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Table of Contents
Donovan's Bookshelf
Stealing Elections
John Fund
Encounter Books
665 Third St. #330, San Francisco CA 94107-1951
1594030618 $16.95 1-800-786-3839 www.encounterbooks.com
The U.S. has the sloppiest voting system of any industrialized nation: so bad that eight of the 19
hijackers who hit the World Trade center were registered to vote. In Stealing Elections: How
Voter
Fraud Threatens Our Democracy, author John Fund tours national voter fraud scandals from rural
states to big cities, detailing how fraud happens, how vote brokers steal elections, and how
absentee
ballots are abused. The entire American electoral process is in jeopardy: Fund shows how too
much
bureaucracy and ballot rigging combine to make a deadly threat.
Walker & Company
104 - 5th Ave., New York NY 10011
www.walkerbooks.com
Setting: the late 1960s: Astro Turf (0802714277 $24.00) author M.G. Lord was becoming a teen
in
Southern California, her mother was dying of cancer, and her rocket engineer father disappeared
into his work at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena. Fast forward thirty years later, where Lord is
assigned to report on the lab - and turns a report into a search of her past, an elusive father figure,
and rocket science as a whole. Lord celebrates and examines her eccentric father and provides a
history of the JPL concurrently: readers interested in rocket science will find this packed with
intrigue, insights, and industry revelations, making it much more than another girl's inspection of a
father. Andrew Taylor's World Of Gerard Mercator (0802713777, $26.00) provides a review of
the
mapmaker whose techniques changed geography. Mercator lived in 16th century Europe, when
wear threatened the land and the Inquisition muffled creativity and science. While Mercator never
traveled beyond northern Europe, his imagination fueled a whole new field - mapmaking - and
was
to foster a new era of navigation and exploration.
Better Off
Eric Brende
HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd St., NY, NY 10022-5299
0060570040 $24.95 1-800-242-7737 www.harpercollins.com
In different hands Better Off : Flipping the Switch on Technology could have all too easily
become a
book packed with dogma, rhetoric and passionate illogic. But not so under the deft and rational
hand of Eric Brende, a graduate of MIT who chose to move to a community so primitive in its
technology that even Amish groups consider it antiquated. Brende decided to see if technology
has
really made life easier, and if people would be better without it. In Better Off, contemporary
science
blends with autobiography in an engrossing analysis of the author's personal experiment.
Rarest of the Rare
Nancy Pick
HarperResource c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd St., NY, NY 10022-5299
0060537183 $22.95 1-800-242-7737www.harpercollins.com
Museum enthusiasts and natural history buffs alike will find the museum stories in The Rarest of
the
Rare: Stories Behind the Treasures at the Harvard Museum of Natural History are enhanced with
nearly a hundred color photos by Mark Sloan as images accompany descriptions for some of the
unusual specimens housed at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, with Nancy Pick
explaining
the special importance of each. The Rarest Of The Rare is more than a mere listing or summary
outline of specimens as author Nancy Pick reveals just how the item was collected and where, as
well as noting the diverse financial and collector contributors who often performed extraordinary
feats to get the specimen to the museum.
The Africa House
Christina Lamb
HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd St., NY, NY 10022-5299
0060735872 $25.95 1-800-242-7737 www.harpercollins.com
Author Christina Lamb, foreign correspondent for London's Times, was on assignment in Zambia
when she stumbled on a rich abandoned house deep in the bush: a house of forty rooms, rose
gardens, and even a clock tower. Lamb's discovery of a chest crammed with thousands of letters,
and journals, resulted in The Africa House : The True Story of an English Gentleman and His
African Dream, an intriguing biographical sketch of English gentleman Stewart Gore Browne and
his African dream. THE AFRICA HOUSE first appeared in the UK: this edition updates history
to
include the next generation of Browne's descendants, who are trying to rescue the decaying
wonder
of his former estate.
Microterrors
Professor Tony Hart
Firefly Books
155 East 34th Street, #5B, NY, NY 10016
1552979709 $19.95 1-800-387-5085 www.fireflybooks.com
The telescope's invention and advancement let the human world in on how tiny organisms looked,
and helped to reveal pathogens and their dangers: now the images of these disease-producing
microbes, from viruses to fungi, are accessible to non-scientists in MICROTERRORS, a gathering
of microscope color images paired with a quick reference and health facts. Clinical notes on
treatment and prevention round out a unique approach.
The Difference a Day Makes
Karen M. Jones
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
1577314751 $12.95 1-800-972-6657 www.newworldlibrary.com
For some, compassionate feelings can overwhelm spare time and energy: readers with such a
problem should consider The Difference a Day Makes : 365 Ways to Change Your World in Just
24
Hours a kind of recipe collection for doing good. Turn good intentions into powerful action with
a
guide which provides vast lists of good things which can be done in a few simple minutes or
hours;
from providing a resource list for a neighborhood to encouraging workplace and home use of the
arts, and assisting an elder who has a pet.
The Big Book of Vegetarian
Kathy Farrell-Kingsley
Chronicle Books
85 Second Street, 6th floor, San Francisco CA 94105
0811841162 $19.95 1-800-722-6657 www.chroniclebooks.com
The Big Book Of Vegetarian: More Than 225 Recipes For Breakfast, Appetizers, Soups, Salads,
Sandwiches, Main Dishes, Sides, Breads, And Desserts showcases recipes for vegetarian fare that
ranges from breakfasts and sandwiches to main dishes and breads, presenting variations on the
usual
meat favorites, hearty main courses, and vegan dishes throughout. All levels of vegetarians will
appreciate this detailed collection, written by the former food editor of Vegetarian Times
magazine.
No color photos; but the easy dishes and clear instructions don't need 'em.
Each One Believing
Paul McCartney
Chronicle Books
85 Second Street, 6th floor, San Francisco CA 94105
0811845079 $35.00 1-800-722-6657 www.chroniclebooks.com
Fans of the Beatles and Paul McCartney won't want to miss this lovely title, filled with photos
never
seen before and insider details from McCartney himself, and packed in an eye-catching hardcover
suitable for gift giving and coffee tables. Each One Believing: Paul McCartney - On Stage, Off
Stage
and Backstage blends McCartney's personal reflections and those of his wife Heather, his band,
and
his crew and covers both public appearances and private moments. An intimate atmosphere is
created which follows some of his finest on-stage moments in recent years.
Is Your Straight Man Gay Enough?
Nan Shipley & Jason Anthony
Chronicle Books
85 Second Street, 6th floor, San Francisco CA 94105
0811845109 $14.95 1-800-722-6657 www.chroniclebooks.com
What makes a straight man 'gay'? There's room for improvement, many a gal will admit, if a
straight
man can belch the national anthem, won't go to a mall unless a food court allowance is provided,
and
thinks $15. 00 is outrageous for a haircut. From shoes and shopping to the pros and cons of
having a
man in a particular profession, Is Your Straight Man Gay Enough?: The Ultimate Renovation
Guide
doesn't require being gay to appreciate.
Masterworks of Technology
E.E. Lewis
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
1591022436 $28.00 1-800-421-0351 www.prometheusbooks.com
E.E. Lewis is a professor of mechanical engineering at Northwestern University, and in
Masterworks
of Technology: The Story of Creative Engineering, Architecture, and Design, provides both a
review of the history of science and engineering, and a discussion of how two very different
technological marvels came together in the 21st century. Individual chapters focus on evolving
design, different training and perspectives in architect-engineers past and present, and how basic
science has influenced a new world of creative engineering and design strategies. An intriguing,
lively discussion and very highly recommended reading, especially for non-specialist general
readers
with an interest in science and technology..
The Sling and the Stone
Colonel Thomas X. Hammes, USMC
Zenith Press
380 Jackson St. #200, St. Paul, MN 55101-3885
0760320594 $24.95 www.motorbooks.com
It's crucial to understand there are different types of wars, fought in different ways: that's the
message of The Sling and the Stone: On War in the 21st Century, with author and U.S. Marine
officer Thomas X. Hammes commenting on the nature of war in the 21st century. Colonel
Hammes'
focus here is upon '4GW': fourth generation warfare which is low-tech and surprisingly effective
against high-tech enemies. From its evolution to the revelation that 4GW doesn't attempt a win
through traditional military defeats, THE SLING AND THE STONE provides many insights
applicable to the Iraq war and beyond.
The Ancient Roman World
Ronald Mellor & Marni McGee
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Ave, NY, NY 10016
0195153804 $32.95 1-800-451-7556 www.oup.com
From a legendary prince's journey across the sea to an African general who travels with painted
war
elephants, the story of the ancient Roman world's history needn't be a dry one: not with Ronald
Mellor and Marni McGee's ANCIENT ROMAN WORLD in hand. Yes, there are the usual
primary
sources lending to a research paper; but there's also the lively overtone missing from many similar
coverages on the topic, using that material to create an engaging drama of Roman times.
Coming Apart: Israel on the Appomattox
Melvin Patrick Ely
Alfred A. Knopf
1745 Broadway, 17th fl, NY, NY 10019
0679447385 $35.00 1-800-726-0600 www.aaknopf.com
A Southern experiment in black freedom from the 1790s through Civil War times? President
Thomas Jefferson condemned slavery but didn't believe whites and liberated blacks could live
together in harmony: His cousin Richard Randolph and ninety blacks set out to prove him wrong,
and built a bastion of freedom in his heritage to bondsman Hercules White and dozens of other
slaves. The lives of the newly freed people on the land Israel Hill is revealed in Israel on the
Appomattox: A Southern Experiment in Black Freedom from the 1790s Through the Civil War,
an
in-depth survey of how free black and white folk lived together for decades. Chapters provide
both a
social history of slavery and a set of political insights detailing hardship, black pride, and an
impossible dream come to life.
The Seventy Great Inventions of the Ancient World
Brian M. Fagan, Editor
Thames & Hudson
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
0500051305 $40.00 1-800-233-4830 www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
Thames and Hudson's 'Seventy' series provides a blend of discipline contributions in including
essays
by scientists, historians and more, along with a focus on extraordinary world inventions to tackle
all
the technological facets which have made modern society so important. Hundreds of photos and
special maps and diagrams unique to THE SEVENTY GREAT INVENTIONS OF THE
ANCIENT
WORLD pack a coverage which examines not just the origins of these inventions, but their lasting
impact on the world. Where would we be without coffee, chocolate and board games? Find out in
Brian Fagan's engagingly informative and visually impressive survey.
Historical Atlas of The Celtic World
Angus Konstam
Mercury
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22883 Quicksilver Dr, Sterling, VA 20166
1904668011 $25.00 1-800-758-3756 www.internationalpubmarket.com
Three thousand years ago the Celts came to dominate the north of the continent: many a book has
been written on Celtic history and influences, but Angus Konstam's HISTORICAL ATLAS OF
THE
CELTIC WORLD differs from most in including discussion of Celtic influences which remain to
influence the modern world, and in adding a wealth of color illustration on every page to enhance
such topics as the roots of Celtic art, the Cimbri migration, bog people and more. A treasure trove
of facts embellished with plenty of illustrative color for added effect.
Hole In My Life
Jack Gantos
Farrar Straus Giroux
19 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003
0374430896 $8.00 1-888-330-8477 www.fsgbooks.com
It'd be a shame to limit this autobiography to the young adult audience it's intended for: author
Jack
Gantos dreamed of writing from childhood and is a Newbery Honor medalist among others - but
his
road to fame wasn't a smooth one. At age nineteen he became involved with a hashish sea voyage
-
and landed in federal prison, teaching himself to write in a secret diary he kept. HOLE IN MY
LIFE
is his story of imprisonment and his hard road to a successful writer's career.
Strange Angel
George Pendle
Harcourt
15 East 26th Street, New York NY 10010
015100997X $25.00 1-800-543-1918 www.harcourtbooks.com
Rocket scientist John Whiteside Parsons was one of the founders of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
in
Pasadena: a visionary who surprisingly enough was involved not just in science, but in occultism,
where friendships with Aleister Crowley and L. Ron Hubbard led to excesses which proved an
embarrassment to his colleagues. While his flamboyant beliefs ultimately discredited his scientific
brilliance, nonetheless, as George Pendle shows in Strange Angel: The Otherworldly Life of
Rocket
Scientist John Whiteside Parsons, Parsons was still a brilliant scientist despite his rogue methods,
and his problems partially stemmed from the takeover of rocketry science by big business. Strange
Angel is lively reading by a biographer with many science, art and culture articles for the London
Times and others to his credit.
Witch Hunters
P.G. Maxwell-Stuart
Tempus Publishing/Trafalgar Square Press
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0752423398 $35.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
If witches were supposed to look and sound like everyone else, how could they be detected, in
Salem days? WITCH HUNTERS is the first history of the careers of those said to be able to
identify
a witch, charting the claims and backgrounds of zealots, professional folks and others who
perceived
evil and sought to expose it. History lecturer Maxwell-Stuart provides a lively survey which uses
source material quotes to back cultural and biographical insights.
Wales Half Welsh
John Williams, Editor
Bloomsbury UK/Trafalgar Square Press
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0747566062 $14.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
So, who says the Welsh have no contemporary fiction writers? John Williams edits a collection of
eleven new Welsh writers to draw upon the best of young writers, creating a collection of diverse
themes and perspectives united only by their heritage. Any who would believe Wales devoid of
literary figures need only consult WALES HALF WELSH to see otherwise.
Expecting Someone Taller & Ye Gods!
Tom Holt
Orbit/Trafalgar Square Press
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1841493457 $13.95 1-800-423-4525 www.orbitbooks.co.uk
www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
Fans of comic fantasy will relish an omnibus of Tom Holt's zany stories, packing in a treasure
trove
of zany fantasy fiction. Fans of Douglas Adams will recognize a kindred soul in Holt, whose funny
protagonists finds themselves in all manner of strange circumstances. Hilarious and unexpected all
the way!
Ceaseless Turmoil: Diaries, 1988-1992
James Lees-Milne
John Murray/Trafalgar Square Press
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0719565782 $45.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
Ceaseless Turmoil: Diaries, 1988-1992 is the eleventh volume of prolific chronicler James
Lees-Milne's diaries, and surveys his eighties, where his interest in life is as sharp and astute as
ever.
He discusses architecture with the Prince of Wales, hobnobs with royalty, and reflects on the
changes of life and the deaths of friends. An intriguing specialty collection especially
recommended
for the fan of British upper-class commentary.
Dreaming of Iceland
Sally Magnusson
Hodder & Stoughton/Trafalgar Square Press
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0340862505 $29.99 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
When author Sally Magnusson invites her father to accompany her to his homeland Iceland to see
for herself the places he's told stories about all her life, neither is sure what they will find. Their
journey to the old family estate and their travels throughout Iceland reveal the concurrent stories
of
four generations - and the source of stories which have engrossed Sally Magnusson since
childhood,
drawing readers into DREAMING OF ICELAND's cultural and family heritage.
The Fly in the Ointment
Dr. Joe Schwarcz
ECW Press
2120 Queen St. East #200, Toronto, Ontario Canada M4E 1E2
1550226215 $15.95 www.ecwpress.com
What is the truth about taking garlic supplements to ward off illness and cure common diseases?
What is the relationship between moldy corn and a movie? How do quacks popularize their
theories,
and what science is involved in corporate crime? These and other questions reveal the mysteries
of
science, using lively and popular topics to point out the scientific theories, quirks and
misconceptions in everyday beliefs. A fun, educational leisure choice for general-interest
audiences,
The Fly in the Ointment: 63 Fascinating Commentaries on the Science of Everyday Life joins
other
similar science trivia fact guides by the venerable doctor.
Weather Extremes of The West
Tye W. Parzybok
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
0878424733 $24.00 1-800-234-5308 www.mountain-press.com
From twisters to Haboobs and quick, sudden changes in temperature which can break windows,
wild
weather is still with us, though tamer than in centuries past. Meteorologist Tye Parzybok covers
weather extremes and their results in the West, presenting rainfall and temperature averages, case
histories of sudden and extreme weather results, and insights into the science of forecasting and
prediction processes. From disastrous Santa Ana wind effects to maps and microclimate oddities,
WEATHER EXTREMES OF THE WEST is an exciting survey of meteorology and weather
oddities.
In Neck Deep
Jay Zimmerman
Bottom Dog Press
PO Box 425, Huron, OH 44839
093308790X $15.00 http://members.aol.com/Lsmithdog/bottomdog
If there's a fisherman in your family who loves to read, give him a copy of Jay Zimmerman's In
Neck
Deep: Stories from a Fisherman. This is a coming-of-age memoir of a young man who retained a
lifetime passion for fishing. First-person life encounters blend with fishing memories in a simple,
let
lively set of stories from a dedicated fellow angler.
Harold Lloyd's Hollywood Nudes in 3-D!
Suzanne Lloyd
Black Dog & Leventhal
151 West 19th St., NY, NY 10011
1579128945 $24.95 1-800-722-7202
Any with an interest in Hollywood products or nudes will find HOLLYWOOD NUDES IN 3D an
outstanding, unique production. If the name 'Harold Lloyd' is familiar to movie-goers, it's because
he
was best known as a popular silent film star and producer during the 1920s - and was the richest
in
the world. Lesser known is the fact that in the 1940s and 50s he snapped close to a hundred
thousand photos of young women, many of them in 3-dimension. His granddaughter here presents
200 offerings for enthusiasts - and a pair of 3D glasses allows for maximum appreciation of their
effects.
Globe Pequot Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
1-800-243-0495 www.globepequot.com
A Chianti tour guide presents a native Tuscan's view of travel in Italy in Dario Castago with
Robert Rodi's TOO MUCH TUSCAN SUN: CONFESSIONS OF A CHIANTI TOUR GUIDE
(0762736704, $14.95), a funny, warm survey of Dario's more unusual clients and his life and
times as a travel guide in the Chianti
region of Italy. His native roots and perspective offers a different type of coverage than most
travelogues of the region, providing a memoir of the Americans who have stormed the area yet
missed some of its best attractions - and many a would-be friend. Jeanne L. Clark and Robert W.
Garrison's NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NATURE WEEKENDS (Falcon Guides, 0762711515,
$14.95) also provides an excellent read as well as serving as a take-along tote for
destination-oriented nature lovers visiting Northern California. There are many weekend choices
only natives tend to know about, here; from renting a houseboat on Shasta Lake and visiting the
tufa
mounds and birds at Mono Lake to biking on Angel Island.
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles St., Baltimore MD 21218
1-800-537-5487 www.press.jhu.edu
Two excellent guides to New York's subway history offer very different approaches and insights
into
the building of the subways. The centennial edition of Clifton Hood's classic treatise 722 Miles:
The
Building Of The Subways And How They Transformed New York (0801880548, $18.95) tells of
how the building of the subways changed New York. At one time in history the 22 miles from
New
York's City Hall to Lenox Avenue was considered a remarkable engineering fete; but by the 1940s
New York's subway system had grown to 722 miles. This process was to change New York, and
Clifton Hood reveals the story of the subway system's growth on its centennial, adding a new
foreword explaining the modern importance of reflecting on the system's achievement. Even more
compelling is Gene Sansone's New York Subways: An Illustrated History of New York City's
Transit Cars (0801879221, $49.95), providing an illustrated history of New York City's subway
cars. Packed with vintage black and white photos throughout, NEW YORK SUBWAYS is no
general coverage, but covers virtually every type of car in detail, providing a brief history of its
design, service, construction, and costs. This is THE definitive guide for that in-depth transit
student
or enthusiast who wants every detail; not just a casual overview.
GemStone Press
Rt 4, Box 427, Woodstock, VT 05091
www.gemstonepress.com
If it's jewelry purchases you regularly make, you absolutely must read and keep close at hand
Antoinette Matlins, P.G.'s professional buyer's guides. Her Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The
Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House & on Internet Auction Sites
(0943763290, $19.95) provides a definitive 'bible' packed with resources, from how to handle
auction buying and selling versus other options to understanding knowledge needed before
bidding
on particular gems, from pearls and diamonds to colored gemstones. Add chapters on jewelry
history and notable jewelers and special Internet purchasing concerns and you have a presentation
which can't be beat. Colored Gemstones--The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide : How to Select,
Buy, Care for & Enjoy Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubbies and Other Colored Gems with Confidence
and
Knowledge (0943763339, $16.95) narrows the focus to colored gemstones alone. Why? Because
there's so many factors unique to colored gemstone buying and selling; from tips on evaluating
color
and understanding the differences between a natural and an enhanced gem to recognizing the signs
of fraud and misrepresentation in the colored gemstone world, and determining value. Both are
'musts' for general-interest and neo-professional alike.
Encyclopedia of Feminist Literature
Kathy J. Whitson
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313327319 $65.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com
From Isabel Allende to Anzia Yezierska, seventy women writers whose works are widely read in
English are featured in an A-Z reference which contains not just the usual biographical sketch and
outline of major works, but an interpretative summary of each author along with more general
essays on feminist-related topics. Add cross-references and background along with bibliographic
references and you have a reference not just for college-level students, but many a high school
reader.
Cars and Culture
Rudi Volti
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313328315 $45.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com
The car has shaped the very fabric of American society, and its history shows how decisions at all
levels of government and society have been shaped by the auto. Volti's history covers the
technology
behind the car's development, plus the accompanying roads, traffic laws, gas production, and
regulation which accompanied fostering of the auto as a way of American life. An intriguing
survey
evolves.
Classic Experiments in Psychology
Douglas Mook
Greenwood Publishing Group
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313318212 $69.95 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com
Most psychology courses touch upon experiments in psychology, discussing results and
approaches:
few classes do more than this, surveying the research without probing it in depth. Enter Douglas
Mook's CLASSIC EXPERIMENTS IN PSYCHOLOGY, which provides an in-depth,
college-level
approach to psychological experiments and their implications. Classic experiments are outlined,
with
different areas of study receiving focus on both pitfalls and positives. Excellent - even required -
supplemental reading for any serious-level researcher.
'Teen Guides to Environmental Science' set
John Mongillo & Peter Mongillo
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com
The five-volume set TEEN GUIDES TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, intended for teens in
high school, should not be neglected by college-level or public libraries, either: each book is
packed
with images, timelines, lists of environment agencies and organizations, and all the details
necessary
to involve any adult - though the 100 suggested activities does provide a student's focus. The set
includes EARTH SYSTEMS AND ECOLOGY (1313321841), RESOURCES AND ENERGY
(131332185X), PEOPLE AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTS (0313321868), HUMAN IMPACT
ON
THE ENVIRONMENT (0313321876) and CREATING A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY
(0313321884): each set a vital contribution to the whole.
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Hwy N., Sebastopol, CA 95472
1-800-998-9938 www.oreilly.com
Two fine additions to O'Reilly's very basic 'Annoyances' series will reach all levels of home
computer
users who want to fix the most annoying things about computer hardware. We're talking common
problems here, from system hang-ups and cranky mice to vanishing graphics and cabling issues. If
you're a PC user, choose Stephen J. Bigelow's PC HARDWARE ANNOYANCES (0596007159,
$24.95); if a Mac user, not to fret: John Rizzo's MAC ANNOYANCES (059600723X, $24.95) is
the ticket of choice. Each book holds a different focus on problems peculiar to each system: each
is
easy to understand, offering plenty of examples. Each is highly recommended for average
computer
users seeking the most from their system.
W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
500 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10110
1-800-233-4830 www.wwnorton.com
Two wonderful books on exploration and discovery are recommended not just for school
holdings;
but for general interest readers choosing from public library holdings. Michio Kaku's Einstein's
Cosmos: How Albert Einstein's Vision Transformed Our Understanding of Space and Time
(039305165X, $22.95) tells how Einstein's ideas changed everyday understanding of the nature of
space and time itself. Theoretical physicist and author Kaku provides a fine survey of the universe
as
Einstein saw it, considering the foundations of his theories and how he thought in terms of simple
pictures. It's this focus on how he envisioned space and time which makes EINSTEIN'S
COSMOS
so accessible to lay audiences with little physics background. Compass: A Story of Exploration
and
Innovation (0393050734, $22.95) by Alan Gurney provides an eye-opening survey of the history
of
the magnetic compass, which for a thousand years was the only instrument sailors used for
navigation. A chronological order lends interest and logic to this survey of the compass and
navigational challenges.
International Designers Network
Shop c, 5-9 Gresson St.
Wanchai, Hong Kong
www.idnworld.com www.amazon.com
Parts of Design Lab's magical presentation Vinyl Will Kill: An Inside Look At The Designer Toy
Phenomenon (9889706504 $39.95) weren't seen to review here: the complete kit includes a
designer
toy poster, 36 web cards, and the 232-page book in a handsome box: it's the book which is the
focus
here, standing well on its own as a unique, engrossing survey of designer toys. Pages come
packed
with color examples, interviews with toy designers, and discussions which blend career overviews
with industry observations and toy design concerns alike. Company and toy histories are revealed,
inspirational sources considered, and designer strategies and challenges imparted. An outstanding
blend of artistic and business concerns evolves. JAPANESE GRAPHICS: BEAUTIFUL
STREAMLINE (9889809729, $50.00) comes in a gorgeous slipcase to protect the delicate
linen-like cover and the lovely graphics from modern Japanese artists. Here are influential works
by
Hideki Inaba, Yugo Nakamura and more, exploring various visual forms and providing a striking
set
of pages of works from each. A gorgeous visual sampling of some of Japan's finest modern
graphic
artists.
Audio Editions
Auburn, CA 95604
www.audiopartners.com
Two new titles are excellent recommendations for fans of leisure mysteries, pairing powerful
narrators with tried and tested authors. Emilia Fox brings Agatha Christie's THEY CAME TO
BAGHDAD (157270439X, $29.95) to life, telling of a romantic who falls for a handsome
stranger
and pursues him all the way to Baghdad, where she becomes involved in murder and deception.
Michael Prichard's been the reader for all the Rex Stout mysteries, providing a smooth and
continuous trend to the Nero Wolfe classics which continues in the latest GAMBIT (1572704411,
$27.95). Here Nero braks almost all of his own rules, helping a young female clear her father of
murder and encountering problems with four other suspects in the process.
Diane C. Donovan
West Coast Editor
Harold's Bookshelf
You Bake 'Em Dog Biscuits
Janine Adams
Running Press
125 South 22nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
ISBN: 076241961X $12.95 47 pp.
I enjoy finding unique books and this one definitely falls under that category. In addition to the
dog
biscuit recipes the book includes five cookie cutters to cut your treats into the shape of a dog
bone,
heart, cat, fire hydrant, or doghouse. The obvious question to many readers is why bother to
make
your own dog biscuits when you can buy them so readily at the store? If you have to ask then you
really don't understand the bond between many dog owners and their dog. For me it is because I
can
control the ingredients and I can create the "perfect" training snack. My dog is quite finicky about
dog treats and doesn't like most of the store brands, so using them as a reward just doesn't work.
On
the other hand the recipe for Cheddar Liver in this book makes a perfect training reward that she
will do almost anything to get. The book itself contains 24 different recipes for everything from
basic
cheese biscuits to liver and oat, liver leather, multigrain herb, grain-free and even carob biscuits.
All
are easy to make, although several do require a food processor to puree the ingredients. The
attached box with the cutters in it is pretty flimsy and soon falls apart. However, the pages of the
book are connected to the box via three metal split rings so the box can be removed, the cutters
placed in a kitchen drawer or other appropriate place and the book placed on the bookshelf. This
took a lot of thought to put the book together in this fashion so it can be easily converted to a
standard book and was greatly appreciated on my part. You Bake 'Em Dog Biscuits is highly
recommended to dog lovers everywhere and a perfect gift for that friend who treats their dog as a
part of the family.
Windows XP Power Hound: Teach Yourself New Tricks
Preston Gralla
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596006195 $24.95 341 pp.
This book is well worth the price just for the section in the first chapter on how to speedup
startup
and shutdown and resolve problems with both of them. Most of this information is available on
the
Internet but why not have it at hand instead of spending hours looking for it? For the novice to
intermediate user this is an excellent way to get things Windows XP under control and operating
the
way it is supposed to. Well-written, easy to follow, with everything explained in plain English,
Windows XP Power Hound is recommended for the average user who wants to learn more and
customize their system but will contain little new information for someone who is already a power
user.
The Will of God as a Way of Life
Jerry Sittser
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310259630 $12.99 236 pp. plus notes
How do we find God's will for our life? How do we find that one person God has destined for us?
How do we know that a decision is the right one? Traditional Christian thought has taught that
God
has a specific plan for each of us and it is our job to find out what that is and pursue it. Jerry
Sittser
takes a different point of view by first making the case that the will of God may not be some
specific
future plan with all the details already worked out but may in fact be much simpler. What about
the
problem of pain and suffering? Do those indicate that we are out of the will of God? Jerry Sittser
examines these and other questions as he teaches how the will of God may be a lot more liberating
than what we have traditionally been taught. Offering a pathway to personal peace through
understanding the will of God in a less traditional way, The Will of God as a Way of Life is a
highly
recommended read.
Why Birds Do That
Michael Furtman
Willow Creek Press
PO Box 147 Minocqua, WI 54548
ISBN: 1595430598 $15.95 96 pp.
With 40 different bird behaviors explained and photographed this is a very interesting book. Some
questions are common ones like "Why do birds bathe?" or "Why do birds migrate?". Other
questions
have more complex answers like "Why do some chicks hatch naked, and others hatch covered
with
down?". With photographs that illustrate each question or part of the answer and well-written
answers this is an excellent book to understand birds better. Written on a level where it can be
understood by about 13 years old or older it is an excellent book. Why Birds Do That is highly
recommended and informative.
Who Needs That Nose?
Karen Clemens Warrick
T&N Children's Publishing, Inc.
NorthWord Books imprint
11571 K-Tel Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343
ISBN: 1559718870 $15.95 32 pp.
Seven different noses are described one at a time with the following page showing the animal it
belongs to. Each page describes the nose and what it is designed to do and then ends with the
question of "Who needs that nose?". The book provides a great opportunity for parents to discuss
the wonders of nature and how even things like a nose can vary greatly while still providing the
same
basic function. The pictures are colorful and work great at keeping a child's attention focused on
the
book. Who Needs That Nose is a recommended fun and educational book for children.
Trout, Trout, Trout
April Pulley Sayre
T&N Children's Publishing, Inc.
NorthWord Books imprint
11571 K-Tel Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343
ISBN: 1559718897 $15.95 32 pp.
More than just a rhyming story the rhythm and cadence produces a strong chant that children fall
into naturally. The rhyming pattern is set on the first two pages and follows that pattern
throughout
the rest of the book. The illustrations are great and create a personality for each fish while at the
same time staying true to their basic shape and color so that the reader can identify them. Brightly
colored, finely detailed, the illustrations themselves are exceptionally well done. If you like fish or
just want to introduce your child to the fascinating world of fish Trout, Trout, Trout is highly
recommended and a lot of fun just to read and leaf through. This is a great chant that keeps on
your
lips long after you are done with the book.
Steal This File-Sharing Book
Wallace Wang
No Starch Press
555 De Haro Street, Suite 250 San Francisco, CA 94107
ISBN: 159327050X $19.95 296 pp.
Whether it's music, programs, games, books or other files it seems that everyone is downloading
something over the Internet these days. If you want to know how to find the files you want and
download them safely then you will be interested in this book. The author covers a wide array of
places to find files including newsgroups, websites, Instant Messenger, Internet Relay Chat, FTP,
and networks that are designed specifically for file sharing such as Gnutella, FastTrack, and
eDonkey. One of the most interesting parts for the average computer user is the one with
information on how to remain anonymous when sharing files. Of course, this section also includes
information on the problems of file sharing - viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, adware, and even
warez. I've traded files and worked on the Internet for years and I still learned a few tips in this
book. The author includes lots of illustrations and specific web sites where you can download the
programs he mentions as well as several alternative ones. Mr. Wang even provides a complete
analysis of each program's advantages and disadvantages. One of the things I really like is the fact
that he includes information on programs you should be careful downloading and using including
Fast Track clients that come loaded with spyware like Kazaa and iMesh. If you don't like AIM he
even covers Private Internet Messenger products like Meet Gate, P2P Instant Messenger, and Pal
Talk. The breadth of coverage is impressive, the writing and organization excellent. Steal This
File-Sharing Book is highly recommended to anyone who shares files over the Internet.
Starting Life Ladybug
Claire Llewellyn
T&N Children's Publishing, Inc.
NorthWord Books imprint
11571 K-Tel Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343
ISBN: 1559718927 $16.95 23 pp.
Starting Life Ladybug is an excellent educational book for children. The author walks the reader
through the life of a ladybug from the laying of the eggs through the larval and pupa stages and
finally to the ladybug that we all know and love. She covers the feeding habits, parts of a ladybug,
hibernation, migration, and other aspects in the life of the ladybug. A very good educational book
that should be considered for all children's libraries and as an educational resource for the home,
Starting Life Ladybug is highly recommended.
So What? Saw-Whet?
Rochelle Frank
Hummingbird Mountain Press
PO Box 127 Midpines, CA 95345
ISBN: 0974679208 $9.95 28 pp.
This is a nice children's book with wonderful photos of the Saw-Whet owl. It is easy reading and
provides a basic understanding of the Saw-Whet owl's habits, habitat, and appearance.
Educational
and entertaining, "So What? Saw-Whet?" is a recommended read.
The Sensational Skillet Cookbook
Wendy Louise
Champion Press, Ltd.
4308 Blueberry Road Fredonia, WI 53021
ISBN: 1891400258 $16.00 281 pp. plus index and glossary
This is an excellent collection of recipes for the electric skillet. Whether it is traditional fried
chicken
or stuffed pork chops or something a little more exotic (but just as easy to prepare) like Steak
Diane
or Veal Scaloppini if it can be made in an electric skillet you will probably find it here. Well
written,
easy to understand directions make it pretty much impossible to mess up a recipe. Whether it is a
main dish, side dish, or dessert there are selections in here for every need. The Sensational Skillet
Cookbook is highly recommended and sure to produce delicious results in your kitchen.
Selinux: NSA's Open Source Security Enhanced Linux
Bill McCarthy
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596007167 $39.95 198 pp. plus multiple appendixes and index
So what makes Selinux more secure than standard Linux? Primarily it is the implementation of
role-based access control, sandboxing, and an audit facility that allows the system to log any
attempts to exceed specified permissions. It does all this without conflicting with the normal
permissions of Linux. If you are able to access a file through normal discretionary access control
then the role-based mandatory access control provides additional security to determine if you can
run the file or not. The only way to open a file is if both systems agree that you should be able to
open it. The author covers installation, configuration, administering, and setting up a security
policy.
The presentation of SeLinux is straightforward and the security model is presented in a writing
style
that makes it clear and understandable to the reader. SeLinux: NSA's Open Source Security
Enhanced Linux is highly recommended as both a Linux security solution and an excellent book
on
how to utilize all the resources of SeLinux.
Regular Expression Recipes: A Problem-Solution Approach
Nathan A. Good
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219 Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 159059441X $34.99 285 pp. plus index
Whether you are using Perl, PHP, Python, grep, sed, or any other program that uses regular
expressions you will eventually have a problem trying to figure out just how to do something.
That
is where this book comes in handy. If you need to resolve a peculiar programming problem then
this
is the book you will want by your side. If the expression doesn't work, or doesn't provide the
correct
output this is the best place to turn to figure out what is going on. Or, if you want to do
something
different then you might want to turn here first to look for ideas on how to attack the problem.
Since
this is a problem and solution oriented approach it provides a solution in Perl, PHP, Shell Script,
and
Vim. Regular Expression Recipes: A Problem-Solutions Approach is a highly recommended
resource and does an excellent job of describing in plain English how to define the problem, how
to
work on it, and how to get the results you want. This is the ultimate guide to regular
expressions.
Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide
Ann Spangler
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310253535 $16.99 329 pp.
Every once in a while a book comes along with a deceptively simple title that gives no hint of the
much deeper and inspirational thoughts inside. This is one of those books. Throughout the Old
Testament God is referred to by various names. Each one represents a specific attribute of God
that
is particularly relevant to those circumstances. Taken together these names reveal the nature of
God
and point to ways to see and seek Him as well as understand our relationship with Him. This book
is
insightful, encouraging, and inspirational while at the same time moving your prayer life up to
another level. Full of Bible references, Praying the Names of God is highly recommended and sure
to
bring a deeper understanding of God to the reader. The only thing about the book that some may
find troublesome is the lack of capitalization on all personal pronouns related to God. While God,
Lord, and other references are capitalized, Him, His, and He are not. Some more conservative
readers may have a problem with this. My advice to them is to not let something like this cause
them
to miss a very good book.
PHP 5 Objects, Patterns, and Practice
Matt Zandstra
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219 Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 1590593804 $39.99 391 pp. plus appendixes and index
The author of this book assumes a basic understanding of the PHP language and focuses on how
to
take advantage of the new features of PHP5. The book includes best practices, tools, and
principles
on how best to write, document and implement a project. The three primary divisions of the book
follow along with the title and are sequenced as Objects, Patterns, and Practice. The Objects
section
covers the history of PHP and how it evolved to include a focus on object-oriented programming.
This section contains some of the more basic information in the book including the principles
behind
objects, classes and inheritance. The section on Patterns examines problems of software design
and
ways to approach and resolve these problems. In this section the reader learns basic design
principles
that should be implemented on all projects to make them easier to troubleshoot or expand on
later.
The last section covers the practices and tools that can be used to correctly manage a project. The
focus is on managing your code, managing your project, tracking bugs, collaboration between
programmers, and making the project easy to install. It includes a section on Concurrent Versions
System (CVS) which allows multiple programmers to work on the same code without overwriting
each other's work. Although it assumes some knowledge of PHP programming it does not assume
any knowledge of object-oriented programming and that appears to be one of the primary
purposes
of the book - to take PHP4 programmers and teach them to take advantage of the abilities of
PHP5.
This is not to say that you can't get a lot of value from the book without prior knowledge of PHP.
If
you have programmed before and have a basic PHP syntax reference guide available then this
book
will still be a valuable read. PHP 5 Objects, Patterns, and Practice is highly recommended for PHP
programmers making the move to PHP5 and PHP5 programmers that need a handle on best
practices.
Perl Core Language: Little Black Book, second edition
Steven Holzner
Paraglyph Press, Inc.
4015 N. 78th Street, #115 Scottsdale, AZ 85251
ISBN: 1932111921 $29.99 471 pp. plus index
This book could have saved me hours on the net getting answers to specific problems dealing with
Perl scripts I was writing for a client. If you know the basics of Perl and have programmed much
with it then you know the frustration of knowing what you want it to do but needing to resolve
one
minor issue to get it to work. This book contains a lot of the most common problems and
solutions.
It is not meant to teach you Perl, but to resolve those sticky problems that stop your progress
until
you figure them out. After starting with some best practices advice it moves into scalar variables
and
lists, arrays and hashes, operators and precedence, conditionals and loops, regular expressions,
subroutines, references, built-in variables, built-in functions, file handling, built-in modules, data
structures, creating packages and modules, creating classes and objects, debugging and style
guide,
CGI programming, Perl and XML, and secure scripts. Each solution states the function to be
used,
how it operates, an example of its use, an explanation of what occurs in the example, and a list of
related solutions with the page number. A fast and easy quick reference for when you get
stumped,
Perl Core Language: Little Black Book, Second Edition is highly recommended and a book you
will
want to keep close at hand.
Nessus Network Auditing
Renaud Deraison, Noam Rathaus, HD Moore, Raven Alder, George Theall, Andy Johnston,
Jimmy
Alderson
Syngress Publishing, Inc.
800 Hingham Street Rockland, MA 02370
ISBN: 1931836086 $49.95 544 pp.
The purpose of Nessus is to provide an Open Source Solution for network auditing on all Unix
like
systems. This book not only details using Nessus but also comes with a CD containing the
program,
as well as Ethereal, Snort, and Newt (a port of the program to the Windows environment). What
is a
network assessment? At its basic level it is an attempt to detect a live system and then identify the
computing environment, services, applications, and vulnerabilities on that system. Basically there
are
two types of assessment - internal and external. An internal assessment is done over the local
network and external is done from outside the LAN. Nessus will do both types and the book
details
how to do either, or both of them. The authors do an excellent job of detailing installation, setup,
and how to interpret the results of a scan as well as various factors that can affect the report. One
of
the parts not to be missed is the discussion of not only the benefits but also the potential problems
of
scanning your system. Some of the vulnerability types scanned for include buffer overflows,
default
passwords, backdoors, information leaks, and denial of service. The Nessus scripting language is
covered in detail in Appendix A instead of the main portion of the book; a choice I appreciated
very
much as it allowed the flow of the book to not be interrupted by such a highly technical section.
With Open Source products there generally is no organized technical support phone number you
can
call of help. So, the authors include information on how to get help via the Nessus User
Community,
mailing lists, and archives. Nessus Network Auditing is a highly recommended book for anyone
interested in auditing their network to find potential problems before they become reality.
Zondervan 2005 Minister's Tax and Financial Guide
Dan Busby, CPA
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310262151 $15.99 175 pp. plus citations and index
A perennial guide to the problems and opportunities of taxation for ministers, the Zondervan 2005
Minister's Tax and Financial Guide is once again one of the best sources of information for the
layman. Written in a simple, clear style with lots of illustrations and examples this is the essential
guide for the non-accountant. In addition to walking the reader through the maze of tax laws he
also
provides basic financial planning for the minister. Newly updated for 2004 returns, the Zondervan
2005 Minister's Tax and Financial Guide should be read and understood by all ministers and
church
financial committees.
Molly & The Good Shepherd
Chris Auer
Zondervan Publishing
Zonderkidz imprint
5300 Patterson SE Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310708265 $12.99 40 pp.
Molly's school class is going to the art museum today and she is very excited about it. Although
she
is told to stay with her buddy and keep with the group she soon forgets to pay attention and
becomes separated from her classmates. What should she do now? With a focus on staying calm
in
times of distress and knowing that Jesus always watches over us in times of trouble, Molly & The
Good Shepherd is a highly recommended read for children and a recommended purchase for
church
libraries.
Learn Math and Have Fun Activity Book for Preschoolers
Caramel
Teora USA, LLC
2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 870 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
ISBN: 1594960097 $7.95 158 pp. plus answer keys
This is not just a math book, but contains a lot of activities like matching, and mazes. With lots of
colorful counting, adding, numerical sequence, and other math functions done in a fun and playful
way this is a great book for home school or to supplement a traditional school program. Learn
Math
and Have Fun Activity Book for Preschoolers is recommended for parents and teachers.
Learn and Have Fun Activity & Game Book (5 - 6)
Caramel
Teora USA, LLC
2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 870 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
ISBN: 1594960046 plus answer keys $7.95 80 pp.
This book has lots of fun and educational activities for children. Some are math puzzles, counting,
and basic addition, others include drawing, observation puzzles, mazes, and lots more. With lots
of
well-done colorful illustrations that keep the book interesting without making it overly cluttered
Learn and Have Fun Activity & Game Book is recommended for home school or to supplement a
traditional school program.
Learn and Have Fun Activity & Game Book (3 - 4)
Caramel
Teora USA, LLC
2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 870 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
ISBN: 1594960305 $7.95 80 pp. plus answer keys
The educational activities in this book are mostly related to learning to observe, count and match
items. Activities include things like determining which item doesn't belong, matching the shadow
with the person, and similar. The illustrations are colorful and keep the book interesting without
making it overly cluttered. Learn and Have Fun Activity & Game Book is a recommended book
for
home school or to supplement a traditional school program.
Learn and Have Fun Activity & Game Book (6 - 7)
Caramel
Teora USA, LLC
2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 870 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
ISBN: 1594960054 $7.95 80 pp. plus answer keys
Part of the Learn and Have Fun Activity & Game Book series from Teora USA, This one
contains a
lot of math, seasons, hidden word, reading, scrambled words, learning time, and other activities
that
encourage creative thinking in a child. It has lots of colorful illustrations that keep the book
interesting without making it overly cluttered. Learn and Have Fun Activity & Game Book is a
recommended book for home school or to supplement a traditional school program.
Kids Study Bible: New International Readers Version
Zondervan Publishing
Zonderkidz Imprint
5300 Patterson SE Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310708028 $22.99 1804 pp.
More than just another NIRV children's Bible from Zondervan this is truly a study Bible for the
young. One of the unique features is a lot of bright pictures that appear to be drawn by children.
With a very brief introduction before each book, questions scattered throughout to encourage
children to think about the lessons behind the stories, and lots of other features it is an excellent
choice for children. The Bible ends with a section on life in the New Testament times and a small
dictionary. The only thing I don't like is the placement of the various pictures. For example the
pictures of Jesus walking on the water and Peter's vision are both in the pages of the book of
Jeremiah. Likewise Zacchaeus Climbing the tree is in the pages of Ezekiel. This can be confusing
to
a child when the pictures are in the wrong books. Even with this caveat it is more than just a
readable children's Bible, it teaches children how to study, think about what they have read, and
find
additional information using the dictionary. The Kids Study Bible: New International Readers
Version is highly recommended as a first Study Bible for young children.
Inside Active Directory, second edition
Sakari Kouti, Mika Seitsonen
Addison-Wesley
Pearson Education, Inc.
75 Arlington Street, Suite 300 Boston, MA 02116
ISBN: 0321228480 $54.99 1166 pp. plus index
While the authors note in the preface that this book is suitable for the complete novice, I would
disagree. It is a much better match for someone with some knowledge of Active Directory who
wants to take their knowledge to the next level and become a true Active Directory wizard. For
those with some knowledge who wants to really get down to the inner workings of Active
Directory
in a depth of detail and breadth of coverage unmatched by any other book this is the place to turn.
Kouti and Seitsonen provide excellent coverage of topics a lot of people have difficulty
understanding and setting up properly. This book supplies you with sound background theory so
you can understand these concepts and at the same time gives just the right amount of detail to
actually accomplish what you are trying to do. Inside Active Directory, Second Edition is highly
recommended to everyone already possessing a basic understanding of Active Directory and who
wants to have the best single reference available at hand.
If There's One Thing I've Learned
James Green
Sound View Publishing, Inc.
PO Box 696 Shoreham, NY 11786-0696
ISBN: 0976105845 $19.95 240 pp. plus index
Wouldn't it be great if you could gather the wisdom gathered over the years by others and use that
to not make the same mistakes they did? That is somewhat the premise of this book. Author
James
Green interviewed people and asked them to share some of their most significant insights that they
have learned when asked what they would do differently in life if they could do it over. The
answers
are arranged into the categories of life experience, the one who got away, marriage, careers, high
school, college, money, grudges, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, friends, kindness, and
retirement. After sorting through hundreds of responses Mr. Green has put the 87 most insightful
and inspirational answers into this book. Each of the responses is well written and contains at
least
one major truth about life. Interesting and insightful for people of all ages, If There's One Thing
I've
Learned is highly recommended and should be considered by all parents as an excellent choice for
a
graduation present. Send your child off into the real world with a resource of solid advice learned
the hard way from experience.
Encyclopedia of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Elaine A. Moore
McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Box 611 Jefferson, NC 28640
ISBN: 0786417943 $65.00 260 pp. plus resources list and index
This encyclopedia offers a whole lot more than just entries on the thirty plus different organisms
that
cause sexually transmitted diseases. The entries include not only information on the diseases but
also
treatment modalities, various statistics, risk factors, prevention, support organizations, and
historical
information. Some of the entries provide fascinating historical information and statistical
relationships between the diseases and race, socio-economic level, and gender. The authors even
go
so far as to include competing theories about treatment, origins of the disease, etc. Even-handed
and
complete the Encyclopedia of Sexually Transmitted Disease is a solid survey of the current
understanding of sexually transmitted diseases.
Degunking Your Email, Spam, and Viruses
Jeff Duntemann
O'Reilly Media
Paraglyph Press imprint
1005 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol CA 95472
ISBN: 193211193X $24.99 321 pp. plus index
If you have used email for more than a couple of months you realize the problem of spam, viruses,
adware, and other aggravations. Resolving that problem, at least to the extent possible given your
user environment is the purpose of this book. The approach is simple - create a gunk-free email
strategy, degunk your email, degunk your spam, degunk viruses, worms, and spyware, and then
keep it from happening again. While not a technical treatise for the power user this is an excellent
resource for the average Internet user who wants to know what is happening with their email,
slow
system performance, and other annoyances. This book explains in simple layman's terms what is
happening, how to clean it up, and how to greatly reduce the rate at which it happens again.
Degunking Your Email, Spam, and Viruses is highly recommended for the every-day user who
wants to regain control of their in-box.
Dear God, It's Me
Lynn Hodges, Sue Buchanan
Zondervan Publishing
Zonderkidz imprint
5300 Patterson SE Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310706459 $14.99 32 pp.
This is a short children's story about how God is with us any time we call upon Him. Some of the
writing comes directly from the Psalms (i.e. Make my heart your own) and can be a good way to
introduce children to the Bible by locating the same passage. The authors emphasizes
continuously
throughout the book that God cares about all the details of our life including the most minor
things
you do and say each day. Written predominantly as a prayer it helps teach children the importance
of
prayer and how to pray. Dear God, It's Me is a recommended children's book.
Crown of the Continent
Ralph Waldt
Riverbend Publishing
PO Box 5833 Helena, MT 59604
ISBN: 1931832447 $29.95 168 pp.
This book contains some of the most beautiful pictures of the northern Rocky Mountains that I
have
seen. The author becomes your own personal guide as he takes you on a virtual tour of some of
the
most breathtaking scenes of the area. In the writing he shares the different facets of the landscape,
animals, and character of each area. With its exquisite photography, Crown of the Continent is a
highly recommended nature book and a real pleasure just to sit down and browse through.
California Wild
Tim Palmer
Voyageur Press, Inc.
123 North Second Street, PO Box 338 Stillwater, MN 55082
ISBN: 0896586510 $29.95 144 pp.
California Wild can be summed up with two words - incredibly beautiful. Tim Palmer takes the
reader on a trip through the wide variety of geology, botany, and animal life of California in this
absolutely gorgeous book. The writing is excellent and makes the reader feel they are a part of the
wonderful wilds of California. These are some of the most awe-inspiring works of photography to
grace the pages of any nature book. California Wild is highly recommended both for the writing
style
that invites the reader to be a part of a guided tour of the wilds and for the incredible
photography.
Creating and Planting Alpine Gardens
Rex Murfitt
B. B. Mackey Books
PO Box 475 Wayne, PA 19087
ISBN: 1893443078 $22.50 268 pp. plus index
If you are interested in designing and building a rock garden using Alpine plants you will find this
specialized book a valuable resource. The author covers everything from designing the area, to
working with stone effects, building raised beds, preparing the soil, getting the right exposure and
selecting the right plants. At the back of the book the author has included an extensive plant guide
with detailed descriptions of different types of plants appropriate for an Alpine garden. Creating
and
Planting Alpine Gardens is recommended for anyone interested in this unique style of
gardening.
Zondervan 2005 Church and Nonprofit Tax and Financial Guide
Dan Busby, CPA
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310261821 $14.99 206 pp. plus citations
This guide covers all the most important tax topics for churches and nonprofit organizations and
includes most of the areas where nonprofits tend to get into trouble. The author covers issues of
accountability, tax exemption, employee compensation, benefits, reporting, financial records,
charitable gifting, risk management, and many other common problem areas. Of particular value is
the special index that points the reader to the specific issues and problems of churches. In addition
there are multiple checklists, charts, procedures, and even sample board resolutions. Written in
plain
English so anyone can understand and yet comprehensive enough to keep your nonprofit or
church
well-organized and out of trouble, the Zondervan 2005 Church and Nonprofit Tax and Financial
Guide is highly recommended to everyone involved with the financial aspects of any nonprofit or
church.
The Chronicles of Narnia
C. S. Lewis
Harper Collins Publishers
1350 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10019
ISBN: 0060598247 $29.99 778 pp.
This complete collection of the Chronicles of Narnia includes all the stories put together in the
order
in which C. S. Lewis meant them to be read instead of the order in which they were published.
For
example The Magician's Nephew was written several years after The Chronicles of Narnia was
started but was meant to be read first. In this collection it is placed first as Mr. Lewis meant it to
be
read. In addition it includes a short essay from C. S. Lewis on the subject of Writing for Children.
This is a massive work of almost 800 pages. Most readers will be at least somewhat familiar with
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as it has been in several smaller children's books and even
some television specials, but it is only the beginning of the Chronicles of Narnia. The complete
chronicles include The Magician's Nephew, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Horse
and
His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, and The Last
Battle.
This is a high quality hardbound book that will survive the typical abuse of children when reading
it.
If you liked The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe you will love the complete collection. The
Chronicles of Narnia, one of the all-time classics of children literature, is a highly recommended
read
and this publication of it should be considered for all public libraries and private collections.
Charts of Bible Prophecy
H. Wayne House, Randall Price
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310218969 $18.99 175 pp.
With 119 charts this is an excellent resource for studying or teaching Bible prophecy. There isn't
much in terms of explanation but it is still a great resource with some surprises. Some of the
charts
include a Contrast Between the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenant, Stages of the Kingdom of God,
Biblical Types, Basic Approaches to Eschatology, Harmony of Daniel, Views on the Relationship
of
Joel, Alternate Determinations of the Seventy Weeks of Daniel, Comparison of Covenant
Theology
and Dispensationalism, Contrasts between the Rapture Views, Prophetic Significance of Old
Testament Offerings, Views on the Millennium, Evaluating Views on Daniel, and even a few
charts
on the similarities and differences between Muslim, Jewish, and Christian eschatology. With even
handed treatment that presents different views in an organized and logical form Charts of Bible
Prophecy is a great resource for putting the information into an easy to understand format and
teaching eschatology.
Birds in your Backyard
Robert J. Dolezal
Readers Digest Association, Inc.
Readers Digest Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570
ISBN: 0762104953 $26.95 259 pp. plus index
We've all heard of butterfly gardening, planting the right flowers and other plants to attract
butterflies of all kinds. But have you considered planting the right garden plants and habitat to
attract birds? In Birds in your Backyard the author teaches the reader the details of how to make a
bird garden that will attract and support various birds. The book contains a complete section on
creating an appropriate backyard habitat including providing food, cover, and housing for the
species you want to attract. This is typical of the attention to detail the author displays throughout
the book. Other sections cover topics like choosing appropriate plants for housing materials,
building perches and shelters, birdhouses and feeders (including complete plans, materials lists,
and
assembly instructions), adding fountains or bird baths, and protection from predators. The last
part
of the book is very good section on bird habits, migration information, a guide to common North
American birds and butterflies, and a guide to plants that attract birds. Birds in your Backyard is
highly recommended to anyone interested in attracting birds or creating their own backyard bird
watching area.
Beginning PHP 5 and MySQL E-Commerce
Cristian Darie, Mihai Bucica
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219 Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 1590593928 $44.99 486 pp. plus appendixes and index
The use of PHP 5 and MySQL for e-commerce is a tested and proven combination. This book is
primarily intended for the reader who already has some PHP knowledge and needs to understand
how to build an e-commerce site. It does not focus on teaching either PHP 5 or MySQL but
instead
focuses on how to use the combination to produce an exceptional e-commerce solution. The
authors
use the example of a Tshirt shop and walk the reader through every step of completely
constructing
a viable e-commerce site. The book covers everything from designing your site, to creating a
product catalog, searching the catalog, receiving payments, catalog administration, creating a
shopping basket, working with customer orders, product recommendations, storing customer
information, secure connections, implementing the order pipeline, working with credit cards, and
setting up product reviews. The appendixes include detailed information on installing Apache,
PHP,
MySQL, and phpAdmin (for both Windows and Unix-like systems), hosting your web site, and
project management. While this is not a book about learning the PHP scripting language it does
contain enough detailed code to create a functioning e-commerce site even if you don't
understand
how the code works. For example, on page 192 it says to "Create a new template file named
admin_login.tpl in the templates folder and add the following code to it: " This is followed by a
long code listing that produces the desired results. There is a short explanation of the function of
various sections of the code but nothing that details the purpose of each command, variable, etc.
This is really not a problem since they state up front that the target audience is a PHP programmer
who needs to learn how to build an e-commerce site, but it does deserve mention for those who
have no knowledge of PHP and are considering the book. The first thing a person might notice
when
thinking about purchasing this book is that there is no CD in the back containing all the many
examples of source code. This could be very discouraging as the examples are extensive and
rewriting them by hand without error can be a daunting task. However, Apress does make all of
the
examples available for download at their web site. Beginning PHP 5 and MySQL E-Commerce is
highly recommended for anyone who has some basic knowledge of PHP and MySQL and wants
to
capitalize on this to build a powerful e-commerce site.
Beginning MySQL Database Design and Optimization
Jon Stephens, Chad Russell
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219 Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 1590593324 $44.99 487 pp. plus index
The first three chapters of this book deal with the basics of MySQL including basic concepts,
column and table types, keys, indexes, and normalization. The authors have written an excellent
introduction to MySQL that provides all the core information you need to start using it right
away.
The chapter on finding the bottlenecks is one of the best sections in the book and details some of
the
finer points to be considered when creating your database. On the other hand, the part on
optimizing
queries is excellent for the beginning MySQL student (which is the target audience for this book)
but
not as good as it could be for the more experienced MySQL user. Perhaps I am just more
sensitive
to this area because of all the badly done queries I have had to deal with before. A good
understanding of just this part can make a tremendous difference in optimization. If you are new
to
SQL queries the authors have done a great job of explaining why this is important and how to
understand it when a query takes under a minute to run and then after a small change takes
twenty.
The last section covers accessing the MySQL database via other programming languages such as
PHP. Beginning MySQL Database Design and Optimization is a recommended read for its target
audience - the beginning MySQL programmer.
Basil to Thyme: Culinary Endeavors from the Garden to the Kitchen
Tim Haas, Jan Beane
Champion Press, Ltd.
4308 Blueberry Road Fredonia, WI 53021
ISBN: 1932783113 $22.95 281 pp. plus index and glossary
If you have an herb garden or just like to cook with a lot of herbs you will enjoy this book of
recipes
that feature herbs. Each herb gets its own chapter with recipes that focus on that particular one.
The
herbs covered in the book include Basil, Dill, Oregano, Coriander, Tarragon, Chives, Rosemary,
Bay
Leaf, Thyme, Sage, Parsley, Savory, Fennel, Garlic, and Ginger. As a particular fam of Dill I had
to
try the Dill butter with Garlic (great of fresh bread) and Dill Dip. It even includes some complete
meal plans that focus on a particular herb. The recipes are clear and easy to follow, the additional
information on each of the herbs and how to use them is excellent, and the final results delicious.
Basil to Thyme: Culinary Endeavors from the Garden to the Kitchen is highly recommended for
those who want to add the use of herbs to their repertoire of cooking knowledge.
Amazing Games: Activities for Smart Kids Ages 6 - 10
Caramel
Teora USA, LLC
2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 870 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
ISBN: 1594960070 $7.95 96 pp. plus answer keys
If you are looking for a collection of fun activities for young children you need look no further
than
this book. Inside are all kinds of math mazes, connect the dots, puzzles based on viewing items
from
different perspectives, and lots of other activities all of which require some sort of creative
thinking,
close observation, counting, or logical thinking. Amazing Games: Activities for Smart Kids Ages
6 -
10 is recommended as a fun way to sharpen the mind and skills of young children.
All Around Cats!
Dolly Viscardi
T&N Children's Publishing, Inc.
NorthWord Books imprint
11571 K-Tel Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343
ISBN: 1559710721 $15.95 32 pp.
All Around Cats is a short book filled with illustrations of cats engaged in common cat activities.
Whether stalking, jumping, prowling, sneaking, or napping they are just all around cats. The
illustrations point out the wide variety of features among cats including various colors, tail shapes,
and fur types. All Around Cats is a good choice for children learning to read, and especially so if
they love cats.
