Everyone is a Critic: My All-Time Favorites – Action Movies
Posted: August 10, 2026 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Everyone is a Critic, Movie Review, Movies, Review | Tags: Action Movies, Everyone is a Critic, Movie Review, Movies, Writing to be Read 4 CommentsThere are some movies that I can watch over and over and never get tired of them because they are so fun to watch. I’m sure certain movies are the same for everyone, in this respect. For “Everyone is a Critic” in 2026, I’d like to talk about my all-time favorites, because if you haven’t seen them, they are worth watching, and if you have, maybe this will remind you how fun they are, and you’ll give one or two another go. I’ve categorized them by the values I find in them, or the reason that I watch them. Many of them, I have watched so many times, I can quote them word for word through many parts. (And, yes, I am old, but they really don’t make them like they used to.)
Now, here, I will share them with you in the hopes that you will get the same enjoyment I have from watching them. For those who have seen the movie, the quotes will bring certain scenes alive in their minds. And if you haven’t seen the movie and you watch it, when you see the scene, you’ll understand why I chose the quotes that I did.
Action Movies – Keep me on the edge of my seat
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), with Harrison Ford
Both of these movies are so much fun to watch. While the next in series is also good, these first two are my favorites. I haven’t watched the third movie nearly as much.
Harrison Ford will always be Indiana Jones.
I have both of these in my personal collection.
Favorite Scene (The Lost Ark): Marion’s seductive escape attempt
Favorite Quotes (The Lost Ark): “Snakes! Why’d it have to be snakes?” – Indiana Jones (Ford)
Favorite Scenes (Temple of Doom): Rafting out of an airplane & Diamond in the ice
Favorite Quotes (Temple of Doom): “Fortune and glory, kid.” – Indiana Jones (Ford)
“You call him Doctor Jones, Lady” – Short Round (Ke Huy Quan)
“Hold on to your potatoes.” – Short Round (Ke Huy Quan)
Face Off (1997), with John Travolta and Nicholas Cage
A unique and clever story line where hero and villain switch places, each assuming the identity of the other. The premise is intriguing. Cage and Travolta play the roles of one another so well, it is uncanny. This movie has some unexpected twists which make it quite unpredictable and unique.
I have this movie in my personal collection.
Favorite Quotes: “I can eat a peach for hours.” – Castor Troy (Cage)
“I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave.” – Castor Troy as Sean Archer (Travolta)
“I want to take his face… off.” – Sean Archer as Castor Troy (Cage)
“If you dress like Halloween, ghouls will try to get in your pants.” Castor Troy as Sean Archer (Travolta)
“You’re Still not having any fun.” – Castor Troy as Sean Archer (Travolta)
Favorite Scenes: “No more drugs for that man.” – the drug scene & “Plan B: Why don’t we just kill each other?” – the double-sided mirror scene
Broken Arrow (1996), with John Travolta and Christian Slater
Vic Deakins (John Travolta) and Riley Hale (Christian Slater) are military pilots, partners on a mission to test a top-secret jet fighter, armed with nuclear missiles, until Deakins ejects the missiles in a dastardly plot to steal them, and crashes the plane, leaving Hale for dead. But Hale survives and sets out on his own to stop Deakins, enlisting the help of an unsuspecting park ranger, Terry Carmichal (Samantha Mathis)
Travolta makes a truly insane villain, and Slater makes a formidable adversary. This action movie is almost nonstop adventure with several twists and turns that keep you guessing. But it is just as fun to watch, even when you know what is coming.
