Podcasts: Five to try if you love True Crime.

The pop culture phenomenon of 2014, the first season of Serial, which has since been downloaded a whopping 175 million times (and counting!) was the one the one that started it all: Serial brought podcasts to the masses and also unleashed the True Crime obsessive in us all (or is that just me?) In any case, if you were obsessed with Serial (and who wasn't?) then you've probably checked out a few dozen or so true crime podcasts in the time since Sarah Koenig detailed her investigation into the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee via weekly nail-biting instalments.

That's the thing about pop culture phenomenons - they tend to spawn a gazillion offshoots.

True crime podcasts are as popular as ever, but I think it's fair to say that not all true crime podcasts are made equally.  While it might be true that not every true crime podcast is the next Serial, it's also fair to say that a few have come pretty close.  Here are five to try before Serial Season Three launches on September 20th. (I wonder if Kim K. is all caught up yet?!)

The latest podcast phenomenon on the block, The Teacher's Pet is an Australian podcast investigating the disappearance and probable murder of mother-of-two Lyn Dawson back in 1982. 

What They Say: 

A star footballer. His school girl lover. 

A wife who vanishes.

Chris and Lyn appear to have the perfect marriage. But when Lyn goes missing, dark secrets are buried. This is no fairytale, but a sordid story of strangely close twin brothers, teenage student lovers, and probable murder.

Find Out More: 

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/the-teachers-pet

*****

If you are planning on checking out Dirty John be prepared clear your schedule. This podcast, which details the relationship between Debra Newell, a successful interior designer, and John Meehan, a man who just doesn't check out, is what binge listening was made for.  A TV series based on the podcast, starring Connie Britton and Eric Bana, is currently in the works.

What They Say:

Debra Newell is a successful interior designer. She meets John Meehan, a handsome man who seems to check all the boxes: attentive, available, just back from a year in Iraq with Doctors Without Borders. But her family doesn’t like John, and they get entangled in an increasingly complex web of love, deception, forgiveness, denial, and ultimately, survival. 

Find Out More:

https://wondery.com/shows/dirty-john/

*****

One of the most affecting podcasts I have listened to, Trace is an Australian podcast detailing the murder of Maria James, a mother-of-two, who was stabbed to death in June 1980. 

What They Say:

On a winter morning in June 1980, Maria James turned to her son Mark and looked him in the eyes.

"She said to me, 'if anything happens to me, look after your brother.'"

Later that day she was found stabbed to death at the back of her suburban Melbourne bookshop, where she lived with her two boys.

Was it a scorned lover? A random stranger? Or was the murder tied up in the sins of the Catholic Church?

Find Out More:

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/trace/

*****

One of the podcast hits of 2018, West Cork investigates the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, and takes a deep dive into the dark side of rural Ireland.

What They Say:

This much we do know: Sophie Toscan du Plantier was murdered days before Christmas in 1996, her broken body discovered at the edge of her property near the town of Schull in West Cork, Ireland. The rest remains a mystery.

Gripping, yet ever elusive, join the real-life hunt for answers in the year’s first not-to-be-missed, true-crime series. Investigative journalist, Sam Bungey, and documentarian, Jennifer Forde, guide listeners through the brutal, unsolved murder and the tangled web of its investigation, while introducing an intricate cast of characters, a provocative prime suspect, and a recovering community whose story begs to be heard.

Find Out More:

https://www.audible.co.uk/ep/title?asin=B079M4J86L&source_code=M2M30DFT1BkSH101514006V

*****

Season One of Up and Vanished investigated the 2005 disappearance of high school teacher Tara Grinstead - and got results. Season Two, which premiered August 20th, delves into the case of Kristal Anne Reisinger, a young mother who disappeared from the tiny town of Crestone, Colorado, in 2016.

What They Say: 

On July 13, 2016, Kristal reportedly disappeared from a full moon drum circle. She has not been seen since. After 2 years with no arrests, Saguache County Sheriff’s Office is no longer treating Kristal’s disappearance as a missing persons case, but rather suspected foul play.

Find Out More:

https://upandvanished.com/

*****

So, there you have it: five podcasts to try if you love True Crime. I could easily have made this a Top Ten (so many great podcasts that haven't made the cut today - but maybe I'll do a Part 2?) If you're a fan of True Crime and have any podcast recommendations, I'd love to hear them!