Harold McFarland
Senior Reviewer
Klausner's Bookshelf
Clabbernappers
Len Bailey
Starscape
ISBN: 0765309815 $17.95, 224 pp.
The Sarksa pirates abduct the Winter Queen, putting King Krystal of Elidor into a tizzy. He needs
to
mount a rescue, but who would undertake a seemingly suicidal mission. Krystal knows his
champion
must be the most courageous soul in the universe and no one in Elidor comes close so the
monarch
turns to the Dream Machine to summon a special hero to save the Queen. Conceptually the King's
idea should have worked, but he has doubts when the Dream Machine brings him the best bull
rider
in the Oklahoma Junior Division rodeo cowboy Danny Ray who was lifted from a Cherokee
County
amusement park. The monarch is skeptical not because Danny is from earth; he has misgivings
because the "champion" is eleven years old. However, Danny Ray upon grasping why they sent
for
him, plans to prove the royal dude wrong by rescuing the Queen. His crosses the Checkered Sea
with the help of Sea Captain Quigglewigg and the Clabbernappers while pirates, an evil monarch,
the
malevolent Nightmare Queen, and a nasty ghost attempt to kill him. Middle school students will
agree with confident Danny Ray that "CLABBERNAPPERS is the best dang adventure ever" as
the
young rodeo champion seems to land in one precarious situation after another while befriending
interesting allies. The story line never slows down whether Danny Ray persuades his callers that
he
is the man albeit preadolescent for the job until the final altercation after a series of confrontations
with the bad dudes. Len Bailey provides a wonderful young adult fantasy that is not a coming of
age
tale, but instead a youthful intrepid defender performing what he thought would be an itty bitty
task.
The Chairman
Stephen Frey
Random House
ISBN: 0345457609 $21.95, 320 pp.
With the accidental death of founder Bill Donovan, Everest Capital selects thirty-six year old
Christian Gillette to replace him. Christian won the CEO seat by a razor thin margin over Bill's
heir
apparent Troy Martin. After a funeral ceremony at a church, Christian's driver opens the door of
the
limousine to let him in when the vehicle explodes killing the chauffeur and a passerby woman.
Christian wonders who amongst his rivals, (Troy, Ben Cohen, and Nigel Faraday) would want
him
hostilely removed. He rules out the family oriented Ben who is to into the weeds. He eliminates
Troy
because he believes the culprit murdered Bill and Troy knew that it was a matter of time before
his
mentor would retire. However as he takes charge of the firm now trusting no one, he realizes the
assailant is trying to destroy Everest Capital; even with private investigator Tom McGuire and his
firm on the case, it appears the offender will succeed in obliterating the company and perhaps
killing
the new CEO. More a cat and mouse suspense tale than a finance thriller, THE CHAIRMAN is an
exciting boardroom novel. The ruthless cutthroat (in this case literally) between inside rivals
insure
that the audience understands the golden rule is do unto others before they do unto you. Thus,
Christopher don's call me Chris anymore is a cold person whose life motto is trust no one; this
mantra actually gets him in deeper trouble as he must rely on others like McGuire if he to live let
alone save the company. Stephen Frey continues to be the chairman of the board when it comes to
dirty deadly practices on Wall St.
Conviction
Richard North Patterson
Random House
ISBN: 0345450191 $25.95
Death row attorney Terri Paget is working the fifteen years old capital crime conviction of
Rennell
Price, who the State of California will execute with a lethal injection in fifty-nine days. Terri
realizes
that the retarded surly black man is not a good client and her chances of saving him from the
death
penalty are slim to none. Terri with the help of her spouse and son looks back over time and
quickly
realizes that neither Rennell had much of a defense. The corpse of nine-year-old Thuy Sen was
found in San Francisco Bay and the medical examiner immediately concluded that the cause of her
death was choking on semen. Broadcast news ran the story with the picture of the young girl as
its
feature. This led to a neighbor claiming that Payton and Rennell Price, drug dealers, took the child
with them while she was apparently coming home from school. Other evidence placed the victim
in
the Price vehicle. The circumstantial evidence remains overwhelming yet Terri remains convinced
that her client is innocent. CONVICTION is an intriguing legal procedural in which the death
penalty debate is incredible, extremely complex and in all honesty wordy (not a one sitting thriller
by
any stretch even for a reviewer with a multiple book a day habit). Surprisingly with that deep look
and with solid courtroom drama, the cast never fully seems real as the law takes on a life of its
own
superseding any character. Those interested in understanding why the former Illinois Governor
halted capital punishment should read Richard North Patterson's strong view on the death penalty,
just set aside plenty of time and don't run for DA or Governor of Texas.
A Thread of Grace
Mary Doria Russell
Random House
ISBN: 0375501843 $25.95
By the fall of 1943, European Jews not in death camps or murdered seek sanctuaries in places like
Italy's Piedmont Province though this area as a refugee haven remains questionable. The small
village of Porto Sant'Andrea is home for Italian Jews led by Rabbi Soncini, Italian Catholics led by
Father Tomitz, and the occupying German army represented by Doktor Schramm. Into this mix
come non-Italian Jews especially from occupied France. The three prime groups in the village
have a
tentative peaceful co-existence, but the influx of newcomers places that in jeopardy. The Italian
Jews
want to welcome their mostly religious kin with open arms. Father Tomitz sets the tone for his
followers by providing shelter for the Jews. While Doktor Shramm hides with drink from his
murdering almost 100,000 people of which he can account for seemingly everyone, the German
leaders blindly follow orders to carry out the Final Solution. Into this volatile situation come the
allies. A THREAD OF GRACE is a fabulous complex historical tale (not sci fi as Mary Doria
Russell's' two previous works are) that brings alive a dark era through seemingly real people. The
story line is fast-paced with multiple subplots that add to the depth and the feel of 1943 Italy.
With
plenty of tidbits and multifaceted perspectives, the amazing part remains the ensemble cast
regardless of national origin or religion which all seem so genuine; for instance the plight of a
French
Jew with his daughter struggling to cross the Alps to Italy is breathtaking. World War II readers
will
want to read this slice of an odious era where lights of courageous kindness existed.
Murder at Five Finger Light
Sue Henry
NAL
ISBN: 0451213971 $23.95, 288 pp.
Sled dog racer Jessie Arnold feels the world is looking up as she rebounded from knee surgery,
recovered from a DEATH TRAP, and is back with her beloved State Trooper Alex Jensen. Jessie
accepts an invitation to a paint party thrown by close friends Laurie and Jim Trevino, who are
renovating a fixer-upper Five Finger Lighthouse on Alaska's Inner Passage; Alex has a meeting
that
he must attend so he cannot accompany Jessie, but tells her to have a good time. However,
thinking
this will be fun though hard work, Jessie goes leaving Alex behind. However, the idyllic gala of
paint
and panorama ends when Jessie finds the corpse of another guest. Assuming a tragic accident
occurred Jessie changes her mind when she tries to call for help by phone and radio; neither work
as
a killer has severed the lines with the objective to snuff the life out of the party one death at a
time.
The latest Sue Henry Alaska mystery will remind readers of Agatha Christie's classic Ten Little
Indians. The story line is action-packed once Jessie stumbles over a dead body and never slows
down as the sleuth realizes a murderer is amongst the guests. The scenery as usual is breathtaking,
but it is the cat and mouse game between the culprit and the detective that will have the audience
spellbound.
The Big Boat to Bye-Bye
Ellis Weiner
NAL
ISBN: 0451213963 $22.95, 288 pp.
Children's TV producers Charlotte Purdy and her spouse Donnie Dansicker, owners of D&D
Productions hire private investigator Pete Ingalls to uncover the identity of a blackmailer.
Charlotte
explains that someone demands one million dollars in a few days or a damning tape containing
lewd
behavior by the puppet stars of the popular PBS kiddy show Playground Pals, the flagship of
D&D,
will be shown over the net. Pete begins making inquiries after interviewing the staff as it seems
obvious that to have taped the bawdy exchanges that occurred between actual takes, it had to be
an
inside job. He quickly discovers almost everyone detests the producers and had access to the tape.
While Pete is ably aided by his office assistant wannabe actress Stephanie Constantino, the case
turns
deadly when murder occurs. Following up on his sleuthing in DROP DEAD, MY LOVELY, Pete
works the Hollywood crowd as he tries to solve the case in which there are suspects galore. He
remains a pop philosopher with observations on life that would make everyone except Stephanie,
who knows better, believe that he has too much time on his hands. The blackmail turning into a
homicide investigation is cleverly conceived so that fans of Hollywood Noir receive an enjoyable
often amusing one reel tale.
'Til Morning Light
Ann Moore
NAL
ISBN: 0451214048 $13.95, 416 pp.
In 1852, Irish widow Gracelin O'Malley accompanied by her daughter Mary Kate and adopted son
Jack travels to San Francisco where she will wed Captain Reinders in a marriage of convenience.
However, Reinders is at sea somewhere near Panama City, a place Gracelin never heard of.
Reinders' partner Lars Darmstadt and his spouse Detra are also away. Needing income, Gracelin
obtains work as a housekeeper for Dr. Wakefield and his family. The job would be fine except for
the machinations of her employer's sister Abigail, who tries to blackmail her to achieve her goals.
When Reinders arrives in town, Gracelin prepares for her wedding, but a ghost arises from the
dead
that may put a halt to the nuptials. Ann Moore continues the exciting adventures of Gracelin
O'Malley who has long since left Ireland and has now journeyed across the New World continent
with this story having her already arrived in San Francisco. The story line is filled with historical
tidbits that enable the audience to believe they are in the middle of the nineteenth century.
However,
it is the deep cast that makes this a solid historical tale as the audience can taste the psychological
prisons that each person uses to lock themselves up from fully enjoying life. 'TIL MORNING
LIGHT is a fine Americana tale.
Forgotten Man
Robert Crais
Doubleday
ISBN: 0385504284 $24.95, 342 pp.
At four in the morning, LAPD Detective Kelly Diaz calls private eye Elvis Cole to inform him that
a
shooting victim just before dying mentioned him as his son. Elvis is shocked as he never knew the
identity of his father though he spent much of his life seeking his paternal shadow. Overwhelmed
emotionally, Elvis turns to his partner Joe Pike for advice and help especially since the corpse
means
nothing to him. They fail to learn much more from the police beyond the deceased registered as
Herbert Faustina at the Home Away Suites. Could Herbert, if that was the man's actual name,
really
be Elvis' father? Detective Carol Starkey, who obsessively desires Elvis in what seems like
unrequited love keeps doing little favors to help the sleuth learn more. Hindering Elvis is
Frederick
Conrad who has covered up a deadly secret for years; believing Elvis killed his fellow conspirator
his
boss, he plans to murder the sleuth. The latest Elvis Cole thriller is very personal as he struggles
to
determine whether a dying man's last words are true only to find himself with Joe watching his
back
caught up in a dangerous cat and mouse game in which he is the rodent. The dark story line is
driven
by Elvis who seems human as he switches back and forth between belief and doubt over the
veracity
of the death alley statement, but also uses people like he does with besotted DEMOLITION
ANGEL Carol. Robert Crais provides an outstanding investigative tale that brings home many of
the
hero's insecurities.
The Society of Others
William Nicholson
Doubleday
ISBN: 0385513275 $23.95, 224 pp.
He recently graduated college, but has no goals and speculates that life is meaningless. Why
bother?
However, tired of parental nagging, he decides on a coming of age grand adventure on the
continent. He hitches a ride from the English side of the Chunnel with a philosophical truck driver
on
a three day trek across Europe. However, once they leave the land of the Euro into the heavily
guarded East, thugs using a roadblock stop the truck, torture and kill the trucker, but his
passenger
escapes. They burn the books inside the truck, but the hitchhiker rescues one along with an
envelope
that the driver gave him. The hiker reaches a nearby town where he meets Petra, who informs him
that the burned books were targeted to go to those names listed in the envelop. He joins Petra's
revolutionary band, but when her group torture the enemy at another roadblock, he flees into the
woods in despair. By himself he ponders the meaning of life. The first half of this novel is a great
coming of age tales as the unnamed narrator (apropos label for the disenchanted) finds his grand
tour turn into a nightmare. Nameless struggles with both sides in the dispute who use any means
to
achieve their end. Once he flees from Petra, the story line turns much more introspective as the
lead
character begins to analyze his relationships especially with his parents even while he dodges the
police and to a lesser degree the revolutionaries. This is a strong thriller worth reading due to the
despairing antihero but the latter half though superbly well written cannot match the incredible
levels
of excitement and suspense of the first part.
Rogue Berserker
Fred Saberhagen
Baen
ISBN: 0743498739 $22.00, 281 pp.
Harry Silver, with a wife and as a new father, needs money, but a Berserker destroyed his vessel.
Wealthy Winston Cheng offers him a small fortune along with a quality ship in exchange for Harry
leading a private army to rescue his granddaughter and great-grandson kidnapped by a Berserker.
Harry knows that if these killing machines allow a "Goodlife" to live it is only because they
become
subservient. Winston feels this abduction is different because the death machine is a rogue who
acts
dissimilar from the others. Still Harry says no as he has two reasons to live. However, Harry
learns
that the rogue Berserker kidnapped his wife and son. His only hope to save his beloved Becky and
Ethan, assuming they have not been terminated as "Badlife" and that Cheng's theory is correct, is
the
deal. Harry meets old friends, several enemies, and other adventurers while preparing for an
assault.
Though Winston's strategy seems logical, Harry knows from first hand experience that the best
laid
plans of Silver always goes astray when confronting a Berserker so why should this quest be any
different especially when another machine seeks to kill Cheng's crew. ROGUE BERSERKER is a
throwback tale to the earlier novels with Berserkers in the forefront leading to non-stop action.
Harry seems more complete as he seeks vengeance, prays for a miracle expecting none, and
accepts
any means is fine as long as he rescues his family. Fueled by anger and helplessness, his obsession
makes him less ethical yet more human than hero. Fred Saberhagen provides a terrific entry in his
long running series as he returns to the basics: human vs. invincible killing machine within a tense
story line.
Dance of Desire
Catherine Kean
Medallion
ISBN: 193281535X $6.99
In 1192 Lady Rexana Villeaux is desperate to save her fifteen years old brother Rudd from being
arrested as a traitor. To succeed she must steal a list that High Sheriff Fane Linford has. To
accomplish this deed, she must replace an ailing actress and dance like a desert courtesan as
rumors
that the former Crusader survived months of torture and imprisonment due to the love of a
Saracen
courtesan. While she distracts Fane, her accomplice is to take the list. Fane immediately realizes
that
the scantily clad female is a fake as she fumbles several nuances in her performance. Still he is
intrigued as to why she would perform as she has. When he learns who her sibling is, he offers her
a
bargain; marry him and he will help her brother. Medieval romance readers will appreciate the
DANCE OF DESIRE because of the brooding hero and the courageous woman who lightens his
soul when she steals his heart. The story line is somewhat typical of the sub-genre with clever
villains plotting against King Richard while a former Crusader and his reluctant bride stand in their
way. Still the changing relationship between the couple entertains the audience who will wonder
whether ultimately Rexana will have to choose between her love for her husband or for her
brother.
Daniel's Veil
R.H. Stavis
Medallion
ISBN 0974363960 $6.99, 308 pp.
Police officer Daniel O' Brady has witnessed one death too many with the latest involving a child
he
couldn't save from her father. He's ordered to take a vacation and heads to the countryside when
he
has an accident with his car. He walks to a village where the people welcome him and won't take
money from him for food, lodgings or anything else. He meets Rosie the owner of a diner and the
two are drawn to one another. However not everything is good in paradise. The clock in the
center
of town never moves and a house with blue lights flashing comes into existence when Daniel
comes
to town. The house, surrounded by blue lights attracts him and when he enters he sees a man in
another dimension who is in a supposedly haunted house trying to prove his theory that Slim
Veils,
energy fields separates the various dimensions and when the veil is slim enough, contact between
the
two planes can appear. Michael and Daniel discover the truth, one that they never before
considered,
and it will change their lives forever. Michael wants to prove that the so called ghosts that have
been
seen by people are really entities from another dimension. Daniel wants to discover what the
townsfolk are hiding from him. Neither man realizes they are linked together in a way that defies
space and time. R.H. Stavis has written a fascinating and enthralling paranormal tale of what lies
beyond the veil. The ending will come as a shock to the readers as the author brilliantly creates a
solution that takes in all the possibilities from the adjoining sides of the veil.
Big Hair and Flying Cows
Dolores J. Wilson
Medallion
ISBN: 1932815171 $24.95 228 pp.
All Roberta "Bertie" Bird wants is to live a normal life. However that is not easy when you drive a
two truck five days a week in which your neighbors in Sweet Meadow, Georgia think is a taxi
service. They will do anything and everything to get their ride. Even moving out from her parents'
home has not proven easy since the owner and previous resident elderly Pete Forney constantly
sneaks out of the nursing home to "visit" Birdie when he is not trying to toss her out. She has
males
in her life, but none reach first base because the zany world intrude from Catch 22 zoning laws to
running over a mattress that destroys her wrecker that places "Dirty Bird" on national TV.
Following the death of Pete, Birdie meets Pete's son Arch and his granddaughter Petey; they make
her feel normal except he fled when she kissed him. Life in Bertie's beloved rural Georgia means
the
sublime is the norm. BIG HAIR AND FLYING COWS is a series of vignettes centering loosely
on a
series of misfortune hammering at Bertie that is similar in many ways to the Mossy Creek tales.
Bertie is a delight as her efforts to obtain normalcy is constantly devastated by those in need of
her
services. Her autobiographical account of sh*t happens is southern humor at its most jocular.
Mossy
Creek readers will appreciate a slice of life in Sweet Meadow through the eyes of a native
daughter
who just wants the garage sign changed to Bird and daughter from Bird and Sons as she remains
while her brothers flew the coop years ago.
The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
Kim Harrison
Harper Torch
ISBN: 0060572973 $6.99, 453 pp.
After being given crap cases that she felt were below her talent, witch Rachel Morgan broke the
cardinal rule by resigning from the human managed federal government's Inderland Security. EEO
and merit promotion fail when it comes to the glass ceiling for witches and other assorted ilk.
Rachel
opens up a firm with Jenks the Pixie and Ivy Tamwood the ill-tempered Vampire, but though she
loves the independence worries about the rent. Her former agency contracts out an assignment to
Rachel. In Cincinnati, a serial killer is murdering witches, which makes Rachel the perfect witch to
stop the culprit. The preliminary evidence points towards Trent Kalamack, who would cherish
feeding his black magical soul with the prowess of his victims. With her helpers not much help as
Ivy
still needs to cut her teeth and Jenk is stuck in polyester and her boyfriend is tied up with demons
that he conjures up, Rachel patrols the night by herself knowing that she risks her life to stop an
evil
from feeding on her sisters. This sequel to the delightful DEAD WITCH WALKING is a
wonderful
paranormal private investigative tale that in many ways will remind readers of the works of Kelly
Armstrong and Charlaine Harris. The story line is terrific as Kim Harrison displays insider
knowledge to the workings of a bureaucracy when they force Rachel to quit, but hire her back as
a
contractor for more money and full use of her skills. The key to the tale is the cast who will turn
believers of skeptics that vampires, pixies, witches, and an assortment of other supernatural beings
exist. That is the magic of Kim Harrison.
Tiger Eye
Marjorie M. Liu
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526263 $6.99, 352 pp.
In Beijing, Dela Reese searches the various booths of the Cheap Dirt Market until she purchases
an
ancient looking riddle box for a ridiculously low price. She takes the box to her apartment, but is
unable to read the inscription that looks like gibberish to Dela. However, she manages to "open"
the
box; in the next nanosecond a handsome seven foot warrior offers to obey her commands. Dela
tells
Hari he is free, but he says she cannot release him because part of the curse is that he must stay
near
his owner. He explains that the curse began two millennium ago when a magi stole his skin and
killed his sister. When an assassin tries to kill Dela with a knife she made, he intercedes though
she
never commanded him to do so. As Hari finds Dela unique and different than any previous owner,
they fall in love, but someone wants her dead and if they succeed the trouble with Hari is that they
would own him unless Hari can end the curse by finding his skin. TIGER EYE is an exhilarating
fantasy romantic suspense that enables the audience to glimpse modern day Beijing. The genie in a
non-bottle container rescued by a courageous heroine is not a new theme. Sherrilyn Kenyon's did
this in FANTASY LOVER. However, Marjorie M. Liu makes it feel as if she is the first to use
this
concept because of the interactions between Dela and Hari. She adapts perhaps because of her
curse
to "hear" people's laments while he struggles to accept her honest efforts to liberate him without
personal gain; together they make for an exciting tale.
Night Games
Nina Bangs
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505524805 $5.99, 353 pp.
In 2502, the most popular spectator sport to watch is sex games. The current league MVP is
Brian
Byrne has sent many a woman into faint and many a man filled with envy (semen would be too
much
effort). With the season finished, Brian decides he needs a breather, but his head is too well
known
so he chooses to travel back five centuries to his ancestral Irish estate. Ally O'Neal is the author of
a
perfect wife series but her recent divorce jeopardizes the franchise. Her editor wants her to write a
book on getting back into the dating game. However, Ally decides to take a breather first and
accompanies her eccentric aunt on a ghost-busting trip to Ireland. When Brian and Ally meet, he
immediately employs all his craft to bed her though his contract forbids off-season sex, but
shockingly, Ally rejects his efforts. Even his strange but interesting gadgets fail to get a rise from
Ally. Soon the future stud and the modern day woman fall in love, but how far will they go? Nina
Bangs has to be the imagination queen of amusing sexual romances for who else could come up
with
such a plot and devices that appear to work and blend them with warm characters into an
entertaining novel. The science fiction romance story line engages the audience who can
understand
the future evolution of sports and the spectator. The lead couple is a delight, as their interactions
will provide readers with quite a bang. NIGHT GAMES is a humorous satire poking fun at the
games people play.
Time Rogues
Kay Austin
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526212 $5.99, 308 pp.
In Dallas, Mackenzie Cates believes that the Pompeii Man and the rest of the exhibit from that
doomed city will be the final ticket for her to become the museum director. However her former
lover archeologist Professor Rick Mason is also back and wants a second chance after foolishly
dumping her. Besides the weird noises that Mack insists must be from the new ventilation system,
she sees the statue move; that has no rationalization. Unable to resist, Mack touches the stone and
somehow frees Dak a time rogue trapped inside the stone who now shares Rick's body. As Mack
and Rick begin to reconcile, a strange bald female stares at him and the statue as if she desires
both.
Rick tries to persuade his beloved that he will marry her, but first must save the world from the
time
rogue and get Dak back to his body; failure in the first could mean the end of the world as Mack
knows it, but worse failure with the second means Rick shares his body and so does Mack with
that
bald beauty. This is an exciting time travel romance starring two delightful battling lead
protagonists
(kind of like the couple from Indiana Jones and the Treasure of the Lost Ark). The story line is
fast-paced and action-packed but can be difficult to follow with numerous short inserts that spin
away from the prime players, which in fairness paradoxically gives the science fiction feel to the
tale.
Mack and Rick are a wonderful pairing struggling with a second chance at love while under
pressure
to save the world. Fans will enjoy the TIME ROGUES, a wild torrid trip back and forth into the
past, present, and future.
For Camelot's Honor
Sarah Zettel
Luna
ISBN: 0373802188 $13.99, 400 pp.
Widow Adora is pulled in two directions as Arthur of Camelot and Urien of Eufaen want her to
align her cantrev Cantru Pont Cymryd with them. Adora takes a daring approach weighing the
honor
being a vassal to both men while her daughter Elen crosses the bridge to help one of the fae l give
birth. A healthy baby is born and Elen heads home, but finds Urien is the Lord and her mother
dead.
Morgaine le Fay cuts out Elen's heart and puts it inside a falcon so that whoever controls the bird
has the woman also under a gaes. Round Table knight Sir Geraint falls in love with Elen while
sensing her danger. He tries to rescue her and grabs the falcon just before it takes them to the land
of fairy. Elen makes a deal with the Lord and Lady that she will return to them the Spear of
Monewydden once she completes her vengeance on Urien. This means traveling to Morgaine's
ally
the Little King Gwiffert, who has plans for the female falcon with only Sir Geraint to keep Elen
safe
or die in the attempt. The land where Gwiffert rules is loaded with magic and glamour making it
difficult for the two outsiders to locate him until they observe how he treats his subjects. This is a
microcosm of the bewitching tale that focuses on one of King Arthur's knights and the woman he
loves. Sara Zettel has written an enchanting tale where magic is taken for granted in a similar way
to
how we accept technology. The Arthurian crowd will love this adventure and look forward to a
sequel.
Trip Wire
Charlotte Carter
One World (Ballantine)
ISBN: 0345447697 $12.95, 192 pp.
In Chicago Cassandra Perry cherishes her Aunt Ivy and Uncle Woody for taking her in almost ten
years ago when her grandmother who raised her without love died. By 1968 the twenty years old
Cassandra is mortified by the world she sees. Her cousin was murdered in front of her,
assassinations have struck down two leaders, and recently the riots at the Democratic Convention
have made her reconsider her values. When fellow Afro-American Wilt Mobley asks her to move
into a hippie commune, she does over the chagrin of her loving relatives. Someone murders Wilt
and
his white girlfriend Mia Boone. Chicago Police Detective James Norris snidely questions
commune
members, refusing to look elsewhere for a culprit. He hones in on the only other Negro member
Sandy as the commune calls Cassandra insisting that she was jealous sharing a hunk Black man
with
a white. Accompanied by Ivy and Woody, Cassandra begins her own inquiries knowing the police
will either blame her or ignore the double homicides, but the trio is not prepared for the politicians
that are willing to kill to stop her investigation. This engrossing historical fiction is a terrific look
back to 1968, a year of disenchantment through the eyes of a former idealist turn lost soul. The
story
line is fantastic as Cassandra wonders what's going on especially when the cops' attitudes towards
Blacks and hippies (or worse if you belong to both) are loud and clear. The amateur sleuth
elements
start late and are fun to follow, but the heart and soul of Charlotte Carter's TRIP WIRE is
Christmas1968 in a Chicago where no joy to the world exists.
Hello to All That: A Memoir of War, Zoloft, and Peace
John Falk
Holt
ISBN: 0805072187 $25.00, 284 pp.
This touching autobiography wins on two fronts as John Falk paints quite a self portrait of his
depressing teen years culminating with the miracle of Zoloft and his twenties as a journalist in
Sarajevo in 1993, the heart of the hostilities. Both accounts rivet the audience as Mr. Falk
explains
that he was a happy preadolescent raised in a loving home when suddenly at twelve he became
depressed and stayed that way for a dozen years until Zoloft gave him back his life. To celebrate
his
return from the living dead, John becomes a war correspondent. This segment of the book relates
how the devastated city is home to people trying to stay alive. These human interest stories are
touching and warm with hopes that those like a working student made it. Mr. Falk provides a
heartfelt remarkable memoir of a person surviving two wars, a personal one that medicine cures
and
the other caused by human atrocities that should shame everyone.
Busted Flush
Brad Smith
Holt
ISBN: 0805076506 $24.00, 320 pp.
Everybody in Coppers Falls, New York has an explanation why Dock Bass left town, leaving his
social climbing spouse and the realty job she pushed him into behind as he resents one and hates
the
other. In fact, no one is close to the truth why abruptly Dock, who enjoys fishing and cards with
beer left town. Simply the letter from the Pennsylvania attorney gave Dock a reason and means to
skip for he has inherited a farm in the Gettysburg area. On his new homestead that needs immense
cleaning, Dock finds nineteenth century treasures especially valuable Civil War artifacts, but the
prize is an apparent recording of Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg address. For someone who
sought mellow, Dock finds he becomes the center of a storm with the media, treasure hunters,
avaricious "friends", and his greedy wife. Using hyperbole to exaggerate traits, Brad Smith
provides
a biting satire on America where everything from the Blair House to the Lincoln Room to an
Inauguration is on sale. Nothing is sacred regardless of what it might be as there is a price for
everything as unassuming Dock learns during the shark infested frenzy. Fans of wild lampooning
and
historical buffs (while cringing with the for sale sign) will enjoy this sharp edged tale and ponder
could Monica's dress be E-Bay bound?
The Rising
Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins
Tyndale
ISBN 0842360565 $25.95, 380 pp.
Marilena Carpathia is a dowdy unfeminine woman who is more interested in the intellect than in
looking attractive. She is married to Sarin who, like her, is a professor at the University of
Bucharest
in Romania. Their relationship is platonic, a mating of the minds, and she is satisfied until the day
comes that she wants a child, something Sarin doesn't want. She meets and becomes involved
with
Viv Ivins, a spiritualist who worships Lucifer. She tells Marlena that Lucifer will grant her a child
if
she promises to raise him to worship him. Both Lucifer and Christ contact her; the former
promises
her the child while the latter offers her nothing but salvation. She chooses Viv's god and gives
birth
to Nicolae who grows up to be a brilliant, cunning, and manipulative man who promises to
worship
Lucifer as his god in return for becoming ruler of the Earth. Readers of the Left Behind series get
to
see how Nicolae came into being, how Viv entered his life and how Lucifer controlled events to
make Nicolae the perfect Antichrist who would obey him. Surprisingly, hearts will go out to
Marilena who realized she made a Faustian bargain and lived to regret it. The audience also learns
how Rafe Steel becomes the man he grew up to be prior to the Rapture. THE RISING is a
fantastic
work that only master writers like Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins can produce.
Necessary Evils
Neesa Hart
Tyndale
ISBN: 1414300395 $14.99, 308 pp.
When National Press Secretary George Romero failed to appear at the White House Situation
Room
following the abrupt disappearance of millions of people, the Chief of Staff Brad Benton assumes
his
friend is dead. Pictures delivered to Brad prove that someone murdered George. Brad
investigates,
which leads to several attempts to kill him and his loved ones. Brad works with Los Angeles
Times
reporter Liza Cannley who finds evidence that wealthy industrialist Victor Rudd, a major
campaign
contributor to President Fitzhugh's election efforts, abetted by Constantine Kostankis diverted
gold
from the Federal Reserve. They used their illegal gain to fund a covert operation using Abkhazian
rebels to recapture a research facility from Muslin Fundamentalists with the conspiracy involving
the
White House, the Joint Chiefs, and high ranking Justice and State Department officials. However
when the evidence is found the question remains of who to give it to since anyone in Washington
and connected to the president is suspect. Unlike the first two tales in this series, the action
centers
on the heroic Brad who risks his life to expose high level corruption, murder and other illegalities
in
order to bring George's killers to justice. There is plenty of action especially as the perpetrators
attempt to kill Brad. Though his enemies seem invincible and omnipotent in most matters, they are
pathetic when it comes to erasing two fleas. Still Neesa Hart provides an enthralling refreshing
and
original post Rapture political thriller that emphasizes the international left behind crowd more
than
the religious implications.
3 Brides For 3 Bad Boys
Lucy Monroe
Kensington Brava
ISBN: 0758208588 $14.00
Rand. Phoebe loves Rand, but a tragedy has left him rejecting her. Desperate she offers him a
deed
to property he covets for one week of sex. Though he vowed never to have sex with Phoebe the
offer is too enticing on the boardroom and bedroom fronts. She prays that once they commingle,
he
will want her forever though she knows the risk could be a broken heart. Carter. To inherit a
fortune
from his late father, Carter must marry. He selects his employee, the pretty intelligent Daisy as his
temporary wife. She agrees as she will earn an easy half a million. Their wedding night is heaven
making Carter wonder how to persuade Daisy he wants to erase the temporary from her new job
description of wife; Daisy knows now the 500K was not worth the broken heart when Carter ends
their marital arrangement. Colton: When Colton wakes up with a woman sharing his bed, he
smiles
until Fayre insists they are married. He cannot believe he does not remember saying I do. As cool
hand Colton wonders how opposites could stay blissfully wedded the more he is with his new wife
the more he wants to be with this ardent soul. These three novellas star the Denning "bad boy"
brothers and a trio of delightful females who heat more than just their blood. Each tale is distinct
because the lead couples contain differing personalities and albeit divergent relationships. Though
Phoebe trade raises eyebrows even if her motives are pure, fans of erotic romantic anthologies
will
enjoy Lucy Monroe's passionate love stories due to a fine cast.
Baked To Death
Dean James
Kensington
ISBN 0758204876 $22.00, 286 pp.
Taking the pill daily gives vampire Simon Kirby-Jones all the nourishment he needs so he doesn't
drink human blood, is able to walks in the sunshine and has heightened senses. The only changes
are
that he is immortal and is stronger and faster than humans. After he broke up with Professor Tris
Lovelace, the vampire that turned him, he moved to Laurel Cottage in the English village of
Snupperton Mumsley. He is attracted to his assistant Giles but fears disclosing his feelings in case
his
cherished one turns away in revulsion when Simon tells him he is a vampire. Tris arrives declaring
that he wants Simon wants back. When a medieval fair comes to the village, Simon, Tris, and
Giles
are present in the tent of Luke de Montfort when the host suddenly dies. Tris believes he was
poisoned; Simon throws himself into the investigation to stop thinking about Tris who might have
caused Luke's death because he refuses to succumb to blackmail and change Luke into a vampire.
There are other suspects who hated Luke; Simon hopes that one of them and not Tris will turn
out
to be the killer. Dean James has written an upbeat amateur sleuth mystery with a vampire as the
hero. Simon has many wonderful qualities and his fear that Giles will turn away from him in
horror
once he learns the truth about him endears him to the audience. BAKED TO DEATH shows
readers
what it is like behind the scenes at a medieval fair and how it mimics the real world. Readers will
find this charming entertaining and delightful mystery a book to put on the keeper shelf.
The Assassin
Rachel Butler
Dell
ISBN: 0440241200 $6.99, 384 pp.
In Key West, artist Selina McCaffrey runs Island Dreams, an art gallery except when she is on
assignment for her "Uncle" William Davis. Fourteen years ago William "helped" Selena with a
problem involving a death and she would do anything for him now. William sends Selena to clean
up
a mess incriminatingly left behind by his assistant Damon Long. An irate Damon detests Selena
who
is treated more like William's family than a worker. Selena temporarily moves to Tulsa to live next
door to Detective Tony "Chee" Ceola, who is putting together a case against William. Selena is to
destroy the dossier and if necessary kill the cop. Damon hopes she will mess up though he admits
she is a survivor. While a serial killer murdering the dregs of society leaves behind "repent" as his
message diverts Tony's efforts to put away William, the detective and his assassin fall in love. Will
Selena choose the man who gave her a lifeline when she was a drowning teen or the cop that
offers
her a lifetime of love? The key to THE ASSASSIN is the believability of Selena as a fighter, a
survivor, and a woman in love; the cast including Chee pale next to her. The story line grips the
audience from the moment Selena shows her skills against a much heavier male opponent and
never
slows down until she must choose sides. Readers will wonder whether she will go with the father
figure who "saved" her in the past or the hunk who offers her a warm enlightened future. Rachel
Butler provides a gripping thriller that keeps her audience guessing which one Selena will
select.
Path of Glory
Bret M. Funk
Tyrannosaurus Press
PO Box 8337, New Orleans, LA 70182
ISBN: 097188191X $19.95
In the land of Madryn, the four races are forced to work together to defeat the evil Darklord
Lorthas. The elves, the humans and the Garan'ah fought courageously at the final battle when the
mages erected the Barrier to contain Lorthas. The Barrier is a magical mountain range with only
one
entrance, a portal guarded by a garrison of troops. A millennium later, the segregated races keep
totally to themselves distrusting one another. Young orphan Jeran lives on a farm near the
Boundary; he befriends a runaway slave Dahr. The twosome share many happy times together
before two outlaws thought to have been exiled inside the barrier attack their homestead. Jeran's
uncle sends him to warn King Mathis that the Barrier is weakening. Accompanied by Dahr, Jeran
meets allies and enemies in their quest to see the king; even after their message is delivered, the
adventures of Jeran and Dahr are just beginning as the monarch has plans for his youthful
messengers. PATH OF GLORY is epic fantasy in the tradition of THE LORD OF THE RINGS
and
the SHANNARA series. The protagonists are two young people who must learn about their
different heritages if they hope to understand what is happening and being able to help when the
seemingly inevitable war begins. No one will be in a funk after reading this fine coming of age
novel
except those who fail to read the next tale, SWORD OF HONOR, in the Boundary Fall
series.
Sword of Honor
Bret M. Funk
Tyrannosaurus Press
PO Box 8337, New Orleans, LA 70182
ISBN: 0971881901 $19.95
The orphan Jeran and the former slave Dahr thought their mission would end once they warned
King
Mathis that the "boundary" that entrapped the Darklord Lorthas is weakening (see PATH OF
GLORY). The concerned monarch understands how difficult it was to incarcerate Lorthas when
the
four races united a millennium ago; he fears defeat since there is much more disharmony between
the
people now. He assigns the messengers and his son Martyn to rally allies among the other races
and
warn them that Lorthas is coming. Jeran and Martyn meet with the elves, who detest commingling
with other species, to persuade them to join in a new alliance; Dahr goes to rally his race the
Garun'ah against a not so common foe. As Lorthas mentally crosses the Boundary to devastate
the
teen messengers when they dream, others plot to use his return to overthrow the King. The elves
are
divided as some feel Lorthas was right and they should stay out or join his side of the dispute. The
Garun'ah have doubts about renewing the ancient alliance. Book two of the Boundaries Fall saga
is a
terrific coming of age epic fantasy in which Bret Funk makes his five races worshiping different
Gods seems genuine as if the Middle East relocated to Madryn. The complex story line contains
two
prime subplots, the split adventures of Jeran/Martyn and Dahr on their separate treks though
other
themes are also explored. The cast enables the audience to comprehend how each race sees the
world so differently. Though it would be better to have read the previous book first as references
to
events in BOUNDARY'S FALL would prove meaningless, fans will enjoy this deep fantasy.
The Devil of Nanking
Mo Hayder
Atlantic/Grove
ISBN: 0802117945 $24.00, 368 pp.
In Tokyo former London University student "Grey" Hutchins seeks information on war atrocities
specifically the 1937 Nanking Massacre. She hears rumors that visiting Chinese Professor Shi
Chongming was in the province at the time and filmed the occupying Japanese army torturing the
locals. She requests a copy of the 8mm film, but he tells her to leave. Though broke, Grey refuses
to
give up just because an elderly scholar declines to help her. She obtains employment at The Club,
frequented by gangsters where she meets wheelchair-bound hoodlum Fuyuki. He is protected by a
mini army of thugs and is rumored to have an elixir that keeps him alive. At Tokai University,
Chongming learns that Grey has befriended Fuyuki so the professor offers her a deal; he will give
her
the film in exchange for her providing him with Fuyuki's elixir. Though probably deadly, Grey
accepts the devil's terms, but wonders why he never released the film and why he covets the elixir.
She will soon learn more than she ever wanted to know about both and information on her own
link
to 1937 Nanking. THE DEVIL OF NANKING is an extremely complex tale not for the faint of
heart that moves on two major paths. Readers follow the Professor in 1937 Nanking and Grey in
1990 Tokyo; however, the key to the flow and the evidence of Mo Haydor's skill lies in the way
the
subplots deftly intermingle without disturbing each other yet connect through events and people.
This dark at times gloomy tale filled with depressing lost souls is not for everyone, but those who
"never forget" the depravity of humans towards humans will feel the haunting of Nanking.
In One Year and Out the Other
Nine different authors
Downtown (Pocket)
ISBN: 1416503307 $13.00, 373 pp.
This nine tale chick lit anthology is overall an entertaining relatively strong collection. Each tale is
well written with none disastrous and a third really superb. Especially enticing are entries by
sub-genre favorites Cara Lockwood, Beth Kendrick, and Diane Stingley. Though this reviewer
holds
a prejudicial belief that that the short story is the perfect medium for this milieu, sub-genre fans
including those who prefer novels will appreciate this collection. This reviewer's New Year
resolution is to try to read books in a timelier manner. Still better late than never, fans will toast
the
authors of this delightful lighthearted anthology, which holds up for any holiday as the characters
and their respective relationships make for a fun read in time for Valentine's Day.
Best of Friends
Cathy Kelly
Downtown
ISBN: 0743490258 $14.00, 528 pp.
Abby Barton has become a famous TV personality with the success of her show "Declutter: Your
Home and Your Life". However, she feels pressure on all sides from her producer to her spouse,
but
mostly her reticent teenage daughter Jess. Medical receptionist Lizzie Shanahan nurtures everyone
but herself. However, in spite of caring for patients, her adult children and even her former
husband
Myles, Lizzie feels alone; her despondency is augmented by Myles finding a new love in his life.
After a decade in the States, Erin Kennedy and her spouse Greg return to Ireland where he begins
a
new job in Cork. However, she worries about returning to Ireland after fleeing from her family
years
ago to live in Boston, and Chicago. Sally Richardson is contented with raising her children with a
loving spouse, but her happiness is tempered by cancer. When she dies, her three friends, who
believed they had the weight of the world on their back, learn what life is all about. The four
subplots are handled with dexterity so though rotated in no obvious order; readers with a degree
of
difficulty will be able keep track of how each of the key females feels. Readers will care about
these
women and hope for the best for each of them. The character driven subplots are complex and
interesting as the surviving trio begins to appreciate what they already have. Cathy Kelly furbishes
a
fine tale with the moral of live life to the fullest with loved ones for one day you will be an angel
sitting on a cloud looking down hopefully with joy towards those you cherish.
I'm With Cupid
Diane Stingley
Downtown
ISBN: 0743464923 $13.00, 304 pp.
Cynical Cupid believes he has the "worst job in the entire universe" as he deals with romance on
Planet Thirty-seven, known by the whining inferior natives as Earth. His current assignment is to
bring together Anna Munson and Nick Wells, who work in the same firm, but both avoid office
romances. After hearing his laugh at a joke involving an imitation of a difficult client, Anna and
Nick
feel an attraction. Perhaps it is Cupid's frustration over not obtaining the transfer to Planet
Forty-three or just dealing with billions leading to some form of on the job stress, but on their first
date, Cupid breaks the romance SOPs. He shoots a true love arrow into Anna's heart before the
pair
can become better acquainted with one another. Anna goes from self assured to floor mat as she
would do anything including destroying her life for Nick. Cupid quickly realizes that after
millennium of matchmaking he has made a big error that he must correct or at least cover-up
because his employers will punish him for this rule breaking. He must make Anna not love her
man;
this should prove easy as Nick is a rat who uses abuses and surely loses sweet Anna if Cupid has
his
way. Chick lit meets the Roman Gods in an amusing offbeat tale. The story line is fun to follow
when Cupid is active, but loses some of its zaniness when nasty Nick is the center as he is just a
selfish dude (ask the "the not-particularly-promising girl" about him). Still fans will enjoy this fine
fantasy romance filled with a lead couple learning what a relationship really is.
Scare the Night Away
Vicky Delaney
Poisoned Pen
ISBN: 1590581415 $24.95, 346 pp.
Vancouver bank executive and widow Rebecca McKenzie swore she would never return to her
home town of Hope River. However, the only person who could ever possibly get Rebecca to
return, her beloved mom, died so she has come home for the funeral. Her father welcomes her as
if
she was never away; her older sister Shirley resents her; her older brother Jimmy wants her to
forgive him for his behavior as a teen towards her when he emulated their sociopathic grandfather
with Rebecca being an abused victim. Her dad gives her diaries that her mom kept especially
during
World War II when she a Brit, married a Canadian soldier and relocated to Canada where she met
"It" her terrorizing father-in-law. In town, she is accosted by two angry men who blame Jimmy as
a
former convict for the disappearance of a popular high school student, Jennifer Taylor. As
Rebecca
meets her nieces, nephews and other relatives for the first time and reads the diaries she begins to
feel for her father and her siblings. As the trio reconciles Rebecca investigates what happened to
Jennifer since she no longer believes the reformed Jimmy did anything. SCARE THE NIGHT
AWAY is a fabulous Canadian family drama with the suspense that comes in the latter half of the
tale serving as the catalyst towards bringing an estrange family together. The story line is
character
driven mostly by Rebecca and how she relates with her father, her siblings, their spouses, children,
and grandchildren. The diary serves as a solid subplot describing Rebecca's sociopath grandfather
terrorizing her parents. Readers will enjoy the cell phone ending to a strong character study.
Painted Veil
Beverle Graves Myers
Poisoned Pen
ISBN: 1590581407 $24.95, 314 pp.
After debuting as a castrati (male soprano) three years ago in Venice, Tito Amato's career soared
with plum roles at the state owned Teatro San Marco until now as he plays a significant but not
the
title role in a production of Cesare in Egitto. Tito allowed fame and the fawning of others to get
to
his head. He blames himself for his fall; failing to practice properly and allowing his conceited ego
to
enflame director Maestro Torani who chose vain Francisco Florio for the prime role. Torani asks
Tito to find head scene artist Luca Cavalieri who has failed to come to work; he trusts the castrati
to
be discrete as he was during the INTERRUPTED ARIA affair. Seeing an opportunity to regain
favor, Tito searches for the missing painter; Tito's acquaintance, visiting Englishman Gussie
Rumboldt, joins him on the quest. They soon find their target dead, which leaves the opera house
in
jeopardy since the scenes will probably not be ready on time and the cloud of a homicide places
everyone under suspicion, Tito and Gussie continue to investigate hoping to identify the killer in
time to save the production. The second Baroque mystery is a delightful historical mystery that
provides incredible insight into early eighteenth century Venice from mostly the perspective of the
artists involved in an opera production. The story line is cleverly developed around Tito's attempts
to recover from his fall from grace by sleuthing as he sees cooperating through detection as a
means
to regain favor with Torani. The who-done-it plays second banana to Beverle Graves Myers' aria
that looks deep into opera circa 1734 Venice.
Justice Incarnate
Regan Black
Echelon Press
56 Sawyer Cir. #354, Memphis, TN 38103
ISBN: 1590803868 $13.99, 207 pp.
In 2096 Chicago, security expert Jaden Michaels knows more about her past lives than ever
before
and vows to make a final victorious stand in this reincarnation against the evil that successfully
has
killed her over and over again since he first killed her in 1066. Although she acknowledges that is
the same pledge she has made in each of her previous lives, Jaden feels she remembers more than
ever before so takes hope in that. Her beloved over the years this time is a by the book cop Brian
Thomas, who enforces the law to the strictest level including those peddling contraband like black
market coffee. Unlike his beloved Jaden, he remembers nothing and never has about previous
lives.
Her malevolent killer, whose memories run the millennium, happens to be Albertson, a man that
Brian, holds in high regard sort of like a beloved father figure. He rejects Jaden's plea that he will
kill
her as she offers no evidence except some cockamamie story. Will history repeat itself or will
Jaden
succeed on what she vows is her last stand? JUDGE INCARNATE is a terrific reincarnation
thriller
that the audience will read in one sitting as the tense story line grips the audience because of the
relational triangle through lifetimes. Jaden is a fabulous besieged protagonist who cannot get her
beloved to believe her as he needs proof to believe something as intriguingly Brian is the only
ignorant member of the war. Fans will appreciate this strong tale in which the audience will
believe
in past lives while looking forward to future Shadows of Justice novels.
Indian Givers
J.A. Russo
Xlibris
ISBN: 1413464564 $21.99 287 pp.
In Providence, Carl Bartelli has one goal in life and no one including his wife or his business
partner
Evan Graham will stand in the way of his achieving his objective of becoming a millionaire before
he
turns fifty. Though his company Barham Armored Car Company has done well in New England
and
now in Sao Paulo, he sees the opportunity to attain his dream. He offers a deal with The Brave
Wolf
Reservation tribe to provide the capital to expand the successful slot machines emporium into a
casino hotel complex in exchange for a piece of the action. Using the same illegal "borrowing" of
client money that capitalized the Brazilian venture at no cost, Carl, Evan and junior partner Judy
Meade cut a deal with the tribe. A setback occurs when an abandoned gas station that Carl
planned
to buy to build the casino on is no longer for sale. The station's co-owner Claude Samuels plans to
reopen up the gas station. Refusing to allow anyone to get in his way, Carl, over the protest of his
partners, burns down the property of the Samuel siblings. If Judy or Evan become obstacles Carl
will
kill them. INDIAN GIVER contains a terrific story line, but the key to the tale is the strong cast.
One track minded Carl is an intriguing villain while his partners and to a lesser degree his wife are
willing to break the law just not as violently as he does. The council members are also interesting
as
they soon conclude that they negotiated with evil. J.A. Russo writes a tense tale that grips the
audience from the moment the audience comprehends how cleverly calculatingly cunning a killer
the
lead protagonist is. This is an exciting reading experience
The World Still Melting
Robley Wilson
Dunne
ISBN: 0312336799 $24.95, 263 pp.
In 1980s Iowa farm country, Harvey and Nancy Riker, Burton Stone, and Paul and Arlene Tobler
are neighbors. Harvey abuses Nancy who finds first solace and then love with former Nam veteran
Burton. When Harvey learns of their affair, he gets a gun to kill Burton, but instead murders Paul
for
being a Good Samaritan by trying to stop the violence before it happens. While the grieving
widow
Arlene returns to her family in South Dakota, Harvey goes to prison and Nancy and Burton
marry.
When vagrants use the vacated Tobler home as a shelter, Burton becomes upset feeling these
break-ins is blasphemy and a reminder of the cost to his friends of his happiness. He fixes a
shotgun
to the door so when someone opens the weapon fires at them to scare them away. Arlene's adult
son
Peter opens the booby trapped door only to take a shot into his knee, shattering the joint. With
Harvey cheerleading Peter on, he sues Burton. THE WORLD STILL MELTING looks closely at
the relationships between farmers and the land and between the farm families. The story line is a
combination of a soap opera with the Grapes of Wrath battle against nature, the government and
the
bank. When the tale stays with farmer vs. the environment (natural and man-made), Robley
Wilson
cleverly uses the past to provides a well written SPLENDID OMEN of what could reoccur in the
future. However, when the plot concentrates on the dysfunctional relationships, readers ask why
soap up the farm.
Death Splits a Hair
Nancy Bell
Dunne
ISBN: 0312327811 $22.95, 224 pp.
In the small town of Post Oak, Texas, barber Joe Junior McBride is revered and respected by the
townsfolk for his kindness to those less fortunate than himself. He adores his wife Marlene and
her
daughter Ashley and spoils his son Trey who is hateful to his stepmother and stepsister. The town
is
shocked when it is discovered that Joe Junior was killed in his very own home. At first the sheriff
and Judge Jackson Crain assume it was a robbery gone bad but physical evidence points to the
fact
that it was an inside job. Marlene says she was upstairs taking a shower when her husband was
killed
while Trey who was supposed to be out of town was spotted by numerous people. Just when it
looks like her life couldn't get any worse for Marlene, who was cut out of her husband's will, her
daughter goes missing and as days go by, hopes for her safe return diminish. Joe's brother, who
was
in love with Marlene, is murdered and Trey avoids coming in for questioning to the sheriff who
starts to believe that he might be the killer. Nancy Bell portrays what it is like living in a small
Texas
town off the beaten track where everyone knows their neighbor and a stranger is immediately
recognized. Judge Jackson the person everyone goes to when they have a problem because if he
can't solve it professionally, he acts as a friend to those in need and leaves tem feeling better about
the situation. Nancy Bell has written a very entertaining who-done-it that will please her many
fans.
The Trojan Dog
Dorothy Johnston
Dunne
ISBN: 0312332475 $23.95
While her husband Derek is in America for a year, Sandra Mahoney struggles with helping her
eight
years old son Peter cope with reading while returning to the workforce after several years as a
stay
at home mom. She gets a civil servant job with the Australian Labor Relations Service
Department
Industries Branch whose unpopular director Rae Evans was a friend of her deceased mother.
However, her peers except for the zany Ivan Semyonov make it evident they do not want her
here;
each fears for their job with the government changing parties as this branch is probably going out
of
existence. Canberra Times reporter Gail Tremboth calls Sandra as they were college cronies to
ask
about Rae. An email the paper received insists that Rae embezzled $900K by adding a zero to a
grant check and has committed computer fraud. Sandra, remembering her mother's motto of
loyalty
to friends, believes her boss is innocent and tries to prove she is right with only Ivan helping her as
everyone else in the office wants Sandra to take the fall even if she proves to be innocent. THE
TROJAN DOG is a terrific Australian amateur sleuth starring a delightful protagonist, a fabulous
support cast who makes the office seem real, and a fantastic look at Canberra. Though Sandra
feels
the world caving in on her with her spouse overseas, her son struggling with school, and her new
job
probably ending when the government switches leadership, she believes strongly in doing what
she
perceives is the right thing by not just standing loyally with Rae, but actively proving she did not
commit the crimes. Dorothy Johnston provides a super investigative tale that readers will
value.
Now You See Her
Cecilia Tishy
Mysterious
ISBN: 089296796X $23.95
In Boston, Tania Arnot believes that the townhouse she is renting is haunted so she informs her
realtor Meg Givens that unless she gets rid of the unwanted ghost, she will see her in court. Not
wanting a court date or the negative publicity, Meg turns to the only person she knows who
dabbles
with the beyond, her friend psychic Regina Cutter. Reluctantly since Regina insists she is no
ghostbuster, she agrees as she isn't afraid of no ghost, but finds nothing supernatural about the
townhouse. While the Arnot case seems cold, Boston Homicide Detective Francis Devaney asks
Regina for her professional judgment on the Henry Faiser conviction; Henry a black drug dealer
was
convicted of killing Peter Wald, son of a State Senator, thirteen years ago. Henry insists he is
innocent and that the real killer still walks the mean streets. However, her ESP fails to determine
anything so Francis goes with the original finding while Regina decides to investigate the old
fashion
way. Regina is an interesting character though her paranormal skills seem wanting at least when
they
count in this story line. The plot is at its best when she fumbles and stumbles with her psychic
powers or with reassuring her two adult children, but seems inane when Regina turns amateur
sleuth
investigating the homicide. Fans will enjoy Regina paranormal detective but wonder about Regina
investigator. Though that detour takes away from an interesting tale, readers of a different kind of
heroine will enjoy NOW YOU SEE HER, but expect more of the psychic than the inquiring
shamus
in future adventures.
See Isabelle Run
Elizabeth Bloom
Mysterious
ISBN 0892967854 $22.95, 259 pp.
She moved from Vermont to be with her fiancee but on their wedding day he jilted Isabelle and he
too the maid of honor with him to the honeymoon in Fiji he was to share with Isabelle. A class
act,
Isabelle insists everyone enjoy the reception and even dances on the table. The newspaper prints a
picture of Isabelle dancing to go along with her heartbreaking story and Becky Belden, a Martha
Stewart clone, offers her a job in her empire. When she arrives Isabelle is assigned to work as Lisa
Kinne's assistant in special projects. She learns that she is the replacement for Marcia who died
when
she was pushed in front of a train. A company friend warns Isabelle other deaths of employees
have
occurred and one worker Kenny remains missing. Becky dedicates a show to Kenny and places a
life
sized picture of him in the street level window of Becky Belden's Enterprises where everyone can
see it. When Lisa drowns in her swimming pool and a man enters her house to kill Isabelle, she
knows something sinister is going on at the company and all the deaths are related and intends to
prove it. Elizabeth's Bloom's debut novel is a smashing success and ensures that readers who have
read SEE ISABELLE RUN will buy the next thriller this author writes. The heroine is a spunky
brave individual who refuses to ignore crimes being committed even when one of the suspects is
her
lover, a top executive in Becky's business. When she believes she is the next person to be killed,
she
doesn't runs away but look for answers though that places her in more danger.
Music To Die For
Radine Trees Nehring
St Kitts
ISBN: 0966187989 $14.00, 273 pp.
As the Arkansas highway tourist information manager, widow Carrie McCrite attends the annual
Department of Parks and Tourism Convention at The Ozark Folk Center State Park near
Mountain
View with several of her friends including her closest pal Henry King. Carrie especially looks
forward to attending the craft classes that she signed up for and to attending the performances
especially country and western stars Chase Mason and Tracy Teal, but dozes through the lectures.
However, instead of a weekend of relaxation mellowing in the remote local, all hell breaks lose.
Someone abducts Farel, the four year old daughter of Chase and Tracy; however Carrie and
Henry
find the culprit dead and his house burned down in a deliberate fire. The child remains missing. As
they work in tandem while their feelings for one another blossom Carrie and Henry desperately
hope
to save a little girl even at a risk to their own lives. MUSIC TO DIE FOR is a terrific Ozark cozy
that brings to life this region of the country. The mystery is cleverly designed so that the lead
amateur sleuths and the audience seem to only find more questions and plenty of troubles, but no
child. Henry is a delightful lead as his admiration and fondness for Carrie grow; she is an
intriguing
charter who when struggling asks the Lord for guidance. Fans of regional cozies will enjoy this
tale
and like this reviewer seek Radine Tree Nehring's first Ozark mystery, A VALLEY TO DIE
FOR.
The Curse of Mesphisto's Seed: The Day of the Awakening
William P Haynes
Publish America
ISBN 1413728650 $19.95 192 pp.
Elliott Stephens was born in 1950 a miracle child to a couple who were told could never give
birth.
His father died one year later so he has been raised by his cold single mother, Gloria who blames
her
child for the death of her spouse. Elliot has no friends and is considered a troublemaker at school.
When Elliott loses control he thinks of bad things happening to others; however his fantasies turn
real with accidents happening consistently and one student even died. His mom fears him although
he is only seven. Mesphisto has observed Elliott in action selects a mentor to help the lad focus his
power. He sends a wolf to guide the lad, but the subservent asks his master to wait until Elliot is
an
adult to better use him as a pawn of hell. The devil agrees to wait until the kid is stronger, but kills
the wolf for disobedience. Though things around Elliot have quieted down, the day of the
awakening
is coming with hell on earth; God has selected his acolytes to battle the devil's spawn. William P.
Haynes has provided a tense modern day biblical thriller that will grip readers from start to finish.
Elliot is fabulous protagonist as he seems like an innocent lab, but instead is a ferocious wolf. His
selected opponents do not seem near his equal, but that seems apropos when one considers the
selection of Moses as a spokesperson. Fans of angel-devil warfare on earth will want to read the
exciting first book of THE CURSE OF MESPHISTO'S SEED though be warned that the font
seems small.
The Acts of Judas
Georgiann Baldino
Treble Heart
1284 Overlook Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
ISBN: 1931742847 $13.50
In Jordon American archeologist Linda Rhodes feels she is near a great discovery from antiquity,
but, her expedition runs into problems. A camel spider chews off a chunk of a worker's face. This
on
top of a seatbelt incident has spooked the workforce into believing that evil travels with Linda.
Only
the help of her loyal followers Abu and Zuhair keep most of the men from leaving, but six do.
Finally
two men are poisoned as someone placed ipecac syrup in their food; the syrup came from the
American students' first aid kits. In spite of someone sabotaging her efforts perhaps because
Israeli
Jewish Professor Gold is on the team, Linda stubbornly continues her work that pays off with a
major find that appears to be from the Dead Sea Scrolls era. However, Muslim terrorists invade
her
dig and kill the government liaison Dr. Fawzi. Linda is not sure whether she found the gospel
according to Judas or a fake. The terrorists direct her to translate the document or die; she knows
that once she completes her translation, they will kill her anyway, but she needs to know what
Judas
said. This exhilarating archeological thriller occurs just before and after 9/11. Though the
preliminary mischief seems childlike compared to the terrorists' activities and the world scene on
9/11 and afterward, the backdrop of growing distrust and disenchantment in the Middle East
provides tension because readers know of the World Trade Center tragedy and the suicide
bombings
in Israel (and now Iraq). The contents of the Judas "translation" augments a fantastic
archeological
tale caught in the global war on terrorism.
