tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32124657663177643172024-03-12T00:50:41.305-04:00Back to BooksMurder - Mystery - Mayhem - le Morte - Macabre - MadnessNikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.comBlogger2906125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-63755039827840847202022-02-21T18:04:00.004-05:002022-02-21T18:04:31.458-05:00Deserter by Junji Ito<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5kEo9b40ygqp_C8VwlozOoJUTqF_Hib_aiobEIICqq-q59ngXdDFc3D8CUiTXy-jGwUm9NuJUz1l3Ca993T1K_v7PSD91Ad-Hy6R7JPb_0FSv7BH6BQYsL7qxit8HZQrs8BuABmuf1PH748nB5u47qxhQ51KDm0x81FcQRO0O6a3k73CE68ij3TsoQQ=s2000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5kEo9b40ygqp_C8VwlozOoJUTqF_Hib_aiobEIICqq-q59ngXdDFc3D8CUiTXy-jGwUm9NuJUz1l3Ca993T1K_v7PSD91Ad-Hy6R7JPb_0FSv7BH6BQYsL7qxit8HZQrs8BuABmuf1PH748nB5u47qxhQ51KDm0x81FcQRO0O6a3k73CE68ij3TsoQQ=s320" width="224" /></a></div><br /> What can I say? I love Ito and this is another excellent collection of shorts. No body horror this time and the most chilling story involves the horrors of humankind. It is needless to say the art is stunning. Another great Ito for my collection. 5 stars<p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-25490256765336763342022-02-21T18:00:00.005-05:002022-02-21T18:00:41.351-05:00Killing by the Book by Ryan Stark<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioeSV61yBSa5HsdI6G6FmWR3EKtWhk6nbY2fkj5c8ybb9FyJ9uiqu1CipKb2i6LLbhANfT7b-0E9Pxqc05FwQF7ed5j4pt2lM9wNRV773fjT5c-4ekVFFIWjwiaETD9OXa14Izxbq-QW2QPgln3IY2X9_ZJ8fBmDwOLS8uVrgthJAiHAkKRKnFF3up5A=s475" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioeSV61yBSa5HsdI6G6FmWR3EKtWhk6nbY2fkj5c8ybb9FyJ9uiqu1CipKb2i6LLbhANfT7b-0E9Pxqc05FwQF7ed5j4pt2lM9wNRV773fjT5c-4ekVFFIWjwiaETD9OXa14Izxbq-QW2QPgln3IY2X9_ZJ8fBmDwOLS8uVrgthJAiHAkKRKnFF3up5A=s320" width="212" /></a></div>A Daley & Whetstone Crime Story #1<br /> <p></p><p><span id="freeTextreview4553751716" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The first book in a British procedural series. Daley and Whetstone work on a case of a murdered woman which eerily resembles a case from five years earlier. While they try to find a connection a man is murdered with the same MO. A slow burn but the case progresses continuously. I will be continuing with the series.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> 4 stars</span></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-54541953720124975082022-02-16T06:54:00.004-05:002022-02-16T06:54:33.150-05:00A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzXym-vATMpT6qGkTJBhY9zZbnm9dILvTWGmMliwn6GGiji6F5gOMAE5S4V_p9H8y21B3In-knrCqDX2NTmaQIF2phm6vuRRQpU8V6pMT5E_Rqo07dV5LmW2y_I5UNeCOLdbVnD6DDfNqqxpkq1wVfW9NVbAOwLoODECAIDSNEZ2KcO5gLhO-pCdp4QA=s500" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzXym-vATMpT6qGkTJBhY9zZbnm9dILvTWGmMliwn6GGiji6F5gOMAE5S4V_p9H8y21B3In-knrCqDX2NTmaQIF2phm6vuRRQpU8V6pMT5E_Rqo07dV5LmW2y_I5UNeCOLdbVnD6DDfNqqxpkq1wVfW9NVbAOwLoODECAIDSNEZ2KcO5gLhO-pCdp4QA=s320" width="212" /></a></div>The story of a family in the midst of trauma. Told fifteen years after the event the voice alternates from that of the youngest daughter and a blog dedicated to the horrific and the unusual. The family's eldest daughter is mentally unstable until the family turns to possession and exorcism as a last resort. I was terribly disappointed. I had expected scares and creeps but found none until the final chapters. The quickness with which the exorcism is approved by the church is unrealistic and the story was simply not scary in the least. This is a popular author so I will try him again to see if I connect with his work. 3 stars<p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-78020227597307208482022-02-14T10:36:00.001-05:002022-02-14T10:36:24.099-05:00Tastes Like Candy by Ivy Tholen<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbhmp-6AdhlgW5X3yPkLuNBeAyWziESqBmvFGUgRnCb7W20rLeGIBilVIKG2dQVAhKrPRwv5TJ9uStlS1YUJVE2XugpCG7En7028oxY3szZHwkHZLI4oLd2PdVM4kSv0XN-0FzlbFtds0Twz3VJxp78fRu4YQXkoIqj-SCgqrElKOdA6-ZFt3Yi3Xx-A=s475" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbhmp-6AdhlgW5X3yPkLuNBeAyWziESqBmvFGUgRnCb7W20rLeGIBilVIKG2dQVAhKrPRwv5TJ9uStlS1YUJVE2XugpCG7En7028oxY3szZHwkHZLI4oLd2PdVM4kSv0XN-0FzlbFtds0Twz3VJxp78fRu4YQXkoIqj-SCgqrElKOdA6-ZFt3Yi3Xx-A=s320" width="214" /></a></div><br /> This is my first slasher book and I wholly enjoyed it. Six girls go to the local theme park at night to participate in a yearly ritual the new senior girls are invited to by last year's chosen girls. It's all fun and games until all the dying-off starts. A killer is stalking and killing them one by one. I really enjoyed that the girls were given unique personalities and backgrounds that made us care for them. 5 stars<p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-82003684720199457882022-02-14T10:28:00.004-05:002022-02-14T10:28:30.363-05:00Bleed