tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55089831191051845202024-03-14T06:01:36.296-07:00Dark ThrillAll about thrillers: Books/Movies/Tv/Podcasts Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-50469495753804043972024-03-14T05:59:00.000-07:002024-03-14T06:01:05.192-07:00Dark Thrill reviews: Nightwatching By Tracy Sierra<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-GW_gi6I9bkcvs7ti1LoM_hpLDmemwXmOFMRMi-2mwDqA4ulVfrcKtf297tHBwzOYKXNh3A6EGm_odA0z9azXxEPQ3Jdem73rL-IixzYXLlKmZJ0MTMc7lXcf3QT5r_AmsITeznmd0R73pCQtfVZIvL2VMs863ACWoszpmVZ20mUwvs13Z5Ks3ome1zs/s400/150246179.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-GW_gi6I9bkcvs7ti1LoM_hpLDmemwXmOFMRMi-2mwDqA4ulVfrcKtf297tHBwzOYKXNh3A6EGm_odA0z9azXxEPQ3Jdem73rL-IixzYXLlKmZJ0MTMc7lXcf3QT5r_AmsITeznmd0R73pCQtfVZIvL2VMs863ACWoszpmVZ20mUwvs13Z5Ks3ome1zs/w424-h640/150246179.jpg" title="Thrillers to read now, unreliable narrator Nightwatching Tracy Sierra" width="424" /></a></div><br /> I started reading this spine-tingling book, Nightwatching, by Tracy Sierra, alone at night. Not a very smart move. The first act of this book is terrifying. Imagine being a mother, alone with your children in the middle of a blizzard, when you suddenly hear an intruder in your house. What would you do? In this gripping book, the protagonist finds herself in this situation and is forced to make split-second decisions that could mean the difference between life and death for her and her children. And instead of fighting or fleeing, she chooses to hide. And that means they are stuck. Waiting to be discovered. This beginning of the book enthusiastically preys on our deepest fears, making us question just how far we would go to protect our loved ones from harm. <p></p><p>The author's clever tactic of not naming the characters makes it all too easy for us to imagine ourselves in their shoes - a situation we'd rather avoid. The fear and uncertainty in the first act were palpable, leaving me on the edge of my seat.</p><p>The first act of the book was quite scary and left some ambiguity, which made me think that the mysterious man might not be present. However, I kept reading ahead to see if the rest of the book would maintain the same tone. Even though I understand that the first act was necessary, I feel that it could have been shorter. But as I delved deeper into the pages, I was pleasantly surprised by the sudden shift in the story's tone. What started as a bone-chilling horror soon transformed into a captivating tale that resonated with me on a personal level. It portrayed the all-too-real struggle of being misunderstood, unheard, and overlooked, an all-too-common woman's experience.</p><p>Sierra's intricate plot twists and turns lead to a heart-pounding climax that adds emotional depth to the book. The contrast between the terrifying beginning and the gripping end is simply breathtaking.</p><p><br /></p><p>Nightwatching is a top-notch thriller with a surprising and original storyline that is sure to send shivers down your spine. This psychological suspense is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrill and wants to be kept on the edge of their seat.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-27731217519192147512024-03-13T09:13:00.000-07:002024-03-13T09:14:44.761-07:00Dark Thrill reviews: I need You To Read This by Jesse Maxwell <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDGyVN25223LsOHAbe-Z5gRoXKmPxUuy8xk9c_CLt2YZUYKZ2R9NlGNY4QFRLJjgyHmaEBZ9jRVEtLpV7sgMFpmU5a8WyWTEcOM_mAwGYaB3J7AQhwvXWPfDcbG_Jqtaf4Css0j3SNepPzZYu_7Yq51E5gl88pAcsB-s3GRnAan6Pg7k4FzD1eLwnt8n1/s2775/199798497.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1838" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDGyVN25223LsOHAbe-Z5gRoXKmPxUuy8xk9c_CLt2YZUYKZ2R9NlGNY4QFRLJjgyHmaEBZ9jRVEtLpV7sgMFpmU5a8WyWTEcOM_mAwGYaB3J7AQhwvXWPfDcbG_Jqtaf4Css0j3SNepPzZYu_7Yq51E5gl88pAcsB-s3GRnAan6Pg7k4FzD1eLwnt8n1/w424-h640/199798497.jpg" title="Best Thrillers to read now, I need you to read this Jessa Maxwell" width="424" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> Sometimes, you can't even explain why you instantly love a book. It might be that I was immediately hooked by the tense, terrifying prologue that had me rooting for the famous advice columnist Francis Keen as she tries to escape her killer. Or it might be the idea of doing the job of an advice columnist. Admit it; you have contemplated it, too. How fun it would be to finally give people the advice you have been holding back all this time? </p><p>After Frances's death, the main character, Alex Marks, lands the job as the new advice columnist and is offered the creepy office belonging to her tragically killed predecessor. Alex is determined to do her best despite her lack of experience and soon finds herself inundated with mail and dealing with a nasty assistant to the editor-in-chief. Fortunately, Francis Keen's former assistant is always there to lend a helping hand. </p><p>The story is interwoven with letters Frances Keen received from a young woman growing up in a forgotten town who meets a charismatic man who soon takes over her life. It isn't difficult to figure out what is happening with this lost girl, but the payoff was poignant. This whole novel is a warm hug, and at the same time, it is creepy and thrilling as the main character, Alex, finds herself at the centre of a mysterious and potentially dangerous situation when she begins to get disturbing letters mixed in with the regular ones from readers asking for help. With the identity of Frances's killer still unknown, everyone around Alex is a potential suspect - including her boss, editor-in-chief Howard Dimitri, whose after-hours habits raise more than a few eyebrows.</p><p>As Alex delves deeper into the intricate details surrounding her predecessor's murder, she realizes that her dark secrets are coming back to literally hunt her. Suddenly, Alex is trapped in a deadly game where every move could be her last.</p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-1459847944624420512024-02-20T02:41:00.000-08:002024-02-20T02:41:40.890-08:00Dark Thrill reviews: The Mysterious Case of The Alperton Angels by Janice Hallet<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjIwzd32iPNTMZhHnRraJeSK3BscRDdobm25iEJ_skmFbn0Qc5QZ-2WrZcsZQ4YB15kNtF9sGWacC3mBIhgHjW21VL7gFYJtz5MLVhK35dNBF8c1VikQcUiRh4yh9-ly90S6rQK48PtOb3PWLSrNFn7lgYel1cgYjEPlW3qp0QvpeUeUQe7mKxVpPADDt/s1000/81jTGMndLGL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjIwzd32iPNTMZhHnRraJeSK3BscRDdobm25iEJ_skmFbn0Qc5QZ-2WrZcsZQ4YB15kNtF9sGWacC3mBIhgHjW21VL7gFYJtz5MLVhK35dNBF8c1VikQcUiRh4yh9-ly90S6rQK48PtOb3PWLSrNFn7lgYel1cgYjEPlW3qp0QvpeUeUQe7mKxVpPADDt/w416-h640/81jTGMndLGL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" title="The Mysterious case of The Alperton angels Review" width="416" /></a></div><br /> For those who enjoy nosing around in true crime and relish a challenge, this book is a must-read. And if you never read crime, and If you're a fan of authors like Jennifer Egan, "The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels" by Janice Hallett will charm you. This thrilling novel takes you on a deep dive into true crime writing as the author unravels a chilling murder mystery involving a cult, a baby, and a desperate race against time. So, get ready to be absorbed by this gripping and subversive thriller.<p></p><p>Amanda Bailey and Oliver Menzies are on a mission to find the Alperton baby and write the book of the year. However, they soon realize that things are not as simple as they appear. As they attempt to work together, they must navigate their complicated history while competing to be the first to uncover the truth. The secrets they discover about the Angels are shocking, leaving them reeling. The stakes are high, and the danger is real as they risk becoming part of the story they are trying to tell. </p><p>What sets this book apart is its authenticity. You'll feel like you're right there with Amanda as she conducts her research, battles her rival, and meets some truly unique characters along the way. The use of WhatsApp messages, emails, and interview transcripts makes you feel like an active participant in the investigation. With snarky banter, sizzling chemistry, and dogged determination, Amanda and Oliver will stop at nothing to find that one crucial piece of information that will break the case open.</p><p>The unique storytelling approach employed in this book manages to maintain its momentum and intrigue, while also incorporating quirky details such as snarky comments from Amanda's transcriber - one of my personal favorites. However, at times, I found myself wishing for more descriptive passages as the book doesn't allow for total immersion and instead requires active participation. As the story unfolds, you'll find yourself piecing together clues alongside Amanda and Oliver. This book is not for the faint of heart or the lazy reader; it's a highly interactive and engaging way to experience a mystery.</p><p><br /></p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-14578467119507437082024-02-19T23:49:00.000-08:002024-02-19T23:52:02.110-08:00Dark Thrill Reviews: No One Needs to Know by Lindsay Cameron<p> Lindsay Cameron's "No One Needs to Know" is an irresistible tale of secrets, scandals, and murder set in the high-stakes world of Manhattan's Upper West Side.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeiVNGr3gEA8DH6oWrf3TzppsPr9J2UPVVOVhFywZfs44ptOfYtSYrm_CHZqwBnAFhlPj_vvu5ZGuZlMt_VnHVVwn_0815RGxXxEdXEipz6I2QeNqBvluWqavm76MQV_OkZYUX7Cds-m0jfIGs7q-M4N-rJyOJE4syuKxwS9IlMogqkQHCf-j82tGkiWA/s400/61948950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="258" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeiVNGr3gEA8DH6oWrf3TzppsPr9J2UPVVOVhFywZfs44ptOfYtSYrm_CHZqwBnAFhlPj_vvu5ZGuZlMt_VnHVVwn_0815RGxXxEdXEipz6I2QeNqBvluWqavm76MQV_OkZYUX7Cds-m0jfIGs7q-M4N-rJyOJE4syuKxwS9IlMogqkQHCf-j82tGkiWA/w412-h640/61948950.jpg" title="Lindsay Cameron Nobody needs to know Tinx Rich mom package" width="412" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>If Tinx were creating a Rich Mom package on the luxurious Upper West Side, as depicted in the novel No One Needs to Know, she would feature Urban Myth an anonymous discussion board. This is where the characters of the story reveal their deepest secrets - secrets that they wouldn't even communicate with their closest friends or significant others. Everything from hidden bank accounts to hush-hush affairs and scandalous gossip. These same characters would go above and beyond to ensure their children's admission into the most prestigious boarding schools and universities. However, when hackers breached this forum and revealed the real identities of each poster, the effects were felt throughout Park Avenue with a magnitude that no one could have predicted.</p><p>And then, of course, somebody ends up dead.</p><p>Heather Quinn, a former Wall Street executive, aims to secure her daughter's admission to an Ivy League boarding school. However, Violet's reputation is tarnished when a photo of her vaping surfaces on Instagram, along with false accusations of drug dealing. Heather investigates and confronts the snobbish Upper West Side moms who might be behind the rumours. And those women play for keeps.