The Accidental Hunter
Nelson George
Touchstone (Simon and Schuster)
ISBN: 0743235525 $13.00
On Brooklyn's Belt Parkway heading to Manhattan, fifteen bikers with the lead person holding an
automatic weapon force R&B singer Night and his date Black American Princess Tandi Lincoln
to
exit the highway. Not long afterward, D Hunter of D Security attends a Knick game where he
introduces himself as a friend of Night to an elderly white dude with an afro nicknamed the Mack,
but actually is Night's agent Ivy Greenwich. Ivy hires D to pay the ransom to Night's kidnappers
and
to protect talented pop star Bridgette Hayes. The tabloids name D as Bridgette's toy, but he is a
player feeling he is always ONE WOMAN SHORT even while he plays with his client, her sister,
and Emily who owns the in Emily's Tea Party. However, he becomes concerned that the bikers
may
have ties to one of his security staff, but if that true which one as Night's abductors threaten to
snatch Bridgette. Anyone serving as her bodyguard can expect bodily harm if they get in the way.
This street fast urban noir stars an intriguing player who though heis HIV Positive continues to
play
the game. The story line predominantly focuses on the underbelly of sex and drug abuse in the
music
world. However, the myriad of subplots, though well written, for instance one involving a Knick
super stud makes it difficult at times to stay focused on the biker scenario. Still Nelson George
provides a deep look at the personalities behind the music scenes with East Coast glitz and
glamour
disguising the NIGHT WORK accentuated by sex and drugs.
Get Bunny Love
Kathleen Long
Zebra
ISBN: 082177848X $3.99, 304 pp.
In Philadelphia, his Aunt Martha threatens to sell the family firm McNulty Events to rival Armand
Miller if Nathan McNulty fails to turn it around. Desperate to save the company rather than work
for
the odious Armand, Nate persuades Kitty Worthington to allow his firm to host her annual
Worthington Cup dog show. Now all he needs is an event planner. Free lance graphic designer
Bunny Love applies for a job at McNulty's firm. He hires her to be his event planner though she
insists her experience is with graphics not events. As she brings chaos and positive airs into his
stiff
prim and proper life, someone is vandalizing the dog show in an effort to destroy Nate's company.
Still as the show goes on, the staid Nate and the feng shui Bunny fall in love, but this yin and yang
do not seem capable of surviving the first night of the dog show. Fans of amusing romantic romps
will want to GET BUNNY LOVE, a fun tale that takes a 1930s screwball comedy and updates it
with modern new age zaniness. The story line contains two opposites falling in love while
working a
canine caper. Though fans will wonder why Nate chose Bunny to run the gala rather than doing it
himself since his firm teetered on the brink of collapse, readers will enjoy this amusing jump into
the
chaotic New Age world of Bunny in love.
Highland Conqueror
Hannah Howell
Zebra
ISBN: 0821777572 $6.50, 352 pp.
In 1473, Highlander Laird Sigimor Cameron and five of his closest supporters rush to England
because his friend Lord Peter Gerard needs help. Sigimor would do anything for Peter who once
saved his life. However, by the time they arrive, they learn that Peter is dead and his cousin
Harold is
in charge of Drumwich Castle. Harold incarcerates the six Highlanders. Peter's sister, Jolene drugs
the ale of the guards so she can visit the prisoners and negotiate a deal. Jolene believes that
Harold
poisoned her sibling and his two loyalist men, but has no proof. She fears for the safety of her
three
years old nephew Reynard, the heir to Drumwich. Jolene frees the highlanders who take her and
Reynard with them as they flee with Harold in hot pursuit. As Jolene and Sigimor fall in love, she
is
pulled in two directions between her desire for her Highlander and being the only mother that
Reynard has had since his biological mom died in childbirth; whereas Sigimor belongs in Scotland,
Reynard belongs on English lands. Hannah Howell's latest Highlander historical romance is an
intriguing tale made complex by the choice that Jolene must make if, that is, they survive long
enough for her to choose. Sigimor is a typical hunk constantly taking the honorable high road.
Though Harold is out of the Scottish fifteenth century villain handbook, HIGHLAND
CONQUEROR is a fine tale due to the valiant heroine who must opt between the two males in
her
life, leaving one behind.
Drama City
George Pelecanos
Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316608211 $24.95, 336 pp.
After spending eight years in a cell, Lorenzo Brown enjoys freedom refusing to do push-ups as
they
represent incarceration after doing five hundred a day while in prison. He regrets not knowing his
daughter as he was in jail when she was born and her mom refuses him any contact. To keep him
company while he goes straight, Lorenzo rescued a canine Jasmine. To the shock of his former
street pals, Lorenzo works for the man as a Humane Society Officer, a "Dog Man" protecting
animals from the abuse of humans. His dedicated parole officer Rachel Lopez tries to do the right
thing for her clients, but has her own woes and addictions to also contend with. Lorenzo and
Rachel
regularly meet over tuna subs to discuss how he is doing. However, Lorenzo's life suddenly gets
caught up in illegal brutal animal fights that return the game into his life though it is not what he
wants. He learns of the murder of two young new players; he knows a thug from the old times
killed
them, but staying straight, the hardest job Lorenzo ever held, means staying out. DRAMA CITY
is a
terrific insightful thriller that focuses on how difficult it is for someone to stay straight when they
return to the same neighborhood that incubated their criminal behavior. The story line mostly
follows Lorenzo as he tries to remain out of trouble, but wonders if the local mantra once a player
always a player is a truism. George Pelecanos provides a thought provoking thriller on struggling
to
stay alive while going straight.
The Autumn Castle
Kim Wilkins
Warner Aspect
ISBN: 044661663X $6.95, 435 pp.
Christine Starlight has never gotten over the deaths of her pop icon parents who were killed in an
accident by an underage driver. She lives in Berlin with her lover, the artist Jude, who just won a
fellowship from billionaire sculpture Immanuel Zweigler to perfect his work. His host also hunts
down fairies, captures them, and drops them in an acid vat to use their bones in his current
sculpture
he Bone Wife which moves thanks to fairy magic which resides inn their bones after death.
Christine
reunites with her childhood friend Mayfridth, who was abducted by fairies, converted into one of
them, and now is the Queen of the magical realm of the German fairies Ewigkreis. Mayfridth has
returned to the mundane world to visit Christine, who recently had accidentally journeyed into the
fairy realm. Christine realizes May has fallen in love with Jude, but also knows the queen must
return
to her home because her people need her. Immanuel wants her royal skeleton and is waiting for
the
right time to kill her. Immanuel enters Ewigkreis to murder the fairies; Christine must stop this
serial
killer who now has kidnapped Mayfridth. Kim Wilkins has created a magical realm populated by
wonderful beings who seem real as if the author has visited the land of fairy. Readers will cherish
Christine, a kind, loyal, and caring soul, who deserves the best, not what she has gotten. The
Queen's advisor plays a critical but secondary role and his shapeshifting skills t enable him to turn
into a fox, crow, or bear and that also seems genuine and adds to the feel that this fantasy tale
actually happened. Readers will be swept into THE AUTUMN CASTLE by this beautiful adult
fairy
tale.
Empire's Daughter
Simon Brown
Daw
ISBN: 0756402832 $6.99, 432 pp.
With the death of Empress Hetha Kevleren, regions of the powerful far flung Empire of Hamilay
see
an opportunity to use the magical force of the Sefid to secede. However, to be successful at
Wielding the magic, sacrifice must occur; the closer the Wielder cherishes the victim, the more
powerful the usage of the Sefid. The Kevleren have been the most powerful practitioners, but
many
believe that the Duchess Yunara is the strongest magician today though her sister Lerena is the
new
Empress. General Third Prince Maddyn Kevleren is unable to work the magic of the Sefid as his
relatives can especially his former lover and second cousin Yunara. He tries to make up for his
inadequacy through military prowess, but knows that in spite of his being the top general in the
empire he remains an embarrassment to his friends. As he angers Yunara, Maddyn knows he must
flee to protect loved ones from her wrath. He accepts an opportunity to strengthen the empire's
stronghold in the New World, knowing that the unknown is less dangerous than the known.
Simon
Brown, renowned for his Keys of Power trilogy, provides fantasy fans with a terrific new series
with
the fabulous Book One of the Chronicles of Kydan. The well written story line moves on two
fronts
as Maddyn tries to serve the new Empress while keeping his loved ones safe from retaliation; the
two royal siblings have troubles starting with a Rivald revolt and massacre aided by magic that
seems impossible to have occurred the way it apparently did. Because the key powerful cast
seems
real, they make magic appear normal so that epic fantasy readers will enjoy Mr. Brown's latest
saga.
Heart of the Flame
Tina St. John
Ivy
ISBN: 0345459954 $6.99
In 1275 Cornwall, England former Templar Knight Kenrick comes to the home of his friend Rand
only to see a massacre occurred. Kenrick knows the evil Silas de Mortaine apparently annihilated
the
family in search of the Dragon Chalice that Kenrick hid in his friend's home. Feeling guilt, Kenrick
goes to the hiding place where he hid the chalice, but it is not there. He concludes that Silas has
not
gained possession of the object that would enhance his dark magic to the point of no one capable
of
stopping the malevolent wizard. Kenrick finds an unconscious woman dying from infection. He
nurtures her and takes her to the home of his sister and brother-in-law to further heal and to learn
what she knows about whathappened to Rand and his family. Instead the woman Haven knows
she
must escape as soon as she is able to leave. Still as Kenrick questions her, she is attracted to him
and
visa versa, but she hides a secret that if he learns it will make him hate her, at least that is what she
believes. HEART OF THE FLAME, the sequel to the wonderful historical romantic fantasy
HEART
OF THE HUNTER, is a delightful tale that stars Kenrick, whose incarceration was the catalyst
that
brought his sister and in-law together. This time Kenrick's adventures are told even as he feels
remorse over the troubles and probable deaths he brought to his friend. Still he courageously
knows
he cannot fold as Silas remains a danger to the world. Haven is his perfect counterpoint as she
adds
mystery with what she hides from Kenrick. Fans of medieval romantic fantasy will appreciate Tina
St. John's fine novel.
Wizard's Bridge
Karen McCullough
ImaJinn
ISBN: 0975965301 $13.75, 191 pp.
Her village is in trouble from hostile neighbors so Alsa, who has elementary wizardry skills,
decides
she must save her town. However, though she has latent talent she has no training to focus her
flair.
Alsa knows her only hope for mentoring comes from the nearby wizard, who lives in a castle on
the
top of a mountain across a bridge of light particles guarded by a dragon. Frightened by the rumors
she has heard of the hermit wizard, Alsa crosses the bridge and meets face to face the dragon,
who
sends her onto the castle following her explanation. Inside the castle she meets her host who
wears a
mask to hide what Alsa assumes is his hideous face from her. The wizard listens to her plea
without
displaying any emotion. Instead he offers to train her if she bears his child. She agrees. As she
learns
how to use her talent under the tutelage of a difficult harsh instructor, Alsa falls in love with her
teacher and the other castle minion, but believes she will be sent home once she gives birth
because
though she knows her wizard cares he hides his feelings from himself. WIZARD'S BRIDGE is a
beautiful retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story enhanced by fantasy elements. The
lead
couple is a delight as both will soon learn that they received much more than their original deal's
considerations. The action starts right away when the "Little Mortal" meets the dragon and never
slows down until Alsa finally learns the first rule of wizardry on what ingredient casts the most
powerful spells. Adult fairy tale fans will want to read this delightful romantic fantasy.
Devil's Wind
Richard Rayner
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0066212928 $24.95
In 1956 California, highly regarded Los Angeles architect Maurice Valentine feels he rid himself
of
his past culminated when he changed identity from Maurizio Viglioni after coming home from
World
War II battle fatigued. Instead, he Anglicized his name, married a wealthy senator's daughter, and
has connection is politics and with the mob. Maurice is going places perhaps in DC. At a party,
the
womanizing Maurice meets self-claimed heiress Mallory Walker, who seduces him; for the first
time
in years he wants more. However, he is stunned when, Mallory fires a shot at him. Not long
afterward, she is found dead in what appears to be a car accident. However, Maurice knows how
sly
and deadly his connections are; he wonders if Mallory was murdered and begins making inquiries
though he knows that is a mistake. He has to know why she wanted him dead. Soon he will find a
strange twist involving an obsessed actress and soon to be someone else's wife Beth Dyer, who
sends him seeking Vegas mobster Paul Mantinelli at a gala celebrating the latest atomic bomb test.
The story line is action-packed, very graphic (the scene with the bomb exploding nearby is
brilliant),
and contains strong characters. The twists and turns will initially shock the audience, but quickly
make sense as no one is quite like they seem; just ask Viglioni in his Valentine persona. Richard
Rayner provides a wonderful historical (makes me feel ancient to say the 1950s in a historical
context) Noir that pays homage to the Barbara Stanwick femme fatale movies.
Lost Lake
Phillip Margolin
HarperCollins
ISBN 0060735023 $25.95, 322 pp.
General Morris Wingate is running for his party' presidential nomination against the incumbent
president. To the public at large he is a hero who used his security officers from the company he
owns to rescue hostages in Afghanistan. What they don't know is that when Wingate ran the
agency
for intelligence data coordination, he formed a black ops organization and assigned the men to kill
those he declared as enemy combatants of the United States. To dissolve his personal unit, Morris
sent his men into a trap in North Vietnam where they all died except for Carl Rice who escaped.
Carl was once the lover of Wingate's daughter Vanessa Kohler. When she found about the unit
she
tried to expose her father as a traitor, but he instead had her committed to a mental institution and
now nobody takes her seriously especially since she works on the tabloid Exposed. Carl surfaces
after fifteen years on the run; he and Vanessa team up in the hopes of exposing retired General
Wingate to the American people. Phillip Margolin has written an exciting political thriller that
captures and keeps the audience's attention even when fans knows almost from the start that
Wingate is evil but cleverly eliminates anyone who knew about his clandestine activities. The
audience will keep reading just to find out given the lack of no paper trail or other evidence how
Wingate can be convicted in a legal court room or in the court of public opinion. LOST LAKE is
a
chilling work because the premise feels so plausible.
The Shooting Script
Laurence Klavan
Ballantine
ISBN 0345462769 $23.95 244 pp.
Roy Millano considers himself a "Trivial Man", a person so obsessed with movie arcane that he
doesn't have a life and his only source of income is a newsletter he produces. He considers himself
a
movie detective after finding the original long lost version of the movie "The Magnificent
Ambersons" (See THE OUTING EDGE) even though he was almost killed while pursuing it.
Now
Roy's mother is ill and his aunt wants him to get a real job to pay for her care. When he gets an
e-mail from an anonymous person telling him that he has a copy of the Day the Clown Cried, a
Jerry
Lewis drama, that was never released, Roy rushes to meet the man. When he arrives at his hotel
room, the man is dead and there is no tape. Forgetting about his mother's illness Roy follows the
trail to the tape and is stalked by another "Trivial Man" who is willing to kill anyone who gets in
his
way of finding and keeping the tape. THE SHOOTING SCRIPT is a story of what happens when
obsession is taken to extreme; Laurence Klavan has a protagonist with a refreshingly unique voice
who can quote movie trivia at the drop of a hat especially when he is nervous. The dangerous
situations Roy finds himself in pursuing the movie does not deter him from going after what he
wants even though he knows he might get killed by his obsessive stalker killer.
Long Spoon Lane
Anne Perry
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345469275 $25.95, 336 pp.
By the summer of 1893, the English have become concerned with the bombing activities of the
Anarchists who set explosions recently in London and Paris. A tip has come into the Special
Branch,
whose mission is to stop terrorists, claiming a bomb is set to go off in East London. Special
Branch
Chief Victor Narraway and Agent Thomas Pitt rush to the area; they capture two of the bombers.
A
third, a parliament member's son, is killed. Pitt investigates the crime in an effort to learn who
murdered the third prisoner. As he conducts an internal investigation of the affairs of his office
and
the police as a whole, Pitt uncovers vast corruption with Bow Street Inspector Wetron of Bow
Street seemingly as the untouchable chieftain protected by the highest levels of government.
Meanwhile the media goes on a feeding frenzy demanding the arming of Bobbies and invoking
patriotism insisting more power granted to law enforcement to intimidate suspected terrorists.
Only
a devil's deal with his enemy Sir Charles Voisey might stop Wetron from taking advantage of the
public fervor, which seems to make this mastermind even more potent and deadly. Highly
regarded
for her terrific historical mysteries, Anne Perry may have written her most relevant late nineteenth
century police procedural in LONG SPOON LANE. The story line is action-packed from the
moment the two Special Branch cops race to Myrdle Street to prevent a bombing and never slows
down as the hero learns how deep corruption and greed extend in the force. Charlotte, Pitt's wife,
plays a lesser role than she did in SEVEN DIALS, but no one will mind as the parallels of 1893
England to modern America is uncanny.
The Dark Queen
Susan Carroll
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345437969 $13.95, 544 pp.
Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, refuses to wed Comte de Renauld though he is persistent to the
point
of waiting for her at the altar. When she fails to show up, he comes to see her and is very kind to
her
younger sisters Gabrielle and Mirabelle though the latter "stole" his horse. Renauld gives Ariane a
magic ring in which he will come to her if she asks for him; but upon the third use they will marry.
He leaves. Not long afterward Navarre Captain Remy arrives badly wounded. He gives Ariane
proof
that Catherine de Medici poisoned his ruler Queen Jeanne D'Albret. By coming here with his
evidence of murder, Remy has endangered Ariane and her two siblings from the deadly Dark
Queen.
To keep her sisters safe, Ariane uses the ring twice and Renard comes to her aid. He frees her
from
the third time marriage vow although he still wants to marry her for one simple reason; he loves
the
Lady of Faire Isle. THE DARK QUEEN is a wonderful first of three historical suspense tales
(Ariane's sisters to follow) with a pinch of both the otherworldly and romance to spice up the
deep
look at the Medici era. Ariane is a terrific independent soul worried for her sisters especially the
twelve years old Mirabelle who talks with horses, which lead to a declaration of witchcraft that
means death. The story line is action-packed but character driven as the noble Renauld knows he
must go slower with his beloved and Catherine is Machiavelli's "prince" with her deadly
machinations. Susan Carroll writes a wonderful historical thriller that will have the audience
eagerly
awaiting Gabrielle's story.
Wish You Were Here: The Official Biography of Douglas Adams
Nick Webb
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345476506 $25.95, 384 pp.
"Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the western spiral arm of the
galaxy lies a small unregarded yellow sun"; there on a inconsequential rock revolving around this
insignificant star, Douglas Adams used humor to place the importance of earthlings in the Einstein
Universe. Nick Webb in turn provides insight into the life of Mr. Adams, the brain behind such
classic tales as The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; don't panic there is still time if you ignore
your
digital watch to read the amusing novel and its wacky sequels or catch the TV series. The
well-written biography is parts irreverent (Mr. Adams must have provided divine guidance for
that
inclusion) and parts insightful especially on his subject's prim and proper British education and
during the artistic period of starvation, overwork, and fame. Though obviously targeting Ford
Prefect fans, Nick Webb does a masterful job giving insight into Adams during the time he wrote
the
Hitchhiker-Python-Who scripts in the late 1970s.
Vanishing Acts
Jodi Picoult
Atria
ISBN: 0743454545 $26.00, 448 pp.
In New Hampshire, Delia Hopkins and her dog Greta work as a great team helping the police find
missing people mostly children. Every time she and Greta succeed in reuniting a mother and child,
Delia reflects on her own life raised by her father since her mother died in a car accident when she
was three. She also always ponders how she would react if her beloved child Sophie vanished.
Though engaged to her daughter's father, Delia raises her daughter mostly with the help of her
sixty
years old dad Andrew, who runs a senior-citizens' home. The relationship between father and
daughter that seemed perfect for over three decades collapses instantly when Arizona police arrest
and have Andrew extradited to Phoenix on kidnapping charges; the victim ironically is Delia. She
learns that her mother Elsie still lives and that her father abducted her when she was three because
he insists she was an alcoholic dangerous to their child. Delia meets her mother, who is a sober
caring healer while her dad's tale has inconsistencies; she wonders whether the truth will surface in
court? The changing perspectives as each of the key players take turns as the lead provides an
intriguing look at what is truth as the audience will observe the same incident interpreted
differently,
which leads to reality seemingly shifting. The story line is fast-paced, but character driven and
filled
with angst. Though sidebars like the prison scene add excitement that seems unnecessary to a
fabulous thriller that grips the audience in and out of the courtroom wondering whose point of
view
will ultimately be accepted as fact.
The Tea House on Mulberry Street
Sharon Owens
Putnam
ISBN: 0399152652 $25.00, 323 pp.
Daniel and Penny Stanley run Muldoon's, a popular place where people escape from their troubles
to
enjoy delicious pastries. However, in these modern times, the quaint tea rooms seem antiquated
even
if the cherry cheesecake is the best in town. The Stanleys also feel their relationship has become
stale
after seventeen years together. Ironically the tea house comes from her family yet Penny wants
more
out of life than the shop to include children but Muldoon's has always been Daniel's significant
other;
that's why he married Penny in the first place. Patrons come here as much to escape as for the
desserts. Wannabe artist Brenda Brown comes here to drown her sorrows that her art has never
sold. Henry Blackstock enjoys breakfast here before opening his bookstore, but recently comes
here
to mourn in private the death of his beloved gardens killed by his wife to "house" her book club.
Overweight and filled with self pity Sadie Smith cheats on her diet here while she believes her
husband cheats on her. After two decades overseas, Clare Fitzgerald hopes to find her lost love
that
she met at Muldoon's twenty years ago. Soon a fire will cause these lost souls connected through
Muldoon's to complete their introspective reassessment of life. Well written in a soap opera way,
the
various subplots run throughout the novel linked by Muldoon's; enabling each of the prime players
to seem real and unique. Surprisingly with all this bemoaning, the tale has a sugary (not just
because
of the desserts) aftertaste; still fans of contemporary character study starring an ensemble cast will
want to read Sharon Owens' fine story (on a full stomach).
Prince of Darkness
Sharon Kay Penman
Putnam
ISBN: 0399152563 $24.95, 336 pp.
The ransom for King Richard the Lionhearted is gathered and his mother Eleanor goes to
Germany
to pay it. Prince John is unhappy with the news; he is more perturbed that Lady Constance of
Brittany, the mother of a possible rival as heir to the throne Arthur, possesses a letter that
implicates
John in a plot to assassinate his royal brother. John knows the letter is a forgery and through
subterfuge he gets Justin de Quincy, the Queen's man, to come to Paris where he convinces his
visitor that Eleanor would want him to prove the document is a fake. During their investigation,
Justin and his companion see an ally of the Prince die at the hands of an assassin's knife. They are
charged with murder and brought to Constantine's manor to linger in her dungeon until they die.
By
the time they are freed, the killer has vanished, they have no proof and Richard is home believing
his
younger brother a traitor. Justin reluctantly returns to England pleading the Prince's case to
Eleanor
hoping she will see justice occurs by interceding between the brothers. Fans of Roberta Gellis'
historical novels will definitely want to read Sharon Kay Penman latest medieval thriller PRINCE
OF
DARKNESS as the story contains a terrific mystery and a great look at the upper class lifestyle
especially the royals during the Middle Ages. The hero may not like his assignments, but
regardless
of how he internally feels he always does his best. Readers will cherish him and hope he finds
happiness as he has earned it. As usual Ms. Penman provides a spotlight that shines on a bygone
era
with an intensity and illumination rarely seen.
Hard Truth
Nevada Barr
Putnam
ISBN: 0399152415 $24.95, 336 pp.
Married less than a week, National Parks Ranger Anna Pigeon celebrates her "honeymoon" by
starting a new job at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado while her spouse Sheriff Paul
Davidson remains in Mississippi. However, barely on the job, she finds herself caught up in the
case
of two female teens, who vanished with a third girl about a month ago, but just returned. The
twosome remains closemouthed about their tribulations insisting they do not know what happened
or where the third female might be. Though traumatized by a recent climbing accident that
paralyzed
her, Heath Jarrod , who with her elderly aunt found the two girls, manages to somewhat reach the
girls. Anna investigates what little she has learned especially the recent slaughter of small animals
and a tight lipped cult whose charismatic leader controls the young that flock to him as she hopes
to
rescue the still missing third person. Meanwhile Heath tries to aid the two devastated teens, who
still
seem frightened by whoever abducted them. Actually by assisting the girls, Heath helps herself
more
as she begins to adjust to life in a wheelchair. Though darker than her previous appearances due
to
the graphically related evil exploits of the villain, the latest Anna Pigeon police procedural is a
terrific thriller in which the heroine risks her life. The story line cleverly counterbalances the
malevolent antagonist with Heath's reemergence as a member of the living as both have
"purpose".
The courageous Anna is fabulous with her two time zone marriage (she may detest cell phones,
but
they come in handy) while investigating a dangerous case with several viable suspects, who seem
as
if anyone could kidnap girls and if needed kill.
As Simple As Snow
Gregory Galloway
Putnam
ISBN: 0399152318 $23.95
Brooding Goth Anna "Anastasia" Cayne recently moved to the small town where she attends
Hamilton High School as a sophomore. She dresses in black joining up with six other Manson
clones
as a clique. Anastasia loves to read, loving those who craft wild ghost stories and enjoys tossing
riddles at people. Her hobby is writing obits for the living with her current goal to complete one
for
all fifteen hundred plus residents in less than a year. At the library, she accosts a student over his
reading material; they begin dating. However, upon completing the town obits, Anastasia
vanishes.
Her stunned boyfriend, encouraged by odd anonymous notes with enigmatic puzzles and codes,
begins looking back over the five months she was in town and realizes weird things besides his
own
darkened transformation had occurred. While the obituaries were being written no one died and
the
author though new in town knew more about the souls than those who lived here their entire life.
He
wonders if his family or friends caused Anastasia's disappearing act or did she pull a Houdini and
vanish. AS SIMPLE AS SNOW grips the readers once Anastasia challenges the narrator over his
choice of Kerouac instead of Burroughs and never lets up until the final metamorphosis, but fails
to
bring together the enigma that makes up the fascinating anti-heroine. The story line grips the
audience on two levels; the need to know what really happened to the gloomy Anastasia and as an
insightful look at alienated youth. Gregory Galloway provides a deep look at disenchanted teens,
but
in the end leaves too much unanswered especially the spooky elements that haunt the left behind
boyfriend.
Cold Service: A Spenser Novel
Robert B. Parker
Putnam
ISBN: 0399152407 $24.95
The Ukrainian mob has begun to muscle its way into the Boston rackets with an eye on competing
against Luther Gillespie's bookie operations. Luther fearing the intrusion of this dangerous group
from Brooklyn hires Hawk as his bodyguard. However, as good as Hawk is, the mob proves
better
at killing and most of Gillespe's family except for his young son are murdered, while Hawk takes
three bullets in his back. Hawk identifies the shooters but the case is botched leaving it to Hawk's
code of ethics to take action although the Ukrainian gangsters have sanctuary in nearby
Marshport
from the mayor and the local mob. Still taking out five is not the difficult task especially with
Spenser covering his back; it is taking out the quintet without retaliation from the Ukrainians,
their
handlers, and the Mass-east mob without leaving evidence for the Feds or the police that is the
problem. The Spenser series always is at the stratospheric levels of male in your face boldness, but
this time Robert B. Parker takes the machismo gene to the upper area of the atmosphere, the
exosphere. The story line is action-packed as the two friends continue their quest proving why
bullets have a certain phallic shape. Series fans will enjoy this thriller filled with Superman levels
of
testosterone in which even their respective female Docs fail at softening the avenging duo.
Dead of Night
Randy Wayne White
Putnam
ISBN 039915244X $24.95, 384 pp.
Dr. Marion Ford owns Sanibel Biological which sells marine samples to schools and research
laboratories around the countries. He looks like a nerdy scientist but that is a cover for he is part
of a
deep cover operations team. Members of the group provide its agents with legitimate and mobile
professions. Ford's job collecting marine samples takes him all over the world, a great cover when
on an assignment. As a favor to a friend he checks on her brother Jobe Applebee because he hasn't
answered the phone for a few days. Marion sees a woman Dasha beating and torturing Jobe.
Marion
chases her and her partner away but meanwhile the man commits suicide. Guinea worms crawl
out
of his body. A cunning criminal, Dr. Desmond Stokes is letting loose these and other types of
exotics so that property values in the area will drop and he can buy prime land cheap. He seeks
Jake's computer which might have the cure for the worm infestation. He wants to develop it so
that
the world will look at him as a savior while the clever and strong Dasha has orders to eliminate
Ford
who has the computer files and knows who is behind the loosening of the poisonous exotics on an
unsuspecting state. Randy Wayne White has written a high powered bio-terror thriller. The action
starts during the first chapter and picks up speed, taking the reader on a roller coaster ride full of
chilling terror. In the wrong hands bio-terrorists can devastate an area and there is little anyone
can
do to stop them until after the mission is accomplished and the results become known. This is a
very
scary novel because it is based on a realistic premise one that people can't guard against. DEAD
OF
NIGHT is a scintillating action adventure thriller.
Hide Your Eyes
Alison Gaylin
Signet
ISBN 045121448X $5.99, 320 pp.
Samantha Leiffer moved from California to Manhattan to be with her boyfriend who turned out to
be cheating on her with men and women. She stays in New York and holds two jobs, one as a
teacher at the Sunny Side Nursery School and the other at the Off-Broadway Space Theatre's box
office. One day she takes a walk by the Hudson River and sees a man and a coatless woman toss
an
ice chest into the water. Sam has a real bad feeling about the scene. Strange things begin
happening
to Sam. A word is printed in her book that she reads to her students. She finds a picture of her
mother with her eyes pried out. A one word email arrives at her computer at the Space Theater.
The
police find the ice chest; inside is a three year old child with her eyes cut out. The killer escalates
his
attacks on Sam and more children die. Sexy Detective John Krull has her stay in his apartment and
under his guard because it is clear that the killer wants her as his next victim. The story starts out
offbeat, funny and lighthearted as the heroine copes with the radical changes in her life and her
runaway imagination. HIDE YOUR EYES gets scary very quickly as Samantha's imagination
becomes real and the killer is stalking her and innocent children. The tension soars to unbearable
levels and not even Sam's romantic affair with Detective Krull is enough to stop readers form
wanting to know what the killer will do next. Allison Gaylin is a bright new star in the
psychological
suspense and thriller horizons.
The Perfect Family
Carla Cassidy
Signet
ISBN: 0451213904 $6.50, 368 pp.
In Cass Creek near Kansas City, Marissa Jamison still mourns the death of her spouse John, a
firefighter killed in a hit and run incident in a grocery lot. She hides her grief because she knows
her
two youngsters seven year old Justin and five year old Jessica need her to be strong. Following a
little game in which her son played at Line Creek Park, Marissa gets into a near fender bender
with
another driver; the woman in the other car is nasty before driving off. That night she is found dead
with a message that this is a gift for Marissa. Detectives Luke Hunter and Sarah Wilkinson locate
Marissa through her late husband's occupation and stun her with the news. A second present
follows. Someone is protecting the widow by killing anyone nasty towards her; this individual has
plans because he believes Marissa and her two children need him to round out THE PERFECT
FAMILY. This exciting police procedural thriller with a secondary romantic subplot will leave the
audience with a chill deep into their gut as the obsessed villain will not allow anyone to stand in
his
way of attaining his objective. The besieged heroine is fabulous as she struggles with being the
focus
of a maniac. The support cast enhances the plot as her children still tussle with their father's death,
the detectives with protecting the widow once they conclude she is not the culprit and an
attraction
to one another, and finally the new beau (her high school sweetheart) in Marissa's life. Though the
killer once revealed seems too way out, his crazed obsession done in a shadowy way makes a
tense
chilling thriller.
A Most Unsuitable Man
Jo Beverley
Signet
ISBN: 0451214234 $6.99
In 1763 wealthy Damaris Myddleton is stunned when Marquess Ashart proposes to poor
companion
Genova Smith instead of her. She had set her sights on him and thought he would marry her if for
no
other reason than he needs money. Realizing she made a fool of herself, she flees, but is stopped
by
Ash's pal impoverished former soldier Octavius Fitzroger, who persuades her to hold her head up
high. She turns to her host Lord Rothgar, family patriarch and asks him to be her guardian instead
of
the elderly avaricious Henry Malloren; he agrees with the stipulation that she serve as companion
to
Genova. Rothgar also hired Fitzroger to keep Ash safe from an unknown assailant. As Fitz
watches
over Ash and Damaris spends time with Genova, they become acquainted and begin to fall in love,
which interferes with his task. It helps though frustrates Fitz that she wants a title so he is A
MOST
UNSUITABLE MAN for a social climber like her. The latest Malloren tale is a fine Georgian
romance but readers at first will be very cold towards the heroine until she is endangered. The
story
line is fast-paced on two sub-plots that of the romance between Fitz and Damaris and the attempts
to kill Ash. Jo Beverley effortlessly brings these two themes together along with the return of cast
from previous novels into a finely honed historical.
Who Killed the Queen of Clubs?
Patricia Sprinkle
Signet
ISBN: 0451214501 $5.99, 272 pp.
Edith Burkett struggles with grief as her spouse the town pharmacist committed suicide and her
father suffered a debilitating stroke that has forced his placement in a nursing home. Making
matters
even more difficult for the shell shocked Edie is that her husband squandered their money on
drugs
for personal use as he was an addict. Edie has sold their home and now works to earn money to
support herself. Her stepdaughter and son-in-law wants Edie to sell the family's pecan farm since
her
dad can no loner work it and they fear she is becoming forgetful and want her closer to their
home.
Edie insists she is fine and asks her concerned friends and family to give her space to recuperate.
County magistrate MacLaren Yarbrough visits Edie, but finds her friend murdered in a gruesome
manner. The police focus on son of the farm's foreman since Henry's machete is the murder
weapon
and his overalls has Edie's blood on it. Mac believes Henry is innocent as she knows two people
with
much stronger motives. She sets off to prove her hypothesis not anticipating the danger she steps
into. Make yourself a mint julep, sit on the porch swing, and read a delightful down home
southern
regional mystery. Mac always ends up in the middle of a murder investigation as she keeps
tripping
over corpses and yet somehow has many friends anyway who recognize she is a friendly neighbor
not the grim reaper. This tale provides readers with a charming look at an old fashion southern
town
in which everyone knows everyone else. This work is a fine cozy sprinkled with intelligence and
wit.
Slay It With Flowers
Kate Collins
Signet
ISBN 0451214552 $6.50, 304 pp.
Abby Knight, the owner of Bloomers Florists in New Chapel Idaho, needs all the business she can
get if she doesn't want to lose the store. After flunking out of law school her fiancee broke off
with
her and she doesn't want to fail a second time which is why she is reluctantly doing the floral
arrangements for the wedding of her rich and spoiled cousin Jillian. Abby is also the bridesmaid in
the wedding so her time is stretched pretty thin with no free moments for other activities like
solving
a homicide involving a member of the wedding party. However, if she wants the wedding to
proceed
as scheduled so she can collect the money for the floral arrangements, Abby needs to find the
killer
so she starts questioning the various members of the wedding party from the woman he jilted to
the
gay groomsman he outed. While she is following up leads, she finds herself trying to prove a
prostitution ring is operating in her town and wants to get the evidence that will nab the culprits.
These two investigations are linked but by the time Abby figures that out, she is in mortal danger.
In
spite of the precarious, hair raising and frightening situations Abby finds herself in, SLAY IT
WITH
FLOWERS is an upbeat jocular amateur sleuth novel. The protagonist despite what she says likes
getting involved in an investigation mainly because she has sexy PI Marco Salvare to rescue her
when she finds herself in dangerous situations. Kate Collins has written an uplifting, amusing and
feel good amateur sleuth tale.
Across a Wild Sea
Sasha Lord
Signet
ISBN: 0451213874 $6.50, 384 pp.
The peasant girl Zarina was at the mercy of Lothian, Laird of the Serpent clan, who used and
abused
her. When she became pregnant, he beat her, but the infant inside remained strong. When she
came
close to giving birth, he gave her a knife to cut out the child. Instead, Zarina flees to the woods
until
her baby is born. She places her child in a boat to try to save her life. Gondin, sailing with supplies
to
his loved one, and is exiled for safety on the Isle of Wild Horses, brings the infant he found at sea
to
his beloved. She raised the child as her beloved granddaughter Alannah. Commander Xanthier
O'Bannon's ship breaks up in a storm, but he manages to reach the Isle of Wild Horses where
Alannah finds him. He thinks she is cruel refusing to even look at him, but she believes he is
selfish
as he has not figured out that she is blind and can "feel" her environment. When her grandmother,
who feels Xanthier is Alannah's destiny, dies, she agrees to leave her home with him. As they fall
in
love, her heritage rises to endanger her and her beloved. ACROSS A WILD SEA is a superb
historical romantic fantasy that combines medieval elements with a fine adult fairy tale like
atmosphere. The lead characters are an interesting pair especially Alannah, a unique protagonist,
who in some ways her isolation has left her pure, somewhat naive, but never twice. The exciting
story line blends the fantasy elements inside a well written historical tae that showcases Sasha
Lord's
ability to provide a wild read for her fans.
A Knight Like No Other
Jocelyn Kelley
Signet
ISBN: 0451214382 $6.50, 304 pp.
In the twelfth century, Queen Eleanor backs and funds St. Jude's Abbey, a special place where
young women learn to read and write and are trained in armed combat. One such sister, perhaps
the
best fighter, is Avisa de Vere, an expert with the broadsword and bow, who instructs other
recruits
in their use. Queen Eleanor arrives at St. Jude's Abbey with a task for Avisa to accomplish. She
wants Avisa to guard her beloved godson Christian Lovell, who is on a quest to Canterbury
accompanied by his brother and his page to clear his family name dishonored by his father. She is
also to find a way to talk him out of going to Canterbury until his King returns from France.
Christian "rescues" Lady Avisa from outlaws and soon finds his quest detoured into saving her
sister
though he is amazed with her broadsword skill even while he and she fall in love with one another.
The St. Jude's Abbey and the heroine make for a gender bending fun medieval romance. The story
line is action packed with a fine male lead who is capable of taking care of himself and being a
champion. However, Avisa, an adept with a sword or a bow, makes the tale fresh and unique with
her skills. The suspense comes late, but fans will not be concerned due to the fine duel between
the
lead couple as to who will protect whom.
Snowball's Chance
John Reed
Roof
ISBN: 1931824053 $19.95
After being exiled from Animal Farm, a contrite Snowball returns insisting that he learned his
lesson
of excess and abuse of power and will harm no one. He slowly begins his means of taking over
through "democratic" processes by promising if elected in charge he will reform the farm so that
the
animals will have plenty of pie and the stables will be heated and well lighted. No one will want
under his enlightened leadership. Snowball's reform succeeds so that newcomers from the
surrounding areas begin to flock to Animal Farm for a taste of the good life. These refugees are
given the jobs none of the old-timers want to do and live in the oldest dilapidated barns. The
original
loyal followers of Snowball move into choice property outside the crime ridden center. Snowball
continues to expand Animal Farm bringing prosperity to his inner circle. Winning a court case,
Snowball gains control of the water rights. This leaves the Beavers with nothing but anger and
frustration that leads to counterinsurgency with an opportunity to a better afterlife if they die for
the
cause of freeing the beaver woods. John Reed provides an intriguing ironic follow-up to George
Orwell's superb satirical personification of communism by applying the same cast to the
personification of capitalism. Some diehard Orwellian fans will loathe what might seem as an
assault
on the author, but this reviewer believes that Mr. Orwell on THE WHOLE would have done
something similar if he lived today. Mindful of a Jay Ward Fractured Fairy Tale involving Sleeping
Beauty, SNOWBALL'S CHANCE is a strong satire of a strong satire turning Orwell on his
head.
The Greenstone Grail
Amanda Hemingway
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345481879 $16.95
Annie Ward giving birth to Nathan is more than just extraordinary since her only lover died in a
car
accident long before she could have conceived. However, in spite of his unexplained origin,
Nathan
is raised by Bartlemy, a weird wizard looking creature. When he is eleven, Nathan comes across
an
ancient looking alter that was buried over time. Soon he dreams of a green cup containing blood
and
a world dying due to a plague. As the nocturnal visions continue with more depth each night,
Nathan begins taking treks on the astral plane to other places like the devastated Eos. The green
cup
that Bartlemy recognizes as the Grail surfaces on earth, but someone takes it to Eos to save the
people from the plague. However, the timing is wrong and wider devastation could occur if
Nathan
fails to retrieve the Grail while back on earth his guardian and his mother struggle with those who
recognize the lad's gifts and want to use them for their own personal gain. This exciting modern
day
version of King Arthur is a terrific tale that grips the audience from the moment Nathan finds the
alter. The tale never slows down as the lad goes on adventures starting in his dreams, changing
into
astral visits, and finally on his quest. The support cast whether they try to protect the lad or
use/destroy him add depth to the opening tale of what should be a fine Arthurian saga.
Sunstorm
Arthur C. Clarke and Stephen Baxter
Del Rey
ISBN: 034545250X $25.95
In 2037, the alien Firstborn takes British Army Lieutenant Bisea Dutt back to her London home
where Aristotle greets her after a five year stint off world including time on planet Mira (see
TIME'S
EYE). At the same time, a giant solar flare disrupts electrical and electronic gadgetry across the
Earth as predicted by astrophysicist Eugene Mangle. He now claims that a deadly greater solar
flare
will melt the planet to its bedrock on April 20, 2042. All nations except China unite in an effort to
save the planet by constructing a space shield to block much of the deadly radiation though some
of
the solar poison will get through. A secondary defense to place the larger cities inside protective
geodesic domes begins. Meanwhile, Bisesa believes that Firstborn plans to eradicate humanity
while
Mangle calculates that intelligent beings sent a planet from the Aquila Constellation to deliberately
smash into the Sun in 4 BC, earth time. Could Firstborn be the connection between ancient
history
and near future calamity? If humanity survives the solar assault what will this alien do next to
achieve global genocide? SUNSTORM is an exciting conclusion to the terrific TIME'S EYE;
however, readers will have to accept key elements involving Firstborn. The key scientists (like
Mangle and Royal astronomer McGorran) are stereotypical antagonist from out of a 1950s movie
(sort of like the Lost World scientists) while the interesting Bisea remains a strong heroic
character.
The story line is at its best during the international efforts to cooperate and during the five year
countdown. Fans who accept Firstborn's motives will enjoy SUNSTORM while others will ask
how
far off 2001 seems.
Sonja's Run
Richard Hoyt
Forge
ISBN: 0765306158 $24.95, 352 pp.
In late 1852 or early 1853 depending on which calendar you use, Tsar Nicholas hosts a Christmas
gala in which he invites Mikhail Sankov, but the ailing poet is unable to attend. Instead his
daughter
also a poet, but with a revolutionary fervor, Sonja Sankova goes escorted by her father's friend
mathematician Arkady Migalkin. At the party, Peter "Colonel Cut" Koslov, head of the vicious
wolfpack, decides that the pretty waif Sonja would make an ideal addition to his "collection". He
woos her by boasting about his powers that include cutting off the testicles and ears of peasants.
Angry and a student of Tzu, Sonja punches Peter knocking him to the floor. She flees as he vows
to
cut off her ears. Sonja, garbed as a boy, takes her father towards the Urals so he can die in his
birthplace while Koslov follows having already mutilated and killed Arkady. At the same time
American daguerreotype photographer Jack Sandt tours Russia with the lofty goal of making
pictures of the various races he meets. When he and Sonja meet, they fall in love, but first she
must
complete her father's final mission of being buried in his birthplace and than there is Colonel Cut
who will not rest until he retaliates for his humiliation. SONJA'S RUN is a fantastic historical
thriller
that brings to life the mid nineteenth century in Russia. The story line is action-packed from the
moment Sonja knocks down the abusive Koslov and never slows down until after he finally
catches
up to confront her. The secondary cast like the Tsar and Karl Marx add depth to an insightful tale
that centers on the seeds of the Revolutions sixty plus years later were already deeply ingrained by
1853.
Going Coastal
Wendy French
Forge
ISBN: 0765313499 $12.95, 301 pp.
In Bent Harbor, Washington, waitress Jody Rogers, tired of her butt being pinched by middle age
patrons like odious used car king Marty McDade, informs her boss at Dean's Ocean Galley that
she
quits. Dean seems elated as he accepts her resignation with aplomb saying he has her shift
covered.
Near tears, Jody heads home feeling she was fired to tell her lover Chris what happened. When
Chris
steps out of the shower, Jody finds he is washing her cousin Beth. At twenty-seven, Jody is
staring
over seeking employment, a place to live and a new man. Everyone in town offers advice to Jody
though no one really knows how she is to find a job, a room (her parents no longer have space for
her) and a non-cheating male. Jody considers fleeing to Seattle with her dreams shattered and no
prospects at home. Of course the benefit of running away is that she would leave just in time to
miss
her tenth high school reunion. Still Jody believes she can recover perhaps by wiggling her way
back
into Dean's Ocean Galley. This is a delightful chick lit tale starring a wonderful protagonist, who
in a
few short hours watched her world collapse. The story line is lighthearted yet furbishes a deep
character study as the audience gets a close look at Jody and her struggles to rebound although
her
simple dreams devastated. Though perhaps a bit too lighthearted with a fun cast of eccentric inane
townsfolk starting with her non-SMOTHERING parents, GOING COASTAL is a strong fable of
remain true to yourself regardless of setbacks.
Crazy Eights
Elizabeth Gunn
Forge
ISBN: 0765308061 $23.95, 272 pp.
Rutherford, Minnesota Chief of Detectives Captain Jake Hines watches the trial of Benny
Niemeyer,
accused of carjacking, kidnapping, and killing Shelley Gleason. Benny's partner Dale Trogstad
was
already found guilty of the crimes. Benny informed the police where they could find the corpse,
but
that information is not admissible as evidence due to a technicality. There is no other link
connecting
Benny to the murder and the witness who put away Dale is missing. Not surprisingly, the jury
states
"not guilty". The next day a freed Benny is dead; the medical examiner declares he was murdered.
Although Jake wanted this vermin put away for life and commiserates with the killer, he searches
for
the culprit. His inquiries lead to the town's richest family who has done so much for the
community.
This author is a top Gunn when it comes to providing some of the best police procedurals on the
market today. There is enough romance in CRAZY EIGHTS to satisfy fans of that genre, but it is
clearly the investigation that readers will appreciate. The story line is brilliantly filled with false
leads,
red herrings, and misinformation that take the audience down wrong trails (sounds like the
political
parties). Readers will like the ethical Jake, a mixed racial person who usually ignores the
ignorance
of racists; the news from his live-in lover sets up a freshness for his next appearance and giving his
fans plenty to look forward to.
White Thunder
Aimee & David Thurlo
Forge
ISBN 0765311747 $23.95, 304 pp.
Navaho Police Special Investigator Ella Clah is still recovering emotionally after almost dying in a
uranium mine. She hopes to spend more time with her daughter Dawn but when an FBI agent
goes
missing on the reservation, Ella and her unit gives top priority to finding him. She doesn't expect
too
much cooperation from the tribe because Agent Thomas interrupted a medicine man during a Sing
(a
healing ceremony). This is a taboo and dealt with severely but after talking to the shaman, Ella
clears
him of any crimes. Ella wants to talk to the man who underwent the Sing Melvin Rainwater in
connection with the social security checks of dead men that were not reported deceased sent to a
special post office box. A phone call from Agent Thomas confirms he is still alive and in a dark
place, which Ella believes is one of the deserted mines just like she was not so long ago. She uses
all
the resources at her disposal to find him, even going so far as to break some laws, but somebody
wants to stop her investigation or at least slow it down and they don't care if they harm Ella in the
process. An Ella Clah mystery is always a special treat and WHITE THUNDER is particularly
good
because the authors bring to life a culture in the same way that Tony Hillerman does. The
investigation is compressed into a short period because the protagonist knows that the victim is
running out of time which raises the level of tension and makes the audience feels as they are
involved in the search. This tale is another great mystery by the talented Thurlos.
Missing Persons
Stephen White
Dutton
ISBN: 0525948597 $25.95, 352 pp.
Psychologist Alan Gregory does not want to get involved in the missing persons case of Mallory
Miller, who lives in the same neighborhood as JoBenet Ramsey. The two used to play together as
children and now Mallory vanished on the eighth anniversary of JoBenet's death. Circumstances
draw a reluctant Alan into the case because his colleague Diane Estevez consulted with her now
deceased friend Hannah Grant about a girl who fit Mallory's description coming into the office for
a
session. The patient was worried about her mother, a schizophrenic living in Vegas apart from her
husband and children. Alan's schizoid patient Bob implies that he knows something about
Mallory's
disappearance, but patient privilege prevents Alan from saying anything to anyone. Bob
disappears
and when Diane goes to Vegas to meet with Mallory's mother, she also vanishes. Alan might have
to
risk losing his license to practice psychology, but he knows he must reveal what Bob and Diane
told
him to the police to rescue the missing people. MISSING PERSONS graphically describes how
medical privilege can be a two edge sword when it protects the rights of a patient bit impedes a
police investigation. Alan is realistically portrayed as a doctor filled with doubts on what is the
morally right thing to do. His dilemma on top of a fast-paced, action filled story line grips the
audience. Though Stephen White enables his protagonist to wiggle somewhat free of his
quandary,
he remains concerned that he played loose with acceptable medical ethics. Mr. White delivers a
pulse
pounder that cleverly combines a tense medical thriller with a police procedural amateur sleuth
tale.
The Watcher in the Pine
Rebecca Pawel
Soho
ISBN: 156947379X $24.00, 309 pp.
In 1940, following the end of the Spanish Civil War, Guardia Police Lieutenant Carlos Tejada is
assigned his first command position in the remote mountainous village of Potes. Tejada has mixed
feelings about leaving his post in Salamanca, but the idea of being in charge has been an ambition
of
his even if the area is known by his peers as the Devastated Region from the destruction caused
by
the war. However, the locals including his police force of the northern Spanish village do not
welcome the outsider or his pregnant wife Elena, a Republican sympathizer in spite of her
husband's
official position in the Fascist government. Carlos learns that his predecessor was killed by
guerrillas
and hopes to adjust to being an unwelcome outsider. Someone steals crates of dynamite that
Carlos
expects will be used by insurgents unwilling to accept defeat. Not long afterward a rebel is
murdered. As Carlos investigates with no one cooperating inside the police, the village or his
household, all signs point to a clever merciless guerrilla funded from outside Spain willing to kill
to
further his ambition of reigniting the war starting in Potes. The police procedural elements are
intriguing as the audience sees the efforts of an honest cop struggling to do his job in a dictatorial
government. The story line showcases a bleak life for those who survived the civil war and how
much no one trusts the opposition. This puts in perspective modern places like Sri Lanka. Though
the mystery arrives late in the tale and, THE WATCHER IN THE PINE is a fabulous historical
who-done-it.
Killing Kelly
Heather Graham
Mira
ISBN: 0778321592 $19.95
Actress Kelly Trent of the popular soap opera Valentine Valley is on location shooting a scene as
the nasty Marla Valentine when the mud she stands on loosens and she almost dies. One week
later,
while Kelly is in South Beach, Florida with her agent and her business manager discussing her
future. The Valentine Valley director plans to kill off Marla out of fear for Kelly's life. Her
management team wants Kelly to do a video with rock group Kill Me Dead, whose lead singer
Lance Morton is obsessed with Kelly. The soap star insists she cannot dance but agrees to take
lessons. Former cop turn private sleuth dance instructor Doug O'Casey is hired to teach Kelly to
tango and to protect her. Kelly and Doug meet at a private party on a yacht; each thinks the other
is
a snob, but both feel attracted to one another. They begin the dance lessons with both feeling the
heat. As they tango, Doug admits Kelly is not like what he expected as she is down to earth. They
give in to their feelings and make love, but he fears for her life as someone keeps trying to kill her.
The ensemble cast enhances either the suspense or the terrific likable lead duo. The story line is
action-packed yet difficult to determine the villain as the plot disguises him very well to the point
that readers will wonder if accidents occurred as opposed to deliberate acts until deep into the
tale.
Though too many men seem obsessed with Kelly (which also makes for red herrings) and it is too
convenient that so many cops and sleuths are involved in Kelly's life, fans will enjoy this strong
romantic suspense.
The Backup Plan
Sherryl Woods
Mira
ISBN; 0778321495 $6.99, 400 pp.
War correspondent Dinah Davis has covered many of the recent hot spots. Currently she is
reporting
on Afghanistan, but has lost her edge since she witnessed the death of a friend and was nearly
killed
too. Physically Dinah has healed, but her boss tells her she is not the same and should return to
the
States to marry and have babies. Initially refusing to listen, Dinah realizes that her career is over
and
wonders if her boyfriend Bobby Beaufort still waits for as he promised a decade ago when she
chose
journalism over marriage. Back home in South Carolina, Dinah's mom worries that her daughter
has
not recovered from her last overseas assignment. Meanwhile Bobby's older brother Cord, who
thought his sibling was a fool to agree to Dinah's backup plan, quickly wants to revise the
arrangement by inserting himself as the groom. As Dinah suffers the malaise of post traumatic
syndrome, she turns to Cord not her family or Bobby for comfort while he worries whether he
will
prove enough in the long run. Though the actual backup plan of Bobby waiting for a decade
seems
strange, fans will appreciate this deep look into the traumas and tragedies civilians in combat areas
can suffer. The story line is character driven once Dinah returns home moping and depressed.
Adding to her depression is that she realizes her plan is a failure as she finds the sibling more
attractive than the chosen one, but does not want to hurt the loyal Bobby. This is a strong tale
that
showcases the aftermath of horrific situations on survivors.
Blue Twilight
Maggie Shayne
Mira
ISBN; 0778321509 $6.99, 400 pp.
Twenty six years old Maxine "Mad Maxie" Stuart and her partner Tempest "Stormy" Jones are
moving from White Plains, New York to Maine to open a private investigative firm. Maxie cons
her
beloved retired cop forty-four years old Lou Malone into driving; she hopes to persuade Lou that
they belong together professionally and personally, but the stubborn former cop feels she can do
better than him. The sleuths receive a call from a close friend who they have not seen in years.
Jason
Beck tells them that his sister and her friend are missing and last seen in Endover, New
Hampshire.
He fails to warn them that the Prince, a vampire, has the two teens and is using them as bait
because
he recognizes the picture of Stormy on a brochure announcing the new company. The Prince
aided
by local Sheriff Fieldner plans to regain the love he lost once he has converted Stormy and
eliminating Maxie is a viable option with Lou ready to die to keep his beloved safe from the
supernatural. The events of this tale occur in between those of TWILIGHT HUNGER and
EMBRACE THE TWILIGHT, filling a gap that will elate readers. Maxie still works on Lou's
psyche to get him to realize she is what he needs and more important he is what she desires. The
Prince is an intriguing vampire with scruples until he sees the picture; then it all fair in love and
war,
which he will soon find himself in both as Maxie is quite a formidable opponent especially when a
loved one seems threatened. Maggie Shayne provides another splendid paranormal romance with
her
latest Wings in the Night Twilight thriller.
Lethal Lies
Laurie Breton
Mira
ISBN: 0778321517 $6.99, 384 pp.
Popular author Faith Pelletier has not been able to write since her spouse died eighteen months
ago.
Though pressured to produce her next novel and having spent the advance on her husband's
medical
bills, Faith drops everything when she learns Chelsea, her best friend since childhood, died in what
appears to have been a suicidal drive into the Androscoggin River. Worried about Chelsea's
daughter fifteen years old Jessie, Faith heads to River City, Maine to attend the funeral and bring
the
teen back with her to New York. Though ruled a suicide, Faith believes otherwise because she
knows how much Chelsea loved Jessie. Police Chief Ty Savage also has doubts, but has not found
one iota of evidence to prove murder occurred. Urged on by the River City Gazette where
Chelsea
worked as a reporter, Faith tries to track her friend's last unfinished story, but soon finds herself in
deep trouble from a killer who wants his actions and her buried along side of Chelsea. LETHAL
LIES is an exhilarating romantic suspense that grips the audience as they go on the road with
Faith
who believes Chelsea's former husband drugged and killed her. The story line never slows down
from that stunning start as Faith picks up the gauntlet and continues the inquiries over the fears of
Ty, who loves her. Fans will appreciate this strong Maine thriller filled with fantastic misdirection
and clever red herrings.
In Hot Water
Mary Lynn Baxter
Mira
ISBN: 0778321428 $6.99
Maci Malone goes on vacation to Jamaica where she meets a hunk. The pair shares an incredible
night of passionate lovemaking. Though neither expects a morning after, "Stan" and "Mildred"
desire this to happen. However, there was none as both know they should have not indulged
though
they could not stop. They separately left for their respective home destinations never expecting to
see one another again. Not long afterward, Maci agrees to marry Dr. Seymour Ramsey who offers
her security something she needs in life. Life is good and Maci gives birth to a child Jonah.
However, the illusion of stability shatters when her spouse is sued for malpractice and charged
with
manslaughter for the wrongful death of a patient due to the abusive influence of prescription
drugs.
Seymour asks his estranged adult son Holt to serve as his legal council. However, Maci is stunned
because Holt is the hunk in Jamaica who took her to ecstasy and may be the biological father of
her
son. Maci is a likable protagonist who feels her world collapse with the charges against her
husband
and then further implodes when Holt arrives. Unlike the harassed lead female character, the two
males are not amiable as Holt is nasty and Seymour pathetic. Still this is a fine contemporary soap
opera even if coincidence generates the triangular tension.
Testing Miss Toogood
Stella Cameron
Mira
ISBN: 0778321487 $7.50, 400 pp.
In 1815 Reverend Toogood worries that he does not have enough money to provide dowries for
his
five daughters. To insure he does, he knows he must marry off the first one to a wealthy
aristocrat,
which will ease entry for the remaining foursome. He selects his second oldest child, Fleur as the
best bet since she is the prettiest of his offspring. Fleur detest her father's plan and is appalled to
learn that her mother's friend the Duchess of Granville will sponsor her. She wants to marry for
love
not money so she will meet her sire's commitment of seeking a wealthy suitor, but refuses to wed
for
anything that excludes a deep love between her and her spouse. The Duchess drafts her son
Dominic
Elliot to escort the mouthy opinionated rustic. He wants her gone as she interferes with his efforts
to
uncover the identity of who is abducting well to do women while she tries to learn what his great
secret is even as they fall in love with one another. TESTING MISS TOOGOOD is a fine
Regency
romance starring two likable lead protagonists who are attracted with one another, but show it
with
discord except in front of his mother. The story line moves along two plots, the amusing
dysfunctional romance and Dominic's tense undercover work to save young women from
predators.
Sub-genre readers will appreciate Stella Cameron's wonderful historical.
Luau of Death
Jerrilyn Farmer
Morrow
ISBN: 0060587296 $23.95, 240 pp.
For eight years Madeline Bean and her partner Wesley Westcott owned and operated an event
planning company making money, but now they are hosting a special party out of love. Their
employee Holly Nichols is getting married in two weeks and they are throwing their beloved
assistant a fantastic bachelorette gala in Hawaii where Maddie plans to be one of the pampered
guests. At their private luau, they meet the party planner for the luau Keriki. The next day,
Keriki's
boyfriend, a good swimmer, drowns and it was later discovered he was the same person Holly
found
in her room before she chased him out. The medical examiner reports he was married Next
Japanese
ruffians pursue a mellowing Maddie because they think she is Holly and is the ticket to finding her
husband (who she hopes to divorce before the wedding to her betrothed) Marvin Dubinsky who
apparently stole something that they want back or else. When the thugs catch up to Marvin, a
scientific genius, they threaten to kill him with Maddie trying to save his life at potentially the cost
of
her own. Holly is a cute flake who isn't sure whether she is married or not, having been drunk in
Vegas with no recollection of how she got there and what happened. She expects Maddie to help
her with obtaining a quick divorce or annulment. Maddie knows all heck is breaking loose once
she
realizes Marvin has joined them with thugs after his hide. She brings the humor to this zany tale as
she wants to relax and have a good time, but is questioning suspects especially guests. LUAU OF
DEATH is a delightful picturesque amateur sleuth novel that uses the background as seen by
natives
and by guests like unsinkable Maddie to keep the series fresh.