by Ed Kurtz<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUbxfGrTbKkUY-uCC9JIhR41xOC7EwmK25Y_fKYZ4NCdRVnIfU-_8r51xANpF-W6sqKvC4uDLlQ6TNClXJgiRoODNuzQOS4mUfJ9yu6jbse1CAAf_HT7e09GdcE-W1uMrfBGdtmxMG0xSTyJ0bdjI9x_DEYGkgoUQiGBduPZSt2-bMdpZcdJICzK3nRQ=s474" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUbxfGrTbKkUY-uCC9JIhR41xOC7EwmK25Y_fKYZ4NCdRVnIfU-_8r51xANpF-W6sqKvC4uDLlQ6TNClXJgiRoODNuzQOS4mUfJ9yu6jbse1CAAf_HT7e09GdcE-W1uMrfBGdtmxMG0xSTyJ0bdjI9x_DEYGkgoUQiGBduPZSt2-bMdpZcdJICzK3nRQ=s320" width="215" /></a></div><span id="freeTextreview4543238331" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Walt moves into his first home out in the countryside as he starts a new job and makes plans for him and his girlfriend of three years. When he first moves in there is a small rust coloured stain on the hallway ceiling. It gets bigger every time he and Amanda, the girlfriend, try to clean it, paint it. Then it starts dripping leaving pools of blood. Eventually, they realize it is alive. A very good book about the nature of evil. Lots of creep factor and unsettling descriptions. The main character isn't likable ut he feels real, It's so easy to fall under the spell of evil. Surprising and creepy ending.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> 4 stars</span><p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-12552040529410041162022-02-11T07:00:00.000-05:002022-02-11T07:00:04.393-05:00Don't Call it a Cult by Sarah Berman<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQQHgdJ-K0818UHyzVwcU17OL4nmdbLiZn7YcE-p4hcjC8RRNH52XwCEgOpwN91cjsljPjF_-uxW0XGzv-mxe71fNBq-WhaxGHAm3zamMZ-y8l2rhX3026uMWlO6tTH2b06M2TmdUQ4LrcSwRk1Ha1JYVEpr7p_dkSO_uHq-BSRXK0wfukUaPYhqOy-A=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQQHgdJ-K0818UHyzVwcU17OL4nmdbLiZn7YcE-p4hcjC8RRNH52XwCEgOpwN91cjsljPjF_-uxW0XGzv-mxe71fNBq-WhaxGHAm3zamMZ-y8l2rhX3026uMWlO6tTH2b06M2TmdUQ4LrcSwRk1Ha1JYVEpr7p_dkSO_uHq-BSRXK0wfukUaPYhqOy-A=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /> Covers the story of Nexium and cult leader Keith Renaire. A self-help seminar-based MLM becomes a restrictive group that targets women to become slaves to Renaire's God-like persona. Many rich and famous people were involved. The well-written narrative is entertaining and informative. Goes into depth and leaves the reader with no hanging questions. I knew little to nothing about this cult and eagerly read the story of how this man gained power over so many women ending with the trial and results. 5 stars<p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-65020844251522359222022-02-11T06:52:00.005-05:002022-02-11T06:52:44.147-05:00Mrs. March by Virginia Feito<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDRvvXrtMj8OqjXYMt3YRzxhlGlTEwiu3-Bl7rubZdu75W5E2gKOlJS3beMTrWJHzOcNDyOKzBjwYheNGudxR76jZEO32JM1u-PJsKQ1qoUtuR9waXu68sNhmR4ndVgFsgcKnrajfCxi6g23XfsakM2TRqHCyFtsxntee9VGMoumxUxSGASSrwL4z_EA=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDRvvXrtMj8OqjXYMt3YRzxhlGlTEwiu3-Bl7rubZdu75W5E2gKOlJS3beMTrWJHzOcNDyOKzBjwYheNGudxR76jZEO32JM1u-PJsKQ1qoUtuR9waXu68sNhmR4ndVgFsgcKnrajfCxi6g23XfsakM2TRqHCyFtsxntee9VGMoumxUxSGASSrwL4z_EA=s320" width="212" /></a></div><br /> Fantastic! A beautiful study of an unstable woman. Someone mentions that the main character in her husband's new novel is based on her. The character is an unloveable prostitute. This comment sends the woman into paranoia. The ending was shocking and brilliant. 5 stars<p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-30330550633681678652022-02-07T05:55:00.000-05:002022-02-07T05:55:01.965-05:00The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1UGJFfBcOyQyAfdSJGrhKSFsxkrb4KNgSkCizcTaLq7TKjkkSzaktAFHs0o_usfE15lHfTPFf96Z3WvtfyhnYCC_-gj0F5GdxSFFdzYXMolPd1TMFcbHGHb5IHha0KamPtINGYp1-stgRB-w9xdL0F8QENP3_Kxw-PdMlaxsxwX_SFFuz9HeE25u76g=s451" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1UGJFfBcOyQyAfdSJGrhKSFsxkrb4KNgSkCizcTaLq7TKjkkSzaktAFHs0o_usfE15lHfTPFf96Z3WvtfyhnYCC_-gj0F5GdxSFFdzYXMolPd1TMFcbHGHb5IHha0KamPtINGYp1-stgRB-w9xdL0F8QENP3_Kxw-PdMlaxsxwX_SFFuz9HeE25u76g=s320" width="213" /></a></div>The second book in the Dark Tower series. This is a re-read for me. The title refers to picking the three people to join the Gunslinger on his quest. I just flew through the book reading it in one day. It's a compelling, entertaining tale that I couldn't put down, however, I can't say it was terribly exciting. I like King's horror better than his fantasy. I am looking forward to the next book. 4 stars<p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-86276429342482008312022-02-07T05:46:00.006-05:002022-02-07T05:46:58.656-05:00The Troop by Nick