I listened to this on audiobook format. I like the hints of humour but find the protagonist a bit too flippant throughout. It really comes across in tI listened to this on audiobook format. I like the hints of humour but find the protagonist a bit too flippant throughout. It really comes across in the audiobook. I wonder if it’s as apparent in the print version? Is it the writing or the delivery by the voice actor? An ok plot. I do like a cozy that’s set in October and references Halloween, so that was a plus for me. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. The author veers away from cozy mystery elements and trundles towards a very anaemic attempt at a thriller - oI listened to this on audiobook format. The author veers away from cozy mystery elements and trundles towards a very anaemic attempt at a thriller - or that’s what it felt like to me with is instalment. It was clumsy, lacked any charm and even Hamish couldn’t save this one....more
A sombre book with the central theme of death and mountaineering. There is much philosophising and soul searching by the author throughout, but there A sombre book with the central theme of death and mountaineering. There is much philosophising and soul searching by the author throughout, but there were humourous passages to lighten the mood here and there. If, like me, you’re not a climber, some of the technical jargon might confuse, but overall it doesn’t detract from the narrative. The author can’t avoid using it for the sake of us lay people, but he at least keeps it succinct. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. A strong streak of feminism mixed with the supernatural - written by a man, no less. Written very well, l mightI listened to this on audiobook format. A strong streak of feminism mixed with the supernatural - written by a man, no less. Written very well, l might add. It did feel overly long and a bit slow in places. Also, if the supernatural elements were removed, this novel would not really have been diminished - although some of the drama and action would have been affected towards the end. The novel’s strength lay in the social commentary, in regards to girls and women in 1960s USA. Reproductive rights, gender equality, patriarchy - it’s all there and more in this book. ...more
I listened to this book on audiobook format. This is an absolutely ghastly true crime case written by a woman and her family deeply betrayed by a pareI listened to this book on audiobook format. This is an absolutely ghastly true crime case written by a woman and her family deeply betrayed by a parent. There’s some French judiciary information given to provide context, plus highlighting the wide spread incidence of the crime her mother, in particular, was a victim of. Not only that, but the lack of understanding and support for such victims was addressed, and the author’s efforts to address that. My one criticism of the book was its timing. Justice, unfortunately moves slowly, and this case is still to be finalised in the courts, so the book ends in a way that feels less than complete. I suspect there may be a revised edition in the future. Perhaps the publishers were keen to get something out now while this case is more in the spotlight. I can’t help feeling they should have waited. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. The author narrates and I have to admit I’m not a fan of her somewhat husky voice. As for the story� I don’t tI listened to this on audiobook format. The author narrates and I have to admit I’m not a fan of her somewhat husky voice. As for the story� I don’t think there was anything about this novel that I liked. The main character is pretentious, self absorbed and irritating. The story is nothing new or even remotely interesting. Why did this even get published? ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. The start of this book was really off putting, thanks to the turkey run thing. It was presented as being funny I listened to this on audiobook format. The start of this book was really off putting, thanks to the turkey run thing. It was presented as being funny but the tormenting of animals for human entertainment is not amusing. And there were more unnecessary snipes at vegans/vegetarians. If this keeps up I may have to quit this series. It happened in the previous instalment and it’s getting old, fast. Fortune was as dull as ever but the supporting cast kept things interesting but unfortunately not enough to hold my attention to the end. I was only mildly interested in the resolution by then. The turn of events with Ida Belle is enough to pique my interest in the next book. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. The characters are two dimensional and pretty awful, and yet I still more or less enjoy this series. I guess iI listened to this on audiobook format. The characters are two dimensional and pretty awful, and yet I still more or less enjoy this series. I guess it’s because it’s an easy read. Entertaining enough without being too taxing - which is what’s needed sometimes, in between other genres and nonfiction. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. It was fun having a story set in a different location, with a few new characters. I have two gripes though - thI listened to this on audiobook format. It was fun having a story set in a different location, with a few new characters. I have two gripes though - the first being the old stereotype of geeks being social awkward around women. It’s not original and kinda over blown in this novel. The second - swipes at vegans and animal activists. Unnecessary and random. Added nothing to the story. Aside from all that, there was the usual action and humour. For me, this series is unusual in that I don’t particularly care for the protagonist but much prefer all the support characters. Fortune is a bit meh but Gertie, Ida Belle and sundry are entertaining. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. There were a lot of cases and locations covered in this book that I had not heard of before, which was a good tI listened to this on audiobook format. There were a lot of cases and locations covered in this book that I had not heard of before, which was a good thing. Most centred around the eastern parts of Australia, however. I would have liked to have read more about paranormal activity from other areas. The tone of the book is conversational, with some humour and with a bit of swearing, which didn’t bother me. Overall, I’m was entertaining, though a bit of skepticism would have been good, for balance - especially when it came to those shysters - the Warrens. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. I didn’t realise novelisations were still a thing until I stumbled upon this. I read quite a few movie based oI listened to this on audiobook format. I didn’t realise novelisations were still a thing until I stumbled upon this. I read quite a few movie based ones in the 80s. It was fun to revisit this story. I watched the series when it came out and enjoyed it. Looking forward to the second season. This book was a nice reminder of where the story was left off. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. This gets an extra star for the Halloween theme. Lots of wacky shenanigans thanks the mostly Gertie, plus drolI listened to this on audiobook format. This gets an extra star for the Halloween theme. Lots of wacky shenanigans thanks the mostly Gertie, plus droll put downs from Ida Belle. The character development continues, which is nice, as so many series let their main characters stagnant or get trapped in a repetitive loop. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. As usual, the narrator is excellent and the writing is entertaining. I hate fishing so that theme was unappealI listened to this on audiobook format. As usual, the narrator is excellent and the writing is entertaining. I hate fishing so that theme was unappealing to me but thankfully the story eventually veered away from that after the first couple of chapters. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. I was more or less enjoying this up until about 3/4 of the way through and then it just dragged and I started tI listened to this on audiobook format. I was more or less enjoying this up until about 3/4 of the way through and then it just dragged and I started to lose interest. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook, read by the author. I know the author is a comedian but I was still surprised at how hard I laughed throughout this bI listened to this on audiobook, read by the author. I know the author is a comedian but I was still surprised at how hard I laughed throughout this book, given the topic. I felt a bit guilty about that until I realised that was his intent. He also discussed using humour as a coping mechanism, plus did not shy away from admitting he was often terrified. ...more
I listened to this on audiobook format. This was quite a unique book, in that I have never before come across one written by a courtroom artist about I listened to this on audiobook format. This was quite a unique book, in that I have never before come across one written by a courtroom artist about their profession. This particular artist has worked on quite a few notorious cases, too, which has made for fascinating reading. Written in a thoughtful and clear manner. ...more
Loading...