Torpedo Juice
Tim Dorsey
Morrow
ISBN: 0060585609 $24.95, 336 pp.
In Florida, serial killer Serge Storms decides he needs to settle down with a wife. However, Serge
has a few things to take care of before tying the knot. For instance, where will they live? However
before he can get married and they can select their home, Serge he must find the right woman.
Thus
the quest for the ultimate female for Mr. Storms begins. In the No Name Keys, a place where
losers,
lowlifes, and similar ilk are considered high society, Serge meets the woman of his dreams, mousy
librarian Molly. However, as he writes in his Serge log, marriage is not quite what he expected as
Mighty Mouse is driving Serge crazy with her needs. Still, murders aside, Serge somehow
becomes
a cult's Messiah though he denies it, which leads to High Noon with an oily CEO trying to
overturn
the anti-social order of the No Name Keys. Finally there are the drug lord looking to invade the
Keys and Anna Sebring seeking to murder the serial killer who executed her brother with her
revenge radar targeting Serge. TORPEDO JUICE is the typical wacky wild Tim Dorsey irreverent
Florida thriller. The key to this tale is Serge's efforts to turn domestic when the world spirals
through him in zany insane circles. This series of circular subplots lead to an amusing offbeat
madcap tale, but also is difficult to follow as the keys never fully interact even with Serge as the
foci.
Still Mr. Dorsey provides his typical insane yet brilliant, extremely funny yet satirical wild South
Florida tour.
Night Game
Kirk Russell
Morrow
ISBN: 081184112X $23.95, 365 pp.
California Department of Fish & Game Special Operations Chief Lieutenant John Marquez and
his
undercover team investigate poachers using torturous devices to capture, and slaughter bears to
sell
body parts to healers. The violators are organized, professional, and one step ahead of the game
wardens because they hacked into the law enforcement computers. No one interferes with this
shadowy group's lucrative business and if threatening the wardens and their families fails, murder
will follow and may have already occurred. Meanwhile as he struggles to do his job without
endangering his loved ones, John investigates disgraced game warden, Bill Petroni at the same
time
that homicide detective Jack Kendal suspects Bill for murder of a camper last year. The link is
Bill's
live in lover Sophie Broussard, who has ties to bear poaching and other illegal activities. Could
Bill
have provided insider information to a deadly group intent on keeping their profits the envy of the
Fortune 500 firms? The atmosphere is incredible as the picturesque Northern California
Mountains
come across as sinister and dangerous as any urban noir scene. John is terrific with his ethics
pulled
in several directions due to concern for his family, his team and their family, the bears he is
supposed
to protect, and doing his job. The enemy is the key as they are shadowy yet successful, which
leads
to intrigue balanced against cruelty and cynicism from government officials whose vision is a
paraphrase from the Eisenhower administration that what is good for business is good for the
USA.
This is a fabulous tale in which justice and morality struggles against making a buck at any cost
(as
long as someone else pays the tab).
All the Flowers Are Dying
Lawrence Block
Morrow
ISBN: 0060198311 $24.95, 304 pp.
Five years ago, someone raped and killed three little children. All the evidence pointed to Preston
Applewhite, who though he denied the deed, was convicted and sentenced to execution by lethal
injection. New York Dr. Bodinson visits Preston, pretending to believe the condemned convict is
innocent. Not long afterward, Preston is killed by the Commonwealth of Virginia. In New York,
Matthew Scudder, who retired from NYPD thirty years ago, has reduced his private investigative
caseload to practically zero as social security, a city retirement pension, and Elaine's income from
her shop seems adequate. However, he accepts Louise as a client and looks into the boyfriend
David
Thompson she met over an Internet dating service. As his simple inquiries tie back to the
Applewhite
case, he finds evidence of a serial killer who loves to kill when the moment is right; no discernable
"full moon" pattern emerges. This diabolical killer targets the Scudders as his next victims, which
means rape and murder is coming home to roost. Scudder continues to age with each new book
but
this time grandpa feels old with his mortality confronting him as he attends several "last call"
funerals
of peers. Still once he knows what he must stop, he refuses to back down even if healing seems
slower than ever. The serial killer is incredible as he does not fall into the usual profile of
obsession.
This makes him a worthy opponent of Scudder, whose investigation starts off so simple, but soon
spins into a deadly game of battle chess between two capable antagonists. Block writes his usual
fantastic thriller that his audience will want to read in one session.
Most Wanted
Michele Martinez
Morrow
ISBN 006072398X $23.95, 384 pp.
When Melanie Vargas had proof that her husband cheated on her she threw him out. One night,
her
six-month old baby is crying and won't go to sleep, so she takes the infant out in her stroller
walking
in the direction of police sirens. The home of former U.S. Prosecutor Jed Benson is in flames and
his
body is all chopped up and riddled with dog bites. Melanie, a federal prosecutor, wants to take
part
in this high profile case so she convinces the policemen that her boss sent her there as the attorney
who will try the case when they catch a suspect. Her boss admires her chutzpah and gives her the
case. She is teamed up with FBI agent Dan O'Reilly; sparks fly from the moment they meet. They
team up very well but the investigation goes badly from the start. Witnesses are murdered and
evidence disappears. Melanie believe someone is leaking information to the killer, perhaps even
Dan
and when her boss tries to throw her off the case, she makes a final attempt to find the killer and
that
makes her the potential next victim. Fans of Iris Johansen, Christine McGuire and Elizabeth
Lowell
will love this suspense thriller with just the right amount of romance. The heroine is smart and
ambitious but so vulnerable that readers will take her into their hearts. Besides seeking the
perpetrator, the heroine has to figure out who is dirty in her office or amongst the cops.
Surprisingly
enough, one of the support cast, Melanie's boss will elicit reader sympathy because she is looking
for
love with the wrong man. Hopefully MOST WANTED is the beginning of a new series.
Liberator Bomber
Frederick Ware Huff
Mercer
ISBN: 0865548749 $35.00
In December 1941, in response to Japan attacking Pearl Harbor, the United States declared war.
Consequently the other Axis powers, Germany and Italy declared war on America. By 1942 a
draft
was instituted. Twenty-three years old Gene Winn knew he was going to be drafted into the Army
so instead he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He served in the European Theatre of Operation
until
his plane went down in 1944 and he and his crew were helped prisoners by the Germans. This is a
terrific insightful look back at one soldier during World War II that brings to life through his
letters,
his family's correspondence, official memos, and other related documents, the life of an airman
and
the impacts on his loved ones during 1942-1945. LIBERATOR BOMBER provides a unique
perspective to the war as Dr. Frederick Ware Huff using real historical papers that make up much
of
this super tome paints a perceptive look back. History buffs, especially WW II aficionados, will
want
to read this strong life in a soldier reminiscent of Stephen Ambrose's classic BAND OF
BROTHERS.
Hello It's Me
Wendy Markham
Warner
ISBN: 044661453X $6.50, 400 pp.
Since Andre, her spouse of ten years passed away about a year ago, Annie Harlowe has hidden
her
need to grieve her loss because she knows she must remain strong for her two children six years
old
Milo and four years old Trixie. She brings in money by baking cookies for Merlin's Catering, but
the
bills are overwhelming. Her only self indulgence is keeping her husband's cell phone account so
that
she can hear his voice message and praying that one day he will come on with advice and
encouragement, but that luxury will end shortly. Merlin offers Annie a chance to make some
additional money by waitressing at the Braddock shindig. She was going to refuse until Andre
tells
her to go on the cell phone. At the gala she meets Thomas Brannock IV, who is very kind to her.
Afterward he finds a wedding ring that he traces through Merlin to Annie. He begins seeing Annie
although their class background makes a relationship seem impossible. However, neither expected
a
heavenly matchmaker to intercede as Andre wants the best for his beloved and that happens to be
Thom. HELLO IT'S ME is an enjoyable paranormal contemporary romance with the heavenly
elements used to enhance a fine tale. The story line stars two likable adults from different walks of
life falling in love. The secondary characters augment the lead couple by providing insight into
their
motives, especially families and friends or matchmakers. Though the kids seem too precocious
readers will appreciate this matchmaking from beyond romance.
The Red-Hot Cajun
Sandra Hill
Warner
ISBN: 0446612960 $6.50, 336 pp.
After years of failure as an environmental lobbyist has led to burn out, thirty-five years old Rene
LeDeux hides in the remotest area of the Louisiana Bayou. His beloved seventy-nine years old
Tante
Lulu visits him and not long afterward, middle age hippies Joe Bob and Maddie Doucet land their
plane nearby. Rene learns they have kidnapped news anchor Valerie "Ice" Breaux to act as a
spokesperson to save the endangered Bayou from developers. Valerie blames Rene and threatens
to
sue him and have him arrested for her abduction. Tante Lulu sees lightning and knows that
Valerie is
Rene's beloved. Joe and Maddie leave Valerie behind with no escape for at least a few days. Rene
and Maddie inwardly reflect on the most embarrassing moment in their respective lives; when they
were fifteen, she was drunk; they started to have sex, but he came too soon and she puked on his
jewel. Maddie initially disdains her host, but soon they give in to their attraction and fall in love.
However, nothing permanent can occur because Maddie does not trust males as men leave like
her
daddy did. Sandra Hill is a unique author whose tales combines heat with the absurd as few
writers
are able to do. Her latest Rajun Cajun romance is a droll hot sauce that readers feel the heat yet
laugh with the antics especially that crazy Bengal cat Tante Lulu. The lead couple is a delightful
battling pair who wants each other, but uses barbs to defuse the feelings. Ms. Hill provides a
Louisiana summer heat romance filled with passion and humor.
To Love a Thief
Julie Anne Long
Warner
ISBN: 0446614262 $6.50, 384 pp.
Gideon Cole paid off the debts his deceased father left him alphabetically; the barrister also drew
up
a master plan that he adheres to with no deviation. Part of his plan is to marry Constance Clary
and
use her father's aristocratic influence with the treasury and Gideon's success in court to become
Chancellor of the Exchequer. Though he knows he competes for Constance and the treasury
position with the wealthy titled Jarvis, Gideon will do what it takes including putting a down
payment on an expensive London townhouse. Gideon catches nimble pickpocket Lily Masters
trying
to steal his watch, but she escapes. Later Lily's bad luck continues when jostled trying to pick
someone's pocket and is caught. Gideon rescues her by "buying" her from her captor at the cost of
his townhouse down payment. He feels she owes him and since she speaks like an aristocrat he
decides to use her to make Constance jealous. However, when he brought Lily and her ten years
old
sister Alice into his life, Gideon did not realize how they would pick apart his heart and plan
through
love. Lily refreshes this pleasant Eliza Doolittle Regency romance though readers will agree with
Gideon that she is a pathetic thief. The hero is interesting as he struggles with his growing feelings
to
his "guest" and her sister that runs contrary to his master plan while the sacrificing for her sister
Lily
is great counterpoint to the selfish Constance. Though the coincidence of her failing twice with
Gideon there on both occasions is a stretch, fans will accept this happenstance as the catalyst to a
wonderful love story.
A Man Inspired
Derek Jackson
Warner
ISBN: 0446693529 $12.95, 276 pp.
Gifted orator Jermaine Hill has reached the pinnacle of American life. He is famous, wealthy, and
has his choice of beautiful women desiring him. In spite of living what everyone assumes is the
good
life; Jermaine is depressed having never recovered from the car accident that killed his best friends
even though the tragedy occurred nine years ago. Freelance writer Candace Clark wants to do an
article on Jermaine; he reluctantly agrees perhaps because fame has left him lonely and she is a
rarity
as he is attracted to her. However, Candace is a pious soul and Jermaine's lifestyle leaves him
undesirable even if she desires him. Meanwhile Gossip columnist Chantal Dixon sees a story
breaking with this couple; she hires a detective to trail the couple in hopes of capturing a romantic
scoop, but instead captures something more valuable, Jermaine's suicide attempt. A MAN
INSPIRED is a strong contemporary tale yet falls short due to a too easy resolution at the climax
to
complex issues. The story line starts slow as the audience meets the interesting despondent star
while gaining insight into this suicidal soul, picks up when the inspirational Candace arrives in
Hollywood, and goes stratospheric when the conniving Chantal takes aim at the couple. Well
written, Derek Jackson furbishes an intriguing story starring a multifaceted tortured lead
character,
whose salvation comes too easily and abruptly.
Promises to Keep
Susan Crandall
Warner
ISBN: 0446614114 $6.50, 480 pp.
In Boston Sarah Morgan arrives at the free clinic just prior to having a baby. Dr. Molly Boudreau
helps her give birth to Nicholas. The educated Sarah refuses to talk about the father except that he
is
a red haired evil person who will never see her son. Not long afterward Sarah asks Molly to take
care of Nicholas until she can insure her baby is safe. The next morning, Molly learns someone
executed Sarah. Molly realizes no record of the birth exists yet and though the autopsy will show
the
recent birthing, she can hide the infant in her hometown of Glens Crossing, Indiana. She drives
home
where she tells family that Nicholas is hers. In New York, reporter Dean Coletta feels lucky to be
alive as he recovers from a bullet he received in the Middle East, but learns that his sister Julie
known as Sarah is dead but gave birth to a missing child. Dean makes inquires with all roads
leading
to Molly and Indiana. When they meet, though he believes Molly abducted his nephew, he is
attracted to her; she knows he is not Sarah's evil incarnate, but could be working for him. The
strong
lead couple and powerful secondary characters especially her extended family make the tale seem
very real. The brisk story line moves forward rapidly as Molly and Dean fall in love but have
lingering doubts about each other. Though some readers will dislike the lack of a direct final
confrontation between good and evil (this reviewer thought that added appropriate realism) and a
major subplot involving Molly's nephew takes away from the prime theme, readers will appreciate
this suspenseful family drama.
The Real Slam Dunk
Charisse K. Richardson
Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)
Puffin (Penguin Children's)
ISBN: 0142402125 $4.99, 68 pp.
Twins Marcus and Mia as well as other students at their school look forward to meeting superstar
basketball player Jason Carter just before a pro game. Both enjoy playing the game and Marcus,
who is a math whiz, hopes to be as good as his hero Jason. His sister wants to be a reporter and is
writing an article on the visit with Jason. The kids have good time while Jason encourages them to
understand that there is more to life than sports as he was a chemistry major in college. THE
REAL
SLAM DUNK is a well written tale aimed at elementary school children. Young readers will
appreciate Marcus as he worries that Mia is taller than him and how to behave when he meets his
hero. The story line makes no apologies in that it emphasizes education is more important of a
dream although it is okay to want to be a famous wealthy basketball player. This reviewer kept
thinking of Mrs. Reagan's unrealistic "Just say no" campaign as Jason preached having dreams
outside the hardwood floor.
Ten Little New Yorkers
Kinky Friedman
Simon & Schuster
ISBN 0743246039 $24.00, 195 pp.
Amateur private investigator Kinky Friedman is despondent because his cat is missing and he has
no
case to occupy his time. He also feels that his life is not going to get any better than it is, which
makes him even more depressed. His friends convince him to go to his Echo Hill Ranch in Texas;
which he does. When he arrives at the ranch, he feels much better until his neighbor Winnie Katz
calls to let him know that she found a wallet belonging to a Robert Scalopini, someone Kinky
never
heard of. He finds out the man was the fourth male killed in the Village in a week and a half.
When
the police learn about the wallet they make Kinky return to Manhattan to question him. As
evidence
at a fifth homicide points to Kinky the police tail him. When he loses the tail, a sixth murder
occurs
and the Kinkster has no alibi. Someone is framing him for the murders; Kinky has a case to work
on
to exonerating himself and finding the real culprit. A Kinky Friedman novel is always a treat to
read.
His raunchy sense of humor, his quirky outlook on life and his love for his cat endears him to
readers
who hope he snaps out of his funk. It is exciting watching Kinky fall under police suspicion
although
he knows he is innocent but can't prove it; still he interestingly eliminates suspects. The climax of
TEN LITTLE NEW YORKERS will come as a complete shock to fans of this series, making this
one a must buy to find out who and why.
Year of the Hyenas
Brad Geagley
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 074325080X $23.00, 291 pp.
In 1153 BC Thebes, the Clerk of Investigations and Secrets Semerket is delegated with finding
out
who killed the popular much-loved Priestess Hetephras. Unbeknownst to Semerket is that his
superiors selected him because they assume that the alcoholic acrimonious loser will fail. Then
they
can fire him for incompetence, but not before they blame him to the masses who demand the killer
face vigilante justice; the pathetic Semerket would make a fine substitute as far as his bosses are
concerned. However, shockingly Semerket digs deep and soon uncovers tomb robbers that he
begins to believe may be connected to his murder investigation. As he uncovers more clues, he
begins to realize that this simple murder of a cherished figure and related robberies are just the
surface covering up a conspiracy that he believes places the Pharaoh in peril. As Semerket drinks
to
ease his fears of what to do without losing his head, his decision making process is stolen from
him
when his beloved becomes a target. YEAR OF THE HYENAS is a terrific Ancient Egypt police
procedural starring an interesting protagonist; readers will agree with Semerket's superiors that he
is
the last person they figure capable of solving anything. Semerket is an unpleasant grouch who
makes
a perfect foible for the conspirators except that no one realized how he would go the extra tomb
or
two to solve the case. Although the prose reads at times deliberately archaic giving the
investigation
an ancient feel that is difficult to follow, fans will enjoy Brad Geagley's fine historical
who-done-it.
Speak Softly, She Can Hear
Pam Lewis
Simon & Schuster
ISBN 0743255399 $23.00 341 pp.
In 1965 New York City Carole, an overweight shy student is determined to lose her virginity
before
she begins Vassar. Her best friend Naomi arranges for Carole to meet twenty-six year old Eddie in
Vermont so he can teach her about sex. Carole gets very drunk so that when Rita appears for a
menage a trois she does it. Caroline remembers little except that Rita is dead and Eddie claims she
broke her neck. From that day forward, Caroline's life is never the same. Eddie blackmails her for
money and her parent's valuables. She runs away to San Francisco and lives in a commune with
her
friend Rachel and her son Pepper when Eddie once again shows up to terrorize Carole and even
hits
Pepper, scarring him for life. The small family relocates to Montpellier, Vermont where Carole
opens a restaurant and moves in with the love of her life. She thinks she is safe until Naomi and
Eddie arrive and their unholy triangle explodes in violence leaving two people dead and one
severely
injured. Carole is a vulnerable and frightened person but readers won't feel sorry for her because
she
allows herself to be a victim, first by letting Eddie intimidate her and then by causing her parents'
untold grief when she runs away. Eddie is a true sociopath a remorseless stalker who enjoys
tormenting Carole; he also keeps tabs on her so he can hurt her some more. Pam Lewis' debut
novel
is a chilling thriller, full of non-stop action that grips readers so much that they will finish this
novel
in one sitting.
Saving Cascadia
John J. Nance
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743250516 $25.00, 320 pp.
US Geological Survey seismologist Doug Lam is positive that the Washington state barrier island
Cascadia is on the verge of an earthquake. Still Chadwick and Noble company approved
construction of Mick Walker's posh casino-hotel and convention center on the island. Feeling
remorse and guilt, company engineer Diane Lacombe possesses proof that her company knew
about
the dangerous deadly potential of building on the fault line. However, before she can do anything
with her evidence, Diane is forced to flee the Seattle area as someone wants the CD with its proof
and her silenced. The quakes begin with the first tremor centered on the ocean floor but close
enough to the coast to feel it in Puget Sound. The first major quake hammers coastal Bellingham,
but help is impeded due to a thick fog. Next Cascadia Island shakes with a ferry containing a
hundred guests on the way to the new facility sinking and the new hotel collapsing. Cascadia
Island
seems destined to become a twenty-first century Krakatoa sinking beneath the ocean while a
deadly
tsunami is heading to destroy much of the state potentially killing millions. The tragedy in Asia
provides a stark reality to John J. Nance's action tale that with each concentric widening circle
gets
more and more pulse pumping. The story line is action-packed with heroes, victims, and culprits
who only care to bury the truth in the rubble. Because of the recent Asiatic devastation, SAVING
CASCADIA is more than just a disaster thriller as Mr. Nance makes the case that what happened
in
the Indian Ocean rim could occur here. This scary terrific thriller should raise alarms in that other
Washington.
Heart of Thornton Creek
Bonnie Leon
Revell
ISBN: 080075896X $12.99, 344 pp.
In 1871 Boston, feisty independent socialite Rebecca Williams meets Aussie Daniel Thornton. He
courts her and proposes. Though she has some doubts about dealing with relocating to Australia
and
not loving Daniel, she accepts because she is fond of him, respects his kindness towards people
and
lacks money to maintain her current American lifestyle; she hopes to one day love her husband
and
looks forward to increased freedom Down Under. The married couple moves to his family's cattle
station in Queensland, Australia. There the self-reliant Rebecca runs into problems with Daniels'
father Bertram, the iron-fisted patriarch who controls everyone including her husband through his
contention of divine commission. She is not what Bertram had in mind for his daughter-in-law as
he
prefers barefoot, pregnant and fear of brimstone not a spirited defiant Yank. This character driven
historical tale will grip the audience once Rebecca and Bertram meet. The triangular lead trio all
feels frustration with one another. Rebecca, who anticipated increased freedom away from home,
feels thwart and restricted; Daniel feels yanked in opposite direction by the two most important
people in his life; while Bertram thinks a female serpent has entered the station. Together, they
make
for a deep look at clashing cultures in the opening saga of the Queensland Chronicles.
Murder in Stratford
Audrey Peterson
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142734 $25.95, 202 pp.
In Stratford upon Avon, though she is several years older than Will Shakespeare, who works in
his
father's Glover shop, he courts and marries Anne Hathaway. Over the next few years, they seem
happy together though Will who studied law was bored. When he had an opportunity to join a
traveling troupe, he leaves his spouse and children behind though he sends money and visits
infrequently. Will's fame as a writer begins to grow, but on one of his trips home, his boyhood pal,
the odious arrogant Richard Quiney, who even tried to boorishly seduce his friend's wife Anne, is
murdered. The corpse is found in the Shakespeare garden. The constable assumes Will, being
cuckold, killed the man in a crime of passion. Anne believes otherwise and is determined to prove
her spouse is innocent. As the list of those with motives to kill the loathsome Richard seems to
grow, almost as if the entire town and surrounding villagers had a reason to murder him, the killer
watches Anne to insure she does not get to close to the truth. MURDER IN STRATFORD is as
much an amateur sleuth tale as it is a historical fiction novel. The story line is told from the
perspective of Anne but not just about the who-done-it but her life even before Will courts her.
This
enables the audience to obtain a full picture of her and much insight into the Bard. Her
investigation
is fun to follow but takes a back seat to her life's story so much so that Shakespeare lovers and the
Elizabethan crowd will appreciate this fine tale more so than those who prefer a pure
mystery.
Chasing Galahad
Molly Charles
Five Star
ISBN: 159414298X $25.95, 235 pp.
Portland, Oregon resident Zephronia Halliday is in London to bid at an auction on Galahad, an
antique sea horse she needs to make Galahad's Secret Garden, a children's park, complete.
However,
her "God-Uncle" Sedgewick James informs construction tycoon Ty McHugh that he would like
him
to meet his "niece' Zep who is at an auction. Ty knows Zep broke his heart when he was a teen
and
her wealthy father fired his gardener father because of her. He is affluent while he is unaware that
she is broke. He goes to the auction and pays an exorbitant price for Galahad to thwart her from
having the antique. At a gala for a children's charity, Zep confronts TY who broke her heart when
she was a teen. He blithely informs her that he gave Galahad away to Princess Jane. When she
beats
him in cards he agrees to help her gain the antique back. Jane gave it to rock star Ferret Flag. As
Zep and Ty go on the quest, they both keep from the other that they still love one another and
then
there is that matter between their fathers. Unless they clear the air, this couple is doomed to
lifetimes
of unhappiness. Though biting his nose to spite his face by spending a fortune on an antique he
gives
way seems odd especially in light of how fast Ty agrees to help Zep. Once the audience clears that
hurdle, the story line is fun to follow with both fearing to reveal how much they love the other.
Readers will ride along with the lead couple who has a second chance at love while chasing after
Galahad.
My Lord Beast
Mary Lennox
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143285 $26.95, 389 pp.
In 1842 with her merchant family in ruin, Lilias Merrit believes she is caught between a rock and a
hard place; her options are limited to marrying an abusive man or accepting a job at Breme Castle,
rumored home to an aristocratic beast. Lilias meets her new employer Aubrey Drelincourte, but
shocks him as the repulsive scars on his face do not frighten her. Instead she expects his dark
brooding will lead to rages that goes contrary to her feeling attracted to this depressing lord. Still
suffering from Malaria he caught in India, Aubrey also feels guilty over his wife's death though he
remembers nothing about it except awakening holding the murder weapon while a leopard stood
near her corpse. He fears that remembering what happened will affirm that he is a murdering
beast.
Though Aubrey expects to be tried as a killer, this does not scare him, but his odious cousin
inheriting Breme does. He wants to marry quickly and beget an heir before the law comes for him.
With little time available he chooses Lilias as his bride, but expects she will refuse to wed a killer.
This nineteenth century gothic romantic mystery hooks the audience from the moment that Lilias
decides the unknown "evil" is safer than the known "evil". All the evidence cleverly points to
Aubrey
as a spousal murderer leaving fans to wonder how the male love interest could be the killer.
Aubrey
has doubts about his innocence and as he begins falling in love with Lilias, worries about her
safety
especially from him, his biggest fear. He insures MY LORD BEAST is a fine historical romantic
suspense.
The Assassin's Dream
J.D. Townsend
Five Star
ISBN 1594142823 $25.95, 430 pp.
In 2174, the new world order came about because of Acquired Genetic Neurological Syndrome
killing over two third of the male population on Earth. Women are in power and the central focus
of
authority is the council selected on each continent. The regime represses individuals who are less
important than the whole and opinions are not tolerated. Most infants are genetically engineered.
There is a k-class of women bred to be perfect assassins; Kay Black is one of the best. When she
goes to terminate Angela Potenkin, she finds a recording she left behind telling Kay that she is the
product of a breeding experiment designed to bring about the next step in evolution. People like
her
have psychic powers that manifest themselves at a predetermined time. When Kay's next
assignment
is to terminate Angela's son, their meeting brings out their full powers and leads them to an
underground enclave in Dar es Salaam where people just like them are living in an underground
community. Their safety is just an illusion because the head of the North American Council is
getting
ready to infiltrate the group and use them for her own ends. It is 1984 all over again with Big
Sister
keep a close eye on its citizens, ready to kill anyone who threatens the status quo. Kay doesn't
understand what is happening to her and reaches out to Aria, a woman working on the council.
Something about Kay touches Ana who agrees to help her with her psychic powers and with
fitting
into the group. J.D. Townsend has written an Orwellian science fiction thriller that is impossible
to
put down until finished.
The Fight in the Dog
Wayne D. Dundee
Five Star
ISBN: 159414317X $25.95, 360 pp.
She started her inquiries seeking information on her neighbor's lost dog, who vanished from a
supermarket parking lot. However, her inane investigation obviously disturbed someone because a
thug assaults her in her home warning reporter Jan Mosby to back off or else. Jan refuses to let
the
punks win so going along with her editor's one demand, the C-2-C magazine editor Cybill Deming
hires a bodyguard for her reporter, who happens to be Jan's boyfriend Joe Hannibal. Someone
nails a
badly mauled canine carcass to Jan's home as a final warning. Still Joe and Jan make inquiries into
recent canine snatches and soon find a disturbing pattern. Numerous dogs have being taken
throughout the Chicago metropolitan area as fodder for the training of pit bulls as killers. Could
this
be the work of the deadly head of Hellraisers, a dangerous biker gang? All Joe cares about is that
his
beloved Jan is safe and he is willing to die or kill to insure that remains so. This private
investigative
journalist blend is a terrific tale that readers will appreciate due to the fine likable lead couple. The
story line moves at fast clip as the dynamic duo makes the rounds and begins finding evidence of
inhuman abuse towards animals especially dogs, but nothing that ties back to the culprit. Wayne
D.
Dundee provides an exciting tale in which his two Js prove it's the fight in the people that make
for a
fine thriller.
Endless River
Elizabeth Fackler
Five Star
ISBN: 159414270X $25.95, 226 pp.
In Berredo, Texas, four hours from El Paso, Buck Powell pretends to be a police officer, shams
the
school administration, and abducts student Nathan Wheeler. The victim's seventeen years old
girlfriend Amy Sterling becomes concerned about him because he never made it to the police
station.
Amy thinks nasty peer Zeb Mulroney, who she dated until she saw his abusive side, kidnapped
Nate,
but no one believes her as the evidence including two eye witnesses from the school points to his
cousin Buck. Amy's mother Lucinda persuades former El Paso cop, her tenant and lover Devon
Gray to investigate. Reluctantly he does to pacify the teen as much as he also likes her and her
mother. Accompanied by the two females who have given him a reason to live, Devon searches
the
nearby mountain roads for the missing lad. However, unbeknownst to him or the local police Zeb
is
the mastermind behind the abduction as he plans to hurt Nate for going out with his girl. This is
an
intriguing regional thriller that moves on several paths to include a minor police procedural, a
major
private investigation, and a chilling abuse of the victim by his kidnappers. The story line grips the
audience who wonder what Zeb will do next, but it is the deep cast to include a young drifter that
turns ENDLESS RIVER into a fine Texas thriller.
The Queen's Fencer
Caitlin Scott-Turner
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143021 $26.95, 303 pp.
In 1597, Will Trevallon is the Queen's fencing master; his twenty-one years old daughter Elizabeth
is
perhaps is best rival. They are happy until Will while in a tournament collapses and dies. Elizabeth
grieves more than just the loss of her father and teacher; she has lost her best friend. As Elizabeth
tries to move on in her life, Queen Elizabeth sympathizes with her loss, but though the young
woman is capable of being THE QUEEN'S FENCER, a female in what the nobles recognize as a
male position would cause too much trouble. However, Desmond Kirkconnell has his own plans
for
the lass; he abducts her taking her to Ireland and then to the Caribbean and back. As she falls in
love
with her rogue pirate, a rival Francois de la Roche abducts Elizabeth to use as a pawn to trap and
destroy Desmond, who risks death to rescue his beloved. Elizabethan romance readers will want
to
take the plunge into this intriguing tale. The lead couple is a wonderful intrepid pairing though it
seems the competent Elizabeth is too easy a victim. The story line is fast-paced whether the action
occurs in England, Ireland or the High Seas. Elizabeth's court and other secondary protagonists
provide a late sixteenth century feel to the fable, but it is Elizabeth the fencing master who makes
the
tale hum.
Fairy BrewHaHa at the Lucky Nickel Saloon
Ken Rand
Five Star
ISBN 1594142793 $25.95, 211 pp.
In the Wyoming Territory, Lucky Nickel Saloon owner Mick is ecstatic that a fairy paid for his
drink
with a gold coin, which enables him to remit the rent owed to his landlady who was threatening
him
with foreclosure. His spirits plummet when the coin turns to dust. A fairy horde descends on the
saloon, causing mayhem and aggravating his regular non paying customers. Former regular Tom
Murphy and his mermaid wife Miss Lizzie, who just arrived in town with the circus, join the
melee.
Everyone takes refuge under the magic piano to avoid the out of control fairies who intend to rob
the circus of their gold so they can make more real gold. They demand Mick serve the only drink
that can get them drunk, Fairy BrewHaHa, but he doesn't remember how to make it because he
and
the fairy King J.R. Ewing were drunk when he concocted it. Mick's girlfriend makes a deal with
the
fairies that will solve everyone's needs. The fairies will get the drink they want and a gold coin so
they can make more gold coins; Mick will receive three gold coins a week for a supply of Fairy
BrewHaHa. Now he must remember the ingredients and find a gold coin from all his mooching
regulars. This wacky, wild and wonderful urban fantasy takes place in the Wild West but instead
of
cavalry fighting Indians; fairies are fighting humans. Readers will chuckle out loud out with the
snappy repartees and the zany situations that arise when two different species occupy the same
space. Ken Rand is a grand storyteller whose historical urban fantasy will gather him a huge fan
base.
Murder of the Month
Elizabeth C. Main
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143161 $25.95, 259 pp.
In Russell County, Oregon, forty-two years old grandma Jane Serrano lived a fairy tale life until
her
beloved spouse of over twenty years died. Her three daughters worry about Jane, but the older
two
reside out of state and the nineteen year old youngest Bianca has frustrated Jane who studies the
book Making Peace with Your Adult Child. Jane works at Thornton Books and hosts the Murder
of
the Month Book Club. Bianca, a club member, insists that Russell County DA Gil Fortune killed
his
wife Vanessa though the police insist it was an unfortunate accident when she fell into the
Crooked
River Gorge. Bianca bases her belief on her Wendell, a club member who is a dog more interested
in
the food than the books. He barked at Gil just like that classic mystery novel Prove It, Puppy!.
The
teen sells the idea to the other members (Minnie the senior citizen, Ty the teen and Alex the
female
cynic) that they need to investigate the crime while Jane ponders how to escape from these
lunatics.
As the amateur sleuths make inquiries the culprit plans to kill anyone who learns the truth.
MURDER OF THE MONTH is a terrific amateur sleuth that lightly satirizes the sub-genre and
animal detective tales. The story line blends the right amount of serious family conflict with an
engaging investigation by a group who follow the book (albeit a puppy detective fiction). Jane is
the
wonderful center that keeps the main plot together as she considers murdering her youngest
offspring and trying to stop the club members from behaving stupidly. Hopefully the audience will
have more inquiries by this snoop of the month club.
Dark Secret
Christine Feehan
Jove
ISBN: 0515138851 $7.99
Rancher Colby Jansen demands that Juan and Julio Chevez leave her spread immediately and that
she will never hand over her young step-siblings to them as they command. She detests the
Chevez
family for not responding to the request of her "adoptive dad" who never adopted her. He wanted
to
end his estrangement with his sons their nut they never went to see him before he died. They
conveniently show up to take the blood members back with them to Brazil except for Colby who
they believe is tainted since her mom never married her biological Chavez father. Accompanying
the
Chevez males is Carpathian siblings Nicholas and Rafael De La Cruz. They are both shocked that
this slight female mortal can block their mental attacks although she does get headaches from
doing
so. Rafael is stunned when he realizes that the feisty American is his soulmate that he has waited
centuries to find. She refuses to have anything to do with him as long as he is on the side of her
enemies, which loyalty demands he must be. As Rafael struggles to persuade his beloved they
belong
together, someone is stealing her equipment, vandalizing her machinery and escalating the assault
on
Colby, which her beloved will not tolerate. DARK SECRET is a refreshing Carpathian tale that
uses
a different location to tell an entertaining story. Colby is a courageous mortal refusing to allow
any
harm to her step-siblings while battling against impossible odds. Her counterpart Rafael is typical
of
the Feehan alpha male, but knows he has met his perfect match in the feisty American. With a
strong
support group that further brings out the personalities of the lead couple especially during the war
of
words and attrition, fans of the series will enjoy this fine gender battle.
The Dead Stone
Vicki Stiefel
Leisure
ISBN 0843955201 $6.99, 384 pp.
Tally Whyte is a psychologist and a homicide counselor who helps the friends and families of
murder
victims cope with their loss. One night Tally receives an anonymous phone call from her
hometown
of Winsworth, Maine telling her to return because the trouble that drove her and her father way is
starting up again. Tally and her father escaped their house that was on fire and fled the town. In
Winsworth, Tally finds people believe that her father ran off with money from a housing
development he conceived and managed. She notices that the development is half built under
another name but before she can inquire further, the sister of her best friend is murdered and she
intends on helping the family out. Two more murders shortly follow and one of the victims is the
person responsible for the housing development not being finished. Since this somehow involves
her
father, Tally investigates the homicides that were made to look like suicides unaware that she is
intended victim number four. The heroine of THE DEAD STONE is a very likeable character
who
goes the extra mile for people in trouble and puts her own concerns about her father on the back
burner to find a killer. There are a lot of suspects who could have committed the murders so
readers
will find it impossible to guess who the perpetrator is. Vicki Stiefel is a talented writer of
psychological suspense who grips her audience from the moment Tally returns home and never
lets
go until the climax as befitting the work from one of tomorrow's superstars.
Walks in Shadows
Joyce Henderson
Leisure
ISBN: 0843955082 $5.99, 355 pp.
In 1855 Texas, Walks in Shadow rages over his sister Bubbling Water's abduction and rape by a
white. Following her death due to measles, he raised his infant nephew Little Spring for awhile.
However, he keeps his deathbed promise to Bubbling Water, who reminded him he was born
white;
he gives the infant to the Timberlake family who took in his sister following the rape, but vows to
come back one day for the child. Five years later, Holden Walker arrives at the Timberlake Ranch
albeit to tame a wild stallion, but more to see how his nephew Little Spring, now called, Guy, is
doing. Samantha Timberlake and Holden are immediately attracted to one another and she realizes
how good he is with horses and with her "brother". She needs a husband to fulfill a stipulation in
her
late father's will or the bank will select her spouse for her and they have a rich candidate in mind.
The banker cares not for Samantha's desires only to fulfill Hiram's concern over the safety of a
single
woman in Texas. Will Holden fill the bill or will he walk away into the shadows? This exciting
western romance will thrill sub-genre fans as Holden struggles between his love for Samantha
(and
her need of a husband) and Guy in opposition to his obsession to avenge his sister's rape and
death.
The lead couple rules the story line as the independent Samantha wants to keep her freedom just
like
the special horse that she hopes Holden can tame without breaking the steed's spirit. Though the
villains pale next to the dynamic lead, Joyce Henderson provides a strong tale.
The Care & Feeding of Pirates
Jennifer Ashley
Leisure
ISBN: 0843952814 $6.99, 355 pp.
In 1809 Charleston, James Ardmore hung pirate Christopher Raine, but not before his sister
Honora
married the rogue. Now in London four years later, Honoria swears she saw Christopher on the
streets and not long afterward he arrives in her bedroom to claim his spouse. Apparently her
brother
saved his life as he owed a debt to the pirate. She hid her marital status from her sibling who failed
to inform her that her husband lived. Christopher has another mission besides regaining his wife's
love though he admits the passion still flows; he must rescue his sister from a devious enemy,
which
means crossing the Atlantic with a volunteer as a wife or a prisoner as a spouse. Christopher vows
to leave London with Honoria with him. If he could have seen into the near future and what his
actions do to her safety, he would have reconsidered though fighting, kissing and just being with
Honoria is bliss. This is an amusing gender war starring two equally powerful combatants whose
retorts make for a fine witty tale. Honoria and Christopher are so good together in a second
chance
theme (although there was not much time the first time around), the subplot involving his foe
seems
almost unnecessary though that provides plenty of action that augments this terrific historical.
Jennifer Ashley is the queen of the pirate romance with this high seas thriller and works like THE
PIRATE HUNTER and THE PIRATE NEXT DOOR.
What Rough Beast
H.R. Knight
Leisure
ISBN 0843954566 $6.99, 374 pp.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's wife is dying of consumption and needing a respite from nursing her he
and his son Kingston travel to London to watch Harry Houdini perform. Doyle and his son meet
the
magician who invites the writer to come with him the next night to debunk the medium Max
Cairo.
Conan Doyle accepts and goes to the seance where Cairo is exposed as a fraud. He invites the
eight
members of the seance to come back the next day to see real magic being performed. The octet
returns and Cairo draws a septagon and warns everyone not to step over it while he brings
Dionysus
to Earth. He succeeds but Harry walks into the septagon and Dionysus escapes. Members of the
seance are struck by a boost of creative genius and give into their basest desires because
Dionysius'
magic touches each of them. Harry and Conan team up to find a way to send Dionysus, who
wears
the form of a monster back where he came from before all of England is infected by the madness
he
spreads. H.R. Knight is a bright and welcome new voice that horror fans will greatly appreciate.
Edwardian England comes to life in WHAT ROUGH BEAST and the atmosphere definitely has a
gothic feel to it. The team up of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini is a brilliant plot
device
and it would be fantastic if these two men are featured in future novels. Dionysus appears as a
hideous monster to the humans who are unfortunate enough to encounter to him and he brings
out
the beast that resides in all of us. Mr. Knight has a unique voice that provides a refreshingly
original
storyline.
Ride the Fire
Pamela Clare
Leisure
ISBN: 0843954876 $6.99, 368 pp.
In 1757 Ohio Wilderness, the Wynadot Indians fighting for the French capture Nicholas Kenleigh
who is an important member of General Washington's officer corps and two teenage soldiers. The
tribe members torture the three men, but Nicholas refuses to give in to the pain. The Indian
woman
Lyda wants Nicholas to impregnate her as she realizes how strong he is. Since she gets what she
wants from her father the chief, Nicholas has a chance to finally escape captivity, which he does.
By
1763 the war is winding down. An injured Nicholas reaches a homestead owned by pregnant
widow
Elspeth "Bethie" Stewart, who distrusts all males after physical abuse from her stepfather and
stepbrother. She helps the fevered Nicholas but not before she ties him to her bedposts. As he
heals,
she sees a softer side to her prisoner who vowed never again when previously held; soon the fall
in
love, but can each one overcome their traumas to forge a future together? Colonial America
romance readers will take great delight in RIDE THE FIRE, a strong tale starring two liable
walking
wounded souls. The story line provides an intriguing look at life in the frontier as well as the
impact
of the Seven Year War known in the colonies as the French and Indian War. Nicholas is a heroic
individual whether he tries to offer solace to the two teem military prisoners or help Bethie. She is
a
courageous person striking out on her own to liberate herself from two nasty step-relatives. Fans
will appreciate this fine tale of love in the colonial wilderness.
Savage Courage
Cassie Edwards
Leisure
ISBN: 0843952709 $6.99
In the Arizona Territory Colonel George Whaley leads a massacre of the Apache. One tribesman
Storm watches the military slaughter his people and kill his parents. Now the chief of his tribe
Storm
vows to avenge the deaths of his parents and his people at the hands of the soldiers. Storm sees
his
opportunity to begin avenging what Whaley did to his family when he abducts half-breed
Shosona,
the daughter of his enemy. To his shock, however, Storm is attracted to Shosona. She
reciprocates
his deepest feelings. While Storm's plans go awry because he is in love, the Colonel is coming to
destroy his foe. The cast is realistic whether they are the protagonists, the antagonists, or
secondary
characters running the gamut of the tribe, the military, or white civilians. The story line is deep
and
descriptive bringing to life the first decade following the Civil War in a vivid manner as few tales
do.
However, as with seemingly the entire "Storm" novels, one size fits all as the plot comes out of
the
Cassie Edwards' Indian romance mold. Still fans of the series and someone who has never read
Ms.
Edwards before will take immense delight in this picturesque tale of love and hate in 1873 in the
Southwest United States.
Sign of the Book
John Dunning
Scribner
ISBN: 0743255054 $25.00, 368 pp.
Former Denver police officer Cliff Janeway has known his Twice Told Books bookstore partner,
attorney Erin D'Angelo for two years so that he is capable of telling when she has something
bothering her. He remains patient until Erin explains she needs Cliff to do her a favor. Laura
Marshall is accused of killing her spouse and wants Erin to defend her. However, Erin informs
Cliff
she will never forgive Laura for stealing her lover who became her husband, but still the ethical
side
of her needs to know if Laura's confession that she killed Bobby is legal and true. Cliff would do
anything for Erin so he journeys to Paradise to learn the truth and offer some assistance to Laura's
lawyer Parley McNamara struggling to overcome the confession. In the Western Colorado town,
Cliff aggravates the arresting officer, battles with bibliophiles who behave more like mob goons
than
book lovers, and begins to wonder if one of the three Marshall kids killed their father as Laura
never
seems to fully cooperate with her defense. THE SIGN OF THE BOOK is an excellent cleverly
designed mystery filled with red herrings, and numerous twists and turns, but fans will still
compare
this to the already classic last year's THE BOOKMAN'S PROMISE, which few works can
compare
with. The story line is fantastic as readers go down a path thinking they know what will happen
only
to find a sudden yet logical detour that works quite well and is totally believable. The sidebars
involving rare books are always a bonus, but that might be this reviewer's personal bias. The
Bookman is terrific in this fine investigative tale.
The Whole
John Reed
Pocket
ISBN: 0743485017 $12.95, 209 pp.
Thing was selected for certain symmetrical assets that caught the bulging lusty eyes of MTV
executives at a beach party. Surprisingly she hits it off with the viewing public and becomes a
correspondent though she has the intelligence of a burned out light bulb. She is promoted as blond
bimbo candy based on her garb unable to contain her twin peaks. However, seemingly even faster
than Thing becomes a superstar, she becomes yesterday's fad. As Thing plays chutes and ladders
with fame, a Midwestern boy Bobby Peterson digs a hole that expands until his and his family and
their house fall through the chasm. Thing begins to research the phenomena which she feels will
bring her salvation. However, clues take on a strange journey through a land of mysticism
highlighted in remote sign posts like Vegas and Roswell. This is a strange tale that satirizes media
coverage (to include a parody of John Reed) as being filled with sound and fury but signifying
nothing more than an MTV video. Readers will feel for Thing, who is treated with disdain for
having
a boob size bigger than her IQ and enjoy the irony of the weird, but fun story line. Obviously most
readers will not give Mr. Reed's tale a SNOWBALL'S CHANCE, but fans who enjoy a trip into a
modern day looking glass led by a Black Rabbit and a Thing, though lacking in the wits and puns
of
Alice's holey escapade, will want to escape into the WHOLE tale.
The Three Mrs. Parkers
Joan Medlicott
Pocket
ISBN: 0743487966 $13.00, 320 pp.
After riding a train from Maine to Westminister, South Carolina seventy-five years old Winifred
Parker demands her daughter-in-law pick her up. Holding in her ire because her offer to meet the
train was previously rejected, Zoe drives Winifred to her home, the two women barely talk, which
has been their relationship since Winfred felt her son Steven married down when he wed pregnant
Zoe Amorey. Joining the Air Force, Steven died not long afterward. The older woman asks how
her
thirty years old granddaughter Kathryn (not Kate to the harridan) is doing and how much longer
will
Kate's brain damaged daughter Laura May live. Zoe lies saying her dispirited daughter is fine and
her
nine years old granddaughter whose name is Laurie Ann could easily live another decade.
However,
tragedy occurs as Laurie Ann dies. Her spouse Hank left her when Kate refused to place their
child
in a special care home; Kate spent the next nine years caring for her daughter, but now is alone
except for her mother, the only person who was there for her and her daughter. The three women,
Zoe, Kate and Winifred share a roof as the oldest and the sandwiched need one another, but the
youngest needs the most nurturing at this moment and Zoe informs her in-law if she must choose,
Kate stays. This three generation family drama will please fans of the author as Joan Medlicott
takes
readers deep into the thoughts, feelings, and worries of the three women. The story line is
character
driven as the realistic trio faces different woes and pulls. Though the action is limited, fans
insightful
contemporary tales will appreciate the profound THE THREE MRS. PARKERS.
Shadow Haven
Emily LaForge
Pocket
ISBN: 0743456149 $6.99, 384 pp.
The spirits told sculptor Gabriella Deveaux not to marry Charles Colquitt, but she did anyway.
She
left her beloved Louisiana Shadow Haven plantation to live in New York. However, though her
eight years of marriage was horrible she stayed with Charles because of her love for their daughter
six years old Michaela. Now that Charles has died in a plane crash in Montana, Gabriella
accompanied by her reluctant daughter returns to Shadow Haven though his parents plan to
contest
custody as they feel she is unhinged. Charles' friend lawyer Jarrod Landry tells her that her
wealthy
in-laws will sue for custody based on her claiming she talks with the dead. Gabriella and Michaela
visit the estate's enchanted garden where the angel statue created by Gabriella of her beloved
grandnana lives, but no communication from the beyond occurs. A spirit warns a sleeping
Gabriella
that evil that is not t what it seems is coming. Meanwhile Gabriella realizes that her daughter sees
and speaks with her late grandnana who wants her to visit psychic Mary Francis hiding in the
swamps. Jarrod keeps visiting and soon loves the Deveaux females; he vows to keep them safe,
but
the danger to the older one comes from beyond the grave. Gabriella is an absorbing strong lead
female protagonist supported by a bewitching secondary mystical cast to include her daughter, her
spouse, two witches, and grandnana's spirit. The paranormal story line feels somewhat gothic, but
the key to the suspense thriller is that the mystical elements seem real while adding depth and
interest. Though a final twist is never fully explained only a theory conjectured, the romance
enhances a delightful tale.
Free Fall
Judith and Garfield Reeves Stevens
Pocket
ISBN 0743406079 $7.99, 556 pp.
After a year of training to use manipulative systems to gather the cylinders containing moon dust
and
rocks that the rover collected, civilian Cory Rey considered her mission a success and knows her
boss Kai Teller of TTI industries will be pleased. The rocks and dust are worth over $100 million
dollars and he will make a huge profit at auction. From the time that Cory completes her mission,
things go wrong. The science officer tries to kill her in order to take the cylinders; the shuttle and
the
space station are badly damaged in a crash that kills all but three people. The cosmonauts on the
Soyuz rescue Cory after a near fatal accident and she brings back with her one of the cylinders
that
someone was willing to kill to possess. Inside are the petrified remains of three human fingers but
supposedly nobody ever died on the moon. Captain Mitch Webber of the secret United States
Space
Force is sent to the moon to cover up what a certain faction of the government wants kept secret
but
he is in a race with the Chinese who plan to reveal what the U.S. government did over three
decades
ago. Webber is sent on the mission without all the facts and once he discovers what he is really
supposed to do he has to decide between taking the legal or the moral course. This is an action
thriller that starts off at light speed and than races at an even greater velocity towards the startling
climax and resolution. The team of Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens has written a fine tale that
will appeal to fans of Tom Clancy and Jack Higgins.
To Pleasure a Prince
Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket
ISBN: 0743477715 $6.99, 384 pp.
In 1814 Viscount Marcus North, a card carrying member of the Royal Brotherhood whose
perquisite for joining is being an illegitimate son of the Prince of Wales, reenters polite society to
sponsor his half sister Louisa. He becomes upset when Simon of Foxmoor courts Louisa because
the
duke is part of the Prince's inner retinue and he wants to keep his sibling away from the royal he
detests for bedding his mom one week after his dad died. Simon's half-sister Regina Trent
intercedes
on behalf of her brother. Marcus agrees to allow Simon to see Louisa only if Regina allows him to
court her. Expecting the renowned "La Belle Dane Sans Merci" to refuse, she shocks him when
she
accepts his terms as he figured no one would want to be seen with the "Dragon Viscount" whose
own mother spread nasty tales about him. As Regina and Marcus begin seeing one another, they
fall
in love, but he believes her brother has a sinister motive for courting his sister while she thinks her
sibling is in love. Their siblings' relationship may destroy their chance for happiness. The sequel to
IN THE PRINCE'S BED, TO PLEASURE A PRINCE is refreshed by the intruding relationship
between Marcus and the Prince; Marcus not only detests the Regent, but refuses to allow his
half-sister to see the royal. The prime story line played out between Marcus and Regina is fun to
follow and fits quite comfortably within the norm of the sub-genre. However, the secondary cast
especially the half-siblings, his "regal" illegitimate friends, his deceased mother, and a more
humanized Prince then the usual caricature make for a fine historical Regency.
Otherwise Engaged
Eileen Goudge
Pocket
ISBN: 0743483189 $24.00
Dude ranch owner Erin Delahanty gave up the Big Apple to marry her Willow Creek, Arizona
high
school sweetheart Skip. They have a fourteen years old daughter Kayla, but Skip skips out on his
wife because he feels she is not there for him. Erin's best friend Jessica lives in New York writing
magazine articles. She is seeing Jewish divorcee Jonathon, NY Bureau Chief for CTN, but
compares
poorly to his ex-wife Rebecca in the eyes of his Long Island parents and children on the grounds
of
religious and motherly objections. An editor friend offers Jessica an assignment to see if the grass
is
greener elsewhere. Jessica and Erin will switch lives for six months and provide insight in a series
of
articles as events unfold. However, not only do each learn to appreciate the other, they begin to
understand other relationships especially with loved ones. This entertaining contemporary tale
stars
two prime players (the switcheroo duo) and a fine support cast; all of whom are likable yet seem
unable to get along; no one is a villain. Thus the audience gets an opportunity to observe the
difficulty of wearing someone else's moccasins. Though a romance between Jessica and an
Arizona
native adds a love interest that subplot seems unnecessary to a fine tale in which the moral is be
thankful with what you got because the grass is as green on your side as that of your friends and
neighbors.
Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down
Sherrilyn Kenyon, Melanie George and Jaid Black
Pocket
ISBN: 1416501592 $13.00, 352 pp.
"Captivated by You" by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Agent Rhea Stevenson is a bit surprised by her latest
assignment. The antiterrorist Bureau of American Defense wants her to go undercover as a
dominatrix to capture a street terrorist. To prepare her for her new role, she gets to tie up BAD
agent Ace Krux. "Promise Me Forever" by Melanie George. Ten years ago football star Donovan
Jericho left his Mississippi mud and his girlfriend behind for stardom. An injury has just ended his
career and he returns home. He wants a second chance with Savannah, but she is marrying a
pediatrician. She rejects him while he wonders who the father of her daughter is. Needing time to
explain his mistake ten years ago and plead for another chance, Donovan abducts Savannah.
"Hunter's Right" by Jaid Black. The military aircraft carrying US Army Corporal Ronda Tipton
crashes in the Arctic with her the sole survivor. She is captured and taken to an underground
civilization where she is placed for sale on the maiden's auction. Lord Nikolas likes her feistiness
and
claims hunter's rights to her. These three erotic novellas are well written starring delightful
protagonists who will tie the audience up to down each tale in one reading session.
Death in Duplicate
Valerie Wolzien
Fawcett
ISBN: 0345468082 $6.99, 272 pp.
Susan and Jeb Henshaw are thrilled that their twin grandchildren, their daughter and her spouse
and
their nurse are staying with them until they find an apartment in New York City. As they move in,
Susan's neighbor Nadine Barnes watches the free for all until she sees the nurse Shannon. She
warns
Susan that Shannon was a suspect in the deaths of three residents at the Perry Island Care Center
and the case still remains open. Uneasy with this news, but also observing how much Shannon
seems
to care for her daughter and grandchildren, Susan decides to investigate the care center homicides
hoping to exonerate the nurse. Following a day of sleuthing, she comes home to learn someone
murdered Nadine with Shannon having a motive to silence the woman. However, Susan learns
that
Nadine's husband and his mother have plans for Perry Island development starting with destroying
the nursing home. She sees a tentative link between the previous murders and that of Nadine
besides
the seemingly too convenient Shannon, but the unknown perpetrator is observing her too, waiting
to
kill her if she comes too close to guessing his identity. One of the prime reasons Valerie Wolzien's
amateur sleuth mysteries are so good is because her characters are so realistic as they have
problems, worries, and even fatigue dealing with twin infants and other real life situations. The
baby
scenes provide humor unless you happen to be up all night. Susan's sleuthing is serious as she
believes Shannon is innocent unless she is Academy Award caliber actress, but also wonders if her
feelings want the nurse to not be the culprit as the evidence points that way. DEATH IN
DUPLICATE is an intelligent down to earth mystery.
Gimme Me an O!
Kayla Perrin
Avon
ISBN: 0060587091 $12.95, 358 pp.
Ironically as her fame grows due to a bestselling sex therapy book, The Big O, therapist Lecia
Calhoun watches her own love life tank. Still Dr. Love as the media calls her makes appearances
on
talk shows. Football player Anthony "T" Beals was trying to save his marriage to Ginger when the
media caught him with a hooker, which the quarterback insists that it was not what it seemed like.
On the same show he is on, Dr. Love says his wife should dump him because of his infidelity and
use
of a hooker. Anthony blames the sacking of his marriage on Dr. Love for advising his spouse, but
in
reality Ginger set him up to be caught with the prostitute. T forces Dr. Love to work with him to
find the vanished Ginger and get her back in his life. Their trek together opens new issues as they
begin to fall in love and T wants to change the game plan. GIMME ME AN O! for outstanding as
Kayla Perrin provides an often amusing romantic romp with a fabulous cast openly discussing
sexual
shortfalls (no pun intended as it is "not the size of the boat" per Dr. Love). T stands for terrific as
he
struggles between his enjoying his battles with Lecia and his feelings of guilt and incompetence
with
Ginger. Lecia is his perfect opponent and partner in the gender war. Although Ginger is over the
top
(read this humorous contemporary to learn why), fans of zany romances will enjoy Dr. Love
applying her own help book to her situation.
Play Dates
Leslie Carroll
Avon
ISBN: 0060596066 $12.95, 376 pp.
Twenty something Claire Marsh raises her almost seven year old going on thirty second grader
Zoe
by herself since her spouse dumped the two of them for an older woman. Helping or hindering
Claire
depending on your perspective is her older sister MiMi, Zoe's role model in living life to the fullest
with dates and other happenings. While Zoe has PLAY DATES with friends along Manhattan's
Upper West Side, Claire plays child escort and wonders when she might have a date like big sis
and
little daughter. Although her parents cover her Central Park apartment, Claire finds work as a
museum tour guide, her first income maker that is discounting her parents and spouse. She does a
good job but that interferes with working with Zoe on the private school projects though the
latter
normally means working alone while the kid has fun. Claire figures that when she grows up she
wants to be just like Zoe, a successful social butterfly, but first the next tour group needs
escorting.
PLAY DATES is an amusing chick lit tale starring a delightful protagonists bemoaning her lot in
life
(she would complain in heaven) yet no doubt loves her daughter, her sister, and her parents, and
insures Zoe is raised in a proper caring manner. The story line is amusing whether it concentrates
on
Claire's lament or follows her leading a tour group. Though there is little real crisis as her family
provides a warm loving safety net for the Marsh females, readers will enjoy Claire's Manhattan
escapades and the black book coda containing a Leslie Carroll interview of her.
Flirting With Danger
Suzanne Enoch
Avon
ISBN: 0060593636 $6.99, 384 pp.
Though heavily guarded, Samantha Jellicoe broke into the wealthy Florida estate with ease. Inside
the Solano Dorado House, her operation falls apart as security and the owner Richard Addison
catch
her. A bomb explodes killing the guard, but Sam manages to pull the unconscious Richard to
safety
before escaping into the night. The police suspect Sam, though they know her as "Smith",
murdered
the guard and attempted to kill Richard; he knows otherwise, but is unable to persuade anyone
that
she saved his life. With the heat on her and her partner under surveillance, Sam breaks into
Richard's
home again offering a deal; she will help him learn who wanted him dead while he helps clear her
name of the homicide rap. As they work together they fall in love, but finding the culprit proves
difficult. FLIRTING WITH DANGER is a fast-paced, action-packed romantic suspense that
accelerates from the onset as Sam the cat burglar meets her latest target British businessman
Richard. The story line stays at its rapid rate until the final confrontation with the villains. The
lead
duet are an interesting pairing because both are used to being in charge, making for extra sparks
and
conflict. Though his seemingly in the dark over other purloined valuables appears off kilter for his
personality, fans will enjoy this cat burglar romance.