Cutter<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOJzsCem9AvpzsJh78FEsE0XRibmjRv3In8U70HbVmAKVd2VO9yT3Eno6uhkZvdleM-mm4-ZNoGdWxue7BklvqTAxhm6npKfvIcGmB2c-g6nZCBxQX3NxzKnRubQAyxOtj55L43WsSniJtGeMoBilOHCNNcVBcbTG5im5dnd2NFJoQiIlIuMRB3feRRA=s1360" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="907" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOJzsCem9AvpzsJh78FEsE0XRibmjRv3In8U70HbVmAKVd2VO9yT3Eno6uhkZvdleM-mm4-ZNoGdWxue7BklvqTAxhm6npKfvIcGmB2c-g6nZCBxQX3NxzKnRubQAyxOtj55L43WsSniJtGeMoBilOHCNNcVBcbTG5im5dnd2NFJoQiIlIuMRB3feRRA=s320" width="213" /></a></div>Amazing! I couldn't put this down. Takes place in PEI and the author is Canadian, too. A Scout troop goes to an uninhabited island each year for camp. This year as they are settling into the cabin a man runs into them screaming in hunger. He is virtually skeletonized and the scout leader, who is the town doctor, tries to help him. This really gave me the creeps at times. Great descriptions of unsettling images. I immediately went and ordered another book by the author. 5 stars<p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-81123150682478499002022-01-30T06:22:00.002-05:002022-01-30T06:22:10.112-05:00Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFyh4tQSdpSezqok4m0D3-ju5ZKKrpGdI5Q9C5W2rCb3mfwK-wBv0qHJ4ebCyVcb4vsUrEb24JA3k-hXjL_JAqKyAH0z4LAAxYyrPbmds5GdH5POHPzG8bzvkqzei_k08R4n9A-V1mlQfuZGHWvE1sgQykfLQO9wdWvjtjwrEb085PiPc4ueUqeJI5Dg=s2400" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFyh4tQSdpSezqok4m0D3-ju5ZKKrpGdI5Q9C5W2rCb3mfwK-wBv0qHJ4ebCyVcb4vsUrEb24JA3k-hXjL_JAqKyAH0z4LAAxYyrPbmds5GdH5POHPzG8bzvkqzei_k08R4n9A-V1mlQfuZGHWvE1sgQykfLQO9wdWvjtjwrEb085PiPc4ueUqeJI5Dg=w200-h320" width="200" /></a></div>It's hard to give this summary and the one on the back is somewhat misleading. It's also difficult to pin a genre on it. I've gone with either Gothic or Noir. There is a stream of consciousness as a man goes back to when he was twelve years old. What he tells is sketchy. We know some of what he describes is true but how to tell what parts are true and which are the imaginings of a twelve-year-old. The story is sad as he thinks only of the dad who died under mysterious circumstances when he was four and the dysfunctional childhood they had, including a younger brother with fits and mental limitations. The book made me feel sad and melancholy but I can't really tell you what happened.<p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-1512310734174122212022-01-25T21:41:00.006-05:002022-01-25T21:41:57.737-05:00Fragments of Horror by Junji Ito<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjuFeIW4m0eiVPA83fEih4AGaBmdl3EZsAk5swRNU5fp-SwdZ8fKhRbJYUk4BTTEpygy74UHzSdQjOpUzdYAWQgP8Ht43I2Ji_U0k3mbjSj8RCjKE5_8CVSPMQ0qpN0qJcju7j08Y0lqKzH2bXrFdpbeVIlZ2KXqK4frsJqShONHgvSjG05Duwln_yUw=s456" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjuFeIW4m0eiVPA83fEih4AGaBmdl3EZsAk5swRNU5fp-SwdZ8fKhRbJYUk4BTTEpygy74UHzSdQjOpUzdYAWQgP8Ht43I2Ji_U0k3mbjSj8RCjKE5_8CVSPMQ0qpN0qJcju7j08Y0lqKzH2bXrFdpbeVIlZ2KXqK4frsJqShONHgvSjG05Duwln_yUw=s320" width="223" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Absolutely brilliant! A collection of longer than usual short stories. The stories sit well together as each is grim and dark. These are very hard-hitting emotional stories. Wonderful lyrical writing with plots that capture you, taking you down a road with a disturbing end. The best collection of stories I've read in some time. Truly excellent.</span><p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-58546212116411200312022-01-25T21:38:00.001-05:002022-01-25T21:38:21.442-05:00The Pier Falls and Other Stories by Mark Haddon<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6Ksguh2mZJyuxDdrGM0z9CMW3gB_74seZlHklK7fcrxvCIovPLCT7fmpLZAUTQbIPQEo41CUpwAmpV0NOQOTZuqmWmoijikGAkHdFke-hDcpVrB6zH03zyf2IKyxmLQOs59tYYx4BMahu_QzRNzwEE5Bowg40Noh8lxfNcT0STbORjXdmGrJvkwVsfQ=s400" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6Ksguh2mZJyuxDdrGM0z9CMW3gB_74seZlHklK7fcrxvCIovPLCT7fmpLZAUTQbIPQEo41CUpwAmpV0NOQOTZuqmWmoijikGAkHdFke-hDcpVrB6zH03zyf2IKyxmLQOs59tYYx4BMahu_QzRNzwEE5Bowg40Noh8lxfNcT0STbORjXdmGrJvkwVsfQ=s320" width="214" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Absolutely brilliant! A collection of longer than usual short stories. The stories sit well together as each is grim and dark. These are very hard-hitting emotional stories. Wonderful lyrical writing with plots that capture you, taking you down a road with a disturbing end. The best collection of stories I've read in some time. Truly excellent.