‘D is for Deadbeat’ (1987) a rather downbeat Millhone entry
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Kinsey Millhone probes the down-and-out of Santa Teresa in her fourth alphabetical adventure.
Month: November 2025
‘D is for Deadbeat’ (1987) a rather downbeat Millhone entry
‘House of Wax’ (2005) doesn’t melt under pressure to be a good romp
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though the events are far from plausible, this remake serves up effective chills in the “weird small town” vein.
For those wonton more: ‘The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again’ (1979)
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This second ride isn’t as smooth, but it knows its strengths are Knotts and Conway.
I like ‘John Candy: I Like Me,’ even if there’s no dirt to dig up
Movie review: While the interview subjects and home-video footage make Colin Hanks’ documentary a love-fest, I don’t detect any dishonesty.
‘Chad Powers’ powers forward as best of the ‘Ted Lasso’ ilk
TV review: By being the strangest and most daring of 2020s uplifting sports redemption fiction, it’s also the strongest entry.
‘C is for Corpse’ (1986), and for character building, in third Millhone book
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): This time it’s personal as Sue Grafton’s private eye befriends a client who becomes a murder victim.
‘The Paper’ is worth a subscription as it nails modern journalism
TV review: Being real without being too depressing, this “Office” spinoff is blessed by wonderful character creations and cast chemistry.
Character exploration takes a backseat in rompish ‘Chucky’ Season 2 (2022)
‘Child’s Play’ flashback (TV review): The show is filled with pop-culture riffs but isn’t interested in going deep into the soul of its many Chuckies and humans.
‘The Running Man’ (1987) charges ahead to a dystopian future
Stephen King flashback (Movie review): The Eighties aesthetic is a core appeal of a film that gradually moves from satire to accurate portrayal as time goes by.
‘Echoes of Guilt’ is like a Lifetime movie without an editor
Book club book report: Beyond the standard mystery lies an existential one: How good could this novel have been if it was copy-edited?