October Movies! Late Halloween Post

 So yes, this is late. I had a house guest from out of state and an unexpected death in the family, so this post is way later than it should be.

I want to let you know what I watched for October. My favorite genre of films and my favorite Holiday. Here we go!

I am going to list these by where I watched in case anyone is looking for the title.

Tubi: Wait Til Helen Comes (based on a children's book),  Murder of Innocence (the story of Laurie Dunn), Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

Hulu: Abandoned, Run

Shudder: The Watcher

Netflix: Midnight Mass (limited series, not a movie)

Paramount +: Significant Other

Peacock: Stir of Echoes

Prime: Lavender, The Blackwell Ghost 7

So October was a bit of a blend of suspense, science fiction, a few scares, and even a true story. Some of these were old favorites. I was also able to catch some new releases. 

I really enjoyed all of these! I honestly can't say I didn't find any of them entertaining. By far my favorite watch was The Blackwell Ghost 7. After having seen part 6 of the films, I wasn't expecting much. I was highly surprised and honestly jumped a few times. I am a seasoned pro! It takes a lot for me to jump! So if you haven't heard of The Blackwell Ghost you might want to give the first movie a try. I know it was available on Tubi for free the last time I checked.

Book Review: Every Last Secret by A. R. Torre

 Although all the characters were nasty jerks, I somehow couldn't put this down! The writing was well done and the story flowed nicely. I enjoyed all the wickedness!

Book Review: The Island by Adrian McKinty

 This was definitely a non-stop action, thriller. It felt a bit like Chainsaw Massacre on an Island. 

I did have an issue with the kids, and that is all I will say about that.

It should make a good movie as it has some strange island characters, lots of bad decisions, and a whole lot of action.

It's a quick 3 star read!

Book Review: Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak

 

This was a really quick read, BUT, so much of it was literally not believable. The book started well and flowed nicely. Near the middle the book started to veer off track. By the ending the book was derailed.  I can't say much without spoilers. I was left disappointed and distracted.

Book Review: Out of the Corner by Jennifer Grey

 

I love Dirty Dancing! I was hoping to love this book. Sadly, it was very boring at the start. The middle was okay, but toward the end things felt out of order. It was hard to follow and enjoy.

She comes across as really spoiled. It was a bit ridiculous that she kept mentioning how Bristol Palin's Mom was getting her the votes on Dancing with the Stars. Why say it at all? You won! It makes you sound petty!

The only part I really enjoyed was learning that it was her idea to make the shorts for Dirty Dancing [they became a trend and still are popular]. I also enjoyed knowing that a lot of the clothing in the movie came from her own suitcase.

This was over all disappointing.

Book Review: Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered by Melissa Gilbert

 

I was expecting a book about remodeling a rundown home, and bonding during Covid. There was a tiny bit of that, but there was way more political agenda talk. I don't care about Melissa's hate of guns, Trump, and religion.  I also don't care about her love of vaccines, Faucci, and George Floyd. 

If you are going to write a political book, at least let the reader know what they are signing up for! A huge disappointment. Glad I didn't pay to read this!

I have a new dislike for her now. As I have always been told, it's best not to bring up politics or religion. 

Book Review: Surviving Dirty John by Debra Newell, William Phelps

 I appreciate getting to hear the victims' actual stories. I really am bothered by anyone who blames the victim. I believe it happened a lot with this case. Until you have been in an abusive situation, you have no idea how hard it is.

Ms. Newell made unwise decisions, mainly because she was manipulated and scared. John could have slaughtered her family and she did what she thought was best to protect them. I truly hope Ms. Newell can move on and find happiness. I appreciate the work she and her daughter are doing to help other victims.

If you have seen the tv show and want more insight into what actually happened, this book will give you a new perspective.

* Thank you to Netgalley, Debra Newell, William Phelps, and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Book Review: The Night Swim by Megan Golden

 I liked the idea of a podcaster helping to solve a crime. The two storylines and the past and present got a bit confusing for me. There were so many characters that it was hard for me to figure out who went with what story. It wasn't hard for me to figure out the bad guy.

Goldin is a good writer. I loved her first book. I understand why the two stories were included. I just with there would not have been so much to keep track of. 

I will read her next book.

*Thank you to Megan Goldin, Netgalley, and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Book Review: Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

 I really enjoyed this story, it got me out of a reading slump! It is hard to write a review of this without spoilers, and this zone is spoiler free!

