The Wider Earth at The Natural History Museum

Before Darwin changed the world, one voyage changed his life.

https://www.kxtickets.com/whats-on/the-wider-earth

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Something wonderful has transformed the Jerwood Gallery at the Natural History Museum. Not only are you transported to a world of inexplicable beauty, you travel in time to meet a 22 year old Charles Darwin on his epic journey of discovery.

Story

Written by David Morton, Wider Earth details Charles Darwin’s five year survey voyage upon the HMS Beagle. Today, Darwin’s theory is widely accepted and faces very little challenge. However, the journey Darwin takes is not simply one of discovery. Morton uses the play to emphasise the challenges Darwin faced, not only of his personal faith but the reaction of others as the diversity between Religion, faith and Science becomes a catalyst for potential social change.

The mystery, the awe inspiring vision and the violent opposition that Darwin faced is all within Morton’s commentary. Not only that, Morton seamlessly alludes to the slave trade and abolition within the realms of religion in order to pose undisputable arguments at to why we are all equal, despite our differences.

Production

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The set it quite simply breath taking. From the opening recitation of Genesis, to the final moments in which Darwin returns home from his voyage, every part of the set it utilised. The revolving centre piece is used throughout the 2 hour production as buildings, the Beagle and even the exotic island landscapes. The lighting and video backdrop only add to something that is already perfect. Between the recreations of Darwin’s scribbles and the blue wash the production uses to recreate the ocean, you will be transported and immersed in Darwin’s world.

I would not be able to write this review without mentioning the one thing that reduced me to tears. The puppetry is out of this world. from the smallest butterfly to the turtles, from the movements to the interactions; the only thing that could have rendered me more in awe would have been in they’d placed an actual new born hippo in my hands.

Casting

The cast of seven are who really sold this play to me. It’s nearly 40 minutes before the audience witness their first puppet animal. but they are the icing on the already beautifully constructed cake. The people on the stage allow me to have an emotional attachment and a connection with a historical figure that I’ve respected for so long.

Bradley Foster brings a curiosity and passion to the biologist and naturalist that everyone knows. There’s a joy and boyish charm in Foster’s role that breaks down the wall between the man and the theory. The conflict between Darwin’s faith and the questions his exploration raise is raw and unapologetic, and is only solidified by the relationships we experience. Notably those of his beloved Emma, played by the delightful Melissa Vaughn who helps bring life and character to many of the puppets we meet, and Captain Fitzroy, played by the incredible Jack Parry-Jones whose handsome frame brings a level of authority and passion to the Captain who dissolves throughout the play as his mission doesn’t quite go to plan. Marcello Cruz plays Jemmy and provides some of the most heart breaking scenes either side of the interval.

It is Matt Tait who held my attention throughout; with his husky Scottish tones that sooth the soul and bring authority to Fitzroy’s second in command, Wickham. He also has an amazing ability to bring to life the puppets he controls. The highlight is the bird that soars around the stage.

Andrew Bridgmont, and Ian Houghton round out the cast and play multiple roles on land and sea. Without them, we would not see the inspiration behind Darwin’s curiosity. They both bring charm, joy and humour to the play and ensure I’ll be coming back for another viewing.

City of Dust by @MKennyPR @HQDigitalUK

City of Dust_FINALCharacter
Talia is back on fighting form, with Max and her twin right at her side. The book jumps right back into Arafel life and brings with it a reunion of old friends and introduction of new players.
Talia continues to remain a character that will forever remain the perfect heroine that from the very start joined the ranks along with Katniss, Triss and Hermione. The impact of Book of Fire is clearly ingrained; she’s battle bruised and trying to keep her thoughts on track. It’s only really when she’s set on a new path that her strength is really propelled to the limelight.
While those who have given their hearts to August will have to wait patiently for his presence within the pages, it only gives you the opportunity to consider Max as a strong character and romantic partner for Talia. He’s Talia’s equal and not scared to show his annoyance. There was the briefest of minutes when I’d forgotten about August.

Story
The world building is as immersive as ever and will consume you completely. The description of the desolate streets are hauntingly beautiful. Aside from the characters, the world building is my favourite part of this series.
The story sees Tailia back in old territory and searching for a stolen item. However, it’s only the tip of the iceberg as the plot opens up to an exploration of eugenics of mythic proportions.
Readers will need to breath when they can, because as the story reaches its final act you won’t get opportunity to. It’s fast paced and epic showdown will leave your heart in your mouth. No one is safe and the fates of many will be left clinging to the edge of a shocking cliff when the final page comes around.

