Our Kind of Traitor

I had forgotten the trailer by the time I saw this movie, which is the way that I like it. A spy thriller from the other side, mostly - from the civilians who can get caught in the cross fire. Good cast, good action. Decent movie!

Mowgli

Andy Serkis' version of A Jungle Book. Sort of live action with a lot of CGI. Not terrible, though a little disturbing here and there.

All the Weyrs of Pern (book)

The long hard road to stopping Thread from falling on Pern. This was a decent book - though the whole time travel thing just irks me the teeniest bit. Still, it was a good tale. I am curious though, two hundred years later, what life on Pern would look like.

The Masterharper of Pern

I almost think this should have been the first book about Pern. Maybe the second. Tells the story of Robinton up until the events of the "first" Pern book. Good stuff. Some interesting back story holes filled in.

The Renegades of Pern (book)

Interesting tale of more about the dark side of Pernese life. Several disaffected people end up banding together. The leader is not  nice person. And she takes a disliking to one person and his family. Good intertwining of stories and an enjoyable look at the some of the darker aspects of life on Pern.

The Dolphins of Pern (Book)

Yay Dolphins! I was glad that she took the time to read this book about the enhanced dolphins who went to Pern.

Dragon's Kin (Book)

Todd McCaffrey book about Pern and a lot about watch-whers. Interesting stuff though not all that exciting. Better than no Pern book, I guess!

Dragonsblood (Book)

First of the Pern books totally by Todd McCaffrey. Of course, not exactly like his Mom's but still decent. Tells the tale of a disease hitting the dragons and how two different times on Pern work to get them healthy. That was confusing at first. Uses some characters from other stories and books.

A Gift of Dragons (Book)

Collection of Pern stories centering on lots of people that we don't know. But still fun. They are illustrated, so there's that. If you like Pern stories, then you will like this book. One of the stories is about a character who appears in other books as well.

Dumplin'

Coming of age story about a girl whose mom is all into beauty pageants. And the daughter feels that she is not loved by her mom. Well, she wasn't particularly. I don't know, the whole thing felt uneven and contrived and not particularly well written. I kept hoping Dolly Parton would make an actual appearance instead of being referenced throughout the movie.

A Christmas Prince Movies

          

Although there were two movies, I decided to lump them together as they are both equally saccharine and silly and fluff incarnate. But Rose McIver was in them, so I had to watch them. Rebel girl gets prince and saves the country in the first movie. In the second she is marrying the prince and eventually wins her efforts fo be seen as a person and saves the country. Again. Silly and barely fun.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Six Western Tales from the Coen brothers. I saw this on Netflix and decided to watch it. Coen movies are usually good and this was no exception. Lots of twists on typical Western Stories. If you like Westerns or the Coen brothers, you will probably like this movie. I am not going to give synopsesesese of the six stories. Can't make me!

Lady Bird

Coming of age story of a young girl who is becoming a woman. I am not sure how this ended up on  my list, but it did. I do like coming of Age stories. I didn't really like the lead character. The actor was ok, but the character didn't seem all that likable. Senior year in High School when you are an odd person does make for interesting times. Good but not great.

Dragon's Kin

This was a collaboration between Anne McCaffrey and her son Todd. A decent story looking at miners and watch-whers. I couldn't tell that it hadn't been written just by Anne. As far as Pern books go, it was a good story in a good world with good characters. Enjoyable for sure!

Ghost in the Shell

Somehow the Anime version of this movie got on my list. Ok, I know how. I saw the live action one with Scarlett J in it and on the Nerds and Geeks FB page many people said that the Anime version was "awesome." Well, it was anime. I thought it was good, but not great. Japanese animation isn't my favorite.

Silent Night

Apparently this Spenser story had been started before he died. His long time editor finished it. It was ok, but seemed a little different than the other Parker written books. Especially Hawk. Too many word. But a decent story about a pair of brothers who seem to be doing good in the world. But which one actually is? Spenser will find out who's been naughty...

