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♰♰♰ <b>3 'Gloomy' Stars</b>
I didn't quite know how to feel about this book...
I have read a number of books by [a:Susan Hill|18874|Susan Hill|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1337917448p2/18874.jpg] and I have found them to be very hit and miss. I seem to compare each one to [b:The Woman in Black|37034|The Woman in Black|Susan Hill|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327869942s/37034.jpg|2127172] as this was the one that I enjoyed the most.
There's no denying that Hill's writing is beautiful and she is fantastic at 'setting the scene'. The beginning of 'Dolly' was very well written, very descriptive and creepy, unfortunately this just didn't last throughout the book.
The length of the novel was just too short to fit everything in so it just felt rushed, this meant that so many opportunities were missed where Hill could of shown off the amazing skills that I know she has.
It makes me wonder if she sets a word limit or a page limit on all of her books as all the ones I have read just seem to be 'packed in'.
'Dolly' had the makings of a masterpiece but the execution let it down immensely.
I didn't quite know how to feel about this book...
I have read a number of books by [a:Susan Hill|18874|Susan Hill|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1337917448p2/18874.jpg] and I have found them to be very hit and miss. I seem to compare each one to [b:The Woman in Black|37034|The Woman in Black|Susan Hill|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327869942s/37034.jpg|2127172] as this was the one that I enjoyed the most.
There's no denying that Hill's writing is beautiful and she is fantastic at 'setting the scene'. The beginning of 'Dolly' was very well written, very descriptive and creepy, unfortunately this just didn't last throughout the book.
The length of the novel was just too short to fit everything in so it just felt rushed, this meant that so many opportunities were missed where Hill could of shown off the amazing skills that I know she has.
It makes me wonder if she sets a word limit or a page limit on all of her books as all the ones I have read just seem to be 'packed in'.
'Dolly' had the makings of a masterpiece but the execution let it down immensely.

Roxanne (13 KP) rated The Man Who Came Too Much in Books
Nov 9, 2018
★★★★ <b>4 Star Rating</b> ★★★★
Me whilst reading this ebook:
<img src="http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Emma-Stones-Hysterical-Laugh-Gif.gif" width="300" height="150"/>
OMG this was hilarious! And filthy! Oh so filthy!
You just have to read this.
It's smutty, it's hot and it's enough to get you drenched.
Are you male? Female? It doesn't matter...this guy just wants to cover you from head to toe.
<img src="http://buzzworthy.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/buzz/2013/05/wanted-5.gif" width="300" height="180"/>
I guess you could say that this guy has a special gift as in just one go he can fill jugs, pringle cans and thigh high boots.
Let's just say you're in for a surprise...in the face!
<img src="http://twilight.ponychan.net/chan/files/src/138016257052.gif" width="300" height="180"/>
Wanna get it on with this guy? Don't forget to bring a spare pair of clothes...you're gonna need them:
<b>A night with this guy (Before and after)</b>
<img src="http://d22zlbw5ff7yk5.cloudfront.net/images/stash-3-50cceaaeb43ab.gif" width="300" height="180"/>
A well written short story filled to the brim with smut...read it! It's feckin' hilarious!
Me whilst reading this ebook:
<img src="http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Emma-Stones-Hysterical-Laugh-Gif.gif" width="300" height="150"/>
OMG this was hilarious! And filthy! Oh so filthy!
You just have to read this.
It's smutty, it's hot and it's enough to get you drenched.
Are you male? Female? It doesn't matter...this guy just wants to cover you from head to toe.
<img src="http://buzzworthy.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/buzz/2013/05/wanted-5.gif" width="300" height="180"/>
I guess you could say that this guy has a special gift as in just one go he can fill jugs, pringle cans and thigh high boots.
Let's just say you're in for a surprise...in the face!
<img src="http://twilight.ponychan.net/chan/files/src/138016257052.gif" width="300" height="180"/>
Wanna get it on with this guy? Don't forget to bring a spare pair of clothes...you're gonna need them:
<b>A night with this guy (Before and after)</b>
<img src="http://d22zlbw5ff7yk5.cloudfront.net/images/stash-3-50cceaaeb43ab.gif" width="300" height="180"/>
A well written short story filled to the brim with smut...read it! It's feckin' hilarious!

