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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Deadly Fear (Deadly, #1) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I'm quite a big fan of Cynthia Eden, she always writes stories that pull you in and make you want more.
That is true about this too, although I must admit I wasn't as interested in the romance as the case and finding the serial killer. I knew it had to be someone with certain privileges but there were quite a few of those and I guessed wrong in the end.
Very good book.
That is true about this too, although I must admit I wasn't as interested in the romance as the case and finding the serial killer. I knew it had to be someone with certain privileges but there were quite a few of those and I guessed wrong in the end.
Very good book.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Blood for Blood (Ziba MacKenzie, #1) in Books
Jun 19, 2019
Solid Crime Procedural Mystery
So I was pretty excited to read the blurb for this book, the debut and first in a new series from Victoria Selman. Ex-special forces profiler Ziba MacKenzie (yay strong female lead - love it!) has to profile a serial killer that returns after a long hiatus (yay serial killers and profilers trying to catch them.)
It started off full of action with a commuter train crash and Ziba helping the injured and dying and receiving a the cryptic last words of one victim: He did it. You have to tell someone. Which understandably peaks her curiosity. Ziba is then called in to help out when a brutal (read disturbing and not for the kiddies/squeamish) serial killer seemingly reappears and a connection between the woman on the train nags at Ziba.
I liked the intense train situation as a way of demonstrating Ziba’s training and expertise level but her kick ass nature didn’t come through much in the rest of the book. The conversations with Ziba and the language used just didn’t quite fit; it seemed overly forced to make her sound military but not natural. The serial killer profile talk also seemed like it wasn't at the level you’d expect between experienced law professionals, the conversations felt more like an intro to readers then real policing interactions and I’ve been around enough crime thrillers to not need that level of hand holding..
Oh did I mention Ziba’s husband dies because she does...constantly….. And then gets upset that people are trying to be protective of her. Less kick ass especially when accompanied by a thin romance story-line with her husbands best friend.
We get some good full on crazy , religious nut serial killer action with some nice clue following cat and mouse action, it is a strong crime procedural book. It’s a good story with plenty to keep you focused on just lacking some finesse, I felt red-herrings were thrown in your face without much subtlety and the major coincidence at work with the lady on the train having a connection to the case she Ziba was lucky to be the only totally “oh really eye-roll” and I always allow at least one…...
For a debut and the start of a series I see a lot of potential so will be giving the next ago.
It started off full of action with a commuter train crash and Ziba helping the injured and dying and receiving a the cryptic last words of one victim: He did it. You have to tell someone. Which understandably peaks her curiosity. Ziba is then called in to help out when a brutal (read disturbing and not for the kiddies/squeamish) serial killer seemingly reappears and a connection between the woman on the train nags at Ziba.
I liked the intense train situation as a way of demonstrating Ziba’s training and expertise level but her kick ass nature didn’t come through much in the rest of the book. The conversations with Ziba and the language used just didn’t quite fit; it seemed overly forced to make her sound military but not natural. The serial killer profile talk also seemed like it wasn't at the level you’d expect between experienced law professionals, the conversations felt more like an intro to readers then real policing interactions and I’ve been around enough crime thrillers to not need that level of hand holding..
Oh did I mention Ziba’s husband dies because she does...constantly….. And then gets upset that people are trying to be protective of her. Less kick ass especially when accompanied by a thin romance story-line with her husbands best friend.
We get some good full on crazy , religious nut serial killer action with some nice clue following cat and mouse action, it is a strong crime procedural book. It’s a good story with plenty to keep you focused on just lacking some finesse, I felt red-herrings were thrown in your face without much subtlety and the major coincidence at work with the lady on the train having a connection to the case she Ziba was lucky to be the only totally “oh really eye-roll” and I always allow at least one…...
For a debut and the start of a series I see a lot of potential so will be giving the next ago.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Things That Go Bump in the Night: Here There Be Monsters in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I received a copy of this from the author in return for an honest review.
The book centres around 2 people - one a serial killer and the other someone who doesnt know he is - and the authorities trying to catch them one of whom happens to be related to one of the killers. It was an interesting and enjoyable story and although I had guessed who the serial killer was early on, the pace and style of writing kept me interested as I wanted to see if and how the two came together.
The story was well written although the dialogue between characters was difficult to follow at times - it was not always clear who said what in a conversation as there was sometimes no distinction between what was being said by which character - however, this could have been due to how the book formatted on my reading device and it certainly didnt detract too much from the flow of the writing.
The characters were well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. They were believable and I found myself feeling sorry for the main character, Jalen, and the predicament he was in through no fault of his own.