</span><p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-7985441595997309972022-01-25T21:32:00.000-05:002022-01-25T21:32:03.084-05:00White Pines by Gemma Amor<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJd9NpPMmGxxc10QXVibBYcEgLQqc2QXqNMQhry0Y1pxIDkbPfuXJMJw-5D9zFAyeawCS35Uengo8O40Q2oYGmOFkbW7vgOTVX9YQHpDQ06WwjMtHhEbzvR1l6wZFnELKV2tPFdblJpUSoC2-hPIqO2F7mWYLS80dES4X5-uYnK9pQNaLlWczPId8WiA=s465" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJd9NpPMmGxxc10QXVibBYcEgLQqc2QXqNMQhry0Y1pxIDkbPfuXJMJw-5D9zFAyeawCS35Uengo8O40Q2oYGmOFkbW7vgOTVX9YQHpDQ06WwjMtHhEbzvR1l6wZFnELKV2tPFdblJpUSoC2-hPIqO2F7mWYLS80dES4X5-uYnK9pQNaLlWczPId8WiA=s320" width="219" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="freeTextreview4498670295" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">On the day Megs receives the keys to the house in the Highlands that she's inherited her husband says their marriage is over. She takes off to the house and finds the villagers unwelcoming and the nearby island calling to her. An enjoyable horror with a folk or ancient tale vibe to it. A gripping cosmic horror.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"> </span></span><p></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-42487445644923752552022-01-21T01:11:00.002-05:002022-01-21T01:11:21.338-05:00The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmjrUPZIC4fsyYeg3rLHKO3ELEwA56yjXFa4lt-s0HrR6YHpRqWr33GlLZ8qi9ZwuAOoBPvP8vscPKlHausJTmXLs7kRX4TchfMCAxr0F9h1Y-Mcd9bGSXSPfMdB90DQBaVrwOHoontoI18o6hVOL84mjlJw-pou_PmyS5XyXebMPzNRuy0FQfkb0sMg=s2775" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1838" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmjrUPZIC4fsyYeg3rLHKO3ELEwA56yjXFa4lt-s0HrR6YHpRqWr33GlLZ8qi9ZwuAOoBPvP8vscPKlHausJTmXLs7kRX4TchfMCAxr0F9h1Y-Mcd9bGSXSPfMdB90DQBaVrwOHoontoI18o6hVOL84mjlJw-pou_PmyS5XyXebMPzNRuy0FQfkb0sMg=s320" width="212" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not that great. The plot was good but I didn't like the way it was told. Five children who were separated after living in the same abusive home are trying to find each other. The book is told in three different POVss which we are just dropped into and it is confusing to know what is going on. Two of the POVs have names very similar, Lucy and Libby, which I found difficult to tell which was which until much further into the story. I couldn't get a rhythm going and found it a slow read. But I did enjoy the story. However, there was a promising plot point that was never brought to fruition. Overall about a 2 1/2 round up to 3 stars.</span></span></p>Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-86651404903206977362018-07-12T03:20:00.001-04:002018-07-12T03:20:27.445-04:0024. Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycRon80H3KSnNEb1jhIe-VSgM1b-yXHLeWeRCqHSIdFQhUmGDKHc5-4VwAcaOQ2WR6Fpa853XHY7XYNzlqEfqCv-b5GmDMol3BpQR3WCROFpxOBq9kzSMlY5Vm__I1gIB3tmHZ3T1ccPu/s1600/bringback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="418" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycRon80H3KSnNEb1jhIe-VSgM1b-yXHLeWeRCqHSIdFQhUmGDKHc5-4VwAcaOQ2WR6Fpa853XHY7XYNzlqEfqCv-b5GmDMol3BpQR3WCROFpxOBq9kzSMlY5Vm__I1gIB3tmHZ3T1ccPu/s400/bringback.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris<br />
My rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />
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This was fantastic. It really messes with the reader and I hadn't a clue how it was all going to go down. It keeps you gripped and I had an "aha" moment at 70% where I figured out what was actually happening. I was right but how it all came together was fascinating. A great psychological thriller!<br />
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-7631994931553511502018-06-26T06:40:00.001-04:002018-06-26T06:40:50.571-04:0023. Blood Will Out by Jo Treggiari<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH-2vf1UbKIfx81xj8z-9IPELHjGpURoS_HjisV2YHdwXAB9sjv9xZZCF-5bcBpn5bHRRIUOdJaiNSmoc4ppXg4QvSsUeOQpXfRCgbbYNgHGh4ayhk3BeM1qepjoIjRwvuPlOGebn9EYf/s1600/bloodout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH-2vf1UbKIfx81xj8z-9IPELHjGpURoS_HjisV2YHdwXAB9sjv9xZZCF-5bcBpn5bHRRIUOdJaiNSmoc4ppXg4QvSsUeOQpXfRCgbbYNgHGh4ayhk3BeM1qepjoIjRwvuPlOGebn9EYf/s400/bloodout.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Blood Will Out by Jo Treggiari<br />
My rating: 3 of 5 stars<br />
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A teen thriller written with the suspense of an adult book and unlike the majority of teen books, no romance. I was hooked from the get-go as our main character starts her narrative having just woken up at the bottom of a well, bruised, disoriented, and with some memory loss. The book then switches narratives alternately from Ari in the well to the psychopath who put her there. This was my favourite part of the book, very intense and well-written. Once Ari is back home I had issues with the dialogue and general "teens-are-so-much-smarter-than-the-clueless-adults' attitude. The author is good at holding back who the "murderer" (they have killed animals) actually is, making us think it is one person but throwing a couple of twists into the plot making the final outcome surprising. Though I do feel there were no clues leading up to this person being caught as the killer. A fun, tense story that teens are sure to enjoy For the more experienced mystery/thriller reader there are a few plot issues but on the whole a fun romp in the genre.<br />
