Kristen Barenthaler
Bio
Curious adventurer. Crazed reader. Librarian. Archery instructor. True crime addict.
Instagram: @kristenbarenthaler
Facebook: @kbarenthaler
Stories (370)
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"Columbine" by David Cullen (Book Club Research). Content Warning.
Synopsis: It is a false script, seized upon by a generation of new killers. In the wake of Newtown, Aurora, and Virginia Tech, the imperative to understand the crime that sparked this plague grows more urgent every year. What really happened April 20, 1999? The horror left an indelible stamp on the American psyche, but most of what we "know" is wrong. It wasn't about jocks, Goths, or the Trench Coat Mafia. Dave Cullen was one of the first reporters on scene, and spent ten years on this book-widely recognized as the definitive account. With a keen investigative eye and psychological acumen, he draws on mountains of evidence, insight from the world's leading forensic psychologists, and the killers' own words and drawings-several reproduced in a new appendix. Cullen paints raw portraits of two polar opposite killers. They contrast starkly with the flashes of resilience and redemption among the survivors.
By Kristen Barenthaler11 months ago in BookClub
"A False Report" by T. Christian Miller & Ken Armstrong (Book Club Research). Content Warning.
To Synopsis: On August 11, 2008, eighteen-year-old Marie reported that a masked man broke into her apartment near Seattle, Washington, and raped her. Within days police and even those closest to Marie became suspicious of her story. The police swiftly pivoted and began investigating Marie. Confronted with inconsistencies in her story and the doubts of others, Marie broke down and said her story was a lie--a bid for attention. Police charged Marie with false reporting, and she was branded a liar. More than two years later, Colorado detective Stacy Galbraith was assigned to investigate a case of sexual assault. Describing the crime to her husband that night, Galbraith learned that the case bore an eerie resemblance to a rape that had taken place months earlier in a nearby town. She joined forces with the detective on that case, Edna Hendershot, and the two soon discovered they were dealing with a serial rapist: a man who photographed his victims, threatening to release the images online, and whose calculated steps to erase all physical evidence suggested he might be a soldier or a cop. Through meticulous police work the detectives would eventually connect the rapist to other attacks in Colorado--and beyond. Based on investigative files and extensive interviews with the principals, A False Report is a serpentine tale of doubt, lies, and a hunt for justice, unveiling the disturbing truth of how sexual assault is investigated today--and the long history of skepticism toward rape victims.
By Kristen Barenthaler11 months ago in BookClub
Mystery Island: Winner Takes All (2025)
Solving two murders while partaking in a murder mystery party all while trapped on a deserted island sounds familiar right? But no, it’s not an Agatha Christie novel. It’s Hallmark’s newest mystery movie in their “Mystery Island” series. Since this is movie number two, I do have to say that the series has a unique premise that calls back to the original, noir, locked room mysteries. If you didn’t see the original “Mystery Island” (2023), worry not. The two films interconnect in characters and location, but the games are unique to each movie. However, I do suggest going back and watching it as well, since it was also a really great film. This time we find that Mystery Island might be bought by a developer and needs an excellent game to entice their investors into letting them continue their murder mystery tours.
By Kristen Barenthaler11 months ago in Geeks
The Reluctant Royal (2025)
Recently, Hallmark Channel premiered its new movie, The Reluctant Royal, and I have to say, I was a bit disappointed. In it, a Pennsylvania mechanic discovers he is a duke's son and is about to inherit the duchy when his absent father decides to retire. It’s the usual meet your father, change his ways, fall in love along the way type of movie. It’s Hallmark, so it doesn’t break the mold of cinema, but it was a way to spend a Saturday night in comfy pajamas lounging on the couch.
By Kristen Barenthaler12 months ago in Geeks
“The Royal We” (2025) - Hallmark Original
Honestly, I felt almost nothing at this movie, which is extremely sad for my love of Hallmark cheesiness. It seems like it has potential for the usual Hallmark royal movies, but this one just seemed to hit me wrong. The positives were few: parts were set in Boston (which I always enjoy), the quirky best friend was often funny, and the movie showcased choosing happiness over duty.
