Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie – Book Review

This stand-alone mystery was one of the first Christie novels I’ve ever read, and for that reason I’ve always had a soft spot for it even though the best compliment I can give the book is “solid”. Many other Christie novels have more memorable settings and ingenious twists, this one simply has classic crime ingredients – a small group of suspects, poison and red herrings galore – that come together for a cracking good read.

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(500) Days of Summer – Film Review

I missed out on this unconventional romantic comedy when it was first released ten years ago, so when I was in a mood for something light last week I thought I’d give it a go. Though it has some issues and its penchant for indie quirk and twee soundtrack are at times mildly grating, in the end it’s a charmer.

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Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn – Book Review

I’ve already watched the mostly excellent HBO adaptation with Amy Adams before reading Gillian Flynn’s debut novel, but having read her other books I think I’d have had a fair idea of what to expect anyway. As her musical namesake Gillian Welch sings, You know some girls are bright as the morning / And some have a dark turn of mind.

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