992 | Horror
Second Hellraiser sequel and the first no-two-ways-about-it lousy one. Chief bondage demon Pinhead has been stripped of the limitations constraining his unpleasant recreational activities, which he likes, but also turned into a piece of interior decoration, which he doesn't. He endeavours to get himself released while a plucky young journalist tries to figure out why people keep turning up skinned or lacerated by flying chains.

A Hellraiser movie made with an American sensibility and for a mainstream American audience - one almost gets the sense the writers think they're making a Nightmare on Elm Street movie. The first half, with Pinhead stuck in a pillar, is not too bad, but they have to let him out eventually at which point the film's IQ and sense of restraint both vanish. Too much lazy gore and silly action (rubbish Cenobites wandering around New York City fighting the police). Doug Bradley just about saves the movie from being completely worthless, as he manages to chew the scenery even while being part of it; Terry Farrell was better in Star Trek. The occasional interesting idea or image but the film's main achievement is making the first two look better than they actually are.
  
The Fourth Monkey (4MK Thriller, #1)
The Fourth Monkey (4MK Thriller, #1)
J.D. Barker | 2017 | Thriller
8
8.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Two days to save her . . .
 
For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive.
 
One day . . .
 
As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows that even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unraveling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own.
 
Zero.
 
With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer’s identity remains a mystery. Time is running out as the Four Monkey Killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written fast-paced thriller.




I actually found this quite chilling! It was very well written especially the diary chapters! I honestly didn’t see that twist coming! I kept swapping my rating from a 4 to a 3 and vide versa as I’m not sure where I wanted it to go! I really enjoy J D Barker and look forward to the next book!