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Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated White is the Coldest Colour in Books
Jun 6, 2019
^^ Dr David Galbraith is a very good child psychologist and all sorts of children come his way for help. But immediately, within the first few pages, we discover that he is NOT to be trusted, and to say he is abusing his power is an understatement. It’s horrifying what he is able to get away with.
^^ Unfortunately, the Mailer family are going through some tough times due to marital breakdown, so in an effort to help their child Anthony, they take him to the well-known Dr Galbraith. Oh yes, you can see where this is going, right? This fact alone made me race through this book. One half of me is screaming at the pages, “Don’t take him to Dr Galbraith!” and the other half of me is going, “WOW! This is going to turn out bad, I can’t wait to see what happens!” ? It’s both terrifying and intriguing at the same time. I loved it.
^^ It’s clear the author also drew from his own experiences as a member of the police force with child protection social worker contacts, and this is also what made the book an outstanding and realistic read. It’s all too terrifyingly real in some places, and that’s what makes this plot so gripping.
^^ This totally exceeded all my expectations as a debut book by an author I have never actually heard of before. It’s well written, fast paced and totally unputdownable.
Overall: This is a stunning, psychological thriller, which really pulls you in deep to the dark side, and although the subject matter at times is very sad, and quite distressing, it’s very well done. I am totally looking forward to what this author has to offer next!
^^ Unfortunately, the Mailer family are going through some tough times due to marital breakdown, so in an effort to help their child Anthony, they take him to the well-known Dr Galbraith. Oh yes, you can see where this is going, right? This fact alone made me race through this book. One half of me is screaming at the pages, “Don’t take him to Dr Galbraith!” and the other half of me is going, “WOW! This is going to turn out bad, I can’t wait to see what happens!” ? It’s both terrifying and intriguing at the same time. I loved it.
^^ It’s clear the author also drew from his own experiences as a member of the police force with child protection social worker contacts, and this is also what made the book an outstanding and realistic read. It’s all too terrifyingly real in some places, and that’s what makes this plot so gripping.
^^ This totally exceeded all my expectations as a debut book by an author I have never actually heard of before. It’s well written, fast paced and totally unputdownable.
Overall: This is a stunning, psychological thriller, which really pulls you in deep to the dark side, and although the subject matter at times is very sad, and quite distressing, it’s very well done. I am totally looking forward to what this author has to offer next!
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Sleepwalker in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I went into this book blind. I had seen the cover and heard of the author, but hadn't read any of his books and didn't know what this one was about until after I started listening. Annalee Ahlberg, a woman who has issues with sleepwalking, goes missing. She leaves behind two daughters and a husband who must come to terms with her disappearance. Told from the point of view of her eldest daughter, Lianna, the listener gets to go along for the ride as the search continues and the police try to decide if Annalee met with foul play, or possibly harmed herself in her sleep. The truth ends up being neither, and is nothing I saw coming until right before it was spelled out for me.
The Sleepwalker is equal parts mystery novel and family drama. Everyone has their secrets, and Lianna isn't sure who she can trust. I wish it would have moved along a little more quickly, but overall it was a good story. I will look for more by Chris Bohjalian.
The narration was not so great. The main narrator was soft-spoken, and her voice fit the mood of the story very well, but she paused in odd places and put emphasis on what felt like the wrong word in many sentences. This was jarring and distracting. There were also brief passages at the beginning of each chapter read by a 2nd voice, which I found very irritating. In all fairness, these passages were apparently journal entries, and the 2nd voice did help to distinguish them from the rest of the story. I do think I might have enjoyed the book a little more if there had been different narrators, however.
The Sleepwalker is equal parts mystery novel and family drama. Everyone has their secrets, and Lianna isn't sure who she can trust. I wish it would have moved along a little more quickly, but overall it was a good story. I will look for more by Chris Bohjalian.
The narration was not so great. The main narrator was soft-spoken, and her voice fit the mood of the story very well, but she paused in odd places and put emphasis on what felt like the wrong word in many sentences. This was jarring and distracting. There were also brief passages at the beginning of each chapter read by a 2nd voice, which I found very irritating. In all fairness, these passages were apparently journal entries, and the 2nd voice did help to distinguish them from the rest of the story. I do think I might have enjoyed the book a little more if there had been different narrators, however.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Somebody I Used to Know in Books
Feb 21, 2018
***NOTE: I was provided a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
Nick Hansen is a recently divorced social worker living alone with his dog Riley. His ex-wife is sure that he never stopped loving his college girlfriend Marissa, who was killed in a college campus house fire 20 years earlier, and that's one of the reasons that they are no longer together. On his way home from work one evening, he sees a girl in the supermarket who looks so much like Marissa that he is compelled to speak to her. As soon as he asks about her family, she turns and runs from the store. The following day, police arrive on his doorstep to ask him if he knew a girl who has been found murdered at a local hotel. They show him a photo, and it is none other than the girl from he market. Even worse, she had his name and address on a slip of paper in her pocket when they found her.