</p><p>The story is filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end, even though the resolution may feel too convenient. But hey, in a world where everyone has something to hide, and no one is who they seem, who needs a perfect ending anyway? "No One Needs to Know" is the perfect guilty pleasure read for those who love a mix of suspense, satire, and a splash of murder. Just be careful not to put it all out there, on some anonymous message board...</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I</p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-74998127581094660672024-02-19T09:22:00.000-08:002024-02-19T09:22:34.404-08:00Dark Thrill Reviews; The Resort by Sara Ochs<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGUR4Q4ryfH1T9taGHGcIdglJEDV0M8GinMeDdupFs7f1HzcNaITUpG2AWPtJM_XhR6MGWkYW731_xJY_I6OZ4KsPbKbiJN825SIUWCCgE7r_t4K71Qp_rLhQkHXYorrhYWQONdwiILeVUlyRN63QFHfIcBBYmt7SayEHCctX3Gn3nFzdT2mac36E1mgS/s275/Unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGUR4Q4ryfH1T9taGHGcIdglJEDV0M8GinMeDdupFs7f1HzcNaITUpG2AWPtJM_XhR6MGWkYW731_xJY_I6OZ4KsPbKbiJN825SIUWCCgE7r_t4K71Qp_rLhQkHXYorrhYWQONdwiILeVUlyRN63QFHfIcBBYmt7SayEHCctX3Gn3nFzdT2mac36E1mgS/w426-h640/Unknown.jpg" title="The resort Sara Ochs White lotus Asia" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>"The Resort" by University of Louisville law professor Ochs was a total page-turner. I'm sleepy today because I couldn't put it down last night. It reads like research for when "The White Lotus" will go to Asia, and we will get a glimpse into the employers' side of things. Well, the only rich guest at this resort is influencer Brooke, and let's say she's got a few secrets up her sleeve. But she's not as twisty as the characters in "The White Lotus" - I mean, have you seen that show? </p><p>Anyway, what surprised me about "The Resort" was how heartfelt it was. The characters' intentions were good, but things kept going from bad to the very worst for them, talking about having the most rotten luck. The tension between the diving instructor Cass and influencer Brooke was a blast to read. Like watching the train wreck that was the Armand/Shane interaction, but in a more wholesome way. The plot was expertly woven together to keep me guessing until the end. My one point of contention was the ending, and I know endings are important in thrillers. Still, by then, I already was all in, so even if it felt like a scrimmage, and the epilogue could have been cut, it didn't dim the rest of this delightful novel. The weather is crappy here, but this is the obvious choice for a beach read.</p><p>Sure, there were some occasional awkward sentences, but honestly, that just added to the charm. It was like the book was saying, "Hey, I may not be perfect, but I'm damn entertaining." And it was! Overall, "The Resort" was a tense, hilarious, and thoroughly enjoyable read. I'm excited to see what this talented author comes up with next!</p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-6815775209937795302023-12-31T02:58:00.000-08:002023-12-31T03:06:43.719-08:00Dark Thrill's best TV shows of 2023<p> <b>Best action Thrillers</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgZtCauIq1urw9qbd6XXCELLttuqd1ocAMC-o0sPKiLzVKmSuuU0cBDoVPfhbCI8Nne-cHDDViUlile4wxVhCZN8n1NhyX-_e-Mx0Mt-brareAKYyK81qADx45T0oggPQxc1xhIE2g7iFez58eemPBmevjfWhNbp5657a2yVQjFaZOMd_3GSWPZ_l0LcL/s1536/Hijack_Poster.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgZtCauIq1urw9qbd6XXCELLttuqd1ocAMC-o0sPKiLzVKmSuuU0cBDoVPfhbCI8Nne-cHDDViUlile4wxVhCZN8n1NhyX-_e-Mx0Mt-brareAKYyK81qADx45T0oggPQxc1xhIE2g7iFez58eemPBmevjfWhNbp5657a2yVQjFaZOMd_3GSWPZ_l0LcL/w426-h640/Hijack_Poster.webp" title="Best Tv shows of 2023" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>In the world of hostage negotiation, Sam (Idris Elba) was supposed to be the expert, applying Chris Voss-level tactics. But some viewers felt that his brilliance was just too believable, making him seem more ordinary than extraordinary. Still, Hijack did a great job of building the tension and giving Elba a chance to shine. The last episode was a bit of a letdown though, since the woman who killed the pilot got off scot-free. I guess in the world of TV, even criminals need some plot armor! All in all, the show was a thrilling ride, even if it didn't always hit the mark.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqRTSGzIkjI-soaNMU8U7Xula8bFHTanMIJ_ytiQr0xTnPvFjBSSApoTjjh2YWfOBzMLxSnL03AJC2cQ7fT8RYMoAUZLa4uqYsq5JQ6CfkUUPKQ55KaNRqQZzJdewCiNY9JLfugc0CoX5Gjj1H3uEGQc6He7wsU32jtPx0R4DsvGP0y7LEQsLKzOVyiXW/s992/The_Diplomat_Netflix_Keri_Russell_May_2023_1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="976" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqRTSGzIkjI-soaNMU8U7Xula8bFHTanMIJ_ytiQr0xTnPvFjBSSApoTjjh2YWfOBzMLxSnL03AJC2cQ7fT8RYMoAUZLa4uqYsq5JQ6CfkUUPKQ55KaNRqQZzJdewCiNY9JLfugc0CoX5Gjj1H3uEGQc6He7wsU32jtPx0R4DsvGP0y7LEQsLKzOVyiXW/w630-h640/The_Diplomat_Netflix_Keri_Russell_May_2023_1.png" title="Best Tv shows of 2023" width="630" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Another great 'actiony' thriller was The Diplomat. While the show may have had a rough start with Keri Russell's seemingly implausible appearance and behavior, it gradually picks up steam with its gripping storyline and the high-stakes diplomatic maneuverings. Who needs perfectly combed hair when you're working to prevent a full-blown war, right? With a promising second season on the horizon, it seems like "The Diplomat" is poised for even greater heights.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFITQ3vgDUI_QVa8V-kMro_jw8gRQwet3YpR3h7zB71XZ2onbflOS8oxMAsB0rr_Ftm5dpD0lTonULIjXlaAp7NQ0B8TEqSdntNMxV_2Xi0xPg90nVFCaG1MkQvdimNDXuBHrVlJjTYuPfOlzWJ_ZrDLHGXU4Do0RWEKIn_-Gp3tAtDFBRvgqLVWgaotB/s1920/Slow_Horses_Photo_030601.jpg.photo_modal_show_home_large.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFITQ3vgDUI_QVa8V-kMro_jw8gRQwet3YpR3h7zB71XZ2onbflOS8oxMAsB0rr_Ftm5dpD0lTonULIjXlaAp7NQ0B8TEqSdntNMxV_2Xi0xPg90nVFCaG1MkQvdimNDXuBHrVlJjTYuPfOlzWJ_ZrDLHGXU4Do0RWEKIn_-Gp3tAtDFBRvgqLVWgaotB/w640-h360/Slow_Horses_Photo_030601.jpg.photo_modal_show_home_large.jpg" title="Best Tv shows of 2023" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Slow Horses.</p><p><br /></p><p>I was so pleasantly surprised to see an interview with Gary Oldman. He looked so dapper and engaged, the's so good at playing dirty, yet brilliant Jacob Lamb in Slow Horses. I mean, talk about range! And don't even get me started on the rest of the cast. They're all fantastic! It's like the Avengers of the spy world, but with less spandex and more flatulence. The plot is always a wild ride, like a rollercoaster that somehow manages to make you laugh and hold your breath at the same time. Honestly, I'm pretty sure watching this show is better than therapy. This time we got a fantastic The Raid-like setup, with River and Lousia having to fight themselves out of a facility under assault; with the very unlikely help of Shirley and Marcus. The scene with Roddy 'saving' the say with the bus was an instant classic. Consistently brilliant. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOZuvo-m_mR4jNyc_p18Bd4zpXCU4_T7hgfNeZBr8BABvlrjYHQokaFZxUjo4pJV4LpqnYjiGLCrC4xvQwDZgEx8SleUOxPinuBQV6GVcZRghJyWbFVPx61JFruRTu6M0Ris6cee0lAqrTtsgyi_XFSzCzo9hqIk6n4WFjaWOdxNb5eRr0Vr2U8-Qvu42/s1500/Fargo-111723-033b653c0b4841f8ac8606d200444cc6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOZuvo-m_mR4jNyc_p18Bd4zpXCU4_T7hgfNeZBr8BABvlrjYHQokaFZxUjo4pJV4LpqnYjiGLCrC4xvQwDZgEx8SleUOxPinuBQV6GVcZRghJyWbFVPx61JFruRTu6M0Ris6cee0lAqrTtsgyi_XFSzCzo9hqIk6n4WFjaWOdxNb5eRr0Vr2U8-Qvu42/w640-h426/Fargo-111723-033b653c0b4841f8ac8606d200444cc6.jpg" title="Best Tv shows of 2023" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Can you consider Fargo as an action thriller? Nevertheless, this season features some fantastic action sequences. I haven't watched the whole season yet; there are two more episodes left. But, Dorothy's (played by Juno Temple) Home Alone-esque way of dealing with the men who come to take her back to her abusive husband is a work of art. I love how this season has maintained the wacky, violent interactions between larger-than-life characters while slowly incorporating a point - the violence that men inflict on women - that is relevant and infuriating. I never thought I'd despise John Hammn or Joe Keery, but man, do I loathe them now.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Best detective shows</b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGihwkrX5bQyXELh87V6RIl9E4QrDqm9a4LYaD3U2HRwz3phJWZ4s2pGHHtXdrd9-v3wNyt0ccUsLG8QHEvgVGLm8NfjoQumnQcuPto2in9f_42k3BRrejyeEeGJQ-C5z2FkS_l4ftOY28UCv11drY-Qlm_jZLgd1ekCtbGm1jx7q2wkkPLQfjCBM7TUV/s3000/df7b2da82c70fe16859b3eec30e52939f2-A-Murder-at-the-End-of-the-World.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGihwkrX5bQyXELh87V6RIl9E4QrDqm9a4LYaD3U2HRwz3phJWZ4s2pGHHtXdrd9-v3wNyt0ccUsLG8QHEvgVGLm8NfjoQumnQcuPto2in9f_42k3BRrejyeEeGJQ-C5z2FkS_l4ftOY28UCv11drY-Qlm_jZLgd1ekCtbGm1jx7q2wkkPLQfjCBM7TUV/w640-h426/df7b2da82c70fe16859b3eec30e52939f2-A-Murder-at-the-End-of-the-World.webp" title="Best Tv shows of 2023" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I've already mentioned two detective shows, "Murders in the Building" and "Deadlock," that stood out in 2023. However, my favorite one was "Murders at the End of the World." The show features Emma Corrin, Brit Marling, Harris Dickinson, the stunning Gong Li, and Clive Owen. Owen's acting was particularly impressive during the scene where he screams, "I have no one I can trust," and spitting like a lunatic. What I enjoyed most about the show was the love story between Bill and Darcy. The flashbacks of them as young kids navigating through a violent, desolate country had a Terrace Malick-like quality. The show pays tribute to the victims of violence and giving them the recognition they deserved. It was a great whodunit with a beautiful setting, exceptional acting, and a big heart.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Biggest guilty pleasure</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Cruel summer</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v2PJH9shIIjLQaTvUtc_b6rL86fzXg7QQk4_0ABv2JucFBddrYT__OipwIFqs3USwwsv3xmbGG9Zaa2S4flRtpmm26xuTpz3aVU9yTdi_letu-JsMfL9HJ7WNBDi-GPfAADc-L36YeyEpn1gq499J_uEX6PNCCZwLfFHrlQN-WBQpVhetvaKKiyWbnVS/s1920/Cruel-Summer-Season-2-Everything-We-Know-So-Far.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v2PJH9shIIjLQaTvUtc_b6rL86fzXg7QQk4_0ABv2JucFBddrYT__OipwIFqs3USwwsv3xmbGG9Zaa2S4flRtpmm26xuTpz3aVU9yTdi_letu-JsMfL9HJ7WNBDi-GPfAADc-L36YeyEpn1gq499J_uEX6PNCCZwLfFHrlQN-WBQpVhetvaKKiyWbnVS/w640-h360/Cruel-Summer-Season-2-Everything-We-Know-So-Far.webp" title="Best Tv shows of 2023" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Last season of the show was good, but not very engaging. The most interesting aspect of the show was the use of flashbacks to tell the story. However, this season, the characters' transformations were more captivating, the trio of friends, played by Olivia Holt, Lexi Underwood, and Griffin Gluck, were intriguing and felt real and still different from what we have seen before in this genre, and their parents, played by Kadee Strickland and Paul Adelstein, had this great very complicated relationship, full with despair. They set the small seaside village on fire with their wicked, fun, performances. The show is underrated.