Checking in - and a few of my recent favourite things!

Hello there! It's been a while, hasn't it?! How is your summer going? I have to say that summer in Ireland this year is pretty much so far non-existent. I think we maybe had a whole three days of sunshine about a month ago and ever since then it's been pretty much non-stop gloom. It  turns out that dark clouds can have unexpected silver linings, though,  in that I've finally been catching up on some shows I've been meaning to check out for quite a while. Usually I ditch TV during the summer months (increasingly impossible to do because TOO MANY SHOWS!) but that's all changed in this summer of rain. 

So, here are some of my favourite things of the past while. You'll find a few TV shows here, along with some music, beauty bits and a pretty addictive podcast too.

Also, book reviews are a-coming.  I'll be sharing my thoughts on the new Jenny Han (all good things!) and I'll also do a round-up of  summer reads very soon. Promise!*

*****

I am an unapologetic David Lynch fangirl, so I'm not at all exaggerating when I say I pretty much lost my mind when this new series of Twin Peaks was first announced. After that initial excitement, I tried to temper my expectations just a bit. First of all, I didn't believe - until about I was half-way through the first episode, ha! - that this was actually happening. Secondly, I felt that there was a really good chance that this return to Twin Peaks could possibly be a total and utter disaster. Spoiler alert: It's not. The new series of Twin Peaks is pure, unadulterated Lynch, and it is glorious. It's everything I ever could have wanted and more. Go watch it.  But don't even try to watch it if you haven't first seen the original series and the prequel movie, Fire Walk With Me. 

*****

You know, I was really in two minds about even checking out Thirteen Reasons Why. I haven't read the book and that's because I've always been turned off by its premise: girl commits suicide and then makes everybody else live with the fact that they are to blame for her demise. Obviously there's more to the story - but this was my first impression of the book and it's why I never got around to reading it.

 Anyhow, this is the story of how I came to watch Thirteen Reasons Why: So, everybody on my Twitter feed has been positively raving about Riverdale all year long, but three episodes in, it wasn't really working for me.  Fearing that I had finally outgrown teen drama (no!!!) I decided to switch to Thirteen Reasons Why - and was hooked right from the start.  I really enjoyed this one. Great performances from the two leads. 

 In the end I stuck with Riverdale, because I will always love teen drama -  even if the acting in this one is sometimes so hammy as to offend my vegetarian sensibilities! 

*****

If you're a true-crime junkie, then you're probably listening to Up and Vanished already. If not, though, check it out. The first season is wrapping up soon, so you'll have quite a bit of catching up to do, but it's worth it. Up and Vanished is a real-time investigative podcast that strives to solve missing persons cases. The first season takes a closer look into the 2005 disappearance of high school teacher Tara Grinstead - with surprising and revelatory results. 

Find out more: http://www.upandvanished.com/

*****

Ever since its release a few years back Jo Malone's Wood Sage & Sea Salt has been my go to summer fragrance. Light, fresh and free-spirited, this is the scent of all the best bits of a summer spent by the shore. I love it!

I am a big fan of the make-up priming and refreshing properties of a facial spritz. Caudalie's cult classic Beauty Elixir remains a favourite that is hard to beat, but I tried out a sample of the Rejuvenating Facial Spritz from Bloom & Blossom a while back and liked it so much I purchased the full size. This one boasts collagen boosting properties, a citrusy scent and promises to improve skin tone, while chasing away wrinkles and dark shadows. Sounds good!

*****

I've been listening to this album non-stop for the past month! It's actually been around since 2013, so why it took me this long to discover Simple Pleasures by Still Corners, I do not know.  It is an album made for simple pleasures, this one. Think of it as the perfect accompaniment to a moonlight drive, a spontaneous road trip or a glass of wine beneath a setting sun. It's very chill. If you like pop of the dream or electro variety, then I'm pretty sure you'll like this!

*****

* Unless the sun makes and appearance - then all bets are off! 

A New Podcast & Some Old Favourites Too!

Combining two of my favourite podcast themes (that would be Old Hollywood and True Crime) Hollywood & Crime is a new podcast from Wondery that aims to investigate one of Hollywood's most notorious unsolved crimes, the murder of Elizabeth Short, more widely known as The Black Dahlia. 