Wanting both to clear his name and to lay to rest his suspicion that this could somehow be Marissa's daughter, even though she would have been born after Marissa died in the fire, he enlists the help of an old college friend to investigate the girl's death.
This was a great thriller! I had suspicions about some things (which I can't mention because I don't want to spoil anything!) early on, but only suspicions. The author keeps things moving at a good pace, and I felt as invested in Nick's investigation as he was.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller.
Nick Hansen is a recently divorced social worker living alone with his dog Riley. His ex-wife is sure that he never stopped loving his college girlfriend Marissa, who was killed in a college campus house fire 20 years earlier, and that's one of the reasons that they are no longer together. On his way home from work one evening, he sees a girl in the supermarket who looks so much like Marissa that he is compelled to speak to her. As soon as he asks about her family, she turns and runs from the store. The following day, police arrive on his doorstep to ask him if he knew a girl who has been found murdered at a local hotel. They show him a photo, and it is none other than the girl from he market. Even worse, she had his name and address on a slip of paper in her pocket when they found her.
Wanting both to clear his name and to lay to rest his suspicion that this could somehow be Marissa's daughter, even though she would have been born after Marissa died in the fire, he enlists the help of an old college friend to investigate the girl's death.
This was a great thriller! I had suspicions about some things (which I can't mention because I don't want to spoil anything!) early on, but only suspicions. The author keeps things moving at a good pace, and I felt as invested in Nick's investigation as he was.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Zeroes (Zeroes, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
<i>This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review </i>
The author of the <i>Uglies</i> series, Scott Westerfeld, has teamed up with co-writers Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti to create this exciting, whirlwind of a young adult novel. Many people wish they had a superpower, but what if there actually were people with them? <i>Zeroes</i> is a story about a group of teenagers with special gifts, however these unique abilities may be more dangerous than you would imagine.
The superpowers in this novel are not as conventional as the famous comic heroes. Some can control crowds with their minds or destroy electricity, and one blind character can even see through the eyes of others. Collectively these teenagers are called the <i>Zeroes</i>, but only amongst themselves.
Despite how cool it may seem to have these powers, their gifts can easily get themselves in to trouble. One of the teens, Ethan, accidently finds himself involved with drug dealers and a bank robbery, resulting in the police taking an interest. Whilst trying to get him out of this mess, the rest of the team cause even more trouble, sequentially making things worse and eventually leaving Ethan in a life threatening situation.
Told through six different characters, the reader gets the opportunity to learn about the individual powers and how each person deals with them. The novel is fast past with an explosive ending – literally – it is almost impossible to put it down. With an equal mix of male and female characters, it is suitable for all readers who enjoy YA, and by no means is it limited to teenagers only. You will find yourself wanting more.
The author of the <i>Uglies</i> series, Scott Westerfeld, has teamed up with co-writers Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti to create this exciting, whirlwind of a young adult novel. Many people wish they had a superpower, but what if there actually were people with them? <i>Zeroes</i> is a story about a group of teenagers with special gifts, however these unique abilities may be more dangerous than you would imagine.
The superpowers in this novel are not as conventional as the famous comic heroes. Some can control crowds with their minds or destroy electricity, and one blind character can even see through the eyes of others. Collectively these teenagers are called the <i>Zeroes</i>, but only amongst themselves.
Despite how cool it may seem to have these powers, their gifts can easily get themselves in to trouble. One of the teens, Ethan, accidently finds himself involved with drug dealers and a bank robbery, resulting in the police taking an interest. Whilst trying to get him out of this mess, the rest of the team cause even more trouble, sequentially making things worse and eventually leaving Ethan in a life threatening situation.
Told through six different characters, the reader gets the opportunity to learn about the individual powers and how each person deals with them. The novel is fast past with an explosive ending – literally – it is almost impossible to put it down. With an equal mix of male and female characters, it is suitable for all readers who enjoy YA, and by no means is it limited to teenagers only. You will find yourself wanting more.