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-75738774599847080172018-06-17T09:13:00.001-04:002018-06-17T09:13:18.682-04:0022. The Twenty-Three by Linwood Barclay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl18j1Tt0gUeIxdT6FYQQhA6Nir2-Y-9cBLl6-Og8r5eT0v_YKRwYrKWacGVIc_yr6l3WJC6yLLOTnaFCbFflMt_6BegPOxgGnxRYmdf0YNRMqDUv-8ECP9YN3cXOn2SEtOrARI8e4sju9/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="282" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl18j1Tt0gUeIxdT6FYQQhA6Nir2-Y-9cBLl6-Og8r5eT0v_YKRwYrKWacGVIc_yr6l3WJC6yLLOTnaFCbFflMt_6BegPOxgGnxRYmdf0YNRMqDUv-8ECP9YN3cXOn2SEtOrARI8e4sju9/s400/23.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
The Twenty-Three by Linwood Barclay<br />
My rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />
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Fantastic! I could barely put this down and read it over two days! It's actually been some time since I read the first two books in this series but I had no problem jumping back in. There are many threads going on at the same time and yet they all connect in some way or another. The major crimes that have been ongoing since the first book are all finally solved and I was definitely thrown for a loop. I would never have guessed how this played out. The ending was great with twist after twist. I can't wait to read the next book which is set in Promise Falls also. Barclay never disappoints!<br />
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-59972974199573809852018-06-13T06:56:00.001-04:002018-06-13T06:56:59.975-04:0021. Escape by Linwood Barclay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63DMIbsDOxqTSmXoER6dh7aCGdeUK97WRjHQ143zWrWLkwSoP1w5qsii7UpgWCf8ogWSCrSR9gwbBYixP_KbKIap8BLx32HnRuI2ZsgabtrMx9HpWxU7j3dGHxNxTsR_UDw6Rngh94e05/s1600/escape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63DMIbsDOxqTSmXoER6dh7aCGdeUK97WRjHQ143zWrWLkwSoP1w5qsii7UpgWCf8ogWSCrSR9gwbBYixP_KbKIap8BLx32HnRuI2ZsgabtrMx9HpWxU7j3dGHxNxTsR_UDw6Rngh94e05/s400/escape.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Escape by Linwood Barclay<br />
My rating: 2 of 5 stars<br />
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I'm a huge fan of Barclay and I like reading children's books so I was excited to read his foray into children's literature. This is actually the second in a series but it stands alone very well. I have not read the first. In fact, it refers so much to the first book that I feel no need to actually read it at this point. I have to say I was terribly disappointed with this book. It is definitely written for a younger audience; I'd say the 7-11 age range. Twelve-year-olds will find it too immature even though the main character himself is twelve. An action-adventure which relies on plot rather than character it is wholly too far-fetched to be believable. It begins hitting the ground running and doesn't give up until the end. There is no downtime. An aptly named series as it's simply one big chase from start to finish.<br />
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-51520854022417958582018-06-11T05:40:00.001-04:002018-06-11T05:40:45.775-04:0020. Final Assignment by Linwood Barclay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V8yBbtCj0iaB6Bt3Fl8c2AjTvcK0oysqlJBC9Nlx24FpaIViOoYf9yw_apPCxYpXCxhYG2_wOPQqF0vJFRMZCSvK3Bw97vkYuB97KTlEdtR_JbTQUz113islj13ZU3xnaBppiVeZvBoP/s1600/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V8yBbtCj0iaB6Bt3Fl8c2AjTvcK0oysqlJBC9Nlx24FpaIViOoYf9yw_apPCxYpXCxhYG2_wOPQqF0vJFRMZCSvK3Bw97vkYuB97KTlEdtR_JbTQUz113islj13ZU3xnaBppiVeZvBoP/s320/final.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
Final Assignment by Linwood Barclay<br />
My rating: 3 of 5 stars<br />
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Just a short novella featuring the characters from the Promise Falls series. Not terribly exciting and certainly not up to Barclay's usual standards but it did help me remember the characters as I dive into reading the last two books in the series next.<br />
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-17708440532093256512018-06-01T20:51:00.000-04:002018-06-01T20:51:03.581-04:0019. Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino84Hcd3tmJMtqY_-X49dsaVUM3gs-G6zrz4iF8ZelQS-xrg45YQdfEYDpZwUS3ry-WKLTvSwAdM4avi-2gZBQkmYvDaHBu_ShmcDik0ADwUu6z_7soXegL1bvbtMvZCL4_kvO2xjtpOA/s1600/acceptance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="335" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino84Hcd3tmJMtqY_-X49dsaVUM3gs-G6zrz4iF8ZelQS-xrg45YQdfEYDpZwUS3ry-WKLTvSwAdM4avi-2gZBQkmYvDaHBu_ShmcDik0ADwUu6z_7soXegL1bvbtMvZCL4_kvO2xjtpOA/s400/acceptance.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2J9tN4F">Acceptance </a>by Jeff VanderMeer<br />
