Happy Halloween!

Gillian Flynn (author of Gone Girl et al...)

Gillian Flynn Wrote A Ghost Story For George R.R. Martin, And It’s Awesome!

   Place your reserve right now to be the first to read it...

and then 

read this great article from the fabulous Maddie Crum 

over at the Huffington Post. 

A ghost story?

For real?

I'm so excited I can hardly count!

Mo Hayder...

Looking for some terrific thrillers? 

Something to keep you up at night?

I'm late to the party but have recently discovered 

the fabulous Mo Hayder. 

Hayder is a crime and thriller writer 

based in the UK.  

If you really want something that you haven't read before, 

something new and compelling, 

start with Birdman which introduces DI Jack Caffrey.  

The writing is wonderful 

and each thriller is riveting.

The fast pace makes for a quick juicy read. 

I have to slow myself down, these books are like a bag of Oreos... before you know it, you've finished!

Read them in this order: 

Birdman (2000),

The Treatment (2001), 

Ritual (2008), 

Skin (2009), 

Gone (2010), 

Poppet (2013) 

Wolf (2014). 

Stand alone titles are: 

Pig Island (2006), 

The Devil of Nanking (2010 ), 

Hanging Hill (2011).

DVDs available Tuesday, October 27th...

Above & Beyond (Documentary) - In 1948, a group of WWII pilots volunteered to fight for Israel in the War of Independence. As members of 'Machal' -- volunteers from abroad -- this ragtag band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war, preventing the possible annihilation of Israel at the very moment of its birth; they also laid the groundwork for the Israeli Air Force. The first major feature-length documentary about the foreign airmen in the War of Independence. Features new interviews with pilots from the '48 War, as well as leading scholars and statesmen, including Shimon Peres. 

Chasing Shadows - (UK ITV Series) DS Sean Stone (Reece Shearsmith) possesses an uncanny knack for getting inside the minds of serial killers. His ability makes him a brilliant detective, but he’s hindered by a personality disorder.  Forced to work with Ruth Hattersley (Alex Kingston), the mismatched partners clash from the start, but Stone dives headfirst into the bureau’s database to spot signs of serial killers behind some cases.  Also starring Noel Clarke.  A dark, sophisticated crime drama. 

Home Fires - (Masterpiece Theater PBS) - At the heart of a rural English village on the verge of the WWII, a diverse group of women with personal struggles, conflicting views and a shared mission forge a community that will inspire their finest hour. Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey) and Francesca Annis (Reckless) head an ensemble cast. 

Hungry Hearts -NYC newlyweds Jude (Adam Driver) and Mina (Alba Rohrwacher) have a seemingly perfect relationship. But things take an unsettling turn with the birth of their son. Convinced that the baby must be kept free of all contaminants, Mina develops fanatical obsessions with veganism, cleanliness, and purity that may kill the child unless Jude can stop her.  

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: Series 3 - Essie Davis (The Babadook, The Slap) returns as Miss Phryne Fisher, a “lady detective” from Melbourne. In Series 3, Phryne and Jack’s developing relationship is matched by the on-again, off-again romance of Phryne’s assistant, “Dot” Williams (Ashleigh Cummings). But with the unexpected arrival of her father in Australia, Phryne recalls troubling incidents from her past—and contends with ominous affairs in the present.

Pixels - When aliens misinterpret video-feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war against them, they attack the Earth, using the games like PAC-MAN, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Centipede and Space Invaders as models for their various assaults. President Will Cooper (Kevin James) has to call on his childhood best friend, ’80s video game champion Sam Brenner (Adam Sandler) to lead a team of old-school arcaders (Peter Dinklage and Josh Gad) to defeat the aliens and save the planet.

Southpaw - From acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua, Billy Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal), has it all with an impressive career, a beautiful and loving wife (Rachel McAdams), an adorable daughter (Oona Laurence) and a lavish lifestyle. When tragedy strikes and his lifelong manager and friend Curtis, (50 Cent) leaves him, Hope hits rock bottom and turns to an unlikely savior at a run-down local gym: Tick Willis (Forest Whitaker). Billy enters the hardest battle of his life as he struggles with redemption. 

Z for Zachariah -  In the wake of a disaster that wipes out most of civilization, two men and a young woman find themselves in an emotionally charged love triangle as the last known survivors.  D

irected by

Craig Zobel  Starring

:

 Chiwetel Ejiofor, Chris Pine, Margot Robbie

Sounds like a good idea to me!

Place your reserve for King's newest book right here! 

Available 

November 3rd! 

'Tis the season and ICYMI...

I started watching SundanceTVs import series, "The Returned" 
when it first aired. 

I maniacally told anyone who would listen to please for the love of all that is good, watch it!

Season two starts up rather fittingly on Saturday, October 31st.  
In order to catch up, the Merrick Library very conveniently has the DVD of season one on the shelf. Right this minute.  Place your reserve here.

Atmospheric and mysterious, dial the creep factor up to high... and leave the lights on. 






Here's a link to season one. 

Optimum users: channel 192
Fios: channel 235/733HD

Enjoy!

DVDs available Tuesday, October 20th...

Chloe & Theo - A homeless woman (Dakota Johnson) and a lawyer (Mira Sorvino) help an Eskimo (Theo Ikummaq) bring his message of change to the United Nations. Directed by Ezna Sands


Nurse Jackie: Season Seven (Showtime) - Nurse Jackie Peyton faces her biggest challenge yet as the whole truth about her addiction is seemingly out to everyone. The stakes have never been higher and the question is, can the world's toughest nurse save herself? Starring:  Edie Falco, Merritt Wever, Paul Schulze

Paper Towns - Young and shy Quentin (Nat Wolff) is in for the night of his life when Margo (Cara Delevingne), the most popular student in high school, recruits him to help her play mischievous pranks on the friends who betrayed her. The next day, however, the mysterious Margo is nowhere to be found. With help from a few buddies and some cryptic clues that she left behind, Quentin embarks on an obsessive mission to find the girl who stole his heart and made him feel truly alive. Directed by: Jake Schreier


Pitch Perfect 2 -  It's been three years since the Barden Bellas (Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson) became the first all-female group to win a national title. All seems well until a botched Lincoln Center performance for the president leads to a scandal that strips them of their performing duties, causing internal tension and strife. With the world championships on the horizon in Copenhagen, Denmark, the women must get their act together for their one and only shot at redemption. Directed by Ellizabeth Banks


  
Testament of Youth -  During World War I, a young English woman named Vera Brittain, postpones her studies at Oxford University to serve as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse in London and abroad. After the war she returns to Oxford to read history and later becomes a writer, feminist and pacifist. Starring: Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Taron Egerton  Directed by: James Kent

  




The Widower  [UK] - A three-part drama based on the crimes of convicted sociopath murderer Malcolm Webster. Starring:  Kate Fleetwood, Federay Holmes, James Laurenson, Archie Panjabi

Happy Sunday!

What are you reading, watching or listening to today?

DVDs available Tuesday, October 13th...

Billy Elliot: The Musical Live!- filmed in London's West End Based on the beloved film and winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Billy Elliot: The Musical Live from London's West End is a celebration of one of the world's most popular and successful stage shows. From the creative team behind the original film and music legend Elton John, this story of self-discovery, determination, love and hope is brought to life in this the heartwarming story of a young boy from a working-class family who discovers a passion that will change his life forever. Eleven-year-old miner's son Billy Elliot is on his way to boxing lessons when he stumbles upon a ballet class. Billy secretly joins the class, knowing that his blue-collar family would never understand. Starring: Julie Walters, Jaime Bell. Directed by Stephen Daldry

 Furious 7 - Continuing the global exploits in the unstoppable franchise built on speed, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast of Furious 7. James Wan directs this chapter of the hugely successful series. Also stars Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Elsa Pataky and Lucas Black. They are joined by international action stars new to the franchise including Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou, Tony Jaa, Ronda Rousey and Kurt Russell.


Indian Summers - PBS Masterpiece Theater : Drama set in 1932 during the final years of British colonial rule in India. Set against the sweeping grandeur of the Himalayas and tea plantations of Northern India, the drama tells the rich and explosive story of the decline of the British Empire and the birth of modern India, from both sides of the experience. But at the heart of the story lie the implications and ramifications of the tangled web of passions, rivalries and clashes that define the lives of those brought together in this summer which will change everything.  Stars:   Chloé Webster, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Nikesh Patel, Jemima West

 Mad Men Final Season Part Two - (AMC) A drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm's most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper.  Stars: Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Aaron Staton, Christina Hendricks 



People, Places and Things - From the moment graphic novelist Will Henry (Jemaine Clement) walks in on his wife with another man, his life officially begins to stink. Exiled from Brooklyn and forced to see his twin daughters only on weekends, he muddles through single fathering at his drafting table, illustrating his frustrations and loneliness. Revels in the awkwardness of breakups and pokes fun at an erudite New York where everyone's clumsily trying to create a new happy ending. Also stars: Regina Hall and Jessica Williams. Directed by James C. Strouse


San Andreas - Ray is the pilot of a rescue helicopter who is one of the best in the business. After an earthquake devastates portions of California, Ray is put to the ultimate test as he and his ex-wife must endure a dangerous voyage from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, Ioan Gruffudd, Archie Panjab. Directed by: Brad Peyton. 



Tomorrow Land - a jaded inventor and an optimistic  teen embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space. Directed by Brad Bird. Stars: George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie and Tim McGraw.


 Wayward Pines - 
A Secret Service agent goes to Wayward Pines, Idaho, in search of two federal agents who have gone missing in the bucolic town. He soon learns that he may never get out of Wayward Pines alive. Starring Matt Dillon and Carla Gugino

DVDs available Tuesday, October 7th...

77 Chances -  A man who harbors dreams of a career as a photographer is forced to relive one of the most painful days in his life in this cerebral, supernatural drama. Starring: Andrew Cheney, Erin Bethea, Rachel Hendrix. Directed by Tracy Trost.

10,000 Saints - Set in the 1980s, following tragedy, teenage Jude (Asa Butterfield) moves from Vermont to New York City to live with his father (Ethan Hawke) in the punk-fueled East Village. Caught in the chaos of city life, Jude and his friends, Eliza and Teddy (Hailee Steinfeld and Emile Hirsch) embark on a journey of self-realization in a neighborhood on the verge of riots. Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini

Air - In the near future, breathable air is nonexistent and two engineers tasked with guarding the last hope for mankind struggle to preserve their own lives while administering to their vital task at hand. Directed by  Christian Cantamessa. Starring: Norman Reedus, Djimon Hounsou, Sandrine Holt.

The Anomaly -  An ex-soldier named Ryan Reeve is taken captive by the "Anomaly" organization where he learns that he only has 9:47 minutes/seconds to find out why they want him dead.  Directed by: Noel Clarke. Starring: Noel Clarke, Ian Somerhalder, Brian Cox.

Avengers: Age of Ultron  (on shelves now) - Good intentions wreak havoc when Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) unwittingly creates Ultron (James Spader), a terrifying A.I. monster who vows to achieve "world peace" via mass extinction. Now Iron Man, Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) -- alongside Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) -- must reassemble to defeat Ultron and save mankind...if they can! Directed by Joss Whedon.

Cop Car  (on shelves now) - A pair of ten-year-olds find an abandoned cop car in a field. When they take it for a joyride, it seems like they could kill themselves at any moment. But things only get worse when the small town sheriff goes looking for his missing car. The kids find themselves in the center of a deadly game of cat and mouse they don't understand and the only way out is to go as fast as their cop car can take them. Directed by John Watts. Starring:  Kevin Bacon, James Freedson-Jackson, Hays Wellford, Camryn Manheim.

Dark Places -  Libby Day was only eight years old when her family was brutally murdered in their rural Kansas farmhouse. Almost thirty years later, she agrees to revisit the crime and uncovers the wrenching truths that led up to that tragic night. Directed by: Gilles Paquet-Brenner  Stars:  Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Christina Hendricks

Final Girl -  A man teaches a young woman how to become a complete weapon. Later she is approached by a group of sadistic teens who kill blonde women for unknown reasons. The hunting season begins. Director: Tyler Shields  Stars: Abigail Breslin, Wes Bentley, Logan Huffman

Insidious Chapter 3 -  A prequel set before the haunting of the Lambert family that reveals how gifted psychic Elise Rainier reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity. 
Directed by: Leigh Whannell  Stars: Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Angus Sampson  

The Jinx [Documentary] (on shelves now)  - Filmmaker Andrew Jarecki examines the complicated life of reclusive real estate icon, Robert Durst, the key suspect in a series of unsolved crimes.  Stars:  Robert Durst, Andrew Jarecki, Gary Napoli

 The Leftovers: The Complete First Season  [Television Series] - Revolves around mysterious disappearances, world-wide, and specifically follows a group of people who are left behind in the suburban community of Mapleton. They must begin to rebuild their lives after the loss of more than 100 people. Stars:  Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston  

Magic Mike XXL - Three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, he and the remaining Kings of Tampa hit the road to Myrtle Beach to put on one last blow-out performance.  Directed by: Gregory Jacob  Stars:  Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer

 Manglehorn -  Left heartbroken by the woman he loved and lost many years ago, Manglehorn, an eccentric small-town locksmith, tries to start his life over again with the help of a new friend.   Director: David Gordon Green  Stars:   Al Pacino, Holly Hunter, Harmony Korine 

Me and Earl and The Dying Girl - High schooler Greg, who spends most of his time making parodies of classic movies with his co-worker Earl, finds his outlook forever altered after befriending a classmate who has just been diagnosed with cancer. Director:  Alfonso Gomez-Rejon Stars:  Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler, Olivia Cooke

  Poltergeist - A family whose suburban home is haunted by evil forces must come together to rescue their youngest daughter after the apparitions take her captive.  Director:   Gil Kenan  Stars:  Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kennedi Clements 

Road Hard - Following an expensive divorce and the cancellation of his TV show, a stand-up comic is forced to go back on the road to provide for his daughter.   Directors: Adam Carolla, Kevin Hench   Stars:  Adam Carolla, David Alan Grier, Jay Mohr

 The Target -  (Foreign) An ER doctor teams up with an assassination target to rescue his wife, held hostage by corrupt criminals and, in the process, uncovers a conspiracy.  Director:  Chang  Stars:  Seung-ryong Ryu, Joon-sang Yoo, Jin-wook Lee

The Timber -  In the wild west, two brothers embark on a journey to collect a bounty in a desperate attempt to save their home: but what they find along the way is more than they bargained for. Director: Anthony O'Brien   Stars:  James Ransone, Elisa Lasowski, Mark Caven

 Tut -  (TV Series)  A miniseries concentrating on the youngest Pharaoh to rule Ancient Egypt. Stars: Ben Kingsley, Alexander Siddig, Avan Jogia, Nonso Anozie

Unexpected -   An inner-city high school teacher discovers she is pregnant at the same time as one of her most promising students and the two develop an unlikely friendship while struggling to navigate their unexpected pregnancies.  Director: Kris Swanberg  Stars:  Cobie Smulders, Anders Holm, Gail Bean

  What We Did on Our Holiday -  Doug and Abi take their kids on a family vacation. Surrounded by relatives, the kids innocently reveal the ins and outs of their family life and many intimate details about their parents. It's soon clear that when it comes to keeping a big secret under wraps from the rest of the family, their children are their biggest liability. Directors:  Andy Hamilton, Guy Jenkin  
Stars:  Rosamund Pike, David Tennant, Billy Connolly 

When Marnie Was There [Foreign]  - A young girl is sent to the country for health reasons, where she meets an unlikely friend in the form of Marnie, a young girl with flowing blonde hair. As the friendship unravels it is ...  Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi  Stars:   Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura, Nanako Matsushima 

  We Are Still Here - In the cold, wintery fields of New England, a lonely old house wakes up every thirty years - and demands a sacrifice.  Director: Ted Geoghegan  Stars:  Barbara Crampton, Andrew Sensenig, Lisa Marie