I had this one in my personal movie collection, but I lent it to a ‘friend’ and never got it back. 😦
Favorite Scene: Setting off the nuclear bomb in the mine shaft
Favorite Quotes: “How many times do I have to say it? Please don’t shoot the nuclear WEAPONS!” – Vic Deakins (Travolta)
“I don’t know what’s scarier, losing nuclear weapons, or that it happens so often there’s actually a term for it.” – Giles Printice (Frank Whaley)
“You know, these exercises are fantastic. When the day comes that we have to go to war against Utah, we’re really gonna kick ass, y’know?” – Riley Hale (Slater)
“There’s no difference between you and a guy who shoots up a schoolyard. You’ve both got a-a head full of bad wiring.” Riley Hale (Slater)
“Attitude! Now where’s my little buddy Hale? He left you alone, didn’t he? Well that’s his speed, 100% PUSSY.” Vic Deakins (Travolta)
“Oh, this is a bad idea.” – Terry Carmichael (Mathis)
The Mummy (1999) & The Mummy Returns: Rise of the Scorpion King (2001), with Brandon Frasier and Rachel Weisz
Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) is a librarian on a treasure hunt after her brother, Jonathan (John Hannah), comes upon a mysterious puzzle box. To follow the puzzle box to the source, she springs a conman and thief, Rick O’Connell (Brandon Fraiser), from prison, saving him from hanging in return for his promise to lead them to the legendary city of Hamunoptra to find the treasure. But there is someone else who has been to Hamunoptra leading a group of Americans there, and the race is on. When their search for treasure awakens the mummy of Imotep (Arnold Vosloo), and stirs up an ancient Egyptian curse, they must stop him from releasing the forces of evil upon the earth.
In The Mummy Returns, Evelyn and Rick, and their eight-year-old son Alex, dig up the bracelet of Anubis, which controls the army of the Scorpion King, and evil forces bring back Imotep to beat the Scorpion King (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and control his army, throwing Rick and Evelyn right into the middle of it all, as Evelyn discovers an incarnate Egyptian life as the Kings daughter and must face Anck Su Namun to stop them.
Great special effects in both of these movies, which I watch on Pluto T.V. for free.
Favorite Scenes (First): The scene by the fire, The smelly little man and the scarabs & The cat and the mummy
Favorite Quotes (First): “Ah. I know. You’re wondering… what is a place like me doing in a girl like this?” – Evelyn Carnahan (Weisz)
“I may not be an explorer, or an adventurer, or a treasure seeker, or a gun fighter. But I am proud of what I am. I… am a librarian!” – Evelyn Carnahan (Weisz)
“They take a sharp, red-hot poker, stick it up your nose, scramble things about a bit, and then rip it all out through your nostrils.” – Evelyn Carnahan (Weisz)
“I only gamble with my life, never my money.” – Rick O’Connell (Frasier)
” I was about to be hanged. It seemed like a good idea at the time.” – Rick O’Connell (Frasier)
“Hey, Beni! Looks like you’re on the wrong side of the river!” – Rick O’Connell (Frasier)
“Well, everybody else we’ve bumped into has died. Why not you?” – Jonathan Carnahan (Hannah)
Favorite Scenes (Second): The double-decker bus scene
Favorite Quotes (Second): “Honey, whatcha doing? These guys don’t use doors.” – Rick O’Connell (Frasier)
“You know, a couple of years ago, this would have seemed really strange to me.” – Rick O’Connell (Frasier)
“Oh, you know, the usual. Mummies, pygmies, big bugs.” – Rick O’Connell (Frasier)
Point Break (1991) with Patrick Swayze, Gary Busey and Kenu Reeves
Johnny Utah (Kenu Reeves) is a rookie FBI agent assigned to work undercover with Angelo Pappas (Gary Busey) to discover who is behind a series of bank robberies, a group of men known only as the ex-presidents, Pappas believes are surfers. Following on that theory, Utah infiltrates the surfer scene, uncovering the identity of the bank robbers, (the leader being Bodhi (Patrick Swayze)), who aren’t just surfers, but adrenalin junkies, and puts him at their mercy.
I don’t own this one and haven’t watched it for a while. I did a review comparison of this movie with the remake from 2015, which I was not impressed with. You can see that post here.
Favorite Quotes: “Sorry, Johnny. Guess you don’t get to be president.” – Bohdi (Swayze)
Favorite Scenes: The skydiving scene where Bohdi and Utah fight for the gun and the sky-star scene is pretty good, too.
About Author Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
___________________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
_______________________________________
This segment of “Everyone is a Critic” is sponsored by the My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series and WordCrafter Press.
The My Backyard Friends kid’s book series is inspired by the birds and animals that visit the author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. Beautiful illustrations by children’s author, poet, and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, bring the unique voices of the animal characters to life.
Get Your Copy Now.
Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-HeatherHummingbird
Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-TimothyTurtle
Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home (Ages 6-8): https://books2read.com/MBF-CharlieChickadee
Share this:
Book Review: “Crossbones” & “Consumed”
Posted: June 26, 2026 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Gothic, Mystery, Review | Tags: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Consumed, Crossbones, Douglas Pratt, E.Chris Ambrose, Gothic Horror Mystery, Justin Acala, Kaye Lynne Booth, Treasure Hunting, Writing to be Read 2 Comments
About Crossbones
Treasure hunter Rikki Talens embarks on a daring expedition down the Gulf coast of Florida, driven by the discovery of an ancient grave that could lead to one of the greatest pirate treasures in history. But she’s not the only one on the trail. Ernesto, a ruthless descendant of the very pirate who buried the treasure, is determined to reclaim what he believes is his birthright, even if it means leaving a trail of blood in his wake.
As Rikki deciphers cryptic clues and navigates deadly traps laid centuries ago, she must also outwit Ernesto and his band of mercenaries who will stop at nothing to claim the treasure first. The race is on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher—for Rikki, it’s about more than just gold; it’s about uncovering the truth behind a pirate legend that could change history.
Battling the elements, rival treasure hunters, and her own inner demons, Rikki is pushed to her limits in a high-octane adventure where every decision could be her last. Can she outsmart Ernesto and secure the treasure, or will the legacy of the pirate Gasparilla claim yet another victim?
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Crossbones-Talens-Adventure-Douglas-Pratt-ebook/dp/B0CXZRPRD7
My Review of Crossbones
I purchased Crossbones, by Douglas Pratt and E. Chris Ambrose through a free BookBub Deal. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? Crossbones is the first book in the Rikki Talens Adventure series, with a strong female protagonist capable of carrying the series. Rikki is after the treasure of Gasparilla, a legendary pirate who stole a Spanish princess and beheaded her, carrying her head with him until his vessel sank and he met his demise. As Rikki follows the clues in an attempt to find the princess’ burial spot and the treasure left behind, she must beat Ernesto and his gang of thugs, who are Gasparilla’s heirs, determined to claim their legacy in Gasparilla’s hidden plunder.
Action and adventure are the meat of this tale. I give Crossbones five quills.
About Consumed
Sergeant Nathaniel Brannick is trapped in Victorian London during a period of disease, crime, and insatiable vices. One night, Brannick returns from work to find an eerie messenger in his flat who warns him of dark things to come.
When his next case involves a victim who suffered from consumption, he uncovers clues that lead him to believe the messenger’s warning. Despite his incredulity, he can’t help but wonder if the practical man he once was has been altered by an investigation encompassed in the paranormal. That is, until he meets the witch hunters, and everything takes a turn for the worse.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Consumed-Justin-Alcala-ebook/dp/B07WLVR9QN/
My Review of Consumed
I received a digital copy of Consumed, by Justin Alcala through Sandra’s Book Club review program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own. The digital copy which I received was fraught with places where the text was confuddled in mid-sentence, often with whole lines of text missing, which may or may not appear a paragraph or two down. Needless to say, this was very confusing and pulled me right out of the story every time this occurred.
(I also have to say that I think Alcala could have picked a better title for this book. When searching for it on Amazon, I came by twenty-four other books by the same title, making it necessary to type in the author’s last name to locate the book, because it wasn’t even among them. A different title might improve discoverability for this book.)
Nosferatu, the undead, or vampires, if you prefer, a classic Victorian London setting, and a detective suffering from both consumption and opium addiction, come together to create a gothic horror crime novel which is right up there with the classics. When Sargeant Detective Nathanial Brannick and his partner are assigned to a woman found dead in her flat, with circumstantial evidence pointing to murder, it seems they’ve stumbled into something much more sinister. When they see the probable murder victim rise from her grave and she attacks them, the case turns even more puzzling. At every turn, it seems their suspect is three steps ahead of them and circling around behind. And it’s unclear just who their suspect is, as there are two Romanian strangers in town, who claim to be witch hunters, whose paths keep crossing with our detectives, who seem like likely suspects, in addition to their evil prey. People are dropping dead all around him as Brannick struggles to catch the culprit before there is another killing.