Stealing Sophie
Sarah Gabriel
Avon
ISBN: 0060736097 $5.99, 384 pp.
In 1728 Scotland, the Carren Clan Chief Duncrieff informs his brother Connor MacPherson that
he
must marry Katherine MacCarran to make things right between the clans. Connor would do
almost
anything for his sibling and he knows he is responsible for the feud because he caused the
MacCarran to be incarcerated. He abducts Kate as she travels with escort home; he marries and
beds
her. Afterward the outlawed Highland Ghost as he is known learns he snatched the wrong sister;
his
wife is Kate's sibling Sophie. When Sophie learns that her husband married the wrong woman, she
decides to drive him crazy with kindness as her clan's fairy cup says "Love makes its own magic",
figuring a vinegar thug like her husband will toss out her sweetness. Instead she soon has his clan
doing her bidding as everyone is enthralled with her and Connor is thankful for his error.
However,
the clan feud remains volatile threatening to destroy the growing love between the outlaw and the
abducted. STEALING SOPHIE is a solid one part amusing and one part action-adventure
Scottish
historical romance starring a bewildered lead male whose toughness is overwhelmed by the
pleasantness of his feisty fairy-like lass. The story line concentrates on the changing relationship
between the lead duet as Sophie takes charge through honey, but occurs in a background where
the
clans are battling one another. Readers will welcome newcomer Sarah Gabriel into the sub-genre
clan for providing a fun historical.
Something about Emmaline
Elizabeth Boyle
Avon
ISBN: 0060549319 $5.99, 384 pp.
In 1801 every male in the Ton envies Baron Sedgewick, Alexander Denford, for having the
perfect
wife. His compliant spouse Emmaline makes no demands on Alex and even allows him to gamble
and have affairs while she rusticates. She is such a paragon to the jealous men, but only Alex
knows
that Emmaline does not exist; he made up this ideal woman to keep matchmakers and mamas
away
from him. His beloved octogenarian grandma reads a gossip note from the Post and Times about
Lady S seen shopping in town. Bills arrive from Lady S to pay for all types of female garb.
Stunned
that someone somehow learned and is using his ploy Alex races to London to confront Lady S.
When he sees her in his bedroom, instead of tossing her out Alex wants to toss the clever con
artist
on his bed to make love today, tomorrow and forever though he fears she will steal his silverware.
This is an amusing brisk Regency romance starring two wonderful protagonists whose debates are
filled with double entendres and puns. The story line takes off the moment that Alex realizes
someone has personalized his brilliant strategy to fleece him. Emmaline is unique protagonist, a
likable kindhearted con artist. Their pairing leads to a one sitting read by this humorous Boyle
gender war.
The Trouble with Valentine's Day
Rachel Gibson
Avon
ISBN: 0060009268 $6.99, 384 pp.
Being dumped last year on Valentine's Day and being alone this year Kate Hamilton hates the
holiday. Still desperate after a monstrous drive through snow from Vegas to Sun Valley on her
way
to her grandfather's home in Gospel, Idaho, she stops for the night, has a few drinks, and
propositions a hunk; he rejects her. In Gospel, Kate helps her grandfather with his grocery store.
He
introduces his Katie to sports store owner, retired hockey star Rob Sutter, the stud who said no
to
her in Sun Valley. He thinks she is easy and she feels he is a losing boozer. However, as grandpa
Stanley plays matchmaker they begin to see that the other has a lot more than their tainted first
impressions of a one night stand groupie and an alcoholic. Soon the fall in love, but both have
been
burned by this emotion before. Time in the penalty box aside, fans will take immense delight with
this fine contemporary romance starring two wonderful protagonists ready to drop the gloves at
any
moment to battle skate to skate with one another. Rob and Kate are a delightful couple whose
debates are amusing as each goes for the jugular until love forces them to reconsider how they
feel.
Stanley provides fine matchmaking skills that are enhanced by the eccentric townsfolk of Gospel
who know that once this duo drops the defenses; both assist one another on the winning
goal.
Lessons in Seduction
Sara Bennett
Avon
ISBN: 0060584386 $5.99, 384 pp.
In 1840 Vivianna Slater stalks Lord Oliver Montgomery as she wants him to reconsider tearing
down Candlewood Estate because the Shelter for Poor Orphans is located there. She follows him
to
a brothel where unable to resist Oliver kisses Vivianna and finds he wants more; so does she.
Owner
Aphrodite tells Vivianna to use her feminine wiles to get what she wants from Oliver. Vivianna
learns that Oliver's older brother Anthony committed suicide at Candlewood after seeing his
almost
fiancee kissing him. Oliver believes that Lord Lawson, the next Prime Minister, killed Anthony
because his brother found incriminating documents. Oliver feels the papers are in a hidden room at
Candlewood that he plans to find even if he needs to tear down the place. Vivianna realizes she
must
seduce Oliver to get him to change his mind, but needs a teacher. She asks Aphrodite for lessons.
The madam agrees on the condition that Vivianna explain her passion for the orphanage. She tells
her that she and her sisters were abandoned as children; Aphrodite is stunned. Oliver tells
Vivianna
he has fixed up another of his properties for the orphans. That night they make love. Afterward he
tells her that Lawson killed Anthony and that a confrontation is coming. This enticing Victorian
romantic suspense stars a strong lead couple with the secondary characters enhancing the look at
the
motivations of the prime duet. Most interesting to sub-genre fans is how cleverly and effortlessly
Sara Bennett establishes two sequels without intruding on this fine story line. Though some
readers
will think the final confrontation was too anticlimactic (this reviewer thought it was perfect), fans
will enjoy this terrific historical.
Hidden Secrets
Cait London
Avon
ISBN: 0060555890 $5.99, 384 pp.
In Washington State Cascade Mountains, Spence Gerhard continues his quest to find his nephew,
three years old Cody or at least his remains. Over two and a half years ago Spence's sister and her
ex-husband died when their pick-up left the snowy road, but Cody's body was not found. Spence
needs closure though he prays for a miracle. Fresh Takes store owner Marlo Malone has the
uncanny ability to know when death lurks and feels a fabric in her shop is trying to tell her
something, but she prefers to ignore those feelings and remain on a "reality" path. Still she
continues
to sense that a little boy is calling for her to rescue him. She works on the clues her gift sends her
way with little progress. Spence returns to Godfrey where he realizes that he still is attracted to
Marlo; she reciprocates but neither pursues these mutual feelings. Though he doubts her intuition,
Spence has no other road to trek so he joins forces with Marlo. As they fall in love, he begins to
believe in her psychic gift and that Cody lives. This is a slow starting contemporary paranormal
suspense thriller that once it picks up speed (about halfway through the book), the story line never
slows down until the final altercation. The plot takes its time introducing the key cast members
especially the lead couple. That provides the audience insight deep into the minds of Spence and
Marlo, but also leaves the audience somewhat impatient to pick up the pace. Once Cait London
does, fans of psychic romantic suspense will appreciate the preliminaries that enhance a fine
thriller.
Embracing Darkness
Margaret Carter
Silhouette Intimate Moment
ISBN: 0373274254 $4.99
Vampire Maxwell Tremayne notices the pretty human female watching the Grant residence when
he
accosts her. He learns she is Linnett Carroll whose niece Deanna was recently murdered along
with
his younger brother Anthony. Both believe Nola Grant had lackeys commit the homicides as a
warning that no one leaves Nola's cult. Anthony tells Linnett to go home, but she refuses. Though
he
fears she will interfere with his thirst for revenge, he figures he can control her better if she is with
him. As they begin to work their way slowly towards Nola, surrounded by her minion, Linnett and
Maxwell fall in love, but what future can there be between a mortal whose lifespan is decades and
a
bloodsucker who lives for centuries and more. Besides Nola is not going to sit idly by while her
enemies close in on her. Readers will enjoy this fantastic vampire romance that starts on a high
note
when Maxwell comes out of seemingly nowhere (actually from the sky) to confront Linnett. The
story line is action-packed as the avenging courageous duo battle the minion of their enemy while
also falling in love, an emotion neither feels they can afford at this time if they are going to defeat
Nola. Supernatural romance fans will embrace the tense darkness that Margaret Carter deftly
portrays because the author enables her readers to easily accept that the undead and other
paranormal species live.
The Medusa Project
Cindy Dees
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513453 $4.50
Though she has risen to the rank of major in the Air Force, Vanessa Blake still dreams of
becoming
a Navy SEAL. She feels she is more than qualified to perform the missions once she receives her
training, but no female has ever been selected as a SEAL at least until now. To her euphoria,
Vanessa and an elite selected team of women have been chosen to be guinea pigs by forming a
cell
of female Seals, the Medusas. SEAL Lieutenant Colonel Jack Scatalone is skeptical about these
women meeting the physical and mental demands. However, watching them work, Jack changes
his
mind as he becomes their biggest supporter. In particular he is attracted to Vanessa, but knows
that
does not interfere in his change of mind only a change of heart that he has found his mate. On a
mission to rescue his team trapped in the Middle East, Jack is caught too. This time the brass
sends
the Medusas led by Vanessa to rescue the male SEALs. THE MEDUSA PROJECT is a terrific
military gender bending thriller with the women making up the cavalry coming to the rescue of the
besieged men. The story line is 98% testosterone (including the Medusas) and 2% romance
mostly
because the exploits are non-stop without time or location for much on the sheets. Thus the
relationship between the two likable heroic protagonists is realistic rather than the usual life
threatening scenario with time for a quick nip and tuck. Fans of thrillers starring SEALs will enjoy
the action-packed THE MEDUSA PROJECT.
The Spy Wore Red
Wendy Rosnau
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513461 $4.50
Euro-Quest and NSA Onyx are combining resources to stop a rogue assassin killing agents from
both their organizations. Onyx's Bjorn Opell will head the efforts to stop the killer. He has a
choice
of deadly female Quest agents to accompany him. Though Quest suggests their more endurance
player, he selects Nadja "Q" Stefn, the notorious bedroom assassin. He denies knowing her, but
he is
the only male to survive a night with this black widow. The duo follows the trail of the killer from
Prague to Vienna, stopping for some sexual activity on the way. In Austria, Bjorn and Nadja
continue to make love as they come closer to a deadly killer who knows they are after him or her
and have this duo on the list of those who will die. This is an exciting espionage romance starring
two intriguing protagonists though one must wonder if Nadja can be considered likable and how
on
the edge Bjorn could cherish "rough" sex. The cat and mouse spy counterspy plot is thrilling and
using Prague and Vienna as the background gives a Cold War feel though clearly it is a post Wall
fall novel. Though most readers will doubt that the couple will survive another month together
(no
sequel seems feasible for this duo) as Nadja is bound to kill Bjorn, fans of espionage thrillers will
appreciate this deep tale.
Personal Enemy
Sylvie Kurtz
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513437 $4.50
In Stamford, Connecticut business executive Peter Dragon needs personal protection so he hires
an
undercover bodyguard Adria Caskey to pretend to be his assistant. However, unbeknownst to
Peter,
Adria has plans for her new employer that is not in his best interests. He was one of those who
killed
her parents when she was six years old living in Hawaii and her surname was Kaholo; he is the
only
one left for her to enact her grandfather's death bed vengeance. The preliminary phases of her plan
go off without a hitch so Adria sets up the implementation step. However, before she can destroy
her enemy, an adversary surfaces using her scheme to attack Adria and Peter. To survive this
intruder who wants both dead, Adria will have to team up with the person she most hates in the
world. As they struggle to live, Adria and Peter fall in love, but she refuses to sleep with the
enemy
as she cannot let go of the past beyond the current deadly scenario as she still plans to kill Peter
once
the new foe is stopped. PERSONAL ENEMY is a thrilling romantic suspense with the emphasis
on
the action though the attraction between the besieged lead duo is not neglected, but handled in
context of their past and their current dire straits. The story line is fast-paced starring realistic
characters especially Adria and Peter. Romantic thriller readers will appreciate this tense tale.
Departures
Lorna J. Cook
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312321295 $12.95, 242 pp.
In Michigan, Malcolm VanderZees married his college sweetheart Esme when she became
pregnant.
Over the years, they raised four children as he became a professor while she stopped painting. Still
this couple has lived the American dream of being the norm with no deviation from the mean as
acceptable. Their oldest child seventeen years old Suzan is a throwback romanticist finding
relevance
with Thomas Hardy and the Bronte sisters while knowing dad is a mediocre nerd and mom is a
loser
getting kicks with a phone dude when she is home, which is rare. Fifteen years old Evan lives life
through foreign movies until he meets New York transplant Soci. Nine years old Hallie is a
recluse
who debates philosophical issues with Cupcake her pet rat. Suzan eagerly waits the time she can
fly;
Evan considers running off to Chicago with Soci; Hallie wants to hide even further; and Malcolm
considers escaping to Italy. However, it is five-year-old Aimee, hit by a minivan, who "flees" by
reliving her near-death experience everyday. What makes this insightful look at the typical
American
family avoid being maudlin and bland (what would you expect from the average family) is the
narration of the two teens who see the world through a slightly different lens. Suzan and Evan
seem
very genuine with their reflections on life, their parents, their siblings, and their town; they see
everyone else as pathetic middling. Every member of the VanderZees seeks DEPARTURE from a
boring run of the mill world, but none seem able to take the first step outside their security blanket
except Aimee. Reminiscent of Supertramps' Logical Song the audience receives an interesting
glimpse at mediocrity.
The Red Hat Club Rides Again
Haywood Smith
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312316917 $24.95, 336 pp.
Though the membership are all in their fifties, the Red Hats still meet every month for lunch
though
their choice of locale has changed somewhat since Teeny has twenty million earned during the
Clinton stock market boom to waste. Instead of always a high class Atlanta area location, the
group
also meets elsewhere incuding the Bahamas though that was part of a month long plastic-surgery
extreme makeovers cruise. When member Pru breaks the substance abuse tenet of the twelve
commandments, her southern sisters (Georgia, SuSu, Diane, Linda, and of course Teeny -
someone
has to pay for this extravaganza) ignoring tradition 5 of minding your own business, converge on
Las Vegas. Sin City is not prepared for the invasion of the Red Hats who plan to intervene and
kidnap Pru so that they can take her to clean herself up in the Rockies at an exclusive rehab
center,
but first they must play the slots. The Red Hat Club once again proves that life begins at fifty as
these Southern steel magnolias refuse to allow time or family relationships to interfere with their
long time friendships. The current tale is intriguingly deep yet irreverent as the members satirically
assault anything in their way, just ask Elton John, who will surely wear a red hat in his next public
appearance. Haywood Smith provides a warm delightful tale of strong friendships that mean
helping
one another live life to the fullest.
In Like Flynn
Rhys Bowen
St. Martin's
ISBN 031232815X $23.95, 336 pp.
In 1902, while New York City is in the middle of a typhoid epidemic, Irish immigrant Molly
Murphy
becomes a private eye; that is why police Captain Daniel Sullivan asks her to work undercover
posing as Senator Flynn's cousin from Ireland while the family of the representative hosts the
Sorenson Sisters who are mediums. Flynn's wife Theresa wants to contact her son who was
kidnapped five years ago and the Sorenson Sisters have a reputation for contacting spirits.
Needing
the money, Molly agrees to take the assignment to prove the sisters are frauds. She also meets the
woman who was briefly considered a suspect in the kidnapping and she wants Molly to find
evidence
that will prove she had nothing to do with the crime even though she cared about the suspect, the
chauffeur Bertie Morrel. From the time she gets settled in Adora, the senator's mansion, Molly
feels
a sense of evil pervades the place. When Theresa's nurse is killed by falling off a cliff, she almost
thinks it isn't an accident. While investigating the Sorenson Sisters, she also probes the kidnapping
which makes someone very nervous, a person who has killed before and isn't afraid to murder
again
anyone who gets in the perpetrator's way. The more one reads about Molly Murphy, the more one
realizes how creative and refreshing the series as a whole is. Rhys Bowen is the type of storyteller
one rarely finds, who can create the perfect ambience, tell a good story and construct a
who-done-it
that is almost impossible to solve. IN LIKE FLYNN is a fantastic historical mystery that captures
what it was like at the beginning of the twentieth century in New York.
The Hatbox Letters
Beth Powning
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312340222 $24.95
On Canada's Atlantic shore, over a year has passed since her fifty something husband Tom
suddenly
died of a heart attack, Kate remains mourning and feeling all alone. Her adult children are long
gone
and having no Tom to age gracefully with. This makes for long days and longer nights. Only piano
lessons during the day provide any relief from the solitude. Her sister arrives with hatboxes filled
with aging yellowing letters that she brought down from the attic of their grandparents' Shepton,
Connecticut home. At first Kate ignores the boxes but finally begins to read the correspondence
and
is stunned. Apparently Grandfather Giles courted her grandmother's sister, who died from
diphtheria
in 1915. Kate learns more about her ancestors and begins seeing an old family friend Gregory
Stiller,
who just returned to the province following his son recently committing suicide. As Gregory
pushes
Kate to go out more, she misses Tom even more while on the other hand the letters make her feel
nostalgic and remind her that her family will think lovingly of her and Tom. THE HATBOX
LETTERS is a fabulous character study that showcases a delightful protagonist still grieving the
loss
of her partner though one year has passed since he died. Kate is a fantastic individual, who makes
the story line work as she slowly changes from constant loneliness to middle aged acceptance of
the
inevitability of life. Over time (and the course of the plot) she begins feeling better as her
memories
of her grandparents enhanced by the correspondence emphasize that nostalgia is good for
cleansing
the soul knowing that the next few generations will fondly remember you.
Too Late for Angels
Mignon F. Ballard
St. Martin's
ISBN 0312331863 $23.95, 288 pp.
Stone's Throw, South Carolina is the kind of southern town where nobody bothers to lock the
doors
because everyone knows one another. One night Lucy Van Pilgrim opens her door to a complete
stranger who claims that she used to live there and wants to see her mother. She is gone by
morning
but Lucy's Aunt thinks it was the cousin of her friend Ellis who disappeared when she was a child.
Ellis inherited what would have gone to Florence; shortly thereafter Florence is found murdered in
the church parking lot. At almost the same time that Florence is murdered wealthy matron
Calpernia
Hemphill is found dead; the police think she fell from her room when the masonry crumpled. She
was going to build a theatre workshop on her land. Rumors spread that the director Calponia
hired
is a suspect in her death and Ellis is a suspect in her cousin's death. Guardian angel Augusta
Goodnight comes to stay with Lucy because she senses there is something evil going on in Stone's
Throw and she wants to protect her charge. As Lucy tries to clear Ellis of suspicion, she finds
herself being stalked by a killer who will not hesitate to kill again if Lucy gets close to the truth.
An
Augusta Goodnight mystery is always a treat and TOO LATE FOR ANGELS is a very special
cozy
as readers get a taste for small town living. Augusta immediately endears herself to Lucy who
welcomes her into her house. Augusta turns Lucy's house into a warm home with her caring and
helps in subtle ways in the investigation. Readers will be totally charmed by this beguiling
mystery.
You and No Other
Francis Ray
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312986785 $6.99, 352 pp.
In Santa Fe, attorney Morgan Grayson delivers legal papers for a friend to highly regarded
sculptor
Andre Duval, but the pompous artist treats him with disdain and refuses to sign anything. When
Andre's protege Phoenix Banister enters the room, she and Morgan seem to hit it off on some
level
that disturbs Duval, who tells the lawyer never to come back. After Andre leaves, he warns
Phoenix
to stay away from the man as he is the only one she can trust. Morgan is very attracted to
Phoenix,
but has no plans to see her. He is concerned that his matchmaking mom Ruth has targeted him as
her
second of five children needing a spouse; though he admits that his brother Luke is very happy
(see
UNTIL THERE WERE YOU). Still he wants to see Phoenix and to his elation she reciprocates.
As
they fall in love Duval pressures her to stay away from him. Morgan knows he must uncover the
hold that Andre uses to keep Phoenix in line. The Second Grayson novel is an enjoyable fine arts
romantic suspense with the emphasis on the characters more so than the intrigue though the latter
hooks the audience who want to know how "Svengali" controls his protegee. The lead couple
belongs together, but with Duval the master puppeteer pulling the strings it looks doubtful that
will
occur. However, his opponent is not just Morgan, but in his corner are his college music teaching
matchmaking mom and the extended family of Graysons and Falcons. Fans will enjoy Francis
Ray's
tale of "forbidden" love.
Sleeper
Gene Riehl
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312310536 $22.95
In 1992 Paris, sixteen years old Samantha Williamson of Asian descent watches the Americans kill
her adopted parents. The North Korans "adopt" her following the tragedy insisting she is one of
them and renaming her Sung Kim. They train and brainwash her to be the ultimate spy-terrorist
causing havoc in the United States. NSA Director Philip Carter learns that an Asiatic woman stole
the Madonna, valued at $15 million, from the home of Lyman Davidson. Philip believes the deadly
Sung Kim is the culprit and fears she is escalating her campaign to devastate those in power. He
assigns FBI Special Agent Puller Monk to stop her. Besides a gambling problem, Puller believes
he
inherited from his recently deceased father, Alzheimer's and that he is already in the second
perhaps
third phase. Now the games begin. SLEEPER is an intriguing sequel in which the fascinating
character is the villainess though Sung Kim is more comic book than flesh and blood. Puller in
spite
of his concerns and his addiction lacks fullness (unless you read his previous appearance in
QUANTICO RULES). Still although the key combatants seem two dimensional, espionage
thriller
fans will appreciate their spy vs. spy war in which both will do anything necessary to triumph.
Miss Gazillions
Richard Weber
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312331401 $23.95, 304 pp.
Twenty years ago, Dan O'Sullivan, Jr. was doing field work in the Caribbean when he decided not
to
return to school and remain in the sun and fun. His father, a Brooklyn construction firm owner
supported his son's lifestyle until he died and his estate turns out to be bankrupt. The Star Ace
Corporation repossesses Dan's ship but also provides him a job as a Brooklyn property
supervisor.
Dan meets his father's last mistress, Lydia Sands who informs him that he owns the coffin until he
earns the money to bury it in Caribbean. Tenant Celeste Tranor comes home late one night
looking
battered and her apartment was trashed. The news reports that a late night traffic accident led to
the
deaths of the Secretary of Treasury, a former Attorney General, and a drug kingpin; the chauffeur
claims there was also a female passenger who vanished. Celeste admits that is she and shows Dan
gazillions of dollars and proposes they cut a 60-40 deal to escape town with while thugs want the
loot and examples made of Celeste and her "spouse". MISS GAZILLIONS is a zany wacky
thriller
that never slows down from the moment Dan becomes involved with the two eccentric females
until
the wild finish. Dan is a terrific protagonist albeit a weak person when it comes to the females
who
have changed his life as much as acclimating to Brooklyn after two decades at sea in the
Caribbean.
Celeste and Lydia are intriguing protagonists and the audience will get a kick out of mobster Tony
Dee's pickup service. Richard Weber has provided a zany tale where ethics is someone else's
problem.
An All Night Man
Brenda Jackson, Joylynn Jossel, Kayla Perrin, and Tamara Sneed
St. Martin's
ISBN: 031232877X $13.95, 327 pp.
"The Hunter" by Brenda Jackson. In San Diego private investigator Hunter wants to refuse the
case
because he fears how his client Mallory makes him feel. She ended their four months affair six
months ago because he was not ready for a commitment. Now she wants him to investigate her
brother-in-law who she fears is cheating on her sister after seeing him at the Hilton. "Just Wanna
Love Ya" by Joylynn Jossel. In Cincinnati, every Friday night Jai and her girlfriend Rissa go to
Club
Cream. This Friday night is different as she meets Sloan, who overtly shows how much he desires
her. "Never Satisfied" by Kayla Perrin. In Toronto, Amani still fantasizes over her high school
senior
year teacher Aaron although a decade has passed. No man she has met before or since measures
up
to him, but although he was not much older than her he rejected her advances. Now he is in
Coffee,
Tea, and Me where she works and the reality is even better than the fantasy. "Fantasy Man" by
Tamara Sneed. In Los Angeles in support of her family's firm, Olivia reluctantly serves as PR
specialist to Hollywood action hero Clark. He prefers not to have her as his escort as she has been
outrageously rude to him at her family gatherings. However, they both are stuck as her brother's
wife is about to give birth and her parents are in Africa. These four erotic contemporary romances
entertain the audience with minor but fun conflict and plenty of heat between the likable
couples.
Best of the Best: 20 Years of the Year's Best Science Fiction
Gardner Dozois
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312336551 $35.95
Following twenty for the most part superior collections of the "Year's Best Science Fiction',
Gardner
Dozois provides a look back cross section of those he felt were the best, albeit a relative term in
this
case. This new compilation of stories previously published in the series does not contain one tale
from each annual, but instead has multiples from the same year with only the 1987 and 1991 book
omitted. The tales represent some of the genre's top guns over the past two decades with each
entry
top rate. This reviewer has been a long time fans of the series not just because the selections are
always superb, but because they can be savored over a week or two; the same holds true for the
all
star selection. Fans of the series will appreciate this look back with fond memories while
newcomers
will get a taste of what has been consistently one of best science fiction short story
anthologies.
If You Just Say Yes
Reon Laudat
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312933630 $6.99, 320 pp.
Katherine Chapelle threatens business reporter Michelle Michaels of the Manhattan Business
Journal
with the destruction of her career for having an affair with her spouse CEO millionaire Stanford.
Michelle denies anything beyond friendship insisting to her editor Larry Morgan that Stanford is
old
enough to be her grandfather. Larry feels ethics was broken and arranges for Michelle to be
reassigned to a sister paper, the Detroit Herald. This may be a homecoming for Michelle, but it
feels
like a major step backwards. Though innocent of any ethical lapses, Michelle understands image is
critical to a journalist and so vows to not end up remotely in any situation that gives the wrong
impression because her goal is to return to New York City. However, investigative reporter
Wesley
Abbott pressures Michelle to play with him. Though she wants too, Michelle refuses even as
Wesley
dangles and ultimately persuades her to work with him on a case of official corruption in the court
system. Though the investigation takes a while to gel into an intriguing corruption based legal
procedural investigation, fans of romantic suspense will appreciate this fine contemporary novel.
The
match-up between the lead characters is terrific with a player and a burned victim battling
attraction
in different ways. Readers will say yes to Rene Laudat's quality romance.
Depth Perception
Linda Castillo
Berkley
ISBN: 0425201090 $6.99
After eighteen years away including six in prison on arson and insurance fraud, restaurateur Nick
Bastillo comes home to Bellerose, Louisiana. He obtains a job at a dive of a bar the Blue Gaiter
and
reflects how far he has fallen from his New Orleans restaurant. His father is cold towards him
believing Nick set the fire. Nick knows his former partner Race Robertson performed the fiery
deed
and set him up for the fall. Making matters worse is his young son drowned while he was behind
bars. Nat Jennings returns to Bellerose to an unwelcome homecoming too. Most locals believe
she
killed her spouse and child before attempting suicide. She was in a coma for two years. She has
psychic skills and knows that a bad man killed her family and Nick's child, but if she says anything
people will conclude that she knows because she did the deed as they insisted she eliminated her
own family. DEPTH PERCEPTION is a fabulous taut paranormal thriller that grips readers once
Nick and Nat meet. The story line is action-packed and filled with atmosphere that has the
audience
gasping as the tension mounts with a murderer ready to strike again and only Nat in the way.
Though a romantic subplot between the two beleaguered stars occurs, that feels more like a bone
tossed to the romance reader as the suspense is what makes Linda Castillo's exciting tale a terrific
read.
Mr. Impossible
Loretta Chase
Berkley
ISBN: 0425201503 $6.99, 320 pp.
In 1821 having been exiled by his aristocratic father to Cairo, Rupert Carrington intervenes
between
a Pasha's soldier armed to the teeth and a cripple. Several other soldiers surround Rupert before
incarcerating him. Widowed scholar Daphne Pembroke awaits in the European sector for the
return
of her brother Miles while concentrating on Egyptian hieroglyphics; her late spouse banned such
activity as beneath his wife and believed that Egyptian civilization was inferior to that of the
English.
However, Rupert's ninth law breaking incident in six weeks caused unrest and led to an innocent
Miles being abducted. English Consul General Salt is beside himself over the latest altercation
caused by Rupert. The Pasha demands a small fortune as a penalty. As he ponders his options,
Daphne asks for his help in rescuing her brother. Salt assigns Rupert to assist her; she insists she
provides the brains and he the brawn at her command. As the dependable scholar and the out of
control son of an earl work as a team, they fall in love, but can these opposites find a middle
ground
near the Pyramids? MR. IMPOSSIBLE is a terrific brisk tale that uses early nineteenth century
Egypt as a fabulous backdrop. The story line centers on the relationship between the lead couple
as
they fall in love while trying to rescue Miles. Although Daphne is an interesting lead female, the
audience will value Rupert not because of his gallant efforts to save her brother. Instead he
encourages her that she was "too much woman" for her fiftyish late husband instead of not
feminine
enough or too like a man as her spouse insisted. Rupert's enlightened take on women makes him a
hero not his exploits.
Where There's A Will
Aaron Elkins
Berkley
ISBN: 0425200264 $23.95, 288 pp.
In 1994, wealthy Magnus Torkelsson is fleeing for his life trying to reach remote Tarabao Island
in
the Hawaiian chain. However, the bad weather hinders visibility and soon the small plane runs out
of
gas. Magnus and his pilot Texas transplant Claudia crash into the sea. A decade later, divers in a
lagoon 400 miles off the Big island of Hawaii find a plane with two skeletons inside. At the same
time Magnus' family learn that his remains have been found, University of Washington at Port
Angeles Physical Anthropology Professor Gideon Oliver has attended an anthropology forensics
conference and is heading to the ranch of his best friend FBI Agent John Lau. John asks Gideon
to
look at the evidence, but soon the mainlander begins to unravel a family filled with lies and avarice
in
which not only was Magnus killed by at least one heir, but his sibling may have been a murder
victim
too. Aaron Elkins provides a fabulous "A" quality level forensic investigative tale in which the
author freshens up the actions of his champion Gideon by temporarily relocating him to Hawaii
and
not always the main islands. Fans not only see up front the Hawaiian archipelago, but also are
engrossed in a mystery that at first does not seem like a homicide, but more an accident. Readers
will enjoy this first rate who-done-it as the cast and the locale make for a fine tropical
mystery.
Total Rush
Deidre Martin
Berkley
ISBN: 042520152X $6.99, 336 pp.
After a boring blind date set up byher hero cousin, NY Blades hockey star Michael Dante, Golden
Bough bookstore owner Gemma Dante wonders if she will find true love. Her best friend Francis
Hoffman encourages Gemma, a practicing witch, to cast a love spell. Gemma decides it cannot do
any harm so she does. The next day computer coder Uther Abramowitz enters the store carrying a
brochure in which Gemma offers lessons on reading the Tarot. That night firefighter Sean
Kennealy
and two of his peers visit Gemma in her Manhattan apartment pretending they are on duty so that
they can persuade her to stop burning the incense that stinks up the building. Gemma wonders
whether the customer or the Blue Eyes firefighter is her true love. One will prove to be her
beloved
though he is embarrassed by her religion; the other will turn out to be false and dangerous. The
latest Dante contemporary romance stars an interesting female protagonist whose mother scorns
her
and one of her potential lovers does likewise. The fine story line also includes the return of stars
from Deidre Martin's previous Manhattan tales (see FAIR PLAY) though hockey plays less of a
role
this time around even with the catalyst of a charity game between the firefighters and the Blades.
Fans of opposites attract novels will enjoy this solid story though the late suspense seems more
like
two minutes in the penalty box for high sticking after the game is won.
Mourning Ruby
Helen Dunmore
Berkley
ISBN: 0425200191 $14.00, 294 pp.
Over three decades may have passed, but the pivotal moment in Rebecca's life still haunts her. Her
biological mom left her as a newborn in a shoebox in the alley behind Vittori's restaurant. An
onion
saves her from becoming rat meal. Her adoptive parents had no idea how to cope with a colic
baby
that did not sleep through the night; over the years they fed and dressed the kid, but were unable
to
show any love or affection towards the alley brat. As an adult Rebecca rooms with historian Joe,
who treats her like a younger sibling and introduces her to her future husband neonatologist
Adam.
They have a daughter Ruby, who makes Rebecca feel human for the first time in her life. The next
five years are terrific as she and Adam shower Ruby with love. When Ruby dies in a car accident,
Rebecca returns to her life of nothingness. Adam leaves her, but she meets Mr. Damiano, who
hires
her as his assistant while Joe tries to provide her solace with a World War I story about a single
mother vowing to raise her child though it means working the brothels at the front. MOURNING
RUBY is a poignant, but melancholy character study. The title protagonist lives an extreme roller
coaster life starting with the box, followed by the loveless early years; a fine interlude with a
friend
and a lover; the crescendo starring Ruby; replaced by deep grief and hiding in a "box"; and finally
friends trying to help her move on. Helen Dunmore provides a deep look that human means
grieving
for loved ones but also those who love you are there for you even when you reject them.
Death at Blenheim Palace
Robin Paige
Berkley
ISBN: 0425200353 $23.95, 312 pp.
King Henry II built Blenheim Palace for his mistress Rosamund to keep her far away from the
jealousies of his wife Queen Eleanor. The present owner, the ninth Duke of Marlborough, married
Consuelo Vanderbilt for her money so he can return his palace to its former glory. The pair shares
an unhappy marriage though Consuelo does her best to run the palace. Sleuth Lord Charles
Sheldon
and his wife Kate visit the Duke and Duchess. However, before they arrive, a servant vanishes
without taking her possessions or asking for a reference. Charles believes that she was part of a
band
of thieves that are stealing valuables from the homes of nobles. He plants a mole inside the
servants'
quarters to learn if anyone else belongs to the gang. The spy uncovers the identity of another
conspirator planning to rob valuables from Blenheim Palace when King Edward and Queen
Alexandra visit. Charles and Kate try to ferret out the criminals before His Highness arrives, but
the
mastermind realizes that and alters the plan. Meticulous research has gone into this extraordinary
historical mystery to the point that readers will recognize Blenheim Palace on sight without a
guide.
Even with that depth of vividness, the investigation is clever as Kate and Charles play major roles
in
trying to unravel a conspiracy. Consuelo also is a critical participant coping with an unfaithful
spouse who is rude to her even in public while preparing her home for the regal visit. Robin Paige
continues to provide some of the best historical mysteries on the market today with this novel
proof
positive of that assertion.
The Next Big Thing
Johanna Edwards
Berkley
ISBN: 0425200280 $13.00, 352 pp.
In Memphis Hood & Geddlefinger PR associate Kat Larson has met Nick Applby of London over
the Internet. He believes that she is a size 4, but the 5'6" woman is well over 200 pounds.
Desperate
to lose weight before she meets her English hunk, Kat applies for a reality TV show, From Fat to
Fabulous, in which the obese participants will be helped in losing weight. To her surprise Kat
makes
the show that has quite a prize for the winner. As Kat and a few other women live under the lights
of
reality TV, the show's host Jagger is attracted to her and even kisses her; breaking the no
fraternization rule. Kat feels pretty good and comes across upbeat until Nick learns what she is
doing and joins her in a surprise visit to the show. Instead of a happy union, Kat is mortified with
only Jagger providing her comfort and soon learns what a shallow soul Nick truly is. Gender
bending the Big Loss, THE NEXT BIG THING is an interesting chick lit tale starring a delightful
TV host, a wonderful female protagonist, and several full sized competitors. The on and off
romance
between Jagger and Kat seems secondary as the tale provides the audience insight into the feelings
and thoughts of the female contestants who like the heroine believes that a size 4 will solve their
problems. Fans of contemporary women's issues will want to read Johanna's Edwards' insightful
tale
in which the grass is not always greener on the other side, but it is easier to dream that it is.
For Pete's Sake
Geri Buckley
Berkley
ISBN: 0425201538 $5.99, 304 pp.
Though her grandma's recent death has caused a cloud over the Langstown, Florida annual Fourth
of July gala, Pietra "Pete" Lang plans to make this the best celebration ever. However, she runs
into
a slight problem when she and her friend Albert Rheinhold open up a freezer and finds inside the
defrosting corpse of a blond with the tattoo "Miss Fritz". The victim is obviously her long
deceased
grandfather's floozy. Divorce attorney Danny Benedict finds Pete trying to dispose of the corpse.
He
is concerned as her brother Jackson is planning to run for state legislature while obtaining a
divorce
after ten years of marriage to wed a podiatrist. As Danny and Pete plot what to do, their initial
attraction already hotter than a Floridian summer heats up; soon the are in love and he will do
anything FOR PETE'S SAKE not caring about her grandma's reputation or her brother's political
ambitions. Readers will appreciate the amusing contemporary romance that will remind the
audience
of The Trouble With Harry. The story line never takes itself too seriously as Danny and Pete
struggle with proof that her beloved grandma killed her husband's lover. The romance is deftly
handled as is Jackson's efforts to change wives while running for public office, but the tale belongs
to a triangle populated by dead people.
If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend
Alison Pace
Berkley
ISBN: 0425200248 $13.00, 304 pp.
After two years together as the perfect couple, Texan Jack Davis dumps Manhattanite Jane Laine.
Before she can rebound from the shock, she makes a horrendous error at work. She ordered the
wrong size Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for her boss Dick Reese, owner of Reese's Art Gallery. To
punish her for her transgression, the odious Dick exiles Jane by sending her on a barnstorming Art
Tour of four cities in under five months. She is to accompany artist Ian Rhys-Fitzsimmons as he
has
shows in London, Rome, Chicago and Miami. Jane does not think highly of her companion as
they
set off to London feeling his fifteen minutes of fame is way too long. However, she is shocked by
his
consideration starting at Newark Airport and continuing in Europe. Ian knows he loves Jane, but
she
clings to the belief that he is a con artist shamming the public. As they become acquainted during
the
whirlwind trek, Jane sees Ian is nothing like the pampered brats who make up the art world. She
concludes he and his work are no shams and fears how much she will miss him once their quest
ends. IF ANDY WARHOL HAD A GIRLFRIEND is a terrific chick lit tale because of the pace
applied to the blossoming of Jane into a woman in love. The story line is character driven mostly
by
Jane as she starts out detesting Ian, begins to appreciate his kindness and understanding, and
finally
falls in love with him, but believes he desires someone else. This novel is a fun to read
contemporary
romance.
Zalman King's RED SHOE DIARIES: Strip Poker
Zalman King, Elise D'Haene, Patricia Louisianna Knop and Julie Marie Myatt
Berkley
ISBN: 0425201309 $14.00
"Hard Labor" by Zalman King and Elise D'Haene. Jake is depressed wondering if he could have
done something different to save the life of his beloeved Alex who committed suicide. He seeks
answers in her diary, but finds nothing illuminating. Desperate he asks betrayed or betrayal
women
to send their diaries to Red Shoes. Three do. Aleta does not want relationships beyond a one
night
stand to interfere with her goal to succeed. That changes when she meets Antonio, who she fears
will expose her soul to pain. "Strip Poker" by Zalman King and Patricia Louisianna Knop. Jack
wants Katherine to set a marriage date, but she hesitates because he has changed from a free soul
into a bore. They are to meet at Yalta for a special tryst, but he allows business to delay him. An
angry Katherine notices a strip poker game and debates whether to join the players and drop Jack.
"Slow Train" by Julie Marie Myatt. Edna dies leaving her home, grocery store, and her diary to
her
granddaughter Sally. The diary highlights Edna's sexual awakening during the Depression and
awakens the granddaughter to what life. These three erotic tales filled with profanities offer sex as
the prime elixir to most relationship issues. The stories derived from the Showtime show are well
written as diary entries, but lack substance as solutions to complex issues are too simplistically
resolved in bed. Ironically Jake remains lost just like the audience. Fans of lust as the center of
relationships will appreciate this trio, but those who believe there is more between two people will
pass.
Vision in Blue
Nicole Byrd
Berkley
ISBN: 0425201104 $6.99
An orphan, Gemma Smith has wondered who she really is for a long time and who is paying the
bills
for her to stay at Miss Maysham's Academy for Select Young Ladies. On her twenty-first
birthday,
her solicitor sends her a letter that informs her that her brother is Lord Gabriel Sinclair. She goes
to
meet him, but he is not in London when she arrives, but Gemma becomes good friends with
Louisa
Crookshank who knows Gabriel. Gemma continues to seek information. She meets navy officer
(retired) Matthew Fallon who seeks his missing sister sent to a foundling home when their mother
died and he was at sea. As they agree to team up on their respective searches they fall in love, but
neither knows what to expect once they learn the truth. Though the above paragraphs concentrate
on Gemma's tale, to a lesser degree Louise's story is also told; both are well done and complement
one another. The cast is solid and the duel story lines are fun to follow especially the amateur
sleuthing of Gemma, who went from feeling alone to being loved. Regency romance fans will also
want to read BEAUTY IN BLACK, the first appearances of Gemma and Louisa.
Walk by Faith
Rosanne Bittner
Steeple Hill (Harlequin)
ISBN: 0373785321 $12.95, 280 pp.
In St. Louis, her father owned and operated Seaforth's Dry Goods until he died three years ago.
His
daughter Clarissa took over the store until she met and married Chad Graham. She trusted Chad
who she legally named owner of the shop that he ran and gave up her dream of attending
Washington University as a nursing student to give birth to their daughter Sophie. She stayed
home
to raise their little blessing and ignored rumors that her spouse was cheating on her until today,
March 16, 1862; Chad deserted her and his offspring to run off with his true love, the pregnant
Susan and use the proceeds of the store to obtain a divorce and fund their marriage. With friends
heading to Montana, Clarissa decides to start anew with her beloved Sophie. Former First
Lieutenant Dawson Clements who saw plenty of death in Tennessee especially with what
happened
to his friend Sergeant Bridger, leads the expedition. On the trail with fears over an ailing Sophie,
Dawson who lost his faith in God and Clarissa who lost her faith in man become acquainted on
the
dangerous trek, they fall in love, but can either make that first major step that could prove to be a
precipice or forever happiness. WALK BY FAITH is a terrific inspirational western romance that
stars two wonderful protagonists who are pessimistic about life until they meet and bond over
their
struggles to save a little girl. The story line is character driven though the audience will feel they
are
on the trek with Clarissa, Dawson, and the others. Still the lead protagonists who need something
to
believe in are the key to a fine Civil War moving tale.
A New Lu
Laura Castoro
Red Dress (Harlequin)
ISBN: 0373895143 $12.95, 400 pp.
In Upper Montclair, New Jersey, Lu Nichols works part-time at Five-O magazine for the mature
woman. She and her long time husband Jacob recently divorced, but not before one for the road.
Their firstborn Dallas is driving Lu crazy with her marriage plans. Her new boss Tai Leigh is
sarcastically sweet most of the time and condescending when she fakes being nice. As Tai decides
that the almost fifty Lu needs a makeover that the magazine will exploit, the victim feels nauseous
but assumes bad oysters is the cause. However, her gorgeous doctor proves otherwise as that last
fling with Jacob has left Lu pregnant. Her ex hides; her oldest is mortified; her boss wants Lu to
provide a series of articles on the pregnant mature woman. Though all this Lu keeps on ticking
and
growing. This chick lit turns fifty tale will give readers a pregnant pause that is everyone except
the
optimistic Lu who keeps her sanity through humorous asides mostly to herself (and the audience).
The story line is fun to follow because Lu pulls off the role of mature chickster. However, her
aplomb also leaves the relational "tensions" with her daughter and former husband over the
unborn
look limpid. Sub-genre fans will laugh with Lu, a pregnant fifty years old stand up comedic
Pollyanna.
Mim Warner's Lost Her Cool
Lynn Messina
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373895135 $12.95, 288 pp.
Anyone with a dominant cool gene knows that Mim Walker is the coolest coolhunter in the
world.
Her column is always on the mark even before rumors say the "F" word that ultimately sucks the
cool out of a trend. However, to the shock of the in-crowd, Mim's last two predictions were so
way
out and off the chart her friends are wondering if she is terminal. Selecting dirty hooker T-shirts
for
preadolescent girls and sharp edged samurai swords for preteen boys is not considered cool by
anyone even the manufacturers of the products. Could cool Mim become yesterday's fad, which
means clients will go elsewhere seeking a new magnet of coolness. Mim's employee Meghan
Resnick
like the rest of the staff worries about the future. However, when Mim loses her cool over a
corpse,
even loyal rationale Meghan believes her boss will look nerdy in pinstripes. MIM WARNER'S
LOSES HER COOL is an amusing satire that jabs fads and chick lit tales, which ironically Lynn
Messina, a sub-genre author, treats like a fad. The story line never takes itself seriously even when
the voice of cool finds a dead body. Chick lit fans who appreciate the laugh at the sub-genre and
at
the "F" word (fad for you uncool recessive souls) will chuckle at the antics of Mim and her retinue
trying to help her regain her lost cool though the plot is a one joke novel.
The Compass Rose
Gail Dayton
Luna (Harlequin)
ISBN 0373802161 $13.99, 400 pp.
The city of Ukiny in the kingdom of Adara is besieged by warriors of Tibre who depend on
cannons,
guns, and gunpowder instead of magic to take over the realm. Kallista Varyl, a captain and a
naitan
(witch) prays to the One for a victory and when she uses her magic, to her amazement every Tibre
soldier on Adara is killed except for Stone who is taken prisoner. Both Stone and Kallista are
god-marked and as they sail on the same ship to the capital city, they realize something inside
them
has intrinsically changed. Aisee, a Tibran slave girl attaches herself to Kallista on the boat ride to
the
capital and once there another god-marked person, the rich merchant Obed finds them. The ruler
orders all the players, including Kallista's bodyguard married in a special ceremony that will make
them an instant family. Kallista acquiesces because she needs all the magic that she can command
because her new family is going to the capital city of Tibre to kill the demon that pushed them
into
going to war. THE COMPASS ROSE is a sword and sorcery fantasy that concentrates as much
on
the characters as it does on the battles. The Adara use magic as another sense believing it is a gift
from the One and they are one in harmony with the earth as opposes to the repressive caste
society
of Tibre. Gail Dayton has created a world that is so colorful and vivid readers will feel they made
an
adventurous visit to this enchanting realm.
Cupid and the Cowboy
Carol Finch
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373750595 $4.99
Former Special Ops officer Judd Foster returns to his ranch in Moon Valley, Texas to hide from
the
world after a failed mission several months ago devastated his psyche. However, in spite of his
abrupt nasty behavior, restaurant owner Erika Dunn keeps visiting him with delicious meals and
makes an offer to buy his unused barn that she would like to convert into a cafe. He refuses
insisting
she not come back, but she says she will as he remains her hero for an incident in which he
rescued
her from taunting classmates when she was twelve and he was the high school sports star. Erika
remains "Ms. Cheerful and Determined" when it comes to her hero who she realizes that her
puppy
love adulation has turned into an adult love for Judd. He continues to be nasty, but she begins to
break through his armor with her do-gooder matchmaking personality. Still he remains gruff
towards
her until Erika, realizing her heart is breaking, decides enough is enough and is ready to give up
the
fight. Though not used frequently in the fine plot the matchmaking is overkill for this superb
angst-laden character driven contemporary romance. Erika is like the energizer bunny as she
keeps
on ticking regardless of what emotional grenades Judd tosses at her. Judd is the key to what
makes
the CUPID AND THE COWBOY (inane title aside) a terrific novel as he struggles with a
scenario
that went wrong that makes him feel unworthy of worship until Erika begins to shower him with
healing love.
Men of Courage II
Lori Foster, Donna Kauffman, and Jill Shalvis
Harlequin Signature Select
ISBN: 0373836422 $5.99, 366 pp.
"An Honorable Man" by Lori Foster. In Ohio Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton Wulf informs school
teacher Liv Amery that her father died from a heart attack. Ham knows he loves Liv, but regrets
his
misunderstanding the terrain as he assumed since she was a military brat she would have no
trouble
with his career. Liv loves Ham, but has felt alone all her life and being a military spouse means
more
loneliness; Ham has a tough campaign ahead of him but a tornado gives him a chance as they
share
shelter together. "Blown Away" by Donna Kauffman. Six years ago tornado observers Marty
Mckenna and Cooper Harrison shared a night of passion wilder than any storm either have seen;
the
next morning they went there separate ways. Now Marty and Cooper are following the same
tornado near Cincinnati, but this time he plans to never let go of the woman he loves. "Perilous
Waters" by Jill Shalvis. Helicopter pilot Wyatt Stone fears nothing except the female traffic
reporter
he is currently flying over Denton, Ohio. Ten years ago he fell in love with Leah Taylor, but she
broke his heart when she left him to pursue her dreams. When they are stranded together with a
tornado bearing down on them, Wyatt realizes he still loves Leah, but fears a broken heart again.
These three Buckeye State stormy second chance romances are terrific exhilarating tales filled
with
action-packed passionate stories in which the storms of the heart are as wild as those in the
sky.
Detour Ahead
Cindi Myers
Harlequin Flipside
ISBN: 0373442092 $4.50, 218 pp.
In DC advertising copywriter for a not for profit organization Marlee Jones also maintains a
website
"Travels with Marlee" where she provides her driving travesties and fun. Her latest entry informs
her
webbing public that she lost her license after making a wrong turn onto a one way street going the
other way. Immediately following the post her best friend Susan calls to ask how Marlee, who
refuses to fly, will come cross country to attend her San Diego wedding with Brian. Susan
suggests
she drive with Brian's best man Craig Brinkman, but also warns her that he is her direct opposite
anally controlling his life to a scheduled nanosecond. Even before they leave, Brian and Marlee
relate like oil and water as he has written an itinerary to the minute while she wants to stop along
the
way to enjoy the odd sites of America. As they travel together, she parades on his timetable with
her
unscheduled side trips. Soon these opposites fall in love as she encourages him to take a chance
on
opening his own restaurant while he urges her to take a risk on him. This chick lit road trip is
often
amusing as Marlee seems to get her way most of the time because of Craig's mixed emotions of
wanting to please her vs. staying on schedule. Though she can drive a reader and her "Chef" batty,
she makes this opposites falling in love in spite of the DETOURS AHEAD for their hearts into a
fine
humorous road show.
Shall We Dance?
Kasey Michaels
Harlequin HQN
ISBN: 0373770383 $6.99
In 1820 the King is dead and George IV inherits the throne. However, George wants to rid
himself
of his estrange wife Princess Caroline before his coronation insisting she does not deserve to be
queen. Caroline has returned to England after several years on the continent in exile planning to
sit
on the throne whether her spouse wants her or not. The retired Minister of the Admiralty Sir
Willard
Humphrey orders his worthless nephew Perry Shepherd to use the undercover skills he learned
during the Napoleonic wars to find dirt to discredit Caroline. To gain entry, Willard suggests
Perry
use loyal princess follower Amelia Fredericks, one of Caroline's orphans. If Perry fails to perform
his
duty for his king, Willard says he will enlist odious Jarrett Rolin who will do anything to regain his
lost status amidst the Ton. Reluctantly, feeling like it is the less of two evils, Perry leaves his
hedonistic pastime behind to uncover regal scandal. Instead he falls in love with his ticket but
worries how his beloved will react to his treachery of using her to get at her cherished Princess.
This
entertaining Regency romance is many ways is more a political historical tale than a love story.
Readers obtain a taste of the Whig-Tory rivalry accentuated by who the support the king or the
wannabe queen. The enticing romance enhances the competition for power as Kasey Michaels
provides a refreshing look at the machinations and skirmishes between the Regent and his wife as
well as the two political parties prior to the coronation.
On the Loose
Shannon Hollis
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791747 $4.75, 247 pp.
In San Francisco, Lauren Massey and her two best friends attend a lock and key charity event.
Lauren plans to write an article on speed dating for her column "Lorelei on the Loose" in the
Inside
Out Paper. Her "date turns out to be Left Coast author Josh McCrea. Afterward, he writes an
article
Almost Sex. Though she had planned to write such an article and Josh did not use her name, she
is
angry with him focusing their evening for others to read about it. Still they are attracted to one
another from the moment he had the key to her lock although Josh is shook that he may have met
the "One" he has waited for. Now he must persuade Lauren they belong together. He knows how
much she desires to write for his more prestigious publication, but worries how she will react
when
she learns he hid from her that he owns one third. ON THE LOOSE, the second Lock and Key
tale
(see HARD TO HANDLE by Jamie Denton), is a lighthearted romp starring two likable writers
falling in love. The story line is as amusing as it is blazing because Josh and Lauren passionately
desire one another yet wonder could love at last have arrived. This lead couple makes the frolic
fun
and leaves the audience on a SLOW RIDE waiting for Carrie Alexander to lock the door to this
humorous miniseries.
Getting It Good
Rhonda Nelson
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791763 $4.75, 249 pp.
Happily married couple Zora Anderson and Tate Hatcher raises the sex poker bet. She asks him
to
matchmake his pal Ross Hartford with her friend Frankie "the Carnal Contessa" Savaterra while
he
counters that if he wins she must hire Ross to work in her all female organization, Chicks in
Charge.
Tate wins the bet as Zora turns flushed, but recovers rather quickly as she realizes she won since
she
can place her employee Frankie with her new worker Ross, who has no choice but to accept her if
he wants the Ward account as bad as he says. Frankie and Ross are the last couple one would
expect
to be together, but as they fight, fuss, and fume their attraction turns to love. However, neither
will
back down and admit how they really feel about the other. For Frankie men are distrustful,
something she learned from her father; Ross considered the Duke of Desire by women actually
needs
one female Frankie, but she seems to take more pleasure ripping his skin and telling others how to
add flavor to the sex instead of him. The latest Chicks in Charge tale, GETTING IT GOOD is a
delightfully amusing contemporary romance starring two likable combatants. The sort line never
takes it self seriously as Frankie has become almost famous for her carnal comments in CHiC
magazine while Ross is known for pleasing women, although the only one he desires treats him
like
a loser. The return of Zora and Tate from GETTING IT will please fans who read the first book
and
tempt those like this reviewer to obtain the tale as this one is a good time.
Blind Date
Cheryl Anne Porter
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373692099 $4.50, 219 pp.
Construction worker Joe Rossi is in Tampa visiting his Great Uncle Maury Seeger when he finds
an
irate female in the men's fitting room of a department store. She mumbles something about
women's
rooms out of the way before leaving. The next day Joe goes to pick up a blind date that Maury
arranged for him. To his shock and elation she is the shopper. Though embarrassed Meg Kendall,
a
local teacher, goes out with Joe. They have a good time together though Joe feels bad because he
has a girlfriend back home. As Joe and Meg continue to see one another, Maury warns them to go
into hiding because some of his friends are coming to break his legs. Not believing his Mafia's
stories, they still go off together because they are at6tracted to one another. However, both may
be
falling love, but Joe goes home soon once the goons stop chasing Meg and Maury. Cheryl Anne
Porter passed away in the summer, but left her fans with a terrific legacy including the wildly
inane
BLIND DATE. The story line stars two people falling in love in a contemporary main plot while
in
the backdrop New Jersey visitors are cleaning up a family matter that dates back to the sixties and
Maury. Fans will enjoy the duality of a serious romance blending with amusing mob "suspense" as
Ms. Porter pays homage to herself and her readers with this fine Temptation.
Falling for Gracie
Susan Mallery
Harlequin HQN
ISBN: 0373770340 $6.99
In Los Lobos, fourteen years old Gracie Landon fell in love with eighteen years old Riley
Whitefield,
but he rejected her as being too young while seeing someone else. Her antics got so out of hand
that
the local media coverage became known as the Gracie Chronicles; her family, in desperation,
shipped Gracie off to live with relatives out of state. Riley married and divorced Pam while Gracie
never returned to her hometown for the next fourteen years embarrassed by how she behaved.
Gracie returns home for her younger sister's wedding, but plans to keep a low profile until her
older
sister coaxes her to help her find who her spouse Zeke is cheating with. Since he is Riley's
campaign
manager in his run for mayor, the siblings start there. However, Riley catches a mortified Gracie.
She explains to Riley what she was doing. He needs to become mayor if he wants to inherit his
uncle's 97 million estate and worries that a scandal by Zeke could hurt his campaign. As they
work
to uncover the truth about Zeke's nocturnal activities, they fall in love, but sensible Gracie refuses
to
take any risks when it comes to Riley and Pam is back causing further woes to make her seem
unbalanced. This second chance at love (at least on her part) is a fun tale as Riley realizes he is
FALLING FOR GRACIE, but no one believes him including himself while she concludes that she
still loves him and compares men to him. Though the suspense is soft as Mayor Franklin Yardley
also has 97 million reasons to insure he is reelected, contemporary fans will fall for Gracie and
Riley.
Endgame
Dee Davis
Harlequin HQN
ISBN: 0373770367 $6.50
FBI Behavioral Science Unit Chief Walter Blythe informs subordinate profiler Madison Harper
that
she will co-head a special task force that the White House has sanctioned at the request of her
godfather, business mogul Cullen Pulaski. At the same time that Madison objects because she has
worked hard to prove herself without using family connections, CIA deep undercover operative
Gabriel Roarke is yanked to be her co-leader though he was working on a case for two years in
the
Keys. He believes that his co-chief is rich man's candy; she figures he is the typical brainless
macho
over the top warrior. Cullen explains to the two unhappy draftees that he believes someone is
killing
the members of the elite American Business Consortium, but making it look like an accident or a
natural death. Madison brings on an IT guru who pays dividends immediately when he finds a
deadly
pattern; Gabriel brings on two field operatives that he trusts. As they work together, the initial
disdain and contempt turns into respect and admiration before becoming love as each willingly
would risk their lives to save the other from a killer who seems one step or two ahead of them.
This
exciting police procedural romance is an intriguing tale more so because of Madison's abilities
than
that of Gabriel. The motive for the homicides comes up very late and seems off kilter, but the
investigation is fun to follow especially as Madison and Gabriel begrudgingly initially realize how
wrong first impressions can be as they soon depend, trust and love one another. Fans of suspense
thrillers will want to read ENDGAME, a fine tale of love and murder.
She Drives Me Crazy
Leslie Kelly
Harlequin HQN
ISBN: 0373770316 $6.50
In Joyful, Georgia, County Prosecutor Johnny Walker learns that Emma Jean Frasier was
returning
to town after being away for almost a decade. Johnny remembers escorting Emma Jean to the
prom
in her only year in town, but they were caught naked in a nearby gazebo as passion had flared
between them. Though he thinks little of her for not showing up at her grandma's funeral, he
scoffs
at the rumor that she is a porn star opening up a strip joint. Emma returns to the home she
inherited
from her beloved grandma to rebound from losing her nest egg and her job when her boss
embezzled
the money before skipping town. Her first moment in town she sprains her ankle. This makes her
dependent on the one person she hates and loves Johnny. As their feelings that never had a chance
to
grow as teens explode as adults, neither knows what they want only who they desire. However, a
murder intercedes with the sheriff leaning towards Emma as the culprit unless Johnny can prove
otherwise. Fans of contemporary romance (not sure you can say second chance as one date seems
a
stretched for their first time around) will enjoy this fine tale due to the lead couple; Johnny and
Emma know they love the other, but assume their feelings are unrequited. Meanwhile the
townsfolk
bring out the best and worst in these two stars. SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY is an amusing gender
war tale and although the suspense comes late readers will take delight in the humorous sparring
highlighted by the romantic secret that Johnny reveals at the end.
The Bachelor
Kate Bridges
Harlequin Historical
ISBN: 0373293437 $5.50, 360 pp.
In 1893 Alberta, Mountie Inspector Mitchell Reed visits the home of Charlotte Ford accompanied
in
tow by her two brothers Wayde and Tim; he lectures Charlotte that her brothers are delinquents
heading for trouble as her two preadolescent sisters watch the one-sided harangue. Charlotte is
tired
raising her four younger siblings since their parents died and left their children impoverished.
