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Donovan's Bookshelf
Uncle John's Slightly Irregular Bathroom Reader
Bathroom Readers' Inst.
c/o Advantage Publishers Group
5880 Oberlin Drive, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 94121
1592232701 $16.95 1-800-788-3123 www.advmkt.com
The new 17th edition of a fun bathroom reader packs in trivia, ironies, odd facts, and a healthy dose
of humor into a title which ranges from plain gossip to strange science facts. Meant for quick, light
bathroom browsing, SLIGHTLY IRREGULAR covers everything from songs and old wills to
movies, working dogs, bat bombs and more, SLIGHTLY IRREGULAR, 17TH EDITION proves
hard to put down.
The Flourescent Light Glistening Off Your Head
Scott Adams
Andrews McMeel
4520 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64111
0740751131 $10.95 www.dilbert.com
It's hard to believe, but this is the 25th Dilbert cartoon collection on the market, presenting new
cartoons to toiling cubicle business inhabitants everyone - and those who would understand office
culture. From Elbonian call center ironies to visiting customer encounters with feng shui, THE
FLOURESCENT LIGHT GLISTENING OFF YOUR HEAD is packed with fun.
Father Still Knows Best
Tripp Whetsell
Citadel Press/Kensington
850 - 3rd Ave., New York NY 10022
0806527129 $9.95 1-800-345-2665 www.kensingtonbooks.com
From Ricky Ricardo of I Love Lucy fame to sayings from The Cosby Show, The Jeffersons, and
The Munsters, FATHER STILL KNOWS BEST: THE WIT AND WISDOM OF AMERICA'S
FAVORITE TV DADS gathers some excellent and hilarious one-liners from some of the best TV
comedy sitcoms on screen. Makes a great gift for any father.
Humor from the Country
Jerry Apps
Guest Cottage/Amherst Press
P.O. Box 848, Woodruff, WI 54568
0896587169 $16.95 1-800-333-8122
Country wit and advice blends with funny stories, sage country advice, and black and white photos
in HUMOR FROM THE COUNTRY by storyteller and historian Jerry Apps. From a horse-drawn
plow and its lessons to a lively goat which doesn't work out, HUMOR FROM THE COUNTRY's
short stories are funny with more than a touch of wisdom and truth.
Innocent Targets
Michael Dorn & Chris Dorn
Safe Havens International, Inc.
PMB #201, 5540 Thomaston Road, Suite F, Macon, Georgia 31220
097412401X $19.95 www.safehavensinternational.org
Beginning with the 1970 murder of nine Israeli school children, father-son school safety analysts
Dorn and Dorn examine the history of school-related terrorist attacks in twelve countries, providing
an important assessment of school safely, antiterrorism tactics, and social issues alike. Myths are
confronted, realities outlined, and insights on the causes and impact of bad information assessed in a
survey essential for both parents and students of terrorist issues nad social science.
Firefly Books Ltd.
155 East 34th St. #5B, New York NY 10016
www.fireflybooks.com
These excellent outdoor exploration guides offer beginners outstanding opportunities to understand
basic elements of the outdoors. Sky-viewers have to fine titles to choose from: Robin Scagell's
revised STARGAZING WITH A TELESCOPE (1554070279, $14.95), which covers all the basics
from choosing a telescope and setting it up to becoming an amateur observer and taking
astro-images. Supplement this with Scagell's larger NIGHT SKY ATLAS: THE MOON,
PLANETS, STARS AND DEEP SKY OBJECTS (1554070260, $29.95): maps by Wil Tirion
compliment a book packed with color night sky photos and tips on observing the sky in both
northern and southern hemispheres, complete with seasonal charts and detailed constellation maps.
If you wish to get closer to the ground, choose A.C. Bishop, A.R. Woolley and W.R. Hamilton's
GUIDE TO MINERALS ROCKS AND FOSSILS (1554070546, $19.95): among this new edition's
distinguishing features are a completely redesigned, revised text, new introduction sections, and new
reference appendices. Amateur collectors as well as specialists will find plenty of information plus a
field guide packed with color photo examples. Perhaps it's wildlife which is of interest: if so, make
sure Chris G. Earley's WATERFOWL OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA (1554070570, $19.95)
is on your reference shelf, if you live in or plan on visiting the East Coast waterways. Ducks, swans,
loons, pelicans - all are displayed in their natural environment, with over 200 color photo displays
including handy comparison pages by waterfowl group for quick reference. All are solid picks.
Why Not Every Man?
George and Willene Hendrick
Ivan R. Dee
1332 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622
www.ivanrdee.com
1566636450 $14.95 1-800-462-6420
George and Willene Hendrick provide a strong history of civil disobedience by African Americans in
WHY NOT EVERY MAN? AFRICAN AMERICANS AND CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE IN THE
QUEST FOR THE DREAM. From abolitionist years to opposition to Jim crow and beyond, key
events and episodes - including many nearly forgotten - illustrate the issues and trace the origins of
the idea of civil disobedience. An excellent history of the idea of civil disobedience evolves within
the civil rights framework.
Mental Toughness
Karl Kuehl, et.al.
Ivan R. Dee
1332 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622
www.ivanrdee.com
1566636175 $24.95 1-800-462-6420
'Mental toughness' is here defined as the art of taking control of your life, whether it be relationships,
work, or sports. That being said, this book is about baseball - and also, about more. Yes, MENTAL
TOUGHNESS: A CHAMPION'S STATE OF MIND could've been featured in 'Sports' - but it
would be a shame to limit its readership to just sports enthusiasts when it has so much to offer the
business-minded reader too. So, how to 'get tough'? Use the lessons offered up from the sports
world in MENTAL TOUGHNESS and apply them to virtually every aspect of business: it
works.
Food and Culture In South America
Jose Rafael Lovera
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0313327521 $49.95 www.greenwood.com
Joining other fine titles in Greenwood's 'Food Culture Around the World' series, FOOD UCLTURE
IN SOUTH AMERICA tells of the traditions and culinary history of the primary cultures and groups
which make up modern South American countries. Don't expect another recipe collection here: the
focus is on culinary history, heritage and geography and provides plenty of food history from
analysis of eating out patterns and major foods to a timeline of developments. Especially
recommended for college-level collections strong in ethnic and food history.
Artists of World War II
Barbara McCloskey
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0313321531 $59.95 www.greenwood.com
Surprisingly, ARTISTS OF WORLD WAR II is the first global survey of art during the war, and
gathers biographies of such artists along with discussions of war-era art trends around the world. Of
particular note are discussions which allow readers to compare not only artists' experiences of war in
different countries, but their different responses to their experiences, from support of war efforts to
criticism. Add discussions of the influence of artists' productions on war and you have an intriguing
survey which goes beyond the art world.
The Greenwood Companion to Shakespeare
Joseph Rosenblum, Editor
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0313327793 $299.95 www.greenwood.com
If it's a definitive and comprehensive student's reference you seek to Shakespeare, for either
advanced high school through college-level grades, then Greenwood's weighty 4-volume
COMPANION TO SHAKESPEARE: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR STUDENTS is the
item of choice. Overviews of the history, comedy, tragedy and romance writings of Shakespeare
offer students scene-by-scene analysis of plots, as well as a general overview summary of each work.
Themes, interpretations of meaning, reviews of controversies surrounding each work are provided in
clear, scholarly analysis. An exquisite interplay of critical thinking and analysis encourages
college-level students to delve into Shakespeare's skills and literary devices.
Chemical Composition of Everyday Products
John Toedt, Darrel Koza, Kathleen Van Cleef-Toedt
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0313325790 $49.95 www.greenwood.com
Both high school and college collections strong in chemistry will want to add this helpful analysis to
their collection: over 100 groups of products receive attention to not only chemical composition, but
historic product use, functions, and related issues. Ten lab exercises provide students with
observation keys, making CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF EVERYDAY PRODUCTS the perfect
supplemental text for introductory chemistry courses. Easy to access and understand, relating to
everyday materials from soap and cosmetics to baby products what more could one wish for?
China Today
Jing Luo, Editor
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313321701 $199.95, 2 Vols., www.greenwood.com
College-level reference holdings will be delighted with the weighty two-volume reference CHINA
TODAY: AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OFL IFE IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC. An A-Z encyclopedic
format covers all aspects of modern China, from education and technology to foreign investment,
intellectual participation in society, and economics. These aren't just category summary listings:
articles on each listing provide depth and detail, from a thorough coverage of history and social
issues to a bibliography for further reading.
Greenwood Press
Box 5007 Westport, CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com
Janet Long-Solis and Luis Alberto Vargas' FOOD CULTURE IN MEXICO (031332431X, $49.95)
provides an excellent review of the ingredients in Mexican food culture and how they evolved,
offering a survey of rural and urban eating alike, considering Mexican food's transitions beyond
Mexico's borders, and providing an excellent blend of timeline, historical and culture overview, and
culinary insights. Recipes aren't neglected either, though the series is more valued for its many
culinary insights than for recipes alone. F. Xavier Medina's FOOD CULTURE IN SPAIN
(0313328196, $49.95) achieves the same for Spanish cuisine, covering typical dishes and drinks,
Spanish wines, the evolution of home and restaurant cooking, and more. Peter Heine's FOOD
CULTURE IN THE NEAR EAST, MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (0313329567,
$49.95) provides a discussion of foods of the region, with discussions of ingredients, kitchen set-up,
and cultural influences accompanying selected traditional recipes. The blends of social and cultural
insights are very well done in this Greenwood Press 'Food Culture Around the World' series.
Digipop
Karim Rashid
Taschen
3828839957 $29.99 www.taschen.com
Computer graphics lend to producing two- and three-dimensional decorative works, and designer
Karim Rashid's DIGIPOP project explores these dimensions by theme, showcasing his geometrical
patterns both as designs in and of themselves, and in applications from clothing to figures. He's
created these designs over a ten-year period: chapters examine the use and application of themes
over a broad spectrum of artistic goals.
Japanese Erotic Fantasies
Chris Uhlenbeck, Ellis Tinios, Cecilia Segawa Seigle
Hotei Publishing
CCRI Numbero 1964, 1000 VC Amsterdam, Pays-Bas/Netherlands
9074822665 $95.00 www.hotei-publishing.com
Plenty of books have been written on Japanese woodblock prints of the Edo period - but usually
erotic imagery receives short rift, so it's refreshing to see a presentation focusing exclusively on such
art. JAPANESE EROTIC FANTASIES: SEXUAL IMAGERY OF THE EDO PERIOD also goes
beyond presenting woodblocks and prints: chapters analyze intention, representation, and significant
achievements in the Japanese art world. The authors are a Japanese print dealer with a specialty
bookstore, an honorary lecturer, and a professor: they bring a scholarly analysis to a book packed
with gorgeous color reproductions.
A Pike in the Basement
Simon Loftus
Eland Publishing Ltd.
61 Exmounth Mkt., London EC1R 4QL
0907871240 $18.99 www.travelbooks.co.uk
If it's witty armchair travel you seek, then Simon Loftus' A PIKE IN THE BASEMENT: TALES
OF A HUNGRY TRAVELLER is for you. Loftus has a sense of adventure, a love of food and
travel, and a nose for trouble, at times. Mouth-watering descriptions of food, people and local color
permeate a warm, witty account of some sixteen tales - each of which ends with a local recipe and
wine tips. Very highly recommended.
Audio Editions
Auburn, CA 95604
www.audiopartners.com
Four fine new books on cd promise leisure listeners hours of intrigue and listening pleasure. Agatha
Christie's WHY DIDN'T THEY ASK EVANS? (1572704551, $29.95) receives Emilia Fox's British
voice and acting prowess as it tells of one Bobby Jones, who discovers an injured man and hears his
last words before he dies. From then on Bobby himself faces danger as he's forced into an willing
investigation into murder. Donna Leon's BLOOD FROM A STONE (1572704683, $31.95) receives
veteran David Colacci's smooth and vivid theatrical abilities as it tells of an African street vendor
killed just before Christmas. Inspector Brunetti finds the death of a seemingly inconsequential man
holds implications for the entire immigrant society in a complex set of plots and patterns of intrigue.
