Reviewing the Bill Hodges Trilogy by Stephen King

A Detective Tale

If you have read any of my earlier posts here on Review This Reviews, you know that I am both an avid reader and a fan of  the author Stephen King. He has published 2 out of 3 books in a series known as the Bill Hodges trilogy and that is what I want to review for you today. This series of three books is King's first hard-boiled detective story but I hope it is not his last because I am truly captivated with his ability to take us through a mysterious plot of an evil villain. 

The first book in the series or trilogy is Mr. Mercedes where we meet some of the characters that will be in all three books along with a pretty evil and twisted villain. Bill Hodges is our main protagonist. We first meet him after he has retired as a detective of a midwestern city's police force. He had worked on a case a few years ago where an unknown person drove a car into a crowd of people who were in line waiting for a job fair to open. The police began calling the perpetrator Mr. Mercedes because he was driving a Mercedes when he plowed into the crowd, killing 8 and injuring another 15 more people. Not solving the case, haunts Bill.

Jerome Robinson is another main character in the books. He starts out in the story as Bill Hodges' hired help for mowing the lawn. We see the two become friends as Jerome helps Hodges with some computer knowledge and later with the investigation. Jerome is in the first two books and I would assume will be in the unpublished third book.

The other part of the detective team is Holly Gibney. She is the niece to Olivia Trelawney (Mr. Mercedes stole her car to run the people down). I love Holly's character! She suffers from Asperger's Syndrome and seems lacking in social skills but not at all in deducing what is going on around her. Holly is also in the first two books and I would assume she will be in the third.

In this first book, we learn about the real Mr. Mercedes. In fact, we as readers know his identity before Bill, Jerome and Holly do. We learn all sorts of twisted things about this psycho. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, just suffice it to say Mr. King sure knows how to twist things around so that you can't seem to make yourself put the book down.

Finders Keepers

I just finished reading the second book of the trilogy a few days ago and I thought it was even better than the first one. We have a new villain and a new crime for Bill, Jerome and Holly to become involved with. Our psychotic perpetrator in this story is an obsessed fan of a famous author who doesn't like how he developed a character in one of his books. What this sick man does is almost inconceivable but believable in the way Mr. King tells the tale. What happens over the course of the next thirty years is yet another tale I couldn't put down until the end! Oh, and just so you know the story does keep the original crime of Mr. Mercedes very much in play throughout the second story. 

Right now the working title of the last book in the trilogy is End of Watch. It is scheduled to be released in June of 2016 and I can hardly wait to find out how Stephen King ends this story line. I am assuming that Bill, Jerome and Holly will be involved and maybe even Peter from the second book but I can't be sure. I can see where Mr. Mercedes story will probably continue, also. 

Pretty much at this stage, I am sitting here thinking, "Well done, Stephen King, well done!" Yet again he has taken me into an adventure that I can't stop thinking about. 

You can read both of the first books in hardcover, paperback or digitally by going to Amazon.com with link above or you can choose to shop at Barnes & Noble for the books. If you love a good detective story along with a thriller of a tale, you will really like this new set of books by Stephen King. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review of Land's End Twin Extra Long Flannel Sheets

Cold Weather Makes Me Want Flannel Sheets

It seems that as soon as I bought my new REM extra long twin bed during the hot autumn, the weather turned cold. The only sheets I had to fit it were the cotton percale sheets that came with the bed. They were just right for hot weather, but as it turned cold, I wanted to find heavy flannel twin extra long sheets. After a long search that included Amazon and J.C.Penny and some sponsored Amazon links, I finally found the quality twin extra long flannel sheets I wanted at Land's End.  I will review them here and compare them to others I've looked at.

I Have Trusted Land's End for Decades

I have always trusted Land's End. I've been buying from their mail order catalog for about thirty years. I have never had a problem with their quality products or their customer service. I have bought flannel shirts, mock turtleneck tees, dresses, and much more, and always been happy. I confess that these days I usually buy from their sale section. There is always something there I can use at a price I can afford. I was very happy to find my extra long twin sheets there, since many places, even online, don't have them. Unfortunately, as I look today, these sheets aren't on sale anymore, but the same quality sheets are still available. In fact, they have improved the quality. 

Land's End Extra Long Flannel Sheets

My review of the Land's End Extra Long Twin Flannel Sheets I Bought

When my flannel sheets came, I was not disappointed. The fitted sheet fit snugly when I put it on my thick new mattress. There was room to spare, so the sheet doesn't start to come off like the one my mom had bought for the bed I was replacing. It was also extra long, but the mattress was half the thickness. My new mattress is about ten inches high. The sheet can fit a mattress (combined with mattress covers and memory foam pads) as thick as sixteen inches. I no longer have to push the sheet back in place after I get up in the middle of the night.

