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Connor Sheffield (293 KP) rated The Following - Season 1 in TV
Apr 28, 2017
Character Development (4 more)
Kevin Bacon
Joe Purefoy
Connections and references to Poe
An insight into the mind of shepherd and sheep
Excitement, Twists and Tension.
So if you read my review on 'The Raven' then you know my love for Edgar Allan Poe and how these stories use his work to create brilliant murder mysteries that keep you on your toes thinking about what might happen next.
However, this show is different, because you know who the murderers and the head of the cult are, but what makes this show so thrilling is trying to figure out what is going through Joe Carroll's (portrayed by Joe Purefoy, who is absolutely brilliant and charming) twisted mind when toying with ex-detective Ryan Hardy (portrayed by Kevin Bacon who also excels as a brilliantly charming character). One of my favourite aspects of this show is the on screen relationship between Kevin Bacon and Joe Purefoy because solo, they are entertaining but together they are very very tense and humorous which can make the audience feel uneasy at times.
The show is very graphic which might put off some viewers, but if a lot of blood and a lot of stabbing, quite often with the eyes in the first season, doesn't bother you that much then you may enjoy this show.
My favourite aspect of this show however, is that the writers delve into the minds of the shepherd and his sheep as it were. Joe Carroll is well written as a manipulative psychotic serial killer who is able to convince many young followers to do his dirty work and toy with Ryan Hardy, and yet they are given very strict instructions about what to do, how to do it, and when.
This is brilliantly written, beautifully shot for both the action sequences and the slow thought provoking sequences that help move the plot along, and to top it all off, each episode is a thrilling and exciting experience that lead you to a grand finale.
However, this show is different, because you know who the murderers and the head of the cult are, but what makes this show so thrilling is trying to figure out what is going through Joe Carroll's (portrayed by Joe Purefoy, who is absolutely brilliant and charming) twisted mind when toying with ex-detective Ryan Hardy (portrayed by Kevin Bacon who also excels as a brilliantly charming character). One of my favourite aspects of this show is the on screen relationship between Kevin Bacon and Joe Purefoy because solo, they are entertaining but together they are very very tense and humorous which can make the audience feel uneasy at times.
The show is very graphic which might put off some viewers, but if a lot of blood and a lot of stabbing, quite often with the eyes in the first season, doesn't bother you that much then you may enjoy this show.
My favourite aspect of this show however, is that the writers delve into the minds of the shepherd and his sheep as it were. Joe Carroll is well written as a manipulative psychotic serial killer who is able to convince many young followers to do his dirty work and toy with Ryan Hardy, and yet they are given very strict instructions about what to do, how to do it, and when.
This is brilliantly written, beautifully shot for both the action sequences and the slow thought provoking sequences that help move the plot along, and to top it all off, each episode is a thrilling and exciting experience that lead you to a grand finale.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Good Me, Bad Me in Books
May 10, 2018
Milly is 15 years old. She has just been placed with a foster family because she has just turned her mother in to the police. Why would a 15 year old need to turn their parent in to the police? Her mother is a serial killer who kills children. Milly is afraid that she may turn out just like her mother. Does she have it in her to be good, or is she bad like her mother? How much of our make up is nature and how much is nurture?
Thank you to Flatiron Books and Ali Land for an advanced reader's copy of this book.
I was so excited to read this book. I couldn't wait. The description alone is enough to get you intrigued. While reading the book, I kept waiting for something to happen. Something big, something major!!! It never happened. Milly did a few little things to "test" her limits on the side of good or bad, but nothing I don't think a typical teenager who was being bullied would have done in her same situation.
After turning in her mother to the police, Milly is sent to live with a foster family. The father is her psychiatrist, the mother is in need of one, and the daughter is jealous and a bully from the time Milly moves in. Milly tells the story as if she is talking to her mother. It covers a span of a few months, while Milly is waiting to give her testimony in her mother's trial. Overall it's a good story. I don't think I would put it in a category of psychological thriller, because it didn't leave me on the edge of my seat and there wasn't a major WOW moment.
This is a debut novel from author Ali Land, and I will see what her next book will be.
