Early Departures
6.0
Rate It
Book
Justin A. Reynolds, author of Opposite of Always, returns with another charming and powerful YA...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Cottage in Books
Sep 5, 2021
There are two strands to this book; the first is an intriguing story set in an isolated cottage at the edge of a wood. The main character, Jan, is not in a good place and needs a break away from a life that has spiralled down ... well she gets it but not in the way she would have hoped. The second, is the devastating story of Ian and Emma's loss of their baby and the repercussions of Ian's investigations as to why it has happened to them for a second time.
How are these two strands connected ... if at all?
Written at a steady pace with interesting characters, this is a book that will keep you reading to find out what happens. I admit that I worked out the twist quite early on but needed to keep reading to see how it all played out and, on the whole, it was very satisfying.
My thanks go to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) in Movies
Sep 28, 2021
The much repeated classic score by Jerry Goldsmith never fails to impress.
There’s a striking ‘Deltan’ heroine in the shapely form of Indian model Persis Khambatta (who sadly died very young).
And a twist in Alan Dean Foster’s story is genuinely clever (for those who know their space history).
However, all of this is outweighed by a story that is treacle-like in its telling. It’s a classic example of “look at how clever we are”, with special effects overriding everything else. A scene where Kirk travels to the Enterprise takes 5 minutes and 56 seconds (I looked up the Goldsmith track length): a scene involving nothing more than Scotty’s smug looks and Kirk’s awed reaction shots. Later in the movie, there are ENDLESS shots of the Enterprise travelling towards the centre of the cloud. Yawn! FOR F**CK’S SAKE GET ON WITH IT!!!
If this grand-standing was the quiet interlude between high-octane action sequences, then it might be partly forgiven. But even the action scenes are little less than soporific.
Black Ice Heart (Unveiled Magic #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
Born into a wealthy and historically infamous family, all Ryson Melford wants is to live a simple...
Urban Fantasy MM Romance Trigger Warning
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated You Feta Watch Out in Books
Nov 20, 2024
While a play of A Christmas Carol might be familiar in a Christmas cozy, I enjoyed the twist on who the victim was. It led to a strong mystery with plenty to suspects and a logical climax I didn’t see coming. The characters are all fun to be around. I especially enjoyed spending time with the series regulars again, and I appreciated that the warnings to Carly to be careful were toned down in this book. The Christmas spirit is strong; it made me wish I were reading it in December with my decorations already up. There are two recipes at the end, including a Christmas grilled cheese. Grill up a sandwich and enjoy this fun Christmas mystery.
The Case of the Canterfell Codicil
10.0
Rate It
Book
There's a literary niche for all tastes including those who think that either Dorothy L Sayers...
Sheer Window
10.0
Rate It
Book
In this Thanksgiving twist on Rear Window, a seemingly ordinary holiday gathering takes a dark turn...
Murder Italian Style
8.0
Rate It
Book
Cozy with a chance of meatballs... When style expert Samantha Kidd plans a holiday in Italy, she...
Forbidden Lust (Sinful Knights)
8.0
Rate It
Book
In the City of London, Josh works tirelessly to provide financial security for his younger sister,...
Contemporary MM Romance Age Gap Forbidden Love
David McK (3832 KP) rated Ransom (1996) in Movies
Nov 7, 2021
However, for 'reasons', and following a botched attempt to do so which the FBI crash, he decides instead to offer the ransom as a bounty on the kidnappers instead - kidnappers which the film has no qualms whatsoever about revealing from pretty much the get go.
That would have been a great twist (offering the ransom as a bounty, I mean) had the marketing for the movie not relied so heavily on it.
There's also surprisingly little made of it in the movie proper, save for one or two throwaway lines by interviewed citizens on the street.
As such, the film really relies on the 'star power' of Gibson himself and his co-star Rene Russo, alongside a strong turn by FBI agent Delroy Lindo and Gary Sinise.
The result is one of Gibson's more forgettable mid-90s thrillers, I feel.