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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Murder at Sea in Books
May 31, 2023 (Updated Jun 21, 2023)
Set Sail for Eight Fun – and Deadly – Cruises
For this entry in the Destination Murders short story anthologies, the writers are sending their sleuths on cruises. Of course, no vacation in this series is without a hiccup and dead body or two. From Norway to Italy and Seattle, and from budget cruise lines to luxury yachts, the sleuths must deal with the unexpected when a killer decides that the sea is the perfect time to strike.
While there are a couple of stories that really stood out, every single one of these eight stories is enjoyable. I can’t think of one I didn’t like. Many of the authors included their series characters here, although you don’t have to know the characters to enjoy what happens. In fact, this reminded me that I really do need to read some of these author’s novels. These stories are long enough that, by the time you’ve read all eight, you’ve read the equivalent of a full-length novel, so there is plenty here to keep you entertained. Each story features a fun twist or two, and the solutions always satisfied. Whether you are looking for a great read for a summer vacation or want something to make you feel like you are on vacation, you’ll be glad you boarded this anthology.
While there are a couple of stories that really stood out, every single one of these eight stories is enjoyable. I can’t think of one I didn’t like. Many of the authors included their series characters here, although you don’t have to know the characters to enjoy what happens. In fact, this reminded me that I really do need to read some of these author’s novels. These stories are long enough that, by the time you’ve read all eight, you’ve read the equivalent of a full-length novel, so there is plenty here to keep you entertained. Each story features a fun twist or two, and the solutions always satisfied. Whether you are looking for a great read for a summer vacation or want something to make you feel like you are on vacation, you’ll be glad you boarded this anthology.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Daft Wee Stories in Books
Apr 16, 2018
Daft wee stories
I think there's something wrong with Limmy. Such a troubled mind. How he comes up with the stories contained here is mind-boggling.
This is a collection of short stories, all of which are less than a 10 minute read. All of them are very odd. Some are hilarious, some are interesting, others just truly bizarre. A number of the stories seem to be going nowhere and then just totally twist in the last few words. In others Limmy somehow has his character work through the logic of a stupid decision and somehow convince themselves to make that stupid decision
This collection is a good read, but don't expect it to be laugh out loud funny. This isn't your Michael Macintyre autobiography, it is a collection of daft wee stories, generally showing people getting themselves into weird situations or doing stupid things.
This is a collection of short stories, all of which are less than a 10 minute read. All of them are very odd. Some are hilarious, some are interesting, others just truly bizarre. A number of the stories seem to be going nowhere and then just totally twist in the last few words. In others Limmy somehow has his character work through the logic of a stupid decision and somehow convince themselves to make that stupid decision
This collection is a good read, but don't expect it to be laugh out loud funny. This isn't your Michael Macintyre autobiography, it is a collection of daft wee stories, generally showing people getting themselves into weird situations or doing stupid things.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated A Season Of Eden in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Lol, remember when I read books like this? I read this back in 2014.
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Please erase this from my memory! I found this to be slow, drab and boring. Where was the excitement, the thrill, the sex?! I was led to believe, by the book description, that this was an erotic book about a love affair between teacher and student, however when I got round to reading it, it was more like a very close awkward friendship between teacher and student.
Eden is a superficial, over dramatic, self obsessed character with no real teenage girl qualities about her and Mr Christian is just a weak man who falls in love with the most beautiful girl in school, what a shocker.
Conversations are short and unrealistic and lots of scenes are overly long and not needed to progress the plot at all. I regret spending my money on this.
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Please erase this from my memory! I found this to be slow, drab and boring. Where was the excitement, the thrill, the sex?! I was led to believe, by the book description, that this was an erotic book about a love affair between teacher and student, however when I got round to reading it, it was more like a very close awkward friendship between teacher and student.
Eden is a superficial, over dramatic, self obsessed character with no real teenage girl qualities about her and Mr Christian is just a weak man who falls in love with the most beautiful girl in school, what a shocker.
Conversations are short and unrealistic and lots of scenes are overly long and not needed to progress the plot at all. I regret spending my money on this.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Finding Fraser in Books
Feb 21, 2018
This was a fun read, even for someone who has never read any of the Outlander series.