You can see all my reviews at http://whatchatreadin.blogspot.com
Thank you to Flatiron Books and Ali Land for an advanced reader's copy of this book.
I was so excited to read this book. I couldn't wait. The description alone is enough to get you intrigued. While reading the book, I kept waiting for something to happen. Something big, something major!!! It never happened. Milly did a few little things to "test" her limits on the side of good or bad, but nothing I don't think a typical teenager who was being bullied would have done in her same situation.
After turning in her mother to the police, Milly is sent to live with a foster family. The father is her psychiatrist, the mother is in need of one, and the daughter is jealous and a bully from the time Milly moves in. Milly tells the story as if she is talking to her mother. It covers a span of a few months, while Milly is waiting to give her testimony in her mother's trial. Overall it's a good story. I don't think I would put it in a category of psychological thriller, because it didn't leave me on the edge of my seat and there wasn't a major WOW moment.
This is a debut novel from author Ali Land, and I will see what her next book will be.
You can see all my reviews at http://whatchatreadin.blogspot.com
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The White City in Books
Mar 1, 2019
The Characters (3 more)
The Plot Line
True Crime Elements
Writing Style
Fantastic Debut!
I am a lover of true crime, historical fiction, suspense and romance. I mean a huge lover of all of them. So, when I saw that this was the best of all of those worlds, I was ecstatic. This is a debut novel from Grace Hitchcock and let me tell you what. The detail she includes in this story, made me feel like I was right there in the center of the World’s Fair, following these awesome characters, and reaching an ending that left me wanting another story just like it.
Winnie and Jude’s characters are wonderful! I loved them so good. The detail with which Hitchcock created the scenes that Winnie saw, and went through, and how Jude fell for her, was awesome. I felt like I became Winnie and fell for Jude instantly. Jude was a sweet soul and Winnie was absolutely full of spunk and sass!
The real life serial killer aspect woven into the story was incredible. I had no idea about that time period having someone like that, and it really made the story that much more captivating. The twists and turns of the roller coaster story, seeing Winnie going “undercover” to prove to her Police Chief father that she was right, was fantastic and had me reading this book and finishing it in a 24 hour period.
If you love historical novels, love the thrills of a great suspense story, and enjoy reading a God-filled romance book, then look no further than this 4 star debut. Ms. Hitchcock has extreme talent and is sure to be on the best sellers list before long! I sing the praises of this story loudly and can’t wait for the next book from this talented author, as well as another incredible installment in this new series from Barbour!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Winnie and Jude’s characters are wonderful! I loved them so good. The detail with which Hitchcock created the scenes that Winnie saw, and went through, and how Jude fell for her, was awesome. I felt like I became Winnie and fell for Jude instantly. Jude was a sweet soul and Winnie was absolutely full of spunk and sass!
The real life serial killer aspect woven into the story was incredible. I had no idea about that time period having someone like that, and it really made the story that much more captivating. The twists and turns of the roller coaster story, seeing Winnie going “undercover” to prove to her Police Chief father that she was right, was fantastic and had me reading this book and finishing it in a 24 hour period.
If you love historical novels, love the thrills of a great suspense story, and enjoy reading a God-filled romance book, then look no further than this 4 star debut. Ms. Hitchcock has extreme talent and is sure to be on the best sellers list before long! I sing the praises of this story loudly and can’t wait for the next book from this talented author, as well as another incredible installment in this new series from Barbour!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated My Lovely Wife in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
In Samantha Downing’s book ‘My Lovely Wife‘, Millicent has designed her life just how she wants it. Nice house. Good job. Two kids. And a husband, she has been able to manipulate throughout their fifteen years of marriage- even to the point of sharing the same delightful hobby.
Murder.
Now, deaf ‘Tobias’ as he’s known to a few select and unlucky few, (when he is scouting around for their next victim), is beginning to see how what they do is starting to affect their own kids. His daughter is scared of this ‘serial killer’ in their home town, and his son is learning to be as manipulative as his mother. But this is nowhere near his biggest issue.