My rating: 2 of 5 stars<br />
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Unfortunately, this is a serious let down for a third and final book in the trilogy. Book One could have stood on its own but book three, Acceptance, feels like the end of this trilogy was dragged out of the author. I like narratives which switch from person to person but Acceptance not only does that but flips from past to present without any segues. If you haven't read books 1 & 2 you will be completely lost and if you have read them, you may still be completely lost. This book solves no riddles nor answers any questions; I could read pages and not care what I read. I feel like the author had to pull this one out long and slow. Book One is fantastic and highly recommended. Book 2 is pretty good, too. I can't say don't read the whole trilogy but after book 2 it's all downhill. My favourite current author disappoints.<br />
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-35934559123668435742018-05-19T12:51:00.000-04:002018-05-19T12:51:26.107-04:0018. Prague Noir edited by Pavel Mandys<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekjWcBgbUBk-lxsI3ekVHSDvutLr0xRXPS2cjCm7LvSIETpf-aXt9OXF4L_O0oMUksV2rKzss8SYu1BGiLeD4L782gBEa1rT0-s0UVqOYnLw9f-jcTMgtzBThW-ZKSPasdfIhqspzSwVD/s1600/prague.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="318" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekjWcBgbUBk-lxsI3ekVHSDvutLr0xRXPS2cjCm7LvSIETpf-aXt9OXF4L_O0oMUksV2rKzss8SYu1BGiLeD4L782gBEa1rT0-s0UVqOYnLw9f-jcTMgtzBThW-ZKSPasdfIhqspzSwVD/s400/prague.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<span style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"></span><a href="https://amzn.to/2KFRrpX">Prague Noir</a> edited by Pavel Mandys<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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Part of Akashic's "Noir" series of short story collections, this is probably the best overall book in the series I've read. These are all modern day writers who, I think are commissioned for inclusion in the collection. A wide variety of crime stories that fall under the sub-genre of noir. All taking place in Prague, Czech Republic, I found most of the stories to be excellent and only a few which didn't satisfy me bringing the average rating to a laudable 4/5.<br />
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1 - Three Musketeers by Martin Goffa - A man arranges to meet another man in a desolate place. There they begin a conversation in which we learn what the one man's grievance is with the other. Something from the past. A suspenseful story which slowly reveals itself to you, keeping just one step ahead of me. Excellent start to the collection! (5/5)<br />
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2 - Amateurs by Stepan Kopriva - Some thieves are about to rob a grow-op run by the Vietnamese mafia, as all such are these days in Prague. They've got an inside man and today is the day. But not everyone is who they seem to be. Very short but manages an intricate plot. Really liked this! (5/5)<br />
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3 - Disappearances on the Bridge by Milos Urban - A tech gives a seminar to a police force about new technology on the border crossing bridge. At some point they notice a woman in a red hood appears to simply disappear, none of the police will take action but the tech must figure out what has happened. Soon he appears on the screens and he too disappears, so an officer goes to investigate and we find out the strange goings on. Really good! and a fun ending. (5/5)<br />
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4 - The Dead Girl from a Haunted House by Jiri W. Prochazka - Loved this one! Somewhat of a standard murder/detective story but made unique by its setting set behind the scenes of a carnival. I just love circus themed stories so I was particularly enchanted with this. An ex-cop PI is hired by the owner of a gypsy carnival troupe because his daughter was brutally murdered. The PI comes in, investigates a bit then gathers the group and exposes the killer. Good characterization. (5/5)<br />
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5. The Magical Amulet by Chaim Cigan - Not a particularly interesting story and as far as I can tell there is nothing "noir" about it. Taking place is Soviet Czechoslovakia, a Jewish family's good luck charm is the topic of conversation as well as the boy narrator's discussions of WWII with a Polich Jew. (3/5)<br />