Fans of classic Dracula will love this gothic horror crime novel. I give Consumed four quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
______________________________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
Share this:
Everyone is a Critic: Novocaine
Posted: May 11, 2026 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Everyone is a Critic, Movie Review, Movies, Review | Tags: Everyone is a Critic, Kaye Lynne Booth, Movie Review, Novocaine, Writing to be Read 3 Comments
Novocaine (2025), with Jack Quaid
We’ve all wished we couldn’t feel pain at one time or another, most likely, when we’re in a situation that makes us scream with the pain. But that old saying, ‘Be careful what you wish for’ applies here. Just ask Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid), who has lived a life of caution due to a physical condition which sort circuits his pain sensors and makes him a danger to himself at times. But when the new girl in his dreary, humdrum life as a bank manager, is taken hostage in a bank heist, Nathan uses his affliction to turn himself into a superhero, as he singlehandedly chases down the bank robbers and dispatches them one by one. To do so, Nathan must go through some very painful stuff, and although we know he can’t feel it, the scenes are so visceral, that we almost feel it for him, as he turns his fists into lethal weapons by grinding them into crushed glass, or shoves his hand into a vat of hot oil to retrieve a gun.
What an interesting premise. What would you do if you couldn’t feel pain? At first, you might think you’d do whatever you wanted with no pain to stop you. The love interest in this movie, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), states it well, forshadowing what’s to come, when she says, “Wow! You’re a superhero.” And, while battling the bad guys, Nathan seems to be unstoppable. But there’s a dark side to the absence of your body’s defense mechanisms, because pain is there for a reason. He doesn’t feel the pain and so he just keeps going, but the question Nathan must ask himself is can he find the girl and save her before he does so much damage to his body that it shuts down completely? How much abuse can one man take, and survive?
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
__________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
________________________________
This segment of “Read and Cook” with Robbie Cheadle is sponsored by The Women in the West Adventure Series and WordCrafter Press.
Historical Women’s Fiction
Get Your Copy Today!
Delilah: https://books2read.com/DelilahWiW1
Sarah: https://books2read.com/Sarah-Women-in-the-West
Marta: Coming in 2026
Share this:
Book Review: “Final Notice”
Posted: December 12, 2025 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Books, cozy mystery, Crime, Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Review, Thriller | Tags: Book Reveiw, Crime Fiction, Final Notice, Humor, Jennifer Hart, mystery, Writing to be Read Leave a commentAbout Final Notice
Fester Gomez is three months behind on his rent for his pricey South Beach condo and Damaged Goods is on the job. Either they convince the tenant to pay up or he’ll face eviction. The simple task turns deadly when the team discovers Gomez missing and a Jane Doe slowly decomposing in his bathtub. Serving a killer up to justice, wrestling family secrets—it’s just another day on the job for Damaged Goods.
My Review of Final Notice
I purchased Final Notice, by Jennifer L. Hart from a KindofBook deal and I am providing an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Final Notice, by Jennifer L. Hart is Book 1 in the Damaged Goods Mystery series. Damaged Goods is the name Jackie Parker chooses for their property management business when her husband, Luke, and brother-in-law, Logan, invite her to join their team as a certified process server. As one might guess from the business name, this tale contains quite a bit of humor, as Jackie is determined to find out who the dead girl in the bathtub at their first gig is, and find their missing tenant, and our trio finds themselves in some very unexpected situations. Jackie goes through outfits like someone with halitosis goes through breath mints, as she pokes her nose where someone doesn’t think it belongs.
Throw into the mix, a close encounter with Logan before she met Luke, which Luke doesn’t know about, that keeps things plenty uncomfortable among our new business partners, a mother-in-law who renews her vows every year with Jackie in the wedding party, a very needy mother of her own, and an unquenchable need to solve a mystery, and you’ve got the makings for a thoroughly entertaining cozy that won’t let you down.
I recommend Ms. Hart expend more on editing, as there were enough typos to be distracting from the story, but I had so much fun following along as Jackie tries to evict some very unusual tenants, and interact with the story’s other quirky characters, that I was willing to struggle past them and continue reading.
Comical and witty, as well as adventurous. If you can ignore the many typos, you’ll be well entertained by this cozy mystery. I give Final Notice four quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
______________________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
Share this:
Book Review: “Rage in the Wilderness” & “Digging Up Murder”
Posted: November 14, 2025 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Books, Crime, Fiction, Review, Thriller | Tags: Action, Book Reveiw, Kathryn Lane, Kaye Lynne Booth, Rage in the Wilderness, Thriller, Writing to be Read 3 CommentsAbout Rage in the Wilderness
You can’t keep the past buried forever…
When private investigator Nikki Garcia comes to New Mexico, raging wildfires in the nearby mountains force her and her family to evacuate. In the ensuing chaos, people close to her, including her husband, mysteriously disappear.