I was wondering what would be the best view to show you of my new flannel sheet set. ( See photo at top.) I decided to show it just the way it looks when I hop into it at night. The sheets are beechnut color. I  took this photo with natural light. My adjustable bed makes any sheet bunch up a bit in the middle since it's normally concave there when I sleep. I have slept on this for several days. That Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask on the pillow helps me sleep late in the morning after the sun makes my room bright.

The only thing I've noticed on the downside is that the pillowcase is harder to get on after I washed it and put it through the dryer. The pillow that came with my bed is thicker than the average standard pillow and I had to fight with the pillow a bit to get the case on. I've had this trouble with other standard pillowcases on down pillows, as well. Flannel doesn't slide on as easily as cotton percale or other smooth fabrics. I'd rather fight a bit with the pillow and be warm and snug than use slipperier percale. The cotton flannel is triple-brushed to make it extra soft and fuzzy as flannel should be.

Some reviewers complained about pilling but I haven't noticed any, and neither did most of the other reviewers. Flannel does have more lint than percale does, but the pilling can be lessened by washing the sheets before putting them on the bed. I always do that anyway before using new sheets. If for any reason you discover you are unhappy with anything you purchase from Land's End, they will refund your money – period. You cannot beat their guarantee. I liked these sheets so well I ordered another set.

My Price Comparison Research on Other Sites

 

If you want to check Amazon and compare quality and prices on extra long twin flannel sheets, here's a link to a set I especially like for winter because of its printed snowflake design on heavy 100% cotton fabric. Unfortunately, it's hard to compare quality, since different manufacturers use different measurements. The Land's End extra long twin sheets I ordered have 5 ounces of cotton flannel per square yard and the fitted sheets fit mattresses as deep as 16 inches. The flat sheet measures 70" x 110." The Amazon sheet description doesn't include weight per square yard and fits a mattress 15 inches deep. Amazon's extra long twin flat sheet in this set is 70" x 104." The Land's End sheets seem longer than I really need so I wouldn't miss those extra six inches at all. 

During a recent sale, I went back to J.C. Penny and bought the blue and white snowflake pattern you see if you follow the link. It's still on sale as I write this on December 17, 2016. If that sale expires there will probably be another one. These sheets aren't as high quality as the Land's End sheets, but they are still satisfactory. They are the same size as the sheets at Amazon, so smaller than my Land's End sheets. 

Recently I discovered Linen Bargains. Their prices on quality extra long twin sheets and all other sheets are comparable to those found on Amazon. I loved their Christmas designs, and they also had solid colors. Their site provides metric specifications which you can compare to Amazon and Land's End sheets. They do have good buys. 

I highly recommend Land's End's flannel bedding in any size you need. Some places may offer something that appears similar a little cheaper, but I know from years of dealing with Land's End that I will get my money's worth in value. I also know if it turns out something is not what I expected I can return it with no hassle. If you haven't got a set of cozy warm flannel sheets, I urge you to get some from Land's End today. The sale I took advantage of may be over when you read this, but there is normally always something on sale. Even at regular prices, you get value for your money. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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New Year's Countdown!

It's Official!  We are now on the Countdown to New Year's Eve!

By Viscious-Speed [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Christmas is officially over and all the wrappings, running around, visiting and partying with family and friends has come to a trickle, we can now gear it up again for the New Year.

Traditionally it's a time to reflect on the year that has passed and look to the future and what 2016 will bring our way.

Now without a crystal ball, it will be difficult to figure out exactly what will happen in the year ahead, but with some foresight, we can make sure that certain possibilities do happen.

What do I mean?  Well, let's just say that instead of trying to project what we hope will happen, how about we make sure by our actions, that changes we want see,  actually do happen.

I'm talking about making changes in our lives that will actually result in some of our expectations coming to fruition.

For a good many writers, that will mean something like:  making sure that you have your blogs in place for publishing when they are expected, especially if you belong to a group of writers!  If you are running your own website, it means learning the skills to make that website successful.  It will mean taking the time to learn and then put into practice those lessons that have been imparted to you.

It will also mean that you need to focus! Focus on what you wish to accomplish with your blog and/or your website.  There are people out there who are doing what you wish to be doing and to that end, they are sharing their expertise, so that you can do this as well.


From personal experience I can also tell you that there are two ladies out there who have had years of experience and are sharing their knowledge with many bloggers and website builders.  They have even shared how they earn make money, blogging and building their websites,  from home.  They offer courses in how to blog for money, build a website in a day, and how to learn to place affiliate links that will earn you an income, and all for reasonable investment.  They are the real thing, and I can tell you from personal experience, there are many more out there who just want to hook you in and then let you sink!  Not so with Pajama Affiliates!

Just as Review This is a site to find out all kinds of information, your website can be the place that people go to, when they are on the look out for the information, that you are sharing.