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>2023 brought a lot of disappointments, and unfortunately, some TV shows made it to that list. "The Last Thing He Told Me" had Jen Garner and a thrilling plot, but the main character's decision to leave a bag of money under an unsecured bed was a bag of dumb moves. "Shelter" had great potential with young actors and a promising setup, but it got too convoluted. "The Wilderness" killed off a vital character and lost its spark. "Silo" started strong with a mysterious premise, but then decided to take us on a relic-hunting journey that didn't quite cut it. Rebecca Ferguson deserved better than that! </p><p><br /></p><p>But I have said it once and will say it once more: and True Detective with Jodie Foster is coming and better be good!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-70230676242851593062023-12-28T09:02:00.000-08:002023-12-28T09:02:01.217-08:00Dark Thrill Review Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgookkkO917u_9nuE7WJ4dQ6JGd8J5nZowfx_VOHwE8oc2Bl7ZNp2yhVQUh6qJhK5Ln2aTUasoJ6fT14DVPY8BvnT4JNtQLziPmJWclBgywAw_SqOpsdFqqSetAbNmWyebxAfhyphenhyphenpC8q430aF30UUvczzuynuc9j-U5LvAmITghwLHg-Za22_jVzbM61Xin7/s400/101144259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgookkkO917u_9nuE7WJ4dQ6JGd8J5nZowfx_VOHwE8oc2Bl7ZNp2yhVQUh6qJhK5Ln2aTUasoJ6fT14DVPY8BvnT4JNtQLziPmJWclBgywAw_SqOpsdFqqSetAbNmWyebxAfhyphenhyphenpC8q430aF30UUvczzuynuc9j-U5LvAmITghwLHg-Za22_jVzbM61Xin7/w424-h640/101144259.jpg" title="Dirty Thirty Stephanie Plum" width="424" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Get ready for a wild ride with Stephanie Plum in her 30th case! This time, she's dealing with a double jewelry heist and a Golden Retriever with a taste for furniture. But don't worry, our favorite bails-woman is on the case with her trusty sidekick, Lula. </p><p>As if that wasn't enough, Stephanie's love life is about to be in shambles, as Morelli is out of town acting like an expert witness, as she tries to resist the charm of Ranger, who's always there to lend a hand (and show off his too tight tees). Oh, and did we mention that apartments keep randomly catching fire? </p><p>This is a buzzy, rapid-fire, and captivating ride, with a wild road trip as the cherry on top. And who knows? Maybe Stephanie is ready to finally settle down if we are to believe that ending (or at least sort through her men and make her life less complicated). </p><p>In any case, I didn't want this gem to end, Bob the gentle giant dog was a brilliant add, and but fear not, because author Janet Evanovich has us covered with 30 of the funniest quotes from all her previous books at the end of this rollercoaster ride. Proving, once and for all, she is the funniest out there.</p><p>Overall, if you're in the mood for hilarity, mayhem, and a dog with questionable food/furniture choices, here is the book for you!</p><div><br /></div>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-85380419128759475732023-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:002023-11-29T08:00:32.426-08:00A Murder At the End of the World Theories, episodes one/four<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ykY2TT3dPAaamzYLhF8EdxfgaPx4-NhHV3YgfcSVRcAS4fouv1KXlW_a-yqTp7D-AmG5l2acRogGA8QlYK-WcVUxgKdh3FfDQU90ZI21ZpIPLCp9T7kO-NelqZhCxAgoM_hKUZEKEzsqlnJOxUCOlxzn3b62eu97tljUIl2bQx3aMmCq_rp5HGbPvkHp/s1800/13murder-review-vpjt-mediumSquareAt3X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ykY2TT3dPAaamzYLhF8EdxfgaPx4-NhHV3YgfcSVRcAS4fouv1KXlW_a-yqTp7D-AmG5l2acRogGA8QlYK-WcVUxgKdh3FfDQU90ZI21ZpIPLCp9T7kO-NelqZhCxAgoM_hKUZEKEzsqlnJOxUCOlxzn3b62eu97tljUIl2bQx3aMmCq_rp5HGbPvkHp/s16000/13murder-review-vpjt-mediumSquareAt3X.jpg" title="Murder at the end of the world theories, who did it? Recaps episodes" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, the title is about more than just the location. Andy is all freaked out about climate change, building a whole new world with robots that can procreate and AI are your besties. So, the title hints that the murders have something to do with doomsday scenarios, not only a reference to Iceland. But are they? I'm not sure.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So here are my questions after watching ep 1 to 4</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Is the climate change a red herring? We are led to believe that Andy invited all of his frenemies for some sketchy reason. But...</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What if the murder has nothing to do with Andy's plans or fears?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What if Lee's doxing is the inciting incident for all that is?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Who doxed her? Was it random? </span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Did Andy have anything to do with the doxing? Their relationship is so creepy.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, what is Bill and Zoomer's relationship? We are led to believe that there was more going on between Bill and Lee, a relationship maybe...</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Is Zoomer Bill's son? Or?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Are they brothers and sisters?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Who would be so awful to kill a dog?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And, of course, what was Bill and Rohan's plan?</span></li></ol>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-91550543457146249052023-11-19T07:41:00.000-08:002023-11-22T09:57:35.879-08:00Dark Thrill review: The Senator's wife by Liv Constantine<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87phB4-J1TloF2wZvFMo5K1YLylx3MQvVcecJSdkSSskSaV9KLUaj1IO_i4zFCi7v0ikjRfVEY_iM0SDOo7jCv26SaS_0iiwabNXGXU1mWE2-YvnH4CQFOr5L8tOq42dykVaTiVKyk7xYUgDpWWPVFFQHaSrPK9v73QH5D8R1WUjg-zAdrGxohTFQUlLh/s500/51rWXKhZy8L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87phB4-J1TloF2wZvFMo5K1YLylx3MQvVcecJSdkSSskSaV9KLUaj1IO_i4zFCi7v0ikjRfVEY_iM0SDOo7jCv26SaS_0iiwabNXGXU1mWE2-YvnH4CQFOr5L8tOq42dykVaTiVKyk7xYUgDpWWPVFFQHaSrPK9v73QH5D8R1WUjg-zAdrGxohTFQUlLh/s16000/51rWXKhZy8L.jpg" title="The Senator's Wife by Liv Constantine best Thrillers to read now" /></a></div><br />I stumbled upon this book, unaware of the nerve-racking journey I was about to embark on. Little did I know, I was not mentally equipped to handle the intricate web of gaslighting that unfolded.<p>From the very beginning, Liv sets the stage with a tragic and shocking scene. Peggy, the unstable wife of US Senator Whit, tragically takes a life, aiming her anger at Whit but mistakenly targeting another senator, Robert. </p><p>The narrative focuses on Sloane, Robert's widow, an elegant and intelligent woman who finds herself in the aftermath of the devastating events. Through unimaginable grief and loss, she and Whit manage to find solace in each other's arms, starting afresh as a married couple. However, their happiness is far from secure. Robert's mother, unable to let go of her own grief, refuses to grant Sloane her blessing, thus casting a shadow over their newfound bliss.</p><p>To complicate matters further, Sloane is faced with a physical setback and requires hip replacement surgery. Enter Athena, a mysterious and alluring woman of Greek descent, whom Whit and Sloane hire to assist in their time of need. Yet, there is something off about Athena - her presence feels unsettling and raises suspicions. Joined by her partner-in-crime, they seem to be scheming, and Sloane's gradually deteriorating health only adds fuel to the fire.</p><p>As Sloane's condition worsens, her world becomes a whirlwind of hallucinations, increasing isolation, and paranoia. With every attempt to expose Athena's sinister intentions, Sloane finds her carefully laid traps going awry. The tension builds to unbearable heights, leaving my heart pounding and my mind racing.</p><p>"The Senator's Wife" demonstrates Liv's mastery in constructing suspense. It's a thrilling experience that pushes the boundaries of what one can endure. If you can handle witnessing a woman's health, sanity, and even her life being dismantled before your eyes, then this book is an absolute must-read. Brace yourself for an exemplary ride, complete with unexpected twists and turns that will leave you breathless at every page turn.</p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-83245235632082466462023-11-13T08:50:00.000-08:002023-11-13T08:50:36.142-08:00Dark Thrill reviews: To Catch a Killer/Missing Clarice Sterling<p> I enjoyed watching To Catch a Thriller this week, but it got me thinking about another incredible film - Silence of the Lambs. It's strange how one movie can make you miss another. As I was watching To Catch a Killer, I couldn't help but wonder why there aren't more movies or shows featuring brave and brilliant female FBI agents who have a unique ability to understand criminals.</p><p>In the movie, Shailene Woodley portrays Eleanor Falco, a former Baltimore beat cop who has been demoted. The opening scene of To Catch a Killer reminded me so much of the iconic first scene in Silence of the Lambs, where Jodie Foster's character trains at the academy and enters the elevator surrounded by these imposing men. How Edie is introduced aims to evoke the same sense of determination and strength.</p><p>The plot revolves around a sniper who has terrorized Baltimore on New Year's Eve, and when the police locate his shooting location - a high-rise apartment that explodes - Edie, played by Woodley, takes charge of the situation. She fearlessly instructs a cop filming the chaos, then embarks on a daring journey up to the crime scene without a gas mask amidst a testosterone-fueled battle. This contrast sets the stage for Edie's character and echoes the characterization of Clarice in Silence of the Lambs.</p><p>But before diving into Edie Falco's twisted world, let's address a minor speed bump. Sure, at first, the narration gets a little convoluted, the story zooms by like a cheetah on caffeine, and Edie's razor-sharp intelligence gets morphed into semi-philosophical ramblings about the enigmatic killer. But fear not, there are remeeding qualities, like the FBI investigator extraordinaire Geoffrey Lammark, played by the incomparable Ben Mendelsohn. He takes Edie under his wing like a quirky mentor guiding a rookie superhero. Ah, sweet collaboration!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDy8jB3uZLmHPvip7gyytliheNg9BvXYgvDmIOHxh-mp4eGG3MnCDjvCk9CPLiQhfzoCMK7Ms2h4lfxu4VEQh2LbAa2ZykneBd9x_b5ptWpKaj6SYPJN7qGtnNafx2_XXjUWlE5MWmPhmg2EQUnQcNE3xkZ75ruIBoyxR1_MIjTFbg9yVGYsl4r9Ae9oc/s1920/TO%20CATCH%20A%20KILLER%20190423%20default.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDy8jB3uZLmHPvip7gyytliheNg9BvXYgvDmIOHxh-mp4eGG3MnCDjvCk9CPLiQhfzoCMK7Ms2h4lfxu4VEQh2LbAa2ZykneBd9x_b5ptWpKaj6SYPJN7qGtnNafx2_XXjUWlE5MWmPhmg2EQUnQcNE3xkZ75ruIBoyxR1_MIjTFbg9yVGYsl4r9Ae9oc/s16000/TO%20CATCH%20A%20KILLER%20190423%20default.webp" title="To catch a killer review" /></a></div><br />Of course, just like in "The Silence of the Lambs," our heroes face classic power struggles and political shenanigans that obstruct the search for the killer. Because hey, what's a thrilling crime investigation without a few bureaucratic hurdles? And here's where things take a turn: Edie and the deranged killer come face to face - cue the dramatic music! Edie is forced to endure the criminal's nonsensical babbling, testing her empathy skills to the max. <p></p><p>To Catch a Killer lacks the sophisticated elegance Jonathan Demme infused into "The Silence of the Lambs." It's a bit dirtier and a bit less refined, but it does make up for it in pure entertainment value. A rollercoaster ride through a wild, gritty landscape, where momentum is everything, and lingering on important details is sooo last season. We miss delving into Edie's motivations, but who needs motives when you've got psychopathic tendencies in the mix? </p><p>And let's not forget our friendly neighborhood killer, who might not have the same charm as Hannibal Lecter, but not everyone can be that easy on the eyes! To Catch a Killer still rustles up enough thrills and chills in its tight, pulse-pounding style. It may be a hasty job, but it is a thrilling one.