With a few small changes this would be a five star read! The pandemic is such a hard subject. I felt the author handled it quite well. 

The ending was perfect! My favorite so far this year!

Book Review: The Christmas Contest by Theresa Sederholt

 Donald is dying. The last thing he wants to accomplish is to raffle off his house to a contest winner, and maybe find a wife for his grandson. Wouldn't it be great if he could accomplish both at one time?! 

This is a quick, sweet, clean, read. I really enjoyed this one. I would have loved to know even more about the characters. I am hoping for a sequel!

Book Review: The Lost Village by Camilla Sten

 

I read seventy percent of this book in the first two days. This brought me out of a reading slump.  The back and forth through time was well done and easy to follow.  The storyline was interesting and fast paced.  The atmosphere was creeptastic!

Unfortunately, I didn't feel the ending lived up to the rest of the book. With a few tweaks this would have been a five star read.

*Thank you to Netgalley, Camilla Sten, and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. 

Book Review: The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron

 

I did have a hard time getting into this book. I am glad I stuck with it. I honestly had no idea this was about true people.  It was a touching story. It is Amazing to think that a young girl would put her life on the line who people she didn't even know. There is also a movie about this girl.

Book Review: The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation by Matthew McGough

 

True Crime is one of my favorite genres. Sadly, I struggled with this book. I was finally able to finish it. 

I feel so badly for Sherri's family. There was some issues with this book, too much repetition, unnecessary information, and editing needed. There was a second murder thrown in at the end of the book, but barely touched on. The connection is unknown until the afterword of the book. Since that murder is unsolved it's hard to really know if there is a connection between the two murders. 

I felt disconnected from the victim. I feel her story deserves to be heard.

*Thank you to Netgalley, Matthew McGough, and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Book Review: The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor by Eddie Jaku

 

This was an excellent read. Mr Jaku had a horrible experience but somehow mangages to remain positive. It is wonderful that he is using his life to teach others about love, kindness, and acceptance. A very inspiring read!

Book Review: Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian

 

Seven students get to go to college for free! The only setback is, they all agree to be studied, because they are all psychopaths. What could possibly go wrong? Well, just about everything!

I love this concept. The story moved quickly and there was a nice mix of characters. I was not expecting a lot of the twists! Psychopaths, who knew they could be so fascinating?! This book would make an excellent movie! My favorite read so far this year!

Book Review: Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

 I had been hearing so many good things about this book. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype! There are so many questions left unanswered. I feel like I read Shutter Island but the not as good version. I am unsure what was real, or if any of it was. The jumping around was very confusing. The storyline moved very slowly. There was potential for greatness, but fell far short.

Book Review: Gone at Midnight: The Mysterious Death of Elisa Lam by Jake Anderson

I find Elisa and her case fascinating. Sadly this book was not well written. The author spent too much time discussing himself and his own problems. The parts about Elisa were repeated over and over throughout. I was expecting more, I was left disappointed.

*Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this.

Book Review: The Rural Diaries by Hilarie Burton Morgan

First off I must say that I adore these actors and love their shows. I am a fan, but that is not why I loved the book. I think Mrs. Morgan should keep writing! This was a perfect read for such a depressing pandemic life! The author is honest, even when it's not going to make her look good.

They are real and just like us. I can guarantee by the end you will want to visit their farm.
They feel like friends you have known your whole life. The writing is straightforward and eloquent. Their family is Beautiful. They are far from perfect and are not afraid to admit it.

Hilarie's delving into her miscarriages and abuse on her shows was brave and inspiring. The pictures were the perfect ending. Keep being the wonderful people you are. You ,Hilarie, are a treasure and an inspiration! 

Book Review: The Only Child by Mi-ae Seo

What can I say, I'm a sucker for a scary kid! I wanted to love this one but it fell a little short for me. There were some problems with repetition and slowness. I honestly think it may be because of the translation. The duel storyline was strange. It almost would have been better separated into two short stories. The ending was predictable. Not a terrible read but lacking something!

Book Review: The Better Liar by Tanen Jones

What if you thought your sister was great, but found out she wasn't? What if you loved your baby, but couldn't stand to be around him? I honestly believe these sisters both have some mental issues.
I enjoyed all the twists, turns, and surprises. A few of the twists were not that hard to figure out. The ignorant responses of some of the characters were annoying. These sisters are quite manipulative. An interesting, but hard to follow at times, read.