“The Reappearance of Rachel Price” by Holly Jackson is a mystery book. I gave it a 3/5. This book isn’t the best thriller but it is fun to read.
I ended up binge-reading this book. As Bel was solving the mystery, I went on the journey with her. I did end up making sense of the clues faster than her and hence the climax was not as shocking as it was meant to be, but there were surprises along the way. The writing is really good. If you are looking for a comfort mystery, then this is your book. I have recently been in a reading slump so while getting out of it, I was looking for comfortable thrillers and this was perfect. It was engaging, fun, and yet not too gruesome or twisted.
Even though the narrations were from Bel’s POV, and I usually avoid books with teenage POVs, this one was alright. Bel was not an annoying or whining teenager, she made sense and trusted herself. Thank goodness the narration was not from Carter’s POV, I feel like that might have gotten boring. Bel was a relatable and good character to read. I liked how Jackson ended the story, realistic and satisfying.
I loved the whole documentary process. The way props were showcased and how every character came across. Empathetic and yet greedy for content. It seemed real. Ash really was a cute character. I hope Jackson writes a book with the same crew making a new documentary and ends up solving a mystery. This crew was fun to read.
“The Reappearance of Rachel Price” is a really cool name and the book is thoroughly enjoyable. At first, I did think this book was gonna be filled with cliches but it’s different and truly the perfect summer thriller. Obviously, this is not Holly Jackson’s best book but honestly, it’s on brand and I love how her characters come across. They are neither too flawed nor too perfect. Just human. This book might not give your brain an exercise but it will surely entertain you.
I recently came across two shows that I absolutely loved. They are both different and unique concepts and hence I was thoroughly entertained and engaged. They are perfect for binge-watching but be careful as they are a little dark and created on topics that may leave you feeling slightly sad. Have you watched either of them already?
Prison Playbook
It’s a series with one season and is totally binge-worthy. It is based on a guy who is a famous baseball player who ends up sentenced to jail for one year for assaulting someone while trying to save his sister. It has some comic elements. I absolutely loved his character and the camaraderie between the cast.
The friendships in this series are excellent. If you like second chances, friendships, underrated characters, and a strong storyline, you will love this.
2. D.P.
This show has been in the news a lot lately so it’s possible you may already have seen it. It focuses on real stories where soldiers have abandoned their posts or eventually reacted after being horribly bullied in the Korean Army.
Jung Hae-in is just amazing in this series. Both the seasons are available on Netflix.
Randall Park as Timmy in Blockbuster. Photograph: Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix
This was a really cool concept. I once saw a documentary on the last ever Blockbuster and this felt very promising but alas it did not hold up to my expectations.
I remember going to the store to see what movies are available and buying them. When visiting my cousins, we used to rent movies instead of buying them. It was a wholesome practice and maybe I kinda miss it. It would bring everyone together and we wouldn’t have the possibility of watching it separately at our ease. However, this show is more like Superstore than anything else. Even the uniforms felt similar.
Randall park as Timmy could have been better. The dialogues were unimpressive and the direction left something to be desired. The cast was okay but Timmy and Eliza had no chemistry and even the other cast members felt too cliche. The last Blockbuster on earth could have been amazing but it’s true, who even owns a DVD player anymore. They could have sold it as an experience, movie shows, children’s hours, and just so much more but all that kept happening was Timmy’s crush and Percy’s annoyance.
I do remember when rental store owners used to recommend new and old movies based on what we may like and more often than not, they were really wrong. So the human factor for blockbusters I think is a negative rather than a positive. However, this series is not funny or new, or impressive. Percy is a very irritating character who tries to be childlike and funny but just comes across as a bad person.
None of the characters are likable even though Hannah and Carlos could have been. None of the characters have chemistry and the storylines just seem stupid. Melissa Fumero is so unimpressive and boring to watch as Eliza. This is a really boring show. It has absolutely nothing to offer. Not once a scene or episode redeems this waste of a series.
I am just so disappointed. This was a brilliant idea that has been botched horribly.
I loved the writing. It was engaging, kept me interested, and was beautifully written. I probably wanted a bit more somehow, I did not feel as attached to the characters. The only effect this book had on me is the Crisis felt too real and exactly what I expect from our future.
This book was a realistic dystopian book I feel, since shortages and riots and then racism is what I expect to come in the next decade.