Learning how to rank your website and then properly doing the work to make sure that your website is optimized properly, will draw those people that are out there "searching" through the different search engines, like "google" or "yahoo", "ask" or "search".

Are you confused yet?  If so, the best place to start is with someone who can help you make your site the best and be totally committed to helping you learn the "right" way to make this possible.

I joined and I have not regretted this for one moment.  Lesley and Robin are there for you.  Once you join, if you need help, they are there to help you along.  Do you need more coaxing?

When you join the Pajama Affiliates group, not only do Lesley and Robin help you with any problems you might have, but the whole community of bloggers will help you with their knowledge as well.  That is just one of the many perks of belonging to this group.

Your New Year's hopes and aspirations are waiting for you to make the first move.  Get blogging and learn how to turn that into some extra income for you and your family.

Now I would like to wish you and your family a very Happy, Health and Prosperous New Year!

Let's meet back here and see how 2016 turned out!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones Review

The best way to listen to the new music gifts you receive or acquire – without interruption and interference by other noises – is with a pair of noise cancelling headphones

Why we like the Bose Headphones

A few years ago, a gift to ourselves was the Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones. There are other brands out there, but after doing our research we were sold on these made by Bose.

Many people are interested in using noise cancelling headphones to reduce unwanted and distracting noise when listening to music and other audio performances. We wanted that too, but for a slightly different reason. Since reaching 'grandparent age' we discovered that the unwanted noise around us was more than just a distraction to the music we were listening to. We actually were having trouble "hearing" the music. Older 'ears' just couldn't hear as well!

For whatever reason you might choose a noise cancelling headphone set, we think you would be very pleased with the innovative combination of the best noise reduction technology and the best headphone audio performance of the QuietComfort Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones by Bose

Bose Headphones come in various sizes and styles

Bose Headphone Sets

There is a headphone style to suit everyone!

We chose the Bose headphones that fully cover your ears as it eliminates almost all extraneous noise. But many styles are available to suit any activity. A smaller and lighter version is great for airline travel for working on a laptop computer or listening to music during flight. There are 'around-the-ear' headphones like ours, in-ear headphones and the on-ear style. 

Singing Along to the Music... While Listening to our Bose Headphones

DJ MONKEY GREETING CARD by wamtees

My husband, Bob liked to lie down on the couch with his headphones on, while listening to his favorite music. Often he would 'sing along', and have his eyes closed. The Bose headphones shut out extraneous noises so well, he couldn't hear me call him. I'd have to touch him on the shoulder to get his attention.

I'm introducing hubby with this image of a Monkey DJ because he was a broadcaster during his working career, beginning with DJ work at radio stations.

The monkey image is from his long-time joke when asked what he wanted for our first expected child - a boy or a girl - and his answer was ~ 'a chimpanzee!' :-)

Our Bose Headphones work great with the Bose Portable CD Player

 

Bose PM-1 Portable CD Player

When we ordered our Bose headphones, we also ordered the Bose Model PM-1 Portable Compact Disc Player. Bose headphones will plug into a number of audio devices, but since we did not have a portable CD player at the time, we decided to get this one from Bose, along with the headphones. It is a nice set and has given us many hours of listening pleasure.

Listening to our Music...

Our Favorite Sounds - Folk Music - From the '60s!

 

The Golden Age of American Popular Music - The Folk Hits From the Hot 100: 1958-1966

Among the many vintage LPs, music tapes and CDs we own, a large percentage are of folk artists from the era of our college days ~ yep, the late 50s to mid 60s!  The music CD here "The Golden Age of American Popular Music - The Folk Hits" has selections covering our most favorite era, the top folk songs from 1958 to 1966.  On this CD are many of our favorite artists of that time, along with the songs that were highly popular, reaching Billboard's Hot 100 list.  The list contains songs such as If I Had A Hammer by Peter, Paul & Mary, Tom Dooley by The Kingston Trio (our all-time favorite folk group), Michael (Row the Boat Ashore) by the Highwaymen, and OUR SONG (Greenfields by The Brothers Four). We know every word to every song!

The Doobie Brothers - Listen to the Music

 

 

My favorite music is 1960s Folk Music.  What's your favorite music? Listen to it with ease and high quality sound with a Bose headphone. 

The Sound Quality of the Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones is.... Out of this World!

dj headphone alien area 51 classic round sticker by Tomaniac
Get the best in sticker printing at zazzle.

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Merry Christmas!

It is Christmas Day! 

This is the day we have all been anticipating, preparing for, and looking forward to for weeks, even months.  Many of us are celebrating with our families and friends, but regardless of how you are spending your day, or who you are spending it with, the Contributors of Review This want to take a moment to wish you and yours a very, merry Christmas!

 


 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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