Join Nikki as she races across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Colorado prairie in a desperate attempt to save her loved ones. Her search unearths decades-old secrets and an international spy network that will stop at nothing to steal secrets from the heart of Cheyenne Mountain.
As she navigates treacherous terrain and ruthless adversaries, old secrets hold the key to uncovering the truth. When she unravels a past that defies explanation, will that help her locate her kidnapped husband or will she pay the ultimate price in this perilous pursuit?
Prepare for a riveting adventure with a female sleuth that will keep you on the edge of your seat, craving every page.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Rage-Wilderness-secrets-revealed-explodes-ebook/dp/B0CRTH1Q47
My Review of Rage in the Wilderness
I purchased Rage in the Wilderness, by Katheryn Lane through a Friday BookBub Deal. All opinions stated here are my own.
A vacation to New Mexico turns sour when wildfires force evacuation and P.I., Nicki Garcia’s husband is abducted in the chaos. She’s torn between getting her brother’s family to safety, and locating her husband, Eduardo. As on a true life investigation, the right hand doesn’t always know what the left is doing, especially when the feds get involved.
Lots of action and gun play, foiled escapes, and tense moments. Readers don’t know any more than our two protagonists do and must wait as the mystery unfolds. I give Rage in the Wilderness four quills.
____________________________
A quaint seaside New England town. A historic library. And a mystery to solve.
Elly Hockette returns to her hometown of Garden Cove, Massachusetts, just in time to help her librarian grandmother with last-minute preparations for the historic library’s Halloween festivities. Determined to forget her recent past and start anew, she spends the rest of her free time doing something that always brought her joy—gardening.
But when she makes a grisly discovery, her world is flipped upside down. It isn’t until the local authorities point to her grandma as their number-one suspect that she needs her old friends—and some new furry ones—to help her crack the case.
Can Elly solve the mystery and clear her grandma’s good name? Or will she go too far and put her own life in jeopardy?
This fun-filled and clean librarian cozy mystery will have you guessing until the very end.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Digging-Murder-Gard
My Review of Digging Up Murder
I purchased a digital copy of Digging Up Murder, by Penny Brooke through a KindofBook Deal. All opinions stated here are my own.
Digging up Murder, by Penny Brooke is a delightful cozy murder mystery, complete with a cuddly kitten and a dog named Lucky. (While the kitten is cute and may win readers hearts with the classic ‘Save the Cat’s move, it doesn’t actually have a part in the solving of the mystery, so its presence felt a little gimmicky.)
Elly has returned to her hometown of Garden Cove after the breakup of a really bad relationship, in time for her grandmother’s retirement from the local library. While doing a fall cleanup in her grandmother’s yard, Elly discovers a human hand buried in the detritus, and before she knows what’s happening, her elderly grandmother has been arrested for murder! Although the idea is preposterous, it looks like it is up to Elly to discover the true murderer and get her grandma out of jail. But it’s time for the annual witches’ festival and there are special events scheduled at the library, as well. With grandma in the pokey, it falls to her to be sure it all comes off without a hitch, all while searching for the answers to this murder mystery with the help of her once best friend, Claire and her high school boyfriend, Nathan, and his trustworthy dog, Lucky.
I think cozies are meant to be feel-good mysteries, softening murder down to a basic puzzle to be solved with lots of cute distractions. By those standards, this story does exactly what it was meant to do and serves its purpose well. I did enjoy watching the mystery unfold, and the kitten and the dog were quite entertaining. (But then who can resist a cute little kitten and a loveable dog?) The story was well crafted, which I think I mystery must be, for all the clues and red herrings to work like they are supposed to.