Now, you might think you know all about The Black Dahlia, but Hollywood & Crime promises to delve deeper into the mystery of one of the world's most famous unsolved murders.  Two episodes in, I'm definitely intrigued and eager to learn more.

If you're looking for a podcast that explores the deep, dark underbelly of glamourous Old Hollywood, then this is it. 

http://wondery.com/wondery/shows/hollywoodcrime/

@HollywoodnCrime

*****

Possibly my favourite podcast of 2016, Accused details the unsolved murder of college-graduate Elizabeth Andes. This is one of the best unsolved crime podcasts I've listened to -- and is definitely one that will appeal to amateur sleuths and Serial fans alike. 

@accusedpodcast

*****

The Heavyweight podcast from Gimlet Media focuses on the turning points in people's lives when everything went wrong - and tries to make it right. It's an intriguing show, sometimes quirky, sometimes emotional, always compelling. 

If you liked Starlee Kine's excellent Mystery Show (sadly and bafflingly dropped by Gimlet) then I reckon you'll like this one too. 

@heavyweight

*****

One of my all-time favourite podcasts, You Must Remember This sees host Karina Longworth spill a whole lot of secrets as she dishes the dirt on the downright scandalous lives of Hollywood's Golden Age stars.  If you love Old Hollywood, then you need to listen to this podcast in which the ever-knowledgeable Longworth covers topics ranging from The Hollywood blacklist to the Manson Family murders. A new series drops January 31st. I can't wait!

@RememberThisPod

*****

So, what are your favourite podcasts? Let me know in comments!

Non-Bookish: A Few of my Favourite Things from November.

This post is a little behind schedule (but what's new!)

Image via CBC Radio

Like the rest of the world, I've been hooked on true crime podcasts ever since Serial reported on the case of Adnan Syed a couple years back.  Of all the podcasts I've checked out since then, Someone Knows Something, which focuses on Canadian cold cases, is one of the best. Season Two, which kicked off a couple of weeks back, deals with the disappearance of Sheryl Sheppard, who went missing in 1998 and has not been seen since.

http://www.cbc.ca/radio/sks

https://twitter.com/skscbc

*****

Season 1 of The Missing on BBC was good, but this series was even better. So clever and twisted. Julien Baptiste is my hero! Here's hoping for season 3. 

I wasn't sure about Offspring at first: Season 1 was hit and miss for me - and sometimes Nina Proudman was just a little too quirky for my liking. I stuck with it though and I'm really glad I did. Seasons 2-4 of this show are mostly excellent in their detailing of the lives, loves and dramas of the Melbourne-based, always entertaining,  Proudman family.  I've just started on Season 5 and I'm hoping that Netflix will make Season 6 available pretty soon. I've heard it might be a wait, though, as the current season has just aired in Australia.

If you like Parenthood and This is Us, then you'll like Offspring.

*****

Hydraluron was a total skin saver for me during a very cold November. If your skin needs a moisture boost right about now, then this is the product for you! I also quite like the sheet masks from Hydraluron, although I find sheet masks generally icky to apply. That, and the fact that they make me look like an extra from a bad horror movie.  This stuff really works, though. Check it out.

*****

November in music saw Impossible Dream by Haley Bonar on constant rotation. I must have listened to my two favourite songs from the album - Kismet Kill and Called You Queen - at least a gazillion times!

*****

My current book is Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson - it's the kind of thriller that is so gripping you'll only put it down if you absolutely have to! Also, check out The Kind Worth Killing  by the same author. So, so, SO good! 

Five Books to Read if you Love Golden Age Movies and Old Hollywood Glamour.

Watching old movies and reading about the glamorous -and always scandalous- lives of the stars of Hollywood's Golden Age is a favourite hobby of mine. I also love to listen to the You Must Remember This podcast which is all about the secret and/or forgotten history of Hollywood's first century.  Go listen. It's really interesting stuff. 

Here are some books that you might like to read if you love Old Hollywood just as much as I do. I'd also love to hear your recommendations other books such as these that detail the interesting lives of Hollywood's scandalous elite.

Platinum Doll by Anne Girard || Release date: January 2016

Set against the dazzling backdrop of Golden Age Hollywood, novelist Anne Girard tells the enchanting story of Jean Harlow, one of the most iconic stars in the history of film.