Writing
Just like meeting up with an old friend, the words envelope you in a comfortable hug. Just like Book of Fire, City of Dust contains a glossary for terms. However, the world is so beautifully written, and the action so carefully crafted that the words don’t need the glossary.
The only negative would be that it’s so good that it’s going to be a painful wait for the next instalment.

Film Review: Hotel Transylvania 3

In Sony Pictures Animation’s Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, join our favorite monster family as they embark on a vacation on a luxury monster cruise ship so Drac can take a summer vacation from providing everyone else’s vacation at the hotel. It’s smooth sailing for Drac’s Pack as the monsters indulge in all of the shipboard fun the cruise has to offer, from monster volleyball to exotic excursions, and catching up on their moon tans. But the dream vacation turns into a nightmare when Mavis realizes Drac has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship, Ericka, who hides a dangerous secret that could destroy all of monsterkind.

https://youtu.be/d5exSS74Lh0

The good

As sequels go, this one has a fair go and keeping fresh and avoiding the pitfalls of gimmicks that worked in previous outings (blah blah blah, for example was referenced, but not over worked)

As always, my favourite was the Wolf-man, his wife and his brood, discovering the on board childcare was a definite highlight.

Drac’s loneliness actually hits an emotional chord. It’s lovely to see films embrace the concept of love after grief.

The humour is spot on. I laughed the loudest and the most throughout the film. I’m sure there were many questioned from confused kids ‘mummy why’s that lady laughing?’ at some of the more adult-based jokes that rendered me a giggling mess.

The bad

It felt a little long for a kids film. Even I was wriggling in my seat. It really could have done with about 20 minutes shaved off, just to keep the audience focused.

The ugly

It was very episodic. Almost as if it was created as part of the Netflix tv series and they were all stitched together. It’s a personal thing, but I’m not a fan of that type of storytelling. War Horse being the worst for that.

Oh… and Al Brook’s gramps and his speedo clad saunter past the witches was a sight I could do without.

The Heartsick series by @ChelseaCain wrap up

 

Click on the title link below to see my coverage of individual books and commentary on who I’d cast in the prominent roles. Hint- David Harbour.
Keep on reading and you’ll see a link to my Pintrest board that might compliment Cain’s AWESOME work. I was tempted to make predictions on any upcoming Archie/Gretchen novels, but I really want to keep those to myself. However, I did once entertain the idea of writing a fan fic that saw Susan on a book tour in Europe. She managed to be held hostage on the London Eye which would have given nail biting ticking clock.

 

https://www.bookdepository.com/Heartsick-Chelsea-Cain/9780312657819?ref=grid-view&qid=1535216223272&sr=1-10=CappyCrash

Heartsick

Sweetheart 

Evil at Heart

The Night Season
Kill You Twice
Let Me Go


My Pintrest Page

https://pin.it/r3zcf6omhoh6q7

So while reading this time, I started researching things (Namely Susan’s hair colours) and put them into a Pintrest board. Whenever my dad was talking AT me for so long that I could feel my vein popping in my head and I found myself reading the same line four or more times, I’d go into research mode.
Within the board you’ll find that it’s split into the individual books, with a separate one for Archie (David Harbour. Not going to lie, I’ve given up on anyone being cast other than that damn fine man! Follow him on Insta, I beg you.), a Misc one for Susan where it’s items of clothing she is described to wear more than once or I’m not sure which book it should be in.
I also spent some time falling in love with Portland and I’m now planning on going on holiday there in the next few years (read: ASAP).

Please enjoy and comment on any changes in casting you would have.

 

Love

Han x

Let Me Go by Chelsea Cain

I stayed up until midnight when this was released. However I completely forgot I also changed my address so I lived in New York because this one wasn’t released in the UK until MONTHS later.

Reading it at the time was a little disorienting at first. I’d already planned out a story based on the blurb; Hollywood has ingrained in me that ‘trapped in a party’ translates to a skyscraper (Die Hard and Rising Sun are my keystones here). Cain’s story didn’t match mine; It was so much better. It was a million times scarier.

The story really uses its time frame (Halloween) to get under the reader’s skin. When this is made in to a film, this is the one that will be closest to a horror movie than any of the others. The final third is so incredibly tense that during my reread, I got to this point about midnight and the cats decided to come to bed. I haven’t jumped so much in my life.