</p><p>Here's the real treat: Jodie Foster will get the chance to bring back that complicated female investigator vibe to the screen. "True Detective" season 4 will swoop in to fill that void on January 14th. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-79130684882529728482023-11-05T01:36:00.005-08:002023-11-05T01:40:05.550-08:00Dark Thrill the Best of 2023: The Classic Detective comeback<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRdRA1Dvdx3Ec4PrEU-u_hAOJ5nU0vkoYhoGlKrgfoYpvErXQErpp1nkuIu1iOySJcgXDwGtyauDSbEJHYQpO9foQEKpiO2kG52H5TR1vne5SOOAEozAndCm5LLIJyoKC2qSUIj-_zin-ueHp-jNnMe1P8E3vg_Pt7bwg8zEwce6N1ztYBRDWp7y-Tsod/s4608/Untitled%20design-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRdRA1Dvdx3Ec4PrEU-u_hAOJ5nU0vkoYhoGlKrgfoYpvErXQErpp1nkuIu1iOySJcgXDwGtyauDSbEJHYQpO9foQEKpiO2kG52H5TR1vne5SOOAEozAndCm5LLIJyoKC2qSUIj-_zin-ueHp-jNnMe1P8E3vg_Pt7bwg8zEwce6N1ztYBRDWp7y-Tsod/s16000/Untitled%20design-3.png" title="The Best Tv Shows of 2023 Murderers in The Building" /></a></div><br />Have you noticed how the classic detective has made a comeback lately? It all started with Knives Out, and I'm totally here for it! I hope we get to see even more renditions of this genre soon. <p></p><p>Growing up, I spent a lot of time at my grandma's house, and she had an awesome collection of detective novels and thrillers. She had every single book by Agatha Christie, and I remember reading all of them in a row. They were way more exciting than the usual children's books, and they got me hooked on mysteries and whodunnits. </p><p>This past year has been a blast for fans of the genre, with three super fun examples in Murderers in The Building, The Afterparty, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery( yes, it came out 23 Dec 2022, but remained a solid number one all through January). Some people have criticized the latest seasons of Murderers and The Afterparty, but I really enjoyed them! Both had some seriously brilliant episodes that had me glued to the screen. The episode spoofing Wes Anderson's style was so cute, and the Douglas Sirk one featuring Elizabeth Perkins was fantastic. And adding Paul Walter Hauser after his terrific turn in Blackbird was brilliant. </p><p>Murderers in the Building's third season was even better than season two, with Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez all being hilarious. Steve is an absolute genius, and the Pickwick Triplets episode with the White Room is etched in my brain; it's definitely one of my favorite episodes this year. But the real highlight was having Meryl Streep give her masterclass; she is such a legend; her performance reminded me of her role in Bridges of Madison County—tender and natural. </p><p>I'm crossing my fingers for more Johnson goodies next year and a new Murderers season. Unfortunately, The Aftershow got canceled, but... talking about Agatha Christie inspired phare, I'm hoping for a new White Lotus location with a full-blown murder storyline this time. The plots have been great, but they haven't had quite the same bite as a Christie novel. So, here's hoping for more classics-inspired whodunnits shows in 2024!</p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-20197558663848840662023-11-05T01:14:00.004-07:002023-11-05T01:22:14.786-07:00Dark Thrill reviews: Sun Damage by Sabine Durrant<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_JKrsVZ332FM5D9pnUpg4z7xKHRpykHfVw8xTh9bQr01HH7WyAgoQlzlxbl21MccdbtIi_VAnZGc5QpYaRERwbA5xt_ygk9ukyeV09uIP97RmlNAevMxA9o-RUdZ0g1tGTewhmk_2KLr-33vGs3vdmJcCcuc6SpfrnD6T0xgQKBErRRhngl_IUPyCvHp/s400/63241099.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_JKrsVZ332FM5D9pnUpg4z7xKHRpykHfVw8xTh9bQr01HH7WyAgoQlzlxbl21MccdbtIi_VAnZGc5QpYaRERwbA5xt_ygk9ukyeV09uIP97RmlNAevMxA9o-RUdZ0g1tGTewhmk_2KLr-33vGs3vdmJcCcuc6SpfrnD6T0xgQKBErRRhngl_IUPyCvHp/s16000/63241099.jpg" title="Sun Damage By Sabine Durrant Review" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>There's something captivating about stories featuring Grifters and their exceptional observation skills. It's like watching a behavioral scientist use their knowledge for greed and evil. One of my all-time favorite movies is The Grifters, and I loved how Sabine Durrant quoted Jim Thompson in her novel Sun Damage. Remember, The Grifters is a story about a trio of conmen and -women that reaches the deepest level of toxicity, foreshadowing the direction of this novel set in the South of France. </p><p>The book starts with one excellent chapter where we get to watch the set-up of the hustle through the protagonist, Ali's eyes, as she zeroes in on a distracted English girl, Lulu, alone in a hotel in the south of France. Before you know it, Ali and her partner Sean had their whole day of eating, sunning, and drinking, paid for by the unsuspecting girl. That would have been enough for Ali, but Sean keeps the scam going, and before they know it, they are on a boat with Lulu, and after a fight, the girl ends up dead. </p><p>So begins this captivating novel, and then Sabine Durant veers into an unexpected side road; in a panic, after Lulu's death, Ali decides to take the summer job the girl was heading to, cooking for a well-to-do London family in a pastoral villa in the Provence. This part of the novel is just a joy and encapsulates the summer vacation spent by an English family in France perfectly. They are not snobs, but out of their depths, they don't really understand their surroundings and don't even notice that the girl cooking for them is not precisely a master chef, apart from Rob, a visiting writer. </p><p>The novel is brimming with simmering tension that remains under boiling point for a long time while filling the room with the wonderful aromas of the French countryside. Of course, we all know this is an unsustainable situation, but when the tables turn, you will not see it coming. Sun Damage is the perfect book to read on a cold, rainy day.</p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-5826337807851782162023-10-11T02:42:00.002-07:002023-10-11T02:42:33.108-07:00Dark Thrill recommends/ The best of 2023 TV Shows: Deadloch<p> We still have some months for a definite list, but still, let's do a little recap of the year, starting with:</p><p>The Funniest Mystery:</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Deadloch:</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIVI8pvn8TTYWMEXNDfa6TNJQL2obbx_YbNX1UoP2vKG-dUysaElcQQ0x6-nNUv6eDY-jMTNUfAWgzyHVDHWBpyyR_Zq9JtDtWXT4L2JrCBV3M8sUUmWRBWZFJINKhnTR4fJJrb77h0AfPUaX7rorceWIay73RNmm74Cjld7pj3i6MYYSglOSqRK3Cr2a/s1280/02_Deadloch-BLK3-SD12-CharacterPortrait-JZ-19_Madeleine_Sami_as_Eddie_Redcliffe_Kate_Box_as_Dulcie_Collins_and_Nina_Oyama_as_Abby_Matsuda_3000.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIVI8pvn8TTYWMEXNDfa6TNJQL2obbx_YbNX1UoP2vKG-dUysaElcQQ0x6-nNUv6eDY-jMTNUfAWgzyHVDHWBpyyR_Zq9JtDtWXT4L2JrCBV3M8sUUmWRBWZFJINKhnTR4fJJrb77h0AfPUaX7rorceWIay73RNmm74Cjld7pj3i6MYYSglOSqRK3Cr2a/s16000/02_Deadloch-BLK3-SD12-CharacterPortrait-JZ-19_Madeleine_Sami_as_Eddie_Redcliffe_Kate_Box_as_Dulcie_Collins_and_Nina_Oyama_as_Abby_Matsuda_3000.webp" title="Dedloch/ Best Tv shows of the year/ Thrillers/What to watch 2023" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>My favorite foul-mouthed investigating duo of the year are Eddie Redcliffe and Dulcie Collins. ( with adorable and impressive assistance by junior constable Abby)</p><p><br /></p><p>Two girls stumble upon the body of a man in Deadloch, a small coastal village in Tasmania. Not only has his throat been cut, his tongue is missing. Dulcie, a senior sergeant, has moved to the quiet little town to escape the city's stress, crime, and her sins, but that might have been a move to satisfy her wife's wishes, the local veterinarian and blabbermouth Cath York. </p><p> Eddie, a detective working in Darwin, is sent to the scene of the crime after her own partner's death. She arrives like a sweaty, sloppy, and reckless Magnum PI, due to her love for Hawaiian shirts, who instantly insults everyone who dares to come near.</p><p>While the local Winter festival is underway, more bodies, all men, are found, all missing their tongues. Dulcie is pushing for a serial murder investigation. Eddie wants to leave this delightful town, where a sizeable lesbian community resides, as soon as possible. The two are constantly butting heads, which leads to a string of delicious barbs. It's the Big Lebowski meet Broadchruch, wacky, brimming with original characters, and a fantastic plot. And I need a sequel stat!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-78383280431582478202023-07-13T08:20:00.001-07:002023-07-13T08:20:14.199-07:00Dark Thrill Reviews: The Bullet that Missed by Richard Osman<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TXi4b1v-exLhpGsi5APb5600LYZSgAaZiOxa9AA1fwXiGKvmClKuf4FYgLONq58oABaTsTWfiil2AjU8msTpJFVtuw4_m4WSRvCErxZ_qQ0PeMbWVoJIdFSrDwnl6DiHdakOXab1i87W-Z8eaRgtk2h_cOOuKCp-Z_XAUDZQdMOkzGYaW1qZBxYK-jW6/s2838/58957615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2838" data-original-width="1848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TXi4b1v-exLhpGsi5APb5600LYZSgAaZiOxa9AA1fwXiGKvmClKuf4FYgLONq58oABaTsTWfiil2AjU8msTpJFVtuw4_m4WSRvCErxZ_qQ0PeMbWVoJIdFSrDwnl6DiHdakOXab1i87W-Z8eaRgtk2h_cOOuKCp-Z_XAUDZQdMOkzGYaW1qZBxYK-jW6/s16000/58957615.jpg" title="The Thursday Murder Club best book yet" /></a></div><br /> The Thursday Murder Club has done it again, and this latest installment is the best one yet. While the previous book had a crackerjack of a start, I found the ending less successful, this time around, the pacing is perfect, the stakes are even higher, and the plot is as clear as Elisabeth's conscience. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>The club takes on the case of Bethany Waites, a television presenter who disappeared after her car went over a cliff. Joyce, one of the club members, is especially eager to get involved as she hopes to meet Bethany's charming co-anchor. But as they delve deeper into the case, they soon realize that they have a much bigger, and far more dangerous, problem on their hands. The consequences of their actions in the previous book have come back to haunt them, and they must pay the price. When an old KGB friend of Elisabeth's, Victor, becomes a target, Elizabeth must make a difficult choice - kill her old friend or risk losing Joyce. </p><p><br /></p><p>What I love most about this series is the way the characters are allowed to grow and evolve, something that is often lacking in stories featuring septuagenarians. They become more ruthless, adventurous, and vulnerable as the series progresses, and everything that happens impacts them deeply. The way the author weaves in the everyday struggles of aging, such as Stephen's Alzheimer's, is done with such authenticity and humanity that it adds an extra layer of depth to the story. It is a rare treat to see an author like Richard Osman grow and improve with each book, and this latest installment is undoubtedly his best yet.</p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-12111759797247060252023-07-13T05:53:00.005-07:002023-07-13T05:53:36.614-07:00Dark Thrill reviews: The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkQO8spKiu2ddmPNxq49vq-7ULYLzWJrk3gwLL9M_7xZcTPzfc3uxR14t_1i-1jZFJCzidFkz54e1MkDQpRvJSrMbEm7MYAS6-RpKziLVk12Lbk8M_aqD2IkQjlYdFbEMpa6vBkPQhXVJXaSwplMWJVvDAOe2Iu31UKXyZvRYIAUlCXUYG_NxhrOds1zH/s648/58468990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkQO8spKiu2ddmPNxq49vq-7ULYLzWJrk3gwLL9M_7xZcTPzfc3uxR14t_1i-1jZFJCzidFkz54e1MkDQpRvJSrMbEm7MYAS6-RpKziLVk12Lbk8M_aqD2IkQjlYdFbEMpa6vBkPQhXVJXaSwplMWJVvDAOe2Iu31UKXyZvRYIAUlCXUYG_NxhrOds1zH/s16000/58468990.jpg" title="Lucy Filey Paris apartment best beach reads" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Lucy Foley has a knack for selecting captivating locations for her gripping thrillers. A Parisian apartment serves as a perfect backdrop for a thriller, as it accentuates the unnerving discomfort that most foreigners experience when they set foot in the city of Lights. The allure and stunning beauty of Paris are unmistakable, but it also feels unattainable, and the common perception is that Parisians are snobbish and unfriendly. Therefore, it is easy to relate to Jess, the British protagonist, who has recently been fired and is currently down-on-her-luck, as she seeks refuge at her half-brother's apartment, a British journalist named Ben Daniels.