Celeste Ng is incredibly talented. Her writing style is extremely unique. Her other books were better only because in some ways they felt relatable, this book terrified me. But it also did not hook me in. I could not feel anything for Noah or Margaret. I felt sad for the characters but never any love or hatred. I guess a mother may react differently to this story than someone who does not care much for kids.
The characters did not feel complete or deep. I think maybe because the characters were so impassive that even the readers could not react to the horrors of the story. I guess I liked how many unanswered questions were left in the story. It was very open-ended but that is not unique and may not have worked for this particular story.
Margaret’s journey was so random. Earlier she is showcased as a fighter but selfish and a survivor but then she somehow becomes this person who wishes to just add to the world. I guess the real world does not have happy endings or better ideas but I wish stories did.
PACT felt believable. I guess with COVID, America must have seen a lot of racist attacks and that may have inspired this book. But the fear of not saying something against the government in case they attack is present in many countries, including mine. PACT and the CRISIS felt too real. That is the only good thing about this book. How believable it all was. But the characters and the story could have been edited and portrayed better. Our missing hearts is missing a soul. This story is well written because the author is talented but it is not that great.
Margaret’s perspective was boring. Especially all the stories about the kids. I liked reading about the Crisis, it scared me. And what happened with her parents was heartbreaking but because of her passive reaction, I felt no emotions.
This plot was really good and if the characters were not all ice-cold and detached, it may have been incredible. This book is worth reading just to understand the Crisis cause that is where we are headed as a planet but otherwise it’s not worth it at all. The ending, the journey, everything was underwhelming.
Here are 12 movies and tv shows I have loved recently. If you are looking for some worthwhile things to watch this month. Check them out.
Kisna: The Warrior Poet
I may not love this story but the soundtrack of this movie is absolutely beautiful. Its a fun and simple experience with a little bit of drama.
2. I Love That for You
This is a different and a super positive show. It’s a lot of fun to watch.
3. Good Girls
Omg, this show is so hot. Rio is just excellent and it was such a different concept. I binged it so hard.
4. Thar
The cinematography of this movie was brilliant. I did not go in with a lot of expectations but it surprised me in a good way. It was entertaining and different; every actor and actress played their part perfectly. It is a truly underrated movie.
5. Illegal – Justice, Out of Order
I had been wanting to watch this show for so long and I finally did last month. It was brilliant. The first season is a little better and the twists are kind of expected but I truly enjoy legal dramas and Indian legal dramas are just icing on top.
6. Crackdown
This was surprising and entertaining. Saqib Saleem was brilliant in this series and so was Shriya pilgaonkar. It was different. The quality of Indian series has seriously become impressive off late. This was exciting, thrilling and thoroughly entertaining.
7. The Broken News
Omg, I loved watching Sonali Bendre again. I would not say this show was perfect but I truly enjoyed it.
8. The Kashmir Files
I was apprehensive about watching this movie as it is a sad true story but wow, absolute brilliance. There was so much I did not know about India’s past and the writing and editing of this movie are truly good.
9. Anek
This movie is a must-watch!
10. Loot
Maya Rudolph is perfect in this show. It is my current favorite. It is so different and so entertaining. I absolutely love it.
11. Cha Cha Real Smooth
This is a beautiful, realistic and amazing story. The acting is brilliant, Dakota Johnson is perfect, and just wow. This is what a movie should be. Simple, fun, and real.
12. Janhit Mein Jaari
Nusrat Bharucha is amazing in this movie. I expected it to be boring but it was so funny and so relevant.
Thank you to the publishers for mailing me a copy of this book. I absolutely loved the illustrations. They are so wholesome. This book would be ideal for kids who have pets, especially dogs. It’s a nice, short, and sweet read. It’s a good children’s book.
I give it a rating of 8/10 which is extremely high for a Hallmark movie. This movie is enchanting and had me smiling throughout. Autumn Reeser is a delight to watch and my goodness Italy is beautiful. I absolutely loved this film.
I have watched a Hallmark movie after a long time and in this jaded time, this is exactly what I needed.
I loved this film so much that I immediately started streaming the first part. Even though I watched it out of order, I don’t think it affected my experience. I am excited about the third part next weekend. Hallmark has truly enhanced their quality of films. The costume and production were brilliant. I do wish there was a better background score.
I hope the third part with Alison Sweeney is just as good. The Wedding Veil Unveiled starts when Autumn Reeser goes to Italy. The accent, the Italian vibe were absolutely delightful in this film, watching it will surely have you dreaming of taking a vacation in Italy.