Pottersville

I thought that this movie would have something to do with It's A Wonderful Life and it did. Eventually. Good guy general store owner Maynard loves Pottersville even though it is a dying town. He would do anything to help. And he does. With mixed results. I mainly watched it because it was short - only 80+ minutes. And had two redheads in it. Sigh. I am very predictable. It was ok at best. But if you like the cast or feel good movies, it might appeal to you.

Painted Ladies (book)

Spenser in the world of Art and Art recovery - hired as a bodyguard, his protectee gets blown up. So of course, Spenser has to find out who did what to whom when why and where!

The Professional (Book)

Lots of twists and turns in this Spenser entry. A group of women are being blackmailed and want to get out from under without too much noise, so they hire Spenser. And of course, Spenser finds out a lot more than the people wanted him to. Go Spenser!

Rough Weather (Book)

Spenser novel - Spenser tangles with Rugar (again) and a kidnapping.

Dragonquest (Book)

This is the second Pern book that was written. It really ought to have been part of the first book. Pern has survived the initial onslaught of Thread - now things are starting to get squiggly because of the clash between the oldtimers and the modern Pernese. Good entry in the series!

Now and Then (Book)

Spenser novel - the story starts as a simple case of infidelity and turns into a hunt for terrorists - who are threatening Susan. Just as one oughtn't to mess with John Wick's dog, one mustn't threaten Susan Silverman!

Dragonsinger (Book)

This is the second Pern book in the Harper trilogy featuring Menolly. Interesting examination of the Craft System, at least in the harper hall. Introduces Piemur who I think shows up a lot in later books. I will not admit to reading two books in less than 12 hours.

Hundred Dollar Baby (Book)

Spenser has another encounter with April Kyle, whore turned madam.

Cold Service (book)

Spenser book focusing on how Hawk does things with an assist from Spenser. I like it when Hawk is featured!

Bad Business (Book)

Spenser book - There are a few interesting things about this one - all of the PI's involved and the convolutedness of the story. And still the same fun characters!

Hugger Mugger (Book)

Spenser goes to Atlanta to solve a horse shooting incident only to, once again, find more problems. And there was a second case as well, that had nothing to do with the first case. Showing that Spenser is, I guess, good at multi-tasking. Anyway, this one ended with not al of the bad guys getting their just deserts. I hope that Spenser goes there again and gets the bad guys. Still, a decent entry in the series.

Potshot (Book)

Spenser is asked to investigate a murder that of course opens a whole can of worms. Great because just about every thug/decent bad guy is in this one. Kind of like the Magnificent Seven. Except none of the people get killed. A couple get a little wounded. Still, it was interesting to have all of Spenser's sort of like minded tough guys with a code together in one house.

Dragonsong (Book)

The books in the Pern series can be read a multitude of ways, of course. The most common two being in an order that they were written or in order of time that the story takes place. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I am reading them an order I found on the internet. Yay. Anyway, this book was the first of three featuring a young woman named Menolly.  Menolly is a Seacroft Holder's daughter. She loves music and is a talented musician. Her musicianship is not held in high esteem by her parents so trouble ensues. I will admit to tearing up a few times while reading this book.

Widow's Walk (Book)

Spenser novel - A widow's walk is an architectural element, I thought. Hmm. Convoluted story of a man who is shot and killed in his bed - maybe a suicide? Maybe murder? Maybe the wife did it? Maybe she didn't? Fear not, Spenser will figure it all out, eventually.

Back Story (book)

Spenser Novel - Spenser is asked to look into the death of someone who was killed 30 years ago! And he manages pretty well. Which isn't surprising. He is Spenser, after all...

Chasing the Bear (Book)

In a seemingly random departure, Parker gives us a story of young Spenser, age around 14. It does give a good glimpse into how Spenser became Spenser.

Hush Money (book)

Spenser story - Hawk brings a client - a man denied tenure. Along the way, another case comes along, so Spenser is working two at once. They don't cross, which was surprising. Still, it was a decent entry in the series.