However, upon her arrival, she discovers that Ben is nowhere to be found, and from the opening scene, it is evident that something terrible may have occurred to him. Although Jess and Ben have been estranged, with their paths diverging when Jess was placed in foster homes while Ben was fortunate enough to be taken in by a wealthy family, Jess still cares about her half-brother. Despite feeling distanced from him, Jess is sharp-witted, perceptive, and determined. As an outsider, being ostracized by the residents of this stunning place does not faze her too much. She is accustomed to being an outsider, and she effortlessly infiltrates these paneled walls, uncovering everyone's secrets. While The Guest List is Lucy Foley's masterpiece, this novel is equally enjoyable, utilizing isolation, setting, dread, and suspense masterfully, as demonstrated in her previous work.
The story is presented through a multiple POV lens, providing readers with an advantage, yet we are still kept in the dark. Ben exudes the vibe of a con man, using his charm and good looks to assimilate with this crowd to achieve his goals. We are almost privy to the attack, but the final blow remains a mystery. As we deftly hop from the modest concierge pied a terre to the opulent penthouse, we are drawn in by these individuals and their secrets. Jess quickly meets Nick Miller, Ben's friend from Cambridge University, who offers to assist her in locating Ben. With his assistance, Jess becomes acquainted with the other inhabitants, including Sophie and Jacques Meunier, a couple living in a luxurious apartment, the menacing Antoine, the two girls living together, the mousy Mimi and flirty Camille, and the creepy concierge, whose stalkerish chapters were particularly enjoyable. It is impossible not to identify with Jess, and she provides us with a guidebook on how to deal with the enigmatic Parisians by staying true to oneself. A highly likable character and a compelling thriller.Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-48951224448072782662023-04-17T02:42:00.002-07:002023-04-17T02:42:29.806-07:00Dark Thrill reviews: The revenge of the cat lady/Woman of the year by Darcey Bell<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gqc8EZ8J_uXnO8xaCP9XpCTCPPOBhtdeyU2OjRGPogZsMu7ew89aSWKa0lx9pGbn0sIt78UBCk8wH4Ri_EEzdhixftIEM6Sj2TACrZVEPQ-KnIcaIExKs9pHQRQhodsfWuCdte9TQoJ3cSzKpKnyhTFzLwm0mzZeGywSekhjATm7GhKYyVoxahso-w/s1600/61273781.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2173" data-original-width="1399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gqc8EZ8J_uXnO8xaCP9XpCTCPPOBhtdeyU2OjRGPogZsMu7ew89aSWKa0lx9pGbn0sIt78UBCk8wH4Ri_EEzdhixftIEM6Sj2TACrZVEPQ-KnIcaIExKs9pHQRQhodsfWuCdte9TQoJ3cSzKpKnyhTFzLwm0mzZeGywSekhjATm7GhKYyVoxahso-w/s16000/61273781.jpg" title="Best thrillers to read now, Darcey Bell Simple Favor, Woman of the year" /></a></div>
This is the perfect thriller for introverts; rarely do we get a protagonist in a thriller who is so isolated. Lorelei is part of the observant armies of people that have retreated from society. She was always a bit awkward, even when she was the pretty girl, out of three, in her college class, but traumatic events and especially people have pushed her to give up on life. But she is not entirely alone; Lorelei has always relied on cats to give her companionship, purpose, and love. And this whole book is an ode to these best of friends. It has been framed as a story of the rivalry between two women, and yes, it is. But at its core, Woman of the Year is the story of the resurgence of an outcast and her cat. And that is part of the book that is hugely satisfying.
Like Lorelei being an oddball, the book also starts strangely; her inner voice contrasts so much with what she is about to do; Lorelei is attending the Woman of the Year banquet to poison her former classmate Holly, who is the said Woman being celebrated. Lorelei doesn't intend to kill her; she only wants to make Holly suffer for what she did to her and her cat in those college years. We then get the flashback, telling us Lorelei's sad and twisted story. Laura Lee ( wait for the name change, it is a stomach-turning doozy) is attending college and falling for her professor in the behavioral psychology class. Holly was her friend and barely registers on our radar. What is clever about the book is how unstable Lorelei and her voice seem at the banquet, so we are put in the same position as her professor and her classmates when Lorelei, in the flashbacks, seems to make moves and tells something that seems way off.
Especially the novel's first act is an unsettling experience; Darcey Bell throws thriller caution to the wind and introduces quirkiness in the genre, it can feel icky and put some readers off, and I was hesitant after reading the first chapters. And I had to fast forward to some later chapters because some things were hard to stomach for me and anybody who loves animals. But I am so glad I read this; the ending was fantastic, and it is the kind of book you won't forget the moment you put it away, an original and exhilarating. Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-43369475986599082722023-03-06T06:31:00.004-08:002023-03-06T06:33:06.508-08:00Dark Thrill Reviews: Do you love Yellowjackets? The Only Survivors By Megan Miranda is for you<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9PUGdVEH9pCoyBBBj58d28zVGM4CclVHe20C_IueGdIF39ip7c4BYBLOfgKmSpVEPdmvSqOdHMLKhpiyUT6m2BCy5hsYkoDI_f1xmSXd8HmT6wudTcLc6NjmuiIyBwIokdklgD9SRMQNzIqTaXAZeTg6TyrJGlKXWu4AfxxQX7dUbYWdd593GWZnDA/s2125/the-only-survivors-9781668010419_hr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2125" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9PUGdVEH9pCoyBBBj58d28zVGM4CclVHe20C_IueGdIF39ip7c4BYBLOfgKmSpVEPdmvSqOdHMLKhpiyUT6m2BCy5hsYkoDI_f1xmSXd8HmT6wudTcLc6NjmuiIyBwIokdklgD9SRMQNzIqTaXAZeTg6TyrJGlKXWu4AfxxQX7dUbYWdd593GWZnDA/s16000/the-only-survivors-9781668010419_hr.jpg" title="The Only Survivors YellowJackets redux" /></a></div> <p></p><br /><p>The only survivors by Megan Miranda is a mix of Yellowjackets and the Big Chill set in Outer Banks. Every year the only eight survivors of a school bus crash come together in a beach house called the Shallows. Not really to commemorate or as a tribute but to collectively forget. To bond in their denial of all that happened before. Cassidy Bent, our protagonist, is reluctant to go as all the years before. She is fed up with indulging in the shared guilt. But is lured there by the suicide of one of them. And some mysterious messages are coming from his phone.</p><p>In reality, it was not a simple crash; a lot of people died, were left behind, there was a mysterious knife, and even after they crawled to safety, people kept dying. </p><p>The novel evokes this strange connection between the eight; by intelligently abstaining. The narration behaves as the protagonists do by never speaking out loud about what happened until the end. It is spooky how the eight do not come together to discuss; they go about their business, go to the beach, go to a bar as if nothing has happened—but there is always this atmosphere of distrust and paranoia lurking underneath the summer activities.</p><p>This vagueness is the strength and a weaker point in the novel. It works beautifully as a hypnotic, fascinating story. Still, because it is kept vague (why is everybody so freaked out? They try so hard to seem normal.), it loses some propulsive energy that could have made this a tauter thriller.</p><p>But it is a creepy, evocative, and compelling read, haunting even, with a protagonist who can carry all the guilt and this mesmerizing story on her shoulders.</p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-31813310905524970202023-02-07T07:40:00.003-08:002023-02-07T07:43:04.485-08:00Dark Thrill Reviews: When you can't wait for Succession season 4: The Family Game by Catherine Steadman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvyekrsFTRx9YEQaDU0uQxVVvmVH_Eszbgk2mc3cQBUr1dOqSqnmdauB3acaXNPRz5Wu2R36XDMzcInXHqAEBb07jcTK1kQSPL7dFpORGXblBbyKKVaDM3Pi2M05unsvzSqP1tyZVLMzDBKxN9aoSYxg6grxFlKg_-wcblPM97W0aRYNbCZ40qrnGvw/s500/51HrHao3KbL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvyekrsFTRx9YEQaDU0uQxVVvmVH_Eszbgk2mc3cQBUr1dOqSqnmdauB3acaXNPRz5Wu2R36XDMzcInXHqAEBb07jcTK1kQSPL7dFpORGXblBbyKKVaDM3Pi2M05unsvzSqP1tyZVLMzDBKxN9aoSYxg6grxFlKg_-wcblPM97W0aRYNbCZ40qrnGvw/s16000/51HrHao3KbL.jpg" title="The family Game Catherine deadman review, thriller like Succession, Glass Onion" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> I love that roasting billionaires has become a genre all in itself, and the newest by Catherine Steadman is on top of its game. Pun intended. Harriet is a British writer about to marry Edward Holbeck, the son of one of the most powerful men in America. And Harry seems intimidated by the prospect of meeting future in-laws and the rest of the family. Or don't they watch Succession in the UK? She's right to be apprehensive because this family, apart from being astonishingly wealthy and influential, is also weird. They like to play bizarre games. Grown-up versions of children's Halloween games, brought over from Germany, were hide-and-seek invokes pure terror, and Christmas games that turn even deadlier. </p><p>And then we have yet to talk about their mind games. Those would push every prospective daughter-in-law over the edge.</p><p>But Harriet is not easily unnerved; she proves herself to be assertive and maybe even as destructive.