The book alternates between chapters telling us the story, and blog posts that Emma writes as she goes along. The blog posts are short and sweet, and sometimes provide a little insight into things that have not yet been fully disclosed in the story.
I did feel that the heroine was a bit naive for 29. I often wanted to yell into the book at her, and to point out how blind she was being, or how ridiculous some of her choices were. Even so, Emma is a likable character, and I couldnt help but root for her and wish her success in her quest to find love.
NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book alternates between chapters telling us the story, and blog posts that Emma writes as she goes along. The blog posts are short and sweet, and sometimes provide a little insight into things that have not yet been fully disclosed in the story.
I did feel that the heroine was a bit naive for 29. I often wanted to yell into the book at her, and to point out how blind she was being, or how ridiculous some of her choices were. Even so, Emma is a likable character, and I couldnt help but root for her and wish her success in her quest to find love.
NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
David McK (3576 KP) rated Fool Moon (The Dresden Files, #2) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
<updated review in 2019>
I read the graphic novel version when I accidentally purchased the Dresden Files Omnibus from Comixology, thinking it contained new stories (it doesn't: it contains 'Storm Front', this ('Fool Moon') and the short story 'A Restoration of Faith'). While it's been a few years since I last read the actual novel, from what I remember, the graphic novel sticks pretty close to the original source material. I still have trouble as seeing Harry Dresden as any other than Nicolas Cage from the film 'The Sorceror's Apprentice', though ...
<original review>
Second entry in Jim Butcher's Dresden files series, building upon and expanding the world first introduced in "Storm Front", and in which Harry Dresden - Chaicago's only professional wizard in the phone book - ends up involved in a case to do with Werewolves (of which there are more types than your classical bi-morph).
I read the graphic novel version when I accidentally purchased the Dresden Files Omnibus from Comixology, thinking it contained new stories (it doesn't: it contains 'Storm Front', this ('Fool Moon') and the short story 'A Restoration of Faith'). While it's been a few years since I last read the actual novel, from what I remember, the graphic novel sticks pretty close to the original source material. I still have trouble as seeing Harry Dresden as any other than Nicolas Cage from the film 'The Sorceror's Apprentice', though ...
<original review>
Second entry in Jim Butcher's Dresden files series, building upon and expanding the world first introduced in "Storm Front", and in which Harry Dresden - Chaicago's only professional wizard in the phone book - ends up involved in a case to do with Werewolves (of which there are more types than your classical bi-morph).
David McK (3576 KP) rated T2: The Future War (Gollancz) in Books
Jan 30, 2019 (Updated Dec 13, 2020)
Final part of S.M. Stirling's trilogy of books that present an alternate story than that told in <i>T3: Rise of the Machines</i> and <i>Terminator: Salvation</i>.
Unlike the previous two entries (<i>T2: Infiltrator</i> and <i>T2: Rising Storm</i>), this is not so much the one-on-one of the Connors versus a single Terminator, but is rather humanity versus Skynet which, remember, had become sentient at the end of the last novel. While the beginning of the novel does take place pre-Judgement day, the bulk of it actually takes place during the war itself: a war only hinted at in the first two films.
I quite enjoyed this read, and how it tied into both the films and earlier novels. In short, one of the better expanded universe novels out there (though you would have to read the first two first).
Unlike the previous two entries (<i>T2: Infiltrator</i> and <i>T2: Rising Storm</i>), this is not so much the one-on-one of the Connors versus a single Terminator, but is rather humanity versus Skynet which, remember, had become sentient at the end of the last novel. While the beginning of the novel does take place pre-Judgement day, the bulk of it actually takes place during the war itself: a war only hinted at in the first two films.
I quite enjoyed this read, and how it tied into both the films and earlier novels. In short, one of the better expanded universe novels out there (though you would have to read the first two first).
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Strength (Curse of the Gods, #4) in Books
Jan 7, 2021
3.5 stars
I think I lost interest somewhere in the middle for a short while as my week off started and I did things I've been wanting to do for a while but I jumped back in today and pretty much finished the last 45% in one sitting.
I'm liking the thing--well, romance, I'm assuming--between Neutral and Emmy, that could be interesting so I'm going to read book 4.5 next.
As for the rest of this one. We're getting more answers to the questions that have arisen over the last three books and the father of Willa is definitely an intriguing one if it is who was mentioned towards the end of this one.
