BookishDramas

  The Lines (DS Liam Kilshaw, #1)  by  Matt Brolly The Lines (DS Liam Kilshaw, #1) by Matt Brolly  Read as a NetGalley ARC ⭐⭐⭐   Stars Blurb Once you cross the wrong lines, there’s no turning back. For DS Liam Kilshaw, a former marine who almost died on a mission gone wrong, returning to the sea was meant to help combat his PTSD. But when he’s called out with the lifeboat crew off the rugged Cornish coast at night, the dark danger of the waves comes crashing back. The body of a young man is floating in the water, and the zip-tie marks on his wrists show this is no tragic drowning—it’s murder. It’s not the first suspicious death to shock the tight-knit the identical discovery of a young woman with connections to a county lines drugs gang leads Kilshaw to suspect the killings must be linked. But as the brooding Cornish coast and whispered local rumours fold darkly around him, he starts to feel he can’t trust the water or anyone in town. As the bodies keep coming, ...

  A Treatise on "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier Introduction "Rebecca," published in 1938, is a seminal work of Gothic fiction that explores themes of identity, memory, and the haunting power of the past. Written by Daphne du Maurier, the novel has captivated readers for decades with its atmospheric storytelling and complex characters. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of an unnamed protagonist, often referred to as "the second Mrs. de Winter," who grapples with her insecurities in the shadow of her husband's deceased first wife, Rebecca. Plot Overview The story begins with the young, unnamed narrator working as a paid companion to the wealthy, older woman, Mrs. Van Hopper. While in Monte Carlo, she meets the enigmatic widower Maxim de Winter, and after a whirlwind romance, they marry and return to his estate, Manderley. However, the ghost of Rebecca looms large over their marriage. The housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, is obsessively devoted to Re...

The Village Killer by Ross Greenwood My rating: 4 of 5 stars Read as an ARC. This review is based on my completing this story and is an honest reflection of my views about it. This is a thrilling addition to the DI Barton series, though it can be enjoyed as a standalone lie I did. This solid police procedural blends mystery, suspense, and character-driven drama, keeping readers hooked from the start. DI John Barton, returning to active duty after three years behind a desk, investigates two seemingly unrelated cases in the sleepy village of Castor: a near-fatal hit-and-run and the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl. As Barton and his team dig deeper, they uncover connections that lead to shocking twists and unexpected turns. The novel offers a gripping plot that skillfully ties together multiple mysteries, with Greenwood's writing adding layers of tension and intrigue. The story explores themes of secrecy, hidden lives, and the dark side of subur...

  The Lost Boys (1987) The Lost Boys is one of those movies that defined an era—and not just for vampire lovers. Released in 1987 and directed by Joel Schumacher, it’s a wild mix of horror, teen drama, and '80s style that’s still hugely influential today. The film is part vampire flick, part teen comedy, with a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll attitude. And while it’s definitely got its spooky moments, it doesn’t take itself too seriously—making it one of those movies that’s a blast to watch whether you’re in the mood for scares or just want to relive that '80s vibe. The Plot The movie kicks off with Michael (Jason Patric) and his younger brother Sam (Corey Haim) moving to the small California town of Santa Carla with their mom (Diane Wiest), after the mysterious disappearance of their father. It doesn’t take long before Michael starts to fall in with the wrong crowd—a group of rebellious, cool, and oddly attractive teens led by the magnetic David (Kiefer Sutherland). Michael qui...

Description Is she sick, or is it the world itself? HOUSE ON FIRE, the debut graphic novel by writer/artist Matt Battaglia, teases out the difference in a personal-political cruise through a fallen world, where fear is rational and obedience your only refuge. Battaglia depicts the near-future landscape of House on Fire with wild two-color brushwork reminiscent of the great Paul Pope, and a minimalist writing style that evokes and questions rather than lectures. House on Fire A special thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this book in exchange for a feedback review. All statements and opinions stated in this piece are my own and are based on my reading of this graphic novel. First a commendation to the creators of this extremely dark take on a dystopian future or is it a nearly present time.  This is a take on an arid future envisaged by many doomsday writers with climate changes and lack of control leading to shortages in access to air.  Although I may not ...