</p><p>The central relationship in this book is not between Harriet and her fiance but instead indulging in the incredible awkwardness of Harriet and her future father-in-law, Robert's connection. Harriet's knees almost buckle every time Robert walks in the room; her fascination and attraction are incredibly uncomfortable and intriguing. From his side, his interest remains opaque. </p><p>But after meeting her once, Robert leaves Harriet with a tape cassette, with what seems to be a confession to murder. </p><p>It's delicious how Steadman turned an anxiety-filled time for any future bride, meeting the parents into this deadly cat-and-mouse game. Or better, a perfect match between a tom and queen because Harriet is no meek prey; her grit shows when she is put to the test. This is a woman who takes charge. And she might be the one thing this family needs to redeem itself from its past sins.</p><p>So, there are creepy contests, spooky locations, ambiguous deaths, a lot of sleuthing, romances gone wrong, and as many twists as there is room in The Holbeck manor.</p><p>It is gothic, richly written, twisted, uneasy, and has a kickass protagonist to root for.</p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-37667783519782298102023-01-17T05:10:00.002-08:002023-01-17T05:17:39.883-08:00The Thrill Weekly<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOaK1je92vJBgzA66KgWT6J2Z3bcifY1k5jiUAYgpru9R79CaTDtFPW708dm1j_vFFmce-gbjAOfiw7Uz1QmVumffTY7Id5QOxqpM6olu4L6W_menYH4gHtdMYpPHSAT7tmtLiPWgu5M9lLW0NzDKJpWMyn9DKke0pMKIL-jmYiDviaPUSTvJy4pHnA/s1080/THRILLS%20AND%20BORES.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOaK1je92vJBgzA66KgWT6J2Z3bcifY1k5jiUAYgpru9R79CaTDtFPW708dm1j_vFFmce-gbjAOfiw7Uz1QmVumffTY7Id5QOxqpM6olu4L6W_menYH4gHtdMYpPHSAT7tmtLiPWgu5M9lLW0NzDKJpWMyn9DKke0pMKIL-jmYiDviaPUSTvJy4pHnA/s16000/THRILLS%20AND%20BORES.jpg" title="Ginny and Georgia review, The Pale Blue Eye, What to watch now Netflix, The Menu ending" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Today is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. I'm having a great time, the sun shines, and I'm listening to Lana del Rey, but still, I wish they would adjust movie release schedules and TV to our appetites; instead of having summer be the popcorn movie time and autumn reserved for prestige fair, why not make it so that the best movies and TV come out in January and February? Move those Oscars to June, shift the whole thing around. I'm kidding; my husband tells me I should state this every time because we realized he had taken me seriously all these years. </p><p>I am not practicing laughing at my own jokes like a loser. </p><p>Kidding.</p><p>But seriously, they should put more out in January. In January, we need to get landslided with the best entertainment they can offer. </p><p><br /></p><p>So, I'm underwhelmed by choice; still, let's start the Weekly Thrills recap: </p><p><br /></p><p>So I am not a winter person, and usually, I would like to indulge in something like the White Lotus on the coldest days. But I discovered that watching somebody having a more miserable time than you works like a charm. Kidding. Should I start using emojis in my usual conversation, The Circle -style? LMAO, aaaaaand send.</p><p>But seriously, The pale Blue Eye was a very pleasurable experience. Always been an Edgar Allen Poe Fan, so this might have been up my alley. Watching Christian Bale be devasted in a wooden cabin surrounded by snow, having to solve the mystery of slain and dissected cadets at West Point, accompanied by cadet Poe, in an extremely morbid movie, was great fun. It was a much better movie than I expected: gorgeous cinematography, good plotting, and a touching performance by Bale.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><br />Some weeks ago, I struggled to decide which movie to see in the cinema, chose Bones and all, and have regretted it ever since—not kidding. One of the other choices was The Menu, and now that it I streaming, I am glad I didn't see it in the cinema. It is entertaining for an afternoon at home; Anya Taylor-Joy has a magnetic enough presence to sustain the movie; I did love the kitchen/servers part of the movie, but I was unconvinced by the Diners part ( it will make sense when you see the film). The Glass Onion was better at skewering the privileged; In the Menu, the people that receive the brunt of the critique do not seem rotten enough. And that last image of the hamburger would have been much more satisfactory, say if it was a plate of pasta. Kidding. But seriously, the anti-intellectualism of the movie rubbed me wrong. So you tell me you only have the choice between deconstructed haute cuisine and the plain hamburger? Yeah, no, not buying it. Sure, showing how pretentious cooking can become: fair, but that was done with one sentence in the Bear and the Prune explanation. There exists an entire universe between Haute cuisine and flipping burgers. As simplistic as that conclusion was, pretending to say something using that contrast was even more as superficial. Entertaining, yes, because of its pacing and flair. But it leaves you with nothing, while the Glass Onion will leave you with numerous YouTubers analyzing every Easter egg, which is a delight.<p></p><p>I have started the second season of Ginny And Georgia; this show is so sneaky. I thought I was bored with it, the fights between mother and daughter could not have kept me glued for much longer, but then came the end of episode three and the Marcus situation, and now I am hooked.</p><p>Kaleidoscope is fun, although I think I have the worst sequence: Green, Yellow, Blue, Violet, Orange, Red, Pink, and white.</p><p>I still need to finish the Recruit; messy and easy to watch, but why do all these women want to sleep with Owen? He doesn't seem ever to shower. I hope the ending will pay off; for now, it is shooting from the hip with very nonchalant plotting. </p><p>Break Point is as thrilling and would be a great accompaniment to reading Carrie Soto is back.</p><p><br /></p><p>Oh, and I can't wait for Poker face, the trailer looks amazing. </p><p><br /></p>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/7gmozhMRbmA" width="480"></iframe>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-42703443877927165262023-01-03T06:43:00.000-08:002023-01-03T06:43:03.184-08:00Dark Thrill reviews: Carrie Soto is Back the Newest by Taylor Jenkins Reid<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhij_lENAC382eUBiK9cCr2UQCbMZN9zS_1vixwyXRHCWUkV1i7vl4kOQ2lbXwQsNhs6kSPPrrOOz1tULhgNZHPPD1JxjLKQD-d3HzVZEI9kpvUYaz0q65gj3zx7f1W87rbq_kexCB1WsH98Qpq7aEsed4NN6jqPE9YvAGmBgTXCcHvYt5JfRLBOO8wpQ/s2500/Carrie%20Soto%20is%20back%20review.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="2500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhij_lENAC382eUBiK9cCr2UQCbMZN9zS_1vixwyXRHCWUkV1i7vl4kOQ2lbXwQsNhs6kSPPrrOOz1tULhgNZHPPD1JxjLKQD-d3HzVZEI9kpvUYaz0q65gj3zx7f1W87rbq_kexCB1WsH98Qpq7aEsed4NN6jqPE9YvAGmBgTXCcHvYt5JfRLBOO8wpQ/s16000/Carrie%20Soto%20is%20back%20review.webp" title="reviews: Carrie Soto is Back the Newest by Taylor Jenkins Reid Sorts novels books to read now" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Bill Durham is one of my favorite movies; it is such a fun concept: a washed-up sports pro taking one more swing at glory. Carrie Soto is back is following in those footsteps, but then again, Carrie, a retired tennis pro, has received all the accolades, wins, and prize money, and she never let herself go after retirement. No, she was always on top of the world and could be resting on her laurels. But that is her problem. Carrie Soto is back is a novel about a woman struggling with perfectionism and how to deal with perfectionism when you have the ability to be flawless. Most of us will never achieve that level of excellence, so perfectionism might be a crux that blocks us from doing the work. But what if you could be the very best? What does it do to you when you are still not satisfied and done after arriving on top?</span></p><div class="big450BoxBody" style="background-repeat: no-repeat repeat; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div class="big450BoxContent" style="overflow: hidden; width: 430px;"><div class="reviewText mediumText description readable" itemprop="reviewBody" style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The tricky thing about such a protagonist is that she is not very relatable. Still, Taylor Jenkins Reid is the kind of writer that pulls you into a protagonist like that and shows you the inner world of somebody the world sees as cold, calculated, and impenetrable. <br />She is not. But she was always so busy getting somewhere that her emotional development was stunted. <br />The story starts when Carrie Soto decides to make a comeback, spurred on by the inability to let go of her precious record of Grand Slam wins. When the then-champion is about to break hers, Carrie vows to start training again and show everyone that she is and always will be the best. <br />So, no, this is not Bill Durham, where a talented player never was able to achieve what his talent deserved. This is the story of a winner who wants to win even more. The journalists and sports commentators in the book serve to voice some of our own opinions on a person like that, and I loved that Carrie Soto is back explores a role that, for women, is seen as an unsympathetic one. <br />Reading the commentators dismiss Carrie and call her names is a neat trick to get us on Carrie's side, and her wonderful relationship with her father/trainer further warms our hearts. <br />The novel follows her training, with lots of ups and downs, and each Grand Slam, with exquisite descriptions of pure tennis. It even throws in a romance with another player, a closer fit to a Bill Durham character, a tennis pro who never risen to Carrie's highs and now has to accept his age and failing body. Like Carrie, he's still attempting to hold on to his tennis career. <br />Carrie Soto is back is such a compulsive read; the plot is relatively straightforward and entirely suits Carrie's personality. That is the aspect I loved the most, how the style and the emotions fit the determined, intelligent and capable character so well. If you don't play or watch tennis, this might be too specific for you, but if you do, Carrie Soto is back is a treat.