S. Lee Spelbring's Blog, page 4

K is for Killer by Sue Grafton

K is for Killer by Sue Grafton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

One of the things that I enjoyed about this book of the series is that we side-stepped what was going on in Kinsey’s personal life from the previous book and focused on the present: the case in hand, the detective whom I couldn’t decide was sketchy or not, and the new acquaintances Kinsey was getting along with.

The case itself was interesting, and while it did sort of end the same as most of Kinsey’s cases do, it also had a subtle twist. I had to read the ending a couple times, because Kinsey basically jumped to the conclusion and I really couldn’t follow her. I did eventually get it all added up (there are a lot of pieces and players to this one), but man it was difficult to follow.

Anyway, while I appreciated that we didn’t get into Kinsey’s personal life, what I found that it was really easy to set this one aside from time to time. I do believe it was a slower-paced novel which I was involved enough in to finish but wasn’t glued to it the entire time.

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Previously: J is for Judgment by Sue Grafton

Subsequently: L is for Lawless by Sue Grafton

The 9th Judgment by James Patterson

The 9th Judgment by James Patterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’ve always appreciated that there is usually two crime stories working throughout the book. It keeps the story moving and the reader guessing which one will become the bigger story of the two. In this case I felt they were about even.

One high society murder blamed on a cat burglar, and a serial killer who focused only on mothers and their children. I’m glad that the murder of the children was glossed over in the writing and that Claire took on the role of disgusted and disturbed mother figure. It gave a very good view of the entire thing and even though it’s grotesque and not real, it made it more palatable and less gory to read about knowing that Claire was determined to end it.

It was obvious to me how the two cases were connected somewhere halfway through the book, which was somewhat polarizing if you aren’t an open-minded, learned individual, without prejudice. Though I do agree with the characters involved as they both had difficult home lives.

Anyway, I think that’s enough of my dancing around the spoilers and I’ll just go with read it. It’s good.

View all my reviewsMore from The Women’s Murder Club:

Previously: 8th Confession by James Patterson

Subsequently: 10th Anniversary by James Patterson

J is for Judgement by Sue Grafton

J is for Judgment by Sue Grafton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The 10th book in the Alphabet murders doesn’t disappoint. Some series can fizzle out, or take a turn down an unfamiliar road and lose the reader. So far this series has stayed the course, and I love it.

This book, simplified, is essentially searching for a missing person. In the course of searching for that person Kinsey runs into someone who knows someone who knows her family history… it gets a little messy and somewhat complicated for Kinsey’s personal life.

I also appreciate that every book does not end in a shoot out, and Kinsey truly makes an effort to save the villain from themselves.

In the end Kinsey does find her missing person, because of course she does, she’s good at her job. Which leads to some ethical decisions that are out of her hands, but she sticks her nose in anyway and tries to help.

Still enjoying this series, and I need to tell my mother that I enjoy it, as she read it several years before I started. Love you Mom!

View all my reviewsMore Books from Sue Grafton:

Previously: I is for Innocent by Sue Grafton

Subsequently: K is for Killer by Sue Grafton

Women of the Night by Various Authors

Women of the Night by Martin H. Greenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short story anthology featuring many famous authors all with the theming of strong female vampires. Each story takes place in a different place, with different narrators, different characters, and different theming.

Stephen King has the first short story and of course it’s a continuation of ‘Salem’s Lot. I’ve also read Neil Gaiman before, and saw his writing style clearly. The rest of the authors I have heard of before, even have books in my library written by them, but have yet to read anything substantial from them. So it was a nice introductory snippet for those authors for me.

I found the variations in the short stories kept me reading, that and the genre has always been interesting for me, its too bad we didn’t get any classic Anne Rice in this anthology. The variations in even the vampire’s limits was interesting too. Some could be in the sun, some couldn’t, some needed blood, some didn’t, some were more beastial, some were even religious.

