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ZebraLily (5 KP) rated The Wife Between Us in Books
Mar 21, 2018
Great Read!
This author is VERY clever. Her plot twists were absolutely JAW-DROPPING! However, she did reveal the final plot-twists a little early for my tastes, allowing too much room between the final twist and the end of the book....leaving me ready to just end the book because I knew how it would end. I wasn’t able to relate to the narrator for this particular novel, but my mother was able to perfectly, and so she favored this book over the Woman in the Window, which was one I related to more and adored. So, to each their own. This was an overall wonderful read, and I cannot wait to see what more this author brings to the thriller genre. Clever. Very clever.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Tampa in Books
Mar 15, 2018
This book is meant to shock! Based on the case of Florida teacher Debra Lafave, this book explores a taboo subject with a twist. Not as often do you hear of a female teacher having an affair with a student, so it's a great book that flips this subject on its head to reveal a shocking double standard that's sadly present in our society.
I was so interested in where this story was going and how it was going to end that I hardly put it down! Definitely a NSFW book with some rather graphic scenes. Don't expect this book to be anything like Lolita in the sense that Nabokov writes in a such a way that you catch yourself slipping and feeling sorry for Humbert on occasion, Nutting makes no efforts to make us feel sorry for Celeste, she's presented as a lust driven woman who will stop at nothing to fufill her desires.
By liking this book I am not condoning the actions written within, I simply found this a fascinating read. Very different to anything I've read before.
I was so interested in where this story was going and how it was going to end that I hardly put it down! Definitely a NSFW book with some rather graphic scenes. Don't expect this book to be anything like Lolita in the sense that Nabokov writes in a such a way that you catch yourself slipping and feeling sorry for Humbert on occasion, Nutting makes no efforts to make us feel sorry for Celeste, she's presented as a lust driven woman who will stop at nothing to fufill her desires.
By liking this book I am not condoning the actions written within, I simply found this a fascinating read. Very different to anything I've read before.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965) in Movies
Feb 24, 2018
Genre-defining British anthology horror film. Five men have their fortunes told on a train; guess what, it doesn't look good for any of them. For instance: Christopher Lee is pursued by a severed hand, Roy Castle unwisely plagiarises voodoo music, Fluff Freeman has to contend with a malevolent vine. Frame story has (in theory) a twist ending; but it's the same one they use in nearly all of these films.
The quality of these anthology horror films is always a bit variable, because the different stories themselves inevitably are; this is a pretty good one because even when the stories are ridiculous and arguably incoherent, they are still told with a sense of humour and don't hang around too long. Extraordinary cast, obviously; the rubber hand chasing Christopher Lee would go on to appear in more films than Fluff Freeman, probably because it was a better actor. When this film is good, it's very good; even when it's not so good, it's still a lot of fun. Much imitated, not least by Amicus themselves, but seldom equalled.
The quality of these anthology horror films is always a bit variable, because the different stories themselves inevitably are; this is a pretty good one because even when the stories are ridiculous and arguably incoherent, they are still told with a sense of humour and don't hang around too long. Extraordinary cast, obviously; the rubber hand chasing Christopher Lee would go on to appear in more films than Fluff Freeman, probably because it was a better actor. When this film is good, it's very good; even when it's not so good, it's still a lot of fun. Much imitated, not least by Amicus themselves, but seldom equalled.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Éclair and Present Danger (Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery, #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Emergency dessert delivery is the best idea I have heard in a long time - I wish I could actually call up the Emergency Dessert Squad! This was a clever twist to the popular culinary mystery, and I look forward to more of this series.
With her old business closing, a new one just getting off the ground, and the acquisition of a grumpy cat, Winnie barely has time to sleep and eat. Add to that a potential love interest (or two) and a murdered next door neighbor, and she really has her hands full. Thankfully she has a great group of neighbors and friends to help her out.
When the murderer was finally revealed, I couldn't believe I hadn't seen it. There were clues right in front of my face that I totally missed, and I love that. This story had a unique cast of characters, and was a great introduction to this new series.
NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With her old business closing, a new one just getting off the ground, and the acquisition of a grumpy cat, Winnie barely has time to sleep and eat. Add to that a potential love interest (or two) and a murdered next door neighbor, and she really has her hands full. Thankfully she has a great group of neighbors and friends to help her out.
When the murderer was finally revealed, I couldn't believe I hadn't seen it. There were clues right in front of my face that I totally missed, and I love that. This story had a unique cast of characters, and was a great introduction to this new series.
NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Gone Without a Trace in Books
Feb 21, 2018
When Hannah returns home one day to find all traces of her boyfriend, Matt, have vanished, she is determined to figure out what has happened. While I was at times just as invested in figuring things out as Hannah was, at other times I felt frustrated with her for making what seemed to be foolish choices. Never having been in such a situation though, I cant say how I would react, so I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt and stuck with it even when I wanted to shout at her. Im glad I did the resolution was just as unexpected as I had hoped it would be.
Once it gets going, the story moves along at a good pace with very little downtime, and I read it in just a couple of sittings. Hannah may not be my favorite protagonist in the recent spate of thrillers with a twist, but the story is an enjoyable one, and I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book from Mary Torjussen.
Once it gets going, the story moves along at a good pace with very little downtime, and I read it in just a couple of sittings. Hannah may not be my favorite protagonist in the recent spate of thrillers with a twist, but the story is an enjoyable one, and I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book from Mary Torjussen.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Murder on St. Mark's Place (Gaslight Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
One of midwife Sarah Brandt’s clients goes into early labor due to the shock of learning her sister was murdered. Knowing that the killer will never be caught, Sarah begins to investigate, enlisting police sergeant Frank Malloy to help her. The victim spent her evenings with a variety of men, so the suspect list is quite long. Are there too many suspects, or can Sarah and Frank find the killer?
This book does a fabulous job of taking us back to the summer of 1896 in New York City and introducing us to girls who would give out favors in exchange for nice things they couldn’t afford on their salaries. That adds a somber note to the book; one that gives it depth. The characters are equally deep, and I loved seeing Sarah and Frank move forward in their personal lives. I did figure out a twist or two early, but the book kept surprising me until the end.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/04/book-review-murder-on-st-marks-place-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book does a fabulous job of taking us back to the summer of 1896 in New York City and introducing us to girls who would give out favors in exchange for nice things they couldn’t afford on their salaries. That adds a somber note to the book; one that gives it depth. The characters are equally deep, and I loved seeing Sarah and Frank move forward in their personal lives. I did figure out a twist or two early, but the book kept surprising me until the end.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/04/book-review-murder-on-st-marks-place-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Gorgo (1961) in Movies
Feb 12, 2018
The poster tagline 'Like nothing you've ever seen before' is really pushing it a bit considering this British suitamation movie is composed almost entirely of bits from other, better-known films. Generations of British people have grown up believing they've seen a proper Godzilla film when in fact they were just exposed to this in their childhood. On the other hand, Eugene Lourie also directed The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, one of the original Godzilla's main inspirations, so you could say he's just repeating himself rather than actually being derivative.
Soundly scripted with a decent twist and pretty good performances, and the devastation of London by Gorgo's mum in the final reel is well-staged. Persistent rumour suggests that a young John Carpenter made an unofficial sequel, Gorgo Vs Godzilla, but no-one seems to know for sure if this even exists - shame, as on the strength of this outing Gorgo and his mum had potential for their own series. Only really of interest to fans of vintage monster movies, but a distinctive and rather distinguished entry to this genre.
Soundly scripted with a decent twist and pretty good performances, and the devastation of London by Gorgo's mum in the final reel is well-staged. Persistent rumour suggests that a young John Carpenter made an unofficial sequel, Gorgo Vs Godzilla, but no-one seems to know for sure if this even exists - shame, as on the strength of this outing Gorgo and his mum had potential for their own series. Only really of interest to fans of vintage monster movies, but a distinctive and rather distinguished entry to this genre.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Cemetery Girl in Books
Jun 7, 2018
I was given this as a free e-book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Right, first off, let me say as I always say when I rate a book 3 stars, that a 3 star review is NOT a bad thing! In fact, I'd recommend this book.