Rex Stout's THE FATHER HUNT (1572704594, $27.95) benefits from veteran actor and narrator
Michael Prichard's ongoing dramatizations, which are no less powerful here. A young woman
determined to learn the identity of her long-last father hires Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin to take
on the case of his disappearance, only to find she may become a murder victim unless she can solve
the puzzle of her heritage first. Robert Littell's LEGENDS (1572704853, $39.95) tells of a
discharged CIA agent turned private detective who struggles with his own memory lapses and
identity. Grover Gardner's extensive background in audio narration provides tension and exquisite
detail to this gripping thriller.
Art of Project management
Scott Berkun
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Hwy N., Sebastopol, CA 95472
0596007868 $39.95 www.oreilly.com
How can a manager make sure a team is properly motivated and organized to get the job done right?
One of the ways is by consulting Scott Berkun's ART OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT. Berkun
worked t Microsoft for ten years on various project, working with groups and consulting and
teaching development teams. His experience with all kinds of projects and groups lends to
discussions which range from shielding a team from distractions and some processes outside the
workgroup to using and interpreting research, specifications, and more. From making mistakes to
damage control in a project environment, THE ART OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT covers, in
depth, many of the common obstacles in a business environment. Very highly recommended
indeed.
Your Rights at Work
Richard C. Busse
Sphinx Publishing/Sourcebooks
PO Box 4410, Naperville, IL 60567-4410
1572485051 $14.95 1-800-432-7444 www.SphinxLegal.com
Take advantage of the workplace rules which are your rights - but understand them, first - in YOUR
RIGHTS AT WORK, which answers typical questions ranging from termination and daily
workplace environment to surviving discipline and settling disputes in and outside of court. From
employer contracts to employee benefits, YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK is a virtual bible of
workplace law and its applications.
How to Parent With Your Ex
Brewette McWhorter Sember
Sphinx/Sourcebooks
PO Box 4410, Naperville, IL 60567-4410
1572484799 $12.95 1-800-432-7444 www.SphinxLegal.com
HOW TO PARENT WITH YOUR EX: RESIDENTAL & NON-RESIDENTIAL PARENT holds
wide value as it addresses a major social issue: parenting after divorce; and thus is featured here to
reach audiences of non-parents and other concerned adults. An unusual 'flip over' format packs two
books into one, with the Nonresidential Parent addressing the special concerns of the parent who
lives elsewhere, and the Residential Parent addressing the parent who has daily custody of the child.
From changing one's relationship with the child upon divorce and overcoming hostility to creating a
new partnership with the child's needs the focus, this is a wonderful resource which addresses all the
emotional and social conflicts parenting after divorce brings.
A Hero of Our Time
Mikhail Lermontov
Hesperus Press/Trafalgar Square, Dist.
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
184391106X $14.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
Talented Pecorin is bored and decides to leave civilization in search of adventure in the wilds of the
Southern Caucasus - instead finding further isolation in his life. Poet and novelist Mikhail Lermontov
was a leading figure in Russian Romantic literature, and this presents his only novel, a hard-hitting
survey of social alienation, published in the early 19th century.
The Legend of Napoleon
Sudhir Hazareesingh
Granta UK/Trafalgar Square, Dist.
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1862076677 $35.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
Napoleon's legacy was the modernization and beautification of Paris, but his trials and exile remain
more well-known than his contributions. THE LEGEND OF NAPOLEON draws on new archival
research material to trace the emergence of the Napoleonic myth and how it fostered ongoing
popular affection for the emperor. Chapters examine why the legends surrounding Napoleon
continue to this day - and they present plenty of realities based on research.
Making and Manipulating Marionettes
David Currell
Crowood Press/Trafalgar Square Press
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1861266634 $50.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
Relatively few books exist on marionettes, much less highly illustrated and covering both their
construction and their use. Enter David Currell's MAKING AND MANIPULATING
MARIONETTES, written by a leading puppet theatre authority who was co-founder of the national
Puppet Center and its chairman for nearly 20 years. Add a degree in arts and a teaching background
and you have the perfect author of choice to explain the particulars of marionette manipulation and
construction.
Complicated Shadows
Graeme Thomson
Canongate
14 High St., Edinburgh EH1 1TE
2841956651 L8.99 www.canongate.net
Elvis Costello is one of the most unusual figures in rock, pop and other musical genres, and
COMPLICATED SHADOWS: THE LIFE AND MUSIC AND ELVIS COSTELLO is a definitive
biographical coverage of the man and his music. Graeme Thomson used interviews from
schoolmates, band members, and others to trace the course of Costello's diverse career, and to
consider his extensive contributions. From previously unpublished lyrics from Costello's earliest
songs to controversial album releases, COMPLICATED SHADOWS presents a full view of the man
and his magic, spiced with a centerfold of black and white photos. Highly recommended for any
Costello listener.
Fashion, Retailing and A Bygone Era
Isadore Barmash, et.al.
Beard Books
Washington, DC
1587982692 $34.95 222.beardbooks.com
Women's Wear Daily has reflected many years in the fashion industry, with the publication's editors
viewing many changes in fashion and retailing over the decades. Seven former editors of Women's
Wear Daily join forces to look back at these years, considering changes in fashion, marketing trends,
and more. Chapters present first-person insights on being involved in the fashion industry, discussing
changes experienced by one of the top industry newspapers and the special challenges faced by each
editor's tour of duty. An engaging, vivid survey is created which will interest both lay readers and
fashion industry pros alike, providing lively first-person insights.
7 Steps to Leaving the Rat Race
Ajay Ahuja
HowtoBooks
3 Newtec Place, Magdalen Road, Oxford, UK, OX4 1RE
1857039432 9.99 Brit. pounds www.howtobooks.co.uk
Tired of commuting and handling an office environment? Want to change your life? Then read this
book, which intends to motivate listeners to leave jobs they hate in favor of work they love. From
evaluating one's position and its pros and cons to overcome fear and minimizing fixed cost of living
in the early stages, 7 STEPS TO LEAVING THE RAT RACE: FREE YOURSELF FROM THE 9
TO 5 GRIND covers part-time work, self-employment opportunities, and how to live like a pauper
during the early stages of change.
Backbeat Books
600 Harrison St., San Francisco CA 94107
www.backbeatbooks.com
Two very different, highly recommended music books are recommended pick for any contemporary
music book collection. Will Romano's INCURABLE BLUES: THE TROUBLES & TRIUMPH OF
BLUES LEGEND HUBERT SUMLIN (0879308338, $17.95) focuses on Hubert Sumlin, blues
guitarist, who overcame cancer and alcoholism to move Chicago blues to new heights. Sumlin was
heard on most of Howlin Wolf's Chess recordings, yet has received comparatively little in-depth
coverage, even though his style inspired Jimi Henrix, Santana and many other famous names.
Interviews with Sumlin himself supplement those with his associates in this vivid history. John
Elnarson's MR. TAMBOURINE MAN: LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE BYRDS' GENE CLARK
(0879307935, $19.95) is told through recollections of those closest to Clark, the founding member
and front man of the Byrds. Clark was a key figure in the rock music movement; yet much of his
legacy has been obscured until MR. TAMBOURINE MAN: chapters examine the man's ups and
downs in the music world, and his lasting talents.
Da Capo' Press
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.dacapopress.com
Dave Van Ronk and Elijah Wald's THE MAYOR OF MACDOUGAL STREET: A MEMOIR
(0306814072, $26.00) provides the memory of Dave Van Ronk, leader of the New York folk
revival scene in the 1950s, who died in 2002. He was a singer, guitarist, and pioneer of modern
acoustic blues, and was also a major figure on the Village scene, influencing fellow musicians in
coffee houses and cafes. From his encounters with fellow folk players to notable contemporaries,
THE MAYOR OF MACDOUGAS STREET traces the evolution of a social and musical era. Pat
Gilbert's PASSION IS A FASHION: THE REAL STORY OF THE CLASH (030681434X, $18.95)
is a lively coverage of the punk group which emerged from London in the 1970s to change the
world with their politically-charged rock sound. You'd think there would have been many exposes of
this popular group by now, but PASSION IS A FASHION is the first to examine The Clash's
ten-year history, using over 70 interviews with key fans, friends and producers and conversations
with The Clash members themselves. Whether you relish The Clash or not, if you have any interest
in the 1970s sound or punk scene, PASSION IS A FASHION is a 'must'.
R&B: Rhythm & Business
Norman Kelley, Editor
Akashic Books
PO Box 1456, New York NY 10009
1888451688 $15.95 www.akashicbooks.com
Plenty of books have been written about r&b music in the past, but R&B: THE POLITICAL
ECONOMY OF BLACK MUSIC is something very different, so don't anticipate the usual lineup of
musicians and trends here. Who profits from black musics from gospel to hip hop? Norman Kelley
and other journalists and musicians join forces in R&B to consider how black music has been
fostered, marketed and distributed in America. The eye on who benefits from these marketing efforts
is revealing, as is the exploration of how and why blacks have interacted within the music
business.
Sounds of the Silk Road
Mitchell Clark
MFA Publications
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-5523
0878466886 $24.95 1-800-338-2665 www.mfa.org
Any student of Asian music should not be without SOUNDS OF THE SILK ROAD: MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS OF ASIA: it's the first to provide a detailed survey of the history of musical
instrument development throughout Asia, drawing on the MFA's collection of Asian instruments as a
foundation for examining some fifty key instruments. But, you needn't be a student to enjoy
SOUNDS OF THE SILK ROAD's history: general-interest listeners will find plenty to attract here,
from the history to color photos of zithers to drums. A simply lovely overview.
Turn the Beat Around
Peter Shapiro
Farrar Straus Giroux
19 Union Square West, New York NY 10003
0571211941 $26.00 1-888-330-8477 www.fsgbooks.com
Fans of disco music who are tired of the music being criticized will welcome music writer Peter
Shapiro's celebration of disco in TURN THE BEAT AROUND: THE SECRET HISTORY OF
DISCO. Disco was more than the Village People: it was a democracy and a music revolution all at
once, celebrating new beats and sexuality: a unique marriage between emerging gay sexual
awareness and post-civil rights sentiments. Don't expect just a music history here: plenty of cultural
insights pack TURN THE BEAT AROUND to give it a decidedly scholarly bent.
Billy Joel
Hank Bordowitz
Billboard Books/Watson-Guptill
770 Broadway, New York NY 10003
0823082504 24.95 1-800-451-1741 www.wgpub.com
Pianist Billy Joel began as a middle-class Long Island NY gang member, working as a boxer and
musician to make ends meet - until his 1973 album PIANO MAN shot him to the heights of fame.
BILLY JOEL: THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ANGRY YOUNG MAN follows musician Joel's big
moments, his movement from pop to classical composition and on to Broadway, his sordid life, and
more. Interviews blend with research to offer a full-faceted portrait of a complex young man's
encounters with the changing music industry. An intriguing story of success and change
evolves.
The Horse Behavior Problem Solver
Jessica Jahiel
Storey Publications
210 Mass MoCa Way, North Adams, MA 01247
1580175244 $19.95 www.storey.com
Horses have a language and behaviors which are unique, but people can use this to better understand
the horse's personality and needs. Here are answers to 101 common horse behavior problems based
on this understanding, from handling a head-shy or kicking horse to understanding how and why a
horse responds. Author Jessica Jahiel is a lecturer and expert on equine behavior: real-life case
studies blend with an easy question/answer format to explain and explore horse reactions.
Complete Idiot's Guide To Designer Dogs
Margaret H. Bonham
Alpha Books/Penguin
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
159257369X $14.95 1-805-523-9270 www.idiotsguides.com
It's said that dogs which are a cross between two breeds are good buys - but what are their
advantages? 'Designer dogs' have some pros and cons which COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO
DESIGNER DOGS covers, from typical designer breeds to how to choose a breeder and
understanding genetic limitations, pros, and cons. From breed characteristics and history to where to
best buy a 'designer dog', would-be owners have lots of facts at their fingertips, here.