Sarah (126 KP) rated Evil Genius in TV
Aug 14, 2018
I found the beginning of Evil Genius to be truly, jaw-droppingly astonishing. Being in the UK, I don't remember ever actually hearing about this taking place. Having never heard or read anything about the case - or read any "blurb" about the series - I was genuinely shocked when witnessing the footage of what happens to Brian Wells. I honestly expected that things would "fizzle out", he would walk away with the police and the investigation would begin from there. Unsurprisingly, I spent the next few minutes with my eyes wide open, my mouth agape at what I had just witnessed.
Sadly, the documentary seems to go downhill from there.
The narrator/interviewer isn't particularly engaging in his commentary.
The story is somewhat disjointed, going from story to story, from suspect to suspect, without any real sense of flowing or logic. As such, at times it can feel a bit like you lose track of where you are and what has gone on, particularly when a thread is dropped only to be picked up later on, with additional information introduced but no logic to the way it has been brought in.
As something that seems to be a truly one-off type of crime, this should be such compelling viewing. Instead, after the initial shock-factor, it really does seem to fizzle out very quickly, and the only thing that compels you to keep watching is to find out what happened - and even that is something of a let down, as not all information seems to be followed up or confirmed.
Overall, it is an extremely interesting story which, unfortunately, has been let down by the way in which it has been put together.
Sadly, the documentary seems to go downhill from there.
The narrator/interviewer isn't particularly engaging in his commentary.
The story is somewhat disjointed, going from story to story, from suspect to suspect, without any real sense of flowing or logic. As such, at times it can feel a bit like you lose track of where you are and what has gone on, particularly when a thread is dropped only to be picked up later on, with additional information introduced but no logic to the way it has been brought in.
As something that seems to be a truly one-off type of crime, this should be such compelling viewing. Instead, after the initial shock-factor, it really does seem to fizzle out very quickly, and the only thing that compels you to keep watching is to find out what happened - and even that is something of a let down, as not all information seems to be followed up or confirmed.
Overall, it is an extremely interesting story which, unfortunately, has been let down by the way in which it has been put together.
All of the darkness of the original - and more.
Macbeth in Nordic Noir style - and it works! I've enjoyed the Hogarth Shakespeare series so far, and I think this is the best of the four that I've read.
Nesbo has done a really good job of moving the setting from medieval Scotland to modern Scandinavia (I think! That's what it felt like as I was reading anyway). The names of the towns in the original are the names of the casinos; the Queen of the witches, Hecate, is the main dealer and leader of organised crime in the town; Lady (Macbeth) is the owner of the most exclusive of those casinos.
Like Shakespeare's play, this book is grim, oppressive and ultra-violent. The body count is high, the murders committed without thought, or at least the only thought in Macbeth's head is that he will gain more power in the eradication of his 'enemies' and their families.
The description of the city portrays a poverty stricken, unemployment plagued, drug addicted, polluted northern town. These people seem to be accustomed to the corruption of their police and government officials, which is how the door opens to allow Macbeth to step through with Lady, his wife (who isn't his wife in this, but his girlfriend). Lady is the one who guides Macbeth's hand in everything he does, and then pays the ultimate price when guilt drives her mad.
I really do think that this is an excellent retelling. Five hundred pages went by in a flash for me, and I have to admit to a feeling of satisfaction as the story was wrapped up at the end.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book - and this is a totally unbiased review, people!
Nesbo has done a really good job of moving the setting from medieval Scotland to modern Scandinavia (I think! That's what it felt like as I was reading anyway). The names of the towns in the original are the names of the casinos; the Queen of the witches, Hecate, is the main dealer and leader of organised crime in the town; Lady (Macbeth) is the owner of the most exclusive of those casinos.
Like Shakespeare's play, this book is grim, oppressive and ultra-violent. The body count is high, the murders committed without thought, or at least the only thought in Macbeth's head is that he will gain more power in the eradication of his 'enemies' and their families.
The description of the city portrays a poverty stricken, unemployment plagued, drug addicted, polluted northern town. These people seem to be accustomed to the corruption of their police and government officials, which is how the door opens to allow Macbeth to step through with Lady, his wife (who isn't his wife in this, but his girlfriend). Lady is the one who guides Macbeth's hand in everything he does, and then pays the ultimate price when guilt drives her mad.
I really do think that this is an excellent retelling. Five hundred pages went by in a flash for me, and I have to admit to a feeling of satisfaction as the story was wrapped up at the end.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book - and this is a totally unbiased review, people!
Necole (36 KP) rated The Good Widow in Books
Oct 14, 2018
What would you do if you learned your husband but he died in a state he wasn't supposed to be in? What if you learned he was having an affair and he died with his mistress in an accident?