Of course, ‘Tobias’ the husband is no saint, but he’s been so well-trained in the art of doing what his wife Millicent tells him, he just gets on with his part of the job of victim selection, and let’s her do the rest. This his how they get their kicks. He’s never even questioned it.
Until the last woman they drugged, kidnapped and Millicent ‘took care of’ turns up dead in an abandoned building. She’d kept her alive for over a year and never even told him. What was Millicent doing with her all this time? Why didn’t she keep him updated? After all, they were partners in crime, weren’t they?
This is a creepy book about a couple with some very strange habits. On the outside they look like the average family, but together, in private they hold secrets that they’ll take to the grave. At least hope to. But when murder becomes a dangerous game for life, and not everyone is playing by the rules, things are not always as black and white. And that, dear reader, is the deadly sting in this tale, which will have you reading until the sun comes up the next morning and the truth is revealed.
I couldn’t read this fast enough! What a thrilling book this turned out to be!
Murder.
Now, deaf ‘Tobias’ as he’s known to a few select and unlucky few, (when he is scouting around for their next victim), is beginning to see how what they do is starting to affect their own kids. His daughter is scared of this ‘serial killer’ in their home town, and his son is learning to be as manipulative as his mother. But this is nowhere near his biggest issue.
Of course, ‘Tobias’ the husband is no saint, but he’s been so well-trained in the art of doing what his wife Millicent tells him, he just gets on with his part of the job of victim selection, and let’s her do the rest. This his how they get their kicks. He’s never even questioned it.
Until the last woman they drugged, kidnapped and Millicent ‘took care of’ turns up dead in an abandoned building. She’d kept her alive for over a year and never even told him. What was Millicent doing with her all this time? Why didn’t she keep him updated? After all, they were partners in crime, weren’t they?
This is a creepy book about a couple with some very strange habits. On the outside they look like the average family, but together, in private they hold secrets that they’ll take to the grave. At least hope to. But when murder becomes a dangerous game for life, and not everyone is playing by the rules, things are not always as black and white. And that, dear reader, is the deadly sting in this tale, which will have you reading until the sun comes up the next morning and the truth is revealed.
I couldn’t read this fast enough! What a thrilling book this turned out to be!
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Baby Teeth in Books
Sep 19, 2018 (Updated Sep 19, 2018)
Couldn't put it down!
Contains spoilers, click to show
** spoiler alert ** I could NOT put this book down. And when I was done with it, I couldn't stop talking about it. My husband's exact words: "that sounds like a f*cked up book you're reading." 100% true.
I'm not going to rehash the plot you've read about 10,000 times. You get it: evil kid, scared mother, oblivious dad-in-denial. It sounds like it could be a bad horror movie; instead it's a truly disturbing book. That's the thing about uncomfortable topics: if you're reading it, you create an image in your mind of what you perceive - rather than having the image given to you on a screen - and more often than not the image in my mind is far scarier.
The author has fleshed out the story in such a way that the reader is forced to really digest the terrible things. It's not one horrifying event on top of another; it's spaced out so that you truly think about what just happened and what it means...and what might be coming.
I was fascinated by the peek into the mind of a budding serial killer (because let's be real, that's what she'll be, with Mommy as first victim when she gets out of Marshes) and how she manipulates the world around her. There are a few moments here and there where for just a second, you feel bad for seven-year-old Hanna. But then she does something horrifying and the feeling passes, and you're #TeamSuzette once again.
I will say that Alex's willful ignorance of the situation and absolute indulgence of Hanna pissed me off - why would your wife lie to you about this, you idiot? - and I was SO HAPPY when he finally got with the program and they presented a united parental front against their evil little minion.
May I suggest you avoid this book if you have a precocious 7-year-old child? :)
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read & review this ARE.
I'm not going to rehash the plot you've read about 10,000 times. You get it: evil kid, scared mother, oblivious dad-in-denial. It sounds like it could be a bad horror movie; instead it's a truly disturbing book. That's the thing about uncomfortable topics: if you're reading it, you create an image in your mind of what you perceive - rather than having the image given to you on a screen - and more often than not the image in my mind is far scarier.