Your Outta Control Puppy
Teoti Anderson
TFH Publications
One TFH Plaza, Neptune City, NJ 07753
0793829003 $12.95 1-800-631-2188 www.tfh.com
Turn your puppy into a well-behaved pet with a puppy management book by a professional dog
trainer, YOUR OUTTA CONTROL PUPPY. A puppy can wreck a household with chewing and
bad habits unless an owner can control it: here are unusual step-by-step suggestions for controlling
typical puppy misbehaviors from chewing and barking to nipping and jumping. Each chapter of
training tips comes with color photos and an overview of what the owner will learn, too. An
invaluable guide and perfect gift for that new puppy owner.
The Rally Course Book
Janice Dearth
Alpine Publications
PO Box 7027, Loveland, CO 80537-7027
1577790677 $24.95 1-800-777-7257 www.alpinepub.com
AKC rally exhibitors will find THE RALLY COURSE BOOK: A GUIDE TO AKC RALLY
COURSES a perfect introduction to instructor/exhibitor rally courses, from lessons on creating rally
courses and turns to using exhibitor sheets Exhibitors, instructors and judges alike will find this key
to designing and judging Rally: the AKC signs are accepted AKC Non-Regular Obedience Class
Signs from the latest 2004 holdings, while the author's insights - which come from a judge of over
800 handler/dog teams at venues over a four-year period - comes from an expert's point of view.
Plenty of charts throughout clarify course modifications and set-up.
The Wild Coast: Volume 1
John Kimantas
Whitecap
351 Lynn Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, Canada, V7J 2C4
1552856488 $24.95 1-888-980-9852 www.whitecap.ca
The coast of Vancouver Island is rugged and wild - and ideal for any who want adventure and wish
to venture beyond the usual tourist area of Victoria City, the focus of most Vancouver Island travel
guides. Whether it's hiking or kyaking, author John Kimantas explores the outer coast from Part
hardy to Esquimalt with Kayakers in mind, presenting all the details on wilderness campsites, coastal
ecology and attractions, wildlife, and waters alike. Color photos and maps abound, tips for further
exploration pack the pages, and both North and West Vancouver Island receive in-depth attention.
If you're planning an outdoors vacation on Vancouver Island - especially one involving kayaks - you
simply can't miss THE WILD COAST: VOLUME ONE.
South Africa titles
Struik/International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
1-800-758-3756 www.internationalpubmarket.com
Two outstanding visual celebrations of South Africa are highly recommended picks, particularly as
relatively few coffee-table-type titles on the country are available in this country. Elaine Hurford's
SOUTH AFRICA: MAGIC LAND (1868257711, $39.95) packs in over 200 photos from the
country's top photographers and pairs them with Hurford's text reviewing the country's natural
beauty. From giraffes to a windmill and tidal lands, SOUTH AFRICA MAGIC LAND's focus is
upon diverse natural areas to expand perceptions of the country's natural beauty - and it succeeds in
entrancing readers. Ditto for SOUTH AFRICA: A VISUAL CELEBRATION (1868259579,
$49.95), a larger-sized show book gathering more stunning photos from the country's
photographers. Both people and natural areas are contrasted in oversized, full-page glory. If only
two picture-oriented books on South Africa were chosen for a discriminating collection, it should be
these visual displays: the photography is outstanding.
Fulcrum Publishing
16100 Table Mountain Parkway #300, Golden, CO 80403
www.fulcrum-books.com
Two wonderful new guides offer excellent travel coverages for travelers. The third edition of Don
& Barbara Laine's THE NEW MEXICO GUIDE: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE LAND OF
ENCHANTMENT (1555913180, $14.95) represents years of travel through New Mexico - plus
thirty-five years of residency. From cattle drives and state parks to old town attractions and
monuments, New Mexico is divided into regions with each given thorough coverage on everything
from what to see and local color to where to stay and eat. A wonderful travel planner. VALLEY
OF THE DUNES: GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE by Bob
Rozinski and Wendy Shattil, with text by Audrey DeLella Benedict (155591523X, $19.95) is as
much an armchair read as it is a destination guide, providing a photographic tribute to Colorado's
San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes National Park. Text discusses and describes wildlife while
the gorgeous full-page color photos which pack nearly each page provide stunning visual displays.
Countryman Press
PO Box 748, Woodstock, VT 05091
www.countrymanpress.com
Other travel guides on the market cover Maine alone, but few offer the depth of Christina Tree &
Nancy English's AN EXPLORER'S GUIDE TO MAINE (0811506680 $19.95), which packs in
hundreds of updated web sites in its 12th edition of opinionated reviews of everything from
accommodations of all types to dining and sightseeing. From reviews of and advice on seasonal
attractions to local history and color and plenty of outdoors areas, AN EXPLORER'S GUIDE TO
MAINE is the item of choice for any destination-bound visitor. If it's art towns you like to visit,
which hold galleries, museums and festivals as their lure, don't miss John Villani's THE 100 BEST
ART TOWNS IN AMERICA: A GUIDE TO GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, FESTIVALS,
LODGING AND DINING (0881506419, $19.95). It includes some of Canada in its coverage of
small towns which hold special attractions in the arts, from theater to visual arts venues. Discussions
include the local art scene's assets and overall artistic atmosphere, reviews of specific venues, and
venue hours and locations. Of course, accommodations are featured as well - but the meat lies in the
arts venue listings and descriptions, which would be hard to find handily under one cover,
elsewhere.
Denali National Park
Carrie Compton, Compiler
W.W. West
20875 Sholes Rd., Bend, OR 97702
0972792198 $5.95
Don't expect the usual hardcover-sized title in DENALI NATIONAL PARK: it's not meant for
either coffee table nor take-along tote, but as a mini-book pictorial celebration of Denali's wildlife,
holding small color photos and one-line natural history observations. Tom Walker, one of Alaska's
leading nature photographers, contributes the lovely color photos to this mini-keepsake.
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440, Berkeley, CA 94703
www.ulyssespress.com
Four new titles join others in Ulysses' outstanding 'Hidden' travel series of state guides blending
vacation with adventure options to appeal to those who want a taste of adventure without the white
water. Susan Farewell's HIDDEN MAINE (1569754608, $15.95) juxtaposes lodging and dining tips
with hiking and outdoors suggestions, focusing on special attractions unique to Maine, such as a
good value fish restaurant located off the beaten path, or special boat tours available in certain areas.
HIDDEN MAINE is packed with historic sights, drives and shopping opportunities perfect for
Maine visitors. Catherine O'Neal's HIDDEN CAROLINAS (1569754845, $17.95) provides
opinionated, recommended reviews of local attractions from folk art to scenic mountain hikes. From
small cafes to parks and valleys off the beaten path, HIDDEN CAROLINAS is packed with
suggestions for all types of vacationers. Marty Olmstead's HIDDEN TENNESSEE (1569754853,
$16.95) surveys local inns, restaurants, and Tennessee attractions, from museums and outdoor
opportunities to botanical garden tours, providing visitors with a wide range of touring choices,
while Eric Lucas' HIDDEN WASHINGTON (1569754861, $15.99) covers some of the ethnic
restaurants and neighborhoods of the state, adding in plenty of local history and color. All lend to
use as take-along totes.
In Search of River Phoenix
Barry C. Lawrence
Wordsworth Publishing
PO Box 471, Penngrove, CA 94951
0967249198 $26.95 www.riverphoenix.us
Few books begin their journey to publication with the foundations of Barry C. Lawrence's IN
SEARCH OF RIVER PHOENIX: THE TRUTH BEYOND THE MYTH with a dream out of
nowhere yet a powerful dream in which the dead actor River Phoenix asked Lawrence to discover
the truth about his life led to a years-long, in-depth probe of River's short life and many films: a
probe which was to involve Lawrence with River's closest friends, family members, and fellow
actors. You don't have to be a River fan to appreciate IN SEARCH OF RIVER PHOENIX: it reads
like a novel, with all the drama, action, and yes, even intrigue of fiction - yet Lawrence's goal was to
dispel the veil of myths surrounding River's short life, and reveal the realities and facts of his
controversial short life and career - and Lawrence achieves this and more in an exciting blend of
drama and documentary: classic docu-drama translated to print. Highly recommended.
Applause Books
19 West 21st Street, #201, NY, NY 10010
www.applausepub.com
John Willis has two excellent film and theatre roundups out, which should be considered 'musts' for
enthusiasts of film and stage. His SCREEN WORLD: 2004 FILM ANNUAL VOLUME 55 (
1557835396, $24.95) is co-written with associate editor Barry Monush and packs in the black and
white photos as it defines the world of 2004 cinema productions. Photographic stills and film credits
accompany biographical notes on selected actors and achievements. THEATRE WORLD
VOLUME 59 with Ben Hodges (1557836353, $24.95) covers the 2002-2003 stage season, both
off-Broadway and further beyond, offering a statistical and pictorial survey of classic companies'
productions. From series productions to professional regional companies, THEATRE WORLD is
packed with description.
Manhattan On Film
Chuck Katz
Limelight Editions
512 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
0879103191 $17.95 www.limelighteditions.com
If you're Manhattan-bound with a love of film, don't forget to pack the latest revised, expanded
edition of MANHATTAN ON FILM: WALKING TOURS OF HOLLYWOOD'S FABLED
FRONT LOT. Here are fourteen walking tours of Manhattan's most famous film locations under one
cover, packed in a format which lends to coat pocket as much as purse, and providing street maps,
directions, photos from movie shots and a quick-check film index in back. An outstanding walking
guide for Manhattan film fans.
The Dolby Era
Gianluca Sergi
Manchester University Press/Palgrave
175 - 5th Avenue, #400, NY, NY 10010
0719070678 $24.95 1-888-330-8477 www.manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk
For a close inspection of film sound evolution in modern Hollywood productions, check out film
studies lecturer Gianluca Sergi's THE DOLBY ERA: FILM SOUND IN CONTEMPORARY
HOLLYWOOD, part of the 'Inside Popular Film' series. New sound technologies have created new
powerful tools for filmmakers, yet few coverages of Hollywood have focused on these tools: THE
DOLBY ERA uses historical analysis and interviews with some of the creators of Dolby sound itself
to trace the evolution of sound in Hollywood from the early 1970s to modern times.
Newmarket Press
18 East 48th Street, New York NY 10017
www.newmarketpress.com
Fans of Jaws or Douglas Adams will find two specialty publications revealing. Carl Gottlieb's THE
JAWS LOG: 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (1557046778, $15.00) remains the only book on
how the young Steven Spielberg translated Peter Benchley's best-selling novel into the equally
best-selling classic film JAWS. This detail of screenwriter Carl Gottlieb's year-long adventure first
appeared in 1975: this 30th anniversary edition provides a keepsake hardcover for the first time,
with a new foreword by the author. A real keeper. Robbie Stamp edits THE HITCHHIKER'S
GUIDE TO THE GALAXY: THE FILMING OF THE DOUGLAS ADAMS CLASSIC
(155704676X, $35.00) presenting the author's friend and executive producer's insights into the
making of the film. From handling real sets and creatures to interviews with others involved in the
film's production, storyboards, sketches and unique artwork pair with cultural references and
insights to make THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY: THE FILMING OF THE
DOUGLAS ADAMS CLASSIC a fan's dream.
From Alien to the Matrix
Roz Kaveney
I.B. Tauris
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
1850438064 $14.95 www.ibtauris.com
Much has happened in the world of science fiction cinema in the past few decades: the science
fiction movie has earned a place in the mainstream, and has replaced the novel as the genre's primary
media of choice. FROM ALIEN TO THE MATRIX: READING SCIENCE FICTION FILM offers
a guide to science fiction movies large and small, considering plots, performances, cultural influences
and genre changes with a critical yet lively eye. From the influence of Asimov on the robot dramas
of science fiction to the fostering of comedy in the genre, FROM ALIEN TO THE MATRIX is
packed with important insights in a very readable, lively format.
