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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2377 KP) rated The Mystery of the Antique Doll (Trixie Belden, #36) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
A new antique shop has opened in Sleepyside, and when Trixie and Honey visit the shop, they find Carl, the owner, rude. But Trixie really gets suspicious when he asks them to do him a favor on a weekend trip to Paris, and they find themselves being followed after doing it. What have they stumbled into?
While not among my least favorites in the series, I certainly do see the flaws. The plot drives the book more than logic and the author has to twist things around in pretty painful ways to get to the climax. Having said that, I do enjoy the climax, and I think the idea behind the mystery was good. Some of the series regulars are reduced to cameos, and this is the infamous books where Trixie knits.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-mystery-of-antique-doll-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While not among my least favorites in the series, I certainly do see the flaws. The plot drives the book more than logic and the author has to twist things around in pretty painful ways to get to the climax. Having said that, I do enjoy the climax, and I think the idea behind the mystery was good. Some of the series regulars are reduced to cameos, and this is the infamous books where Trixie knits.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-mystery-of-antique-doll-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Lindsay (1771 KP) rated A Season for Tending (Amish Vines and Orchards #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
Ronda is having trouble letting go of her guilt. Though it all she meets Leah King. Ronda starts to see that her family struggle But her dreams with her garden she will not let go. Sumuel starts having trouble with the apple orchard. Though Samuel is having some trouble he starts something with Ronda as partner with King's Orchard.
Samuel struggles with this family orchard. Things show that Ronda care about Samuel. For she goes after Samuel when something happens.
Things go from one thing to another. Is Ronda in love with Jakob or is god trying to get Samuel and Ronda together in another place. Where they will be working together ten hours away. To determine this it hard to say. For me I think God wants Samuel and Ronda together but the only way I will now is for the second book. Though there surprises and twist in this book.
Samuel struggles with this family orchard. Things show that Ronda care about Samuel. For she goes after Samuel when something happens.
Things go from one thing to another. Is Ronda in love with Jakob or is god trying to get Samuel and Ronda together in another place. Where they will be working together ten hours away. To determine this it hard to say. For me I think God wants Samuel and Ronda together but the only way I will now is for the second book. Though there surprises and twist in this book.

Lindsay (1771 KP) rated The Abduction of Nelly Don in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
What a story this turned out to be. You see how a woman had to work and get up in the world. Though most of this deal on kidnapping, You see what it like in 1930's. It more crime and Mystery of who is creating all the mayhem.
A Senator wanted to help a close friend and son. Though when he could not help them. He get another chance. Will he do everything to find Nelly Don? You learn and get twist and surprises around every corner.
As you read, you are wondering who is it is? You will want to know why? It get you to want read until you get to last page. Though for me It only held my interest. Though it a great. I say it an 4 to a 4.5 rating.
If you are a reader of crime and / or mystery. This may be a book for you.
A Senator wanted to help a close friend and son. Though when he could not help them. He get another chance. Will he do everything to find Nelly Don? You learn and get twist and surprises around every corner.
As you read, you are wondering who is it is? You will want to know why? It get you to want read until you get to last page. Though for me It only held my interest. Though it a great. I say it an 4 to a 4.5 rating.
If you are a reader of crime and / or mystery. This may be a book for you.