It's the Roaring Twenties and seventeen-year-old Harlean Carpenter McGrew has run off to Beverly Hills. She's chasing a dream;to escape her small, Midwestern life and see her name in lights.In California, Harlean has everything a girl could want;a rich husband, glamorous parties, socialite friends;except an outlet for her talent. But everything changes when a dare pushes her to embrace her true ambition :to be an actress on the silver screen. With her timeless beauty and striking shade of platinum-blond hair, Harlean becomes Jean Harlow. And as she's thrust into the limelight, Jean learns that this new world of opportunity comes with its own set of burdens. Torn between her family and her passion to perform, Jean is forced to confront the difficult truth;that fame comes at a price, if only she's willing to pay it. Amid a glittering cast of ingenues and Hollywood titans: Clara Bow, Clark Gable, Laurel and Hardy, Howard Hughes, Platinum Doll introduces us to the star who would shine brighter than them all.

*****

A Touch of Stardust by Kate Alcott || Release date: January 2015

When Julie Crawford leaves Fort Wayne, Indiana for Hollywood, she never imagines she'll cross paths with Carole Lombard, the dazzling actress from Julie's provincial Midwestern hometown. Although the young woman has dreams of becoming a screenwriter, the only job Julie's able to find is one in the studio publicity office of the notoriously demanding producer David O. Selznick —who is busy burning through directors, writers and money as he begins filming Gone with the Wind.     

Although tensions run high on the set, Julie finds she can step onto the back lot, take in the smell of smoky gunpowder and the soft rustle of hoop skirts, and feel the magical world of Gone with the Wind come to life. Julie's access to real-life magic comes when Carole Lombard hires her as an assistant and invites her into the glamorous world Carole shares with Clark Gable—who is about to move into movie history as the dashing Rhett Butler. 

Carole Lombard, happily profane and uninhibited, makes no secret of her relationship with Gable, which poses something of a problem for the studio as Gable is technically still married—and the last thing the film needs is more negative publicity. Julie is there to fend off the overly curious reporters, hoping to prevent details about the affair from slipping out. But she can barely keep up with her blonde employer, let alone control what comes out of Carole's mouth, and--as their friendship grows - soon finds she doesn't want to. Carole, both wise and funny, becomes Julie's model for breaking free of the past.
     
In the ever-widening scope of this story, Julie is given a front-row seat to not one but two of the greatest love affairs of all time: the undeniable on-screen chemistry between Scarlett and Rhett, and off screen, the deepening love between Carole and Clark. Yet beneath the shiny façade, things in Hollywood are never quite what they seem, and Julie must learn to balance career aspirations and her own budding romance with outsized personalities and the overheated drama on set.

*****

All the Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani || Release date: January 2016

Clark Gable, Loretta Young, Spencer Tracy, David Niven, Carole Lombard lead a magnificent cast of characters, real and imagined, in Adriana Trigiani's new novel set in the rich landscape of 1930s' Los Angeles. In this spectacular saga as radiant, thrilling and beguiling as Hollywood itself, Trigiani takes us back to the golden age of movie-making and into the complex and glamorous world of a young actress hungry for fame, success - and love. With meticulous, beautiful detail, she paints a rich landscape, where European and American artisans flocked to pursue the ultimate dream: to tell stories on the silver screen.

*****

Marlene by C.W. Gortner || Release date: May 2016

A lush, dramatic biographical novel of one of the most glamorous and alluring legends of Hollywood’s golden age, Marlene Dietrich—from the gender-bending cabarets of Weimar Berlin to the lush film studios of Hollywood, a sweeping story of passion, glamour, ambition, art, and war from the author ofMademoiselle Chanel.

Raised in genteel poverty after the First World War, Maria Magdalena Dietrich dreams of a life on the stage. When a budding career as a violinist is cut short, the willful teenager vows to become a singer, trading her family’s proper, middle-class society for the free-spirited, louche world of Weimar Berlin’s cabarets and drag balls. With her sultry beauty, smoky voice, seductive silk cocktail dresses, and androgynous tailored suits, Marlene performs to packed houses and becomes entangled in a series of stormy love affairs that push the boundaries of social convention.

