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Blue

Blue’s book reviews

Profile picture for user bluecougar@barddance.org
The Cinema Murder
3
Satisfying mystery, slightly dated but the descriptions of America of the period are fascinating to the modern reader; little bit plodding, but persevere, the twist at the end is good stuff, and watching Philip's character develop is enjoyable.
07/01/2007
Profile picture for user bluecougar@barddance.org
Star Surgeon
3
Solid pulp fiction, nothing sparkling but well-written and I enjoyed the alien viewpoint and the medical stuff doesn't seem too dated. A fun, quick read, try it.
07/01/2007
Profile picture for user bluecougar@barddance.org
Mortal Ghost
5
This is excellent, the excerpt doesn't show what a compelling, vivid style the author has. Following Jesse's story, finding out about what he thinks his past contains, and then the twists which follow, as well as the inter-relationships between the key characters and the look at families, good and bad, had me hooked all day long till I reached the final page. I especially liked the mystical and SF elements, reminds me of early John Wyndham in places. Unmissable.
07/01/2007
Profile picture for user bluecougar@barddance.org
The Mysterious Shin Shira
4
Charming little tales about the mysterious Shin Shira, a little man dressed in yellow who appears from nowhere to the supposed author and relates fabulous tales of his magical exploits, and gets the author involved in some adventures of his own. Dragons, magic carpets and rides on model boats, this reminds me of E Nesbit's sort of work, and if a little dated, has humour and some lovely scenes where the real world intervenes to make magical events rather lose their way.
05/06/2007
Profile picture for user bluecougar@barddance.org
Arsène Lupin
5
Oh, great fun this one. A rollicking tale of Arsene Lupin, gentleman burglar and his efforts to outwit the police and detectives hot on his trail - the opening is a little tedious but persevere for the slapstick humour, witty asides, and some unexpected twists, definitely a must-read, I'm on the hunt for more about Monsieur Lupin's exploits!
05/06/2007
Profile picture for user bluecougar@barddance.org
Phil the Fiddler
3
Rather twee and worthy tale of a young Italin boy sold to a US "padrone" and forced to earn his keep by playing the fiddle on the streets of New York for money. The boy himself is full of life and the characters he encounters are nicely drawn, just skim over the "woe for the poor beggars" asides and the rather dated view of foreign climes. Sweet and engaging all the same, mind.
05/06/2007
Profile picture for user bluecougar@barddance.org
Carnacki, The Ghost Finder
5
I'll echo the other rave reviews for this one, a lovely collection of chilling ghost/haunting stories, where Carnathi is an informed sceptic, willing to believe in the supernatural and protect himself from same with various rituals, yet also on the look-out for hoaxes (some of which are inspired, as you will see). The "stories after dinner" approach of each chapter works well and the haunted bits are pretty scary, much detail and not one to read too late at night!
05/06/2007
Miranda2
Miranda Oh - Chick Lit With Spunk
FEATURED AUTHOR - Author Miranda Oh Is your typical girl: She loves the sunset, loves long walks on the beach, world travels, and When not playing the corporate part she can be found sipping wine and spending all her hard-earned money on shoes. Among her friends and family, Miranda Oh is known to be the storyteller of the group, always recapping crazy life stories and situations. Her personal experiences, emotions, and fantasies are the inspiration for most of her books, so there is a little bit of her in every… Read more