I’ve always enjoyed the short story collections from Stephen King, and while he didn’t write the entirety of this one, it’s still up there for me. I enjoyed reading it for many reasons.

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More Reviews You Might Like:

Dark Prince by Christine FeehanFull Dark, No Stars by Stephen King

May 2022 Wrap-Up: What I Read, Watched, Played, and Made

What I Read:

I read some more on the series I’ve been reading, finally getting back on track with the Women’s Murder Club and Discworld series. I don’t have the entirety of these books at home, so I’ve been at my local library lately. If you haven’t been to your local library lately I highly suggest you go!

The other two books this month were me basically clearing a back log of books I’ve nearly read, or read and not remembered I’d read it and read it again but quicker. Have you ever done that?

8th Confession by James PattersonDrink This, Not That! by David Zinczenko and Matt GouldingAlexa, Tell Me a Joke by AlexaEric by Terry PratchettWhat I Played:

This month is a bit the same as last month, I built a new Zodiac Legacy Challenge Mansion for my Sims and posted a video of me doing it. I’ve also been playing a lot of The 100 Baby Challenge lately, to the point where it’s time to change matriarchs! (Will be posting about that soon!)

Building a New Zodiac Legacy Home [Video]The 100 Baby Challenge: Children 17 to 24 [The Sims 4]The 100 Baby Challenge: Children 25 to 32 [The Sims 4]More 100 Baby Challenge Posts are HereWhat I Watched:

I delved into The Conjuring Series this month. I am a huge horror movie fan, that’s what got me interested in the first place, but I stayed because of the wonderful dynamic between the Warrens. I will be watching more of this series.

I did watch on Monster Movie, but its not Godzilla, it’s King Kong the original. It’s pre-code, which is a term I learned while looking up the details, it basically means it was produced in time before there were limitations on what could be show to the public. There’s a scene were Kong basically undresses Anne while she’s dazed. Anyway, its a historical piece of cinema that I did enjoy.

The Conjuring (2013)The Conjuring 2 (2016)Annabelle: Creation (2017)King Kong (1933)What I Made:

There’s a little bit of everything over on my craft blog, we’re finishing off the knitting tips videos, reviewing a book on crochet dishcloths, and two more posts on a self-imposed project that is cross-posted to gaming blog. Its so easy to get distracted by pretty yarn!

10 Practical Tips Every Knitter Should Know [Video]Lady of the Knits [The Sims 4 Skills][Cross-Posted]Book Review: The Little Encyclopedia of Dishcloths by Leisure ArtsNifty Knitting an Animal Beanie [Lv. 1][The Sims 4 Skills][Cross-Posted]

I have fun updating my blogs every month, but sometimes I can get a little behind with things. This month just seemed to be so busy for me. I still have a day job that takes up the majority of my time too. How has your month been? What did you do for Mother’s Day/Mothering Sunday?

Thank You for Reading!

Eric by Terry Pratchett

Eric by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book seemed a bit shorter than some of the previous ones (and for some of the subsequential ones for that matter).

I don’t think that hurts it though, it’s just a shorter story than most. I really did enjoy the fact that there were many plot lines in this book, and the fact that you don’t realize it until you get to the end. I also suppose you could separate this book into three sections, considering the storyline and environments.

It is loosely based on the classic FAUST most famously written by Goethe, and in true Pratchett style goes ever so slightly off the rails. (I added FAUST to my reading list, for I think the last time I even talked about it was in some form of school).

Also, the version I read featured a parrot on the cover, without giving too much away, the parrot doesn’t feature very much in the story, maybe for only a third of the book and that is being generous. Though I guess the other options would have been slightly off-putting, especially if you have some idea of what FAUST is about.

I still hold with the idea that the Rincewind novels are all traveling novels, meant to show us more of the Discworld, and that remains ever true with this novel. I appreciate that it was kept to a singular storyline within the series, especially now that I’m working my way through them.