Casting couch


Bear

T J Tyhne Bones alumni and beautiful man is the only person I could imagine pulling off the facial fuzz Chelsea describes.

Richard
T J Miller
A truly controversial choice, but this is my geeky nod to Die Hard’s Johnson and Johnson.

Sanchez


Oscar Issac Thanks to this little light bulb choice, I need to go back and imagine him in the role. What’s interesting about Issac, is his chameleon tendencies. Watch Ex Machina and Force Awakens back to back and you’ll swear that they’re not the same guy. While I’m not as in love with Poe as I was during Force Awakens (Hell, I’m not as in love with Star Wars as a franchise as I was cerca Force Awakens), I do believe that he has that knife edge charm that will have you understanding Archie thinking he’s dirty.

Cooper

Dave Bautista Cooper has to bring the fear, but deep down have that teddy bear protective quality towards Susan. Who better than the muscles behind Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy. Also, I want him in everything. I want a Being John Malkovich style poster just of his face for the way he’s beautifully putting two fingers up to the Mouse House for the firing of director James Gunn.

Karim

Riz Ahmed The Brit has been seen in dark comedy Four Lions, but Americans will recognise him from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. It was an uncomfortable casting because of the current climate around people of Middle Eastern origin. However, you know the thing I love about Chelsea Cain?! She doesn’t once mention Karim’s religion. This wasn’t about Islam. The very first sentence in Sweetheart tells you that Cain does not buy into stereotypes by making her antagonist a woman.
I also love that, within a few hours of posting this particular review, a new article talking about the new Bechdel test that will analyse the appearance and characterisation of Middle Eastern actors within films. It’s aptly named the Riz test. You can head it here to find out more for yourself.

Kill You Twice by Chelsea Cain

Another crime thriller knocked out of the park. There’s development of relationships, a character back from a previous outing (Pearl) and one of the most heartbreaking ending of the series. This reread I found myself stalling while I read. I considered, very briefly, that the stall was perhaps fatigue and that I would need another book inbetween this and the next one.
It wasn’t the case; I just didn’t want to get to the ending. I feel everything Susan does and this not only brings back memories of the Night Season, it sucker punches her, twice. I get the moment I’ve been waiting five books for, and not only is it cut short… we get Archie’s internal thoughts afterwards.

There isn’t really anyone for the casting couch today. Yes, Rachel does make her appearance in this book, but I really think that she would be played by an unknown/upcoming actress.

Book review: Vox by Christina Dalcher

This book should, and I predict will, stand along side Handmaid’s Tale, 1984 and Only Ever Yours for its speculative commentary on society and the dangers of censorship and gender politics.

The book’s narrative will have anyone reading bringing it up in comversation; it’s haunting premise will ensure everyone wants to pass on the book in some attempt at prempting it’s possible outcome. The scary part is that it is a possibility and while history does tell us that women have been oppressed, the fear is that it will return full circle.

The exploration of the impact of religion is quite interesting and something I personally wanted to know more. I love that it doesn’t necessarily say that it’s religions fault and is very clear in stating it’s the interpretation of one and the following of individuals. Had the narrative not focused on the one character, I’d have loved to have see the leader’s rise to power; which is a testament to the writer and her ability to build a world with potential beyond the one book.

That said, I loved the protagonist; she’s all of us and the true Suffergette of Vox.

The Night Season by Chelsea Cain

Han talks about her favourite of the series and dream casts some of the task force.

This has always been my favourite installment of the series. My review on Good Reads claims its because there’s no Gretchen. I’m sure that’s part of it, but certainly for this reading it was because it’s the one I see being a movie most. I love the history that’s woven into the plot, I love that it’s someone other than Archie or Susan who finds themselves in a hospital bed.

I gave these books to one of my best friends and the bit I love the most; the relationship between Archie and Susan, is the bit she hates. I love how subtle he is compared to her. I believe that. Maybe because I see so much of myself in Susan I want to believe that it can happen.

My favourite part of this book is the weather; it’s atmospheric and reminds me of the filmic boldness of Se7en (1995). While the rain adds a subdued tone to Se7en, it must have been a bitch to film in.

Casting Couch

Lozenzo Robbins


Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) Perhaps a little older than the book describes, but I have always loved this dude and I think he has the ability to bring sass to the role.