Just Making Movies
Ronald L. Davis
University Press of Mississippi
3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211-6492
1578066913 $20.00 1-800-737-7788 www.upress.state.ms.us
From the late 1930s to the mid-50s, five big movie studios dominated Hollywood's films, fostering
an era of assembly-line production and creating a tier system of screenplay and director connections
under long-term contracts. JUST MAKING MOVIES: COMPANY DIRECTORS N THE STUDIO
SYSTEM provides interviews with twelve house directors from this era, probing the politics and
operations of the big studio film machine. Chapters reflect on director experiences with famous
personalities, studio contract experiences, shoot memories, and much more.
The Movie Business
Kelly Charles Crabb
Simon & Schuster
1230 Ave. of Americas, NY, NY 10020
0743253924 $28.00 1-800-223-2336 www.simonandschuster.com
If it's an overview to the various challenges of getting a movie produced which is needed, make it
THE MOVIE BUSINESS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL
SECRETS OF GETTING YOUR MOVIE MADE. Thousands of people have great movie ideas,
but there's a logical (and long) path from thought to fruition, which THE MOVIE BUSINESS
explores. Chapters cover everything from movie tie-ins to publicity and promotion arms to acquiring
a screenplay, financing a production, assembling actors and directors, and assessing expenses at
every step of the way. An essential guide for would-be movie producers.
Gurze Books
PO Box 2238, Carlsbad, CA 92018
www.gurze.com
Two important guides to eating disorders are very specific in their insights. Margo Maine, Ph.D.'s
second edition of FATHER HUNGER: FATHERS, DAUGFTERS, AND THE PURSUIT OF
THINNESS (0936077492, $15.95) is based on ten years of further study conducted since the first
edition, and details the origins of 'father hunger' and its effects on the family as a whole. Included
here are tips to help fathers and daughters understand their relationship and its influence on the
pursuit of food and body image. The fifth edition of Lindsey Hall and Leigh Cohn's BULIMIA: A
GUIDE TO RECOVERY (093607731X, $14.95) answers the questions most commonly asked
about the condition, adds details from over 400 recovered and recovering bulimics, and offers advice
both both bulimics and their families. Included is something many eating disorder guides would have
avoided years ago: a three-work program to stop bingeing, offering many ideas based on the root
causes of bulimia.
Addicus Books
PO Box 45327, Omaha, NE 68145
www.addicusbooks.com
Three excellent health titles tackle very specific topics and offer consumers advice on subjects
usually 'buried' in more general health texts. Paul Ruggieri, MD and Scott Isaacs, MD's A SIMPLE
GUIDE TO THYROID DISORDERS FROM DIAGNOSIS TO TREATMENT (1886039631,
$14.95) discusses all the basics; from how the thyroid gland works and symptoms of common
problems to handling both physical and psychological problems caused by a malfunctioning thyroid.
An excellent overview. Dental implants are becoming the treatment of choice for many with ongoing
tooth problems, and Thomas Balshi, DDS, et.al.'s A PATIENT'S GUIDE TO DENTAL
IMPLANTS (1886039658, $14.95) surveys the benefits of these implants, how they are inserted,
possible risks, and how long they last. An excellent review of procedures, options, and results. Jon
Mendelsohn, MD, et.al.'s YOUR OCMPLTE UGIDE TO FACIAL COSMETIC SURGERY
(1886039704, $19.95) discusses all kinds of facial cosmetic surgery options, from facelifts and nose
reshaping to chin implants and wrinkle fillers. From laser to chemical peels, every kind of option is
surveyed.
Don't Eat This Book
Morgan Spurlock
Putnam
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014-3657
0399152601 $21.95 1-800-847-5515 www.penguin.com
Morgan Spurlock's DON'T EAT THIS BOOK: FAST FOOD AND THE SUPERSIZING OF
AMERICA is no history or celebration of the fast food industry, but an account of the author's
thirty-day diet eating nothing but McDonald's as a reuslt of his ongoing probe into the effects of fast
food habitso n American health. Here Spurlock considers the expansion of fast foods into schools
and homes, how it's marketed, and how it competes with physical education to create obese children
and adults with accompanying physical problems. Interview with experts in 20 US cities reveals
research from lawmakers to health experts who share their insights into fast food. Add more than a
dose of comedy and you have a winner.
After a Stroke
Cleo Hutton
Demos Medical Publishing
386 Park Avenue South #201, New York NY 10016
1932603115 $16.95 www.demosmedpub.com
From communication to home management and travel, life after a stroke often is vastly changed. For
an idea on how to best manage these many changes, choose Cleo Hutton's AFTER A STROKE: 300
TIPS FOR MAKING LIFE EASIER. Hutton, herself a stroke survivor, discusses all kinds of topics
from intimacy to recreation and safety: stroke survivors receive numerous practical tips on adjusting
the little and big things which make life easier.
Overdosed America
John Abramson, MD
Harper Perennial
10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022
0060568534 $13.95 1-800-242-7737 www.harperperennial.com
From Celebrex to anti-depressants, the commercialization of medical knowledge is resulting in a
country which is increasingly overdosed and over-medicated, and in a medical world where doctors
are continuously misled by pharmaceutical companies and biased studies: that's the message of
OVERDOSED AMERICA: THE BROKEN PROMISE OF AMERICAN MEDICINE. Chapters
present damning evidence in this expose of American medical dangers, which refutes many 'miracle
drugs' being touted as cures today.
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228
www.prometheusbooks.com
Eldercare caregivers now have a companion title to Susan Beerman, MS, MSW & Judith
Rappaport-Musson, CSA's prior acclaimed ELDERCARE 911: THE CAREGIVER'S COMPLETE
HANDBOOK FOR MAKING DECISIONS, in THE ELDERCARE 911 QUESTION AND
ANSWER BOOK (1591022932 $20.00). Here are the tested answers to common problems
encountered by caregivers, from elders who are time abusers and demanders to handling dementia,
juggling work demands with caregiving requirements, and more. Plenty of case histories supplement
real-life questions and answers. Consumers seeking a guide to the latest lab tests will welcome Mary
C. Ricotta, Ph.D.'s A CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO LABORATORY TESTS (1591022479, $21.00),
explaining what the tests men and cutting through common medical jargon in the process. An
organization by body system makes it easy to use CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO LABORATORY
TESTS to locate typical tests for particular system problems. From how disorders begin and risks of
disease to testing procedures and how diagnosis is made from a test, this is one of the most
straightforward guides to tests and results interpretation on the market. Marc Zimmer, Ph.D.'s
GLOWING GENES: A REVOLUTION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY (1591022533, $28.00) provides
the first popular science book on green fluorescent protein, which has existed in one species of
jellyfish and was cloned recently to provide a host of new biotech applications. The protein does
more than glow: it can kill and image cancer cells, monitor bacterial infections, and light up in the
face of pollution. Glowing proteins have important uses in both agricultural and medical industries:
GLOWING GENES covers all the potentials of this fascinating new science.
The Great Brain Debate
John E. Dowling
Joseph Henry/National Academies Press
500 - 5th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
030909223X $24.95 1-888-624-7654 www.jhpress.org
How much of behavior is determined by genes and how much by environment? The debate over
nature vs. environment has raged for years, but new research on both developing and aging brains
provide new ways of thinking about the issue, as well as new treatments for various mental and
aging conditions. THE GREAT BRAIN DEBATE comes from a neuroscience researcher which
considers the latest research, issues and findings.
What's the Patient's Code Status?
Dr. Fernando L. Mirarchi
PAER Inc.
PO Box 9397, Erie, PA 16505
1889014583 $12.95 www.event-management.com
Most people want to protect their rights in health, and the Advanced Directives help in this - yet
most people aware of them aren't aware of its components or how it's used. Information on code
status implementation, Directive pros and cons, a sample that may be used, and details to be
addressed when completing an Advanced Directive are part of a guide originally created for the
author's own mother. It looks like a pamphlet, but WHAT'' THE PATIENT'S CODE STATUS is so
much more: a patient and family reference essential to creating and maintaining an appropriate health
directive.
Living Homes
Thomas J. Elpel
HOPS Press LLC
12 Quartz Street, Pony, MT 59747
1892784181 $30.00 www.hopspress.com
Planning a home? Spend more time on planning it and you can have a home which is designed with
energy and resource efficiency in mind, which won't be unaffordable either during or after
construction. Plenty of books tell how to build a house, or blend in energy-efficient systems. Few
cover the process from the design stage on, as does LIVING HOMES: INTEGRATED DESIGN &
CONSTRUCTION. From basic water supply and management system choices to building straw
bale walls and treating logs and chinking, LIVING HOMES is packed with ideas and options
owner/builders will appreciate.
The Houses of Martha's Vineyard
Keith Moskow
Monacelli Press
611 Broadway, #309, New York NY 10012
1580931537 $50.00 www.monacillipress.com
Keith Moskow's THE HOUSES OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD isn't a review of historic structures,
but a presentation of over twenty Vineyard houses built in the past twenty years by renowned
architects: a diverse set of designs and innovations which are both beautiful and answers to
architectural challenges. Color photos of both interiors and exteriors pack every page and provide
rich visual accompaniments to descriptions of the architects and their special approaches. A
gorgeous keepsake for Martha's Vineyard residents, students of architecture, and architectural
library collections alike.
The New Southwest Home
Suzanne Pickett Martinson
Northland Publishing
2900 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff, AZ86001
0873588576 $34.95 1-800-346-3257 www.northlandpub.com
If you wish to build your Southwest dream home a room at a time, do it with Suzanne Pickett
Martinson's THE SOUTHWEST HOME: INNOVATIVE IDEAS FOR EVERY ROOM. Here are
ideas for Southwest style furniture, art and accessories which use the classic colors and decorating
ideas of the Southwest. From elevated fireplaces to rich waterfall-spiced bathroom settings, THE
NEW SOUTHWEST HOME will intrigue home designers with fresh new approaches.
Victorian Kitchens & Baths
Franklin & Esther Schmidt
Gibbs Smith
PO Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
1586853023 $39.95 1-800-748-5439 www.gibbs-smith.com
More than just another scrapbook of Victorian d‚cor, VICTORIAN KITCHEN AND BATH
investigates Victorian styles from historic to modern, surveying the basic design elements which
make up Victorian style and displaying, in vivid color photos, how these elements may be
incorporated into today's home; from using period Victorian antiques to 'fix' a setting's atmosphere
to historically accurate kitchen lighting. Articles probe in depth the elements of Victorian design
which will work in the modern home - and what doesn't. This approach creates an excellent practical
guide: embellished with numerous color photos examples by the authors, VICTORIAN KITCHENS
& BATHS goes beyond most hardware-oriented guides.
Pottery Barn Outdoor Spaces
Christene Barberich
Oxmoor House
80 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025
0848730550 $24.95 www.oxmoorhouse.com
POTTERY BARN OUTDOOR SPACES: EASY IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR CASUAL
OUTDOOR LIVING isn't just for rural or suburban homeowners - if you're an urban dweller with
only a balcony, you can still find a lot to learn from an entertainment book dedicated to creating
lovely outdoor environments and outdoor rooms. Exterior spaces are rarely given their own
complete book: this provides easy techniques for converting or decorating porches, garden areas,
and more. From simple balcony decors to creating outdoor kitchens, spa areas and patios,
OUTDOOR SPACES is packed with colorful photo examples and plenty of ideas.
At Home with Pictures
Paige Gilchrist
Lark Books/Sterling Publishing
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
1579903606 $27.95 www.larkbooks.com
Photos and art lend personality and style to a home, especially if they're arranged artistically and
appropriately to compliment existing d‚cor. But how to display family photos in a creative manner?
Choose Paige Gilchrift's AT HOME WITH PICTURES: ARRANGING & DISPLAYING
PHOTOS, ARTWORK & COLLECTIBLES to learn about classic, traditional or alternative
arrangement choices. From choosing appropriate frames and mats to hanging pictures in the more
familiar manner, AT HOME WITH PICTURES shows there's a range of options involved.