Sarah (7800 KP) rated Friend Request in Books
Mar 29, 2018
Just an average thriller
I’d heard good things about this book, but to me it just came across as your average run of the mill thriller.
Unsurprisingly considering the title, it’s based on an ominous and sinister friend request, which is actually one of the better things about the book. It’s very relatable as there’s not many people who don’t have Facebook nowadays, the problem is that I didn’t find Louise to be a very relatable protagonist. Some of her thoughts and actions were just a little too far fetched and didn’t make a lot of sense, even when you took the unfolding events into account.
The book itself was well written and it did at least keep me intrigued for the most part, but for me it was really let down by the ending. I was expecting more a shocking twist, but instead it just predictable and a bit dull. If it wasn’t for the ending, I may have rated it a little higher.
Unsurprisingly considering the title, it’s based on an ominous and sinister friend request, which is actually one of the better things about the book. It’s very relatable as there’s not many people who don’t have Facebook nowadays, the problem is that I didn’t find Louise to be a very relatable protagonist. Some of her thoughts and actions were just a little too far fetched and didn’t make a lot of sense, even when you took the unfolding events into account.
The book itself was well written and it did at least keep me intrigued for the most part, but for me it was really let down by the ending. I was expecting more a shocking twist, but instead it just predictable and a bit dull. If it wasn’t for the ending, I may have rated it a little higher.

Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Spider Bones (Temperance Brennan, #13) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Definitely not one of the best of the series. The science plot twist was a bit of a surprise, but the "who is this guy?" was telegraphed (for me, at least) pretty early on. I'm fairly tired of the on again, off again love thing with Ryan, but the depiction of Brennan's relationship with her young adult daughter is very accurate to this mother of a 20-year-old. Bringing in the "gangsta" angle seemed ridiculous to me, but I suppose there had to be some immediate danger somewhere to keep the publisher interested.
I still enjoy the television show <i>Bones</i> far more than the novels, which is unusual - but the show has more humor. I don't think I'd read novelizations based on the show, however, because a lot of the humor requires the chemistry between the actors as well as good scriptwriting. There are few authors who can translate that from screen to text.
I still enjoy the television show <i>Bones</i> far more than the novels, which is unusual - but the show has more humor. I don't think I'd read novelizations based on the show, however, because a lot of the humor requires the chemistry between the actors as well as good scriptwriting. There are few authors who can translate that from screen to text.

Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Dangerous Waters (The Guernsey Novels, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
What a refreshing read!! I absolutely loved it & can not fault anything about it!
The pacing was just right for this book. The characters were great! I especially loved Jeanne and Molly! Nick was great as well. I couldn't stand Marcus though. He seemed to be too needy and pushy which is what I think the author was trying to convey.
The plot is fairly predictable although there was one twist I didn't see coming!! However, this didn't put me off.
Dangerous Waters is such a sweet read, and it's reads so easily! Anne Allen is fantastic at writing. This is her first novel, but it would seem that she's been writing for ages with how well this book was done.
The story just works. And this book has made me want to visit Guernsey!
I loved the fact that the author included recipes at the end of the book as well. A nice touch!
The pacing was just right for this book. The characters were great! I especially loved Jeanne and Molly! Nick was great as well. I couldn't stand Marcus though. He seemed to be too needy and pushy which is what I think the author was trying to convey.
The plot is fairly predictable although there was one twist I didn't see coming!! However, this didn't put me off.
Dangerous Waters is such a sweet read, and it's reads so easily! Anne Allen is fantastic at writing. This is her first novel, but it would seem that she's been writing for ages with how well this book was done.
The story just works. And this book has made me want to visit Guernsey!
I loved the fact that the author included recipes at the end of the book as well. A nice touch!
Fantasy at its finest
Every girl dreams of being thrown into a mystery full of magic, love and wonder... but at what price?
Scarlett dreams of the world of Caraval for years, begs for them to visit so she can see the show. Finally she is accepted to attend a private show with her sister before she is to be married to a man she has never even met.
She is thrust into a world of adventure with her sister and an unlikely companion, but the unlikely one is always the one you should watch out for.
After her sister is kidnapped Scarlett what complete the game is get her back unharmed. This book if full of mind games, magic, and plenty of adventure. It is sure to keep you interested until the last page. I for one can't wait to read the next book!!
Just remember, all the best books have a suprise twist at the end!
Scarlett dreams of the world of Caraval for years, begs for them to visit so she can see the show. Finally she is accepted to attend a private show with her sister before she is to be married to a man she has never even met.
She is thrust into a world of adventure with her sister and an unlikely companion, but the unlikely one is always the one you should watch out for.
After her sister is kidnapped Scarlett what complete the game is get her back unharmed. This book if full of mind games, magic, and plenty of adventure. It is sure to keep you interested until the last page. I for one can't wait to read the next book!!
Just remember, all the best books have a suprise twist at the end!