A well-crafted cozy which gives you all the clues, so that the answer is right in front of the reader, but they don’t realize it until the answers are revealed. I give Digging Up Murder five quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
____________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
Share this:
Everyone is a Critic: “Without a Paddle”
Posted: November 10, 2025 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Everyone is a Critic, Movie Review, Movies | Tags: Adventure Comedy, Everyone is a Critic, Kaye Lynne Booth, Without a Paddle, Writing to be Read 2 Comments
Starring Seth Green, Mathew Lilliard, and Dax Sheppard, Without a Paddle is a 2004 feel-good, three-way bromance with self-discovery and male bonding themes. Sounds kind of kinky, huh? But seriously, this movie has all the makings of a good adventure comedy and the right combination in the leading actors to pull it off.
After the early death of school chum in a parasailing accident, the three high school buddies gather in their old tree house to reminisce and say good-bye to their friend, Billy. When they find a map Billy left there, supposedly leading to D.B. Cooper’s treasure, they feel they owe it to their friend to follow his lifelong dream and search for the treasure. They set out on a road trip and wilderness adventure together, with hopes of getting rich, but finding so much more.
This was a fun movie to watch. I couldn’t help but smile as these three unleash their ridiculous antics, proving that they are their own worst enemies. Once in the wilderness, they learn a lot about themselves in this hilarious adventure where they face wild animals and illegal marijuana farmers in their quest for the treasure of the infamous D.B. Cooper. They encounter hippie nature women living in a treehouse deep in the forest and make a new friend or two with just the right amount of comedy added.
Do they find the treasure? Hey, no spoilers here. You’ll have to watch the movie to find out. I was surprised by what happened in the end. I will say that.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
________________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
________________________________________
This segment of “Everyone is a Critic” with Kaye Lynne Booth is sponsored by The Women in the West Adventure Series and WordCrafter Press.
Historical Western Women’s Fiction
Get Your Copy Today!
Delilah: https://books2read.com/DelilahWiW1
Sarah: https://books2read.com/Sarah-Women-in-the-West
Marta: Coming in 2026
Share this:
Everyone is a Crtic: The Mummy (2017)
Posted: October 31, 2024 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Everyone is a Critic, Film Review, Horror, Movies, Review | Tags: Action, Everyone is a Critic, horror, Movie Review, The Mummy (2017), Writing to be Read Leave a comment
I’m always leary of remakes, especially of first movies which I really enjoyed. Such was the case with 2017 remake of The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise, Russell Crow and Annabelle Wallace. I loved the original 1999 take on this story, with Brandon Frasier and Rachel Weisz. As with any remake, it is impossible for me to judge the newer version without referring back to the original, especially if they are similar. So, let me just say right now that I didn’t find the humor of the first movie, which I enjoyed, in the 2017 remake, and although the stories are somewhat similar in that they both unearth a mummy and unleash a curse on mankind which must be stopped, the two are really nothing alike.
A cross between Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Mission Impossible, the 2017 movie is pretty much non-stop action. From tomb raiding to underwater adventures, Tom Cruise’s character, Nick Morton, doesn’t get a moments rest and the character of Jenny Hasley, played by Anabelle Wallace, is the classic damsel in distress. There are even parts where you have to question who the good guys really are, and nothing is clear cut.
What is an Egyptian princess doing buried in the middle of the Middle Eastern dessert, entombed for thousands of years? And what happens when her resting place is discovered and her slumber disturbed? The special effects are superb and the mummy, played by Sophia Boutella, is wicked. Imotep has got nothing on Princess Ahmanet as she unleashes her rage on the city of London. Apparently, Egyptian princesses awaken in a really bad mood.
The 2017 version of The Mummy is a great action movie with enough horror blended in to bring a mythological monster to life once more. I really enjoyed watching this film.
______________________________________
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and her Time-Travel Adventure novel, The Rock Star & The Outlaw. Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
________________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can show your support with a small donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
________________________________
This post sponsored by WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services.
Whether it’s editing, publishing, or promotion that you need, WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services can help at a price you can afford.
Stop by and see what we have to offer today: https://writingtoberead.com/readings-for-writers/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/
Share this:
Exciting News! The Rock Star & The Outlaw in Audiobook
Posted: February 11, 2024 Filed under: Action/Adventure, AI Technology, Audio Books, Book Promotion, Books, Fiction, Science Fiction, Time travel, Western, WordCrafter Press | Tags: AI Audiobook, Audiobook, Book Review, Book Reviews, Books, Fiction, Kaye Lynne Booth, Science Fiction, The Rock Star & the Outlaw, Time travel, Western, WordCrafter Press 7 Comments
It’s here! If you’ve been waiting for The Rock Star & The Outlaw to come out in audio, it’s finally here!