Amherst Media
PO Box 586, Buffalo, NY 14226
www.amherstmedia.com
Four new photography guides instruction neo-pro and would-be pro photographers on some of the
foundations of achieving and marketing professional-quality work. Jeff Smith's PROFITABLE
PORTRAITS: THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S GUIDE TO CREATING PORTRAITS THAT SELL
(1584281529, $29.95) tells how to target a client's needs to create a salable portrait. In choosing
this focus over that of producing an artistic product, chapters are able to focus on identifying a
client's unique tastes, using that knowledge to create demand for work, and making associated
decisions from clothing and background choices to lighting and posing. Especially powerful when
covering photo repair and retouching. Stephen A. Dantzig, PsyD.'s LIGHTING TECHNQIUES
FOR FASHION AND GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAPHY (1584281472, $29.95) focuses on light and
its effects on setting mood. Learn how light affects photo quality, how to meter for excellent
exposures for either film or digital modes, and how to control image color and lighting through a
title which focuses exclusively on fashion photography needs. Next, market your photography skills
with Kathleen Hawkins' MARKETING & SELLING TECHNIQUES FOR DIGITAL PORTRAIT
PHOTOGRAPHY (1584281634, $34.95), which covers all the basics from identifying a market
niche to target photo marketing to advertising effectively, proofing presentation tips, and developing
a personal website. Color and black and white photo examples abound. If you're an Adobe
Photoshop beginner and just want to learn basic photo touching elements, be sure to pick up
Michelle Perkins' BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS: EASY
LESSONS FOR RAPID LEARNING AND SUCCESS! (1584281383, $29.95). Chapters review all
the basics of how to work with digital images in Elements: from adjusting color and converting
images to sepia to using filters, working with layers, and adding artwork to a photo. All are
excellent, basic photography references: very highly recommended.
Digital Nature Photography Closeup
Jon Cox
Amphoto Books
770 Broadway, New York NY 10003
081743674X $24.95 amphotobooks.com
Macro nature photography is seldom given its very own book, much less digital macro nature
photos; so any seeking to learn close-up techniques for flowers, insects and more must have
DIGITAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CLOSEUP: it comes packed with in-depth discussions of
all macro techniques, color photos examples fill the pages, and details on file formats, Photoshop
editing, and more offer macro photographers plenty of tools of the trade. Excellent depth and
scope.
The Art of Animation Drawing
Don Bluth
DH Press/Dark Horse Comics
10956 SE Main Street, Milwaukee, OR 97222
1595820086 $14.95 www.dhpressbooks.com
Don Bluth as an animator and artist who has directed such major cartoon productions as All Dogs
Go to Heaven and Anastasia: his ART OF ANIMATION DRAWING thus comes from a practicing
master, and is packed with specifics on how to design characters, adapt them to script, pair them
with voice and music, and more. Lovely black and white and color examples throughout accompany
written, specific direction artists will relish.
Edward Hopper's New York
Avis Berman
Pomegranate
775A Southpoint Boulevard, Petaluma, CA 94954-1495
0764931547 $30.00 www.pomegranate.com
Edward Hopper is one of the country's best known painters: he based himself in New York City and
depicted the city through the first half of the 20th century. While most of these portraits have
appeared in more general Hopper art books, it's refreshing to see in print the first book devoted
entirely to his New York paintings alone. Reproductions drawn from galleries around the country
includes both color paintings and black and white prints created before he was fully recognized as an
artist: with each picture enhanced by artistic insights on the opposite page, any Hopper collection
won't be complete without adding EDWARD HOPPER'S NEW YORK.
Western Traditions
Michael Duty & Suzanne Deats
Fresco Fine Art Publications
9812 Nimitz NE #100, Albuquerque, MN 87111
0974102342 $85.00 www.frescobooks.com
WESTERN TRADITIONS: CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS OF THE AMERICAN WEST is an
excellent collection examining art of the American West. Michael Duty's essays on the history of
painting and sculpture supports the lovely full-page photos and Suzanne Deats' interviews with the
artists - all living and working today. Emphasis is upon the evaluation of the art pieces themselves:
influences, interpretations of work, and background history place each piece in perspective. If
Western American modern art is the focus, WESTERN TRADITIONS should be one of the
cornerstones of any serious art library holding.
Automate Your Business Plan
Linda Pinson
OM-IM
13381 White Sand Drive, Tustin, CA 92780
0944205283 $TBA www.business-plan.com
Too many books on business plans are just plain hard to get through: small aspiring business owners
must consider pages of instruction, charts, graphs, and sometimes terminology which is not fully
explained - and wind up with no business plan in place. For those who would learn while filling in
the blank, choose the stand-alone software program AUTOMATE YOUR BUSINESS PLAN: a set
of industry-specific customized business plans which can be used to develop realistic financial
projections useful for both owners and for loan applications. The software does most of the work -
you just fill in the forms to produce plans which are created from pre-formatted files complete with
headers, fonts, and print commands. Another plus: AUTOMATE YOUR BUSINESS PLAN can be
imported or exported to or from Word and Excel, making it a portable, useful program indeed.
Career Press
PO Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
www.careerpress.com
Career Press's motivation titles for both bosses and workers tackle basic business issues which may
be experienced at all levels in the workplace: thus, there's something for everyone on Career Press's
business bookshelf. Arthur H. Bell, Ph.D.'s YOU CAN'T TALK TO ME THAT WAY! STOPPING
TOXIC LANGUAGE IN THE WORKPLACE (156414822X, $14.99), for example, covers the
problems of verbal insults, ridicule and putdowns in the workplace and how they may be ended.
There are many motives for verbal attacks in the workplace: chapters consider these motivations and
their psychology, who tends to be the target, and how companies can eliminate toxic workplace
environments and events. Discussions of legal options are also included. The abuse shoe can also
appear on a higher foot, as Gerald M. Groe, Ph.D. explains in WAS YOUR BOSS RAISED BY
WOLVES? SURVIVING THE ORGANIZATIONAL FOOD CHAIN (1564148149, $14.99).
These are the bosses who are always grumpy and snapping, who attacks peers or new employees,
and who views the workplace as turf to defend. Chapters tell how an employee can recognize a
boss's territorial problems and how to tackle common issues underlying bad boss behavior. Marisa
D'Vari's BUILDING BUZZ: HOW TO REACH AND IMPRESS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE
(1564147797, $14.99) packs insider information into its discussion of media promotions and
competitive promotional environments. From how to get interviewed by the print media to
developing a news hook the media will relish, BUILDING THE BUZZ covers all aspects of getting
attention. Steve Chandler and Scott Richardson's 100 WAYS TO MOTIVATE OTHERS: HOW
GREAT LEADERS CAN PRODUCE INSANE RESULTS WITHOUT DRIVING PEOPLE
CRAZY (1564147711, $19.99) represents years of successful leadership coaching and training by
the authors, a leadership trainer and an attorney. Executives and managers will be the audiences for
a title which tells how to motivate others both effectively and gently. From understanding unstable
people who wish things to stay the same to understanding concentration, elaxation and impetus to
change, 100 WAYS TO MOTIVATE OTHERS is packed with examples. Dr. Paul Powers'
WINNING JOB INTERVIEWS (1564147789, $12.99) provides a step-by-step guide to
understanding the job interview process, focusing on why the process favors the job hunter and how
to use this process to assure success. Learn how to ask and understand key questions, how to
reduce interview anxiety, and how to out-prepare others seeking the some job through a guide
which covers the basics. Christine Durst and Michael Haaren's THE 2-SECOND COMMUTE
(1564147924, $14.99) comes from the founder of the Virtual Assistant industry herself, paired with
an ex-Wall Street attorney who was one of her clients and helped her launch Staffcentrix, a leading
VA training company, and the International Virtual Assistants Association. These assistants work
from home and provide admin support, consulting, and more - all via email, fax and phone. Any who
dream of working from home must have THE 2-SECOND COMMUTE as a guidepost to
success.
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery, #650, San Francisco CA 94104-2916
www.bkconnection.com
Two excellent, very different guides will appeal to business professionals. Greg LeRoy's THE
GREAT AMERICAN JOBS SCAM: CORPORATE TAX DODGING AND THE MYTH OF JOB
CREATION (1576753158, $24.95) exposes a scam maintained by the myth of 'job creation' in
which big billion-dollar corporations play states and cities against each other to gain lucrative
taxpayer subsidies. The myth has revolved around the fact that the payoff for such subsidies lies in
job creation and higher wages - but is this true? Greg LeRoy exposes a bait-and-switch scam,
naming actual corporate names in a discussion of the rigged corporate development system which
promises much but seldom delivers, in exchange for lucrative agreements. State-by-state examples
discuss free growth, costs, and vanished benefits of such scams. Truly revealing. Keith Merron's
CONSULTING MASTERY: HOW THE BEST MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE
(1576753204, $34.95) goes beyond the usual guide to consultant roles in solving company project
problems, discussing how the savvy consultant can actually influence and change company direction
in the process. CONSULTING MASTERY seeks to explore and explain the consultant's wider role
in the business process, surveying how a consultant can make a difference and reframe a
decision-making process. An intriguing guide re-defining the consultant's role in a company.
Warner Business
1271 Avenue of Americas, NY, NY 10020
www.twbookmark.com
John C. Maxwell's contention is simple: "to do well in life, we must first think well." - but
follow-through is tougher than ideal and it takes his THINKING FOR A CHANGE: 11 WAYS
HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE APPROACH LIFE AND WORK (0446529575 $22.95) to
outline just how such thought processes can be altered to take place more effectively. From
understanding how to see the bigger picture to focusing thinking and collaborating with others to
achieve higher results, THINKING FOR A CHANGE is packed with ideas backed by actual
achievements. H. Anthony Medley's SWEATY PALMS: THE NEGLECTED ART OF BEING
INTERVIEWED (0446693839, $13.95) is written by a business professional who has conducted
thousands of job interviews and made hiring decisions based upon them: as such, it comes from the
other side of the desk, providing the interviewer's perspective on what makes or breaks a job
interview. From making eye contact and understanding job requirements and strategies to
determining how and when to take control of the interview process and understanding interviewer
focuses, SWEATY PALMS is the item of choice for all job seekers.
Harvard Business School Press
60 Harvard Way, Boston, MA 02163
www.hbspress.org
Three new business books offer readers diverse perspectives and approaches to understanding
business. From the 'Harvard Business Essentials' series comes POWER, INFLUENCE AND
PERSUASION: SELL YOUR IDEAS AND MAKE THINGS HAPPEN (159139631X, $19.95), a
compendium of ideas for managers on how to recognize opportunities within the organization to
further careers and make things happen. From building credibility through expertise and marketing
this expertise to analyzing audience receptivity to ideas, POWER, INFLUENCE AND
PERSUASION tells how to achieve goals. Charles O. Rossotti's MANY UNHAPPY RETURNS:
ONE MAN'S QUEST TO TURN AROUND THE MOST UNPOPULAR ORGANIZATION IN
AMERICA (1591394414, $26.95) focuses on the IRS, and comes from a businessman who became
the first business manager to lead the Internal Revenue Service. Rossotti almost single-handledly
transformed an aging organizational structure into a modern business model: MANY UNHAPPY
RETURNS shows how he reformed the system, and his confrontations with both politicians and IRS
officers in the process of change. MADE IN CHINA: WHAT WESTERN MANAGERS CAN
LEARN FROM TRAILBLAZING CHINESE ENTREPRENEURS by Donald N. Sull and Yong
Wang (1591397154, $35.00) profiles those shaping China, the world's second largest economy.
Eight Chinese ventures are profiled with an eye to revealing their success secrets and how they
responded to challenges and changes. A set of uniform success approaches and strategies are
revealed based on extensive research which shows how the organizations maintained flexibility while
address and replacing long-term plans with more fluid adaptations to change. All are excellent
business guides.