For the beautiful, desirous Marlene, neither fame nor marriage and motherhood can cure her wanderlust. As Hitler and the Nazis rise to power, she sets sail for America. Rivaling the success of another European import, Greta Garbo, Marlene quickly becomes one of Hollywood’s leading ladies, starring with legends such as Gary Cooper, John Wayne, and Cary Grant. Desperate for her return, Hitler tries to lure her with dazzling promises. Marlene instead chooses to become an American citizen, and after her new nation is forced into World War II, she tours with the USO, performing for thousands of Allied troops in Europe and Africa.

But one day she returns to Germany. Escorted by General George Patton himself, Marlene is heartbroken by the war’s devastation and the evil legacy of the Third Reich that has transformed her homeland and the family she loved.

An enthralling and insightful account of this extraordinary legend, Marlene reveals the inner life of a woman of grit, glamour, and ambition who defied convention, seduced the world, and forged her own path on her own terms.

*****

West of Eden: An American Place by Jean Stein || Release date: February 2016.

An epic, mesmerizing oral history of Hollywood and Los Angeles from the author of the contemporary classic Edie

 

Jean Stein transformed the art of oral history in her groundbreaking book Edie: American Girl, an indelible portrait of Andy Warhol “superstar” Edie Sedgwick, which was edited with George Plimpton. Now, in West of Eden, she turns to Los Angeles, the city of her childhood. Stein vividly captures a mythic cast of characters: their ambitions and triumphs as well as their desolation and grief.

 

These stories illuminate the bold aspirations of five larger-than-life individuals and their families. West of Eden is a work of history both grand in scale and intimate in detail. At the center of each family is a dreamer who finds fortune and strife in Southern California: Edward Doheny, the Wisconsin-born oil tycoon whose corruption destroyed the reputation of a U.S. president and led to his own son’s violent death; Jack Warner, the son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, who together with his brothers founded one of the world’s most iconic film studios; Jane Garland, the troubled daughter of an aspiring actress who could never escape her mother’s schemes; Jennifer Jones, an actress from Oklahoma who won the Academy Award at twenty-five but struggled with despair amid her fame and glamour. Finally, Stein chronicles the ascent of her own father, Jules Stein, an eye doctor born in Indiana who transformed Hollywood with the creation of an unrivaled agency and studio.

 

In each chapter, Stein paints a portrait of an outsider who pins his or her hopes on the nascent power and promise of Los Angeles. Each individual’s unyielding intensity pushes loved ones, especially children, toward a perilous threshold. West of Eden depicts the city that has projected its own image of America onto the world, in all its idealism and paradox. As she did in Edie, Jean Stein weaves together the personal recollections of an array of individuals to create an astonishing tapestry of a place like no other.

*****

I think West of Eden sounds like such an interesting book! I can't wait to read it. I'm just about to start reading Platinum Doll, and I also have Marlene for review; both Jean Harlow and Marlene Dietrich have episodes of the You Must Remember This podcast dedicated to them, so I suggest those as reading accompaniments. 

I read All The Stars in the Heavens when it released in the US last year (it's a January 2016 release in the UK) and while it kept me interested throughout -mainly because the author had such a compelling cast of characters to work with - it's not a favourite of mine. I definitely felt like the story dragged a little at times, when it could all have been so exciting.

I've stuck to biographical fiction here -and one non-fiction book since West of Eden is a new release and I'm excited to read it, but I have also read a bunch of movie star biographies and tell all's, so I have a couple more recommendations:   If you're looking for something really fun and totally scandalous, I suggest you check out: Bette and Joan: The Divine Feud by Shaun Considine and if you'd like to read a truly absorbing movie star memoir, look no further than: By Myself by Lauren Bacall. 

Non-Bookish: A Few of my Favourite Things from January 2016!