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2377 KP) rated Pirate Vishnu in Books
Jul 27, 2018
Jaya’s Second Treasure Hunt Hits Close to Home
Jaya Jones has yet to live down the fame of her first treasure hunt when a man walks into her office with a second treasure map. This one appears to have the location of a treasure in San Francisco, but it’s the connection to Jaya’s family that peaks her interest. The map was drawn by her great-granduncle. A dead body only complicates Jaya’s quest. Can she stay alive long enough to learn what is going on?
I always enjoy finding a twist on the murder mystery theme, and this is a good one. The treasure hunt is as important as figuring out who the killer is, and between the two, the pages fly by. The twists get bigger the further into the book we get. I did think one stretched believability just a bit, but it was a minor deal. The characters are strong, and I’m curious where the complications in Jaya’s love life will go.
I always enjoy finding a twist on the murder mystery theme, and this is a good one. The treasure hunt is as important as figuring out who the killer is, and between the two, the pages fly by. The twists get bigger the further into the book we get. I did think one stretched believability just a bit, but it was a minor deal. The characters are strong, and I’m curious where the complications in Jaya’s love life will go.

Karenbmwmew (0 KP) rated Alice in Zombieland - White Rabbit Chronicles in Books
Sep 1, 2018
Characters (1 more)
Zombies
Great Read
I enjoyed this book. It is a young adult book and may not be what some are looking for. The main character Alice first seemed as most teenagers caught up in their own world and wanting to do what they want to do but by the end of the book she had grown into a young lady who realizes there is more to the world then just what she wants. I don't want to give anything away but she has to go through a lot before realizing that life is beyond her little world and there are things out there that she can help to do that in turn helps others.
Besides there are zombies.....and they aren't your typical zombie there are some twist to these that make them a bit more interesting. Not only do they have to fight the zombies but other humans as well when it comes to making the world safe.
Besides there are zombies.....and they aren't your typical zombie there are some twist to these that make them a bit more interesting. Not only do they have to fight the zombies but other humans as well when it comes to making the world safe.

Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Ruin Me (2017) in Movies
Sep 9, 2018 (Updated Sep 9, 2018)
Campy, cheesy fun (1 more)
Good pacing
Predictable (1 more)
Some iffy acting
Low budget meta horror
Contains spoilers, click to show
Shudder exclusive 'ruin me' runs a similar line to 'Fear Inc' or 'Hellhouse LLC', with a meta horror experience blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
The cast is a mix of early 2000s tropes, the goth couple, the chubby film nerd, the silent loner etc on a slasher themed survival weekend where events take a turn for the bloody.
They twist and turn a few times, toying with the viewer using an unreliable narrator, our protagonist Alex, whom you aren't ever really sure is in the real world.
Not much will surprise you, but it is a fun trope laden film with no real pretence of being anything other than it is...a low budget meta slasher.
Not a bad 90 mins though, and it's watchable enough so long as you don't mind the sometimes clunky humour and meta elements getting front and centre.
The cast is a mix of early 2000s tropes, the goth couple, the chubby film nerd, the silent loner etc on a slasher themed survival weekend where events take a turn for the bloody.
They twist and turn a few times, toying with the viewer using an unreliable narrator, our protagonist Alex, whom you aren't ever really sure is in the real world.
Not much will surprise you, but it is a fun trope laden film with no real pretence of being anything other than it is...a low budget meta slasher.
Not a bad 90 mins though, and it's watchable enough so long as you don't mind the sometimes clunky humour and meta elements getting front and centre.