Putting
aside her dreams of working in the medical field, Charlotte toils hard on a poultry line to bring in
some money and food. At the Harvest Fair her two "poultry" friends dare her to try "Dunk the
Mountie" as she is a good pitcher having played with her siblings. She succeeds in soaking
Mitchell
and soon "earns" him for the night winning a raffle while the elite huff and puff over the outcome.
Instead of attending the extravagant gala, she puts him to work on the poultry assembly line. As
the
Mountie from an upper crust home and the lower working class woman become acquainted they
fall
in love, but she knows that she is beneath his level as he belongs with the beautiful debutante.
THE
BACHELOR, the latest late nineteenth century Mountie romance, is a terrific tale, perhaps the
best
in one of the top historical series in the last few years. The story line showcases the distinct
differences between social classes, but does it without condemning either group. Instead the
delightful lead couple receives a respective education by escort into their beloved's world and
through the strong secondary cast. THE BACHELOR as with the entire Mountie collection
provides
a dependable bridge into a bygone era.
She Walks the Line
Roz Denny Fox
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712545 $5.50, 297 pp.
After six years on the force, Mei Lu Ling is prompted to lieutenant in Houston's White Collar
Crimes Division. She is working undercover when her boss Chief Tanner (see next month's
"Women
in Blue" for her tale) reassigns her to work a smuggling case involving stolen Asian artifacts,
which
worries her because her father and brother sell high end Asian art. Her first assignment is to
translate
a note from Chinese to English for insurance investigator Cullen Archer, a divorced father raising
two fraternal eight year old twins, Belinda and Bobby. Upon first meeting, Cullen and Mei are
attracted to one another, but he becomes wary when she tells him who her father is as he is the
prime suspect. As they work together, they fall in love, but her family remains in the forefront of
their investigation though their alibis seem airtight. The fifth Women in Blue police procedural
romance is a terrific insightful look at the Houston based American-Chinese community that along
with a strong investigation filled with red herrings and one gigantic final twist will please
sub-genre
readers. The story line grips the audience as Cullen and Mei fall in love, but he wonders if she is in
cahoots with her father and brother as he believes they head the smuggling ring. His twins add
chaos
while her family and the other Blue Knightettes provide depth to a fine tale although the final spin
occurs too abruptly and seemingly out of character for the mastermind.
Somebody's Daughter
Rebecca Winters
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712596 $5.50, 297 pp.
In Venice Beach, California, cleaning woman and college student Kit Burke mourns the death of
her
alcoholic mom and fears Rena's deathbed confession that she was not her biological mother.
Instead,
Rena said that Kit was actually Kathryn McFarland, but her spouse Frankie, who left them two
decades ago, abducted her when she was one month old. DNA testing proves that Kit and Rena
are
not from the same gene pool and Internet research confirms the supporting information her mom
provided including the kidnapping of Kathryn. Kit goes to Salt Lake to meet the McFarland
family
who are well to do and have set up a foundation dedicated to Kathryn. When she meets Cord
McFarland, , she finds herself very attracted to him although she tries not to desire him in case he
is
her sibling. He reciprocates her feelings and though he believes that her tale is legitimate and that
she
must be somebody's baby, he refuses deep inside to accept that he could love his sister in a
non-brotherly way. SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER is an exhilarating contemporary tale in which
the
lead couple is falling in love, but fears that if his parent's deepest wish turns out to be true, their
feelings are taboo and must be ignored. This cleverly devised sexual tension permeates the plot as
the likable pair struggle not to kiss one another while working on the truth. All Rebecca Winters
tales are fun in all seasons so family drama fans will look forward to the summer sequel when
THE
DAUGHTER'S RETURN is published.
The Chosen Child
Brenda Mott
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 037371257X $5.50, 296 pp.
In Deer Creek, Colorado after three miscarriages in two years shake their marriage, Nikki and
Cody
Somers decide to try vitro fertilization with her sister Amanda as the surrogate mother.
Everything is
going smooth until Amanda stops at a roadside situation on an isolated mountain road, and a hit
and
run drunk plows through her. Baby Anna is dead before she is born and a badly battered Amanda
goes home in Tennessee to physically and mentally recover. Four months later, Nikki and Cody
still
grieve with the teacher heading east to see her sibling while the cop is unable to move past
catching
the culprit. Their marriage looks over. While Nikki is in Tennessee, Cody "busts" preadolescent
Dustin Holbrook for vandal. The kid's foster parents agree to leave Dusty with Cody. After Nikki
returns home to the surprise of having a former student residing with them, she and husband
struggle
to move on with Dusty's needs serving as a solid incentive if they can get past their loss. THE
CHOSEN CHILD is obviously not a romance, but more a character study that concentrates on
grieving being personal as each person must move on at their pace and style. The lead couple's
exertions are realistic and deftly handled so that anyone who has suffered a loss will empathize
with
them. Though Dustin is a convenient impetus to bring the pair together, readers will appreciate
this
strong family drama.
Desiree
Roberta Gellis
Harlequin Signature Select
ISBN: 0373836414 $5.99, 358 pp.
After leaving his loveless home in Normandy, Alex journeys to England to ask his uncle Sir Simon
Lemagne for a position with him. After training, Alex is knighted and sent to prosperous Exceat
whose ailing lord Sir Frewyn is probably dying. With Richard held for ransom, the coastal estates
prepare for an invasion by the minion of Prince John. The Lady of the manor, Desiree appoints
Alex
as her castellan. They are very attracted to one another, but neither acts on these feelings out of
respect to Sir Frewyn. Alex shores up the defenses at Exceat while keeping a close eye on his
brother Vachel who is on a mission for Prince John. Vachel intends to kill his uncle, his uncle's
wife,
and his brother so that Nicolous of Lewes can have Desiree and her estates while John can have is
vengeance on Simon and his wife. Though aware of his sibling's perfidy, Alex, lacking proof, will
have to use skill and intelligence to keep his beloved family and lady safe. Readers rejoice! The
latest
Roselynde Chronicles is out and Roberta Gellis shows she remains one of the most brilliant
historical
romance writers of the past decade or two. This novel occurs between ROSELYNDE and
ALINOR, which leads the audience to feel a homecoming with friends they have not seen in over
a
quarter of a century. The sexual tension between Desiree and Alex runs at high levels throughout
the
book as both ethically refuse to cuckold Frewyn. This spices up the story line that concentrates on
readying the keep for invasion while surviving Vashel's machinations.
Emergency Engagement
Michele Dunaway
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373750609 $4.99, 250 pp.
In Chicago, pediatric specialist Dr. Quinton Searle checks on Beth's four year old Carly Johnson
who ate some of her mother's cold medicine thinking they were candy. Carly hates hospitals
because
that is where her daddy died from cancer, but Dr. Searle is nice like Prince Eric rescuing Princess
Ariel. At a bachelor party, Quinton is stunned when the stripper is Beth, making him wonder what
type of mother she is. He drags her away accusing her of being a bad example for her daughter.
Irate
Beth tells this critical moral majority member to leave her alone as he just cost her five hundred
needed dollars needed as an apartment deposit. Later he learns her real job is at Luie's Deli. At
about
the same time, his upper crust St. Louis mom calls to push Susie Phelps on him when he attends
his
sister's wedding. Desperate to keep mom off his back and to make up what he cost Beth, he offers
to
pay her to pretend to be his fiancee; she being even more desperate agrees. As they become better
acquainted, they fall in love encouraged by a little matchmaker who wants Eric and Ariel together.
The description of the working poor in which coffee is a luxury hooks the audience as everyone
will
empathize with the plight of Beth. When the tale switches from struggling to survive in a pretend
engagement it loses some of its social stinging, but still entertains the readers. Beth is a terrific
protagonist who provides Quint with a touch of reality while her daughter is a precocious
matchmaker. This threesome supplemented by a strong support cast makes EMERGENCY
ENGAGEMENT a fine tale.
Myrren's Gift
Fiona McIntosh
Eos
ISBN: 0060747560 $14.95, 576 pp.
Wyl's father, General of the Legion, died in combat fighting for his monarch. Though only
fourteen
and in training for his father's former position, Wyl Thirsk nominally heads the Morgravia military
and vows loyalty to King Magnus. The heir to the throne Prince Celimus detests the country
bumpkin Wyl because he hates his sire who loves the lad. When Myrren of Baelup rejects the
advances of one of Celimus' friends, she is arrested, tortured, and condemned to death as a witch.
Though having no power, Myrren refuses to confess although tortured to the extreme. While
Celimus laughs, Wyl ends the travesty. Celimus warns Wyl there will be a day of reckoning
between
them. Celimus becomes the King when Magnus dies, ruling Morgravia with a torturous hand.
However, he must get rid of his moral General so he has Wyl murdered. Instead of dying, Wyl
finds
his mind left his corpse and entered the body of his killer. He will soon learn that Myrren had one
power that she bestowed on him to switch bodies when his present host is killed. Now he has to
fix a
world gone crazy starting with its egomaniacal leader although everyone loyal to General Thirsk
saw
his corpse. MYRREN'S GIFT is an excellent fantasy that hooks the audience even before Wyl and
Celimus meet for the first time. The exciting story line never slows down until the climax yet
Fiona
McIntosh insures her key characters especially Celimus and Wyl seem complete so that the rivalry
comes across even stronger to the audience. Readers will cherish this fine saga and look forward
to
future epics in Morgravia and its neighbor Briavel.
Ghosts in the Snow
Tamara Siler Jones
Bantam
ISBN: 0553587099 $6.99, 488 pp.
Dubric Byerly is used to eating alone as everyone keeps as far away from him as possible. The
Castellan of Faldorahh is worried because someone is killing young women leaving no clues
behind.
Having solved homicides before with help from his ability to work with ghostly victims, Dubric is
very concerned as part of his responsibility is safety and security in Lord Brushgar's Desmesne,
and
he getting nowhere while the murders are turning increasingly brutal. Still Dubric has a prime
suspect as he struggles to find clues. However, suspecting someone is not enough especially since
this someone is connected and an accusation without 100% proof could lead to civil war. Worse
he
sees the bloody specters who look at him to gain peace, but instead are driving Dubric over the
edge
into insanity. He is racing the clock of his mind in a helpless cause to uncover an invisible vicious
killer. GHOSTS IN THE SNOW is a fabulous blending of the paranormal inside a medieval like
murder investigation. Dubric is a terrific protagonist who is cursed by his ability to see the dead;
still
he makes the most of his skill to try to solve violent crimes. The who-done-it is cleverly designed
keeping the audience wondering along with the hero what is going on and how. Tamara Siler
Jones
writes a terrific supernatural mystery that places Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden inside Peter
Tremayne's Sister Fidelma's world.
Every Whispered Word
Karyn Monk
Bantam
ISBN: 0553584421 $6.99
In 1885 London, Lady Camelia Marshall visits the house of scientist Simon Kent hoping to
persuade
the genius to help her by building a special steam engine for her to use at an archeological site in
South Africa where water has filled the hole. He says no and sends her on her way. Just outside
his
home, two thugs accost Camelia, but Simon rescues her using firecrackers to scare off her
attackers.
He escorts her to her carriage near a museum where he sees her driver is a black African Zareb
and
he has a monkey Oscar with him. When Simon gets home he finds his home on fire. He looks
inside
and realizez arson occurred. He visits Camelia to accuse her, but she logically explains why she
would not cause the inferno that destroyed his inventions. In spite of Rupert the Snake and
Harriet
the Bird, he reluctantly agrees to accompany her to Africa to build a steam engine for her unaware
that the De Beers Company covets her land and will do anything including sabotage and blackmail
to
prevent her excavation. This unique Victorian romance stars two delightful different protagonists
than those who typically star in this sub-genre. The story line brings to life the South Africa late in
the nineteenth century monopolistic influence of the De Beers Company even in an environs in
which the "sun never sets on the British Empire" and the Boer War is over a decade away. The
villain is a stretch, but readers will not care as Karyn Monk provides a powerful historical
romance
starring two fabulous lead characters and a terrific insightful comparative look at a bygone era in
London and South Africa.
Once Upon a Bride
Jean Stone
Bantam
ISBN: 0553586858 $6.99, 294 pp.
The four women are getting together because Elaine is marrying for the second time and wants
her
college pals (Jo, Sarah, and Lily) as her bridesmaids. The trio detests the wedding dress that might
look great on a teen bride, but horrendous on a forty-three year old mom. As they continue to
discuss the woeful selections for a mature second time bride, the quartet form a wedding planner
partnership Second Chances to insure that older brides obtain a first class reception. At the same
time that the four women meet, Buzz magazine editor John Benson assigns writer turned
Professor
Arthur Kennedy to do a column called Real Women. Arthur reluctantly agrees only because his
friend John needs his help to save the magazine. As Second Chances gets off the ground, the
intelligent Jo struggles to hide her hurt and embarrassment from the deception of her lover Brian,
who cost her the upper crust Boston lifestyle she had grown accustomed to living. Arthur meets
Jo
and is immediately attracted to her. As they fall in love, Arthur realizes hiding his column from her
could prove costly since male deceit haunts Jo. ONCE UPON A BRIDE is a delightful middle age
women's fiction story that stars a fabulous cast that insist life is still exciting in your forties. The
story line contains several subplots involving the four female friends, but mostly centers on Jo, a
deep and hurting protagonist with trust troubles following her father's desertion as a child and her
lover's betrayal as an adult. Jean Stone provides a wonderful contemporary tale starring mature
characters looking to regain the magic.
Jane and His Lordship's Legacy
Stephanie Barron
Bantam
ISBN: 0553802259 $24.00, 292 pp.
Edward Austin, Jane's wealthy brother, possesses the freehold of every house in Chawton Village;
he gives his sister and their mother the cottage of the late bailiff, dispossessing is wife which made
the villagers irate. The female Austins believe the renovated cottage will make a happy home for
them, a new beginning of sorts. On their first day in their new home, a lawyer visits Jane with a
Bengal trunk that contains the letters, dairies, and miscellaneous papers of Lord Harold
Trowbridge,
the only man Jane ever loved. Realizing that the trunk contains items that people would kill to
own,
she has it taken to the basement where they find a dead body. That same night while dining at the
magistrate's house, someone steals the trunk and a laborer is arrested for the crime. A new arrival
Justin Thrace arouses gossip and suspicion because he claims to be the Earl of Holbrook's heir.
He
and his half-sister Imogen are riding when she is thrown from her horse and dies because a thorn
was placed beneath the saddle. Justin runs from the law after people accuse him of placing the
thorn
there. Jane learns that the corpse in the cellar was placed there by Mr. Hinton. As she makes
inquiries she thinks the real killer has yet to surface. Stephanie Barron gives a realistic portrayal of
how impoverished genteel folks lived in Regency England. The investigation into the murders
enables Jane to temporarily take her mind off the death of her beloved Harold. Though somewhat
overly scattered with the motive coming late, the who-done-it is cleverly conceived inside of a
fast-paced plot populated by eccentric likable characters making for a gem of a historical amateur
sleuth.
Metallic Love
Tanith Lee
Bantam
ISBN 0553584715 $6.99, 325 pp.
In the future, the asteroid is captured between the Earth and the moon and changes the geography
of
the planet as well as its social structure. There are two classes, the haves and the have-nots. Loren
is
one of the poor people taken in by a religious sect where at the age of twelve she found the book
Jane's Story about a teenager who fell in love with the robot Silver and he with her. The models
that
would have passed for human have been dismantled. When Loren is seventeen, the Meta
Corporation brings back humanoid robots only they could never pass for human having the color
of
gold, silver, and copper; they are used as pleasure slaves for the rich. Loren is given a chance to
meet the robot that was once named Silver who has all his memories but none of his feelings. He
goes by the name Verlis and becomes obsessed with Loren. The Meta Corporation believe they
have
complete control of their creations but the robots plan to throw off the shackles of their slavery;
thanks to Verlis, Loren is part of the plan whether she wants to be or not. Like Jane and Silver
(see
THE SILVER METAL LOVER) Loren and Verlis can and do love each other. Loren believes
that
Verlis is sentient and dismantling him would be murder even if she doesn't agree with the plans
her
beloved is making to ensure the safety of his fellow robots and their companions. Tanith Lee
surpasses her own genius with this sequel of a classic that has been read by millions of people in
several countries. Like the prequel, this work will also be considered a classic.
Pashazade
Jon Courtenay Grimwood
Bantam
ISBN: 0553587439 $12.00, 374 pp.
Abetted by his Aunt Nafisa, who he never knew existed, Ashraf el-Mansur comes to the
Mediterranean port city of El Iskandryia having escaped from an American prison. Lady Nafisa
explains to her nephew that her brother married American Sally Welham and though divorced five
days later, he is a legitimate offspring of an Emir. Aunt Nafisa introduces Ashraf to her niece nine
year old Hani and his future wife Zara daughter of wealth; both hate him because the fuss made
over
him interferes with their respective lives. However, before his aunt can complete arrangements for
his entrance into the elite of Ottoman society, she is killed. As a newcomer and the sole heir to her
fortune, the police suspect Ashraf murdered his aunt. Based on his American experience with
Chinese employers, Ashraf knows he must prove his innocence or be railroaded into prison or
worse. His only help comes from two females who loath him. PASHAZADE is a fabulous
futuristic
amateur sleuth tale built on an alternate historical foundation to include Germany winning World
War I and the Ottoman Empire thriving in the early twenty-first century. The who-done-it is
cleverly
handled so that mystery buffs have a solid investigative tale with some intriguing police
procedural
elements. The cast is terrific. Ashraf also known as ZeeZee struggles with what he has learned
about
his patriarchal ancestry (his mother could not provide two consistent responses as her version of
the
truth kept wavering) and with his aunt's death. Hani and Zara add depth to Ashraf's character.
However, the star is the city of El Iskandryia where fundamentalist Islamic and western hedonists
share a troubled past and shop at Wal-Mart.
The Mysteries
Lisa Tuttle
Bantam
ISBN 0553382969 $21.00, 324 pp.
American Ian Kennedy is a private detective in London specializing in finding missing people.
Fellow American Laura Lenski hires him to find her daughter Peri who has been missing for two
years. Ian reads Peri's journal and talks to her former boyfriend Hugh; he realizes that once again
he
is dealing with a case of the Otherworld. When he first came to the United Kingdom, he was hired
by Amy's mother to look for her daughter. He meets a woman who explains how he can keep
Amy
in this world since she already appeared to him asking for his help before disappearing before his
eyes. Peri went willingly with Mider, a fairy lord who believes she is the reincarnation of his wife
Etain, who was changed into a fly by the sorceress who loved him. Peri's true love Hugh believes
in
the Otherworld because he has the Sight and sees the fae when no other mortal can. He an Peri
also
met and dealt with Mider who used magic to make Peri want to leave Hugh and go to the
Otherworld with the fairy. Ian, Laura and Peri return to the place where Peri disappeared but it is
not Laura or Hugh who has the best chance of finding and keeping Peri but Ian who knows how
to
deal with fairy glamour. It has been a very long time since a Lisa Tuttle fantasy was published but
it
was well worth the wait. THE MYSTERIES is a subtle but powerful work that allows the reader
to
savor the lyrical prose and delight in the ways fairy interacts with mortals. Readers don't actually
see
the Otherworld as the author leaves that up to each person's imagination to picture it as they
would
like it to be. THE MYSTERIES is a special book that ensorcels the audience.
A Secret Atlas
Michael A. Stackpole
Bantam
ISBN 0553382373 $15.00
The Nine Principalities are recovering from the Cataclysm that allowed Wild Magic into the world
and brought about The Time of Black Ice. Weather patterns changed, killing millions of people
and
mutations occurred where the wild magic was heaviest. Explorers find out what is beyond on the
known horizon and give details to Cartographer Qiro who puts the new knowledge on the world
map. His goal is to fill the entire map so that the entire world is explored and the map has no
empty
spaces. Qiro sends his two grandsons on very different voyages; Jorim to fill in part of the map
and
find new trading partners and Keles is to explore the waste lands where wild magic remains in
abundance. Someone seeks ancient weapons and magic powder and Qiro's grandson is to learn
who
is behind this while also finding out if the Spice Road can be traveled to lands that were trading
partners before the cataclysm. While they explore new lands, lost civilizations, strange monsters
and
mutations, Prince Cyronen, the ruler of Nalenyr where Qiro resides, is besieged at home from his
inland lords who want to topple him from the throne and the ruler of another Principality who
want
to conquer and rule the rich and thriving Nalenyr. A SECRET ATLAS is a fascinating, fulfilling
and
fantastic epic fantasy that takes the reader on journeys to strange unexplored lands populated by
people who have never even heard of the Nine Principalities because they are so isolated. The
explorers battle strange and deadly monsters while trying to fulfill their missions and the prince
fights
a battle of a different kind, one in which if he loses, he dies and a usurper will take the throne.
Michael A. Stackpole can always be counted on to give readers a refreshingly unique and utterly
absorbing tale.
Seal Island
Kate Brallier
Tor
ISBN: 0765348926 $6.99, 466 pp.
Cecilia is only twenty-eight, but was recently downsized out of her job and her forced to leave her
Manhattan apartment. However, homeless Cecilia "Cecil" Hargrove learns that her not so "Aunt"
Allegra Gordon just past away at only forty-five years of age, but left her home and business on
Seal
Island, Maine to her "niece" who she only met twice. Cecil decides to look at the properties and
thinks she will probably sell the tourist shop and the home. Cecil learns from her aunt's shop
assistant Abby and reporter Richard Feinman that Allegra was well liked and friendly until last
summer when she became depressed before being murdered. The next day Cecil meets Tom
Moneghan a lobsterman. Afterward she learns that her aunt removed $80K from the bank in the
few
months before she died. There is no evidence of what she did with the money. On the way home
Cecil meets gas attendant Ronan Grey, who says he is her neighbor; Cecil feels an immediate
attraction. These three men "court" Cecil in different ways. None are what they seem. The
reporter
loves Abby; the fisherman is a famous author fearing his feelings for Cecil; the neighbor is the
weirdest of the trio as he provides great sex but demands all of her time. Cecil holds the story line
together but is ably assisted by a strong support cast especially her deceased aunt, Ragnarok a
seal,
and the three males competing for her affection. The story line starts off as a contemporary
romance
that turns into a mystery and finally curves into a fantasy. Fans will appreciate this modern day
romance with an iota of a mystery that climaxes as a fantasy suspense thriller.
When the Beast Ravens
E. Rose Sabin
Tor
ISBN: 0765308584 $23.95, 287 pp.
After being taken by the dire women into their dimension, he was tortured and changed into a
beast.
Gray Becq is no longer enamored with the Lesley Simonton School for the Magically Gifted
though
he returns there following his summer vacation. He quickly gets into a fight with two of the
people
who summoned the creatures from the Dire Realms. Not long after somebody steals artifacts from
the students and a demon enters this world. The Headmistress believes that Gray's return from the
Dire Realm allowed the demon to enter this dimension. The concern is that they have no spell to
send the demon home to the Dire Realm. The students are guarded with seemingly unbreakable
spells, but someone manages to do the impossible. Everyone concludes that a killer is bringing in
demons from the Dire Realm and using them to break the safety spells. Gray discovers that he
hasthe
power to travel through different timelines and dimensions. His former enemies join forces with
him
to battle their common foes and send the demons back to the hell where they belong. This is the
final
book of a delightful trilogy that ties up the loose ends from A SCHOOL FOR SORCERY and A
PERILOUS POWER, which obviously means reading the previous novels first. The climax is
awesome as the students put aside their jealousies to forge a team knowing this is the only chance,
remote as that is, to defeat the overwhelming adversaries. Fans of Harry Potter will enjoy this fine
series especially this terrific conclusion.
The Knight
Gene Wolf
Tor
ISBN: 0765313480 $14.95, 432 pp.
In the United States, his brother Ben needed suddenly to leave, but there was no reason for the
young teen to depart also; so he stayed behind to fish, but instead hiked a trail. He was not lost
when
he slightly went off the path to cut a staff. He steps into Mythgarthr where he meets the elf Queen
of
the Wood Disiri, who looks into his soul finding honor and loyalty. She magically changes the lad
into an adult knight dubbed Able of the High Heart and provides him with a quest to obtain the
mythical sword possessed guarded by a ferocious dragon. If he is to achieve his heroic destiny.
However, to sprinkle someone with power and skill and change them into something else does not
impact what is inside. The American expatriate struggles with his new environment filled with
magic
and magical beings and his lack of his experience beyond those of a young teen, not a fighting
knight. Though doubts ring his every step, he is still young at heart and so begins his adventures
as a
stranger in a strange body in a strange land where everybody is strange. This is a terrific tales
because of the realistic transformation of the hero who wonders what he has gotten into while on
the
trek. The support cast insures readers believe in ogres, giants, elves, griffins, etc. Interestingly is
how Sir Able cleverly narrates the novel via a letter to Ben; cleverly providing a glossary of terms
and names. Fantasy great, Gene Wolf provides a superb coming of age with a twist story that will
have the audience anticipating the conclusion to the Wizard Knight twosome.
Underground
Craig Spector
Tor
ISBN: 0765306603 $23.95, 256 pp.
In Stillson Beach, Virginia, Justin Van Slyke is on a tour of historical antebellum Custis Manor, a
place where black slaves were slaughtered. A vandalism incident enables Justin to wander off on
his
own. He reaches his destination and dives through a large mirror though his right hand fails to
make
it through the portal. It is sliced off and left behind. Josh Custis, whose family owns the mansion,
sends word to the other three surviving members of the Underground to meet with him in the
Church of the Open Door. Caroline Tabb Connolly accompanied by her spouse and daughter,
addict
Amy Kaplan, and Seth Bryant who left his pregnant wife at home heed Josh's call. Josh explains
that
Justin went through the portal bringing home the nightmare of what happened in 1983 when
seven
suburban teens formed the Underground. One of them Simon Baxter tripping on acid tried to slice
another Mia Cheever, but Justin stopped him. Mia fell through a mirror portal while Simon bled
to
death from cuts caused by chards of broken glass. Justin has forced them to act even while the
medical examiner cannot understand how a severed hand can have a pulse. This haunted house
thriller grips the audience from the moment that Justin splits from the tour to enter the mirror and
never slows down until the final altercation with the evil on the other side of the portal. The story
line is fast-paced, filled with action, and constantly leave readers with goose bumps. Though the
magnificent seven are labeled rather than fully developed with a couple of exceptions, ghost story
fans will gladly journey through the portal with the UNDERGROUND.
Anywhere But Here
Jerry Oltion
Tor
ISBN 0765306190 $25.95, 400 pp.
In an unspecified time in the future, the global conquering United States is ready to go to war at
anytime with countries that don't bow down to America's superiority. Meanwhile the hyperdrive
engine makes it cheap to travel to other planets. Those people who value freedom and resent the
heavy-handedness of the United States colonized planets all over the galaxy. It is now illegal to
build
a hyperdrive vehicle and leave the planet because much of America's most precious resources, the
people, are gone. After Trent and Judy Stinson lose their jobs they decide to visit the colonized
worlds but while on the French planet of Mirabeau, the United States attacks using asteroid rocks
as
bombs. When they leave, they become lost in space and end up in an unexplored part of the
galaxy.
They find a habitable planet so they can fix their damaged hyperdrive but must depart quickly
though
there are no direct life forms dangerous to humans, the game and water is inimical to Earthlings.
Freedom is a powerful motivator for people to leave their homeland and go to the stars but the
Stinsons really want to find a way to change how government operates so it could once again be
the
land of the free. Homeland security has become a dictatorial giant imagining enemies when none
exist and drive people to do the very things they outlaw. Jerry Oltion is a master storyteller who
takes readers on a spaceship ride that is exciting, dangerous and fun. Visiting inhabited colonized
worlds and orbs where no sentient life exist makes this work of science fiction a great treat for
armchair travelers who want to go stellar from their home.
Old Man's War
John Scalzi
Tor
ISBN: 0765309408 $23.95, 316 pp.
When he turned seventy-five, earthling John Perry visits the grave site of his wife of forty-two
years
Kathy interred in an Arizona cemetery. He reflects how much he misses her, how he hates coming
here, and that her last words dealt with finding vanilla as she was making pancakes when she
stroked
to death. With nothing to keep him here, John abruptly decides to join the Colonial Defense Force
struggling to defend or annex other worlds in deadly competition with alien races for control of
the
few hospitable planets. As a recruit, John receives standard gear to include a much younger
healthier
body that is beyond the ability of most non government citizens to buy except the affluent. Like
his
brothers and sisters in arms, he bonds with them as they are his family and his hope to survive one
skirmish after another in many cases against superior aliens. As his comrades die and collateral
damage devastate civilian population, John begins questioning the worth war that enables a few to
economically gain a lot at the cost of others even as he begins to ponder whether he is still human.
Paying homage to Heinlein (Starship Trooper the book not the movie), John Scalzi provides a
tense
anti-war military science fiction thriller that will leave fans pondering what is war good for.
Readers
will also wonder about who benefits from scientific advances and military operations and what
actually a human is as science changes Homo sapiens. The story line is action-packed once John
enlists as the audience get inside his head while he goes from "youthful" awe to experienced cynic.
OLD MAN'S WAR is a terrific tale of a belligerent future in space.
The Duke's Ballad
Andre Norton & Lyn McConchie
Tor
ISBN: 0765306360 $24.95, 318 pp.
Kirion as sorcerer to the ruling Duke Shastro insures that his liege gets what he wants. When he
"pimped" girls from the old city using his ability to make his victims believe they love and in turn
are
loved by the Duke, no one in power cared, but when Shastro turned to the young at court trouble
is
brewing. Meanwhile Kirion's sister Aisling comes home after a three year self imposed exile to
elude
her sibling while learning under the tutelage of an Adept to use her talent. Besides dreams that
insist
she must return to Kars, she feels she must do what is right to rid her homeland of her brother and
his unfit ruler. Before she and her companion, the telepathic steed Wind Dancer, arrives at her
home,
Kirion takes their kingdom to war against their neighbor. As a stark winter makes matters worse,
Aisling and another brother manage to gain entry into the court. As Kirion abuses his power and
position leaving the people in dire straits, Aisling realizes she needs an ally, but no one except
perhaps the perverted Shastro is in a position to help. THE DUKE'S BALLAD is a typical Andre
Norton fantasy thriller that is fun, exciting yet paints a good vs. evil canvas in which Aisling is
pure
heroic angel while Kirion is malevolent incarnate. The support cast adds interest to the tale
especially Wind Dancer and Shastro as two unique characters. The story line is fast-paced and
filled
with adventure so that Ms. Norton's Witch World fans will enjoy this collaboration with Lyn
McConchie that returns fans to this mystical plane for the first time in several years.
The Scepter's Return
Dan Chernenko
Roc
ISBN 0451460146 $14.95, 448 pp.
In the realm of Avornis, two monarchs rule; after years of mutual distrust, Kings Grus and Lanius
co-exist peacefully. Lanius is married to Grus' daughter, but resents sharing the crown. Both
rulers
are determined to retrieve the Scepter of Mercy that was stolen by the Menteshe tribes and now
resides in their heavily fortified city of Yozgat. King Grus leads a military campaign into Menteshe
freeing the thralls of the sorcery that left them as beasts of burden. He regains lands that once
belonged to Avornis but cuts short his invasion with winter coming. The following year, Grus
places
a siege on Yozgat but it is Lanius who comes up with a daring plan to steal the Scepter from
under
the nose of the Prince Korut who is d inside the besieged city. If Lanius' plan works, they won't
have
a protracted battle with many lives lost, but the evil Banished One abets his followers the
Menteshe
in efforts to destroy Grus and his army. Combine sword and sorcery with family drama within the
castle in Avornis and one will have an idea of what THE SCEPTER'S RETURN is all about.
Lanius
has really matured over the three books in this series and is wise enough to rule in his own right.
Grus is a heroic figure who had to fight to get where he is but once he accomplishes all he set out
to
do, he wonders if his life will ever be as rewarding as it is when his goals are met. This colorful,
entertaining and enchanting work is epic is scope. Dan Chernenko is a bright star in the fantasy
horizon.
Mystic and Rider
Sharon Shinn
Ace
ISBN: 0441012469 $23.95, 448 pp.
King Baryn orders the mystic Senneth to journey through the realm of Gillengaria to find out how
the nobles feel about his rule because rumors persist that the aristocracy is unhappy.
Accompanying
Senneth is Riders( soldiers loyal to the king) Tayse and Justin and Mystics Kira and Donnal.
Along
the way they pick up Cammon, an indentured servant who isn't even aware he's a mystic until
Senneth shows him how to use his powers. The journey is fraught with danger as a cult, the
Daughter of the Pale Mother, headed by Conralinda Gisselness has amassed a large following of
women who declare that Mystics are evil and must be destroyed. She whips the populace into a
frenzy and has her soldiers kill the Mystics wherever they find them. Senneth and company also
learn
that several heads of the twelve houses are worried about the succession since the king has only a
rarely seen daughter. Rumors that his queen is a mystic also upsets the people who think those
who
wield magic are evil. Civil war on a religious and politic front seems inevitable. Sharon Shinn
demonstrates her amazing writing talent in MYSTIC AND RIDER the first installment in a great
new fantasy series. Senneth risks her life to save a baby from its grandfather who wants it dead
because the infant was born with mystical powers. Readers will adore this vulnerable heroine who
is
one of the strongest mages in the land and is completely devoted to the king. Riding through the
realm, the riders and the mystics observe how much the common folks detest those with magic
even
killing their own children. The world of Gillengaria is so realistically portrayed; readers will be
convinced that this world actually exists.
The Seven Hills
John Maddox Roberts
Ace
ISBN: 0441012450 $23.95, 352 pp.
On an alternate earth, Hannibal gave the Romans a chance to surrender and go into exile or he
would destroy the city. Most chose exile traveling beyond the Alps to create a new empire, Rome
Norricum. They conquered the Gaul, Franks, and Germans; and over a century later they took
back
Rome. The Romans control all of mainland Italy and look forward to regaining Sicily from Shofet
Hamilcar, a descendent of Hannibal the Great of Carthage. Marcus Scipio has placed Queen
Selene
in power and formed an alliance with Egypt. However, Titus Norbanus and his four legions make
other alliances, conquers new territories that once belonged to Rome, and has earned the loyalty
of
his troops. He plans to destroy Carthage and use the victory to become the ruler of the neo
Roman
Empire. Only Marcus and perhaps Carthage stand in the way of this upstart achieving his
ambition.
This is a fantastic sequel that returns Rome to the power that she had lost. Readers obtain a lucid
picture of what the senators think of the unfolding political and military events and how they
regard
the two competitors Marcus vs. Titus. John Maddox Roberts, writer of the terrific SPQR Ancient
Rome mysteries, with THE SEVEN HILLS and its predecessor (see HANNIBAL'S CHILDREN)
is
the Harry Turtledove of an alternate Roman Empire.
Harriet Klausner
Senior Reviewer
Laurel's Bookshelf
Two Dogs and a Cigar
Tom Snyder
Lone Willow Press
P.O. Box 31647, Omaha NE 68131
no ISBN $7.95 chapbook at 39 pages
It's always a pleasure to discover a chapbook from Lone Willow Press in the mailbox. Their
featured
poets are diverse in style and voice, but all singularly accomplished in their own way. Tom
Snyder's
poetry has appeared in many literary journals, and he edited the Duckabush Journal for several
years.
Snyder writes with wit and insight, and occasionally a moving intensity I felt inadequate to
demonstrate in review.
His skillful use of metaphor was clearly demonstrated in the first poem, as in this stanza from "O
Bird":
whose throat bleeds
music, who draws religion
from a stone and sings
like water flowing....
Even the mundane subject of an unmowed lawn becomes special in Snyder's hands, as in this
excerpt
from "Poem in Need of Eighty Acres":
Meanwhile, their grass declares victory.
Dandelions flower and cloud, big as seagulls.
My initial response after reading "Death of the Elwha" was stunned silence. In this poem, Snyder
names those responsible for killing off giant salmon due to greed and stupidity. Rivers rich with
salmon since time began were dammed without fish ladders. Snyder's poetic treatment of the
aftermath is powerful:
Dams built in defiance of the law.
So the legislature changed the law to allow hatcheries,
rag factories, and accepted more dams
without fishways --
killers of the wild runs
on the Cowlitz, Chehalis, and White Salmon.
Mother of all, the Columbia, choked by dams and silt!
It is done, I have named them...a story
instead of a song. A long rope of
words and ghosts
to hang them.
Snyder works wonders with the commonplace. In "A Better Day", he breathes new life into a
quiet
day:
Red wine, almost chewy, softens
the afternoon to a pleasant deformity.
And the simple truths of nature become his focus in "Snowqualmie Song":
Little streams
of light
fall to their senses
and become the forked fingers of time.
The world rolls like a heavy stone
from the cave of your heart.
Whether memorializing nature, governmental deceits, or inhumanities perpetrated by the rich and
powerful, Snyder manipulates words in delightful ways. The thirty poems in this chapbook are
prime
examples of his craft.
Thinking of Math and Her
Alexander Shaumyan
www.shaumyan.com
ISBN 1591968755 $12.00 105 pages
This is the seventh book I've read and reviewed by Alexander Shaumyan. This one has a different
ring because Shaumyan -- multilingual poet, master of mathematical theorem, scholar, artist -- is
in
love. That is not to say his political commentaries have ended. He still observes the world with a
keen eye and records his findings. He's still the universal soul searching for truth and justice, but
everything has slightly dimmed and softened this time in comparison to love.
He lays love's groundwork beautifully, progressing from a broken heart to hopeful lover. "On a
Poet's Tombstone" is his quiet introduction:
He left the solace of a womb --
A healer with a gentle verse --
His dreams have led him to his tomb,
A broken heart, an empty purse.
In this excerpt from "Tears" the poet finds a shred of hope:
Carry me off to a place
Where hunger and passion
Can never be satisfied.
And then he explains his hopes, his needs in this excerpt from "I Need a Friend":
I need a friend with faith in love and dreams,
Who does not look for momentary wins,
Who looks beyond the losses and the gains,
Who sees me through my setbacks to the end.
Whether I win or lose, I need a friend
With faith in me.
In "A Disclosure", he dreams of chivalry and grace, and prays the days of romance are not
dead:
Oh how I desire
To be completely free
And find that something higher
When you're close to me.
In English, French, Scandinavian, German, and Russian -- with translations -- Shaumyan declares
his
love for Teresa. But sprinkled throughout his declarations of love are gems of political cynicism.
In
"The World's Asleep. There is a War That's Raging", I found this small, amazing excerpt:
The hate you sow today's the hate you reap
From someone's bullet or a bomb tomorrow.
"She Drifts in a Vacuum" is a scathing revelation of America's politics today, a world view of
chilling proportions. Due to space limitations, I quote only an excerpt:
....an ancient country,
once seen as the cradle
of civilization, now
reduced to rubble and
ashes to be reconstructed
into a makeshift mockery
of a democracy
with a puppet regime,
that allows full access
and control of its resources,
revised and edited as
the liberation of the people.
Shaumyan's international following will not be disappointed in his seventh book. Being in love has
reshaped his heart, perhaps, but not his unflinching view of a greed driven world. I'm certain that
Alexander Shaumyan will continue to:
Rage on until the bitter end
With tenderness and grace.
Sabbath Night in the Church of the Piranha
Edward Falco
www.unbridledbooks.com
ISBN 1932961054 $13.95 272 pages
The press release accompanying this book of short stories states that Edward Falco has been
quietly
establishing himself as master storyteller for years. His stories have appeared in Atlantic Monthly
and Playboy as well as prestigious anthologies. His fans will relish this collection. Readers
unfamiliar
with his work, like me, will remember Edward Falco's name from now on.
Each one of the sixteen stories in this collection is distinct. Falco gives us mysteries, unexpected
salvations or revelations, and forces us to examine the sacred and profane with fresh eyes. His
plots
are gripping, woven from threads familiar to us all: dysfuntional families that somehow work;
people
who wear their human vulnerabilities like a badge of honor as they flounder; lives derailed or
hopelessly wrecked by choice or circumstance; hapless mortals forced to deal with the unthinkable
and horrible; and unacceptable but inevitable compromises made amidst chaos. Characters vary,
from peaceful people just trying to survive, to teenagers struggling to find their own identity, to
dangerous or pathetic human animals at heart. Regardless of the milieu in which the author places
them, each character is solid and memorable.
Falco reveals the rage and fear that often trembles hidden at our core. His prose is alternately
haunting and tender, comforting and disturbing. Edward Falco's writing beautifully explores the
lights and shadows of human existence.
A Summer Harvest
Scott Fields
www.winterwolfpublishing.com
ISBN 0976247100 $11.95 183 pages
This is one of those triumphant feel good stories rarely found in modern books. Simple. Honest.
Uncomplicated. Heartwarming. The characters are as real and human as any I have enjoyed in
recent
memory. Scott Fields is a writer with promise, and one whose work I hope to read again.
Frank Watson is an irascible retired farmer toughing out a solitary existence. Life has been
meaningless to Frank since his wife's unexpected death two years ago. Without Ida as the
centerpiece of his life, he's lost interest in everything. His once well-kept farm home and yard have
been neglected as he goes through the motions, interacting on a superficial level with family and
long
time friends. Adding to Frank's sorrow is a once proud, strong father reduced to living in a local
nursing home. Each visit finds the elder Watson more dependent and confused, less the man he
used
to be.
Frank's daily trip to town for breakfast at Bob's Diner is the high point of each day. There he
trades
sometimes sarcastic, often profane ribbing with townfolk he's known all his life. Bob's Diner is the
local gathering place where folks share gossip, enjoy good food. and discuss the depressed farm
economy. Springfield, their home town, has been going downhill for years. Two catalysts force
Frank Watson to step outside his grief. First comes news of a corporate egg farm and promises of
"big money" for farmers willing to sell their property. Then a new waitress starts working at Bob's
Diner. Pepper Ledley is young enough to be Frank's daughter but the chemistry between them is
immediate and unmistakeable. Frank's life is turned upside down by his attraction to a younger
woman. And he's the only man in town who suspects the big spending corporation is not the
solution
to Springfield's economic problems.
The charm of A Summer Harvest is in the minute details that comprise Frank Watson's life. With
poignant toughness, humor, and single minded devotion to his past and future, Watson takes each
obstacle head on. He's an unforgettable character, believable and true to his beliefs. I loved this
book.
Shadows at Garner Lake
Hank Kellner
www.iuniverse.com
ISBN 0595336760 paperback $12.95 156 pages
ISBN 0595669883 hard cover $22.95
ISBN 0595784771 ebook $6.00
Hank Kellner's debut novel is a psychological thriller that delivers as promised. He rivets readers
from the beginning through descriptive prose, then propels them headlong into the mind of a
maniac.
It's a harrowing ride from beginning to end.
Pete Engstrom and Hal Bonnacker -- the professor and the PR man -- have been fishing buddies
for
years. Their annual visit to Garner Lake is a tradition, a means of relaxing and unwinding, a time
of
isolation both men eagerly anticipate. But their lives unravel at the seams after an unusual
occurence
resulting in a young woman's death by drowning. The shams and dysfunctions of their lives are
enhanced and catalyzed by Cindy Garvey's death. When these guilt-plagued men return to the
lake,
accompanied by their wives, life as they know it comes to an end. Long held secrets are revealed,
and a mind chilling reality awaits them in the form of Luke Downing and Bruce Orum.
Downing and Orum are sadistic, seedy locals who have formed an uneasy alliance. Privy to each
other's awful secrets, they victimize young female runaways and plot revenge on Pete and Hal.
Downing is particularly twisted and vicious, insane since childhood, and cunning to a frightening
degree.
Kellner skillfully builds his characters and brings readers into the story by moving forward and
backward in time. Gradually, we learn each character's secret weaknesses and failings in the past.
Cindy Garvey, for example, is a small town Kansas girl who searches for the answer to her
dreams in
the wrong places. Cindy dies early on, but exacts revenge from the grave in a nice twist of plot.
All characters come together in a shocking finale, with Sheriff Jeff Parker and his girlfriend Molly
Hutchison fighting to save the Engstroms and Bonnackers from certain death.
I particularly enjoyed the psychological nuances and how this author built suspense through the
backgrounds and secrets of his characters. This definitely is not your garden variety thriller.
Risen
Richard Alan Nelson
Behler Publications
22365 El Toro Rd. #135, Lake Forest CA 92630
ISBN 1933016264 $13.95 158 pages
Richard Alan Nelson earned his spurs in the action-adventure thriller genre. In his third book, he
tackles perhaps the most thrilling, mysterious action adventure ever. Yeshua ben Joseph. The Man
from Galilee. Jesus of Nazareth. In Risen, Nelson tells the story of Yeshua from before his birth
until
after his death. Research sources include The Holy Bible, Hermetic writings, Kushan history, The
Emerald Tablet, and numerous other historical sources most readers have never heard of, let alone
read. What results is the life of Yeshua, presented as a fascinating scenario of what might have
been
his experience.
Risen begins with the familiar story Christians know by heart, with a young pregnant wife and her
husband reporting for the annual census. Powerful Eastern Potentates seek the infant's location to
pay him honor because this birth is prophesied through ancient writings. In their dealings with the
despotic Herod Antipas, the sages know their lives and those of the child and his parents are at
risk.
Young Yeshua is an energetic, intelligent boy with a great curiosity about the world. He lives in
Galilee, a beautiful land, the crossroads of world trade. His parents know Yeshua's destiny was
preordained, that he must study with masters in foreign lands to gain knowledge. When he
reaches
the age of mitzvah, they sadly part with their son and see him only on rare visits for many
years.
Silas, Son of Light, wise leader of the Essenes of Qumran, is Yeshua's first mentor. From age
twelve
to twenty-one, the youth studies with the Essenes. During this period, Yeshua's curious mind and
inquisitive spirit devour the secrets and mysteries recorded from the dawn of time.
From age twenty-one to twenty-five, Yeshua is mentored by Sanaby, a respected Aryan Sage. He
learns of man's distant past by studying cave drawings and history recorded on rock, wood, hide
and
animal horns. With Sanaby, he learns the beginnings of all matter, even the stars in the night sky.
Yeshua's wisdom and understanding grow, along with his personal power.
In his twenty-fifth year, the man Yeshua travels to the seat of all learning in the ancient world -
Alexandria Egypt. It falls to Aristophanes, his final mentor, to ensure completion of the Rabbi's
education. It's in Egypt that Yeshua reaches a calm maturity and becomes the man of peace and
power our world knows as Jesus of Nazareth. The libraries of Alexandria provide him with
amazing
universal truths and powers beyond mortal understanding. Yeshua is focused on absorbing
knowledge so is totally unaware of his personal charisma. By the time he leaves for his homeland,
Yeshua is tall, serene of spirit, with piercing eyes that see and understand all. An unnameable
power
and energy is growing inside him as he embarks on the final chapter of his life.
In Galilee, John the Baptist has worked for several years as Yeshua's harbinger as prophesied in
Old
Testment writings. John and Yeshua are cousins with contrasting personas. John is a radical
zealot
with fire burning in his eyes. Yeshua walks a softer path than John, while sowing seeds of wisdom
with all who will listen. With the truth of God as his net, as the equivalent of a traveling country
preacher, Yeshua casts for souls.
The final years of Yeshua's life follow the familiar pattern we all know. He gathers disciples
around
him and teaches them of God in the same way he teaches his followers -- through parables. His
touch heals, resurrects from the dead, soothes troubled spirits. Yeshua loves the downtrodden,
afflicted, and poor while reviling the powerful corrupted by greed. His public warnings regarding
wealth, injustice, and greed bring about his downfall with Roman rulers and Jewish hierarchies.
His
death by crucifixion is political, and fulfills yet another set of prophesies.
Modern man has no way of knowing for certain how or where Jesus passed his years from twelve
to
thirty. Risen proposes a plausible version of the truth. The story is beautifully written and well
told.
INTERVIEW WITH KLYD WATKINS
Interviewer note: I first learned of Klyd Watkins when reviewing a striking book of poetry
released
by Time Barn Books, Compostrella / Starfield by Charles Potts. After checking the publisher's
website, which I normally do when reviewing, my curiosity was piqued. I discovered that Klyd
Watkins is an accomplished poet and musician in addition to publisher. After reading his poetry
and
hearing his music, I requested an interview. He kindly agreed to that request.
Laurel: I barely know where to begin with you, Klyd. You have so many accomplishments. How
long have you been writing poetry and making music?
Klyd: I started writing poetry, I guess, when I started college-1960. I had some magazine
publications around the mid 60's; a chapbook, pete's improvizations, in 1969. My work in music
began later. I always loved music but did not conceive of myself as musical. In the seventies I
switched from writing poetry to making it on audio tape, as part of a small movement contributing
to the "magazine" released on lp records called poetry out loud. Several years experience with
chanting, speaking rhythmically, snatches of singing, choral improvisation, I saw that control of
pitch
was one of the resources in this way of making poetry, and that I was developing capacity as a
vocalist in a way. At the age of 35, too old to be a beginner, I bought a bass guitar and learned to
play, beginning with a bluegrass group. I played for some years in honky tonks, playing country,
blue grass, rock and roll, and singing occasionally. Writing some songs. Around 1984 I was
scheduled to go on the road as a bass player with a girl singer. When she lost her record deal (this
happens all the time in Nashville) I gave up on the artistic life and gave all my concentration to
selling real estate, for several years. When I started back, I went back to written poetry, and I got
the chance to work at recording as well, because of my fortunate friendship with Michael
Panasuk, a
fine multi-instrumentalist, song writer, and an engineer with excellent recording facilities. We did
Listen the Night, calling ourselves "What Are We?" Now I have built a recording studio in my
back
yard and I'm very excited about recording. Working out loud is ongoing, but I am active in
written
poetry as well.
Laurel: Your chapbook Ghost Trees took five years to complete to your satisfaction. Do you
commonly polish your projects over a long period of time?
Klyd: Well, Ghost Trees is a long poem. Plus, I was trying very hard not to write poetry at all.
The
plan was to work on the poem only in November, and give the rest of the year to complete
attention
to real estate. I cheated all the time tho, and ended up going to Radnor Lake probably six times a
week. But, Lord yes, I rewrite as long as the muse will let me. There may be a thousand word
processing files of different drafts of Ghost Trees. Yet much of it could not be changed, had to be
left as it came. It was a matter of the material growing and being rearranged. I treasured weak
places
because the muse would let me get in there and get some control over the direction of the poem.
Most of it came essentially in the form it would stay in and I had the job of moving stuff around
and
taking stuff out and writing new stuff to tie what I had together. I still revise, prune, expand,
contract, a great deal. There are dozens of files of every chapter of Jack.
Laurel: Your work memorializes recurring themes in nature, life, and the spirit man feeds through
participating in the natural world around him. Your chapbook The Bass Flying is another example
of
this philosophy. Do you gain greater insights from nature?
Klyd: What I gain from nature is greater mystery. It's a mystery to me why nature has fed my
spirit
like it has. So many people feel it like I do. What is it? Maybe in nature we perceive the
lawfulness
of creation in simpler form than we do in the world of business and social life. Sports is the same
thing. The number of laws affecting the outcome of a situation in sports becomes finite, a
welcome
change. Watching the simplified lawfulness of a lava lamp we perceive the feasibility of the big
bang
theory. And in nature, where human complexities are filtered down to reverie and sometimes
hushed
out altogether, the simple reality of a tree trunk emerging from a hill side is incomprehensible for
all
its simplicity-it says life, being, the earth is alive and loves the sun and waves leafy things toward
him.
Laurel: In Jack Chapter One and Jack Chapter Two, you weave a poetic allegory based on Jack
and
the Beanstalk. What gave you this idea?
Klyd: As a boy I loved the Appalachian Jack tales. Not just the humor but the magic, the
alternative
cosmology. I didn't as a boy think of it as alternative cosmology, I just became exhilarated-those
stories (the ones collected by Stuart Chase) took my mind to a place it was fun to be. Over five
years I wrote three shorter Jack poems-one grew to 6-7 pages, trying to capture that mind fun
and
open it up to adult cognitive effort. When I discovered that Jack and the Bean Stalk, the
European
version, had that same Jack as hero (in a way very real to my imagination), the necessity appeared
to
write "the 4th Jack Poem," as I originally named the word processor folder. There are now 7
finished chapters-about 105 pages-of Jack. I self published Jack Chapter One and Jack Chapter
Two, which are out of print now, and I plan to publish one thru three together in one volume
next.
Some day I hope the first seven chapters will appear in one volume. I project 12 chapters but am
not
working on the material now, except in recording to music what is already written.
Laurel: In your Poetry Out Loud Series, feelings are magnified by music and the blending of
voices.
You contend that the human voice is the primal home of poetry. Tell me more about that belief
and
how it affects both your music and poetry.
Klyd: In poetry out loud we were doctrinaire. We worked absolutely without text. Now we
cheated
a bit at first, but a few years into the venture we created our poetry purely by improvisation, tape
recorders running, simultaneous group improvisation more often than not. Any chorus or refrain
or
hook we based a work on, any strand of content, had to hold its own in memory or go away. We
felt
we were in a contest with writing poets. Now that I looking for the balance between text and
voice,
I still see clearly that our proposition-that the human voice is the primal home of poetry-is correct.
My experiences playing bass in Nashville honkytonks, and occasionally singing when the real
singer
wanted a break, taught me that too. In classic English poetry by the 18th century, with all their
talk
of "numbers," the rhythmic protocol for composition was half visual, and the visual proportion
increased all through the 19th and into the 20th centuries, until now some free verse, including
some
of mine, has only the visual line break as a rhythmic marker. Good contemporary free verse,
including I hope most of mine, uses the visual line break to bridle the underlying speech rush. You
wrote to me today, Laurel, "To me, prose is not all that different from poetry. It's words, strung
together to make a certain point." And I understand and agree with that, up to a point. The shift
in
accent, tho, that happens from prose to verse, can be profound. It is the job of prose to delineate,
to
break things down so that when we look out on the world we can do more than just say "oh"
overwhelmed by everything, we can ask for a monkey wrench and listen to suggestions about
which
way to tighten a nut. Our accents in prose and prose speech support this utilitarian focus. When
we
change those accents, as we must in song or verse or chant, we reverse that delineation back
toward
"oh" again. We sacrifice one kind of precision to gain song. Even if disruption of prose accent
only
happens in the mind, it works, but without outer speech and outer song, it can't happen in silence.
The human voice is the primal home of language.
Laurel: Your CD Listen the Night is another fine example of music intensifying the spoken word
and
vice versa. It was an intriguing blend of humor, whimsy, drama and passion with a distinct flavor
of
improvisation. Tell us about the making of this CD, such as, what was your goal?
Klyd: Our goal was to mix the skills I gained working with poetry out loud with Mike Panasuk's
as a
musician/producer, to get rich and famous and to have fun. We succeeded three quarters.
Laurel: Do you still participate in improvisation and stand up poetry?
Klyd: I don't feel really welcome at Nashville's poetry venues. But I improvise in my studio. I also
use the text (of Jack) in current recording projects. The balance between reading and improvising
out loud, whether in speech or song, will go now one way and now the other, but if I don't keep
my
voice awake with some improvisation the reading does not go well.
Laurel: Did you study music and creative writing on any level?
Klyd: I have an BA and an MA from Vanderbilt, majoring in English. I taught English, mostly at
the
junior college level for over a decade. Teaching grammar and literature at the college level, even
composition, was very helpful to me as a writer, I feel. On the other hand I chafed under the
intellectual responsibility I felt as a professor. I thought poets should be neither responsible or
irresponsible intellectually. I taught myself to play bass, with a few lessons. I taught myself to
sing. It
took decades. I was an introverted, anti-musical personality when I started writing.
Laurel: Who were your inspirations in music and writing?
Klyd: So many. Walt Whitman, Shakespeare, Carl Perkins, Crow Dog, Ray Charles-his release of
the Fathead Newman album changed my life because I already loved him-William Carlos
Williams,
Coltrane, the Psalms, Robert Frost, Hank Williams, Henry Miller. Willie Nelson. Bob Dylan, John
Lee Hooker. Infinite.
Laurel: Is there any question you wish I had asked, or any other bit of information you'd like to
share?
Klyd: Thank you, yes. The Temple will publish a little collection of mine, 5 SPEED, within a
couple
of weeks. And, I will be reading, with a number of wonderful poets, at the Walla Walla Poetry
Party
this year. Andy Clausen, many others. It's in Walla Walla Washington April 14, 15, 16 (2005).
Great
event for poetry lovers. The url is http://www.thetemplebookstore.com/wwpoetryparty.html
Laurel: Thank you for your time, Klyd. Find examples of Klyd's music and poetry at
www.thetimegarden.com .
INTERVIEW WITH CARRIEANN THUNELL
CarrieAnn Thunell is chief editor/co-founder of the Association for the Revival of Formalist
Poetry,
and editor of the Nisqually Delta Review. She is poetry columnist and sketch artist for SP Quill
magazine, and poetry columnist for The Storyteller. She has had poetry, art, articles and stories
printed in over 35 magazines, and has a chapbook of sonnets out. She is a wildlife artist and
photographer, backcourntry camper, and haiku poet.
Laurel: I am admittedly weak in my knowledge of formalist poetry. Give our readers a thumbail of
what types poetry are included under the formalist category.
CarrieAnn: Formalist poetry covers a broad range of poetic forms from the fixed form types that
follow a specific template in their rhyme and meter structure such as the villanelle, sonnet,
rondeau,
to the nonce forms in which the poet decides on a specific metric, stanza, and/or rhyme structure
to
fit a specific poem. A nonce form, like a fixed form, uses a variety of poetic devises to set up an
organic pattern or regularity that reinfoces the tone, feeling, and/or content of the poem. We in
the
West normally think of those forms familar to us, ususally derived from the French, English, or
even
Malasian traditions. But a broader definition of formal poetry would also include poetry that
follows
structured patterns from many cultures throughout the globe such as the sijo from Korea. Sijo
was
originally an oral form that was perfomed through song and dance. As it is reworked to become a
literary form, it undergoes change, as have all oral forms that have now become literary
forms.
Laurel: What is it about formalist poetry that appeals to you?
CarrieAnn: Formal poetry is organic. That is to say that it resonates with the tides, the cycles of
the
moon, the heart beat, a woman's menses, the breath. In many cultures, breath, chi, or prana, is
considered the very essence of the life source. All of life on Earth is organized into regular cycles,
seasons, and patterns. To use rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, meter and such, is to plant our roots
firmly
into the soil of Gai. I can find no better vehicle for the transmission of ecological, Earth-based
poetry. It plugs us back into our place within the global ecosystem, recognizing on an intuitive
level,
that all of life is interconnected.
Laurel: Tell us about the Nisqually Delta Review. What are the goals and philosphy set forth?
How
often will it be sent out each year?
CarrieAnn: My orignial plan was to be a triannual journal exclusvely devoted to formalist poetry.
Then I became increasingly involved in the still evolving Western haiku movement. This shifted
the
focus to a journal that is a 50/50 split between haiku and formalist poetry. I am very interested in
the
tension and dialogue of that I hope will occur as a result of bringing two very different groups of
poets together. The common thread that I see uniting the two are that both formalists and haiku
poets have a great love of nature's rhythms. Another unforseen shift is occuring as folks begin to
submit tanka, sijo, and rengay. The formerly haiku side of the magazine is opening up to many
types
of Asian verse. I hope to showcase poetry that promotes peace and global justice, interfaith
dialogue
through the exploration of cosmology from many differing faith perspectives, and to promote a
profound love of the Earth's global ecosystem, of which we are an integral part. I see the highest
calling of a poet as "doing theology"; offering hope and solutions to a suffering world, and being a
prophetic voice by continuing to offer new "scripture" that meets today's spiritual and ecological
needs. I've no use for self-indulgent narcisistic free verse angst, foul language, and ranting. People
need solution-oriented poetry that celebrates life in all its diversity and offers hope.