McGraw-Hill
2 Penn Plaza, NY, NY 10121-2298
www.books.mcgraw-hill.com
With all the news about real estate riches in the daily papers, it's more than evident that a real estate
boom is happening not just in a few states, but around the world - and Gary Keller, Dave Jenks and
Jay Papasan's THE MILLIONAIRE REAL ESTATE AGENT (0071444041, $19.95) is written for
the real estate agent who would turn a basic practice into a successful business. From basic models
for high-achieving real estate goals to gaining a million dollars in annual income, THE
MILLIONAIRE REAL ESTATE AGENT promotes an understanding of the agent's role,
responsibilities, and special abilities and provides basics on everything from organizing and running a
staff to the four fundamental models of real estate business. A wider-ranging discussion is presented
in Paul A. Laudicina's WORLD OUT OF BALANCE: NAVIGATING GLOBAL RISKS TO
SIEZE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE (0071439188, $27.95), an analysis of new global
challenges in competitive advantage. From shrinking deadlines and increased competition to rapid
geopolitical changes, corporate leaders and others face quick decision processes in the new global
environment requiring a better understanding of new technologies, innovations, and ways of doing
business. Turn to WORLD OUT OF BALANCE to learn how your company can stay ahead, face
opportunities and threats effectively, and adjust to changing consumer needs: understanding a few
crucial keys to success, as outlined by global business director Laudicina, is all it takes.
Career Compass
James A. Winnefeld Sr.
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Rd., Annapolis, MD 21402
1591149630 $24.95 1-800-233-8764 www.navalinstitute.org
Navy members and would-be officers who want to make an upward career of the Navy would do
well to consider James A. Winnefeld Sr.'s CAREER COMPASS their 'bible' of success. A thorough
explanation of Navy promotion systems and chains of command is covered in chapters which survey
every position and how to network to move up the ladder. From the influence of professional
military education on promotions to awards, decorations and more, CAREER COMPASS provides
a wealth of insider's advice on charting a career through the Navy.
Impact Publishing
9104 Manassas Drive, Suite N, Manassas Park, VA 20111-5211
www.impactpublications.com
Two new job-seeking guides appeal to specialty populations seeking work rather than mainstream
job-seekers or college grads, and will be indispensable parts of any job-hunter's collection. Ron and
Caryl Krannich, Ph.Ds's AMERICA'S TOP JOBS FOR PEOPLE RE-ENTERING THE
WORKPLACE: 85 OPPORTUNITIES FOR JUMP-STARTING YOUR CAREER (1570232261,
$19.95) covers the best jobs for someone re-entering the modern job market. There are employers
and positions which are particularly accessible to such re-entry job seekers: chapters cover work
opportunities in fields ranging from education and entertainment to government, law, transportation,
sales and much more, describing each job in terms of employment outlook, nature of work, training
requirements and expected earnings. Ex-offenders re-entering the job market also have special
needs, as the Krannichs explore in THE EX-OFFENDER'S JOB HUNTING GUIDE: 10 STEPS
TO A NEW LIFE IN THE WORK WORLD (1570232369, $17.95). From researching jobs and
communities and seeking assistance to writing effective letters, resumes, networking, and selecting
appropriate jobs to apply for, EX-OFFENDER'S JOB HUNTING GUIDE shows there is a job for
everyone - and how ex-offenders can land a good one.
Diane C. Donovan
West Coast Editor
Harold's Bookshelf
Degunking Linux
Roderick W. Smith
Paraglyph Press, Inc.
4015 N. 78th Street, #115, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
ISBN: 1933097043 $24.99 311 pp.
The newest title in this series from Paraglyph Press, Degunking Linux is another winner. What is
degunking? Whether you have just installed a system from scratch or inherited an already running
system there are always programs, services, and configuration options that can be removed or
changed to clean up your system. By cleaning it up you can get it to work more efficiently and leave
it less prone to exploitation by others.
The author does a thorough job of examining most of the common program and configuration items
that can clutter up a Linux system. Not just the Linux system itself, the book also examines
configuration and of common applications like OpenOffice, Mozilla, and Evolution. There are much
more detailed books on removing processes and default configuration options on the market, but
they are generally under the heading of security and too advanced for the novice user. On the other
hand, this book is written for the novice to intermediate user and really stands head and shoulders
above other books for this particular group. In addition this book contains a good section on
optimizing your X configuration, which can really improve your graphic performance. Degunking
Linux is highly recommended for novice to intermediate users.
The Enthusiastic Employee
David Sirota, Louis A. Mischkind, Michael Irwin Meltzer
Wharton School Publishing
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131423304 $26.95 301 pp.
One of the problems common to all businesses is how to build employee loyalty, productivity, and
satisfaction. The Enthusiastic Employee examines how you can make a company profitable by
creating enthusiastic employees. One of the most interesting parts of the book examines how
employees change their attitudes over time from one of excitement and eagerness to please to a
lackluster one. They propose that over time managers often kill the enthusiasm of employees and
then describe what to do about it.
The authors provide a close examination of motivational factors in the workplace including job
security, compensation, respect, a sense of achievement, challenge, feedback, recognition, and
feeling you are part of a team. They also examine the problem of changing the corporate culture to
implement change. The analysis presented in the book is based on real world knowledge obtained
through years of research on millions of employees. For those interested in employee relations The
Enthusiastic Employee is highly recommended.
Built for Growth
Arthur Rubinfeld, Collins Hemmingway
Wharton School Publishing
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131465740 $25.95 329 pp.
If you are working in the retail industry this book will be of interest to you. In it the authors detail
how to start or buy a retail business as well as how to revive a failing one. This is not just another
book on retail theories. Arthur Rubinfeld has worked with the likes of Starbucks, Oakley, Gateway,
and many other highly successful retailers. Co-author Collins Hemmingway also co-authored Bill
Gates' best selling book Business @ the Speed of Thought.
The authors provide a step-by-step process focusing on all aspects of a successful retail business
including branding, location, employees, customers, finance, and business planning. The book is well
organized and follows the normal business growth model from planning and implementing your first
store through expansion to using innovation as a way to grow beyond the limits of your current
product line or customer profile. Of course such a book would not be thorough if it didn't include
information on pitfalls to avoid and the authors do not disappoint the reader in this area either. With
solid advice in how to be a success in your retail business Built for Growth is a recommended
read.
I Want My Dinner Now!
Renee Pottle
Hestia's Hearth Publishing and Design
PO Box 7059, Kennewick, WA 99336
ISBN: 0976013711 $12.95 140 pp.
The first 44 pages of this book are pretty much designed for the novice cook. They contain tips,
information on safety issues, herbs and spices, common ingredients that may be unfamiliar to you,
what a well stocked pantry should include, and similar information. The book is divided into four
sections - Fast And Simple, Toss It In The Oven, One Pot Meals, and Using The Appliances. Each
of the four sections concentrates on a specific preparation requirement. Fast And Simple contains
meals that can be on the table in 35 minutes or less, Toss It In The Oven contains meals you can
prepare if you want to put it together and toss it in the oven so you can get other things done. One
Pot Meals minimizes dirty dishes. Using The Appliances contains meals prepared with the use of a
slow cooker, electric grill, microwave, or rice cooker.
The book contains 85 recipes in total, all of which are designed for the busy family. At the back of
the book the author has even included 16 weeks of coordinated meals. If half a can of something is
used one day then the rest is used later that week. I Want My Dinner Now is highly recommended
for the busy family that still wants home-cooked meals.
Ending Spam
Jonathan A. Zdziarski
No Starch Press, Inc.
555 De Haro Street, Suite 250, San Francisco, CA 94107
ISBN: 1593270526 $39.95 274 pp.
Author Jonathan A. Zdziarski starts this book by giving the reader a history of Spam as well as the
historical approaches to fighting Spam. This is followed by a very practical guide for the serious
Spam fighter; including details on statistical filtering, tokenization, Markovian discrimination, and
Bayesian filtering. Although it is very technical in many respects most readers should be able to
comprehend the text if they read carefully. Readers who already understand the basics of filtering
and email analysis will find it both easy and educational to read.
The author includes an excellent section on spammer tricks and how they get past fileters as well as
what to do about it. This section alone makes the book worth the price. Ending Spam is a highly
recommended read for anyone in charge of controlling spam in a corporate environment as well as
on their own system.
Firefox & Thunderbird Garage
Chris Hofmann, Marcia Knous, John Hedtke
Prentice Hall/PTR
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131870041 $24.99 271 pp.
When it comes to Internet browser and newsreader software Firefox and Thunderbird are both
considered to be one of the best available. Firefox is the browser of choice for me and has been for
some time. This book is about getting under the hood and modifying your Firefox and Thunderbird
to make them work the way you want them to and make your experience more pleasurable. Just like
car enthusiasts will take a stock car and modify it to be their pride and joy, this book explains how to
take the stock installation of Firefox and Thunderbird and make them work the way you wish a
browser and newsreader would work. Filled with valuable advice and insight, the authors don't
waste waste a lot of words trying to explain things you don't really need to know. Basically they
point out an item that can be improved, describes how it can work better, and then walks you
through how to implement the change. With multiple appendixes that are packed with very valuable
information, Firefox & Thunderbird Garage is highly recommended.
Can't Stop the Love
Sherri D. Dyson
SDD Publications
2335 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL
ISBN: 1931600155 $12.95 126 pp.
Author Sherri Dyson uses poetry to share her thoughts and feelings about some of life's most
important events and themes including love, children, weddings, saying good-bye, and holidays. She
does an excellent job of distilling the most important aspects of these events and at times provides
the reader with an excellent and inspirational read. Unfortunately, all of her poetry does not rise up
to this same level. At times it seems she reaches in order to get a word to rhyme. Several poems
provide three or four excellent lines and build towards a deep sharing of feelings and then have a
totally out of context line for the sake of producing a rhyme. An example is the poem on page 25
where it reads in part "I sit here silently wondering where you are. I love you endlessly, you are my
shining star." The focus is on her feelings and she does a good job of sharing them but suddenly
comes up with "...you are my shining star". This movement from her to the other person completely
throws off the flow of sharing her deep longing and does it for the sake of creating a rhyme.
On the other hand there are excellent poems like "Perfect Fit" and "The Battlefield of My Mind" on
pages 21 and 52. These are fine examples of her better poetry. Overall, Can't Stop the Love is an
average book in which everyone is sure to find a poem or two that speaks to them and is
recommended for poetry lovers.
Daily Positives
Edward P. Fiszer, Ed.D.
Cameo Publications, LLC
PO Box 8006, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
ISBN: 0974414980 $16.95 171 pp.
As a school principal Dr. Fiszer started including positive motivational messages with the morning
announcements in his school. The purpose was give the students a positive attitude and the courage
to take action when facing challenges in life. This book is a collection of those messages. While they
were designed for school-age children, the messages are also valuable as a motivational aide for
adults. Daily Positives is highly recommended and a great way to start each day.
The Long 19th Century: European History from 1789 to 1917
Professor: Robert I. Weiner
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100, Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Format: Audio CD, DVD, Audio Tape
Lectures: 36
Through this series of lectures Professor Weiner, Professor of History at Lafayette College,
introduces the listener to the important people, events, political climate, and other factors of
European life from 1789 to 1917. Some of the important periods and people examined include the
French Revolution, the Napoleonic Era, the First Industrial Revolution, the Era of Metternich, the
Crimean War, Napoleon III, Bismark and the German Empire, the Russian Experience,
Industrialization, Socialist Response, Anti-Semitism, France, Bismarckian and Wilhelminian
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, Russia, Turkey, the Balkans, and World War I.
Professor Weiner does an excellent job of examining not only the various countries and key people,
but also the cultural groups within the country. This is an enlightening view into the lives and
thoughts of the peasants, workers, aristocrats, women, and minorities of the various periods. The
Long 19th Century: European History from 1789 to 1917 is highly recommended to anyone
interested in the political, social, and diplomatic history of Europe.
Books that Have Made History
Professor: J. Rufus Fears
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100, Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Format: Audio CD, DVD, Audio Tape
Lectures: 36
This course takes a unique viewpoint on great books by examining those that had a major effect on
our society. Professor J. Rufus Fears examines how these books have shaped the minds of great
individuals and through them changed the direction of history. Some of the writings examined
include Bonhoeffer's Letters and Papers From Prison, Homer's Iliad, Marcus Aurelius's Meditations,
the Bhagavad Gita, the Book of Exodus, the Gospel of Mark, the Koran, Gilgamesh, Euripides's
Bacchae, Plato's Phaedo, Dante's The Divine Comedy, Shakespeare's Othello and the Moor of
Venice, Aeschylus's Prometheus Bound, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's the Gulag Archipelago,
Shakespear's Julius Caesar, George Orwell's 1984, Vergil's Aeneid, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address,
Confuscius's The Analects, Plato's Republic, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust, Henry David
Thoreau's Walden, Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, and Gandhi's An
Autobiography.