David McK (3540 KP) rated Ender's Game in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Originally starting life as a short story that was later expanded into a full-length novel, this was one of those 'classic' sci-fi stories that I was marginally aware of, but never really had any inclination to read.
When I started seeing the trailers for the movie adaptation to be released this week (on 25/10/13), I decided I actually would read it before going to see the movie (which is sometimes a good idea, other times not).
Having done so, it's interesting to see how Card predicted many of today's technology (remember, this was written mid-80s), in particular the kids portable tables (today's tablet computers), and the proliferation of blogging (although it was never actually called such) on the internet (again, never called such).
The plot? Very briefly (and roughly): Earth is at war with an alien insectoid race, so the best and brightest kids are taken to a 'battle school' in space at a young age in order to be trained in how to become leaders. Andrew 'Ender' (so called because he is the youngest child of 3) Wiggins is one such kid, who proves to be the brightest and best of the bunch ...
How will the movie compare? I'll just have to wait and see!
When I started seeing the trailers for the movie adaptation to be released this week (on 25/10/13), I decided I actually would read it before going to see the movie (which is sometimes a good idea, other times not).
Having done so, it's interesting to see how Card predicted many of today's technology (remember, this was written mid-80s), in particular the kids portable tables (today's tablet computers), and the proliferation of blogging (although it was never actually called such) on the internet (again, never called such).
The plot? Very briefly (and roughly): Earth is at war with an alien insectoid race, so the best and brightest kids are taken to a 'battle school' in space at a young age in order to be trained in how to become leaders. Andrew 'Ender' (so called because he is the youngest child of 3) Wiggins is one such kid, who proves to be the brightest and best of the bunch ...
How will the movie compare? I'll just have to wait and see!

The Rest on the Flight: Selected Poems
Book
Satirist, philosopher, elegist, aphorist, cultural historian -- Peter Porter is perhaps too singular...

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Red Dragon in Books
Dec 2, 2020
194 of 200
Red Dragon ( Hannibal Lecter book 1)
By Thomas Harris
RED DRAGON: the novel that introduced Hannibal Lecter
Will Graham was a brilliant profiler of criminals for the FBI - until he suffered terrible injuries in the process of capturing Dr Hannibal 'the Cannibal' Lecter.
Years later, a reluctant Will agrees to help the FBI hunt down a depraved serial killer. But he soon realises that he needs the help of the only mind better than his own at understanding madmen.
The mind of Hannibal Lecter...
I’m a huge fan of Thomas Harris and this is possibly my third reread of this book and series! This time I seemed to enjoy it that little more and I’m not sure if it’s because I have a clearer picture of the characters and feelings surrounding the books from the tv series! He has a way of writing so you get so involved with the story and the characters, that to me is what keeps me coming back to read these books over and over. For the short intervals that Hannibal is in theses books gives you a feeling he’s watching over everything you read. Poor old Will really has had it tough too! On to silence of the lambs!!!
Red Dragon ( Hannibal Lecter book 1)
By Thomas Harris
RED DRAGON: the novel that introduced Hannibal Lecter
Will Graham was a brilliant profiler of criminals for the FBI - until he suffered terrible injuries in the process of capturing Dr Hannibal 'the Cannibal' Lecter.
Years later, a reluctant Will agrees to help the FBI hunt down a depraved serial killer. But he soon realises that he needs the help of the only mind better than his own at understanding madmen.
The mind of Hannibal Lecter...
I’m a huge fan of Thomas Harris and this is possibly my third reread of this book and series! This time I seemed to enjoy it that little more and I’m not sure if it’s because I have a clearer picture of the characters and feelings surrounding the books from the tv series! He has a way of writing so you get so involved with the story and the characters, that to me is what keeps me coming back to read these books over and over. For the short intervals that Hannibal is in theses books gives you a feeling he’s watching over everything you read. Poor old Will really has had it tough too! On to silence of the lambs!!!

Kristina (502 KP) rated Behind Closed Doors in Books
Dec 7, 2020
It was a little difficult to get past the "proper" tone of voice, but I've noticed that books with *English?British* spelling - such as favourite and realise, instead of favorite and realize - all have that certain way of writing. This isn't the fault of the author, so much as me being used to a more informal perspective when it comes to books. Despite this, I really, truly enjoyed Behind Closed Doors. I started it around 10 o'clock at night, wanting to read something to pass a couple of hours away without getting too interested, and found myself reading until it was finished. It was a quick read, not too short, but also not as long as other novels. Not necessarily fast paced, the story kept up a steady stream of surprises. I found myself intrigued and desperate to know how Grace would escape Jack, while saving Millie in the process. Granted, I was able to predict most of what would happen by the last 3-4 chapters, I was still very interested in seeing exactly how everything would play out. Behind Closed Doors wasn't dark and mysterious, but it had me figuratively biting my nails in curiosity over what would happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed my first B A Paris experience.