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6. Marl Circle by Ondrej Neff - It was hard o concentrate on this story I didn't much like it. The story goes into some Czech history and centres around possible paranormal activity. The story even concludes with an "Author's Note" explaining the true history and renovations going on of the archaeological site which is the setting of the story. (2/5)<br />
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7. The Cabinet of Seven Pierced Books by Petr Stancik - This takes place in the mid-1800s in the Ghetto where not only the poorest of the poor live, but also all the outsiders such as astrologers, psychics, etc. A death occurs there and they find out he was a fortune teller who has been murdered. The detective works the case meanwhile a second fortune teller is murdered and then a third who managed to leave a clue as to his killer. A bit weird but ok. (3/5)<br />
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8. The Life and Works of Baroness Mautnic by Katerina Tuckova - At first this tale seems only to be that of a house. It's history through 20th century Czech Republic, though not always called that. The wealthy owner, then his family go through the country becoming socialist, then communist, then invaded by the USSR and finally it's liberation as a republic once more. It's not until the very end that the current poverty-stricken owner of the house discovers its wicked little secret which saves her from destitution. Loved it! (4/5)<br />
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9. All the Old Disguises by Marketa Pilatova - Hmmm. Rather longwinded. A grandson brings his grandfather's "partner" to Prague for nefarious reasons. He wants the man's cooperation in signing documents which will give him restitution for buildings stolen by the former Soviet government. It doesn't turn out as expected though. (3/5)<br />
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10. Percy Thrillington by Michal Sykora - A standard police mystery. While visiting the narrator's friend, a retired cop, said cop shows an old McCartney album and then starts into the story of how that LP helped him to solve his first murder case, an apparent suicide. Nothing fantastic, but a straight-forward old school murder mystery - (2/3)<br />
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11. Better Life by Michaela Klevisova - This had a surprise twist that got me. An antiques dealer notices a woman continually watching him and slyly taking pictures so thinks she's an undercover detective. Then he begins to wonder if she is a stalker after she's spoken to him, and perhaps has taken a fancy to him. When he finds out just what she was up to it comes as a terrifying shock. (4/5)<br />
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12. Another Worst Day by Petra Soukupova - A woman reports her husband missing when he doesn't return from a jog. The next several days follow the investigation and then weeks and months go by and Radka realises she is following a new routine. The story comes from the point of view of the detective assigned to the case. An interesting mystery. (4/5)<br />
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13. Olda No. 3 by Irena Hejdova - This is an odd little story and rather macabre. Just how I like 'em! A woman wakes up with a stranger in her bed, finds out his name is Olda, the same as her ex so she starts referring to him as Olda No.2. That morning she takes the dog for a walk and he brings her, of all things, a severed pinkie finger with a wedding ring on it Turns out Olda No. 2 is a cop, a traffic cop but still a cop, and they search for the owner of the finger. (5/5)<br />
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14. Epiphany, or Whatever You Wish by Petr Sabach - This is a really good story but with a rather weird and unsatisfactory ending. A man decides to commit suicide because he is having murderess thoughts. The main thing that drives his character is that he never disturb anyone else. So he spends time deciding on how to kill himself without inconveniencing anyone. Things do come to a fruition but not exactly as he had planned. Good execution except, as I said, the end. (3/5)<br />
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-64109139763298569602018-05-16T19:37:00.001-04:002018-05-16T19:37:13.139-04:0017. The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NwOSWrEpgack14V8CEHfYjODASmT1HvkfIZZ3GM65VXq0JBnIjqr7a6SDIeTvkMdmpUX_-rxdAdBnG0web5EmwRQZPmmVtxM8o-be8cxTJRjSOnmJcf0qgTTfVgS3V1rP5vUEuJbqGYN/s1600/shining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NwOSWrEpgack14V8CEHfYjODASmT1HvkfIZZ3GM65VXq0JBnIjqr7a6SDIeTvkMdmpUX_-rxdAdBnG0web5EmwRQZPmmVtxM8o-be8cxTJRjSOnmJcf0qgTTfVgS3V1rP5vUEuJbqGYN/s400/shining.