The author has fleshed out the story in such a way that the reader is forced to really digest the terrible things. It's not one horrifying event on top of another; it's spaced out so that you truly think about what just happened and what it means...and what might be coming.
I was fascinated by the peek into the mind of a budding serial killer (because let's be real, that's what she'll be, with Mommy as first victim when she gets out of Marshes) and how she manipulates the world around her. There are a few moments here and there where for just a second, you feel bad for seven-year-old Hanna. But then she does something horrifying and the feeling passes, and you're #TeamSuzette once again.
I will say that Alex's willful ignorance of the situation and absolute indulgence of Hanna pissed me off - why would your wife lie to you about this, you idiot? - and I was SO HAPPY when he finally got with the program and they presented a united parental front against their evil little minion.
May I suggest you avoid this book if you have a precocious 7-year-old child? :)
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read & review this ARE.
Lindsay (1793 KP) rated The Scarlet Pen (True Color #12) in Books
Jul 10, 2021
The last book in the True Colors series is called "The Scarlet Pen." What a story it told. Though at first, you might think about what is going on. Why would parents be concerned for their daughter and not allow her to marry her friend?
We meet a young woman and her sweet talk lover Stephen. But will they end up getting married, or will Emma finally see what is going on with their beloved and find true love? We seem to follow Stephen's journey from his marriage proposal to a young woman to his eventful capture.
There a young man on horseback comes to visit and do some business. As the twist and turns show up. Something happens to make Stephen and his friend jump town; Stephen tries to keep Emma at bay and in the dark. Clay seems to want to help and protect her. Emma seems to want to defend Stephen. Why is that?
There seems to be a trail of banknotes that keep leading back to Stephen and connecting to Emma. Will Emma confront a man that may harm her and possibly kill her. Or will someone come and save her.
Who is this serial killer? Why is he doing it? Clay seems to get hints and information and then loses Richards while he is on the run. Will they all make it out safe? Will Stephen get caught, or will he run free. I felt terrible for the family that brings Clay to face the past that happened to him and his family.
The True Color series is a favorite of mine. The books are set in history and tell about true American crimes and have some fiction. These books are great for historical fiction fans and crime fans as well. This one has quite a few killings but not too much detail of the gruesome deaths. Enough to know how it happened. The stories transpire based on actual crimes in American history, but there is some friction that the author brings up in the book.
We meet a young woman and her sweet talk lover Stephen. But will they end up getting married, or will Emma finally see what is going on with their beloved and find true love? We seem to follow Stephen's journey from his marriage proposal to a young woman to his eventful capture.
There a young man on horseback comes to visit and do some business. As the twist and turns show up. Something happens to make Stephen and his friend jump town; Stephen tries to keep Emma at bay and in the dark. Clay seems to want to help and protect her. Emma seems to want to defend Stephen. Why is that?
There seems to be a trail of banknotes that keep leading back to Stephen and connecting to Emma. Will Emma confront a man that may harm her and possibly kill her. Or will someone come and save her.
Who is this serial killer? Why is he doing it? Clay seems to get hints and information and then loses Richards while he is on the run. Will they all make it out safe? Will Stephen get caught, or will he run free. I felt terrible for the family that brings Clay to face the past that happened to him and his family.
The True Color series is a favorite of mine. The books are set in history and tell about true American crimes and have some fiction. These books are great for historical fiction fans and crime fans as well. This one has quite a few killings but not too much detail of the gruesome deaths. Enough to know how it happened. The stories transpire based on actual crimes in American history, but there is some friction that the author brings up in the book.
Death Be Blue (Terra Vane #1)
9.0
Rate It
Book
Enforcer Field Agent Terra Vane is a human psychic who is trying to prove herself in a world where...
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Mine to Keep (Bloody Desires) in Books
Sep 1, 2025
MINE TO KEEP is part of the Bloody Desires series, all standalone featuring serial killer daddies. Sounds good, right?