© Polly Crossman

Sunday Times Style columnist Dolly Alderton launched a newsletter this month. It's called The Dolly Mail, and it's a really good read. It just occurred to me that I don't really subscribe to any newsletters apart from this one, so I guess it's especially deserving of a mention in this monthly fave's round up. Sign up HERE and you too can receive this newsletter every Wednesday a.m. It's guaranteed to brighten up your day. Also, I picked up a great recipe for a Nut Roast in the third installment. 

http://tinyletter.com/thedollymail

*****

My favourite podcast is back! Yay! Also, Eeek! The first episode of the second series of The Black Tapes 'Sleepless in Seattle' is SERIOUSLY CREEPY!  Best listened to late at night with the lights off!

http://theblacktapespodcast.com/

*****

Moving Panoramas

Moving Panoramas. Stumbled upon this band from Austin, Texas a few months back. Cannot stop listening. Their music isn't available on Spotify (at least not in Ireland - I bought the album direct from their record label) so I can't embed here - but go seek them out especially if you love bands like Warpaint, Mazzy Star and Best Coast...

http://movingpanoramas.com/

Listen to Moving Panoramas on The Hype Machine

*****

A couple of skin care treats to keep my winter skin nourished, hydrated and (hopefully) under control. Caudalie's Beauty Elixir is a bit spendy, but I really feel like it's something I can't live without. I'm totally serious.

*****

The storylines in Nashville may be a little cheesy at times and some of the acting dare I say it, a little hammy, but it's a whole lot of fun nonetheless. I've just finished Season 1 and I'm pretty hooked right now. Any other fans here? What characters do you love or hate...or just love to hate?

*****

Fans of the Serial Podcast Listen Up - There's an Adnan Syed Book in the Works.

I'm a little late to the game with this one due to my NaNoWriMo break (I'm at 23k as I write this post, so unless something miraculous happens, I'm not a winner, but I guess 23k is not too shabby all the same?) but just in case you missed the news, here goes.

Rabia Chaudry of the 'Serial' and 'Undisclosed' podcasts is writing a book on Adnan Syed, encompassing the investigation that led to his arrest, his life in prison and new evidence which has emerged in light of the 'Serial' podcast.  The book is being written with the co-operation and input of Syed. Those who followed the 'Serial' podcast will know that Chaudry is a long-time supporter of Syed's and a true believer in his absolute innocence. 

Do you plan on reading Adnan's story?

Adnan's Story: Murder, Justice, and the Case that Captivated a Nation will be published by St. Martin's Press in September 2016. 

Additional Info: EW.com. 

Non-Bookish: A Few Of My Favourite Things From October.

So, it's that time of year when all my favourite shows have returned and I have to say out of all the shows I watch, I'm totally hooked on Homeland. Sure, Homeland lost it's way a bit with the whole dragged-out-to-death Brody storyline. But, it was back to its best last season, and this season has been great so far.  Also, Quinn FTW. I was never a Brody fan (Ugh! I kinda hated that character!) but I'm a big fan of Quinn. Just hope he doesn't go dying any time soon...

I've also been really impressed with How To Get Away With Murder this season. I thought season 1 was good but not great - but season 2 is off to a really great start. In other TV news, I'm kinda bored of Grey's - and Scandal needs to up its game!

*****

I've been checking out more and more podcasts of late, and this one has to be one of my very favourites. You Must Remember This explores "the secret and/or forgotten histories of 20th Century Hollywood." I love Old Hollywood and find the behind the scenes of the studio system and its actors fascinating, so this is a great fit for me.

Thanks to Milka from Read.Read.Read. for the introduction!

You can find out more about the podcast here: http://www.vidiocy.com/you-must-remember-this/

*****

I have a few beauty favourites this month. First up October's Look Fantastic Beauty Box. I've already talked about this at length, so instead of repeating myself, I'll just direct you to MY REVIEW.

A combination of increasingly cold weather and central heating has really made my skin suffer this month. This happens to me every year without fail! Cicaplast Baume B5 from La Roche-Posay containing Glycerin and Shea Butter really helps to soothe my skin. It's right up there with Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream as a skincare saviour for me (although this is a lot cheaper than the Eight Hour Cream!)  Well worth checking out if you're suffering from dried out, stressed winter skin. It's a great multi-tasker!

*****

I started watching Parenthood in order to deal with my Fright Night Lights withdrawals. Both shows are exec. produced by Jason Katims, so there are similarities -and also quite a few FNL actors make an appearance in Parenthood (not Tim Riggins, but you can't have everything!) I loved Parenthood - it was an emotional experience, for sure. All the tears!

Now I want to check out Nashville - but I never caught it on TV and it's not on Netflix. So unless I buy ALL THE DVD'S I guess it's not going to happen. Boo!

