Christopher Bray

Advantages: Great Caine filmography
Disadvantages: You need to like Caine

...THE AUTHOR Christopher Bray graduated in Film and Literature at Warwick University. He's written about films and books for the Observer, Sunday Telegraph, Sunday Times, Independant, New Statesman, Spectator, etc. This is his first book. BIOGRAPHY OR FILM BUFF'S CRITIQUE? A critical filmography and biography. The personal biography takes second stage to the analysis - nay deconstruction - of Caine's performances in every film he appeared in, up to publication date. Your favourite Caine film/s will be here, from his earliest to 'Mona Lisa' (which arguably heralded his 'comeback'), to 'Last Orders', the 'Quiet American' etc, as well as many you may never have heard of. It's a film buff's book, but also a Caine buff's book. Bray interleaves biography with social history, showing how Caine's initial circumstances, his escape from these... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Better developed characters
Disadvantages: you don't really like the characters

...The last (so far) of the Dr Kay Scarpetta books, I was relieved to be finally reading it. Having read all the books in turn I have watched Cornwells characters develop and develop to the point where I don't really like them anymore. But then in comes Bray - a new woman in a high position, you can see why Kay and Marino are instantly on edge. But this woman turns out to be Cornwells best character ever - she states her mind, there's drug dealing, blackmail, impersonation, and conspiracy to see Kay and Marino out of their jobs. Fortunately, you begin to realise just how similar Dr Scarpetta is to Bray, and this makes you like her a little more. Needless to say, you've also got your serial killer, travel, a new man (briefly) for Kay, Lucy and a new woman, and a lot of travel. All in all the best Scarpetta book since postmortem!... Read review

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Advantages: Wonderful plot
Disadvantages: Leaves you wanting more!

...'Rebel Angels' is the second book in a trilogy by Libba Bray, continuing the story begun in 'A Great and Terrible Beauty'. The book tells the tale of sixteen-year-old Gemma Doyle, an ordinary-seeming girl, with an extraordinary power. The story begins in Victorian London, and you're immediately pulled into the hustle and bustle of the 1800's. The mystery starts to unfold when Gemma steps from the train and sees a mysterious figure shrouded in a black cloak, following her. From that moment on we're taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and adventures, as we discover the power of The Order and the secretive Rakshana. For Gemma has a special power, a power that enables her to travel into 'The Realms', a place of magic and immense beauty, that also has a darker, more sinister side. Gemma, along with her friends Felicity and Ann, must... Read review

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