And it really was! Told primarily from Knox's perspective, you also have drop-in chapters from other characters to round it off. Knox has been an assassin for more years than he had planned, but knows his time is coming to an end. Just how it ends has yet to be determined. As he travels to a job, he meets Talon and Javier at the airport. There is something about them... but, no. He has a job to do. As circumstances would have it, he meets them again, and there you go. I would say it all kicks off from there, but I'd be lying, as action has already been on the menu by then.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Yes, it's violent, but it's also sweet. What a conundrum! 😆 Javier and Talon are almost perfect together, but they really do need Knox to round them out. Peggy is another one I loved, and I really hope to find her in other books in this series. I don't know for sure, as this is the first one I have read, but it certainly won't be the last.
Although this is primarily Knox's story, I would have liked to have seen a little more with Talon and Javier. For example, their reunion, or how their relationship developed further. That is the only reason I rated it 4.5 instead of 5 stars.
I thought this was a great introduction to the series, and I look forward to reading more. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 1, 2025
And it really was! Told primarily from Knox's perspective, you also have drop-in chapters from other characters to round it off. Knox has been an assassin for more years than he had planned, but knows his time is coming to an end. Just how it ends has yet to be determined. As he travels to a job, he meets Talon and Javier at the airport. There is something about them... but, no. He has a job to do. As circumstances would have it, he meets them again, and there you go. I would say it all kicks off from there, but I'd be lying, as action has already been on the menu by then.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Yes, it's violent, but it's also sweet. What a conundrum! 😆 Javier and Talon are almost perfect together, but they really do need Knox to round them out. Peggy is another one I loved, and I really hope to find her in other books in this series. I don't know for sure, as this is the first one I have read, but it certainly won't be the last.
Although this is primarily Knox's story, I would have liked to have seen a little more with Talon and Javier. For example, their reunion, or how their relationship developed further. That is the only reason I rated it 4.5 instead of 5 stars.
I thought this was a great introduction to the series, and I look forward to reading more. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 1, 2025
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Resist Me Not (Bloody Desires) in Books
Sep 4, 2025
RESIST ME NOT is part of the Bloody Desires series, featuring Walker, a doctor, and Trey, a travel writer/serial killer. Trey doesn't target just anyone, but rather those who harm others, especially wives and children. The reasons for this are explained, so don't worry about that.
Now, of course, killing anyone is never supposed to be good, but how it is done here gives an excellent moral debate, and as shown in a group conversation, this same question has been asked many times. It becomes personal for Walker when he knows what Trey is doing. After all, he is a doctor dedicated to saving lives, while Trey is taking them. But is it as clean-cut and concise as that?
While I thoroughly enjoyed this story, there were parts that I didn't feel necessary. Firstly, there was the Daddy part. That was more of a term of endearment than anything else. And did Daddy and good boy really have to be in italics most of the time? I didn't feel any need to emphasise those words in the context they were being used in. They could have been changed for different terms, and it would still read perfectly. And secondly, was how many times First Do No Harm was mentioned. I get that was the question of the moment; I didn't need the repetition to compound on it.
Trey was an excellently written character, showing depth and thought that you might not expect. Walker was a little more self-righteous, a little more bland, until the end--that part, I loved!
I am loving this series and have no hesitation in recommending it if morally grey stories are your thing.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 4, 2025
Now, of course, killing anyone is never supposed to be good, but how it is done here gives an excellent moral debate, and as shown in a group conversation, this same question has been asked many times. It becomes personal for Walker when he knows what Trey is doing. After all, he is a doctor dedicated to saving lives, while Trey is taking them. But is it as clean-cut and concise as that?
While I thoroughly enjoyed this story, there were parts that I didn't feel necessary. Firstly, there was the Daddy part. That was more of a term of endearment than anything else. And did Daddy and good boy really have to be in italics most of the time? I didn't feel any need to emphasise those words in the context they were being used in. They could have been changed for different terms, and it would still read perfectly. And secondly, was how many times First Do No Harm was mentioned. I get that was the question of the moment; I didn't need the repetition to compound on it.
Trey was an excellently written character, showing depth and thought that you might not expect. Walker was a little more self-righteous, a little more bland, until the end--that part, I loved!
I am loving this series and have no hesitation in recommending it if morally grey stories are your thing.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 4, 2025