*****

CURRENTLY READING

I'm 150 pages in to Persuasion (the follow up to Compulsion) by Martina Boone. So far, so hooked! 

What are you reading right now?

*****

Non-Bookish: A Few of My Favourite Things From August.

Image via Kickstarter

I've been looking for a new podcast obsession ever since Serial wrapped up - and this is it! The Black Tapes podcast is a docudrama (perfectly) described as Serial meets The X-Files and I AM HOOKED! I listen to this late at night (for added spooky effect!) and it gets better with every episode.

Also, I think this would translate into a GREAT TV show! I'd love to see the burgeoning relationship between narrator Alex Reagan and the mysterious Dr. Richard Strand on the small screen!  

Check it out: http://theblacktapespodcast.com/

*****

A very fun departure from my usual TV habits UnREAL is a dark comedy/drama that goes behind the scenes of a reality TV show and shows just how far some people will go to grab a ratings winner. I took a chance on this after reading some glowing reviews, and I'm so glad I checked it out. It's pretty addictive - and contains great performances from Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer.

*****

My new music find of the month is Pixx. Have a listen to her debut EP below. It's so very dreamy.

******

Image via Etsy

I was browsing Etsy one day (on the lookout for a new tote) when I found this shop. It's now a new favourite of mine!  There's lots of great stuff on offer - everything from cushions and hand warmers to make-up bags, notebooks and planners. I picked up a new tote and key ring as my first purchases.

Check out the shop: here. There's also a dedicated website: http://www.ceridwenhazelchild.co.uk/

Image via Etsy

New key ring (and bottle opener!) from @ceridwendesign #lovelystuff #cute #catlover #etsy #handmade #illustration #craft

A photo posted by shutterbug99 (@daisychainbookreviews) on Aug 15, 2015 at 9:52am PDT

*****

Some great scary book post this week! Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics is described as Little House on the Prairie meets The Crucible meets The Exorcist and is said to be perfect for fans of Stephen King and American Horror Story. Sounds good to me! I'm hoping for some good scares from this one!

*****

Non-Bookish: A Few of My Favourite Things From December.

Hope everybody had a great Christmas!

As you can see, the blog has a whole new look! Do you like it? I'll be writing a little post about my plans for the blog in 2015 very soon, but for now, here are some of the things I enjoyed this month.

image via serialpodcast.org

So, this month I started listening to Serial. I'd been meaning to check this out for a while, but I only got around to it this month and I was immediately hooked. So hooked that I binge listened to all twelve episodes in a matter of (late) nights.

Serial is a compelling true-crime podcast detailing the case of Adnan Syed who was jailed for the 1999 murder of his former girlfriend Hae Min Lee. But, as Serial details, something doesn't sit quite right with this case. 

I could talk about Serial for days; and there are plenty of Serial conspiracy sites out to get sucked into if you dare. I don't have the space to go into all my multiple theories here, but needless to say, I have a few. And all I will say is: Jay was definitely there when all of this went down. None of this showing up after the fact talk. I also would have liked to hear more from Don. And that note in Hae's car. Hmmmm...

Also, MailKimp.

*****

I was reading an article on what to read/watch post-serial and this documentary Dear Zachary popped up. I remember reading a whole lot of positive reviews about this when it first released, so I decided to check it out - I watched this without knowing anything about the documentary other than that fact that it was conceived by the filmmaker as a tribute to his murdered friend.

There is a whole lot more to the story than that, though. And what happens next will shock you.

Don't look up the details of this documentary before you watch it, k.

It's brutal. And it will make you cry. Repeatedly.

*****

BEAUTY BITS

Beauty-wise, this month has mostly been all about hydrating masks and rescue/recovery balms, but the product I've been loving most is this Nuxe Nuxellence Jeunesse Youth and Radiance Revealing Fluid which I've been using morning and night before applying my moisturiser. I've been using this for a week or so now -and what can I say - I'm sold. This promises to leave your skin feeling velvety smooth - and it works. 

The full size is a pretty spendy €60 but luckily I scored this 15ml sample in a Look Fantastic Beauty Box a while ago. 

I may start writing some beauty reviews in the New Year. What do you think? 

*****

NEW TUNES

CURRENTLY READING

I'm almost 200 pages in and I am hooked!