June 23, 2021

Rant Rave Review: Shadows House (Chapters 1 to 100)

It's, like, everything I never knew I always wanted? Today, I rave about the anime/manga, Shadow House! Be prepared for wholesome love triangles, slow-burn world building, and shameless weebery!

June 8, 2021

April and May Reading Roundup

Killer Triggers: Murder Comes Down to Sex, Drugs, or Money by Joe Kenda

  • Genre: True Crime
  • Why I read it: I'm a Homicide Hunter fan
  • What I thought of it: Though this is basically a rehashing of many of the cases from the Homicide Hunter TV show, I still enjoyed it. Kenda's turn-of-phrase sounds like a hard boiled detective, and it gives an interesting and entertaining look into what real cops have to deal with when investigating violent crime.
  • Would I recommend it: Yes, but I think I Will Find You is the better of the two. Also, Audiobooks are a must for these titles, since Kenda himself is the narrator.

They Do it With Mirrors by Agatha Christie

  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Why I read it: I like Agatha Christie
  • What I thought of it: It's not Christie's best, but it's okay.
  • Would I recommend it: Maybe, if you want to read the whole Miss Marple series, but it's okay to skip this one if you want.

Haunting of Alma Fielding: A True Ghost Story by Kate Summerscale

  • Genre: Historical parapsychology
  • Why I read it: Research
  • What I thought of it: Though it was an interesting account of a poltergeist incident and the subsequent study thereof, it was disappointing overall. This was because of the author's and original (1930s) researcher's conjecture about the cause of the haunting without any definite proof. There was a lot of "perhaps" and "what if", but no ultimate conclusion or smoking gun that ultimately made the story worth telling in the first place.
  • Would I recommend it: Nah, give this one a pass.


A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie

  • Genre: Cozy mystery
  • Why I read it: Christie is my jam 
  • What I thought of it: Superb!! This is one of Christie's best, as it has an elaborate set-up (a murder dinner party where someone really gets murdered); a twisty middle; and a slightly mind-blowing denouement (I knew who the murderer was right away, but was shocked when the motive was finally revealed!).
  • Would I recommend it: 100% yes!

At Bertram's Hotel by Agatha Christie
  • Genre: Cozy mystery
  • Why I read it: Christie is my cup of tea
  • What I thought of it: This one was ok in terms of mystery, but it wasn't the best. I think the most interesting part of it all was the perspective it gave on post-war Britain and how different peope felt about the changes the country had gone through.
  • Would I recommend it: Yes; despite it being a bit lack-luster, it was still a good read.

Shadows House (chapters 1 - 100) by So-ma-to
  • Genre: Supernatural cat-and-mouse / mystery / fantasy!!!
  • Why I read it: It checks all my boxes
  • What I thought of it: Holy cow is it good!!! The premise is intriguing, the characters are all likeable (and I wish them all happiness... and I fear that that may not happen), the plot is twisty and intriguing. My favorite part is the slow-burn worldbuilding. Each chapter, you find out a little bit more about what Shadow House is and how it operates.
  • Would I recommend it: 1000% yes!!! I'll be doing a Rave about it on my YouTube later on to give more details on how and why it's awesome.

June 1, 2021

Rant Rave Review: The Innocence of Father Brown and The Red House Mystery

It was, like, Get Caught Reading Month when I filmed it! DX Today, I upload a pre-recorded, now-late review of The Innocence of Father Brown and The Red House Mystery. Get ready for a disturbing lack of falling action, lots of legwork, and cop-outs!