Laurel: I imagine it is a prodigious undertaking to create and compile such a periodical. For
example, how many submissions do you receive and where do they originate?
CarrieAnn: Thanks largely to the selfless efforts of Stanford M. Forrester, editor of bottlerockets,
I
am getting submissions from Greece, Australia, New Zealand, England, Japan, Canada, Korea,
and
all over the US. Also, I am now getting about 60 email inquiries and submissions a day.
Unfortunately, the amount of paying subscribers is slim, and since I take no ads and have no
financial backing, the magazine is already in financial trouble. I am loath however, to print only
subscribers as then one becomes a vanity press wherein acceptance is based on whether you are a
paid subscriber and not on quality. I am comitted to taking only poems of the very highest quality
that are in keeping with the journal's focus.
Laurel: It's difficult when poetry submissions must be declined. What are the most common
reasons
you refuse submissions to NDR?
CarrieAnn: Many poets believe it is a reflection on their own self-worth if their poetry is rejected
by
a magazine. This is seldom the case. The way I see it, is it is all about finding the best "fit". As in a
marriage, one person's court jester is another's Romeo. Each magazine has a particular set of
goals,
and a particular focus. Light Quarterly for instance, focuses on light verse. They probably would
not
be too interested in a long blank verse diatribe condemning a particular political regime. A poem
may be excellently crafted, yet not fit the particular goals of a magazine. A poet should research
the
market to see where their style of poetry fits in best. That way the poet can be true to his/her own
vision. One should never change one's writing style to fit into a magazine if idoing so goes against
the writer's own heart. Also, there is the issue of supply of poetry greatly exceeding space in the
magazine, so some has to get left out.
Laurel: Tell us about CarrieAnn Thunell, the person. Do you mind sharing a bit of your
background,
your interests outside writing?
CarrieAnn: I never allowed myself to be given over completely to poetry as I had a young son to
support. But my last job left me permanently disabled. Daily exposure to a variety of inhalent
chemicals caused me to develop multiple chemical sensitivities. I've not been able to receive any
treatment to cure or reverse this, so I must either remain at home in a very chemically-free
environment living in a kind of quarantine, or go deep into the forests and camp. My spouse of 3
years and I spend about 4 weeks total backcountry camping each summer. This cleans out my
system, and also sustains my spirit. My illness has made me acutely aware of the connection
between
what we do to the Earth, and what is happening to our bodies. I became very interested in Thich
Nhat Hanh's writings on Interbeing. It is an ancient Buddhist philosophy that all life is intimately
connected and that every creature is made up of non-creature elements such as sun, air, minerals,
and water. When these are polluted, so are our bodies. Chief Seattle said long ago that "Whatever
befalls the Earth, befalls the sons of the Earth". Off-season when I am confined to the home, I
have
given myself over to writing and non-toxic art that promote the beauty of the natural world.
Laurel: What advice can you offer poets interested in developing and refining their skills where
formalist and haiku poetry is concerned?
CarrieAnn: There is a reading list on the NDR site. I would suggest reading those books, as well
as
anthologies of the great formalist masters, and the great haiku poets. Many of Annie Finch's
books
deal with the revolution in new formalism that is occurring today. There are also a variety of new
Western Haiku anthologies out. I saturate myself with reading. Many of the books listed on the
NDR and ARFP sites explain the various forms and genres in detail, and explain how to craft the
poetry. It is just a matter of practice.
Laurel: How can readers subscribe to Nisqually Delta Review, order your chapbooks, and find
your
website?
CarrieAnn: I understand that it becomes a financial burden for poets to support every new literary
journal that comes along. But it is good to try to support the few that are a good fit for what you
write, or whose writings nurture your spirit as a poet. The hard facts are that hundreds of small
presses with no financial backing go under every year because the high costs of producing,
printing,
and mailing far outstrips the kickback from subscriptions. And the more journals that go under,
the
less options there are to get published in. The website is
http://www.freewebs.com/nisquallydeltareview/. All submissions should be emailed from the site.
To
subscribe, send a check made out to CarrieAnn Thunell for $16.00 in the US or $20.00 cash
overseas to PO Box 1774; Olympia, WA 98507-1774. For the chapbook of love sonnets, send
$7.75
(includes shipping.)
Laurel: Is there any question you wish I had asked, or any other information you would like to
share
with our readers?
CarrieAnn: I'm pretty sure I've talked way too much already! I want to thank you very much for
this
opportunity to share my love of poetry and nature with you. Earth is your Mother, Be good to
your
Mother!
Laurel: Thank you for your time, CarrieAnn. Good luck with the Nisqually Delta Review and
keep
writing!
INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE GERTLER
Interviewer note: Stephanie Gertler is a best selling writer, author of four books so far, the latest
of
which is The Windmill. Her writing style and story telling ability impressed me, so I requested an
interview through Ms. Gertler's publicist, Yolanda Carden of FSG Associates.
Johnson: How long have you been writing novels?
Gertler: My first novel, Jimmy's Girl, was written in 1999. I had a "day job" back then as a
freelance
feature writer for several newspapers and magazines. I wrote the book in the middle of the night
(from say midnight to 3 a.m. after the kids and my husband went to sleep). It took me 15 months
to
write, and it was published in February 2001. As I wrote, I didn't consciously think that I was
really
writing a novel as much as I was just writing. It sort of "morphed" into a novel...and became an
addiction until it was finished.
Johnson: Your online publicist, Yolanda Carden, is quite gracious. Do you also have an
agent?
Gertler: Yes, Yolanda is terrific - gracious and quiet and yet prolific when it comes to publicity
for
me and my books. My agent is Stephanie Rostan of Levine Greenberg. The woman who was the
agent for the four Dutton novels and the Hyperion nonfiction is Marcy Posner of The Marcy
Posner
Literary Agency.
Some unsolicited advice for budding writers: Writers need agents! A good agent knows where to
offer your unpublished book, and serves as a liaison between author and publisher, and handles all
those nasty mundane issues... like contracts.
Johnson: Your characters in The Windmill were strong and well developed. How do you conceive
your characters?
Gertler: Oh, thank you. I am often sad when I come to the end of the book because I miss those
characters. They come naturally - from what I am going through or witnessing in my life at the
time
that I am writing the book. It would be false to say they were/are entirely fictional, and not parts
of
me and those close to me. They become so much a vehicle for what I am feeling at the time I am
writing. They are as much the story as the plot and the theme. For example, in The Windmill, I
had a
strong sense of past and the present, as I often do since I believe so profoundly that the past
defines
us. Additionally, I was going through a period of self-effacement as well as disillusionment: Carl
embodied the part of my husband that felt disengaged to me; Olivia embodied the part of me who
felt a compulsion to face my deepest feelings and fears. Olivia's parents had the kind of marriage
and
relationship I longed for; and both Olivia and Carl's mothers were the type of women/mothers
both
genders need at times in life when we are not feeling whole - and the kinds of mothers who
ultimately can help in making us feel complete, although the task of self-completion rests primarily
within ourselves. The characters, you see, tell the story just being who they are.
Johnson: Locations in The Windmill were described so clearly I could see them as I read. Do you
research locations for your books on site?
Gertler: Oh, yes - I do research the locations for my books - quite extensively. Sense of place is
key
when I write. It almost becomes a character as well. I love the water, so there's always a place
near
the ocean or a lake...One of The Windmill's backdrops is Cape Cod -- my cousin Judy is a
longtime
Chatham resident and helped enormously with all kinds of local tidbits I might otherwise not have
known. The fictional town of Willow is based on South Hadley, Massachusetts - and of course,
Manhattan is my hometown. I transport myself to the venues in the books...sometimes, when I'm
in
the throes of a novel, I actually feel like I am "there" - and wish I were.
Johnson: I really like your writing style - your voice as a writer. Did you study writing on any
level,
at any time in your life?
Gertler: Thank you very much. I studied journalism at New York University, but I have never
formally studied "writing a novel." I love to read, though and that's the greatest tool when writing.
And I love to observe and listen (although my daughter says I observe people much too
obviously,
and that I am given to staring - isn't that dreadful?). Basically, I write the way I would tell
someone
a story. Truly, writing is like breathing for me.
Johnson: You've had five books published so far. Do you have a favorite among them?
Gertler: My favorite...probably The Windmill at the moment because it is the one closest to my
own
heart right now. It reflects my life in an eerie way and truly augured what was to come-- with a
happy ending though ...The Windmill helped me to unravel, and clarified what I hold dear...
Writing
a novel is also cathartic for me and always runs parallel somehow to "real life."
Johnson: Do you have any new books in the works? If so, can you give us a hint what to
expect?
Gertler: Much to my dismay, I have two synopses going for novels at the moment and about 100
pages written of one of the novels...Alice McDermott (Charming Billy, That Night, among others
once said she does this and I never understood how - and still can't!)
One novel is about a twenty-five-year-old marriage that is in transition, and falls apart when the
husband runs off with another and younger woman. It's written in the first person from only the
wife's point of view, and although the subject sounds like "old hat," it's not (gee, I hope not)
written
as something trite. It explores many ramifications of marriage, understanding, anger, and
forgiveness...
The other novel, is about a woman who tries to shake the notion heaped upon her for her entire
adult life that she has to be a perfect individual...aren't so many of us women just such
overachievers, trying to juggle being a wife, mother, and professional? I think this Superwoman
status is epidemic among us -- until we hit a certain age, the kids grow up, the dogs pass on, and
we
feel a need to cut loose and go back to being our carefree, less-than-perfect selves.
There's a fifth book coming out in February but it's a nonfiction called To Love, Honor and
Betray:
The Secret Life of Suburban Wives (Hyperion) co-authored with my friend Adrienne Lopez.
Johnson: In addition to your career as author, you are a newspaper columnist. How did that
position
come about?
Gertler: In 1996, I was working for a chain of newspapers in Connecticut. We were starting up a
weekly in the town of Wilton. I was a lifestyles editor and had an idea for a column...one that
would
be chatty and intimate and talk about "life" - I called it These Days and it's been running ever since
--
but now runs in The Stamford Advocate and The Greenwich Time. It's like writing in a diary of
sorts - and hopefully, my readership can relate to it in the sense that it reassures everyone that
none
of us are unique in what we go through and how we feel...about life "These Days."
Johnson: Our readers have learned about Stephanie Gertler the writer. Do you mind sharing a bit
about yourself outside the realm of writing?
Gertler: My passion besides writing is dancing. I take jazz dance three to four times a week. It's
so
great - I am a diva those few times a week and just love the music, the moves, the teacher and the
women in the class. It's my drug! As I said, I love to read, of course. And listening to music -- all
kinds...cooking and decorating my house. Spending time with my girlfriends - just sitting around
and
drinking wine and talking and eating sushi! And of course, my family. They're always my first
priority and what and who I enjoy the most and cherish above all else.
Johnson: Is there any question you wish I had asked, or any other information you'd like to share
with our readers?
Gertler: I can't think of anything you haven't asked, and I enjoyed this interview immensely. It's so
nice to know there are still so many readers out there. Thank you for this opportunity to connect
with them.
Johnson: Thank you for agreeing to the interview, Stephanie. I appreciate your time. For more
information about Stephanie Gertler or to subscribe to her newsletter, check out her website at
www.stephaniegertler.com
Laurel Johnson
Senior Reviewer
Shelley's Bookshelf
Death Duties
Janet LaPierre
Perseverance Press
PO Box 2790, McKinleyville, CA 95519
ISBN: 188028474X $13.95
Janet LaPierre is a prolific mystery writer who has garnered nominations for the Shamus Award,
the
Anthony, and the Macavity awards as well as critical acclaim from readers and peers. LaPierre
lives
in Berkeley, and wanders around several counties for research with her trailer, laptop, and two
dogs.
Cold cases are often the most challenging, and Patience and Verity Mackellar, Private
Investigators,
take on a thirty-year old case in Port Silva when Edgar Larson's granddaughter asks them to
investigate child molestation charges that Christina Larson feels sure her grandfather was innocent
of. Chris has made a promise to her father on his deathbed, and she means to carry through.
Unfortunately, Edgar committed suicide a few months after the charges were filed. One fact is
plain.
There were two anonymous calls to the police making the charges...one from a female and one
from
a male. As Patience and Verity investigate, it becomes clear that someone in town doesn't want
the
investigation. When a woman Verity questions turns up dead of a gunshot wound in her pickup,
the
plot thickens and tongues wag:
"'Then this morning I heard on the local news that they found a Port Silva woman dead in her
pickup
truck somewhere upcoast. After that a friend called to say she heard it was Tessa Finch and she's
been raped and beaten to death.'
Patience folded the napkin over the Danish and pushed it away.
'Marilyn, she died from a gunshot wound. The police suspect suicide but they won't know for sure
until there's been further investigation and a postmortem.'"
LaPierre is especially good at tying the lush locale into her tale. The coastal area of California
boasts
everything from farms to woods and abandoned mines, not to mention the local color of the
people.
Patience and Verity are both single women who have taken in a precocious eight year old named
Silvie, and then a dog named Zak. Their connection with two of Port Silva's police officers create
a
romantic touch, as well as providing enough police procedural to embellish the tale. The
combination of characters, plot, and setting gives spooky authenticity to the family conflicts which
surround this mystery. LaPierre holds the reader ransom from the first page until all facets of the
tale
have been laid out like rose petals. This is a great tale, and LaPierre deserves her exalted position
as
one of the best writers around.
Mount Doomsday
Donald A. Berman
High Country Publishers, LTD
197 New Market Center, #135, Boone, NC 28607
ISBN: 193215857X $12.95
Donald Berman is a doctor with over forty years of experience who has expertise as a military
flight
surgeon, a senior aviation medical examiner, and holds a commercial pilot license with instrument,
multi-engine, seaplane and helicopter ratings. He has published numerous medical articles and
texts
on medical environmental protection and regulatory compliance and one novel. He has a passion
for
archaeology, history, the earth sciences, and the interplay between technology and Mother
Earth.
Mount Lassen, a gorgeous peak located south of Mt. St. Helens in the Cascades, shows signs of
imminent eruption. Richard Burrell, a prominent newsman whose wife, Lee is a professor of
geology, is sent over to investigate. Lee accompanies him, and her Geiger counter meter shoots to
the active side. Unbeknownst to park rangers, a family is trapped in their overturned camper just
off
of the road. The feds and a naive president conspire to keep the story under wraps. In the
meantime,
Dr. Berman regales his fixated readers with historical versions of major volcanos that have
erupted
throughout history to set a menacing and terrifying tone to an already viscerally anguished
situation,
which ratchets up when a leak is discovered in a nearby nuclear plant that is no doubt creating the
radioactive lava:
"Charlie stepped over to the edge of the pool to look at the rods. He expected to see them all
stacked neatly, but to his surprise a number of them were broken and lying in pieces at the bottom
of
the pool. 'Did you know that some of these rods are broken?' he asked rather casually.
Malone came right over to see what he was talking about. His face turned ashen when he saw the
broken rods lying in disarray on the floor of the pool. 'Sorry, fellas, but those rods should not be
there. We will have to leave the area immediately.'"
Berman does an excellent job of both setting up a scientific chain of events, aided by historical
analysis, and creating the present day human story of Mount Lassen. Not content with the simple
tales of volcanic horror, he affixes an environmental shocker to his story. His message is that we
will
always have volcanic eruptions, and our rush to create nuclear power plants on tectonic plates is
sheer insanity and/or stupidity. Berman has a point, of course, and doesn't hesitate to create a
plausible scenario which should scare anyone living on the West Coast. MOUNT DOOMSDAY is
a
riveting tale, and Dr. Berman should keep at it until maybe someone will listen to his wisdom and
experience. He'd be mighty handy in an emergency! And he can write...what a guy. His characters
are human, intelligent, and flawed. The story is timely.
The Skinny Deal
Russ Hamachek
Book Publishers Network
PO Box 2256, Bothell, WA 98041
ISBN: 0975540769 $17.95 CAN $23.95
Russ Hamachek is a self-styled writer drawing on his experience as an executive in the brewing
industry for his third novel, THE SKINNY DEAL. He has also published HOT, STRAIGHT
AND
TRUE, a novel about PT boats during World War II and RECOMPENSE, a novel about World
War
II. Hamachek lives in Portland, Oregon and Tucson, Arizona, two of my favorite places.
The time is 1964, and the place is Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Vogelsang-Zorn is a family-run brewery
with a young and dedicated management team headed by Clark Madsen that is at odds with its
major
stockholder, Luther Vogelsang. Luther rules the roost with an iron fist, systematically finding
fault
with every suggestion to improve the long-term prospects for the company. He finally admits he
wants to sell, but even then it becomes clear that he only wants money and has no feeling for his
own employees:
"'As to this bootstrap scheme concocted by that fellow Weatherly, I am unalterably opposed to it.'
He paused, wiped his brow with his foulard, then reached for and coughed into several layers of
tissue. 'Excuse-excuse me. The way I see it, Henry, is as told in your first version. They hope to
make a lot by putting in very little of their own money. How much, Mr. President?'"
Hamachek takes the reader not only into the inner workings of a medium-sized brewery, but also
into the world of leveraged buyouts and corporate inner workings. Interestingly enough, it turns
out
to be every man (or woman) for themselves with little thought for the actual integrity of the
company. He throws in an interesting twist in the midst of all of this brokering which pretty much
blows the entire deal to smithereens. In a world of breweries, geisha girls, and art mistresses, sex
seems to be part of the corporate formula. This novel is plot driven with enough characterization
to
make it interesting and a lot of jargon thrown in for good measure.
THE SKINNY DEAL is an original tale set in the Milwaukee area with lots of local color added
to
give the reader a nice view of the Milwaukee area. The brewery has a lot in common with the
Milwaukee culture, and the German influence is unmistakable. Hamachek keeps his tale
tongue-in-cheek so that he has no apparent axe to grind, but still gives credence to cutthroats.
Leave Me By Dying
Rosemary Aubert
Bridge Works Publishing Company, Bridgehampton, NY
ISBN: 1882593731 $23.95
Born in Niagara Falls, New York, Rosemary Aubert now resides in Toronto, Canada. She has an
easy familiarity with the criminal justice system after having spent many years working in that
area.
LEAVE ME BY DYING is a prequel to already published Ellis Portal novels. A series of movies
may be in the works based on Auberts Ellis Portal series.
Ellis Portal is 23 years old, and the year is 1965. He is in Toronto and is attending Law School.
His
rich and handsome friend and fellow student Gleason Adams requests that Ellis accompany him to
an autopsy, which will become part of a school project they need to work on. Once there, all is
not
routine. The body is that of a young woman, at first glance, with a bag over her head and a rope
around her neck. The autopsy is interrupted, and the body disappears, but not before Gleason
fingers
a packet from the body which contains two unusual rings. In the meantime, Portal rushes to pull
together another project which might gain entry for him as an intern to Magistrate Sheldrake
Tuppin. Kavin, his professor, tries to give Portal a feeling for what the law is really like:
"'Magistrate Tuppin is of the 'Dirty Hands' school.' Kavin smiled, waiting for my inevitable
comment.
Everyone knew Tuppin to be an impeccable man-even, his enemies charged, a bit of a dandy.
'I can't imagine the magistrate having any part of his anatomy less than perfectly sanitary at any
time,
but I do take your meaning, sir,' I answered. 'If you want to impress Tuppin,' Kavin said, 'come
down from your ivory tower, Portal.'"
Rosemary Aubert writes an excellent mystery that works on many levels: as a psychological
puzzle;
as a 'coming of age' tale for a somewhat stuffy law student who really hasn't had much experience;
as
an analysis of what havoc bigotry against gay people wreaks; as a family tragedy; and as a tale
with
as many twists and turns as the reader could possibly hope for. Aubert writes with a heavy hand
towards characterization, and her characters don't disappoint. Family is ever-present in Aubert's
presentation, as Portal confronts differing viewpoints in his family. Aubert also takes on the issues
of
Vietnam, the awakening to Selma and Martin Luther King, the plight of gays, and the
transformation
of Italian immigrants to positions of power.
Shelley Glodowski
Senior Reviewer
Shirley's Bookshelf
Home of The Braves
Pamela Ackerson
Sunstar Publishing Group
ISBN# 188747272X $19.95 382 pages
In this outstanding read we meet a lovely woman named Karen. Karen is a doctor, a woman who
deals with facts, why then were the dreams she was having changing her life? How could a dream
turn into reality? How could the past and future be as one? In this exceptional novel we are taken
into the life of Karen, who after purchasing a bed begins to dream, but her dreams have substance,
a
life of their own, as they take her into the world of the past. In her sleep she meets an Indian
named
Standing Deer and begins to live in his world, which becomes as much a reality as her own. What
mystic powers are hidden in this bed of dreams that call forth the present into the past? And what
part does Karen play in the master plan that is weaving its web around her? Fascinating!
The author has woven a story that takes you from present to past, and back again, as Karen
struggles to make sense of what is happening. As she becomes more and more involved with
Standing Deer and the Indian people of her dream; you wonder where do the answers lie and
what
will the outcome be? The challenges become immense as Karen falls deeply in love with her
Indian
Warrior, and he with her. How can a love like this survive? Will Karen leave the world she knows
forever to join her true love, or will he chose to stay in hers? These decisions hang heavy upon
Karen along with the knowledge of the history of the time she is thrust into. Does she dare to
alter
that history?
Not only does Ms. Ackerson write an outstanding fiction work, but she incorporates facts of the
plight and living conditions of the Native American Indians, and their struggle to survive. Her
description of the plains, the countryside and the respect they had for all life was excellent and
drew
you deeply into the meat of the story. In this work we are given morsels of history, suspense,
romance and the supernatural. It is a love story like none other; one that transcends time and
space
and stirs within us the unquenchable hope for a better tomorrow. If we could travel in the past,
could we make things better for the future or would we dare to tamper with history? A top of the
notch read! Highly recommended.
Garfield The Easter Bunny?
Jim Davis
Grosset & Dunlap Publishers
New York, NY
ISBN# 0448092972 $12.95 12 pages
In this Easter tale Garfield wonders where the Easter Bunny is and he and Odie go to find him. To
their dismay, the Easter Bunny is not doing his job, his feet hurt, his back hurts and he is just plain
tired. Garfield decides he will help him out and goes off to deliver Easter candy and eggs along
with
Odie. He finds out just how hard the job is, but the day is saved when the Easter Bunny uses a
little
Easter magic. Cute story, great illustrations, with a good lesson for little ones as well. Things are
not
always as easy as they seem.
From the Teacher's Desk
Jacquie McTaggart
Book Locker Inc.
www.booklocker.com
ISBN# 1591134080 $18.95 244 pages
I have to admit when I first picked up this work I thought, oh ho hum, but I was in for a great
surprise when I read what awaited me between its pages. Outstanding. Packed inside this
exceptional book is much needed information for parents and teachers alike, from a woman who
has
had 42 years teaching experience. How can that be interesting? Believe me it is. The author shares
with the reader issues such as bullies in school, the decline of good manners, and what can be
done
about it, what to say to your children when there is a problem with a teacher and what not. The
topics are numerous and insightful. Author, Jacquie McTaggart uses wit and humor along with
knowledge that only experience can bring. to give us the answers. I truly believe this book would
help any parent or teacher as they embark on the journey we call education of our youth, and give
some useful insight to questions that have plagued parents and teachers from the beginning of the
education process. Very highly recommended, a gem of a read.
Where's Puppy?
George Siada and Donna Prisis, photographers
Publications International LTD.
North Cicero Avenue, Lincolnwood, Illinois
ISBN# 0785312684 $14.95 10 pages
This is one great book, not only is it filled with wonderful photos of puppy with other animals, but
each page has a symbol that when pressed speaks what is on the page. For example, if puppy is at
the ranch, we have a great picture of puppy with a horse. When we push the button it says, "At
the
ranch," the same words that we see on the page. I love this book, and it is one of my
granddaughters
favorites. Recommended highly.
Evening Prayerbook: Sunday Vespers
Patmos Group
Patmos Publishers
www.patmos.com
ISBN# 0974174807 $24.95 157 pages
Prayer has always been an important tool for anyone of the faith. Prayers sung only increases the
depth of one's prayer life, and brings us closer to our Creator. In this work, we have laid out for
us
an entire year of Sunday Vespers. The work is concise and easy to use, no flipping through pages
in
confusion; each Sunday Vesper is clearly marked, written on two adjoining pages, so the book
can
be opened and easily followed by all those joining in prayer. This is a must have for those who
wish
to join in with others around the world in prayer and unity. A great work that the entire family,
friends and fellow prayer companions, can follow along and share in the experience A beautiful
book
and a great aid to your prayer life. Recommended!
My First Picture Word Book
Robert Schechter
McGraw-Hill Publishers
Columbus Ohio
ISBN# 157768205X $19.95 65 pages
In this outstanding learning book children are given the opportunity to learn new words and see
them in pictures they are familiar with. Starring the "Looney Tunes," each page has a scene and at
the bottom has pictures of objects that can be found in the scene. The illustrations are brilliant in
color and the tiny stories often add a giggle. All in all a great book that will help your child to
learn
without them even being aware of it. Recommended.
Peter Cottontail Is On His Way
Andrea Posner
Golden Publishing House
New York, NY
ISBN# 0307995062 $3.99 12 pages
In this tale Colonel B. Bunny decided that Peter Cottontail should replace him as Chief Easter
Bunny. However, a nasty bunny named Irontail wanted the job as well and challenged Peter to a
contest to see who could deliver the most eggs. Peter, in his pride was sure that he would win so
he
threw a big party the night before and didn't get up in time to deliver his eggs and so he lost.
Discouraged he leaves April Valley and finds himself in the Garden of Surprises with a new friend
Mr. Sassafrass. This new friend happens to have a yesterday mobile that just might help Peter
make
everything right. This is such a fun story, with a lesson about pride and ingenuity.
Recommended.
The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment
Gail Gupton
Elevated Publishing
Woodstock, CA 30189
ISBN# 0976247704 $12.99 80 pages
In this work, author Gail Gupton takes you on a 31-day walk through what she calls a Spiritual
diet
of Scriptures. Each day emphasizing a certain Scripture and it's meaning as she interprets it, also
giving a page for your personal notes. At the end of the book she has a Glossary with a listing of
Christian terms, such as Blood of Jesus and Wine; in this Glossary she gives what she feels their
meanings are, interesting.
This work is well written, and I feel the author has a deep love for God and Jesus, but I cannot
agree
with her interpretations of the Scriptures in her work, so that did become a hindrance to my
enjoyment of the book. Although I would lke to say, I feel her commitment to what she believes is
truly from her heart. On the back cover it is written, " This may not be a diet book for the
die-hard,
steadfast Christian follower," and I believe I am in that category. Although I sense a a strong
desire
to reach out and help others through her writings; I did not feel this book was beneficial to me.
However, I am sure to others, it may be just what they are looking.
Shenandoah Whispers And Echoes
Tom Orrell
Xlibris Corporation
www.xlibris.com 1-888-795-4274
ISBN# 1401047084 $14.95 113 pages
There are times in a read when the story is simple, yet profound. This is what I found in the
exceptional work "Shenandoah Whispers And Echoes," by Tom Orrell. It begins in the present
when
a man finds an old handwritten journal giving the account of a man's life in the Shenandoah Valley
of
Virginia in the end of the 19th century. In this journal we share the life of this man and his family,
from his childhood, through the Civil War and its aftermath. I wondered as I read the accounts of
the atrocities that were done to these people during the war just how true they were. If they are
true
to form, it is no wonder that hatred ran deep for their Northern countrymen. We walk with him as
he
struggles to overcome the tragedies that life brought his way as he grows to manhood, share his
joys; watch as he battles injustices, faces incredible loss of numerous loved ones, and desperately
tries to make sense of the very existence he is in. This is a work that runs deep and will keep you
on
an emotional high. A story that will grip your heart as you share one man's journey through tis
experience we call, life. Recommended.
The L.P.
David Walks-As-Bear
Publish America
Baltimore MD
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN# 1413722342 $19.95 245 pages
I have to admit I groaned when I first saw this book. I wasn't excited to read a military story that I
was sure was filled with phrases and experiences I would never understand; however, once I
began
this book I could hardly put it down. Set in Iraq during the 2003 invasion, we have an infantry
squad
that is given an assignment they will never forget. They set out to establish a Listening Post in a
home on the outskirts of Baghdad and leading them is the newly promoted Sergeant Parker.
Beginning their assignment Parker deals with constant fears of making mistakes as his men
themselves wonder can he keep them safe. Only time will tell.
Finding two women in the home, the men soon find out they have stumbled upon knowledge of a
sinister plan that they have to live to tell. The fate of the entire world lies in the balance and the
safety of these woman is paramount. Unfortunately they are forced to hide in a wine cellar as the
house fills with the enemy. Life and death decisions must be made and soon they learn the
importance of unity and trust in one another if they are to live to see another day.
The author does a superb job in drawing you into the emotions and challenges that the characters
are
living and feeling. He brings to light the realization of the war that is being fought and the true
reasons why. I was almost hypnotized by the raw emotions that were penned in this work and
although fiction, it touched a core within me of respect and honor to those who daily put their life
on
the line for our liberty. This is a read that I can truly recommend from my heart as one you should
not miss, male or female, this story will stay in your thoughts forever. A storyline that is so vivid
you
will think, could this have really happened? Outstanding read.
Curse The Darkness
Philip James Medley
Helm Publishing
3923 Seaward Ave Rockford, Il
ISBN# 0976091909 $16.95 297 pages
I sit here in a great dilemma not knowing the words that could possibly describe this outstanding
work that is before me. As this book took its place in my reading pile, it seemed to call to me,
something which I dismissed as I try very hard to read the books in the order they are received.
As
those of you who follow my reviews know; I am a Christian. I was at first a little put off by the
title
and cover of this work, thinking it was an occult or demonic tale that I might be uncomfortable
reading. However, I could not shake the intense desire to see what laid between the pages and
soon
gave in and began the read. I was totally captivated by the third chapter and finished it in two days
saddened that it was over. Curse The Darkness is a story of a mansion, one that was built by evil,
for
the work of evil. The author takes you from the past to the present and leads you through the
lives
of those who have encountered the Kensington estate. We meet Robert and John, childhood
friends
who both have experienced the horror of the workings of this ungodly habitat. Grown now,
Robert
is the local Preacher and John owns a small grocery. They are introduced to Lawrence Tellcott, a
self-made billionaire with great hurts from the past, who has now bought the Kensington mansion
and is about to taste the nectar of darkness. We also meet a young boy who has become a
prisoner
as well of the blackness in the mansion. There is an evil presence in the mansion, one so dark that
as
you read this work you can feel the intense physical presence of evil and the hatred for human life
and dignity that this entity possesses. Chilling!
The story takes you back in time to the birth of a witch who spins her evil web and continues her
ungodly ways into the present. Now Robert and John are called upon by God to fight this evil that
has shadowed them their entire lives. There can be no losing this battle, no running away, defeat is
not an option as death awaits the loser.
Philip James Medley has woven a story that has captured the very essence of evil and good. He
has
penned a work so exceptional that through his words you are totally one with every action and
emotion of the characters within the read. In this book you become aware of the evil that surely is
within our world and you rally around those who are of the Light, knowing their victory is for all
mankind. His characters are real, not candy coated goody two-shoes, but everyday people like
you
and me; as he shows it is not their righteousness but their faith in a Creator whose power is above
all
that will enable them to conquer evil. This is not written in a preachy way, but gently woven into
the
storyline and whether you are a believer or not you simply must know who the victor will be. His
descriptive power of the dark character is chilling and the dialog he allows this evil to bring forth
to
her victims is filled with truth concerning the deception that man is under. What a read!
Every so often I find a book that is so good I want every person that I know to read it. I have
found
this pleasure in Curse the Darkness. If this were a movie I would be standing up and cheering at
the
end, my applause would be louder than all those within the room. Very few works leave such an
impression on me as this one has. It is a masterpiece and one that I will not soon forget. Hats off
to
you Mr. Medley for giving us such an exceptional work. I look forward to more of your writings
in
the future. Readers, don't miss this one!
INTERVIEW WITH DIANE HELM - CEO AND OWNER OF HELM PUBLISHING
I met Diane while reviewing some of the outstanding books that she publishes. I knew that you,
the
reader, would be very interested to learn about her and Helm Publishing, let's begin.
SPJ: I'm excited to know about your company, would you please give us some background
information, when it was started, what the vision is behind it and your mission statement.
HP: Helm Publishing (HP) In 1994, I started a virtual secretarial service called Secretarial
Specialties. I added Helm Publishing in 1997 after I met a writer on one of my assignments where
I
was implementing a cost accounting system for a client. Since that time, the mission of Helm
Publishing is to give voice to new and emerging authors who write from the heart stories. The
vision
is to educate and provide writers/authors with the process of publication through marketing,
promotion, and publicizing their works.
SPJ: Thank you Diane; would you please tell us your position in the company, your duties and
how
long you have been with them?
HP: I own and operate Helm Publishing. I have a website, http://www.publishersdrive.com , and
have a virtual staff of 5 with 3 more people working at Helm. We oversee edit, format, cover
illustration, and proof acceptance. Then we work with the author to schedule book signings, book
events, participation in Association events, radio/TV appearances, put out press releases,
compose
letters to online and store front gift shops, catalogs, malls, organizations, and other festivals which
celebrate books.
SPJ: Wow, sound great, you are one busy lady. I'd like to now get to the meat of the interview,
the
questions that all authors want me to ask. Let's talk about submissions. Are you open to
submissions, and if no when do you think you will be?
HP: We are open to query through mail right now. Our schedule for production is "booked" until
July, 2005. If we request your manuscript, we are taking 3-4 months for review.
SPJ: Great readers, get your queries in! :0) Would you please tell us what type of books you
publish, are you looking for specific genres, or is the field wide open? Also, what formats are your
books published in?
HP: Generally, we like to see stories that are tightly written with well-developed characters, and a
strong plot. We are taking queries for self-help, mysteries, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy,
Chiclit,
Young adult, and cookbooks. Books are published in trade paperback, and e-book, with the
future
open to hard cover, and audiobooks.
SPJ: That sounds great Diane. Tell me please, what do you look for when a submission comes in,
what catches your eye?
HP: The way I'm approached is the first indication whether or not I'll read on. A query letter
should
contain the MS title, page count, genre, a background of your qualifications to write this book,
and
a brief synopsis (standard page at most.) The query should also contain a comprehensive market
plan, your role in that plan, and demographic areas that you plan to target.
SPJ: Are there certain works you will not publish?
HP: Erotica comes to mind. Also, if we feel the manuscript needs alot more work, we may feel
obligated to tell the author that he or she needs to find an editor.
SPJ: Would you give one tip that might tilt the scale and help the author's work to be
accepted.
HP: Putting a dynomite query package together. Do your homework--
SPJ: Good advice! What makes you see "RED" when a submission is presented to you?
HP: Misspelled words, names, To Whom It May Concern, Sir or Madam, sentences that run on
and
don't say anything, or too short a descriptive and authors who assume since they've been
published
before, everyone will love their newest works.
SPJ: How long is the wait before the author will know if their work is accepted and do you take
simultaneous submissions?
HP: The wait is usually around 2-4 months, less if I like the work. Then I phone the author right
away. Yes, I take simultaneous submissions.
SPJ: May I ask how many books do you publish in a year and is that a set figure?
HP: We published a total of 6 books last year and have already 10 set for publication this year,
which will not be the final tally.
SPJ: Where can your books be purchased? Are they stocked in bookstores and do you have a
return
policy. (This may seem like a strange question but is a real concern for authors with some
publishing
houses)
HP: Our books can be purchased through B&N, Borders and Amazon.com, Helm Publishing
website, Abebooks, Walmart.com, and independent bookstores across the country. Select B&N,
Border's and other stores stock our books directly on the shelves. We are adding retail outlet sites
daily. Our books are discountable,(a major draw for retail, but profit biting for authors),
returnable,
and we have a Baker & Taylor, and Ingram's Distribution channel.
SPJ: That sounds good. Are your books priced fairly?
HP: We price our books according to what the market and other similar books are priced at.
SPJ: A few more questions about author submissions please. May authors submit via email?
HP: Email queries are discouraged at this time because the books do not get a fair representation
as
they do when they are submitted in hard copy. Maybe in 4-5 months.
SPJ: If their work is accepted, do they have to use your cover art or are they allowed to use their
own idea?
HP: All authors have the option of using our illustrators, or their own. Quality is one criteria that
must be strictly enforced. The book's cover is the first thing a patron sees when eyeing a book for
purchase. It has to draw them to the book and enchant them. I have one author using her own
illustrator and the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I've had others use their own illustrators and the
covers cost sales.
SPJ: Please tell us, how are your authors paid? Do you give advances and do you work with a
standard contract?
HP: Authors are paid by two different means. The first is when the author places orders for books
and sells those books directly. The second is when the bookstores, retail outlets, etc. place orders
through Ingrams, or Helm, and the sales accumulates in a royalty statement bi-annually. The first
gives royalty (profit realized immediately), the second gives royalty in increments of cover price
minus print charge, minus discount to bookstore, minus shipping and handling, minus return
allowances, etc.) We do not give advances simply because it is much too difficult from an
accounting to keep track of advances. The author might not ever see a royalty check because
he/she
is paying back the advance to the House.
SPJ: What type of promoting do you do for your authors and what is required of them?
HP: Promoting for us means calling the B&N's etc, to set up book signings, put out press release
info, arrange radio/TV interviews, contacting outside resources, and other networking. Promoting
for the author will include utilizing their friends, family, contacts in their profession, researching
local and regional events taking place, and some of the same networking opportunites that are
mentioned above.
SPJ: If the author's work is accepted, what is the amount of time from acceptance to print?
HP: It depends on the amount of work that has to be expended putting the book together. It
could
take anywhere from 6 months to a year.
SPJ: Do you have a good working relationship with your authors?
HP: We work together as a family. Many of my authors have no problem promoting me as their
publisher to news and referral authors.
SPJ: Tell me do you use POD technology?
HP: Yes, We have some books listed as POD, not all. Those with healthier sales tracks are
stocked
in B&N inventory. Helm always has a minimum number of books on hand for ordering. Being
POD
only means that inventory is kept to a minimum on site and that places like B&N can order the
books directly from Ingrams with a minimal shipment wait. When their sales reach a certain point,
they will be added to regular book stock. But for now, I would hate to have 5000 books in
inventory
and have a flood or other catastrophe happen.
SPJ: As a publisher, what is the hardest part of your job and why?
HP: The hardest part is keeping up with the daily influx of new book queries and submissions.
There
is just never enough hours in the day.
SPJ: What part of your job makes you smile?
HP: Reading all the new manuscripts and talking to writers about their books. Providing
encouragement to authors and hearing that "I get it."
SPJ: I can imagine how exciting it is to make a dream come true for a hopeful writer. Do you feel
it
is important for an author to have an agent? A publicist?
HP: If an author feels comfortable that an agent and or publicist would provide instant access to
the
world of book sales, then by all means. However, I would hope that the author would interview,
and
probe so that a solid understanding of fees and cost obligations is established for what kinds of
services, how long and an accounting of work done.
SPJ:. Let me ask this, where do you see your company in the next 5 years?
HP: I see our company expanding to include events like Author Cruises, Speaking engagements,
Theater performances, programming for schools, greeting cards, software gaming opportunities,
movie/film/TV contracts, calendars, ministries, foundations, fundraisers, and audiobooks, to name
a
few. Currrently, we have an interest from film, and made-for-TV film companies along with
software gaming companies.
SPJ: Would you tell us something about yourself, are you an author and if so please tell us some
about your work(s).
HP: I am an author of several article publications, and have ghost-written several books.
SPJ: If you will, please use this space for any closing remarks you would like to leave with our
readers about yourself, your company, or publishing in general.
HP: We are putting together several publishing workshops with B&N in IL for the Spring, and
would enjoy email from those wanting to know more about the workshops. We are also interested
in
starting a magazine called Encompass. I would especially like to hear from book discussion, or
writing groups. To discuss further, email me at dianne@publishersdrive.com .
Thank you so much Diane for allowing me to do this interview with you. I greatly appreciate all
the
wonderful books that I have had the honor to read and review from your publishing company. I
know that you are doing a wonderful job with your authors and in giving the reading world
some outstanding works. I wish you and your authors the best in the future.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dianne Helm, CEO Helm Publishing
3923 Seward Ave. Rockford, IL 61108
815-398-4660
dianne@publishersdrive.com
or
Richard Oury, Senior Editor
sales@publishersdrive.com
INTERVIEW WITH DAVID-WALKS-AS-BEAR Author of The L.P.
Readers, I want to tell you that I truly enjoyed this work. I didn't think I would since it is basically
a
military read, however, it grabed my attention and held it
throughout the entire book. I wanted to know more about David and I think that you will too. I
perceive he is a very humble, gentle man who
has much to give to the wonderful world of writing. Let's begin.
SPJ: David, first of all, thank you for writing such a wonderful book and for sharing it with the
world. Please tell us, how did you come up with your storyline?
David: That one's easy enough, ma'am. "L.P." is an abbreviation for the words: listening post. It's
a
term used by both the US Army and US Marine Corp. The military does love their acronyms, eh.
Usually in an infantry war, there are two distinct lines between the sides whenever an attack isn't
going on. The area between these lines is called: "No-Man's-Land". Often, both sides will send
small
squads of infantry, equipped with a field phone, out into this no man's land. That's a picture of an
army TA-838 field phone on the cover. The squad is there to monitor what the other side is doing
during this lull in the fighting. It's a spooky place to be for an infantryman because what happened
in
the book (getting caught behind enemy lines), can easily happen in real warfare. Anyway, I had
the
idea for this little story about a L.P. squad that gets trapped behind enemy lines and what they
actually hear. So, that's the notion for The L.P.
SPJ: I have to say David, you 'notion,' worked quite well. Please tell us how you came up with the
characters. Are they fashioned after people you know?
David: Oh, sure. You bet. Especially on the military side, eh. While in college, I spent some time
in
the Army and these characters are directly related to men that I knew and trained under and with.
I've also spent 22 years as a Coast Guard Reserve photojournalist. In that capacity I've worked
with
all branches of the military. So, I've known a lot of Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines and
Coasties,
too. There's a spattering of all of these guys in The L.P. characters. Anyone who's prior service
will
probably recognize them. The women and the Iraqi Army characters are very similar to folks that
I've met or known over the years from that particular neck of the 'world' woods, eh.
SPJ: David, what made you decide to write this book?
David: Boy, I don't know, ma'am. I wanted to recognize the valor of America's fighting forces,
especially those that are fighting overseas now. Perhaps you noticed that The L.P. does not
support
or condemn the Iraqi War. That's because, to those that are fighting it, it's all about the job that
they're doing and their fellow warriors. There is no blatant heroism or hoop la going on in the
novel.
The plot is fast moving and realistic, but, in addition to that, it contains facts about what it's like in
modern combat over in the Middle East. Remember, everyone that's in the U.S. military today is a
volunteer - from the Reservists and National Guardsman to the Active Duty. Nobody is there that
didn't sign up for it. And many of them re-enlist when they get the chance. So, in my opinion, this
generation is going to be great, too. I guess I wanted to covey that when I wrote the The L.P.
SPJ: You did a wonderful job in your book showing indeed what combat is like. What, if any
reaction did you receive after your decision to write this book?
David: Well, those people who had read The Murmurings seemed disappointed to learn that Ely
Stone wasn't going to be in The L.P. His character was central to that story and the readers
seemed
to really connect with him. But then, I figure that those folks will get enough of him in the next
installment. Other people, that just wanted to read a good story, were quite interested in The L.P.
I
think it's because of the topical subject, and/or, they liked my first novel for the story appeal. The
feedback has all been good on the book so far, and both men and women seem to like The L.P. It
seems to be that way with 'Murmurings', too, so I'm happy about that.
SPJ: How long did it take you to complete your book?
David: Boy, now you're gonna get me into trouble, ma'am. I've been advised by my writing bosses
to
be non-committal on this question because folks may not want to read it if they know how long it
took to write. But I really can't fathom why. You either like what I write or you don't - it's that
simple, I figure. I usually have the whole story inside my fat little head, right in between my pointy
little ears. So, putting it down on paper isn't a big deal, eh. In the case of The L.P., it's not a long
story. My first novel, The Murmurings, ran 582 pages. It took me 11 months to write that book.
Because it's the first in a series of true mysteries that feature world-changing events, it took a little
longer. There's a ton of research in one of the Ely Stone novels and digging up old and
hard-to-find
facts takes awhile. The L.P. on the other hand, is only 245 pages - all told - and it's very current.
The
research for it was a snap. So, from research to laying it out, I put it to paper in about
two-and-a-half months.
SPJ: I love your honesty David, thank you. What was the most difficult part in writing your
work?
David: Oh, I reckon just finding the time to write, edit and finish it. Like most writers, I work a
full-time job in addition to scribbling. I'm married and still have kids at home. So, fitting it into the
schedule is tough sometimes.
SPJ: What was the most enjoyable?
David: Oh, this one's easy, ma'am. Just telling the story.
That's what fat, old Indians do, eh - they tell stories. I'm having a blast writing fiction, and if folks
like what I scribble, then heck, that's even better. I just tell a story. I work as a game warden and I
used to hunt and fish a lot. Anymore though, I hunt hunters and fish for anglers during all of these
seasons. And the only other thing that really trips my wire is flying helicopters. I don't get to do
that
very much anymore so; writing has become my primary hobby. I keep my hand in journalism by
writing a weekly column for a newspaper, but it's a close match as to which is more fun for me -
writing fiction or flying. So, there you go. The bottom line is I'm just a storyteller, telling a tale. If
folks like it, then that's really neat. If they don't, then that's alright, too. I enjoy the research and
weaving the yarn. So, just telling the story is the most enjoyable for me.
SPJ: Tell us, did you find it difficult to find a publisher and if so what did you do to remedy
that?
David: No, ma'am. The first one I sent The L.P. to, picked it up, so I really wouldn't know how it
would have been received elsewhere. I had to sign a seven year contract with them, but that didn't
include film rights. Apparently, a British company has inquired about the book for a film, so we'll
see, eh. When I got this notion for The L.P., I was already deep into research and preliminary
writing for the 'Murmurings' sequel, a book entitled, Old Money. I saw the whole L.P. story in my
head and thought it'd make a neat little book. It wouldn't take long to write and it was easy to
research. So, I quickly wrote up a query and shot it off to the first publisher that came up on
Google. They accepted - and that was that.
SPJ: "The L.P. would make an outstanding movie; I pray it comes to pass David. What advice
would you give to authors who are looking for a publisher?
David: Geeze, ma'am. I'm not sure how to answer this one. Since the first book, I've talked to a
lot
of authors, both published and unpublished. Some of them are very big authors but most are on
the
small side. The one thing they all have in common is the game. So, I always say to unpublished
writers is that they have to understand the game. Writing, be it fiction or news, is a lot of work.
And
it doesn't end when your manuscript is accepted. Being an author is not anywhere near as
glamorous
as most folks think. Everybody still puts their pants on the same way, know what I mean? And if
writing is just a job to you, or if that is what it turns into, then you will have problems maintaining
-
no matter what. I'll grant that just finding a publisher is a major hurdle, but it will absolutely not
be
the hardest one in the writing game. Just having a book published is only a third of the battle. In
addition to a myriad of other things, authors have to promote, too. It's a solid fact of their lives.
So,
my advice would be to do the submissions, and if you keep getting turned down, consider a vanity
press. Get the book out there, follow the routine of signings, reviews and appearances and see if
what you've written is marketable. If it is, and you still like "all of the game", then write something
else and have at her again.
SPJ: Good advice! If you could speak directly to publishers, what would you tell them?
David: Boy. I'd tell them what they already know - and that's that they're missing some really
good
and profitable writers in their slush piles. They know this and yet, they don't seem to be finding a
solution.
I know that publishing houses are in business to make money. They know it, too. So, what I don't
understand is why they aren't more creative in their money-making routine, eh. I mean, they buy a
new computer when theirs is obsolete, so why don't they change methods when theirs is archaic?
As
an example, consider this one, ma'am. There are literally thousands of people out there that would
read MSs from a publisher's slush pile for free or almost free, anyhow. These would be people
that
the publishers could know and trust. If they got a good heads-up on a book from one of them,
then
they should send that manuscript to another of their reading group and, etc, etc. If the reports
kept
coming back positive, then they would know that they had something, eh. This would probably
require them hiring one person for their house just to predominantly manage this routine. And
while
that may be expensive, so is the new computer. Yet, most publishers stay with the same old
archaic
ritual. Now that said, fairness dictates that there's always the other side of the coin, too. I really
have
no idea how their game goes and I haven't walked a mile in their shoes. I'd have to guess that
they've
already pondered similar thoughts, eh. But as it stands and if asked, I'd tell them to be more
innovative, especially in regard to their slush piles.
SPJ: I hope publishers read your words David, and maybe take heed. Do you have an agent? A
publicist? How important do you think this is to a writer?
David: Yes, ma'am. I'm working with an agent on the Ely Stone Mystery Series now. And I do
indeed have a publicist. When The Murmurings came out, I'd just planned a few book signings
and
that was about all. Then the reviews hit and they were all pretty good. Suddenly, I had invites to
speak and appear all over the place, from keynote speaker at an international symposium to being
on
TV/radio programs and the like. And everyone wanted biography stuff, book synopsis, pictures
all
kinds of things. I wasn't ready for all of that. I work a full-time job and have a family with all of
those responsibilities, too. And the publicity side didn't go away, either. I'd just catch up on stuff
then I'd have another ten requests. So, I finally hooked-up with a publicist and boy, was she ever a
lifesaver. If you're working a job and have a family and intend to write novels professionally, I
think
you really need a publicist. And even if you're set financially, unless you know the publicity and
PR
game, you probably still need a publicist. Before I began writing fiction, I had a pretty extensive
journalism background. So, I know what the game is there - the ins and outs, so to speak. But I
knew nothing about the fiction writing game. Similarly, unless you have a vast background in this
area, I think you need an agent, as well. They know what's-what and just like anywhere else in
life,
knowing that is paramount.
SPJ: How important do you think it is to have reviews of your work and how did you go about
accomplishing this?
David: Oh, very important. A lot more so than I would've ever thought. I personally judge my
own
interest in a book by what is said in the synopsis and how it reads in a general perusal. So, I was
surprised to learn that some readers will buy a book based solely on the reviews alone. One out of
four book signings that I've done, I've had at least one person ask: "Are there any reviews on this
book?" They then indicate that they seldom buy a book until they've read the reviews. So, there's
that. Reviews are pretty important for almost all of the book's promotion, too, since most of the
media rely on previous reviews for background in their stories. So, there you go. In my situation,
my
publicist usually gives me a smaller list of potential reviewers to contact and she does the bulk of
the
connecting. But like I said, as the writer, I still have my part to do in the promotion process, and
heck, I enjoy it. Being the author doesn't alleviate your publicity chore - it actually enhances it.
SPJ: How much promoting do you do? Any tips for other authors?
David: Well, in conjunction with my publicist, I guess a fair amount. I've only been at fiction
writing
for a couple of years and in that amount of time, the promotion process has grown considerably,
exponentially so, as the books have become better-known. As an example, consider this. One of
the
first critique reviews that I received on The Murmurings said that as a writer, I exhibit shades of
Tony Hillerman, Clive Cussler and Steve Hamiliton. I recognized the first two guys but had never
heard of Steve Hamiliton. So, I researched and contacted him, he read my book, I read his and we
became friends. Last September, I was looking at his schedule and saw that he was going to be at
Bouchercon and there was a web address for it. I'd never heard of Bouchercon, so, I sent an email
to
inquire about it. Shortly thereafter, I was contacted by them and invited to be a panelist at the
event
- Bouchercon 2004. This is the World International Mystery Writers Convention. I accepted and
had
a great time meeting all of these authors from all over the States and the world. And obviously,
my
stuff was being promoted in the process, eh. In February, I'll be appearing at the "Love Is
Murder"
writer's conference in Chicago and at "Left Coast Crime" in El Paso. So, promotion is very
important, in my opinion. And author appearances are part and parcel of that. Libraries are one of
the very best places for an author to visit. They are filled with reading groups that just love to find
new authors to read and hear about. Libraries are some of my favorite places to appear. They get
to
learn about you and you in turn, get to learn what readers like and dislike, etc. I highly
recommend
them.
SPJ: Thank you David, great advice and some new thoughts as well to consider. Do you belong
to a
writer's group?
David: No, ma'am. Although I've spoken to several, I've never belonged to one.
SPJ: What has writing this work done for you and what do you hope it will do for your readers?
What do you hope they will take away with them after reading your work?
David: Well, on a personal level, I got to tell the story, eh, and that was big-time fun for me. But
as
to other stuff, I hope that folks take away a different perspective on how those in the Middle East
view the United States and Americans. The notion I put forth in The L.P. is much different than
that
espoused by the nightly TV talking heads, those in our government and the newspapers, eh. The
media mantra always seems to be that Middle Easterners hate Americans because they despise us
our liberty. The book makes a different argument stating that Middle Easterners dislike us not
because we have liberty, but rather, because of what we are doing with that liberty, eh. I hope that
readers take away that concept.
SPJ:That is certainly very interesting, thank you. How supportive was your family in your writing
experience and how important do you think this is to a writer?
David: My family is very supportive, and it's my domestic boss that does all of the final editing for
my books. In fact, if not for her, I wouldn't be writing fiction. A retired librarian, she has always
pushed me to write. So good, bad or in between, any of the stuff I scribble is directly related to
her
involvement and encouragement. I have five kids and only the last two girls are left at home. All
five
of them are somehow into the arts and are very supportive. Like I said, writing is a lot of work,
and
it takes time and effort away from other things, eh. So I get all of the propping up I need from
them.
If you're serious about writing, you have to have this support.
SPJ: Do you have any other works in progress? If so in what genre and when will they be
released?
David: Yes, ma'am. Old Money is the next Ely Stone Mystery and it's due out this year. I'm
working
with an agent on The Murmurings which at present is being re-edited. I've also done some
preliminary research for a sequel to The L.P. And I'm playing with a notion for a series of Young
Adult books. So, we'll see what happens, eh.
SPJ: That's great! I look forward to your books David. Now, tell us this; how many hours a day
do
you write?
David: Boy that depends. Since I already have the story in my head, I approach it like I've always
approached a news story. If I know my deadline and have gathered my research, then I'll just plug
away at it here and there with no specific amount of time, day or writing period allocated. On the
other hand, if I'm really into the story, then I'll lay into it every chance I get - that's just the way it
works for me.
SPJ: Is there a special place that you write, one that inspires you? Has there been a special person
who inspired you to write?
David: As to a special place, I really love writing in Hawaii. I feel closer to God there than
anyplace
I've ever been. But anywhere that I can look up and outside to see woods, nature and the Great
Good Spirit's design works for me, ma'am. I do get involved in the storyline. I put on some classic
rock oldies or Indian flute music and lock myself away from this world and get into that of the
story's. Serenity is important, I reckon. In addition, I'd have to say it's The Great Good Spirit's
people and creations that have motivated me to write throughout my life, eh. In regard to a
special
person's inspiration well, that would be my wife. I've known some excellent folks and seen some
fantastic miracles in my time thus far and she embodies both of these things for me. I'm not
anywhere near as prolific as a guy like Steven King, but I do like to write. As a kid, I often won
writing contests in school. And some 28 years ago, when we were first married, I'd get a story
idea
in my head and stay up all night writing it long hand. Once I'd told the story, I was done. My wife
would find it in the trash the next morning, un-wad it and straighten it out, saying, "This is good.
We're going to do something with this." Well, we never did. But she's harped on me all of these
years until I finally wrote a novel. I doubt you could get any more inspiration than that, eh.
SPJ: God bless your wife for encouraging you and being there for you. She sounds like a
wonderful
woman. Has having a book published changed your life in anyway and if so please share that with
us.
David: Well, I've gotten busier. When my hobby was just hunting and fishing, I spent a lot less
time
at it than this, know what I mean? I have made a couple of bucks, which to me, equates to eating
the
deer I used to hunt, eh. So, overall, other than a feeling of accomplishment and a good feeling
about
folks liking what I write, I doubt that it's changed my life much.
SPJ: Where do you hope your writing career will be in 3 years and what are you doing to achieve
that goal.
David: Oh, shoot, I don't know, ma'am. I'd be happy if I could write full-time. I really like it, and
everything that goes along with it. If I could make a moderate living writing, then I'd do it and be
happy, eh. But, I'm a realist and don't know if that will ever come to pass. Maybe, and maybe not,
too. Time will tell, I reckon. So, for now, if I can just keep writing and keep having folks enjoy
the
read, then I'll be satisfied. If either of those things doesn't come to pass, then three years or thirty -
it
wouldn't matter much, eh.
SPJ: A question a little off the beaten track, do you read and if so what genre is your
favorite?
David: Oh yeah, I read a lot. I like mysteries, thrillers and good war stories. But I'll read just
about
anything if it strikes my fancy, eh.
SPJ: Would you tell us a little about yourself, outside of being a published author?
David: Not too much to tell, ma'am. I'm a Shawnee Indian and live that daily. I'm married to a
great
girl and we're coming up on that 30 year mark. We have five healthy and happy kids and I'm a
licensed private investigator and security agent, specializing in conservation and game warden
work.
I've been in either law enforcement, military or journalism work for most of my life. I've been to a
lot
of places and have seen, or been privy to, a lot in my life - more so, I've learned, than the average
person. I love flying, old muscle cars and traveling and I especially love the Big Island of Hawaii.
Other than the writing - that's about all there is to me, eh.
SPJ: Please use this space for anything you would like to share with our readers concerning
publishing, writing or your publishing experience in general.
David: Heck ma'am, I've already used more than the space allocated to me for this interview.
Thank
you for your time and your questions.
I want to thank David for writing such an outstanding book and also for taking the time to do this
interview with me. As you can see, he certainly is one talented man and it is refreshing to sense his
humbleness in all of this. I wish him much success in the future and encourage you to seek out his
books.
You will enjoy every minute of the read. Thank you David-Walks-As-Bear! God bless you.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
The Wildland Press, Publish America, Authorhouse - all available on the website.
David Walks-As-Bear: www.Walks-As-Bear.com
Email: walks-as-bear@verizon.net
INTERVIEW WITH ROBYN & TONY DiTOCC
Owners of Brainstorm Publications and authors of The Mad Myth Mystery series.
I have had the honor to read and review the two works that are the beginning of this outstanding
series. Perhaps they are written for those younger than I, but that did not take away from my
reading
pleasure. I wanted to know more about this gifted couple and what they are planning for the
future
as I am sure whatever it is will be a plus for the reading world. Please let's begin,
SPJ: Thank you for doing this interview with me. Before we learn more about you and your
writings, please tell us about Brainstorm Publications, how it began, what your position is and the
vision behind it.
ROBYN & TONY: Brainstorm Publications began as just that - a brainstorm! The catalyst
however,
was the tragedy of 911. Without getting too morbid, after about three days of watching the horror
on the news, we came to the realization that 5,000 people never got to finish their dream, write
their
book, paint their masterpiece, etc. We had been mulling over the idea of writing a novel forever,
but
never quite found the time. After September 11th, we found the time, and Brainstorm Publications
and the Mad Myth Mystery series was born.
SPJ: Are you open to other authors for possible publication?
ROBYN & TONY: Right now Brainstorm is only publishing "The Mad Myth Mystery" series. As
the business grows, we may entertain publishing titles from other authors.
SPJ: Thank you. I have read and reviewed the first two books in your Mad Myth Mysery series
and
I must say they were excellent.
ROBYN & TONY: Thank you!