Sudden Mischief (Book)

Read this Spenser book out of Sequence. I think it was the first one that I read in fact. And then I got interested in the series and read them from the beginning. This book actually makes more sense in sequence, when one understands more about the relationship between Susan and Spenser. Susan asks Spenser to help her ex-husband who, it turns out, needs help really, really badly!

Small Vices (Book)

Spenser tries to prove that a black convict got put away for a murder he didn't commit. Do things go smoothly? Heaven forfend!

Chance (Book)

Spenser story about being hired to find a mobster's son in law. And when he does, well, things aren't swell.

Thin Air (Book)

Spenser looks for Frank Belson's missing wife. Nothing is as simple as it looks. What a surprise? Sigh. Ends with one of the more convoluted of Spenser's plans to save who needs to be saved.

Double Deuce (Book)

Spenser rides again. This time it is Hawk's mission and Spenser is his backup. An area of the ghetto is in need of help and Hawk and Spenser help out as only they can.

Pastime (Book)

Spenser book about Paul's mom disappearing, and of course getting in way over her head. Lots of back story about Spenser makes this an especially interesting entry in the series.

Ceremony (Book)

Spenser book featuring April Kyle, prostitute, who Spenser does his best to save. I think she appears in at least two other Spenser stories later on.

The Widening Gyre (Book)

Spenser helps out a politician's wife who is being blackmailed. As he digs, things, as usual, get much scarier than originally thought.

The Savage Place (Book)

Book 9 of the Spenser books written by Parker. Spenser goes to LA to protect a news anchor. Things don't go well, all things considered. Spenser does meet some people who appear in subsequent books.

The Hermit of Eyton Forest (Book)

I like Historical Fiction. Yes, I am easy, I like a lot of stuff. But this series is based in Medieval England and captures the time for me. In this story, our Hero, Brother Cadfael, tries to figure out who killed two different people! I just found out that there are a lot of these books as well. So many books, so little time!

Looking for Rachel Wallace (Book)

Spenser book featuring Spenser trying to protect a hard core woman and eventually succeeding. As he often does. Rachel Wallace shows up in a few more Spenser books along the way. Good stuff!

Mass Effect: Andromeda (video game)

I don't know why this game got such lackluster reviews. Yes, it was very similar to Mass Effect three, but I liked Mass Effect 3. Lots of things to do. Lots of places to explore. Some puzzles to solve (not enough - I like puzzled. Myst was really great!). Lots of action. Lots of story. I didn't get to hook-up with who I wanted to hook up with, but who I did spend time with was fun enough. If you like RPGs, or the earlier Mass Effect games. Or you like third person exploration games that are in the Science Fiction genre rather than the fantasy genre, you might just like this game. I know I did. I was even tempted to keep playing after I finished the main story line. I just wish I had realized how powerful one of the items was earlier in the game. Oh well. Life is that way sometimes.

Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer

I have never been a big Richard Gere fan. But I decided to watch this movie because it looked interesting in the trailers. Gere's character is a "fixer." Someone who knows someone (who knows someone) who might be able to help the first person accomplish what they want. And maybe down the road, that person can be the third person in another problem, etc. It is a well crafted story. Slightly depressing, but good. If you like Richard Gere, you might actually love this movie. Otherwise, I think you will just like it a lot.

Early Autumn (Book)

Spenser is tasked with protecting a boy and his mother, only to discover that the boy is not wanted by either parent. So Spenser takes him under his wing. Paul goes on to be parts of several books down the line. Good entry in the series and shows that Spenser can teach his way of being to others.

Stardust (book)

Next book in the Spenser series. Spenser is tasked with finding out who is bugging a bratty star named Jill. Of course, things go sideways.

Playmates (Book)

Sixteen in the Spenser series. Spenser goes to a college to try and help a kid who has gotten in with the wrong crowd and is shaving points in basketball. Rah rah!