</div><div id="review-like" style="float: right; margin-top: 8px; text-align: right;"></div><div id="review-follow" style="margin-top: 8px;"></div></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-61949208505812324592022-10-21T07:18:00.002-07:002022-10-21T07:18:12.899-07:00Dark Thrill reviews: A most efficient murder by Anthony Slayton<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfl05j-qAbuOUzi_PoJ6fYoeMz17ap9MV7LZyR9U9Hk1-anDgK23_ToAOYymoIg2D1KnZnipbpxGtl52kH_7ypn0qlWguPvyjAwfA1TCnUZBIMHmtsfBJMWQ8xTp02O36zVSMJZkX58FY2EAZzOugkWqi15IWq8_zy73Atx6ein1rZpMK-d_6aZvywg/s500/41cl8mstz5L._AC_SY780_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfl05j-qAbuOUzi_PoJ6fYoeMz17ap9MV7LZyR9U9Hk1-anDgK23_ToAOYymoIg2D1KnZnipbpxGtl52kH_7ypn0qlWguPvyjAwfA1TCnUZBIMHmtsfBJMWQ8xTp02O36zVSMJZkX58FY2EAZzOugkWqi15IWq8_zy73Atx6ein1rZpMK-d_6aZvywg/s16000/41cl8mstz5L._AC_SY780_.jpg" title="thrillers books to read now A most efficient murder, Anthony slayton" /></a></div><br />The Earl of Unsworth gathers his family for a very special announcement. He has no children and is getting on with age, so it is obvious where this will be going. But then, the body of a young woman is found in the garden of his estate. The Earl's young niece found her, and before the police can even get there to investigate, the Earl tasks his loyal secretary Mr. Quayle to contain the situation, squash the scandal, and, if he can, solve the murder. But saving the family name is priority number one. <p></p><p>Not one of the guest steps forward, when Inspector Wintle arrives and asks if anybody recognizes the dead woman, she seem to be a complete mystery. But soon, people start disappearing, a riddle takes hold of the crowd, the inheritance is questioned, and long-lost secret relationships come to light. While Quayle deftly, with tact and dedication, is hunting the killer, it becomes evident that none of the guests has a clear conscience; they are all lying through their teeth. </p><p>A perfect cozy Agatha Christie-like murder mystery that is historically compelling and doesn't veer off into pastiche territory. The thing I admired the most about the book is how it subtly modernized the genre; even if we are dealing with several WWI wounded soldiers, it is fast-paced, moving like a freight train, and never feels gimmicky. </p><div><br /></div>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-71558818866667310782022-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:002022-10-11T05:00:10.175-07:00Dark Thrill reviews; Her Perfect Twin by Sarah Bonner<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vDs-GdMogOXUjZkEf0YqB452ds0eTTS64LUXSoqFKwkXgN5u238l3C59KMyOZ_zdJtzfR_Tpb0tmyUSLFSpSXzByImCuW-gyhb8twJRwzBqgAkIGDD3iFGf2buws07B0IgZcu4K7br75CbLw4bVPXTvqiq6iCP6DA84pGsHNdqIY0DsckMw9B5XYQA/s1000/61hd+YpRlfL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vDs-GdMogOXUjZkEf0YqB452ds0eTTS64LUXSoqFKwkXgN5u238l3C59KMyOZ_zdJtzfR_Tpb0tmyUSLFSpSXzByImCuW-gyhb8twJRwzBqgAkIGDD3iFGf2buws07B0IgZcu4K7br75CbLw4bVPXTvqiq6iCP6DA84pGsHNdqIY0DsckMw9B5XYQA/w416-h640/61hd+YpRlfL.jpg" title="Her perfect twin Sarah Bonner twist ending" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Gone Girl is my favorite thriller of the last decade, and it seems I am not the only one who thinks so because it has become the template for most suspense thrillers that concentrate on marriages. And Her Perfect Twin is an excellent riff on what has become a genre. </p><p>Megan and Leah are twins, and the symbiosis between these two disadvantages Megan in every which way. They hate each other. Leah has become rich and famous, and Megan has stopped talking to her. Leah has written a tell-all book about their dad, who had two families, parading around their dirty laundry has destroyed their mother. </p><p>So when Megan finds a photo of what she initially thinks is herself in lingerie on her husband's phone but soon discovers it is her twin, you can imagine her reaction.</p><p>What follows is a relentless and cruel cat-and-mouse play between Megan, her twin sister, and Megan's despicable husband. This takes place during the pandemic, and I loved how well the lockdown is woven into the plot. One of the devices used in this genre is the switch in POV, where the story gets turned completely around. Here it is employed to great effect; the only issue is that Megan has such a strong voice; she is funny, endearing, and unhinged that when we switch to her husband, she is sorely missed. Her husband's voice and later the lawyer's voice are blunt and onesided, and I missed the multifacet, intriguing Megan. But the switch does wonders for the plot and the twist and turns that keep coming, so it is a necessary compromise and leads to the satisfying gut-punch of an ending.</p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-31821922222049078602022-10-01T05:02:00.009-07:002022-10-01T05:20:53.645-07:00The Dark thrills to look forward to: what to watch and read in October<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1lh5QfdbET7s93S7NGVhrj0yc0Amvj6ruuDbUMSVBsfksJrj3BpbGRArRGo60d7aBZUmgwaUoHK8HeMK_i9qY0A0qZCeQADHQRv2_iPZdiu5BneL_ICYL21l98SoC7q7Mg31w3DrlCyIebO8HvtTY9ECn1r6uP3yxVN8yil-8Y-_M7zwso1zH_Us3A/s2000/Untitled%20design-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1lh5QfdbET7s93S7NGVhrj0yc0Amvj6ruuDbUMSVBsfksJrj3BpbGRArRGo60d7aBZUmgwaUoHK8HeMK_i9qY0A0qZCeQADHQRv2_iPZdiu5BneL_ICYL21l98SoC7q7Mg31w3DrlCyIebO8HvtTY9ECn1r6uP3yxVN8yil-8Y-_M7zwso1zH_Us3A/s16000/Untitled%20design-4.jpg" title="BEst Tv shows on Netflix, apple October Best thrillers to read now" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jackal-Novel-Erin-Adams/dp/0593499301" target="_blank"><b>JACKAL By Erin A Adams</b></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSpsJmiZz4uIzTb4Xuqw3UNqzwt-3ih0VrG91So00hFcfMSkc5ApqM-sx3boaa3pdm7DoytiLQu5H2pfvvzpYiXzhnUMQNgKvdSot3yAMkYHOKI28NWoL-iPGWGkd8C2q4dz5bF2pTY8PRyNq9SEMBt6SHZAf3XI_b_2ogOANNtahpjXMtFUgSf4-LQ/s388/cover260045-medium.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSpsJmiZz4uIzTb4Xuqw3UNqzwt-3ih0VrG91So00hFcfMSkc5ApqM-sx3boaa3pdm7DoytiLQu5H2pfvvzpYiXzhnUMQNgKvdSot3yAMkYHOKI28NWoL-iPGWGkd8C2q4dz5bF2pTY8PRyNq9SEMBt6SHZAf3XI_b_2ogOANNtahpjXMtFUgSf4-LQ/s16000/cover260045-medium.png" title="Jackal Erin A Adams Review, thrillers to read now" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>A young Black girl goes missing in the woods outside her white rust belt town. But she's not the first—and she may not be the last. . . .</p><p>Liz Rocher is heading home for her best friend's wedding, and she is not looking forward to it; as a Black woman, Liz had a hard time growing up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a primarily white town. And then, on the wedding day, the couple's daughter, Caroline, vanishes—and the only thing left behind is a piece of white fabric covered in blood.</p><p>Liz has seen this before: Keisha Woodson, the only other Black girl in Liz's high school, disappeared into the woods and was later found with her chest cavity ripped open and her heart removed. And Keisha and Caroline are not the only ones. Someone is taking black girls.</p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Eve/dp/B077THXZLK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CU430YM1LIKX&keywords=little+eve+catriona&qid=1664625992&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&s=books&sprefix=little+eve+catrion%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C254&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>LITTLE EVE by Catriona Ward</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVCykDy4_XaFNEk67IOtfMGM48jGQJBUhUmQ14iB7UgtAdoqfnSxwGUv4nJbO1t8ugAsNAnvSKA1eiE18Y0qHx4ruuUfSVspPRnr-Eucmte0fSItVS6D_aNT7M8g8Q18YMXpwnZSbbkUQIR4ucYjilnivZFQZzrXnPq66BNFcWOdVuQq_Ca119bUDXQ/s388/cover252001-medium.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVCykDy4_XaFNEk67IOtfMGM48jGQJBUhUmQ14iB7UgtAdoqfnSxwGUv4nJbO1t8ugAsNAnvSKA1eiE18Y0qHx4ruuUfSVspPRnr-Eucmte0fSItVS6D_aNT7M8g8Q18YMXpwnZSbbkUQIR4ucYjilnivZFQZzrXnPq66BNFcWOdVuQq_Ca119bUDXQ/w210-h320/cover252001-medium.png" title="Little Eve Catriona Ward" width="210" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>From Catriona Ward comes the Shirley Jackson Award-winning novel Little Eve.</div><div><br /></div><div>On an island in Scotland, a clan prepares to bring about the end of the world and its coming rebirth. The Adder is expected to arrive and deliver one of its members with its powers. The entire clan is prepared to fight for that honor, as is the young Eve, who might be even more eager than most. But that is all halted when Chief Inspector Black is investigating a brutal murder. Soon all the secrets will be exposed.</div><div><br /></div></div><p><br /></p><p><b>THE MIDNIGHT CLUB on Netflix</b></p><p>The reaction to the trailer has been full of impatience; even if Mike Flanagan's The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass is pumping out one horror gem after the other, audiences can get enough. And I am p[articularlly looking forward to this one: Based on a nineties novel, it takes the teens in a haunted house trope and turns it on its head: these young people are terminally ill patients in a hospice, and instead of waiting to die, they form a club, telling each other's stories that will instead try to scare them to death. This quickly becomes a desperate plea, understandably so, not to die, to do everything in their power to stay alive. But, you know, that seems unlikely, and they make a pact that the first to die will contact the others. Here is the trailer:</p><p><br /></p><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lBhyUxRzANY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p><br /></p><p> <b>THE GOOD NURSE on Netflix</b></p><p>Maybe watching Five days at Memorial wet my appetite. Still, I am looking forward to this tale of this angel of death: The trailer starts so innocuously, but Oscar-winners Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain play, respectively, Charles Cullen, a nurse who is confirmed to have killed at least 29 people ( but probably many many more) and the nurse how helped to catch him. Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0DQevX-GZs" target="_blank">here</a></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="href="https://www.amazon.com/Audible-The-Family-Game/dp/B09ZK4TN36/ref=sr_1_1?crid=H7CTNH7XZCZ9&keywords=Catherine+steadman&qid=1664626161&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjYzIiwicXNhIjoiNC4yOSIsInFzcCI6IjQuMzIifQ%3D%3D&s=audible&sprefix=catherine+steadman%2Caudible%2C339&sr=1-1" target="_blank">"><b>THE FAMILY GAME by Catherine Steadman</b></a><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheObC2hzepaMHQxtN24CZ-k-OGDZ4dq6HVJ8AN-fJi9LhaRFPHmEYj5ThkwZdVgatFM1ToETG-O4Je-XXnk_yNZxejL0BXH5xAyF4YbXCLyi09FC49GGjPzenR2HjjSt57s7PIWTsqvoGyqRaOr1ogCpn3TgOCAxXilk3NLepg3Sx73zyPR76LIJO9rg/s387/cover258786-medium.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheObC2hzepaMHQxtN24CZ-k-OGDZ4dq6HVJ8AN-fJi9LhaRFPHmEYj5ThkwZdVgatFM1ToETG-O4Je-XXnk_yNZxejL0BXH5xAyF4YbXCLyi09FC49GGjPzenR2HjjSt57s7PIWTsqvoGyqRaOr1ogCpn3TgOCAxXilk3NLepg3Sx73zyPR76LIJO9rg/w211-h320/cover258786-medium.png" title="The Family Game Catherine Steadman review" width="211" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Harriet Reed has it all; she is about to become famous as a writer ( very hard to do!) and is engaged to Edward Holbeck, the heir of a powerful family. Edward tries not to let his family interfere in their lives, but he can no longer hold them back, and Harriet refuses to see how he sees them. So when Edward's father, Robert, hands Harriet a tape of a book he's been working on, she is more than willing to listen.</p><p>But as she presses play, she learns this is no novel. It's a confession to a murder.</p><p>Harriet doesn't understand why he would let her listen to it, but she is convinced that it is a test she must pass. She can now destroy her father-in-law. But why put her in this position? Is it all a game for this family?</p><div><div><br /></div><div><b>SHANTARAM on Apple+</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>At Apple +, they must have thought, hey, shows with an unlikely transplant work well for us; look at all teh Emmy's Ted Lasso rakes in; let's do another. So, let's call Shantaram Ted Lasso in Bombay. If Ted was a former convict and sedate, Richmond was the chaotic Indian city. I am kidding. But only because this sounds as strange at first as the other show was.</div><div>Charlie plays a fugitive named Lin Ford, who flees to 1980s Bombay. And ex-pat life in extremis, Lin tries to better his life, but trouble follows him. Working as a doctor in the slums and meeting Karla, a fascinating woman, are his chances to find his path to something better. Watch the trailer here</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9SSHhQRsYcM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-78994501913760322872022-09-21T02:33:00.001-07:002022-09-21T02:33:11.697-07:00Don't sleep on it: Five days at Memorial, a gut wrenching genre mash up.