Debbiereadsbook (1401 KP) rated Of Autumn Leaves and New Beginnings in Books
Sep 29, 2019
didn't quite work for me
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Oren goes to thank his mum's neighbour for helping her when she fell, and he falls, HARD! Pete is married, though, right?
So, three things let this book down, for ME.
Strike one
Single person point of view. Only Oren has a say.
Strike two
First person, present tense. Just doesn't work for me.
Strike three
This was a very VERY short book, took me less than 30 minutes to read it. I have no idea why this lets it down, but you know me and my book feelings and this is what I feel!
BUT
Positive one
When Oren and Pete are on the same page for the first time, they are both straight into whatever *this* is between them.
Positive two
Loved Pete's ex-wife's reaction to finding Pete and Oren getting a little touchy feely.
Positive three
Loved the reaction of Pete's kids to their Extra-Daddy.
It is well written, and I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading. It was a *nice* read. (And you know how I feel about using that word!)
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Oren goes to thank his mum's neighbour for helping her when she fell, and he falls, HARD! Pete is married, though, right?
So, three things let this book down, for ME.
Strike one
Single person point of view. Only Oren has a say.
Strike two
First person, present tense. Just doesn't work for me.
Strike three
This was a very VERY short book, took me less than 30 minutes to read it. I have no idea why this lets it down, but you know me and my book feelings and this is what I feel!
BUT
Positive one
When Oren and Pete are on the same page for the first time, they are both straight into whatever *this* is between them.
Positive two
Loved Pete's ex-wife's reaction to finding Pete and Oren getting a little touchy feely.
Positive three
Loved the reaction of Pete's kids to their Extra-Daddy.
It is well written, and I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading. It was a *nice* read. (And you know how I feel about using that word!)
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
The title describes the book
I loved this book. It is one of the best crime books I have read. The title was relevant as this book had so many twist and turns. The last one was definitely the best and I did not see it coming.
I was gripped to this book and really could not put this down. I had to see what happened next. Some of the things I guessed but this was at the end. I couldn't of guessed the twists through the beginning and middle part of the book.
The whole book went together so well. I was surprised at how many people had been killed by the 'killer'.
I felt so many different emotions when reading this book - shock, surprise, fearful, gripped.
My feelings towards some of the characters changed throughout the book which is usual in crime books.
I couldn't find fault with the story or writing on the book.
This isn't like any book I have read before which is always good.
The blurb was so short it gave nothing away but this matched the book 100%.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a crime book.
I was gripped to this book and really could not put this down. I had to see what happened next. Some of the things I guessed but this was at the end. I couldn't of guessed the twists through the beginning and middle part of the book.
The whole book went together so well. I was surprised at how many people had been killed by the 'killer'.
I felt so many different emotions when reading this book - shock, surprise, fearful, gripped.
My feelings towards some of the characters changed throughout the book which is usual in crime books.
I couldn't find fault with the story or writing on the book.
This isn't like any book I have read before which is always good.
The blurb was so short it gave nothing away but this matched the book 100%.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a crime book.

Merissa (12632 KP) rated Assassin's Touch (Iron Portal #1) in Books
Apr 13, 2023
In an alternate reality exists two worlds, both at war with each other. Neyla is drawn into this war against her will when it is discovered that she has a latent Talent. Enscripted into the army, in a war full of propaganda and struggling with the mistrust of the soldiers she's supposed to be fighting with, she is injured by a soldier on her side and captured by a 'barbarian'.
Taken over into Cascadia, she soon learns that the war is different to the stories that she's been fed. Given time to spend with the citizens, she realises that she doesn't want to go back. Of course, Rickert might also play a big part in that as the attraction between the two absolutely sizzles.
This is a fantastic start to the series with wonderful world-building. The characters are all full-bodied and believable, even the ones you dislike. Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely recommended for those who want a short but hot paranormal romance read.
* 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!
Jun 21, 2015
Taken over into Cascadia, she soon learns that the war is different to the stories that she's been fed. Given time to spend with the citizens, she realises that she doesn't want to go back. Of course, Rickert might also play a big part in that as the attraction between the two absolutely sizzles.
This is a fantastic start to the series with wonderful world-building. The characters are all full-bodied and believable, even the ones you dislike. Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely recommended for those who want a short but hot paranormal romance read.
* 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!
Jun 21, 2015

ClareR (5841 KP) rated The Stranding in Books
Jul 27, 2022
I have serious feelings about this book, and I’ll start by saying that I would give this ALL the stars if I could.
Ruth tries to ignore the bad news going on in the world. She goes to work, moves in with her boyfriend, realises he’s not who she thought he was, has a short-lived affair, ends it with the boyfriend and decides to go travelling.
So Ruth is on a New Zealand beach with a complete stranger when the worst thing that could happen, does happen. They hide inside the carcass of a recently dead whale, and when they re-emerge onto the beach, everything is changed.
This is told in alternate chapters of before and after, and shows the stark difference between the two times. It also shows what’s really important in a life: the human drive to survive and love.
Honestly, I’m so desperate for other people to read this, that I don’t want to give too much away, so that you don’t lose that element of surprise and the joy tinged with sadness when you turn each page. It really did make me think about what’s important in my own life.
The Stranding was just an absolute pleasure to read.
Ruth tries to ignore the bad news going on in the world. She goes to work, moves in with her boyfriend, realises he’s not who she thought he was, has a short-lived affair, ends it with the boyfriend and decides to go travelling.
So Ruth is on a New Zealand beach with a complete stranger when the worst thing that could happen, does happen. They hide inside the carcass of a recently dead whale, and when they re-emerge onto the beach, everything is changed.
This is told in alternate chapters of before and after, and shows the stark difference between the two times. It also shows what’s really important in a life: the human drive to survive and love.
Honestly, I’m so desperate for other people to read this, that I don’t want to give too much away, so that you don’t lose that element of surprise and the joy tinged with sadness when you turn each page. It really did make me think about what’s important in my own life.
The Stranding was just an absolute pleasure to read.