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br /><a href="https://amzn.to/2rNPO2c">The Shining Girls</a> by Lauren Beukes<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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Not as good as "Broken Monsters" but still a terror-ific thriller/horror which I'd say leans towards magical realism as there is the issue of time travel and a House in which a door opens onto those episodes. However, there is no explanation for this door nor is it treated as anything baffling but simply *is*. Rather experimental in its narrative, the book uses one of my favourite devices of each chapter being told from a different point of view, but add to this the jumping around through time as well. The time period covered is from the early thirties until 1993, at which point there is no further access to time. The plot follows a young woman who was a victim of a serial killer but miraculously survived to be the only one ever to get away from him. A journalist friend joins her in trying to hunt down this madman. On the other side, we follow the serial killer (originally from the 30's) as he jumps to and from various time periods to commit his murders with a distinct MO. The beginning is a little slow as one takes some time to adjust to the different characters, POVs and time periods. Once settled in the read is faster-paced, and completely engaging. I'm impressed with this author and will be continuing to read her other works.<br />
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-81681471266935752882018-05-04T16:53:00.001-04:002018-05-04T16:53:07.976-04:0016. The Outlaw by Nancy Vo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2IiK9uQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxg55-aKZoiu4_FxBjE_IuLstS-kLRvf36IiXg8AsNqAudoKpF3EnggmxQEPEvJeXzrcjlUx4Ej3LVaymuW767PRlnKj11e5bYIy0P4HkSQv8kowBsgB5uIUlgubPnCjGvFqBDqSCy0Z2/s400/outlaw.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2IiK9uQ">The Outlaw </a>by Nancy Vo<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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A children's picture book which uses the theme of making amends. An outlaw lives near a town causing all sorts of troubles and frightening the townsfolk. Then he disappears for many "seasons". One day a stranger comes to town and settles in fixing up the town such as building a water trough in front of the inn, repairing the school's roof etc. A positive story with a good ending. My favourite thing about this book though is the mixed-media illustrations containing collage and watercolour. an atmospheric colour palette mostly of greys, light blues, sepia and white with splashes of colour for such items as clothes. Lovely book and I'd like to see more of the author's art.<br />
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-78736488402866456622018-05-04T16:06:00.004-04:002018-05-04T16:06:50.348-04:0015. Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2whj2eM" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPxSPD2GR2LabtHLdAM03Fjfb-wJA9WGgBwzkAnWMgcyCzUZfQ2ZwI1jAMjtIlWB4arB6unECk-YVoTjdnuOU6WuB60j3d4a1h9AkZ3vzOv5j1VAW_zkgc1o4upcCP3s_V4elq18jzEfW/s400/broken.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<span style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"></span><a href="https://amzn.to/2whj2eM">Broken Monsters</a> by Lauren Beukes<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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If you're looking for a disturbing serial killer novel, you've just found it! After reading the publisher's synopsis which describes the first murder I knew I was so going to read this, and it didn't hurt that Stephen King recommends it. Several murders follow and each gets worse. There is a small paranormal element to the case which is left mostly for the reader to decide what's what. But I felt that element took the book from crime fiction to horror easily. This is my first book by Beukes and I found it a page-turner. Not exactly a short book, I did read it quickly having a hard time putting it down. I loved all the characters and found them to be well-developed, even minor characters. I'll be looking at her other books from here.<br />
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212465766317764317.post-10490657948782796002018-04-27T16:34:00.000-04:002018-04-27T16:34:29.759-04:0014. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22318578-the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1418767178m/22318578.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22318578-the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up">The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing</a> by Marie Kondō<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
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Read my review on goodreads. Link in title.<br />
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<br />Nikki in Niagarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348586723780500367noreply@blogger.com0