Pica had me grinning like an idiot at the end. She LOVES everything! It was so funny to read the group's feelings towards her and her attitude to life.
I think I lost interest somewhere in the middle for a short while as my week off started and I did things I've been wanting to do for a while but I jumped back in today and pretty much finished the last 45% in one sitting.
I'm liking the thing--well, romance, I'm assuming--between Neutral and Emmy, that could be interesting so I'm going to read book 4.5 next.
As for the rest of this one. We're getting more answers to the questions that have arisen over the last three books and the father of Willa is definitely an intriguing one if it is who was mentioned towards the end of this one.
Pica had me grinning like an idiot at the end. She LOVES everything! It was so funny to read the group's feelings towards her and her attitude to life.
Christen (28 KP) rated Before He Kills in Books
Dec 13, 2020
Mystery (1 more)
Suspense
A body is found in the middle of a cornfield in Nebraska. Detective Mackenzie White is on the case. All the men are intimidated by her. She is pretty and young. She is good at thinking outside the box and most of the men are older and are stubborn with their old school police work. Not only does she not have the support of her department, but her family also is a mess and doesn't really have anything to do with her and her boyfriend is a man child that doesn't want to move forward with life or the relationship. She believes this a serial killer so the FBI is called to help. It was a good read. Nothing to write home about. It's a typical murder mystery. I would recommend it to someone who wants a short read or is new to thrillers and murder mysteries.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Gold Unicorn in Books
Dec 3, 2018
This is going to be lengthy and a little roundabout up here I go...
When I first read this book I was in middle school ~12or so. I loved it and tried as hard as I could to find the prequel. The pet peeve was my favorite character (I -for some quark of the universe- find all of Thanith Lee’s series the second books before the first ones). It scared me and made me think. This was not my normal image of what a unicorn was and a female lead was quite new to me, especially one that saves herself. When I was 15 I read it again as I had found the third book. It had changed. I found Tanaquil self-centered and for all her travels short sighted. The relationship between the sisters was weird and not yet having read the first book I found Tanaquil being unfair toward her mom. I also found the interaction between her and the men interesting. I finally found the first book in my twenties so I reread the series. It had changed again. I realized how badly things could have turned out how lucky she was and yes still scared of some of the parts but was for different reasons. The interaction between the men and women were annoying anyone who wasn’t a main character was frivolous and silly. And having read the first book seeing Tanaquil not as self centered. I was also amazed that it was labeled a kids book. Now in my thirties, it has changed again. Mostly because of what is going on in the world. The best intentions of Tanaquil’s half sister which always unnerved me, I understand better. I as an adult realized this was the first (or one of the first) books I had ever read in which there is no clear cut villain. It is well written and worthy of being read over and over and I will lend it to my friends, nephews, and cousins to read.
When I first read this book I was in middle school ~12or so. I loved it and tried as hard as I could to find the prequel. The pet peeve was my favorite character (I -for some quark of the universe- find all of Thanith Lee’s series the second books before the first ones). It scared me and made me think. This was not my normal image of what a unicorn was and a female lead was quite new to me, especially one that saves herself. When I was 15 I read it again as I had found the third book. It had changed. I found Tanaquil self-centered and for all her travels short sighted. The relationship between the sisters was weird and not yet having read the first book I found Tanaquil being unfair toward her mom. I also found the interaction between her and the men interesting. I finally found the first book in my twenties so I reread the series. It had changed again. I realized how badly things could have turned out how lucky she was and yes still scared of some of the parts but was for different reasons. The interaction between the men and women were annoying anyone who wasn’t a main character was frivolous and silly. And having read the first book seeing Tanaquil not as self centered. I was also amazed that it was labeled a kids book. Now in my thirties, it has changed again. Mostly because of what is going on in the world. The best intentions of Tanaquil’s half sister which always unnerved me, I understand better. I as an adult realized this was the first (or one of the first) books I had ever read in which there is no clear cut villain. It is well written and worthy of being read over and over and I will lend it to my friends, nephews, and cousins to read.
hip hop hen: phonics 1 CVC
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PHONICS APPS CREATED BY TEACHERS in the UK We are very excited to bring to you: “phonics 1 CVC”....