This book explores those two questions!!!
Jacks learns of her husband's secret affair when she gets a phone from Maui police telling her there had been an automobile accident and her husband James as died, but he wasn't alone. Then all of a sudden Nick pops up at her door, telling her that Danni was his fiancé and she is the woman that Jacks' husband was having an affair with.
Jacks is now coping with this secret!!! How is she going to handle it? How far will she go to uncover the answers to so many questions she has?
Well Nick decides that he and Jacks should take a trip to Maui and find out for themselves what the two were doing there!! Jacks agrees to go and the story starts to unfold!! What will they discover? What other secrets did James, Danni, Jacks and Nick have? And what twist at the end will leave you going OMG?
Guess you will have to read the book to find out!!!
The book was well written … It goes from Jacks before her husbands death to Jacks after the death as well as Danni's perspective which made the book intriguing. However, it was slow at times and because it wasn't the typical thriller I am used to, it didn't keep my interest until about midway. I couldn't understand how this was a thriller until the very end. It felt more like a chic lit mystery up until that point which is why I gave it 3 stars.
This book explores those two questions!!!
Jacks learns of her husband's secret affair when she gets a phone from Maui police telling her there had been an automobile accident and her husband James as died, but he wasn't alone. Then all of a sudden Nick pops up at her door, telling her that Danni was his fiancé and she is the woman that Jacks' husband was having an affair with.
Jacks is now coping with this secret!!! How is she going to handle it? How far will she go to uncover the answers to so many questions she has?
Well Nick decides that he and Jacks should take a trip to Maui and find out for themselves what the two were doing there!! Jacks agrees to go and the story starts to unfold!! What will they discover? What other secrets did James, Danni, Jacks and Nick have? And what twist at the end will leave you going OMG?
Guess you will have to read the book to find out!!!
The book was well written … It goes from Jacks before her husbands death to Jacks after the death as well as Danni's perspective which made the book intriguing. However, it was slow at times and because it wasn't the typical thriller I am used to, it didn't keep my interest until about midway. I couldn't understand how this was a thriller until the very end. It felt more like a chic lit mystery up until that point which is why I gave it 3 stars.
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Dead In The Shop (Grasmere Cottage Mystery #3) in Books
Oct 26, 2018
a very fitting end!!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the trilogy, and you MUST read book one, Dead In The Garden, and book two, Dead In The Pond, before you read this one. They are NOT stand alone books and need to be read in order!
With Bishan in the hospital, Valor has to dig deep within himself to keep it together. When there is another murder, the police finally decide that they need to draw the murderer out. And Valor finds himself not only fighting for Bish, but for his life.
I have LOVED these three books, I really have! But I think you would get a better enjoyment if you read them back to back, not with several other books between each one, like I did! Just my personal opinion, though!
Again, only Valor has his say and I did miss Bishan and his off-on-tangents thing, so it would have been nice if they both had their say here, but it doesn't affect my rating , I'm just bloody greedy and always want more!
As always, with Ms Donovan's work, lots of giggles among the drama and murders and lots of lovely ways that show that Bishan and Valor really are perfect for each other.
Some surprises too, with that murder being front and centre, but some budding romances within the supporting cast!
The way it all went down with the murderer was a fitting end, and one I didn't see coming, so that's always good, being kept on your toes!
I shall miss these guys, along with all their friends and family, I really shall!
A very fitting . . . .
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 3 in the trilogy, and you MUST read book one, Dead In The Garden, and book two, Dead In The Pond, before you read this one. They are NOT stand alone books and need to be read in order!
With Bishan in the hospital, Valor has to dig deep within himself to keep it together. When there is another murder, the police finally decide that they need to draw the murderer out. And Valor finds himself not only fighting for Bish, but for his life.
I have LOVED these three books, I really have! But I think you would get a better enjoyment if you read them back to back, not with several other books between each one, like I did! Just my personal opinion, though!
Again, only Valor has his say and I did miss Bishan and his off-on-tangents thing, so it would have been nice if they both had their say here, but it doesn't affect my rating , I'm just bloody greedy and always want more!
As always, with Ms Donovan's work, lots of giggles among the drama and murders and lots of lovely ways that show that Bishan and Valor really are perfect for each other.
Some surprises too, with that murder being front and centre, but some budding romances within the supporting cast!
The way it all went down with the murderer was a fitting end, and one I didn't see coming, so that's always good, being kept on your toes!