Professor Fears, a professor of Classics at the University of Oklahoma, does an excellent job of
describing the writings, the settings in which they occurred, and how they challenged the thinking of
the period. Books that Have Made History is a highly recommended purchase for anyone interested
in the history of social thought and how particular writings changed the direction of our history.
Great Authors of the Western Literary Tradition, 2nd Edition
Lecturers: Various Professors
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100, Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Format: Audio CD, DVD, Audio Tape
Lectures: 84
Divided into seven major sections this large collection of lectures by five different professors covers
every period from the Near Eastern and Mediterranean, Classical, Middle Ages, Renaissance,
Neoclassic, and 19th Century, to Modern literature. The section on Near Eastern and Mediterranean
Foundations includes lectures on Gilgemesh, Genesis, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Job, Homer's Iliad and
Odyssey, Sappho and Pindar, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. The following section on
Literature of the Classical World includes the works of Herodotus, Thucydides, Aristophanes, Plato,
Menander, Catullus and Horace, Virgil, Ovid, Tacitus, Plutarch, Petronius and Apuleius, The
Gospels, and Augustine. Both of these first two sections are presented by professor Elizabeth
Vandiver, a professor of Classics at Whitman College.
The third part, Literature of the Middle Ages includes Beowulf, The Song of Roland, El Cid, Tristan
and Isolt, The Romance of the Rose, Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, Giovanni Boccaccio, Sir Gwain and
the Green Knight, and Chaucer. This portion is presented by professor Thomas F. X. Noble,
Director of the Medieval Institute and Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame. He
does a particularly good job of presenting Sir Gwain and the Green Knight and Chaucer in a very
interesting manner.
The fourth part, Literature of the Renaissance, covers Christine de Pizan, Erasmus, Thomas More,
Michel de Montaigne, Francois Rabelais, Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare, Lope de
Vega, Miguel de Cervantes, John Milton, and Blaise Pascal. These are all presented by professor
Ronald B. Herzman, Professor of English at the State University of New York, Genesco.
Part five, Neoclassic Literature and the 18th Century, examines Moliere, Jean Racine, Sister Juana
Ines de la Cruz, Daniel Defoe, Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Volatire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau,
Samuel Johnson, Denis Diderot, William Blake, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This section is
done by Professor Susan Sage Heinzelman, Associate Professor of English and Women's and
Gender Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. A particularly good lecturer, her treatment of
Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift, and William Blake is not to be missed.
Parts six and seven, Literature of the 19th Century and Modern Literature, covers the likes of
William Wadsworth, Jane Austen, Stendhal, Herman Melville, Walt Whitman, Gustave Flaubert,
Charles Dickens, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, Mark Twain, Thomas Hardy, Oscar Wilde,
Henry James, Joseph Conrad, William Butler Yeats, Marcel Proust, James Joyce, Franz Kafka,
Virginia Woolf, William Faulkner, Bertolt Brecht, Albert Camus, and Samuel Beckett. These
sections are both presented by professor James A. W. Hefferman, retired professor of English at
Dartmouth College.
If you want to understand some of the best that western literature has to offer I can't think of a
better introduction to the authors behind those works than this series of lectures. Great Authors of
the Western Literary Tradition, 2nd Edition is highly recommended to anyone wanting to better
understand these authors and literary works.
Computer Forensics
John R. Vacca
Charles River Media, Inc.
10 Downer Ave., Hingham, MA 02043
ISBN: 1584503890 $49.95 703 pp.
At 703 pages this is a voluminous work that attempts to cover all the basics of computer forensics
and accomplishes that goal. The book does include a CD but it is somewhat disappointing. It
contains mostly demo programs that give you only a taste of the product and a few public domain
tools that you are likely to have anyway if you do even a modicum of computer security work. The
nicest thing about the CD is the inclusion of various checklists to help make sure you follow good
forensic procedures. As such the target audience for this book is people who need basic forensic
skills and the knowledge to develop an IT security strategy.
The book starts with a solid overview of computer forensics technology and how the field has
changed over the last several years. The author does a good job of covering computer evidence
issues and the special issues associated with the Windows operating system. This introduction is
followed with sections dealing with Internet security, intrusion detection, firewalls, storage area
networks security, disaster recovery, public key infrastructure security, wireless network security,
satellite encryption, instant messenger, ID management, ID theft, biometrics, and homeland
security.
The author also discusses several specific vendor tools that can be used as well as policies that
should be used to document and prosecute an attack. This section includes a discussion of
appropriate incident responses, evidence collection, forensic analysis, expert witnessing, forensic
litigation, and insurance support. While the book provides an excellent base of knowledge to the
reader in the area of evidence collection the reader should also be aware that the legal and technical
environment changes quickly.
If you believe your computer has been attacked or otherwise need to prove something did or did not
occur, this book's shining point is the excellent job it does on evidence collection and preservation.
This is an area where many business owners and technical users get into trouble. Incorrectly
checking the system for signs of the attack or other illegal information often makes the data unusable
in a court of law. You must follow specific procedures to protect the original evidence and work on
a copy. All the details of the correct procedure is presented clearly in this book. Computer Forensics
is highly recommended.
Harold McFarland
Senior Reviewer
Klausner's Bookshelf
Sex and the Single Witch
Holly Chamberlin, Carly Alexander, and Theresa Alan
Strapless (Kensington)
ISBN: 0758209312 $12.95, 352 pp.
"The Trouble with Witchcraft" by Holly Chamberlin. Unlike her proficient parents who are
embarrassed by her inabilities, witch Haven Castle cannot make a spell work properly. Her last effort
was a love spell sent at Jared Cragmere, who vanished instead of kissing her. He has returned and is
angry at whoever displaced him. Jared and Haven begin to fall in love in spite of the manipulations
of Angora Slate. However, Haven fears once he finds out who zapped him he will drop her to the
same nowhere she accidentally sent him. "Single White Witch" by Carly Alexander. Etherworld
resident Annie Quicksilver is on earth investigating male mortals as part of a series of articles for
Ephemera Online. She thinks her boss, warlock Simon is sexy, but too grouchy and alas bossy. Still
she keeps measuring her ninety dates against Simon and finds them all lacking. She worries that she
could be falling for a warlock, which in her mind means the worst toil and trouble for a witch. "The
Witch's Guide to Life" by Theresa Alan. When witch Ariel Watson sees the hunk in the restaurant
she orders up a wind that inadvertently blows cake on his hair. Feeling contrite she gives him tickets
to attend her opening at the MacLean Gallery. North High School ice hockey coach J.T. Manning
arrives and buys one of her paintings. Others follow suit. By doing so he converts the curse that
stopped her work from selling into her inability to paint as she only dreams of the hockey hunk. This
bewitching trio of amusing paranormal romances will cast a charm spell on readers.
Night after Night
Joan Elizabeth Lloyd
Kensington
ISBN: 0758206801 $14.00, 288 pp.
Marcy Bryant remains shell shocked in Seneca Falls, New York from learning that her twin Jenny is
the proprietor and madam of Manhattan's CLUB FANTASY. Unable to understand why her sister
would become a prostitute especially since Jenny apparently loves her boyfriend, Marcy decides to
write an erotic novel based on what she knows about her sibling's club and similar tales selling at the
bookstore. She shows Jenny a short story that her sibling says is excellent, but the first chapter of
the novel is horrendous. Jenny insists that for Marcy to write with feeling she must understand her
subject. The short story worked because Jenny claims Marcy was the star seeking her first real
orgasm. She offers Marcy a chance to come to Club Fantasy, meet everyone and if interested taste
"forbidden" fruit. Marcy agrees rationalizing she needs to better understand her sister. At the club,
pleasure giver Zack melts Marcy's brain and other body parts. As Marcy begins to appreciate what
the body can do with the right partner, she falls in love with the male prostitute, but has no hope that
a lion would desire a mouse; Zack reciprocates but assumes a nice woman would never want a
relationship with a prostitute. This erotic romantic sequel continues the escapades of the Bryant
twins this time Marcy is the sex star of the tale. The story line will remind fans of the Devil and Miss
Jones except that Zack is a heavenly hunk teaching the art of lovemaking while receiving lessons in
love. Sub-genre fans will gain immense pleasure from this XXX tale, but be aware that your
significant other better be handy (pun intended).
Category Five
T.J. MacGregor
Pinnacle
ISBN: 0786016809 $6.99, 384 pp.
Billy Joe Franklin and his girlfriend Crystal DeVries robbed a bank and he absconded with the
money, leaving Crystal to take the fall. While waiting to go to trial, she, along with her friend Tia,
transferred from the Dade County jail to the one on Tango Key. Billy successfully breaks her and
Tia in a daring jailbreak. It looks like his planning will allow them to make a clean getaway until
Hurricane Danielle turns into a Category Five storm, worse than even Hurricane Andrew. Bookstore
owner and psychic Mira Morales, her daughter Annie and her grandmother are preparing to survive
one of the worst hurricanes on record when the escaped convicts and Billy take over the house and
make sure the hostages are subdued. Mira's live-n-lover, Shep, an FBI agent, knows about the
danger the women face but he is trapped in a cellar and is unable to get out. Mira has to take charge
and see that her family is safe until someone can rescue them but when their situation looks
hopeless, help comes from a most unexpected source. It is a toss up to Mira which is worse the
Category Five hurricane or dealing with the unstable Billy Joe. Both could get her killed and even
her psychic powers are not strong enough for her foresee what kind of trauma and tragedy will
result from the criminals and the storm. T.J. MacGregor has written a fantastic crime thriller, filled
with action and suspense but the true antagonist in CATEGORY FIVE is Hurricane Danielle.
Last Girl Dancing
Holly Lisle
Onyx
ISBN: 0451411978 $6.99
Atlanta Police department Homicide Special Crimes Unit (HSCU) is looking to stop apparently two
serial killers working in tangent targeting Perimeter's exotic dancers. HSCU Detective Jim Hennicut
recommends to his boss Captain Howard Booker that they ask for "Princess Grace" as he
affectionately calls Detective Jess Brubaker to go undercover as she meets the physical requirement
of the killer. Jess reluctantly agrees because this might be the break for her to learn what happened
to her stripper twin sister Ginny, who thirteen years ago vanished without a trace. Because of
regional politics including the FBI, the task force consists of Jess, Jim, his partner, and a martial arts
psychic who is not a cop. Jim's friend former Ranger Hank Kamien agrees to help. He and Jess enter
the sordid realm of exotic dancing and not long afterward a killer targets the female cop. However,
trying to hide their attraction from one another becomes almost as difficult as playing cat and mouse
with diabolically clever killers. This is an exciting police procedural romance that takes off at a
fabulous pace once Jess goes undercover and never slows down until the final confrontation with the
killer. Though the clues as to the culprit's identity are there, fans will be shocked as Holly Lisle does
a terrific job with misdirection. The romantic subplot between the undercover duo augments a fine
suspense thriller that keeps the audience in a state of high tension throughout the whole tale.
Spoonwood
Ernest Hebert
Hardscrabble Books
University Press of New England
37 Lafayette Street, Lebanon, NH 03766
ISBN: 1584654902 $24.95, 320 pp.