Okay, I had trouble getting into this book. I found it a bit too slow paced for my liking.
However, a little over half way through the book, I really started getting into it! It became super interesting!! I loved the whole volleyball game chapter. That one was probably my favourite!! I also liked the use of Latin phrases throughout the book.
The ending was really good as well. It was definitely a plot twist that I didn't see coming at all!!
I also want to mention that their were a few images in this book which I really enjoyed. They brought a little bit extra to the book, and I thought they were drawn really well. =)
This would make a great holiday/summer read =)
Definitely recommended!
Right, first off, let me say as I always say when I rate a book 3 stars, that a 3 star review is NOT a bad thing! In fact, I'd recommend this book.
Okay, I had trouble getting into this book. I found it a bit too slow paced for my liking.
However, a little over half way through the book, I really started getting into it! It became super interesting!! I loved the whole volleyball game chapter. That one was probably my favourite!! I also liked the use of Latin phrases throughout the book.
The ending was really good as well. It was definitely a plot twist that I didn't see coming at all!!
I also want to mention that their were a few images in this book which I really enjoyed. They brought a little bit extra to the book, and I thought they were drawn really well. =)
This would make a great holiday/summer read =)
Definitely recommended!
Connie (244 KP) rated Super Powereds: Year 1 in Books
Jun 8, 2018
A twist on the classic super hero story
This is an interesting in-depth look at a Hero Certification Program and how young Supers become full-fledged Heroes. Gifted with incredible powers, the Supers have to complete 4 years of rigorous training to be allowed an internship under an existing Hero.
The Powereds, on the other hand, have to be contained and avoided--they have no control over their abilities. And that's fine if your ability is, say, shooting water out of your fingers... But what if you control the flow of gravity, or absorb electricity?
When a mysterious treatment turns 5 Powereds into Supers, you can bet there is chaos, mischief, and at least a little destruction to boot!
I loved this book because it was well-written, with interesting and deep characters. There are no Mary Sues here, and even the professors become real as opposed to just static authority figures.
Additionally. I bought this book for Kindle for $4, and it's like 700 pages long. Can't beat that price!
I reccommend this book to everyone!
The Powereds, on the other hand, have to be contained and avoided--they have no control over their abilities. And that's fine if your ability is, say, shooting water out of your fingers... But what if you control the flow of gravity, or absorb electricity?
When a mysterious treatment turns 5 Powereds into Supers, you can bet there is chaos, mischief, and at least a little destruction to boot!
I loved this book because it was well-written, with interesting and deep characters. There are no Mary Sues here, and even the professors become real as opposed to just static authority figures.
Additionally. I bought this book for Kindle for $4, and it's like 700 pages long. Can't beat that price!
I reccommend this book to everyone!
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Asphyx (1972) in Movies
Jun 14, 2018
Early 70s British costume-drama horror movie, so you know roughly what to expect - scientist consumed with hubris decides to play God, learns the hard way he doesn't have the full set of qualifications for the gig. But this is really a rather morbid Victorian melodrama, an impression which is only heightened by how primitive some of the special effects are (the asphyx puppet in particular is a bit of an eye-popper).
At a time when the average Hammer horror was brazenly carnal and exploitative, and Amicus' line of portmanteaus was recycling the same jokey twist endings, The Asphyx takes itself wholly seriously and is positively bleak throughout - the whole movie is about death and despair, and the effects this can have on people. (At one point the plot boils down to a race between two characters to see which one of them can commit suicide first.) The intensity of the telling (good performances from the leads) makes it somewhat mesmerising to watch, even if it's a slightly chilly and unsettling experience.
At a time when the average Hammer horror was brazenly carnal and exploitative, and Amicus' line of portmanteaus was recycling the same jokey twist endings, The Asphyx takes itself wholly seriously and is positively bleak throughout - the whole movie is about death and despair, and the effects this can have on people. (At one point the plot boils down to a race between two characters to see which one of them can commit suicide first.) The intensity of the telling (good performances from the leads) makes it somewhat mesmerising to watch, even if it's a slightly chilly and unsettling experience.