SPJ: Would you please give us a little background as to what gave you the idea to write this series
and how you came up with the storyline.
ROBYN & TONY: Robyn has always been fascinated by mythology, and decided that it would be
virtually impossible to exhaust the seemingly endless supply of heroes, villains, monsters, and
other
wonderful characters depicted in the Greek, Roman and Norse myths. The most alluring reason
for
drawing on the myths was that the characters were multi-dimensional, both good and bad. The
heroes were always flawed, and the villains always had motive and backstory to explain their
horrible misdeeds. Using the myths as the framework for the stories, we fashioned a modern tale
using everyday main characters that children and young adults could relate to. To ensure we were
hitting our target market, we "tested" the stories on our own children to see if we were capturing
their interest. When our son begged us to stay up late one night so he could read the next chapter
of
The Hero Perseus (which we hadn't yet written!), we knew we were on the right track.
SPJ: It seems you hooked into a great storyline and you certainly have done a wonderful job
bringing all the characters from the myths into the read. I can only imagine what the future holds
in
your books What, if any reaction did you receive after your decision to write this book(s)?
ROBYN & TONY: We never told anyone we were writing a book until it was actually published.
We have been involved in many projects that others would think are crazy, such as risky
development deals and independent movies, and we did not want to have to explain ourselves
until
the book was a reality. Once the first book, "The Hero Perseus" was complete, most people were
impressed that we found the time and took the risk to do it.
SPJ: How long did it take you to complete your book(s)?
ROBYN & TONY: "The Hero Perseus" took one full year to write. "Atlas' Revenge" took about
two years because it is a more complicated story and we had to spend enormous amounts of time
marketing and promoting "Hero" while we were writing "Atlas".
SPJ: What was the most difficult part in writing your work(s)?
ROBYN & TONY: Editing is clearly the worst part. By the time you and your editor have gone
through the text about twenty times, you do not want to do the twenty first edit! SPJ: What was
the
most enjoyable?
ROBYN & TONY: We really enjoyed collaborating on the story. We do not sit down at the
computer and write together or we would drive each other crazy, but we do collaborate on
everything, which leads to some awfully interesting family discussions. (Can you imagine our
dinner
table conversation - it's definitely different than most families!)
SPJ: That sounds like fun; may I come to dinner? You have started your own publishing
company,
that is wonderful. May I ask, did you do this out of frustration of the way publishers overlook
unknown or was it a dream you had to do?
ROBYN & TONY: When we first completed the manuscript for "The Hero Perseus", we were
not
certain what to do next. We originally sent the manuscript out to numerous agents and publishers,
understanding from everything we read and researched that the rejection rate for unknown
authors
was enormous. After being rejected by the large publishing houses, we began to research the
"publishing business" and realized that with our education in accounting and law, our experience
(and certain contacts) in independent films, and our business savvy, we would be better off
creating
our own small publishing company. Starting Brainstorm Publications has been a decision we will
never regret because we did not have to give away large percentages of profits to an agent or
publisher. Several years later, the "Mad Myth Mystery" series is just starting to enjoy some
success,
and we only expect that to continue and grow.
SPJ: What advice would you give to authors who are looking for a publisher?
ROBYN & TONY: Persevere, and do not give up. If you are passionate about your work, which
is
an absolute requirement, then re-focus your marketing efforts if you get rejected - find another
publisher that specializes in your genre, seek out an agent, or self-publish after you have
researched
what to do.
SPJ: If you could speak directly to publishers, what would you tell them?
ROBYN & TONY: Publishers ought to go back and read "Atlas' Shrugged", because many of the
large publishing houses are caught up in mediocrity, publishing the same "safe" novels they
published twenty years ago. Greatness is out there, and it is being submitted for review every day
by
unknown authors, but I suspect that without the proper agent attached to a manuscript, the
submissions are thrown in the trash - that is unfortunate.
SPJ: Do you have an agent? A publicist? How important do you think this is to a writer?
ROBYN & TONY: We do not have an agent for U.S. sales, but we do have an agent for foreign
rights sales because that is an area we cannot take care of ourselves. We recently hired a publicist,
Phenix & Phenix, to help promote a "National presence" for the "Mad Myth Mystery" series, and
we
decided to work with a distributor, Biblio (a sister company to NBN Books), because Biblio
specializes in books sales for independent publishers. We are making some headway, but it is
tough
for a small press to compete for review space and publicity spots. It's hard to evaluate whether a
distributor or publicist's efforts lead to direct sales, but on a simple level, our publicist was
responsible for sending review copies of "The Hero Perseus" and "Atlas' Revenge" to The
Midwest
Book Review, which led to great reviews (thanks!) and ultimately, this interview!
SPJ: How important do you think it is to have reviews of your work and how did you go about
accomplishing this?
ROBYN & TONY: As mentioned above, many of our reviews have come through the efforts of
our
publicist, and the reviews are invaluable. Reviews sell books at every level. Distributors rely on
great
reviews to sell to wholesalers, and consumers rely on great reviews for their purchases. Outside of
our publicist's efforts, Tony and I have received recognition from other sources that we have been
able to use to boost sales. For example, right after "The Hero Perseus" was published, it was
accepted to the core reading list for Broward County Public Middle Schools and received a Top
Three IPPY (Independent Publisher's Book Award) Finalist Award for Best Juvenile/Young Adult
Fiction. That letter and the award became the springboard for thousands of sales to other school
districts throughout the Nation.
SPJ: How much promoting do you do? Any tips for other authors?
ROBYN & TONY: We promote constantly, and no matter how busy we get, at least one
submission
package goes out every day. We also visit over a dozen schools each year, talking with students,
and
promoting the series. My advice for other authors is to make phone calls and inquire about
submissions. The very worst thing that can happen is that you're told "no", and more often than
not,
you're told "yes".
SPJ: Do you belong to a writer's group?
ROBYN & TONY: No. Our time constraints are enormous, and we just do not have the time.
SPJ: What has writing this work done for you and what do you hope it will do for your readers?
What do you hope they will take away with them after reading your work?
ROBYN & TONY: We have accomplished something we always wanted to do, and that is reward
enough for our time and efforts. That is not to say we won't continue to push the "Mad Myth
Mystery" series to national success, but sometimes we have to look at the everyday small
successes
and feel satisfied. For example, this past week we received two fabulous letters from some
teenagers
who had just finished reading "The Hero Perseus". Their heartfelt praise was a great boost and
helps
to carry us through the tough times. We ultimately hope that all of our readers simply enjoy the
"Mad Myth Mystery" series because that is the sole purpose of a great fiction novel. (Of course,
most of the readers will not even realize that they have actually learned something about the
Greek
myths because they are so caught up in the story!)
SPJ: How supportive was your family in your writing experience and how important do you think
this is to a writer? ROBYN & TONY: Our children were (and still are) enormously supportive
and
they actually became our sounding board for the original drafts of The Hero Perseus. We read
them
chapters as they were written to gauge their reaction. This also helped ensure that the story was
clear and understandable to a young reader. Our families also have been a huge source of support
and encouragement. It would be virtually impossible to put in the hours we do without the
support
and understanding of our families.
SPJ: Do you have any other works in progress? If so in what genre and when will they be
released?
ROBYN & TONY: As mentioned, currently our time is consumed by Books 3-5 of the "Mad
Myth
Mystery" series. At times, however, when we need a mental break from the series, we work on
other
projects. (Robyn occasionally submits short stories for competitions offered through publications
such as "Writer's Digest", and Tony still dabbles in script writing and has a few projects in the
works).
SPJ: How many hours a day do you write?
ROBYN & TONY: Our writing time varies from day-to-day, and is generally limited by how busy
we are in our development business, and how busy our children are with their activities.
Generally,
we both try to find about fifteen hours each week to write. (We sleep very little!)
SPJ: Is there a special place that you write, one that inspires you? Has there been a special person
who inspired you to write?
ROBYN & TONY: (Robyn) I travel everywhere with my laptop, and have become extremely
adept
at tuning out the world if I need to concentrate. Many times I write for an hour or two while
waiting
for my children to finish basketball practice! This may not be the most ideal situation for writing,
but
it works for me, although I usually have to go back and edit when I do find quieter time. I don't
think I can isolate one particular person who has inspired me to write, but I do read a great deal,
and
I think my inspiration comes from many sources.
(Tony) I generally write late at night in our home office after everyone has gone to bed because
that
is the only time my phone stops ringing!
SPJ: Has having a book published changed your life in anyway and if so please share that with
us.
ROBYN & TONY: Absolutely. We feel an enormous sense of accomplishment that we actually
have
two books that now grace the shelves of our local (and national) bookstores. Our day-to-day now
involves a huge effort toward marketing and promotion, and our evenings (after our children go
to
bed) are consumed with writing Book 3 of the "Mad Myth Mystery" series. We are quite
busy.
SPJ: Where do you hope your writing career will be in 3 years and what are you doing to achieve
that goal.
ROBYN & TONY: Three years from now, at a minimum, we will have completed and published
Books 3 and 4 of the "Mad Myth Mystery" series, and be well on our way toward completing
Book
5. Book 3 (currently untitled!) is scheduled to be released in Spring 2006, and the research and
outlines for Books 4 and 5 are complete (so that each "Mad Myth Mystery" will foreshadow the
next). As for achieving that goal, we can only continue to write and publish if the "Mad Myth
Mystery" series is successful, so in that regard, we are constantly re-evaluating and updating our
marketing and promotion efforts. Brainstorm Publications has seen a consistent rise in sales from
year to year, so we know that our efforts are paying off.
SPJ: A question a little off the beaten track, do you read and if so what genre is your
favorite?
ROBYN & TONY: (Robyn) My favorite author is Ayn Rand, and my favorite novel is "Atlas
Shrugged". Tony gave me a copy of "Atlas Shrugged" when we were dating in college at
University
of Florida (go Gators!), and I could not put the book down once I started reading. We raised
some
of the main themes of "Atlas Shrugged" in our second novel "Atlas' Revenge", because we believe
our young adult readers ought to embrace the notion of excellence early on.
Both Tony and I are also hooked on Dan Brown and loved "The DaVinci Code" and "Angels &
Demons".
SPJ: Would you tell us a little about yourself, outside of being a published author?
ROBYN & TONY: We both graduated from University of Florida School of Accounting and
School of Law.
(Tony) A die-hard entrepreneur, I went right into business and started a successful real-estate
development company.
(Robyn) I practiced law for a few years with a large firm, decided it wasn't for me, and ultimately
joined Tony in our business, taking care of daily legal matters. Being in business for ourselves
gives
us flexibility to be available for our children, and to work on the "Mad Myth Mystery" series.
ROBYN & TONY: In 1995, we co-wrote and produced an independent feature film titled
"Catherine's Grove". A few years later we produced another independent film titled "Chapter
Zero",
written and directed by Aaron Mendelsohn (author of Disney's "Air Bud"). We later decided to
switch our writing focus into novels, rather than film, and in 2001, began writing the "Mad Myth
Mystery" series.
SPJ: Please use this space for anything you would like to share with our readers concerning
publishing, writing or your publishing experience in general.
ROBYN & TONY: We are of the mindset that if we set out to do something, it will be done. The
word "no" is not part of our vocabulary. However, in order to be part of this business as a writer
or
publisher, you have to be able to deal with rejection and constantly move forward with a different
angle, because the competition is fierce. Nonetheless, if you love to write, do not let the
competition
scare you away. The rewards outweigh the daily struggle.
SPJ: Thank you so much Robyn and Tony for allowing me to do this interview with you. Wow! It
was great. I look forward to reading more of your work in the future and I pray for you to have
exciting writing years ahead of you, sharing your wonderful tales with us all.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Brainstorm Publications, Inc.
24 NE 24th Avenue Pompano Beach, FL 33062
(954) 941-3329 (PH)
(954) 943-7708 (FAX)
Contact: Robyn or Tony DiTocco
rditocco@brainstormpublications.com
tditocco@brainstormpublications.com
www.brainstormpublications.com
The Hero Perseus
ISBN (Paper) 0972342915
ISBN (Cloth) 0972342907
Atlas' Revenge
ISBN (Paper) 0972342931
ISBN (Cloth) 0972342923
INTERVIEW WITH PHILIP MEDLEY - Author of "Curse The Darkness"
SPJ: I have read and reviewed countless books on more subjects than I can remember; but there
are
times when a work is so outstanding, so well written and with a storyline so unforgettable that
you
know it simply must be shared. This is how I feel about Mr. Medley's work, "Curse The
Darkness." I
cannot recommend this book strongly enough and I knew I had to know a little bit about the man
behind the story. With such an amazing book, he must certainly be an amazing person. Let's
begin.
SPJ: Philip, as a Christian I absolutely loved this work. However, I know that even those who
have
no religion within them would not be able to put this book down.Your subject matter is so
different
from any that I have read before, how did you come up with it? And what made you decide to
write
this book?
PHILIP: First I would like to thank you for taking the time to read and review my book. I was
very
pleased to read your review and overwhelmed by your praise of my work. Thank you. It was my
daughter Emily's first slumber party. She was in the fourth grade and invited five of her friends to
spend the night. The hour approached when all of their games, giggling and chitchat settled down.
They were all lying on the living room floor and tucked into their sleeping bags. My wife was
going
to sleep on the couch in case one of them woke and needed something. I was about to head up to
bed when one of them asked, "Will you tell us a scary story?" This question resonated through
our
small gathering and without delay I had six little girls begging me to scare them. I had a thousand
stories to tell-real and imagined-but for the life of me could not think of one. So I thought for a
moment and came up with one off the cuff. The only problem was that I wasn't thinking of a story
that would thrill the hearts and minds of nine and ten year old girls. I had instead created a story
that
would leave me-a thirty-five year old man-in a quivering heap if it were ever to happen to me. I
made it half way through the tail-and had become quite engrossed in the telling of it-when I
became
nervously aware of the angelic whimpers rising up from the floor begging me to stop followed by
one frantic plea towards heaven, "Oh God please make him stop." Realizing that I had just made it
impossible for any of them to rest peacefully and seeing my poor wife's expression of I can't
believe
you just did that, not to mention the phone calls after the children returned home and their parents
demanding to know why I had psychologically damaged their child, I quickly settled them down
and
amended the story, filling it with happy sesame street like characters throwing a wonderful party
for
a friend. They were all delighted and relieved, save one whose dissatisfaction was thrown at me
with
strong disapproval, "That wasn't scary!" The next day at work, I thought more about the story
and
thought it might make a good book. By the end of the day I had developed most of the characters
and story line. I played around with it for a couple of years, working on it now and then.
However, I
really didn't take it that seriously until one summer my wife and me were sitting in our back porch
talking. I told her that I believed Curse The Darkness would make a good book and that I could
write it. She said, "Get busy writing" and that was all I needed. I started writing that very
day.
SPJ: I must say that is quite a story of "Curse The Darkness," beginning. Are the characters
fashioned in anyway after people you know, or have known?Of course I certainly hope the 'dark'
characters are not, but I have learned to not be surprised what or who people have encountered
during their lives journey.
PHILIP: The personalities of some of the characters reflect friends and relatives, while others are
made up. In my profession I very often encounter the results of evil; the evil one human being
inflicts
on another. Evil has no redemptive characteristics. It shows no kindness or compassion. It is
certainly without mercy and seeks only to achieve it own selfish ends. It lays and waits for young
and old-it does not discriminate. It only wants to feed its insatiable hunger for broken and
destroyed
lives. I tried to capture this when I wrote the dark characters in the book.
SPJ: Philip, you definitely captured the true essence of the darkness.Tell me, have your characters
become a part of your life? This may seem like a strange question, however other authors have
told
me during the writing of their work they think of their characters all the time. Was this true in
your
case?
PHILIP: Yes, Absolutely. But more than this, it is their world and the effect it has on them. You
think about their lives outside of the story, their friends, their children, their brothers and sisters,
their parents. You think about things that have absolutely nothing to do with the story. You feel
what they feel, hear what they hear, see what they see. You can smell the moss and mildew
growing
in the cracks between the stones of a nearly 300-year-old wall. You can count the number of
bushes
growing in front of the house that the wall surrounds. You find yourself living in their world and
you
carry it around with you. Some people call this the zone. The psychological and scientific term for
it
is Flow, but around my house we called it Lawrence land-so named for one of the main characters
in
the book. When you are writing you become so lost in their world you feel you are actually there.
I'm not talking about a mystical or out of body experience. I've heard a few writers say that some
kind of muse or some other entity or ghost from the past came and took over the writing while
they
had an out of body experience. No. What I'm talking about is pure imagination and attempting to
create a work of fiction from that.
SPJ:I understand exactly what you are saying. Tell me, did you find any resistance (natural or
supernatural) trying to keep you from finishing this book?
PHILIP: None other than my own doubts. Once I was past that I was driven, but in a good way.
SPJ: I'm glad to hear that. What, if any reaction did you receive after your decision to write this
book?
PHILIP: Only positive ones. I've been blessed with very supportive friends and family.
SPJ: How long did it take you to complete?
PHILIP: About one year.
SPJ: What was the most difficult part in writing your work? And what did you find as the most
enjoyable?
PHILIP: The most difficult part was the grammar and spell checking. What a laborious and time
sucking task. I had my wife and a friend go over it after I went over it several times and the
manuscript was still full of red ink. When your writing you're not aware of all the mistakes, you're
just creating and not thinking about every comma and quotation mark. Researching some of the
dates and places was fun. For instance I made mention of a milkman making home deliveries back
on
the 1940s. I wasn't sure if there were milkmen and milk trucks back then so I had to research it to
make sure. That's a small example, but it was things like that and there were a few of them. The
most enjoyable part was the actual writing, and that would be for the reason I've already
mentioned.
The zone is a wonderful place to be. It's a natural high.
SPJ: Tell us, did you find it difficult to find a publisher and if so what did you do to remedy that?
How long did it take to publish your work?
PHILIP: Once I finished the book, I sat on it for about a year. I researched publisher, literary
agencies, and submission requirements. I was getting ready to start submitting my queries to
several
agencies when my wife told me that she saw the senior editor of Helm Publishing on TV talking
about one of Helm's new releases. My wife said that Helm Publishing was located in our city so I
thought that before I tried anyone else I would submit to Helm first. I think it was about three or
four weeks later Dianne Helm contacted me by phone and said that they were interested in seeing
my manuscript. Along with my query, I sent a copy of the cover I illustrated for my book and she
also asked me if I would be interested in illustrating book covers for them. Of course I said,
"Yes."
About a week or two later Dianne called me back, said that she really enjoyed the book, and
asked if
I would be interested in being published by them. Of course I said "yes." That was in July of 2004
and I was officially published in September of 2004.
SPJ: Wonderful, how exciting for you. What advice would you give to authors who are looking
for
a publisher?
PHILIP: Research: From everything I have read on the subject, it is not easy to get published.
Getting published on my first try, all I can say is that I was blessed. But I do know that people
need
to beware. There are a lot of scams out there and a lot of people offering empty services and
promises for those who are willing to pay their hard earned money for a shot at success. You can
find a lot of legitimate sources on the net but be a skeptic and read carefully. Go to your local
library. You can find everything you need to know there. Especially if you have a good
librarian
SPJ: Do you have an agent? A publicist?
PHILIP: No. Like I said, Helm is the only company I queried, so after being chosen by them I
didn't
see the need. I'm sure there may come a time when I will have to rethink this but not right
now.
SPJ: How much promoting do you do? Any tips for other authors?
PHILIP: Right now I'm doing book signings and some interviews. Listen to your publisher. They
are
in the business of selling books and thinking of new and old ways of doing so. Make yourself
available when they have a promotion in mind.
SPJ: Do you belong to a writer's group?
PHILIP: No. Before all of this I didn't even know that there was such a thing. I just like to write. I
will ask for the opinions of anyone willing to give one though, as long as it's constructive. I have
found honest opinions very valuable. I like it when some one tells me they don't like what I have
written, as long as they can tell me why. It opens me up to thinking about other approaches to the
material. I usually know I have missed the mark before I ask anyway. If I don't agree with their
critique I will argue for the work and state my case. If it turns out that they are right then it only
means that the work is improved.
SPJ: What has writing this work done for you and what do you hope it will do for your readers?
What do you hope they will take away with them after reading your work? Pure reading
enjoyment
or some thought provoking material?
PHILIP: Enjoyment. That's what it has done for, or rather, given me. I feel blessed to be able to
tell
a good story and to have others listen. Enjoyment is what I hope for the reader. I hope it makes
the
reader laugh and cry; I hope it scares the hell out of them, but only in a good way. Some of my
readers found it hard to get past the cover. I admit, the cover is creepy and is only a dim reflection
of what lies beyond it, but once inside the pages they've found that there is so much more to the
book than just creepy. Every reader I've had the opportunity to talk to has told me that it gave
him
or her the creeps. Some have told me they had a hard time going to bed alone after reading it. But
with out exception every one of them has told me that it was a truly moving story. If by chance
the
readers thoughts are provoked beyond the story and it somehow adds something to their life, then
that's just more icing on the cake.
SPJ: Philip, I felt the cover was perfect for your book. Of course I love everything about this
work.
How supportive were your family and friends in your writing experience and how important do
you
think this is to a writer?
PHILIP: It is vital. I cannot say enough about the support I've received. God has blessed me with
a
wonderful wife who has been with me every step of the way on this. My children as well have
been
remarkable.They love to hear my stories and are always ready to hear a new one. They are the
ones I
get to try them out on. My friends (two of them in particular) never stopped encouraging me. My
brother, my sisters and my parents, all of them supported me in this, and I cannot imagine what it
would have been like if they had not.
SPJ: It is said, that writers are always thinking of their next work; mulling over new characters or
new experiences to mold into a story. With that said, do you have any other works in progress? If
so
in what genre and when will they be released? Will there be a sequel to "Curse The
Darkness?"
PHILIP: I'm currently writing my next novel, and working on two more on the side. My next one
is
science fiction and I'm already getting some really good feed back about it. I've also discussed and
read parts of it to my publisher over the phone and she's excited. She has asked me a few times
when
I think I'll have it done. I tell her maybe six months, maybe a year. I won't be writing a sequel to
Curse The Darkness, but I have been thinking for some time about maybe writing a prequel.
SPJ: How many hours a day do you write?
PHILIP: As many as I can fit in between my job and my family. Some days I will sit and write
only a
few paragraphs while I go into my head and spend hours exploring the world I'm trying to create.
That probably sounds strange, but it's fun just the same.
SPJ: Is there a special place that you write, one that inspires you? Has there been a special person
who inspired you to write?
PHILIP: I write in my office with my feet up and my keyboard in my lap. I've been composing
instrumental music since I was a kid, so music is a real inspiring force when I write. I love music
that
is emotional and melodic; for some reason it really puts me there. My friend has 160 acres out in
the
country and I go out into his woods and camp for a few days. I do this several time during the
summer. Most of the time I take the kids with me, but sometimes I go by myself. Every time we
come home I am inspired with new words. My wife and kids and the love I have for them inspires
me the most, especially with the book I'm writing now. For me though, the foundation of all my
inspiration is in the eternal in whom I find an endless supply.
SPJ: Has having a book published changed your life in anyway and if so please share that with
us.
PHILIP: Not a whole lot. I mean we are all happy about it and we feel proud that the book is
getting
really good comments and reviews like yours (thank you again) but our day to day is pretty much
the same.
SPJ: You're welcome, truth is truth! :0) Where do you hope your writing career will be in 3 years
and what are you doing to achieve that goal.
PHILIP: I would like to write full time. But what writer wouldn't, right? I don't know, I'm just
follow God's lead right now and going through the motions. So I guess wherever he takes it,
that's
where I'll go. In my profession I work with troubled teens and families in crisis. I do know that I
will
continue in this regardless of anything else. It would be nice to write for a living and volunteer for
the agency I work for.
SPJ: A question a little off the beaten track, do you read and if so what genre is your
favorite?
PHILIP: I really don't read that much. I read psychology reference material for my job, the Bible,
and sometimes I will pick up a novel and start reading it but I never get very far with them.
SPJ: Would you tell us a little about yourself, outside of being a published author?
PHILIP: I am the seventh of nine children and I grew up in the Midwest. I have traveled
extensively
and have seen some of the most beautiful sights in the world. I love helping others. Most of my
work is with our local police departments and I am on call 24 hours a day five days a week. This
includes holidays. I know when my pager goes off, it usually means someone is in desperate need
and I feel privileged to have the chance to help. What I am about though, is my wife, our three
girls,
our two boys, and our foster son. Through them I have come to know the depths of God's
goodness.
SPJ: Your faith, love and goodness certainly shows through to others Philip. Please use this space
for anything you would like to share with our readers concerning publishing, writing or your
publishing experience in general.
PHILIP: To all of the above all I can say is, what a wonderful experience it has been. If anyone is
interested in buying my book, it is available through Barns&Nobles, Borders, Amazon.com, and
Helm Publishing.
SPJ: I want to thank Philip for allowing me to do this interview. Readers, don't miss this book; it
is
outstanding! I really know in my heart that Philip has a great future ahead of him and I have
enjoyed
getting to know him better. May God bless everything you put your hands to Philip. Thank you
again.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Helm Publishing
3923 Seaward Ave Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 398-4660
www.publishersdrive.com
dianne@publishersdrive.com
philjmedley@yahoo.com
Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
Vicki's Bookshelf
Ballpark
Lynn Curlee
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10020
ISBN 0689867425 $17.95, 48 pages, www.SimonSaysKids.com
If you love baseball, changes are you love one particular ballpark. Boston fans wax poetic about
Fenway Park. Cub fans are adamant that Wrigley Field is the classic ballfield. Busch Stadium is a
hit
with folks from Missouri, and Yankee fans are passionate about the House The Ruth Built. Beside
passionate fans, there's one other thing all ballparks - from the Union Grounds in Brooklyn built in
1862 to the Baltimore Oriole's Camden Yards built in 1992 - have in common: each has its own
vibrant and unique history. In the picture book history book by Sibert Honor Award winner Lunn
Curlee, the author explores the histories and the cultural significances of America' s most famous
ballparks. Grand in scope and illustrations, and filled with nifty anecdotes about these "green
cathedrals," "Ballpark" also explores the changing social climate that accompanied baseball's rise
from a minor sport to the national pastime. A Junior Library Guild Selection, recommended for
elementary students K-5.
The Valley of Secrets
Charmian Hussey, author
Christopher Crump, illustrator
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
1230 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10020
ISBN 0689878621 $16.95, 384 pages, www.SimonSaysKids.com
Stephen Landbury is an orphan who thinks he has no relatives at all until the day a letter arrives
telling him that a distant uncle is dead. Suddenly, Stephen finds himself the only heir to a great
estate
in the countryside. So Stephen sets off to claim his inheritance, but when he arrives there is
nothing
to greet him at Lansbury Hall but a mystery. The puzzle is as tangled as the vines on the hall's
front
gate, but two things are clear: Stephen's uncle kept to himself, and none of the townspeople know
he's dead. But why does Stephen feel that something or someone is in the house? Curious tracks
glisten through the kitchen table dust, food in the pantry keeps switching places, and Stephen
swears
he saw a dark figure lurking outside in the dark woods. By reading his great-uncle's diary,
Stephen
learns about his journey through the Amazon jungle nearly 75 years before, and a fantastic truth
unfolds. While the mystery of Lansbury Hall is stranger than he could have imagined, it's not
nearly
as incredible as the reality. A classically stylish page-turner for young adult readers.
Dr. Welch and the Great Grape Story
Mary Lou Carney, author
Sherry Meidell, illustrator
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church St., Honesdale, Penn. 18431
ISBN 1590780396 $16.95, 32 pages, www.boydsmillspress
"Thomas Bramwell Welch has a problem. Not with his family. Not with his dentist's office. His is
a
purple problem. A great grape problem." It's 1869 when the idea struck Dr. Welch. For years
people
had been using grapes to make wine. But Dr. Welch thought he could make a sweeter drink, one
that everyone could enjoy. He used his imagination and the help of his older son to squeeze the
grapes, heat the juice, and fill bottles. When it was finally time to sample the first sip, would it be
the
sweetest, most "purpleicious" juice ever -- or a sour grapes disaster? Mary Lou Carney's lively
prose
and Sherry Meidell's spirited watercolors combine to tell the remarkable true story of grape juice's
journey from idea to invention.
Timepieces
Virginia Hamilton
Blackstone Audiobooks
PO Box 969 Ashland, Oregon 97520
ISBN 0786182415 $36.00, 3 CDs each www.BlackstoneAudio.com
"Time Pieces" is a quietly beautiful coming-of-age story from a master storyteller, and lends itself
well to this audiobook production, narrated by actress Lisa Renee Pitts. The story features
11-year-old Valena, her family, and dog who live in rural Ohio, where she and her cousin Melinda
share experiences that include seeing the aurora borealis, surviving a tornado, and going to an
amazing circus. Yet Valena lives in both the present and the past as she struggles with racism in
her
daily life and listens to and learns from her mother's tales of her family's proud history. Moving
backward and forward in time, these pieces of Valena's life blend to form an extraordinary portrait
of the ties that bind her family together over generations. Drawing from her own family history,
Virginia Hamilton has deftly woven together moments in time, creating a seamless and poignant
masterpiece. An unabridged production of approximately four hours.
Winnie-The-Pooh: The House at Pooh Corner
A.A. Milne
Blackstone Audiobooks
PO Box 969 Ashland, Oregon 97520
ISBN 0786182970 (Winnie)
ISBN 0786181982 (House) $27.00, 3 CDs each www.BlackstoneAudio.com
Nobody brings A.A. Milne's timeless Winnie-The-Pooh tales alive like actor/orator Peter Dennis.
Once again his artful readings are released for audio listening enjoyment, this time in two
three-CD
sets from Blackstone Audiobooks. "Winnie-The Pooh" - first published in 1826 -- comprises the
first
unabridged 3-hour presentation in the line's "Pooh Classics." Volume two contains the unabridged
"The House At Pooh Corner," first published in 1928. "One day when Pooh Bear had nothing else
to
do, he thought he would do something, so he went round to Piglet's house to see what Piglet was
doing." Thus begins "The House At Pooh Corner," A.A. Milne's wonderful companion volume to
"Winnie-the-Pooh." Listeners will rediscover Pooh, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, and all
their
friends and be introduced to the irrepressible and very bouncy Tigger.
Sir Gawain & The Green Knight
Michael Morpurgo, author
Michael Foreman, illustrator
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
ISBN 0763625191 $18.99, 116 pages, www.candlewick.com
It's New Year's Eve in Camelot, where King Arthhur, Queen Guinevere and all their good knights
wait breathlessly for an extravagant feast to begin. Suddenly, a strange, frightening knight bursts
into
the hall - a giant of a man, green from head to toe, who challenges the Court to a shocking game.
Only the chivalrous Sir Gawain dares to take on the hideous Green Knight. But over the
unexpected
course of his test, will Gawain prove as brave and honest as he'd like to believe? Welcome to a
medieval world of sword fights, monsters and magic, and timeless characters boeh gallant and
wonderfully human. Written anonymously in the 14th Century. "Sir Gawain and the Green
Knight"
is retold in its entirety by Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo in a lively and accessible
narration
that captures all the tale' dram and humor. Vivid illustrations by the celebrated Michael Foreman
infuse this classic tale with the sights and colors of dragons, swords, and medieval pageantry.
Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories
Rudyard Kipling, author
illustrated by various
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
ISBN 0763626295 $22.99, 128 pages, www.candlewick.com
Namely, this exemplary collection houses eight of Rudyard Kipling's fantastic "Just So Stories":
"How the Whale Got His Throat," "How the Camel Got His Hump," "How The Rhinoceros Got
His
Skin," "How the Leopard Got His Spots," "The Elephant's Child," "The Sing-Song of Old Man
Kangaroo," "The Beginning of the Armadillos," and "The Cat That Walked by Himself. But
almost
more importantly, are the illustrators aptly chosen to provide colorful, lively art animating the
pages,
namely: the amazing Clare Melinsky, Christopher Corr, Chathie Felstead, Louise Voce, Jeff
Fisher.
Jane Ray, Satoshi Kitamura, and the amazing Peter Sis. A playful and artful combination.
Tales of Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen, author
Joel Stewart, illustrator
Candlewick Press 2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
ISBN 0763625159 $22.99, 208 pages, www.candlewick.com
Hans Christian Andersen called his life a fairy tale, but as Naomi Lewis points out in her
introduction, "Fairy tales also have their darker side." Though he rose from the obscurity of the
slums to become one of the most famous men in the world, Andersen was often plagued by
self-doubt and financial insecurity, just as the protagonists of his stories are faced with terrible
trials.
But of course it is these dark moments that are among the most memorable aspecs of his work.
From the more than 160 tales that Andersen wrote, 13 of his best are brought to life by translator
Lewis and illustrator Joel Steward in this volume, including "The Princess and the Pea,"
"Thumbelina," "The Emperor's New Clothes," "The Little Mermaid," "The Ugly Duckling" and
"The
Snow Queen."
Octopus
Carol K. Lindeen
Capstone Press / Pebble Plus
151 Good Counsel Dr., P.O. Box 669, Mankato, Minn. 56002
ISBN 0736836616 $14.95 www.capstone-press.com
The Pebble Plus line of "Big Books for Beginning Readers" could have been an excellent staple
for
elementary school K-1 classrooms if the information contained wasn't so oversimplified. Curious
readers four and up will surely want more details than "most octopuses are smaller than people."
How small? How big? Overall, the series is shortsighted in its quest to inform in easy-to-read
language. The "Under The Sea" series sports gorgeous photography on high interest subjects, as
does the "Bugs, Bugs, Bugs" series featuring separate titles on walkingsticks, butterflies,
ladubugs,
spiders, and more. But with such useless information text as "Walkingsticks look like sticks that
can
walk," even the most rudimentary reader will feel shortchanged.
Pink: Seeing Pink All Around Us
Michael Dahl
Capstone Press
151 Good Counsel Dr., P.O. Box 669, Mankato, Minn. 56002
ISBN 0736836705 $16.95 www.capstone-press.com
The "A+ Colors Series" of educational books could have been a frivolous rhyming picture book
series unworthy of much practical use. But the author has cleverly used bouncy rhyming text to
make the subject playful, then provides memorable trivia in a sidebar on each spread. So what if
cotton candy is pink? What's interesting is that 100 years ago when it was first made, it was called
"fairy floss." It's no big surprise that many piggy banks are pink, but kids will be interested to
know
that they got their name from the "pygg" clay that first made them, not because of the animal
shape
we know today. Subjects range from kid-friendly bubblegum, ice cream and tutus to curriculum
subjects such as clouds, growing plants, and, of course, mixing colors. A surprisingly useful series
done well. Other subjects in the series: black, brown, and white.
Bras & Broomsticks
Sarah Mlynowski
Delacorte Press
c/o Random House
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
ISBN 0385731817 $15.95, 312 pages, www.randomhouse.com/teens
Harry Potter meets Bridget Jones' little sister in "Bras & Broomsticks" by best-selling chick-lit
novelist Sarah Mlynowski. The bewitching novel establishes Mlynowski as a new force in teen
fiction with the first in a series of the misadventures of Rachel, a high-energy, self-depreciating,
angst-ridden high school freshman who just can't get her magical powers to kick in. Every girl
could
use a little magic! Especially 14-year-old Rachel Weinstein, whose first year of high school is not
going as planned. Her best friend has dumped her for the cool crowd, her little sister's boobs are
bigger than hers, and her father is marrying a woman she can't stand. Just when things can't get
any
worse, she finds out her sister Miri has inherited magical powers from their mother. With two
witches in the family, her life is sure to get better. Despite her mother's warning, it can't hurt if she
coaxes Miri into some minor magical spells, can it? New clothes, an instant "in" with the A-list,
and
a cute boyfriend aren't too much to ask for. But as we all know: be careful what you wish for - it
just
may come true. A laugh-out-loud, charming novel for teens. A funny and fresh writer, chick-lit
novelist Mlynowski has created magical characters readers will love.
The Girl Who Invented Romance
Caroline B. Cooney
Delacorte Press / Random House
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
ISBN 0385732392 $8.95, 192 pages, www.randomhouse.com/teens
Every girl knows the guilty pleasure of a juicy magazine romance quiz. Sixteen-year-old Kelly
Williams is no exception. But for all the quizzes she has taken, she is still clueless when it comes
to
relationships. They seem to be full of surprises and unknown twists - just like the game of
Monopoly
you never know what you're going to roll, or what good or bad square you will land on. Perfect
for
Valentines Day, this pleasant paperback is also a playing board for the "Romance: The Game of
Love" that Kelly invents to encourage her best friend Faith to gain the guts to approach her secret
new crush. Included are "Trait" cards describing a boy's attributes, as well as "Date" cards
denoting
actual dating excursions. What begins as a simple experiment becomes a complicated game that
will
forever change Kelly's outlook on love. A lovely Valentine's Day gift from the skilled author of
"The
Face on the Milk Carton" and "Driver's Ed."
Running with the Reservoir Pups
Colin Bateman
Delacorte Press
c/o Random House
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
ISBN 0385732449 $15.95, 266 pages, www.randomhouse.com/teens
Getting into trouble and hanging out with the wrong crowd resultsin the adventure of a lifetime in
Colin Bateman's "Running With The Reservoir Pups," the first installment in the "Eddie & The
Gang
With No Name" trilogy, a comical adventure about a group of troublesome Irish boys. Eddie is a
young boy who lives in a small village off the coast of Ireland. After hearing the shocking news
that
his parents are divorcing, Eddie is forced to move to the city with his mother. Disappointed and
upset, Eddie makes the big move and finds himself becoming friendly with a grubby gang of
troublemaker boys: the Reservoir Pups. But the scrappy gang doesn't admit just anybody. Eddie's
initiation mission involves breaking into the hospital where his mom works. Against his better
judgment, Eddie takes the challenge and inadvertently stumbles upon some twisted baby snatchers
along the way. Eddie's downward spiral and struggle with rights and wrong gives heart to the
exciting story.
I Am The Messenger
Markus Zusak
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
ISBN 0375830995 $16.95, 368 pages, www.randomhouse.com/kids
Aussie author Markus Zusak is known for finding beauty and hope amidst society's dark and
seedy
underbelly. In his new novel, "I Am The Messenger," the writer casts his spotlight on Ed
Kennedy,
an underage cab driver living in a tin shack with a smelly mutt for a companion and not much of a
future. The 19-year-old leads a life of mediocrity. He nurses a painful crush on his best-friend
Audrey, and has zero ambition. When he inadvertently stops a bank robbery, life as he knows it
changes. He begins receiving anonymous aces in the mail - aces that send him on mysterious
missions. Ed blindly follows the cards' wishes, becoming a silent aid in the lives of strangers. But
what is the purpose of it all? Who is sending the cards? Zusak's unorthodox mystery leads Ed
through a series of chance encounters with various characters, and as the novel progresses, Ed's
mission brings him closer to home and ultimately closer to himself - a mystery only he can solve.
Zusak skillfully, poetically paints an extraordinary picture of ordinary life.
24 Girls in 7 Days
Alex Bradley
Dutton Children's Books
345 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014
ISBN 0525473696 $15.99, 266 pages, www.penguinputnam.com.
The list of things sadder than Jack Grammar's love life is short. It can only include things like
children lost in supermarkets and old ladies who lose their glasses on top of their heads. In his
current sad state of affairs, Jack can't get a date to the prom. So his supposed best friends pull a
whacked out prank on him by posting a personal ad in the online version of the school paper.
Jack's
pretty sure he'll be a laughingstock, but the response is a shocker. Now there's a list of girls - 24
of
them - Jack has to schedule dates with before the prom, which is just seven days away. Dating 24
girls is chaos. Sure, it's a dream come true for almost every teenage boy, but it just might drive
Jack
crazy. What's a guy to do when he goes from being the slightly geeky kids who can name all
20-some Shakespeare plays to suddenly being the flavor of the moment? What does he do, for
example, when he gets flashed by girls waiting in front of his house? Or when kissing his best
friend
is suddenly his favorite thing to do? Jack isn't sure he can handle it, but our boy muddles through
the
hilarious trip. A fun, fun read, tailor made for a fast-moving teen movie.
Franklin & Eleanor
Cheryl Harness
Dutton Children's Books
345 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014
ISBN 0525472592 $17.99, 32 pages, www.penguinputnam.com.
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt shared the same distant ancestors, love, children, and a desire to
devote their lives to helping people. In their hearts, they found the strength, mutual respect, and
courage to face crippling polio and other personal struggles, two world ward, the Great
Depression,
and four presidential terms of office. Franklin and Eleanor became a famous and remarkable team
that led Americans through some of its most difficult times. From an author-illustrator renowned
for
making picture book history for young readers come to life.
Beekman's Big Deal
Michael de Guzman
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
ISBN 0374306729 $16.00, 214 pages, www.fsgbooks.com
Beekman O'Day has lived every minute of his 12 years in New York City on the island of
Manhattan, with his father, Leo, who makes his money making dubious deals. Beekman has
attended
nine schools, he and Leo have resided in hotels, apartments, and rented rooms: 14 different places
in
all since he was born. But not anymore. As he enters yet another new school, as he and Leo move
once again, Beekman decides that enough is enough. He makes a deal with his father - a big deal.
No more moving around. They'll stay put and lead a regular life because Beekman wants to
concentrate on other things such as his new best friend's twin sister. Then the big deal becomes a
big mess. Beekman is expelled from school, his father tells him they must move again, and the girl
he
admires doesn't admire him. But this story is of a boy who stands his ground, refuses to give up,
and
is ready to close in on his big deal. A wonderful coming-of-age story for middle grade boys.
Beverly Billingsly Takes the Cake
Alexander Stadler
Harcourt
525 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101
15 E. 26th St., NY, NY 10010
ISBN 0152053573 $16.00, 32 pages, www.HarcourtBooks.com
Beverly Billingsly is the talented star of three picture books by Alexander Stadler. She embarks on
a
tasty new challenge in this cute tale in which cake takes center stage. Naturally, it's not just any
cake. She will bake the Caramel Candy Castle Cake for her friend Oliver, using. It's the perfect
recipe. Just gazing upon it sends Beverly on a magical journey through the Land of Cake. Surely
she
can pull it off or can she? Conquering the odds is a recurring theme for the sweet character, and
here she once again charmingly bucks the odds. For ages 3-6.
The Librarian of Basra
Jeanette Winter
Harcourt
525 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101
15 E. 26th St., NY, NY 10010
ISBN 0152054456 $16.00, 32 pages, www.HarcourtBooks.com
Award-winning children's book author-illustrator Jeanette Winter just couldn't get Alia
Muhammad
Baker off her mind. Winter read an article about Baker in the New York Times on July 27, 2003,
and very soon had this true story completed about a librarian in Basra, Iraq. For 14 years, her
library
had been a meeting place for those who love books. Until, that is, war comes, and Alia fears that
the
library, along with the 30,000 books within it - will be destroyed forever. In a war-stricken
country
where civilians - especially women - have little power, this true story about a librarian's struggle to
save her community's priceless collection of books reminds us all how, throughout the world, the
love of literature and the respect for knowledge know no boundaries.
Sexy
Joyce Carol Oates
Harper Tempest
c/o HarperCollins
1350 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10019-4703
ISBN 0060541490 $16.99, 266 pages, www.harperchildrens.com
Darren Flynn has the perfect life - until that day in November. What happened that day changed
everything. Did it even happen to him? It changed his life. Changed him. Nothing is as it was
before.
His friends, his family, even the people who are supposed to be in charge are not the people
Darren
thought they were. Now they're not to be trusted. This compelling , masterfully written novel by
acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates is the best-selling writer's third young adult work of fiction.
"Sexy" explores one teenager's search for identity in a complex, deceiving world, and the answers
he
finds in the most unexpected places.
The Great Rat of Sumatra or Pirates Galore
Sid Fleischman
Greenwillow Books
c/o HarperCollins
1350 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10019-4703
ISBN 0060742380 $15.99, 194 pages, www.harperchildrens.com
From Newbery Medalist Sid Fleischman comes this swashbuckling tale for ages 10 and up.
Plucked
from the sea by the most norotious pirate in the Pacific, Shipwreck discovers his adventure is only
beginning. It starts with a pirate ship cutting through the fog, her huge figurehead sporting a
ferocious rat with crooked teeth and gouged-out eyes. When the daring giant Rat of Sumatra
drops
anchor in San Diego, twelve-year-old cabin boy Shipwreck only wants to begin his long journey
home to Boston, Instead he encounters snarling mutineers, barefoot bandits, duels, secret
identities,
scrappy orphans, betrayals, lost loves, old enemies and new villains. Naturally enough, there's
stolen
treasure too, and it's o well hidden that only someone as clever as Shipwreck could nab it. A very
exciting adventure.
Chinese Cinderella and the Secret Dragon Society
Adeline Yen Mah
HarperCollins
1350 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10019-4703
ISBN 0060567341 $15.99, 240 pages, www.harperchildrens.com
Adeline Yen Mah's memoirs - "Falling Leaves" and "Chinese Cinerella" - were both about her
own
unhappy childhood in China during and after the Second World War. In these memoirs she related
how storytelling and writing helped her escape from the loneliness and rejection of family life. Her
latest book, "Chinese Cinderella and the Secret Dragon Society," is a blend of martial-arts
adventure
and historical fiction that was modeled on a story the author wrote at the age of ten. It begind in
1942 and Ye Xian is living in a time of great change and turmoil in China. She takes the nickname
of
C.C., or Chinese Cinderella, to cope with her difficult and strained relationship with her parents.
When CC is thrown out of her home, she turns to Grandma Wu and the Secret Dragon Society
for
support. This very personal story is set against the backdrop of great worldwide change, and will
find a place in the hearts of readers in a time of personal self discovery and metamorphosis. For
readers age 10 and up.
Millions
Frank Cottrell Boyce
HarperCollins
1350 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10019-4703
ISBN 0060733306 $15.99, 250 pages, www.harperchildrens.com
It was one-in-a-million chance. A bag crammed with cash comes tumbling out of the air and lands
right at Damian's feet. Suddenly Damian and Anthony Cunningham find themselves with vast
amounts of money and they can buy anything they want. There's just one problem - they only have
a
few days to spend all the cash before it becomes worthless. And the crooks who stole the cash in
the
first place are closing in - fast. "Millions" is screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce's first novel for
young
readers. The book has already been made into a film by Danny Boyle, director of "Trainspotting."
The movie is secheduled to make its debut in the US on November 24th from Fox Searchlight. A
smart and wise treasure for readers ages eight and up.
Miss Smithers
Susan Juby
Harper Tempest
c/o HarperCollins
1350 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10019-4703
ISBN 0060515465 $15.99, 336 pages, www.harperchildrens.com
"Alice, I Think" introduced readers to Alice McLeod's arrogant yet entirely unconfident teenage
world filled with What Would Jesus Do bracelets, hippie parents and 4H Club best friends. "Miss
Smithers" is the laugh-out-loud sequel in which Alice competes in a small town beauty pageant
while
dealing with the premature publication of her 'zine - with all its gossip and opinions - and facing
etiquette workshops, all while clinging to her imagined pink status. How Alice overcomes social
isolation due to years of home schooling is a fun roller coaster ride teen girls will enjoy.
John F. Kennedy: The Making of a Leader
Jackie Robinson: Strong Inside and Out
Theodore Roosevelt The Adventurous President
Harriet Tubman: A Woman of Courage
Sharks!
Spiders!
Editors of Time For Kids
HarperCollins
1350 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10019-4703
ISBN 0060576030 (Kennedy)
ISBN 0060576014 (Robinson)
ISBN 0060576065 (Roosevelt)
ISBN 0060576081 (Tubman)
ISBN 0060576332 (Sharks)
ISBN 0060576359 (Spiders) $14.99, www.harperchildrens.com
Why is the "Teddy Bear" named after President Theodore Roosevelt? Did the Underground
Railroad have a train? How did slaves share information about escape plans, if they could not read
or write? If your kids ask lots of questions - or if you find yourself having trouble answering - the
newly released " Time For Kids" Science Scoops and Biographies series are a great way to
introduce
non-fiction reading and educate children (as well as yourself) about the crucial events and natural
occurrences that affect our daily lives. From high-interest subjects such as sharks and spiders, to
important curriculum subjects such as influential Americans from JFK and Teddy Roosevelt to
Harriet Tubman and Jackie Robinson, these series know how to inform and entertain. Easy to
comprehend data is tailor made for homework and classroom usage so kids will find it easy to
apply
their new-found knowledge of timely information to their schoolwork. Parents will appreciate its
easy-to-use applications for school research, report writing, and science projects. A teacher
advisory
panel helps make sure each title meets elementary school curriculum standards, and the "fun facts
and visual elements ensure kids will find the material useful and engaging.
Dollmakers and Their Stories
Krystyna Poray Goddu
Henry Holt & Co.
115 W. 18th St., NY, NY 10011
ISBN 0805072578 $17.95, 146 pages, www.henry.holt.com
Girls have played with dolls since ancient times. The way children play with dolls, and their
affection
for them, has not changed much over centuries but the dolls themselves have changed
dramatically.
This fascinating book tells the stories of courageous dollmakers, some of whom are behind some
of
the most important dolls of the past 100 years, and all of whom have been filled with passion,
vision,
and determination. Included are the personal stories of entrepreneurs and feminists such as
Beatrice
Alexander (creator of Madame Alexander's collection). Sasha Morgenthaler (the Sasha Dols), and
Ruth Handler (creator of Barbie).
The Doll People boxed set
Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin, authors
Brian Selznick, illustrator
Hyperion
114 Fifth Ave., NY, NY 10011-5690
ISBN 0786852739 $24.49, 2 books, www.hyperionchildrensbooks.com
Two irresistible doll adventures for young readers age 8 to 12, are now housed in a single
package.
"The Doll People" (Publisher Weekly and School Library Journal's Best Book of 2000) and "The
Meanest Doll In The World" (winner of Child Magazine's Best Children's Book Award and a
Publisher Weekly Cuffie Award) are paired for sophisticated gift giving in this charming boxed set
of
two hardback editions in a cardboard slipcase. The pitch-perfect childs-eye adventure is an
exciting,
action-packed tale that truly comes alive.
Multiplication Math Gear
Innovative Kids
18 Ann Street, Norwalk, CT 06854-2258
ISBN 1584763140 $7.99, 14 pages, www.innovativekids.com
The new Math Gear series is a clever and fun solution to standard flash cards. Rather than using
loose cards to test memorization and calculation skills for addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division, these round, tabbed books provide a new spin to the task with internal wheels that set up
a
new math question with each turn, and provide the answer hidden under a flap. Students can quiz
or
be quizzed by 1's through 11, or flip around for random practice. The cool shape and gadget-look
and feel of the design will encourage kids to use them, and the handy size can easily be tossed into
a
pocket or clipped onto a backpack.
Now I'm Reading Game Board Book
Nora Gaydos
Innovative Kids
18 Ann Street, Norwalk, CT 06854-2258
ISBN 1584762160 $19.99 pages, www.innovativekids.com
Based on the popular "Now I'm Reading" phonics book series by Nora Gaydos, the spin-off
"Game
Board Book" provides playful activities to teach reading in a completely enjoyable, playful way.
The
box set is packed with fun ways to practice letter recognition, word formation, sentence building,
parts of speech, consonant sounds, story creation, short and long vowels, sight words, spelling,
matching, sentence development and deductive reasoning. Challenging board games and activities
-
including "Letter Round-up," "Riddle Word Search" and "Lift the Flap Letter Hunt" -- parallel
pre-k
and kindergarten teaching techniques and similar academic work books, but always lets kids put
their new skills into hands-on practice that seems like play.
Who Says Moo?
Brenda Sexton
Innovative Kids
18 Ann Street, Norwalk, CT 06854-2258
ISBN 1584763078 $14.99, 10 pages, www.innovativekids.com
This fun hands-on learning book is one of two new magnetic "hunt-and-find" novelty board books
from Innovative Kids. "Who Says Moo?" With the enclosed doggie finger puppet, his magnetic
nose
"sniffs" out answers on every page. Toddlers just slip on the cute felt puppet, listen to read-aloud
clues, and use the puppet's nose to search for the correct animals. Simple, interactive fun lending
an
interactive twist to the standard animal-sounds pre-K book lessons. Bold, colorful art is the icing
on
the cake.
Bodhisattva
Omaha Perez & Richard Raleigh
O.P.P.
PO Box 2013, Redondo Beach, CA
ISBN 097477880X $11.95, 94 pages, www.omahaperez.com/opp.htm
From the indie comix creator of "Prey for us Sinners" and "Raw Periphery," and the co-author of
"Shadows Bend" comes this intensely spiritual graphic novel. In San Francisco, a madman sees
into
other dimensions meets up with a hospital orderly whose karmic corruption makes him prey to
dark
powers. Meanwhile a middle-aged man from India is unraveling under the guilt of having
murdered
his wife in a "cooking fire." What is it that links these men? Who is the mysterious Many-Eyed
Man
who appears to them to steer their lives on their appropriate karmic course? While many of the
stark
images and literary references bring to mind the punkish, pulp fiction work of Raymond Pettibone,
Omaha Perez seeps his work in Eastern philosophy, and confidently takes a more linear path to
tell
his dark tale of ancient good and evil played out on contemporary city streets. Unique and boldly
imaginative, "Bodhisattva" is infinitely more enlightened - and enlightening -- than the average
fantasy graphic novel.
Cenozoic: A Comic 62 Million Years in the Making
Mark Fearing
O.P.P.
PO Box 2013, Redondo Beach, CA
www.omahaperez.com/opp.htm
0974778826 $2.99
Mark Fearing's "Cenozoic" is a comic book 65 million years in the making. Of course you can say
the same things about Velcro and rubber bands. Part satire, part cartoon, the first issue of
"Cenozoic" introduces the nutty "Cave Bear and Duck," and features the return of Jerry Caveman
Inventor who made his auspicious debut in Fearing's comic bow in Omaha Perez's "Periphery."
While "Cavebear and Duck" concludes "Cenozoic" with a fresh take on the odd-couple buddy
caper,
the bulk of the book focuses on Jerry Caveman Inventor, a thinking unibrow ahead of his time,
and
gives a skewed view of mankind's bumpy development. Considering the hilarious progress-stunted
scenario Fearing presents, it becomes painfully clear that perhaps we haven't changed all that
much
in the past 85,000 years. For instance: no doubt many independent thinkers of The Stone Age met
resentment from those who preferred life in The Dirt Age. And pity the poor human who dreamed
about life in The Down Pillow Age or the Not Having to Eat Lizards Age. In "Monkey Trouble"
Jerry and his fellow humanoids face angry monkeys and take refuge in their cave. After much
Neanderthal debate, can mankind figure out how to regain their primary status in the primeval
world? And in the short "You Can't Have What You Don't Get," Cave Bear and Duck seek out
delicious forest food, only to have Bear captured. Can Duck rescue Bear, or will Bear become
just
another comfortable sofa in the human's cave? Newcomer Fearing is an incredible artistic and
comedic talent. His first-class illustration style is absolutely unique, clever, and confident - just
what
the comic and illustrative world needs.
Take The Lead, George Washington
Judith St. George, author
Daniel Powers, illustrator
Philomel
c/o Penguin
345 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
ISBN 0399238875 $16.99, 60 pages, www.penguinputnam.com
George Washington grew up wanting to be a proper Virginia gentleman, like his brother
Lawrence -
until he got the chance to go on a wilderness trip as a surveyor's assistant. It was a rough and
even
dangerous journey. At times George got discouraged, but his grit and determination kept him
going.
His early trek into the American frontier was a turning point for George, and he proved he was
ready for any challenge from being a Revolutionary War general to becoming the first president of
the United States. Written by Judith St. George ("So You Want To Be President?), this picture
book
for all elementary grades is the second in a series about major moments in the young lives of
American presidents.
The Art Studio
Reader's Digest Editors
Reader's Digest
0762106115 $26.95, 128 pages
Budding artists of all ages can create their own masterpieces in charcoal, pastel and watercolor
with
the 14 projects features in "The Art Studio" gift book and kit. The 64-page "Techniques Book"
and
"Projects Book" -- each 64-pages -- provides step-by-step directions and additional inspiration,
and
is housed in a handy drawer along with a few sheets of drawing and watercolor paper. The box
"doors" hold six tubes of watercolor paint, eight sticks of soft pastels, a painting palette, sketching
pencil, watercolor brush, eraser, fine liner pen, and charcoal pencil. The box itself can be used as
an
easel, making this a complete and useful all-in-one starter kit.
Fairy Tale Magic
Gillian Swordy, author
Graham Percy, illustrator
Running Press
125 South Twenty-Second St., Philadelphia, PA 19103-4399
ISBN 0762417747 $12.95 10 pages, www.runningpress.com
Magic Mother Goose
Anonymous
Judy Stevens, illustrator
Running Press
125 South Twenty-Second St., Philadelphia, PA 19103-4399
ISBN 0762415746 $12.95, 10 pages, www.runningpress.com
Young minds and hands will be engaged by the latest "Large Format Magic Windows" series of
interactive books. Filled with fun rhymes, eye-catching illustrations, bright foil and acetate
windows
that "magically" change, "Magic Mother Goose" and "Fairy Tale Magic"are the first two titles in
this
new series for pre-K-K children. In "Magic Mother Goose," youngsters will find all their nursery
rhyme favorites, while "Fairy Tale Magic" presents classic tales from Beauth and the Beast" to
"Jack
and the Beanstock." The books' unique but dull gimmick - die-cut windows on every page that
changes the monotone illustration into a colorful scene -- sets them apart from the pack, but is
unlikely to bring readers back again and again.
I Spy an Eye
Rhyme Time
Elizabeth Encarnacion, author
Barroux, illustrator
Running Press
125 South Twenty-Second St., Philadelphia, PA 19103-4399
ISBN 0762419822 (I Spy)
ISBN 0762421908 (Eye) $12.95, 22 pages, www.runningpress.com
This series uses a familiar friend from school and playtime - a chalkboard - to teach kids 3-6 the
relationship of written letters and words to the sounds they make. Basically, it's a simple board
book
and chalkboard combined, with chalk and suggested activities making learning more like play.
Lined
surfaces encourage a steady hand, while fun rhymes get the action started. Pages can be erased,
cleaned and used over and over again thanks to a cleaning cloth and mini-eraser included and
stored
along with the chalk in a handy reclosable storage case. Prompts help parents interact with
pre-readers, and a parent's guide explains how to get the most from the series.
The Darkest Evening
William Durbin
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
ISBN 0439373077 $15.95, 232 pages, www.scholastic.com
In 1935 Jake's life is turned upside down as his father gets caught up in the Socialist fervor
washing
over their Finnish community in Minnesota. When his father decides to move their family to a new
Finnish state inside the Soviet Union, Jake is filled with dread. He must leave everything he loves
behind to follow his father's dreams of a worker's paradise - dreams that are shattered when Jake
and
his family find only disappointment, hardship, and danger. William Durbin masterfully weaves
together a little-known corner of history with one boy's heroic attempts to come to terms with the
terrible challenges he faces as the Red Broom of Communism sweeps his family's dreams
away.
Surviving Aunt Marsha
Sofie Laguna
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
ISBN 0439644852 $15.95, 202 pages, www.scholastic.com
Bettina's mom and dad are going on vacation, leaving her and her two siblings with Aunt Marsha
for
three whole weeks. It's enough to freak out anyone out. Aunt Marsha wears loud tracksuits and
has
a big behind. She hates comic books and believes the family dog should sleep -- of all places --
outside. Worst of all, Aunt Marsha makes the most "delicious" (yeah, right) kidney pie. How will
Bettina and her siblings ever survive? A delightful first novel from Australian picture book author
Sofie Laguna.
Vicki Arkoff
Senior Reviewer
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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