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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated 26 Below in Books

Sep 13, 2024 (Updated Sep 13, 2024)  
26 Below
26 Below
Kimberley Woodhouse | 2023 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Can Darcie and Jason Stop a Villain Cold?
Darcie Phillips is thrilled to be leading the new Emergency Operations Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. On the team is Jason Myers, a cybersecurity expert. But they’ve just barely begun their jobs when a strange woman appears in town warning about something happening when the temperature drops to 26 below. Since winter is coming, that will be soon. Can Darcie and Jason figure out a way to deal with this crisis?

I was intrigued by this premise, so I decided to give this book a try. Unfortunately, I found this book uneven. There is more buildup than pay off, and some of that buildup gets swept under the rug. I did like Darci and Jason and find them compelling characters, although the rest of the team are fairly one note. This is a Christian novel, and I found that aspect refreshing and emotionally touching in ways I wasn’t expecting. I think this is more of a character study than a thriller, and I wasn’t expecting that. There are a couple of small timeline issues, made more obvious by the way each scene is headlined with date and time. But I had to laugh at how much of a cold weather wimp I am while reading how these characters felt about the weather in Alaska. I am still considering picking up the next book since I am intrigued by the threads left opened here. If you are looking for strong characters in a light thriller, you should consider picking this book up.
  
1922 (2017)
1922 (2017)
2017 | Crime, Horror
Not Stephen King's best
Either this wasn't directed very well or it isn't Stephen King's best novella. There seemed to be something lacking to make it a true psychological thriller. It consists of a man who manipulates his son into killing his mother in order to stay on the land and live life as farmers. And as expected things go horribly wrong from there.

But the thing is, most of the things that go wrong are expected if you're watching this kind of film. You know from the outset that the husband and son won't live merrily if they've committed this sort of crime so it's a total anti-climax. After watching King's other adapted film @Gerald's Game (2017), this felt like a let down.
  
Split (2016)
Split (2016)
2016 | Horror, Thriller
This movie keeps you on the edge of your seat with the tension, mystery and entertainment of the character of Kevin Wendellcrumb (2 more)
Secret shared universe
Fantastic performance from James McAvoy
Some unnecessary deaths which were executed cheaply but were not enough to bring this fantastic film down (0 more)
Split: The film that brought M.Night Shymalan to the top
Split is a mysterious thriller staringa great performance by James McAvoy, which has shown that M.Night Shymalan really can make a good film as this film has brought him to top form. This film has terrific performances, mainly by James McAvoy, entertaining suspense which will keep you on the edge of your seat. Go and buy a ticket. Twice! You won't regret it.
  
His Bloody Project
His Bloody Project
Graeme Macrae Burnet | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.6 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well written, realistic penny dreadful
The author has done quite a spectacular job of researching this piece of historical fiction, bringing to life a gruesome episode in 1800s Scotland. Expect to read a documentary type book and not a particularly suspenseful thriller. It took a long time to get into this book, mostly because the performance was quite dry and dull, hence I struggled to concentrate. During the crux of the story, in which Roddy is in court, the story picks up slightly, sounding more like a courtroom drama. He attempts to explore the idea of moral insanity, but falls short mostly because of the lack of understanding they would have at the time the book is set.

Well written and researched but a bit bland.