![]() ![]() Critics surveyed by Rotten Tomatoes called it too similar to its predecessor. The film premiered in New York City on December 13, 2007, and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures released it in North America on December 21, 2007. The film stars Nicolas Cage in the lead role, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Bruce Greenwood and Helen Mirren. It is a sequel to the 2004 film National Treasure and is the second film of the National Treasure franchise. ![]() Thanks again to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy of The Spotted Dog in exchange for an honest review.National Treasure: Book of Secrets is a 2007 American action-adventure film directed by Jon Turteltaub and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. It’s a fun, enjoyable read, perfect if you want to while away a summer afternoon. Overall, though, The Spotted Dog is a good story. They’re cliched and sometimes offensive, even when they’re intended to be humorous. There are many sweeping generalizations made about various ethnic groups. While her subplot should be compelling, the violence in her tale feels out of place with the other comedic, often over-the-top story pieces. After spending several chapters in Corinna’s head, the leap to a minor character’s voice is disconcerting. I’m also not keen on the occasional jumps to Philomena’s point of view. Even after Corinna links them together, the connections seem tenuous. The dive into a Vatican conspiracy/coverup theory about a lost gospel? Not so interesting.Īdd to this a mysterious ransomware attack on a local cafe’s computer system, two burglaries, and Philomena’s mysterious assault, and it’s hard to keep everything straight. Moreover, for most of the book, the various crimes don’t appear connected. Alasdair and his faithful service dog, Geordie, is interesting, though Alasdair needs more development than a Scottish accent. There are multiple discrete mysteries in the story, and some are more interesting than others. But if you need some recipes, Greenwood supplies a few in the back. I started this book a few days ago and have baked a batch of muffins and a loaf of bread, and I’m making homemade pizza dough later today. You may find yourself looking in your cabinets, hoping for Corinna’s muffins and breads to magically appear, and be sorely disappointed. A word to the wise: don’t read The Spotted Dog on an empty stomach. Some of the descriptions are enough to cause weight gain just by reading them. I did tire of this after a while.īut Corinna’s life revolves around baking, so it makes sense that she’s always thinking or fixing or eating food. Greenwood goes overboard with the food descriptions. Her struggle is one of the mysteries in this novel.Īnd if you’re a cat lover, there’s plenty of those chasing mice and purring and demanding the full attention of their slave–er, human. Injured in a mysterious accident, she’s confined to a wheelchair and cannot speak though she’s plainly trying to tell others her story. Uncle Solly, Daniel’s “uncle” who might be a local rep for Mossad if only it existed.Īnd then there’s Philomena. Meroe, Insula’s resident benign “witch.” Goss and Kylie, the almost interchangeable cafe helpers addicted to their phones. ![]() A group of young actors rehearsing The Tempest in their apartment. Dawson, a retired society hostess, who might be romantically involved. Dion Monk, a retired classics professor, and Mrs. There’s Jason, ex-addict and Corinna’s faithful midshipman/apprentice. If you like quirky characters, this book is for you. Only a certain type of person can use these words with such flare, and Corinna’s that type. They are quirky with a capital Q.īut even with the deadpan humor, Corinna throws in archaic terms and references to ancient history. Well, most other characters! This works well, as many of the other characters are over-the-top, with high levels of passion for their interests and equally high levels of quirkiness. Her tone is wry, with a hint of snark coupled with genuine affection for others. She’s the queen of the deadpan understatement. But it didn’t take long to figure out the who’s who of Insula. I did have momentary problems with learning all the various quirky characters living in her apartment building, Insula there were a lot of names thrown at me. I haven’t read any of Greenwood’s Corinna Chapman mysteries before, but this one can be read as a standalone. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |