Absentia (2017)
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
This originally caught my interest because it is in a genre I watch a lot and features Stana Katic, who also plays Kate Beckett in Castle, one of my favorite series. This series doesn't hit as a favorite, but is very emotionally charged from the beginning. Emily Byrne has been missing for six years, during which time her husband has remarried to raise their son Flynn. When Emily returns suddenly, it puts the family in a tailspin of confusion as they try to reconnect old ties and find their new balance. In the midst of this, the case she was working on before her abduction comes back to haunt her as it ties to her own kidnapping and appears to frame her for murder, or maybe not. With her memories mostly lost and disjointed flashes at best from the time she was missing, Emily is hiding from the law as she tries to clear her name in a desperate attempt to reclaim her family. They admit that they should have trusted her, but perhaps there is still more unknown to the story given her obvious PTSD and the memory flashes still resurfacing. It's a lot of distrust and devastation in a very confined package as Emily fights to regain her identity and figure out what is happening.
Showing posts with label genre: mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label genre: mystery. Show all posts
May 15, 2026
Absentia
February 12, 2026
In Death 62: Stolen in Death
In Death 62: Stolen in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Slow reading as I've been under the weather, but as enjoyable as ever. There's a pattern in these books, but the pattern varies just enough with the different cases that it never loses it's shine. Add in kicking off the event with a big gala that even has Eve dolled up to the nines, and you get a look at all aspects of this life they've made together, with cameos from many of the close and familiar faces that have joined their circle along the way. Another blast from the past with Roarke's ex showing up as well, but with a lot of good endings, including support from Interpol and Summerset of all of them. For all that Summerset and Eve have this silent joking war of theirs, they've clearly reached an understanding and a balance that works for them, even when Roarke may not always appreciate the both of them trying to protect him in turn. Too many highlights to count, and of course plenty of Eve's off handed observations about the oddities in the English language. All we can say this time around is thank goodness for Thin Shield and a really amazing team - and it's not all just the NYPSD, though of course that's the core of it.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Slow reading as I've been under the weather, but as enjoyable as ever. There's a pattern in these books, but the pattern varies just enough with the different cases that it never loses it's shine. Add in kicking off the event with a big gala that even has Eve dolled up to the nines, and you get a look at all aspects of this life they've made together, with cameos from many of the close and familiar faces that have joined their circle along the way. Another blast from the past with Roarke's ex showing up as well, but with a lot of good endings, including support from Interpol and Summerset of all of them. For all that Summerset and Eve have this silent joking war of theirs, they've clearly reached an understanding and a balance that works for them, even when Roarke may not always appreciate the both of them trying to protect him in turn. Too many highlights to count, and of course plenty of Eve's off handed observations about the oddities in the English language. All we can say this time around is thank goodness for Thin Shield and a really amazing team - and it's not all just the NYPSD, though of course that's the core of it.
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November 27, 2025
In Death 61: Framed in Death
In Death 61: Framed in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was derailed early on and had to put this down, but once I was able to pick it up again, it was as engaging as ever. The Great House Project is finally complete, or complete enough to show those closest to them. Meanwhile, Eve has a rather unusual case that will pull on multiple resources. At least she has those resources with her network of friends now and recognizes the value of a home. There are more than a few touching moments, with Eve and Roarke, Eve and Peabody, Mavis and family. Of course it's not an In Death book without Eve's musings on the English language and why certain names or phrases are used for something, but not others. Peabody gets a bit of a spotlight here with those connections and her knowledge of various crafts thanks to her freeager upbringing. The case ends on an unusual note as well, though very well executed and again, seeing multiple players coming together that aren't always in the spotlight as much. Even Commander Whitney is forgotten in the drive of the entire bullpen to beat the clock and serve justice. Thankfully, he doesn't take it as a slight and seems to enjoy watching his detectives work - especially when it gives him leverage to help them run cases the way they want to. Even the DLE gets some love, not that Eve is ever likely to trade it in, especially given its origins.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was derailed early on and had to put this down, but once I was able to pick it up again, it was as engaging as ever. The Great House Project is finally complete, or complete enough to show those closest to them. Meanwhile, Eve has a rather unusual case that will pull on multiple resources. At least she has those resources with her network of friends now and recognizes the value of a home. There are more than a few touching moments, with Eve and Roarke, Eve and Peabody, Mavis and family. Of course it's not an In Death book without Eve's musings on the English language and why certain names or phrases are used for something, but not others. Peabody gets a bit of a spotlight here with those connections and her knowledge of various crafts thanks to her freeager upbringing. The case ends on an unusual note as well, though very well executed and again, seeing multiple players coming together that aren't always in the spotlight as much. Even Commander Whitney is forgotten in the drive of the entire bullpen to beat the clock and serve justice. Thankfully, he doesn't take it as a slight and seems to enjoy watching his detectives work - especially when it gives him leverage to help them run cases the way they want to. Even the DLE gets some love, not that Eve is ever likely to trade it in, especially given its origins.
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February 23, 2025
In Death 60: Bonded in Death
In Death 60: Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So many books later; this series hasn't lost any appeal. While we've slowly gotten bits and pieces of Roarke and Summerset's histories, it never seemed like we'd get more than confirmation Roarke created their current identities and how they'd met in Ireland. We get a whole wealth of information not just about Summerset, but even some tidbits about Feeney and Commander Whitney, along with a host of new friends and allies. These new characters not only bring more history with the urban era and how they first all met, but possible future connections as they create a sort of secondary make-shift team helping Eve at home along with their commitment to each other, and now plans to keep in touch more often in the future. It may not be the last time we see at least some of these characters, though at least one indicates wanting to see Eve internationally given their previous promise not to return to New York. It's easy to see how this group could appreciate the way Eve works and easily recognize the skills Roarke learned under Summerset and out on his own. This isn't the type of group you knowingly want to cross, especially not if they also have Eve and Roarke backing them, given they come as a family unit now with Summerset, as their opponent in this volume learns in the end, though he may be in denial for a long time to come.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So many books later; this series hasn't lost any appeal. While we've slowly gotten bits and pieces of Roarke and Summerset's histories, it never seemed like we'd get more than confirmation Roarke created their current identities and how they'd met in Ireland. We get a whole wealth of information not just about Summerset, but even some tidbits about Feeney and Commander Whitney, along with a host of new friends and allies. These new characters not only bring more history with the urban era and how they first all met, but possible future connections as they create a sort of secondary make-shift team helping Eve at home along with their commitment to each other, and now plans to keep in touch more often in the future. It may not be the last time we see at least some of these characters, though at least one indicates wanting to see Eve internationally given their previous promise not to return to New York. It's easy to see how this group could appreciate the way Eve works and easily recognize the skills Roarke learned under Summerset and out on his own. This isn't the type of group you knowingly want to cross, especially not if they also have Eve and Roarke backing them, given they come as a family unit now with Summerset, as their opponent in this volume learns in the end, though he may be in denial for a long time to come.
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September 25, 2024
In Death 59: Passions in Death
In Death 59: Passions in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This one is a bit of a slow burn mystery where there's no security, no recording, very little evidence, and despite taking place in Crack's club, very few witnesses who actually saw or knew anything about Erin's big secret reveal to shed any light. Add in the parallels with Eve's own experience with Castro in that very same privacy room and you have an interesting mix of past and present overlayed. We even see Roarke loose his infamous cool a few times, though only one can really be attributed to Eve's dreams and the other is work related. Still, there's a nice underlying theme here as Eve and Roarke take care of each other and follow up with friends and their respective work. Roarke even gets Eve to wear her giant tear out in the open, even if it is very briefly and to help along her case. Too bad their suspect didn't recognize it, as that would have been hilarious, but of course also wouldn't have fit into their world view. Seems these characters have it right though, marriage, with the right partner, can be really nice.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This one is a bit of a slow burn mystery where there's no security, no recording, very little evidence, and despite taking place in Crack's club, very few witnesses who actually saw or knew anything about Erin's big secret reveal to shed any light. Add in the parallels with Eve's own experience with Castro in that very same privacy room and you have an interesting mix of past and present overlayed. We even see Roarke loose his infamous cool a few times, though only one can really be attributed to Eve's dreams and the other is work related. Still, there's a nice underlying theme here as Eve and Roarke take care of each other and follow up with friends and their respective work. Roarke even gets Eve to wear her giant tear out in the open, even if it is very briefly and to help along her case. Too bad their suspect didn't recognize it, as that would have been hilarious, but of course also wouldn't have fit into their world view. Seems these characters have it right though, marriage, with the right partner, can be really nice.
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January 26, 2024
In Death 58: Random in Death
In Death 58: Random in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In most cases, once you find the right witness or security cam, some piece of evidence, the individual comes very clear early on and it's just finding them or sometimes the evidence that they know should point to them but doesn't yet to close the case. This time, the deaths are brutal as they always are, but there isn't a very clear picture to start off from. Still, even with that handicap, Eve and her team are closer than they might think from the get go, and as always, they don't let up. This has been a bit of a catalyst for Jake and Nadine as well, so could see more action on that side in the future. Curious to see if Del joins the family of misfits as another of the teens that are unofficially adopted into their circle in one capacity or another, especially as she apparently has Roarke's own number. It really does take a team, in some cases more than others, and this one was a doozy with all of the evidence to chase down and all of the lab implications to sort out.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In most cases, once you find the right witness or security cam, some piece of evidence, the individual comes very clear early on and it's just finding them or sometimes the evidence that they know should point to them but doesn't yet to close the case. This time, the deaths are brutal as they always are, but there isn't a very clear picture to start off from. Still, even with that handicap, Eve and her team are closer than they might think from the get go, and as always, they don't let up. This has been a bit of a catalyst for Jake and Nadine as well, so could see more action on that side in the future. Curious to see if Del joins the family of misfits as another of the teens that are unofficially adopted into their circle in one capacity or another, especially as she apparently has Roarke's own number. It really does take a team, in some cases more than others, and this one was a doozy with all of the evidence to chase down and all of the lab implications to sort out.
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September 23, 2023
In Death 57: Payback in Death
In Death 57: Payback in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another good story for the In Death series. This one feels a little more laid back, though there is still plenty of action with Lansing and all the drama. Eve seems to have settled in a bit more and is really enjoying her life at this point, though there are still moments where her snark and cynicism pop up. Hopefully Lansing doesn't make a reappearance and IAB doesn't cause more trouble. With Websters new plans, there's not going to be an in for that department anymore. Not that having a contact in a department has ever stopped Eve or her team from seeing through any of their other cases. Though it's a bit low key, we see the whole bullpen rally for a bit. Jenkinson seems to be leading that charge as well, which would make sense if he's able to take on some admin work for Eve with this new position.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another good story for the In Death series. This one feels a little more laid back, though there is still plenty of action with Lansing and all the drama. Eve seems to have settled in a bit more and is really enjoying her life at this point, though there are still moments where her snark and cynicism pop up. Hopefully Lansing doesn't make a reappearance and IAB doesn't cause more trouble. With Websters new plans, there's not going to be an in for that department anymore. Not that having a contact in a department has ever stopped Eve or her team from seeing through any of their other cases. Though it's a bit low key, we see the whole bullpen rally for a bit. Jenkinson seems to be leading that charge as well, which would make sense if he's able to take on some admin work for Eve with this new position.
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July 30, 2023
Leverage
Leverage (2008)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nathan Ford and his crew are a group of misfits that have all broken and/or bent the law in various forms. Together, they form a crafty team that goes up against some of the strongest and richest forces who get away with harming those smaller than them to help set things to right. They aren't really the good guys since they're still breaking laws in their process and working outside the system, but you can't really call them bad guys either since their entire goal is to help provide "leverage" for those who need it to take down those who truly are corrupt and have done wrong to others. They each have their own interesting backstory and reason for joining this motley crew, but they really do come together very nicely.
May 14, 2023
In Death 56: Encore in Death
In Death 56: Encore in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There is definitely a bit of a formula to these books, and yet the characters remain so engaging that it's still enjoyable every time. Eve continue to throw out random sayings and asking questions that make you wonder where something really comes from. As usual, Roarke proves why he's her perfect partner and the two of them are excellent together. While we don't actually see Mavis in this installment of the series, we do get word on the house renovations through Peabody and Roarke, which sound like they're really coming together. It's always interesting just how the tangled web of each case is untangled and the case solved. Would have been a really short book though if Eve had gone with her first instinct.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There is definitely a bit of a formula to these books, and yet the characters remain so engaging that it's still enjoyable every time. Eve continue to throw out random sayings and asking questions that make you wonder where something really comes from. As usual, Roarke proves why he's her perfect partner and the two of them are excellent together. While we don't actually see Mavis in this installment of the series, we do get word on the house renovations through Peabody and Roarke, which sound like they're really coming together. It's always interesting just how the tangled web of each case is untangled and the case solved. Would have been a really short book though if Eve had gone with her first instinct.
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September 20, 2022
In Death 55: Desperation in Death
In Death 55: Desperation in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent addition to the series showing growth in multiple characters. While there are more than a few tie ins to the past, and we see more background characters that aren't always even mentioned let alone have bigger parts to the stories, the pace is consistent and engaging as Eve navigates the newest case willingly bringing more people into the picture and intentionally working with them where in earlier years she might have considered Feeney alone. The children in this chapter of the In Death story are very lucky indeed that Auntie made a mistake leading Eve and her team to turn all of their considerable resources in the Academy's direction.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent addition to the series showing growth in multiple characters. While there are more than a few tie ins to the past, and we see more background characters that aren't always even mentioned let alone have bigger parts to the stories, the pace is consistent and engaging as Eve navigates the newest case willingly bringing more people into the picture and intentionally working with them where in earlier years she might have considered Feeney alone. The children in this chapter of the In Death story are very lucky indeed that Auntie made a mistake leading Eve and her team to turn all of their considerable resources in the Academy's direction.
February 15, 2022
In Death 54: Abandoned in Death
In Death 54: Abandoned in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It isn't often that we get to see a victim rescued before they end up dead, especially given Eve's department is homicide. The flash backs take a bit to get used to, but end up setting the stage very well as the pieces come together to finally identify their suspect. Might have been interesting to go a bit further than the booking interview in this case, especially with Berenski involved and Mary Kate's own grit. Eve's job offer was a laugh and would be interesting to see. Unlikely, given the circumstances, but with her sharp mind and determination, would be another interesting character to stay in touch with and see evolve.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It isn't often that we get to see a victim rescued before they end up dead, especially given Eve's department is homicide. The flash backs take a bit to get used to, but end up setting the stage very well as the pieces come together to finally identify their suspect. Might have been interesting to go a bit further than the booking interview in this case, especially with Berenski involved and Mary Kate's own grit. Eve's job offer was a laugh and would be interesting to see. Unlikely, given the circumstances, but with her sharp mind and determination, would be another interesting character to stay in touch with and see evolve.
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January 24, 2022
In Death 53: Forgotten in Death
In Death 53: Forgotten in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great installment for Eve and Roarke. Light on the romance side if you're looking for anything steamy, but there is a depth there and the solid way they support each other, even as Eve acknowledges those "cracks in the foundation" when it comes to their different views on investigation lines. Eve gets a 3 for one in the death department with a side on for another case and they all move fast as they're intertwined in the same families and companies. Interesting also to see Eve once again hold her own against those who others might take a second look before even considering crossing. For all that it moves fast, it's solid, and we even get some side updates on the color schemes for the Peabody/Mavis home renovation.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great installment for Eve and Roarke. Light on the romance side if you're looking for anything steamy, but there is a depth there and the solid way they support each other, even as Eve acknowledges those "cracks in the foundation" when it comes to their different views on investigation lines. Eve gets a 3 for one in the death department with a side on for another case and they all move fast as they're intertwined in the same families and companies. Interesting also to see Eve once again hold her own against those who others might take a second look before even considering crossing. For all that it moves fast, it's solid, and we even get some side updates on the color schemes for the Peabody/Mavis home renovation.
March 23, 2021
In Death 52: Faithless in Death
In Death 52: Faithless in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This one is intense. There is a lot of alluding to past events, especially in Eve's history and even the case file with Homeland. If you haven't read the series in order, or happened to miss those books, you might not catch some of the references. The good times are a lot more subtle overall in this book, though we do get a fairly big dose of good early in the book with Eve's extended friends and family. We also see Roarke staying heavily involved going straight from the Cobbe case in the last book to this one. It's a really good thing Roarke decided to go into safe housing and rehab, because those facilities are going to be getting put through their paces at capacity after this last take down, and Roarke's proven he has an eye for the best.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This one is intense. There is a lot of alluding to past events, especially in Eve's history and even the case file with Homeland. If you haven't read the series in order, or happened to miss those books, you might not catch some of the references. The good times are a lot more subtle overall in this book, though we do get a fairly big dose of good early in the book with Eve's extended friends and family. We also see Roarke staying heavily involved going straight from the Cobbe case in the last book to this one. It's a really good thing Roarke decided to go into safe housing and rehab, because those facilities are going to be getting put through their paces at capacity after this last take down, and Roarke's proven he has an eye for the best.
March 16, 2021
In Death 51: Shadows in Death
In Death 51: Shadows in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This one really brought the whole family together, all the way back to Ireland. Eve's newest case runs them up against an old self-proclaimed rival of Roarke's who wants the sole claim to Patrick Roarke's name and legacy. Problem being, he can't have that so long as Roarke himself still lives. It becomes pretty obvious real quick just how much a part of the NYPSD family Roarke has become when he finds just how far Eve's entire team is, including EDD and Captain Whitney himself, to back up their family and protect both him, and his real Ireland roots. It's almost sad Cobbe would delude himself into thinking he's the better man and could ever truly stand a chance against Roarke and Eve and the family that has has their backs.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This one really brought the whole family together, all the way back to Ireland. Eve's newest case runs them up against an old self-proclaimed rival of Roarke's who wants the sole claim to Patrick Roarke's name and legacy. Problem being, he can't have that so long as Roarke himself still lives. It becomes pretty obvious real quick just how much a part of the NYPSD family Roarke has become when he finds just how far Eve's entire team is, including EDD and Captain Whitney himself, to back up their family and protect both him, and his real Ireland roots. It's almost sad Cobbe would delude himself into thinking he's the better man and could ever truly stand a chance against Roarke and Eve and the family that has has their backs.
September 2, 2020
In Death 50: Golden in Death
In Death 50: Golden in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
You would think at 50 books the series might get old, but this is still a pleasure to come back to. Eve especially continues to evolve. We even get to see a big of Harvo in the field instead of just in the lab, which is rather entertaining as she manages to find an impressive number of hairs to ID and help pin Eve's killer. Roarke isn't as involved in this case, but when he does come in, it's with just the right touch.
November 19, 2019
In Death 49: Vendetta in Death
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The romance aspect of this series has died down, but that doesn't mean that Eve and Roarke aren't still a great pair. There is a level of comfort and reliance in their interaction now that didn't exist in the early books. It's nice to see how these characters continue to grow and evolve. Likewise, despite the parallels and darkness that could have crawled all over Eve with this case, she did not have near the number of nightmares, internal debates, or outright self-doubt regarding her own past as she has had before when things were pulled close to the surface. She's developed a form of empathy and tact that were lacking before, though don't let that fool you into thinking she isn't still the take-no-nonsense will take you down in a heartbeat cop she's always been. Lady Justice, on the other hand, clearly has a lot of issues cropping up from her past. Too bad she thought she could fool or turn Dallas... that never works.
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October 7, 2019
Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider (2018)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This was an interesting movie. Very different than the originals, and inconsistent as well, so it cannot be seen as a true prequel. Still, if just watched as a stand alone film with no tie to any of the other media or releases for the character thus far, it's entertaining. Not my favorite of the Tom Raider films so far, but not bad.
May 15, 2019
In Death 48: Connections in Death
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
While I wouldn't call this my favorite in the series, it still has all the high notes and was a great read. It only took me longer because my new full time job ate my life and I'm still working on finding my new balance. Regardless, I didn't feel like I ever had to go back or refresh events; it was always fresh and easy to dive back in wherever I was in the story. Interesting how this one effected Eve despite not having any of the more common or expected tie ins that would normally disturb her. The irritation at the end when she pulls one of Roarke's moves is fairly entertaining as well. She's come a long way since the start of this series, and there are little pockets in each book besides the overall story that really let it shine.
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November 5, 2018
In Death 47: Leverage in Death
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There was so much in this book, and yet some things still ended up by the wayside. For example, Eve comes up with a phenomenal trap for her candy thief and we see her set it, then.... nothing. Of course things all collide within the last 24 hours possible on the case with the Oscars looming over the weekend as well. Convenient that Nadine wins what seems like all of her categories (I'd have to go back and reference them all to verify, but it seemed like a lot). Still, it was good to see Eve taking that initiative for it with everyone to make it work for Peabody and McNab. In the start of the series, everyone else would have had to force it on her rather than her as something nice to do. Roarke also would have ended up having a lot more to do with it all coming together in the earlier books than Eve making those calls and lining it up like now. Have to love Eve walking out into the bullpen with Bella's unicorn pin still in her hair. While there's a ton of Eve/Roarke dynamic with Roarke stepping in on the case as Peabody's stand-in, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of relationship drama or focus this time around, aside from maybe the one little spat followed by the nightmare. Mostly a lot of death, explosions, and trying to connect the dots before there's another gaping hole to jump over in the investigation.
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August 9, 2018
Mr. Holmes
Mr. Holmes (2015)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This portrays Sherlock Holmes as a much older character, without Watson, and still managing to end up in the middle of riddles. Very much more in line with what you'd expect from British movies than the American adaptations. In some ways, that means the story itself has a lot more depth and there is significantly less focus on action. Still, if you like Sherlock, this is an interesting addition to the series, though it doesn't tie in directly to any of the other movies.
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