Chadwick Boseman Newly appointed Avenger needs so grounded roles to even out the superhero stuff. Small role means it can be fitted in between Mouse House projects. While he’s an obvious choice in the same strand as Donald Glover (see below), he currently only has the Panther as his standout role. This could be the project that propels him beyond the Wakanda King.

Donald Glover This one for me is a little too obvious and bias. He’s Lando! Lando, for anyone who doesn’t know, is my all time favourite Star Wars character. He has all of Han’s roguishness, and ten times the charm. Never mind the fact that he’s now canonically pansexual. A flirt who finds anyone sexy, regardless of shape, size, colour; I admire that.
However, as I said, he’s too much of an obvious choice. With his film and music career, he’s the man of the moment. Nothing screams ‘ticking boxes’ like picking the most well known person of colour and saying ‘look we’re diverse’.
In reality, if I was producing this series, Robbins would actually go to a relatively unknown and upcoming actor.

Martin Ngyun


Ross Butler Another 13 Reasons Why actor in the mix here. Butler has been one of the stand out performances over the two series and I’m really glad he bowed out of Riverdale to complete series 2. He may be a little on the young side at 28, but hell he’s just spent the last few years playing characters ten years his junior, I’m certain he can go the other way.

Harry Shum Jr The Shadowhunters Alumni would be perfect for this role. Such a beautiful man! Okay, so I’ll also admit it, while this is a dream casting I am also thinking strategy. Having Either of these two in the role would bring a fandom to the cinema and if we start making these movies, there’s no way on earth we’re not getting to THIS film.

Jeff Heil

tye
Tye Sheridan really got my attention as Wade Watts in Ready Player One! Interestingly enough I dismissed another 13 Reasons actor for his age, yet he’s is actually the same age as Tye. There’s a few scenes in this book that I would love to see Tye get his teeth into; two that see him play against Susan.

Evil at Heart by Chelsea Cain book review

Quite possibly book I’ve read least out of the series. Have no idea why as it’s an incredible addition to the series. I did notice during my reread it was the only I don’t own on kindle as well as paperback.

My favourite aspect about this book, is the exploration of fandom. We get to see an almost cult following for Gretchen, people keeping track of how long she’s been free for, a manicure inspired by her and what is discovered to be a run of copy cat killings that, at first glance, are believed to have been done by Gretchen herself; breaking the pact she had made with Archie at the end of Sweetheart.

We see the introduction of the Reynolds family, which is brilliant enough on its own. A drug lord who lost his daughter to Gretchen. Jack, the patriarch of the Reynolds family, is someone Archie can turn to. It subverts that corrupt cop perception; Archie may be turning a blind eye to Jack’s enterprise, but he’s certainly not on the take. Then you find out that the family lawyer, is just that. Leo is the son to Jack and he seems to be enamored by Susan. While I am very much wanting Susan and Archie together by the end of this series, it’s nice to see someone showing Susan some affection and, more importantly, her playing it cool with him.


Casting couch

Leo Reynolds 

Brendon Urie
There’s no one else I’d have in this role. I’m so set on this casting choice, I even used my question for a Q&A to see if he was open to film roles now that he’s done theatre. This inspired casting came about because Panic! At the Disco have a namesake song: Let Me Go.
On that thread, I would have a Panic! song within each film.

Jeremy Reynolds 

Ansel Elgort
Lucas Hedges
Both Ansel and Lucas have this underlying creep factor while oozing charm. I think a little twist in their performance and they could bring Juston to life.

Joe Kerry
Charlie Heaton may be the more obvious choice from the Hawkins High boys, but hear me out. Charlie is exactly that, obvious. Stranger Things used and played up the ‘creep’ offensive. Add that to his ‘bad boy’ off screen persona, I just feel that it’s a little bit of typecasting that wouldn’t work for this.
However, in the book, Archie describes his connection to Justin. The fact that he’s a survivor, just like him. Who better to play against David Harbour than his hollywood ‘mini me’

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Miles Heizer
Miles has already shown many layers to his acting throughout two series of 13 Reasons Why.

Jack Reynolds 

  • Chris Cooper 
  • Bryan Cranston
  • Richard Jenkins
  • James Caan

The only person on this list I’m a little unsure of, is Bryan Cranston. He might be better suited to the senator from the previous book. Chris Cooper would be my favourite choice as he has that air of command and a closer look to Urie. Damn, it’s hard when you have one person in mind.