By Kristen Barenthaler12 months ago in Geeks
“Hearts on Thin Ice” by Katie Kennedy (5 stars)
An emotionally unstable hockey player and the interior designer he hires to fix his barren apartment? Seems like a strange pairing right? But it actually works extremely well in Katie Kennedy’s debut novel. This enemies-to-lovers hockey romance is one that everyone should try out. There’s amazing depictions of mental health struggles, character development, and (since this is a romance) lots of steamy scenes to keep readers engaged in this budding relationship. Plus some handsome hockey player side characters that you are going to want to keep for yourself. I know what you’re thinking though; another hockey romance!?
By Kristen Barenthaler12 months ago in Geeks
“The Bookbinder's Guide to Love” by Katherine Garbera (3 stars)
I have to be honest, I enjoyed this book as far as the romantic arc, but the overall plot was a bit thin. There really wasn’t all that much to it and I don’t remember much beyond the basics of falling in love over books. I know Garbera was setting up for a series and I have read the other book which was good too. But your setup for a new world of novels should be engaging and enticing to keep readers coming back. Ultimately, I enjoyed book 2 (How to Charm a Nerd) more and I have book 3 (Brewing Up a Bad Boy) on my list for this year, so we’ll see if the third time's the charm.
By Kristen Barenthaler12 months ago in Geeks
“The Irish Goodbye” by Amy Ewing (5 stars)
Cordelia wants to escape to Ireland and Niall is escaping back home to Ireland. What happens when these two lost and broken-hearted singles can’t seem to stop running into each other on their tiny Irish island? Clearly you have to read on to find out…or maybe you already know. Either way, it’s worth the read to watch these two lovelorn individuals try to rebuild their lives, their hearts, and maybe even their passion for the things they hold most dear.
By Kristen Barenthaler12 months ago in Geeks
“Not in My Book” by Katie Holt (5 stars)
I’ll be honest from the beginning here, I read this one because two of my favorite authors had given it glowing reviews. Lana Ferguson said that, “Not in My Book is a fun twist on enemies to lovers with unique perspectives and a fresh voice. With a swoony hero and a headstrong heroine set to the bustling background of NYC - this is romcom perfection” and Alicia Thompson said, “This is an author who understands the power of a happily-ever-after!”. So I really had no choice but to read it. Here’s what I think:
By Kristen Barenthalerabout a year ago in Geeks
“Small Space, Big Living: Interior Design to Make Every Inch Count” by Sofie Hepworth (3 stars)
*I received an e-book copy of this book from Edelweiss Plus in exchange for review.* “Sofie Hepworth is an award-winning digital content creator, interior stylist and product designer. She shares her incredible renovation projects on her colourful Instagram page @threeboysandapinkbath, including her most recent one – a tiny 450-square-foot ‘Sheila Shed’ she designed and built for her family of four! She has been featured in the Sunday Times Home supplement and has worked with brands including B&Q, American Express, Sofa.com, Velux, eBay and West Elm.” (Three Boys and a Pink Bath).
By Kristen Barenthalerabout a year ago in Geeks
“Kawaii Cafe Ramen: Classic, Fun, and Delicious Ramen Meals to Make at Home” by Amy Kimoto-Kahn (4 stars)
*I received an e-book copy of this book from Edelweiss Plus in exchange for review.* Okay, I’ll start off with the truth: I’ve never had ramen before! I know: shameful! So here’s what I read online that made me want to try this cookbook: “Kawaii Café Ramen covers everything you need to know, including how to put together a bowl of piping hot ramen in a myriad of ways with a choice of four soup bases, ramen noodles (homemade or store-bought), and traditional and non-traditional ingredients. Enjoy bowls of pork, chicken, and beef ramen, or branch out with seafood, vegetarian, and spicy soups - and even cold ramen and a breakfast version topped with bacon and a poached egg. Make your soup base in advance and you have a quick, easy, and special midweek family meal” (Amazon.com). Sounds amazing, right?
By Kristen Barenthalerabout a year ago in Geeks
“How to Rate a Cat: Rate Any Feline Friend from Their Boopable Nose to Their Sweet Toe Beans” by Matthew McGlasson (5 stars)
*I received an e-book copy of this book from Edelweiss Plus in exchange for review.* I really only downloaded this book because I immediately went ‘CAT’ in my brain! I’m one of those crazy cat people and it’s best you know that now before reading any further. We’ll only go further down the rabbit-hole. I have two cats currently, named Boots and Pia who are my everything, even though to them I am often simply a way to get more food or a clean litter box. Which I realize is completely normal after reading this, so I don’t feel so bad about it now…
By Kristen Barenthalerabout a year ago in Geeks