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmM9Zu9YdmM12ontLXcJRiGwFnKxPyUOYhh2pO6Rg2Wz4VysQ9Owql6n9kH1XuX5jCSK51GK02oyvq4axByBepLQ5mYtNVMybgpPXP5VXkCkNfKCC9qZuyMNvhaBMSYdmD5ybIA9hQfzNygqoIaSQ9-ETMBU3HqVZtZMFsSoYgXKGoyhcJYv5vJvqPQ/s620/6000.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="620" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmM9Zu9YdmM12ontLXcJRiGwFnKxPyUOYhh2pO6Rg2Wz4VysQ9Owql6n9kH1XuX5jCSK51GK02oyvq4axByBepLQ5mYtNVMybgpPXP5VXkCkNfKCC9qZuyMNvhaBMSYdmD5ybIA9hQfzNygqoIaSQ9-ETMBU3HqVZtZMFsSoYgXKGoyhcJYv5vJvqPQ/w640-h384/6000.webp" title="Five days at Memorial review Cast" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> Doctor, how did all those 45 people die? <p></p><p>So starts Five days, Five Days at Memorial, a retelling of five fateful days at Memorial Hospital in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, based on the 2013 book of the same name by Sheri Fink. This miniseries is written and directed by the powerhouse duo of John Ridley (Twelve years a slave and American Crime) and Carlton Cuse from Lost. And these two didn't skimp on production value for this show; imposing sets, action, and pure spectacle permeate the first episodes, and it almost feels like a seventies disaster movie. And so we get introduced to the vast cast, with familiar faces like Vera Farmiga as Dr. Anna Pau and Cherry Jones as Susan Moldrick's emergency-incident commander. (Can people stop saying that? She soon expresses her helplessness.) </p><p>All these nurses and doctors go around taking care of patients and accepting others taking shelter at Memorial hospital, unperturbed by Hurricane Katrina, about to make landfall. The nurses laugh at Doctor Pau's emergency kit, a can opener, and some tuna; she is a transplant without hurricane experience. This stoic demeanor continues until they realize they will lose the generators when the water reaches 4 feet of water and will have to evacuate. There is no plan for that; for every other circumstance, there is, but for this, there is nothing. </p><p>What starts as an incredible, well-made disaster show, with real-life images and those stunning sets, like the shaky rusted vertigo-inducing helicopter pad, soon becomes a profoundly human story. But not one of heroism. Instead, it lays bare governmental failings, company irresponsibility, human cowardice, pragmatism pushed to the extreme, and the arrogance of the few who think they know what is best for the many. </p><p>After these last few years, it almost felt familiar; having been in Italy during the first month of the pandemic, it was pretty sobering to see how quickly the government makes a decision they think is in the public's best interest and how little you can do about it. Now the pandemic had us comfy at home, but still, you could go more than 200 meters from your house. Staying home was the understandable norm, and the government panic was also comprehensible, but the hysteria after the fact, not being unable to take a walk after the disaster that happened in hospitals in the North of Italy, in the end, proved ridiculous. Now imagine a government that doesn't care about you, doesn't have the best intentions, and doesn't want to keep you safe; instead makes decisions based on bias, laziness, and pure, unconscionable ineptness. </p><p>People left alone and abandoned will freak out. And that is exactly what this miniseries shows.</p><p>Memorial Hospital had two privatized facilities in its building; LifeCare Hospitals, a separate rehab hospital operated on the seventh floor of the Memorial Medical building, that assisted patients until they improved enough to return home or to nursing facilities; it was not a hospice. And one of the most maddening aspects of this gripping show is how well it depicts that the nurses and people responsible for these very sick people are never considered. And what happens to them, the people responsible, and those poor people in their care is infuriating.</p><p>Another aspect that is well done is to show the position black doctors and nurses were in; rumors and fearmongering in New Orleans were running rampant, the fear of riots, muggings, and violence in the city blamed on its black citizens, influenced much of the response at the hospital, especially by the people in charge in planning the evacuation of the city. </p><p>It also shows how innocent rumors and half-truths lead to lies and people losing their belief and then not listening to crucial information, with terrifying results, like it is happening now with climate change. </p><p>This is a major spoiler, so please skip to the next paragraph if you haven't watched it. But it is baffling to see how after many days, boats finally arrived to evacuate; until then, there were only helicopters, and they didn't bring food or water. There was nothing to assist the doctors so they could stay there and care for patients. Then the police gave an ultimatum that everyone had to leave the hospital, resulting in nurses and doctors abandoning their more infirm patients, leaving them behind with doctor Pau, who then acted like an angel of death, even going as far as to administer lethal drugs to a man who was conscious and eager to be evacuated but was left to die, because he was obese. Is this even real? </p><p>The rest of the episodes follow a team of investigators, like in Dopesick, who try to hold this one dr. accountable for administering lethal drugs to the patients left behind.</p><p>The show builds the case against dr Pau and allows her to tell her side of the story. Her arrogance is never questioned, but this is no caricature, and Vera Farmiga does a fantastic job. </p><p>There are some incredible performances here; the best one is Julie Ann Emery, who Better call Saul fans will recognize as Mrs. Kettleman. Her devastation at having to leave her patient feels so real; her face sweaty, with bags under her eyes, deep as the water outside, refusing to go is one of the images that stick with you.</p><p>Cornelius Smith Jr is also hitting it out of the park. He plays Dr. Bryant, who sees all that is going on and strongly disapproves but is in no position to do anything about it; the black nurses, doctors, and patients are the heart and conscience of this story, as they should be. It is bittersweet to see how one of them is held up as a hero that saved a neonate, as a token, while every other black person in New Orleans had to face a very harsh reality. </p><p>Maybe the series handles too much, but I found the shift in genres where the entertainment value puts a spectacle stamp on the disaster only as a way to lead into a story of human frailty, weakness, and disorganization expertly done. It shows genuinely heroic people not giving up like you would see in the standard fare but eventually being snowed under by the unwillingness to intervene due to corporate disinterest and government structural collapse; the show does not operate in a grey area where people are not all bad or all good but tells us that individuality will not be enough to overcome the forces of those who don't care. It reminds me of shows like The Wire and Dopesick, only packaged in a slightly more commercialized style that doesn't hinder apart from the music, that pulled at the heartstrings in scenes already ripping your heart out. It is not filmed as raw as those other shows, but the theme, conclusions, and reveals laying bare the stark indifference are exactly the same. </p><p><br /></p><p>Watch this.</p><div><br /></div>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508983119105184520.post-44221431693268200132022-09-16T05:32:00.006-07:002022-09-16T05:38:54.844-07:00Weekend watches: Do Revenge on Netflix, two Glenn Close wannabes burning the patriarchy to the ground<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqavEj_56fRxZn9Ic6df-Cw0LgC8DamRSDYRqZuWboVGTwZ9IYzmxEuWlUydgXuMrvXhg61w6djhYeNWfOE_gus0ozlYQjDvKjiWuTeaEu34GD_s5CqfI8M3dhLucLI-mLLKBjH-xfQ8SZKcUObY7m8JjQxMP4xqTeEtBgAh2MhrZLjj5QTs7Kr2oIeQ/s3600/kvt2WNoKpFtjFF6vfRGbMY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqavEj_56fRxZn9Ic6df-Cw0LgC8DamRSDYRqZuWboVGTwZ9IYzmxEuWlUydgXuMrvXhg61w6djhYeNWfOE_gus0ozlYQjDvKjiWuTeaEu34GD_s5CqfI8M3dhLucLI-mLLKBjH-xfQ8SZKcUObY7m8JjQxMP4xqTeEtBgAh2MhrZLjj5QTs7Kr2oIeQ/s16000/kvt2WNoKpFtjFF6vfRGbMY.jpg" title="DO Revenge On Netflix Camila Mendes Maya Hawke review" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Classic Icarus: I flew too close to the sun, so my boyfriend leaked my sex tape. How is that for an elevator pitch? </p><p><b>Do Revenge directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson</b></p><p>That is precisely what happens to Drea Torres, played by Riverdale's Camila Mendes, a scholarship student who DIYs herself into a group of elite phonies at the snobby Yvy gateway Rosehill High school. She was flying high until a fake woke guy clipped her wings. Now she is stewing, and in walks the magnificent Eleneor, Stranger Things' Maya Hawke, who has a similar chip on her shoulder. I knew I loved Eleanor when she was introduced wearing A Women in Music Part three tshirt, as I am deep into a Haim rabbit hole now. She also makes her way into her hearts with Olivia Rodrigo's Brutal as her soundtrack, making quips about tennis legend Billy Jean; the girl is awesome. </p><p>As Spring and Summer pass, Fall means Eleanor is making her introduction at her new school, Rosehill, and once the friendship between Drea and Eleanor is in full swing, they swap stories and then go all Stranger on a Train on their bullies. </p><p>This movie is a blast; not only does every scene has an entirely different setting, the decor and set pieces are eccentric and inspiring; and not only is there, in Riverdale vein, on point casting with Buffy, Mrs. Sarah Michelle Gellar herself, as the headmaster behind a badass desk, and not only is Eleanor casually mentioning she is about to watch a Godard flick like she knew the Master just departed, and not only is Austin Abrams playing the usual charming douchebag ( he was severely miscast in Dash & Lily where he only had to play one side of that equation). And not only are the quips hilarious and memorable, and is Sophie Turner killing it as a deranged British tennis camp bitch, but more importantly, these two revenge-obsessed girls are so damn likable. </p><p>They might see the great Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction as their example; Gleneregy, if you know, you know, but Glenn was never that appreciated; she was genuinely hated for her role of a woman wielding the revenge rabbit. And halfway through the movie, we are also led to believe that these two are terrible individuals, which is just so damn hard to believe; it doesn't matter who they destroy. I was worried at a certain point that Eleanor, who is gay, was made to be the bad guy, but this movie is much too much in the know to do something that silly. </p><p>We can only root for Drea and Eleneoar as they trample all over this lavender and mint ( the school uniforms) frothy mess of pretentiousness, privilege, and douchebaggery. ( Eleanor, turning the uniform into a pastel Annie Hall deliciousness at one point!).</p><p>This one is not only a delight; it's a keeper!</p>Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681853750830557509noreply@blogger.com