I would have liked the serial killers character to have been developed a bit more than it was - it felt like he was more of an aside or afterthought to make the story more interesting and different but nevertheless, it was an entertaining read and one that I would recommend.
The book centres around 2 people - one a serial killer and the other someone who doesnt know he is - and the authorities trying to catch them one of whom happens to be related to one of the killers. It was an interesting and enjoyable story and although I had guessed who the serial killer was early on, the pace and style of writing kept me interested as I wanted to see if and how the two came together.
The story was well written although the dialogue between characters was difficult to follow at times - it was not always clear who said what in a conversation as there was sometimes no distinction between what was being said by which character - however, this could have been due to how the book formatted on my reading device and it certainly didnt detract too much from the flow of the writing.
The characters were well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. They were believable and I found myself feeling sorry for the main character, Jalen, and the predicament he was in through no fault of his own.
I would have liked the serial killers character to have been developed a bit more than it was - it felt like he was more of an aside or afterthought to make the story more interesting and different but nevertheless, it was an entertaining read and one that I would recommend.
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.
Dean (6921 KP) rated The Following - Season 1 in TV
May 7, 2017
Great cast (2 more)
Good production values
Created by Kevin Williamson
Will have you following every episode in anticipation
If you love a good cat and mouse thriller with the Fbi chasing a serial killer, then this is the series for you. It has so many twists and turns you won't see coming. From Kevin Williamson who has worked on the Scream films , @I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) , @The Vampire Diaries - Season 1 and TV series @Stalker - Season 1
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Dear Amy in Books
Jul 26, 2017
Intense, fabulously strong protagonist
Pretty horrific from the outset, this disturbing tale of a serial killer and abuser leaves you feeling breathless by the end. I managed to listen to this in one sitting.
The main character is brilliant, she is stronger than you can ever imagine and I salute Helen Callaghan for raising the issue of mental health and the stigma surrounding it.
Great twist in the end although it may seem disjointed and there are unanswered questions.
The main character is brilliant, she is stronger than you can ever imagine and I salute Helen Callaghan for raising the issue of mental health and the stigma surrounding it.
Great twist in the end although it may seem disjointed and there are unanswered questions.
Bohan Reviews (215 KP) rated Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) in Movies
Jun 15, 2019
Zac Efron (1 more)
Makes you feel things you don't think you should feel for a serial killer
Contains spoilers, click to show
The film was a reminder that Ted Bundy didn't look and act as evil on an average day as we would expect him to, and in most cases, even in the most heinous of cases, evil could be anyone.
Full Review:
https://www.bohanreviews.com/post/extremely-wicked-shockingly-evil-and-vile
Full Review:
https://www.bohanreviews.com/post/extremely-wicked-shockingly-evil-and-vile
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2084 KP) rated The 9th Judgment (Women's Murder Club, #9) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The Women's Murder Club are hot on the trail of a cat burglar who just escalated to murder and a serial killer praying on women and their very young kids. After the disappointing last book in the series, I actually found this one enjoyable. The epilogue left much to be desired, however. Mindless entertainment, but fun mindless entertainment.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-9th-judgment-by-james.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-9th-judgment-by-james.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Aasiyah Sidat (34 KP) rated Black-Eyed Susans in Books
Jul 5, 2018
Four in a Grave
This. Book.
I have no words.
But I will try my absolute best, to sum up my feelings.
This book is about Tessa who is the only living survivor of a serial killer who buried her alive along with three other girls. Their grave was then covered with 'black-eyed Susans' which are a yellow flowered weed (hence the title of the book)
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2016/09/four-in-grave.html
I have no words.
But I will try my absolute best, to sum up my feelings.
This book is about Tessa who is the only living survivor of a serial killer who buried her alive along with three other girls. Their grave was then covered with 'black-eyed Susans' which are a yellow flowered weed (hence the title of the book)
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2016/09/four-in-grave.html
Erika (17788 KP) rated Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes in TV
Jan 29, 2019 (Updated Jan 29, 2019)
Serial killer/true crime documentaries are my favorite things to watch. I recently read The Stranger Beside Me, which is by Ann Rule, who worked with Ted Bundy, and, with the hype surrounding Zac Efron playing Bundy, it makes sense that Netflix would drop this now.
Sadly, it was boring, and offered very little, if any new information. If you don't really know a ton about Bundy, it's a good introduction to his ego and crimes.
Sadly, it was boring, and offered very little, if any new information. If you don't really know a ton about Bundy, it's a good introduction to his ego and crimes.