Pearl

Bella Thorne
Multi talented Thorne is a chameleon and would be perfect for the runnaway Pearl. Her music persona fits the description from this book, while her other roles prove that she is able to represent the adaptable Pearl that reappears in book 5.

Condemned and Admired Giveaway

To win one of five e-copies of Condemned and Admired, answer the question below in the comments section.

Giveaway question: Have you ever fallen for the wrong guy?

Excerpt:

Drawing in a shuddering breath, Oliver reached out and drew her hands into his. “Once your sister makes her decision,” he said, “what will you do then?”

At his question, her eyes dropped to the ground. “You know what I will do,” she replied before forcing her gaze back up. “I need to go back where I belong. There is no place for me here.” Regret shone in her blue eyes as well as the agony of disappointed hopes.

“Stay,” Oliver said before he could stop himself, knowing that he had no right to ask that of her, no right to force that decision on her. “I don’t want you to leave.”

Violet’s eyes grew wide as she stared at him. Then she swallowed, and to Oliver’s utter astonishment, her lips curled up, clearly tempted to smile. “A part of me wishes I could,” she whispered, her hands squeezing his gently. “I wish I could stay with you, but I can never–”

Tugging her into his arms, Oliver silenced her objections with a searing kiss. His hands pulled her closer, one sliding up the graceful line of her neck and up into her hair as he kissed her with a passion unmatched as it was fuelled by the desperate need to forget that their love was a doomed one.

There was no happily-ever-after for them. She belonged out at sea while he had his place here…as the future marquess. He had a duty to the realm, and he knew that she would never be happy here. Even if she stayed, their love would not survive such a strain. It would undoubtedly end in a disaster until the day she finally did choose to leave. To return where she belonged.

Lost in the moment, Oliver did not hear the man’s approach. Only when rough hands seized him from behind did he realise that they were no longer alone.

With a harsh snarl tearing from the man’s lips, Oliver was flung backward and crashed into the seating arrangement set up on the western side of the terrace.  His ears rang, and his back ached from the collision. Still, Oliver was back on his feet without a moment’s hesitation, all thoughts focused on Violet. Was she all right? Who was this man and what did he–?

As Oliver rushed forward, the air was knocked from his lungs as he stared at the dark-haired man standing beside Violet. In that moment, he seemed like a messenger of doom, and Oliver could barely keep himself from sinking to the ground in despair.

Review: Condemned and Admired by Bree Wolf

Author’s Bio

USA Today bestselling author Bree Wolf has always been a language enthusiast (though not a grammarian!) and is rarely found without a book in her hand or her fingers glued to a keyboard. Trying to find her way, she has taught English as a second language, traveled abroad and worked at a translation agency as well as a law firm in Ireland. She also spent loooong years obtaining a BA in English and Education and a MA in Specialized Translation while wishing she could simply be a writer. Although there is nothing simple about being a writer, her dreams have finally come true.

“A big thanks to my fairy godmother!”

Currently, Bree has found her new home in the historical romance genre, writing Regency novels and novellas. Enjoying the mix of fact and fiction, she occasionally feels like a puppet master (or mistress? Although that sounds weird!), forcing her characters into ever-new situations that will put their strength, their beliefs, their love to the test, hoping that in the end they will triumph and get the happily-ever-after we are all looking for.

If you’re an avid reader, sign up for Bree’s newsletter at http://www.breewolf.com as she has the tendency to simply give books away. Find out about freebies, giveaways as well as occasional advance reader copies and read before the book is even on the shelves!

Book Blurb

A French privateer’s daughter. A marquess’s son.

And a chance encounter on the high seas.

VIOLET WINTERS, a French privateer’s daughter who fled England with her mother when she was a little girl, takes the chance to return to her home country unrecognised when fate delivers an English lord into her hands. OLIVER CORNELL, EARL OF CULLINGWOOD, fascinated by the adventurous gleam in her eyes, does not hesitate to offer his assistance…and pose as her husband.

Can a privateer’s daughter and a marquess’s son ever have a happily-ever-after?

 

Links:

Webage: www.breewolf.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7333700.Bree_Wolf

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/breewolf.novels/

Facebook EVENT: https://www.facebook.com/events/408576936315941/

Where to buy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Condemned-Admired-Cunning-Second-Chance-ebook/dp/B07D3TBHL7/

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/condemned-admired-the-earls-cunning-wife-bree-wolf/1128641189?ean=2940162096047

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/condemned-admired

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/condemned-admired-earls-cunning-wife-9-loves-second/id1382213939?mt=11


Review for Condemned and Admired

This stand alone in the Love’s Second Chance series is my first outing into Bree Wolf’s writing, but it certainly won’t be my last.

