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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2502 KP) rated The Fly on the Wall in Books
Apr 6, 2024
When a Reporter Becomes the Story
John Cotton is working late one night at his job as a political reporter at the state capital when another reporter comes in bragging about having just gotten a huge story. Just a few minutes later, that other reporter is dead. John begins trying to figure out what the story might be, but when another reporter is killed, he can’t help but wonder if the story he’s pursuing is deadly.
Those most familiar with Tony Hillerman because of his books set on the Navaho reservation will find this political thriller is quite a departure. Heck, it isn’t even set in the southwest, although we do get a memorable scene there. As a thriller, it took a bit to get going, but once we did, I was hooked with several edge of your seat scenes. John is the only character we truly get to know; it would have been nice to get to know some of the others better. The book originally came out in 1971, and it shows. Parts are definitely dated. None of these complaints are reasons to skip the book. If you pick it up and give it a chance, you’ll find yourself enjoying it.
Those most familiar with Tony Hillerman because of his books set on the Navaho reservation will find this political thriller is quite a departure. Heck, it isn’t even set in the southwest, although we do get a memorable scene there. As a thriller, it took a bit to get going, but once we did, I was hooked with several edge of your seat scenes. John is the only character we truly get to know; it would have been nice to get to know some of the others better. The book originally came out in 1971, and it shows. Parts are definitely dated. None of these complaints are reasons to skip the book. If you pick it up and give it a chance, you’ll find yourself enjoying it.
Twist of Time
8.0
Rate It
Book
A fast-paced thriller by Emmy Award-nominated screenwriter, producer, and director Gy Waldron ...
Thriller
ClareR (6106 KP) rated The Surf House in Books
Feb 22, 2026
The Surf House is an entertaining, fast moving, atmospheric thriller, and really doesn’t do many favours for the Moroccan tourist board. Bea is attacked in an alleyway after she decides to leave her modelling set in Marrakesh, and when a woman comes to her rescue, the unthinkable happens.
Bea is invited to The Surf House to hide out and gather her thoughts, and it seems idyllic. The descriptions of the sea, surfers and the beach almost made me want to learn how to surf somewhere hot (almost). But at the same time, it’s clear that there’s something else going on. Something rotten. When Bea finds out that a young woman went missing a year ago, she starts to notice more things that don’t seem right.
There are so many twists, turns and dead ends that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I did find myself wanting to shout at her to just leave - I was so frustrated! She is pretty naive. But this is so well written and evocative of the setting and Bea’s feelings when she feels trapped and scared (and she feels those things a lot!), that I can forgive her naivety!
Ideal for those who enjoy a good thriller!
Bea is invited to The Surf House to hide out and gather her thoughts, and it seems idyllic. The descriptions of the sea, surfers and the beach almost made me want to learn how to surf somewhere hot (almost). But at the same time, it’s clear that there’s something else going on. Something rotten. When Bea finds out that a young woman went missing a year ago, she starts to notice more things that don’t seem right.
There are so many twists, turns and dead ends that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I did find myself wanting to shout at her to just leave - I was so frustrated! She is pretty naive. But this is so well written and evocative of the setting and Bea’s feelings when she feels trapped and scared (and she feels those things a lot!), that I can forgive her naivety!
Ideal for those who enjoy a good thriller!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Snowman (Harry Hole #7) (Oslo Sequence #5) in Books
Oct 16, 2017
A very good crime thriller
Crime thrillers are very common, especially series, but I really think the Harry Hole books are better than your average crime novels.
The Norwegian setting is a nice change from your usual UK or USA set novels. Harry Hole is an intriguing and flawed protaganist, even if he is a little bit cliched. The plot of this novel itself is very interesting, although it does wander slightly into disbelief at times. This doesn't stop it from being a very good read and probably one of the better stories in the Harry Hole series that I've read so far.
The Norwegian setting is a nice change from your usual UK or USA set novels. Harry Hole is an intriguing and flawed protaganist, even if he is a little bit cliched. The plot of this novel itself is very interesting, although it does wander slightly into disbelief at times. This doesn't stop it from being a very good read and probably one of the better stories in the Harry Hole series that I've read so far.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Roanoke Girls in Books
Jul 24, 2017
A deeply disturbing psychological drama
I would not consider this a conventional thriller as it was understandable that the ending would play out in such a way. But it is a harrowing, horribly grim perspective on intergenerational sexual abuse and incest. It raises questions about how such acts can continue to happen over long periods of time, how abusers manipulate their victims to make them feel they are to blame in their trauma as well as the complicity of outside factors such as the other parent and the outside community. A horrifying look at patriarchal structures.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Cross Justice in Books
Jul 25, 2017
Jaw dropping at times but some inconsistencies
There were moments where I actually applauded the writing after finding out another piece of information and twist to this non-stop thriller. The snappy writing allows you to stay engaged with the story and the endless plot turns make it all the more intriguing.
I had a few qualms however. Some of the action sequences were bordering on Hollywood and were totally unbelievable, making Alex Cross seem invincible. And the serial killer narrative that went parallel to the story seemed almost pointless although it was at times even more engaging.
I had a few qualms however. Some of the action sequences were bordering on Hollywood and were totally unbelievable, making Alex Cross seem invincible. And the serial killer narrative that went parallel to the story seemed almost pointless although it was at times even more engaging.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Disease in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[The Disease] by [George Hamilton] was a medical thriller that pits government loyalty versus the good of humanity. I would like to say this was a post apocalyptic story but sadly I can see events like this being possible today.
The characters of Olga and Ludmilla face choices that will not only affect them but possibly the entire world. The setting is an Eastern European nation while a pandemic rages. Ludmilla is a doctor and "Daughter of the Nation", while Olga her daughter is a dissident. Who can be trusted and what is the right choice are themes throughout this novel.
The characters of Olga and Ludmilla face choices that will not only affect them but possibly the entire world. The setting is an Eastern European nation while a pandemic rages. Ludmilla is a doctor and "Daughter of the Nation", while Olga her daughter is a dissident. Who can be trusted and what is the right choice are themes throughout this novel.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Watcher in Books
Jul 29, 2017
"One of the best thrillers I've read in a while"
No doubt there are clear remnants of Girl on a Train and Rear Window in this psychological thriller, and having heard a fair few, sometimes it seems obvious who the culprit is.
However - the twists and turns to get to the climax are absolutely gut wrenching, the first personal dialogue writing in a journal is engaging and the contemporary plot is interesting - so it's well worth the read. Catherine Steadman is a great performer - and it reminded me of listening to Paula Hawkin's character - there are clear similarities. Overall, definitely worth any hype.
However - the twists and turns to get to the climax are absolutely gut wrenching, the first personal dialogue writing in a journal is engaging and the contemporary plot is interesting - so it's well worth the read. Catherine Steadman is a great performer - and it reminded me of listening to Paula Hawkin's character - there are clear similarities. Overall, definitely worth any hype.
Rose (201 KP) rated The Avengers (2012) in Movies
Aug 27, 2017
Visuals (2 more)
Interaction between the characters
LOKI
After my first viewing of this movie, I wanted to watch it all over again. I loved the interaction between the characters, especially that they all didn't get along right away, that the relationships had to be worked on so that they could be civil with one another.
My only problem was the weird dissonance I got about half-way through. I felt like I was watching two movies: a mystery thriller and an action movie. Perhaps it was just because the action really ramped up after that point.
My only problem was the weird dissonance I got about half-way through. I felt like I was watching two movies: a mystery thriller and an action movie. Perhaps it was just because the action really ramped up after that point.
Kenny (1 KP) rated Snowpiercer (2013) in Movies
Feb 10, 2019
An apocalyptic world with the last of humanity riding a super train through a frozen wasteland. The passengers are thrown into a caste system where the poor ride the back of the train in filth and squalor while the rich live a happy well fed life at the front. Now it's up to Chris Evans to lead his gang of poor outcasts to the front of the train fighting their way through carriages of violent surprises and deadly passengers on the way. This is a thriller you'll want to watch again and again until theres' no nails left for you to bite.