I shall miss these guys, along with all their friends and family, I really shall!
A very fitting . . . .
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Frequency - Season 1 in TV
Nov 9, 2018
Likeable characters (3 more)
Good story
Good pacing
They were able to release an epilogue to tie up some loose ends
There were a few frustrating moments (1 more)
Missed out on finishing side stories thanks to cancellation
An interesting show that deserved 1 more season
I liked this series. I know it's based on a movie which I have seen but the movie itself was rather forgettable. I don't really remember much from it. This was far much better though. Maybe because we had more time to care about the characters.
It's not a perfect series. There were a lot of frustrating moments where things could have been made a lot more simple. People could have been told what was happening and there was proof if they were just allowed to talk into the radio themselves. But other than that the series was enjoyable and paced well. Time travel is a concept that is difficult to get right without sounding confusing but this was made simple.
It is a good series but it's not great. Sometimes the main lead got annoying at times but the series got cancelled too early so some of the side stories could not be looked at like the corruption in the police force.
***Spoilers*** stan is corrupt and I expected the dads death from a car accident to be the result of that and not actually an accident. I thought that would have made a good plot for the 2nd season ***end spoiler***
However this couldn't be told so they just ended up sizzling out. On the plus side they, they were able to send out a 3 minute epilogue to tie up a couple of loose ends to give the show a proper ending. More shows should be given this chance.
Still worth a watch and maybe 1 day we will see another shot at this.
It's not a perfect series. There were a lot of frustrating moments where things could have been made a lot more simple. People could have been told what was happening and there was proof if they were just allowed to talk into the radio themselves. But other than that the series was enjoyable and paced well. Time travel is a concept that is difficult to get right without sounding confusing but this was made simple.
It is a good series but it's not great. Sometimes the main lead got annoying at times but the series got cancelled too early so some of the side stories could not be looked at like the corruption in the police force.
***Spoilers*** stan is corrupt and I expected the dads death from a car accident to be the result of that and not actually an accident. I thought that would have made a good plot for the 2nd season ***end spoiler***
However this couldn't be told so they just ended up sizzling out. On the plus side they, they were able to send out a 3 minute epilogue to tie up a couple of loose ends to give the show a proper ending. More shows should be given this chance.
Still worth a watch and maybe 1 day we will see another shot at this.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated One Taste Too Many in Books
Jun 20, 2019
Sarah Blair’s Tasty Debut
Sarah Blair is awakened in the middle of the night by a phone call from her twin sister Emily who exclaims that Bill is dead and the police think Emily is responsible. Sarah isn’t that upset that her ex-husband is dead, but she is surprised that Emily is the chief suspect. But Emily was found with Bill, who had eaten her rhubarb crisp despite the fact that he hated rhubarb and avoid the nuts Emily used because of his allergies. What is really going on? Meanwhile, Sarah gets a shock when Bill’s current girlfriend, Jane, produces a will that claims Jane gets custody of RahRah, the Siamese cat that Sarah has had ever since Bill’s mother died several years ago. Can Sarah prove she should keep RahRah while clearing Emily of murder?
While it doesn’t take much to intrigue me with a culinary cozy, I found Sarah’s status as a cook of convenience to be a great pull for this series. For more serious culinary lovers, Emily works as a line chef and is part of a culinary festival taking place in their town, so all abilities are covered, although the two recipes at the end are definitely on the simple side. The mystery starts strong, with us learning about Bill’s death on the first page. I did find it harder to care about the sub-plot involving RahRah; I think it’s more because I’m not a pet person so I needed more time to warm up to him before I would care. Still, both storylines reach great climaxes, and Sarah manages to figure out all the twists along the way. The characters have some room to grow, but the main cast, including the suspects, are all solid, providing a good base for future growth. Fans of culinary cozies will enjoy this tasty debut.
While it doesn’t take much to intrigue me with a culinary cozy, I found Sarah’s status as a cook of convenience to be a great pull for this series. For more serious culinary lovers, Emily works as a line chef and is part of a culinary festival taking place in their town, so all abilities are covered, although the two recipes at the end are definitely on the simple side. The mystery starts strong, with us learning about Bill’s death on the first page. I did find it harder to care about the sub-plot involving RahRah; I think it’s more because I’m not a pet person so I needed more time to warm up to him before I would care. Still, both storylines reach great climaxes, and Sarah manages to figure out all the twists along the way. The characters have some room to grow, but the main cast, including the suspects, are all solid, providing a good base for future growth. Fans of culinary cozies will enjoy this tasty debut.