Again I borrowed this one from my local library and I still encourage everyone to support their own local libraries.

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Previously: Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett

Subsequently: Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett

Have a Book Recommendation? A Series Suggestion? Have you Read Terry Pratchett? Let’s have a discussion in the comments!

Alexa, Tell Me a Joke by Alexa

Tell Me a Joke by Alexa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not your usual joke book (believe me I read a lot of 100 Jokes joke books in my youth), this is meant to be an interactive joke book for you and your Amazon Echo/Dot/whatever they are calling it now. It’s a quick read, and I’ve read it a couple of times to myself now, but I hadn’t checked out the interactive part until this week.

Like all jokes, they’re broken up into sections such as: space jokes, food jokes, math jokes, etc. If you’re looking for something fun, ask Alexa to tell you a dirty joke.

But, back to the interactive part. There’s almost one of these every other section. The book will give you the set-up to ask Alexa, but won’t provide the punch-line. Now, I did have a couple of these that Alexa wouldn’t answer. I don’t know if this was how I said it (Alexa has trouble understanding me sometimes because of some of my pronunciations), or if it was something that Alexa was once able to answer and now isn’t.

Honestly, that’s my only complaint, and it’s a pretty small one as it’s almost entirely my fault. This was also offered free on Alexa’s birthday.

Obviously this is a bit of niche ebook, as you would need an Amazon Echo to fully enjoy it, but it is still a fun little joke book.

View all my reviews

Drink This, Not That! by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding

Drink This Not That!: The No-Diet Weight Loss Solution by David Zinczenko
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is a book that was written to give you more information about the drinks at restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations. It is meant to open your eyes to exactly what your drinking, how many calories it has, and how much sugar you’re actually drinking. It gives specific nutrition information on everything from soda to coffee and from wine to smoothies. Everything is here, nothing is left out. Your favorite guilty pleasure is probably somewhere in this book.

The good part is that this book does a good job of breaking down the drink, what sizes in comes in, how much sugar, fat, and calories you are getting, and what you could be drinking that is somewhat better for you and your waistline. It’s definitely an eye-opener if you haven’t ever thought about what you’re drinking on the daily or even as a sweet treat.

The bad is that this book is dated. Many of the fast food places have seen the error of their ways and are offering better options, or at least smaller portions. Also, this book is very, very biased. One of the first chapters tells you that really, you only need to drink water, end of story. It continues with jokes about Lindsay Lohan and even claims “go lick a mountain and tell me if tastes like dew”. It’s very opinionated and not even hiding it.

It does have some good points though, I did enjoy the wine section which gave a nice background on the grapes, where they’re grown, and what it all means (in a very brief and basic paragraph). Even some wine pairings, which I thought helpful. Same with the beer section. I also enjoyed the homemade recipes, because, yes, if you make it yourself, you control the calories, sugar, and content of the drink.

This book is a bit 50/50, there are some good points, but again it’s a bit outdated now (is there an updated version anywhere?) and maybe they could cut back on the jokes and cynicism. For me, this book is just okay. I picked it up at the dollar store, so I’m not unhappy about the purchase.

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Previously: Book Haul – Dollar Tree #2

8th Confession by James Patterson

The 8th Confession by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finally getting back to a previous series, after I got caught up with it. Apparently
I forgot to review the third book in the series, but I digress.

The Women’s Murder Club is back, and most of them are doing their own things in this book. Yuki’s career is in danger thanks to her losing streak, she desperately needs a win, and finds the doctor of her dreams. Lindsey is still have issues with her good looking partner, has been told not use work to investigate the murder of a homeless man because she’s been assigned to a very high-profile serial killer. Claire is unfortunately in the same boat, and therefore has a very minor role in this book. Cindy is horrified that the police can do nothing about the murder of this homeless man, so she does her own investigation for the newspaper, all the while having an affair with Lindsey’s good looking partner.

Whew.