This movie is a fun movie to watch on a day you need some feel-good vibes. I had a horrible day and watching this sweet story turned it around. I will admit I do love anything with Autumn Reeser in it so I kinda expected to love this film but it exceeded my expectations.
This movie has a typical yet unpredictable story. Reeser and Bernardini have quite the chemistry. Paolo Bernardini has a beautiful accent and had me swooning. The whole dynamic of a big Italian family, Verona’s history with regards to Romeo and Juliet and the beautiful Venice made this movie even more enjoyable. The casting in this film was perfect. From Reeser as a professor to Luca, a random student, everyone fits their roles perfectly. I kept expecting something bad or predictable to happen but this movie kept surprising me in the best way possible. I usually don’t have a lot of expectations from Hallmark films but this one is a must-watch, especially in Feb, the month of love. This movie had its characters being scared of falling in love and yet giving it a chance. I loved how fate helped them overcome their fears. I loved Autumn and Paolo’s meet-cute and the way their lives kept intersecting. This movie is amazingly wholesome and if you like cute and easy romances that have Italy as their background with a little mystery thrown in then this movie is made for you. Autumn Reeser looked absolutely stunning in this film. She is super inspiring and I hope to see her in more Hallmark movies this year. Hallmark makes feel-good films and Reeser is ideal for such movies.
Autumn Reeser plays the character of Emma who is a professor of American art history. I loved how they discussed paintings but only for a minute. With all of the talk about lace, I wish the production had included more lacey clothes for Reeser.
The movie focussed more on the veil and its history than Italy and Verona’s history. Just like all Hallmark films, everything fell into place too easily for it to seem realistic.
I love how they have cast Italians mostly in Italian roles to give us authentic accents. I loved the veil’s legend. Movies like these may be unrealistic but they make me wanna believe in magic.
I love how nice the characters are in Hallmark films. You will not meet one bad or jaded person throughout the film. I wish real life were the same as well. Paolo’s sister played by Sellers was also a great addition to the team.
I always wonder if Italians do have museums for everything and store everything historic like they seem to in movies. This movie made me want to move to Italy today. I loved the mix of Italian and American culture in this film.
The story and the setting are cute but what makes this movie perfect is Autumn Reeser and her chemistry with Paolo. I loved how Hallmark created a world that is beautiful and all smiles. I loved how easily they fell for each other because they were compatible and similar.
I totally identified with Emma’s fear of having her heartbroken but it was nice to see the character get a good ending. Paolo’s character failed to make an impression on me.
I am glad they cast Autumn Reeser for this film. If they had an actress with a botox face looking unnatural, it would have killed the vibe. Paolo was believable as an Italian and Reeser was super cute. Lacey and Alison were seen many times throughout the film as well. This movie is engrossing and entertaining and if you want something light-hearted then it is ideal for you.
Autumn Reeser and Italy are the best things about this film. The wedding veil unveiled is a really good Hallmark film. It is a must-watch, especially during February.
It is a fun and engaging series with beautiful performances.
I had a blast watching this series. The trailer is interesting but what pulled me towards it was its cast. The trailer truly does not do justice to this series. The set and the production are absolutely mesmerizing. It has been shot in a real palace and hence appears authentic. The chemistry between King and Friend, that is Raja Mrityunjay and Mishraji played by Naseeruddin Shah and Raghubir Yadav is amazing. The royal games are superbly entertaining as well.
The staff and the villagers in this palace are funny and different. This series has combined the regale of royalty with the modern-day world perfectly. Lara Dutta plays Devyani. Her character is a little annoying and does not capture the viewer’s attention. Soha Ali Khan plays Gayatri whose character is fit to be queen and is warm and kind. My absolute favorite character in the series was Kritika Kamra’s, Princess Kaa. She is beautiful and has acted perfectly. Her character is entertaining, gorgeous, and absolutely delightful. For me, she was the star of the series, her screen presence is marvelous. Anya Singh plays Uma.
Ananya Banerjee has clearly cemented herself in this industry with this series that she has written and co-directed. I am looking forward to her future projects. The background score of the series is also memorable. It has original songs and a brilliant cast. The dialogues are authentic and almost all the characters are quite relatable. This series’s simplicity and authenticity is its USP. I loved Dhanur and Padma’s characters. They were quirky and different. There are many laugh-out-loud moments in this series. You can binge-watch it alone on a bad day like I did or you can enjoy it with your family. The ending seemed a little rushed but it was satisfying. I truly hope there is a second season. I loved these characters and would love to see more of them.