Characters

Violette and Oliver are beautifully strong characters that stand out among the others. Their alternating view points give strength to the narrative. Both hold modern outlooks within a period world, which makes for a refreshing read.

Plot

The story deals with putting right something Violette feels is an injustice. It’s fast paced. with an exploration into characters and motivation as Violette completes her personal mission. You won’t put it down once you’ve started reading. Unless of course you’re like me; you’ll put it down once, to order the other books.

Writing

The writing is clear and engaging. It is the part that will keep you reading until the end. The comfortable read, that doesn’t rely on period language which is a big turn off for me. The focus is on the characters and society in that period.


To win one of five e-copies of Condemned and Admired, answer the question below in the comments section.

Giveaway question: Have you ever fallen for the wrong guy?

Excerpt:

Drawing in a shuddering breath, Oliver reached out and drew her hands into his. “Once your sister makes her decision,” he said, “what will you do then?”

At his question, her eyes dropped to the ground. “You know what I will do,” she replied before forcing her gaze back up. “I need to go back where I belong. There is no place for me here.” Regret shone in her blue eyes as well as the agony of disappointed hopes.

“Stay,” Oliver said before he could stop himself, knowing that he had no right to ask that of her, no right to force that decision on her. “I don’t want you to leave.”

Violet’s eyes grew wide as she stared at him. Then she swallowed, and to Oliver’s utter astonishment, her lips curled up, clearly tempted to smile. “A part of me wishes I could,” she whispered, her hands squeezing his gently. “I wish I could stay with you, but I can never–”

Tugging her into his arms, Oliver silenced her objections with a searing kiss. His hands pulled her closer, one sliding up the graceful line of her neck and up into her hair as he kissed her with a passion unmatched as it was fuelled by the desperate need to forget that their love was a doomed one.

There was no happily-ever-after for them. She belonged out at sea while he had his place here…as the future marquess. He had a duty to the realm, and he knew that she would never be happy here. Even if she stayed, their love would not survive such a strain. It would undoubtedly end in a disaster until the day she finally did choose to leave. To return where she belonged.

Lost in the moment, Oliver did not hear the man’s approach. Only when rough hands seized him from behind did he realise that they were no longer alone.

With a harsh snarl tearing from the man’s lips, Oliver was flung backward and crashed into the seating arrangement set up on the western side of the terrace.  His ears rang, and his back ached from the collision. Still, Oliver was back on his feet without a moment’s hesitation, all thoughts focused on Violet. Was she all right? Who was this man and what did he–?

As Oliver rushed forward, the air was knocked from his lungs as he stared at the dark-haired man standing beside Violet. In that moment, he seemed like a messenger of doom, and Oliver could barely keep himself from sinking to the ground in despair.

Book review: Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain

The second installment is just as perfect for the silver screen as the first. Think Along Came a Spider meets Die Hard with a wicked soundtrack and a killer cast.

The flashbacks to Archie’s life are not as frequent in this outing that sees the Beauty Killer escape and spend some quality time with the detective. What I love most about Sweetheart is the relationship between Susan and Henry that’s developed when they are trying to search for Gretchen and her last victim.

What I love most of all about Chelsea’s work is how seemingly unrelated crimes tie up before the book finishes. It’s perfectly layered, so that when you go in for a second (*cough* fifth) reading, you will kick yourself for missing the clues.

Casting Couch

Debbie Sheridan
Jessica Capshaw While renowned for her role as Arizona Robbins in Grey’s Anatomy, I will always remember her for her portrayal as Booths ex-wife in the tv series Bones.
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Notable mentions go to Clea Duvall and Selma Blair who both could handle the role.

Buddy Anderson
As said before, this could be where Sam Rockwell fits in, but if not Paul Bettany or Edward Norton would be a perfect fit.


Derek makes an appearance in Heartsick, but it’s in Sweetheart he really gets page time. Someone like Liam Hemsworth, Alex Ludwig or Jack Reynor would fit the part.

Charlene Wood
Another character that is in the background, but consistently through the series. Being someone that Susan admires and detests means she has to have a certain look. For me, that would have to be the wonderful Kat Dennings.

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