Okay so, I’m happy about the resolution between Lindsey, Lindsey’s Partner, Joe, and Cindy. I’m very glad that was taken care of. I was getting a bit tired of Lindsey’s waffling around her love life. Seriously. Also, Cindy seems happy. Yuki is not happy. She didn’t win her case, she’s been assigned a new, more difficult case, and her love life is not going the way she wants it to. Claire was a bit neglected this book, but she did have a previous incident in a previous book, so it’s probably okay that she got a break.

I enjoyed this book. I read it very quickly because I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what was going on. So with that, and because it wraps up Lindsey’s waffling, I do recommend this one. I mean, well, it’s a series and you probably shouldn’t skip it in the first place!

View all my reviews

Previously: 7th Heaven by James Patterson

Subsequently: 9th Judgment by James Patterson

Have a Book Recommendation? A Series Suggestion? Have you Read Terry Pratchett? Let’s have a discussion in the comments!

April 2022 Wrap-Up: What I Read, Watched, Played, and Made

What I Read:

I added two more books read to the Discworld series in April, both of which were fun reads, but then I am a bit biased when it comes to Terry Pratchett. Same with Sue Grafton’s Alphabet mysteries, they’re my Mom’s favorite, so I kind of have to, to be a good kid.

Alright, I’ll talk about the elephant in the room: I really, REALLY, don’t know how the heck I even missed reviewing 3rd Degree. I just don’t. For reference I’m technically on 8th Confession. So yeah… I must’ve had a brain fart or something. I’d be dangerous if I had a brain.

Pyramids! by Terry Pratchett3rd Degree by James PattersonI is for Innocent by Sue GraftonGuards! Guards! by Terry PratchettWhat I Played:

Last month I caught up on my Zodiac Legacy Challenge, this month I’m catching up on my 100 Baby Challenge. The kids turned out fine (mostly)! I also posted one of my build videos that I’ve been making over on Youtube (don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!). And then there’s a challenge that I took upon myself – you can knit in The Sims 4, so I though it would be fun to try to knit along with my Sims.

The 100 Baby Challenge: Children 1 to 8 [The Sims 4]It’s Bowser’s House [The Sims 4 Build]Real Life Nifty Knitting [The Sims 4] (Cross-Posted)The 100 Baby Challenge: Children 9 to 16 [The Sims 4]What I Watched:

The Monster Movie Marathon continues with Godzilla fighting Mothra, or more precisely, Mothra chasing Godzilla off when he goes on a rampage again. The same thing goes for Ghidorah, but I love Ghidorah as an adversary.

I also watched Alex Cross, which is character from one of James Patterson’s series (I’ve read Alex Cross’ Trial), I did rather like this movie, but have very little knowledge of the series itself to say whether or not it portrays Alex Cross in a good likeness or not.

I watched another thriller movie, it’s one of my favorite genres, and this one is from about the time when I was in high school too. Such nostalgia. Much excite.

Mothra vs Godzilla [1964]Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster [1965]Alex Cross [2012]I Know What You Did Last Summer [1997]What I Made:

I reviewed another book on my craft blog (any comments on if you ‘d like to see them here too?) by making a voodoo doll out of scrap yarn. I also explain why I’ve been interested in knitting videos by showing you my oldest work in progress. Then I started a knitting challenge I invented (maybe?) for myself using video games.

Book Review: Creepy Crawly Crochet by Megan Kreiner5 Things Beginner Knitters Don’t Do That Experienced Knitters Do [Video]My Oldest Work in ProgressReal Life Nifty Knitting [The Sims 4] (Cross-Posted)

I had a lot of fun this month, I went to the library to pick up the Discworld books I was missing from my collection, started a new knitting challenge, and got caught up on my video game progress. I still my monster movies and there will be more of them coming. I hope everyone had a Happy Easter (if you celebrate), or a Blessed Ostara (if you celebrate), or just had a good month whatever you ended up celebrating!

Thank You for Reading!