The cinematography is done by Linesh Desai who marvelously captures the beauty of the palace. Anurag Saikia has done a brilliant job with the background score since you will remember the tune even after hours of watching the series. The costumes by Natasha Charak are beautiful. She has designed for everyone on the show and each costume reflects the character. Kritika Kamra’s costumes were the best but everyone else was also aptly styled.
Charu Shankar plays the late Rani. All the scenes with Cyrus Sahukar are entertaining. He truly brings humor to this show. The pairing of Cyrus with Lara is different but it works. The whole loan and Don angle were a bit much especially towards the end but it is acceptable enough. Dhaneesh and Dhairyansh Gumber play Lara Dutta’s kids and do not have a lot of screen time.
Soha Ali Khan truly looked like a princess. Even in her excessively simple avatar, she appears elegant and royal. This is Soha’s first OTT series and I hope we see more from her this year. Alisha Khare as Padma is brilliant. Her character was immensely entertaining and Alisha, even at such a small age is a fine actress. Norshang Tamang as Dhanur is too cute.
Naseeruddin Shah is perfect as King. The chemistry between all the cast members and their interactions is what makes this series perfect to watch. Veer Singh is portrayed by Anurag Sinha. He was a nice character but Sinha was unimpressive and had zero chemistry with Kamra.
This series with 10 episodes is the perfect series to binge on if you want something light-hearted and delightful. There are barely any Indian series that fit the feel-good genre and I am glad we have a good one now.
“Let them love what is more than themselves, let them love in a way that belongs to no one else.”
It is a very short book and every poem is connected to a tarot card. The concept is really intriguing and anyone who is interested in Tarot cards will be interested in this poetry collection. However, I doubt they will be pleased considering this collection seems completely absurd and meaningless. I did read this book quite quickly but not one poem resonated with me. I really wanted to like this collection considering my love for the Tarot, but alas, it was a disappointment.
As Good As Dead is the conclusion to the A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder series. This book is unpredictable. The first book in the series of course is the best book. The second is not great but the third while it is not a great read, it is impressive. This book has extremely realistic characters. How an innocent girl is transformed because of murder investigations is perfectly depicted by the writer. I would not recommend reading these books as a stand alone. Maybe the first one but definitely not the second or the third because they do connect. These books and the characters get darker with each installment. I would love a fourth book but seeing what it does to Pip, I actually wish she never has to investigate ever again.
Holly Jackson is truly a talented and unique writer.
Some of the twists in this book are so surprising that I doubt they have ever been written in any book. It is a realistic story and I dont think I hate any character more than how much I hate the cops in this book. I really think a TV series should be made from these books so anyone who is not a reader can enjoy this story as well. The story was engaging but the characters were predictable. I hated how stupid Pip was in this book. Pip always followed her instincts but here she is ridden with guilt, sad, angry and just all over the place. The characters that hated her for being a genius were the ones I simply did not understand. She solved so many crimes, how can people doubt or hate her? But I guess that is the entitled world we live in.
The first half of the book was a little boring and predictable. This book definitely is a little creepy. However, after 150 pages, you cannot stop reading. Holly has depicted Pip’s mistrust and PTSD perfectly in this book. Pip’s character transformation is absolutely unbelievable and I loved how Holly kept Ravi the same. No other author, I feel has ever truly changed their characters so much because of trauma but truly in real life, these things would affect us just as much as they did Pip. I wish the cops in this series were better. The research for this story is also incredible. I did enjoy reading it.
This book covers uncharted territory. It is truly an unforgettable series. I read it in one sitting. You really cannot enjoy it if you take too many breaks while reading this book. If you are Halfway through the book, you will not be able to put it down until the end. Ravi is of course my favorite character. I loved how the climax just brought everyone together. I liked Nat’s development as well. I wish there were redeeming cops though or parent figures. I would love a small novella of Pip being happy. Holly’s writing is so good and I think my mistrust for cops has just become permanent with this series. I look forward to reading more of Holly’s work.
As Good As Dead is a good book with a nice mystery. If you have never read this series, then you totally must check it out.
As Good As Dead can be bought on Amazon and from other stores and retailers.
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