I’m so excited! The Rock Star & the Outlaw is now available in AI Narrated Audio through Apple Books for only 7.99.
https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-rock-star-the-outlaw/id1722934411
The audio book is AI narrated, but don’t let that deter you without giving it a chance. The female voiced narration is actually pretty good. And there’s a button where you can listen to a sample on the book’s page at Apple Books, so you can check it out before you buy. Above is the direct link, but it’s also listed on the book’s Books2Read page with all the other distributors where it’s available, so you can get it in digital or print, if you prefer.
https://books2read.com/RockStarOutlaw
If you don’t have your copy yet, what are you waiting for?
Reviews
Still need convincing? Check out these reviews.
Selma: https://selmamartin.com/a-book-review-the-rock-star-and-the-outlaw-by-kaye-lynne-booth/
Book Trailer
Or you can check out the book trailer here:
__________________________________________
Want exclusive content? Join Kaye Lynne Booth & WordCrafter Press Readers’ Group for WordCrafter Press book & event news, including the awesome releases of author Kaye Lynne Booth. She won’t flood your inbox, she NEVER sells her list, and you might get a freebie occasionally. Get a free digital copy of her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction, just for joining.
Share this:
Had to Share This Wonderful Review of The Rock Star & The Outlaw
Posted: February 6, 2024 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Books, Fiction, Review, Time travel, WordCrafter Press | Tags: Book Review, Kaye Lynne Booth, The Rock Str & The Outlaw, Time-travel adventure, WordCrafter Press Leave a commentThanks to M J Mallon. Check it out on her Kyrosmagica blog site.
Share this:
Book Review: Ivory Trees
Posted: December 17, 2023 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Books, Fiction, Review, Science Fiction | Tags: Book Review, Ivory Trees, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Science Fiction, Writing to be Read 5 CommentsAbout the Book
Ancient tech draws dangerous unwanted attention in New York Times bestselling author Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s Ivory Trees, the thrilling new standalone novel in her award-winning Diving series.
When the discovery of a bunker reveals a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, interested parties throughout the Empire—from collectors to academics to researchers—want a piece of the action. But the finds draw attention from outside the Empire as well. Attention from someone willing to do whatever it takes to outmaneuver the Empire and secure the collection.
Set in Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s expansive Diving Universe, Ivory Trees introduces exciting new characters and events to this powerfully written series, while also offering some tantalizing Easter eggs from previous Diving novels.
As suspense builds to a fevered intensity, this tantalizing new novel mixes the best of heist fiction and space opera and proves Rusch’s place as a master of science fiction.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Ivory-Trees-Diving-Universe-Novel-ebook/dp/B0CKBF9X6N/r
My Review
I received a digital copy of Ivory Trees, by Kristine Kathryn Rusch, as a reward from the Ivory Trees Kickstarter campaign at the bottom tier. Ivory Trees: A Diving Universe Novel was not what I expected. Somehow, the series title lead me to believe that the story would take place under water. However, as the cover portrays, this story is a science fiction tale taking place in the vast reaches of space.
Rush has created an intriguing universe, where it’s difficult to tell who the good guys are, with complex characters which are likable and relatable. Multiple points of view allow this story of action and intrigue unfold. Everybody has an angle and lives are at stake. Honestly, I wasn’t sure who to root for in this story, as the alien race whom I believed to were supposed to be the good guys seem to be the aggressors, while the Enteran military on the planet of Wry, whom I think are supposed to be the bad guys, seem to just be defending the items that they find in their possession.
When ancient artifacts are discovered, including the legendary and valuable ivory trees, there’s profit to be made. But the people who have possession of these precious artifacts have no idea what they really are; dangerous weapons from an alien technology which are highly unstable, and the race that created them is determined to get them back at any cost.
As a part of a series, this complex, multiple character, multiple storyline tale is one that science fiction and space opera fans are sure to love. I found many of the storylines seemed to just drift away, hopefully to be picked up in future volumes. Because many things were left unresolved for the series, as a stand alone, I found the ending less than satisfying. I give Ivory Trees four quills.
_____________________________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review here.