In 1985 on a mountain ledge near Upper Darby, New Hampshire, Freddie Elman reaches his beloved
Lilith Salmon only to find her dying from blood loss caused by giving birth all aloneat this isolated
wilderness spot. She dies, but leaves behind a son Birch. Bitter and filled with self loathing and guilt
for failing and doubting his Lilith, Freddie ignores his infant son turning to drink to dull his pains
while his mother cares for her grandson. Freddie becomes concerned when his parents and Lilith's
family decide he is unfit and begin making separate cases for custody of Birch as he realizes the child
is his only connection to his deceased beloved. He takes Birch with him and flees into the woods and
beyond starting a nomadic existence for father and son on the run while those left behind pursue
them. It has been about ten years since Ernest Hebert wrote his last Darby novel LIVE FREE OR
DIE that included Freddie the trash man's son and Lilith the late Squire's daughter seeing one
another. Their relationship as a subplot of that novel devastated the social hierarchy of this New
England town. The direct sequel, SPOONWOOD takes the audience further by following the
escapades of Freddie, their son Birch and those chasing them. The cozy story line digs deep into
New England life from two social strata those with and those without as Mr. Hebert once again
entertains yet tells the relevance of the most seemingly minor aspect of the tale including that of a
small stone.
Death at a Premium
Valerie Wolzien
Fawcett
ISBN: 0345468090 $6.99, 272 pp.
Just before Memorial Day, building contractor Josie Pigeon and her fianc? lawyer Sam Richardson
discuss their Labor Day wedding when she learns that her firm Island Contracting won the bid to
renovate Bride's Bed and Breakfast. However, her client also sends his grandson, an undergraduate
architectural student Christopher Higgins, to redesign the B&B. Worse than keeping the rookie in
line, her associate accidentally hires a man who besides breaking Josie's gender wall is unable to get
insurance due to illness. As the crew works on breaking down a wall, they find a corpse behind the
plaster. However, the body turns out to have been a mannequin. Later they find a second dummy
under the house. Not long afterward they find a third except this time it is a real corpse. The father
and son Rodney "Rats" who make up the sheriff's department assumes that one of the crew killed the
victim though their preference is to pin the crime on Josie. Not sitting idly around waiting for the
Rats to devour her, Josie investigates beyond just her team though some shaky shenanigans over
E-Bay items surface. DEATH AT A PREMIUM is a fine amateur sleuth starring a strong intelligent
and proactive heroine in a Florida barrier island setting. The cozy like story line starts off breezy
with wedding plans, unwanted male help, and buried mannequins, but soon turns into a homicide
investigation. Josie is at her best saving her business, solving a murder mystery along with a summer
cop (female of course), coping with her teenage son and her future mother-in-law and planning a
wedding. This is no different than battling Hurricane Agatha as she did in Murder in the
Forecast.
The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life
Steve Leveen
Levenger Press
420 S Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445
ISBN: 1929154178 $17.50
Levenger Press CEO Steve Leveen provides a terrific self help book to assist readers with choosing
their material, making the most out of the time they set aside to read, and to not feel guilty when one
decides to not finish the book. The keys to this guide are Mr. Leveen's enthusiasm and the practical
and easy to follow advice. His suggestions include keeping an updated list of what you want to read
and when you can get a copy get it - don't wait until you have time to read that book. He also
emphasizes be active which include visiting the prime setting and writing notes inside a book; in
honesty his footprint vs. preserving gave this reviewer cardiac arrest; I make notes on stickees (pink
for romance; red for mystery, blue for sci fi etc.). This is a fabulous guidebook aimed more at the
wannabe reader to leisurely enjoy oneself by getting inside a book. This is similar to how the Potter
crowd reads (my opinion the most influential books outside of the bible in decades as it has brought
new blood to literature). Mr. Leveen provides a wonderful guide to fully enjoying books for mostly
spectators who want to join the game.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
Diana Gabaldon
Delacorte
ISBN: 0385324162 $28.00
Though officially war has not been declared, blood has fallen in Massachusetts Bay. On Fraser's
Ridge, North Carolina Jamie Fraser already knows the outcome of the Revolutionary War because
his spouse Claire told him having journeyed from the future to his past knowing the details about the
Revolutionary War because she read about it in the American history books. Tension is high so
Colonial Governor Tryon asks Jamie, leader of those residing along Fraser Ridge, to help keep the
peace there. He is not sure how to respond because Jamie knows that those who support the
monarchy will either die or flee in exile yet Jamie still hopes he can avoid bloodshed. There is also
the matter of knowing that three plus years from now The Wilmington Gazette December 1776
reports that Jamie and his family died in a fire. Jamie knows that the devil is in the details, but how
can a mortal change history even if the events have not yet occurred. Now in 1773 he must take
sides knowing that soon people he cares about will die. The latest Gabaldon time travel historical
tale is a superb entry because of the dilemmas facing the hero who knows the outcome of the
upcoming war and is aware of the deaths of himself and his beloved family yet must make difficult
choices. For instance, perhaps he should relocate elsewhere so that the Frasers and others are
nowhere near the mid December 1776 inferno, but that also means neglecting his responsibilities.
Jamie, Claire, and the others are at their best when knowing what is coming, but sometimes an
ethical person must choose a losing perhaps deadly position. Ms. Gabaldon is at her epic best with
this powerful saga. The paragraphs above fail to even hint at the vast deep look at North Carolina on
the verge of war because it is impossible to describe the scope of this work in a few paragraphs.
Spell of the Highlander
Karen Marie Moning
Delacorte
ISBN: 0385339143 $18.00, 320 pp.
In the ninth century, women have always loved Celtic Druid Lord Cian MacKeltar, who as the only
male in his family (his sire died just before his birth) has always been spoiled by the females. Still he
enjoys studying Druid tomes as much as bedding the lasses until Samhain "buried" him alive in an
underground library sealed for eternity. Over the centuries Cian became a myth although he still lives
in a hellish dark mirror prison. While Chicago based archaeology graduate student Jessi St. James
plans a post PhD life filled with boyfriends, Lucan Trevayne panics over a break and entry. Someone
stole the Dark Mirror amongst other "Unseelie" Hallows artifacts at a time when his tithe is due.
Professor Keene asks Jessi to accept a delivery for him. She does and looks at the ancient mirror,
but sees a hunk looking back from the glass at her. Cian is freed but knows his powerful and most
likely affluent enemy still lives and is coming for him and the mirror. With Jessi at his side to keep
the woman he is falling in love with safe, Cian knows he must stop Lucan from regaining what he
lost and regain the final fourth Unseelie Hallows object. This exciting romantic fantasy never slows
down from the moment that Cian is trapped inside the Dark Mirror until the final confrontation. The
story line is action packed (the first paragraph above is only a few pages) as the ninth century
warriors battle in the twenty-first century with Lucan having all the advantages expect the love of a
good woman. Karen Marie Moning provides a terrific saga.
The Patriots Club
Christopher Reich
Delacorte
ISBN: 0385337280 $26.00
Thirty-two years old Thomas Bolden has come a long way from his youth growing up on the
meanest streets of Chicago. Today he is director of the New York investment bank Harrison Weiss
and is dating a nice girl Jennifer Dance. However, just minutes after he proposes to Jenny, two thugs
kidnap him and take him to a partially constructed office building in Harlem. There, another stranger
orders Thomas to tell him everything he knows about Crown and Bobby Stillman if he wants to live.
Thomas knows nothing having never heard of either person. He manages to escape. However, his
escape has not freed Thomas. He has run afoul of THE PATRIOTS CLUB, a secret group of
influential individuals who since the beginning of the republic has insured certain political privileges
remain intact. This group needs to eliminate Thomas who knows too much, starting by destroying
aspects of his life, as they methodically hunt for him and his fianc?e. This is a terrific thriller that will
remind readers of The Firm although THE PATRIOTS CLUB members seem tougher. The story
line is action-packed from the moment Thomas meets the muggers and never slows down until the
final High Noon confrontation. Though lacking the financial shenanigans that Christopher Reich is
known for (see THE DEVIL'S BANKER) fans of a tense somewhat by the numbers suspense tale
starring David vs. Goliaths will want to read this solid novel.
Faithless
Karin Slaughter
Delacorte
ISBN: 0385339453 $25.00
Grant County Police Chief Jeffrey Tolliver finds the corpse inside a sealed box with a protruding
pipe near Lake Grant. His former wife and current lover medical examiner Dr. Sara Linton does the
autopsy on the victim identified as Abigail Bennett. To her horror, Sara realizes that slow
suffocation was not the cause of death, but that the culprit poured cyanide down the pipe. They soon
learn that Abigail was a member of the Holy Grown soybean farming collective, many of whom are
former felons. Upon learning of her murder they react as nothing unique occurred, that poisoning
and burying a living person is normal. However, Sara, Jeffrey and detective Lena Adam also make
inquiries at the local Church for the Greater Good as they begin to wonder if twisted morality
involving fallen sisters and daughters might be involved especially after meeting Minister Thomas
Ward and when a second buried body is found. The toughest peach in Georgia (see INDELIBLE
and KISSCUT), Sara is actually mellower than usual as this case makes her somewhat introspective
reflecting on hiding her relationship with Jeffrey from her family; don't worry the forensics remain
grim and gritty. Interestingly as abortion and domestic abuse are raised to an extreme level in the
storyline, Lena also ponders her relationship with an abusive mate. Still this is a Slaughter story so
that the police procedural plot is the focus in the usual dark grim suspense laden way.
Dragon Blade
Andre Norton & Sasha Miller
Tor
ISBN: 0765307472 $24.95
The Nordon monarchs Ashen NordornQueen and Gaurin NordornKing are looking forward to
peace, spending quality time together and with their infant son having recently defeated the Great
Foulness ice dragon. However, their tranqulty ends when Ashen finds a letter inside the false bottom
of a box containing a gift; the note explains that only the legendary DRAGON BLADE can kill the
Mother Ice Dragon. Corageous though wary, Gaurin leaves to find the blade made from the scales
of the enemy's deceased mate that will finally end this nightmare. After her sposue left, Ashen
disocvers a map that shows where the DRAGON BLADE and the Mother Ice Dragon lair are
located. She sets off to catch up to her husband while their land has a new foe, a rogue troll
destroying anything in its path. The fourth tale in the Oak, Yew, Ash, and Rowan saga is a fabulous
fantasy especially when the exciting story line follows the escapades of the Nordorn rulers. The
action is fast-paced and never slows down even when the Troll threat takes fans down a sidebar that
is fun to follow by bringing in other favorites from previous books, but also weaves a thread that
takes away from the grand adventure. Still fantasy fans will gain immense delight from this fine
tale.
A Rumor of Gems
Ellen Steiber
Tor
ISBN: 0312858795 $25.95
The city of Arcato is under some sort of mystical siege. First magical gemstones began appearing
with the potency to cast spells. On top of that the ancient port city has become a place teeming with
gods and other mythological creatures pretending to be humans only to vent havoc on the locals
while time is multiple with varying epochs coexisting in an interactive spiral. As chaos rules the city,
human Lucinda de Francesco detests males whether they are god, shapeshifter or mortal as she
wants no one to dictate to her how to live and yet she still thirsts for true love. She is especially
wary of antiques dealer Sebastian Keane, who obsessively courts her in spite of her acrimonious
rejections of him. At the same time; eleven years old Michael Fortunato has apparently become a
killer because someone seems to have used the power of a gem to control the lad. Could that have
been a God, a rogue shaman like Alasdair or even the sentient miniature dragon gemstone? The
weird city and its supernatural cast that includes the thinking gems and most humans are well
rounded and solid so that the audience believes in what is going on inside of Arcato. However, the
heroine on the other hand pontificates on her life slowing down an exhilarating plot that moves on
all cylinders when Lucinda is not musing about the shortcomings. Fans of strange fantasy tales will
appreciate this fine story wondering whether the preadolescent is a killer, a victim of a gem, or set
up by one of the Gods.
Talyn
Holly Lisle
Tor
ISBN: 0765309939 $27.95
Because of the three century old war with the Eastil Kingdom, the land of Tonk drafts young
children to train as soldiers in an everlasting war of magic. These soldiers are patriots who expect to
die in combat and believe being killed protecting their country is honorable. However, from outside
the war zone, the Feegash arrives forcing the two adversaries to end the hostilities that threaten the
tranquility of the world as it constantly spills beyond the borders of the warring nations. The Feegash
successfully broker a peace, which leaves a lot of soldiers out of work. This is especially harsh on
the veterans who have spent their entire lives training or fighting and expecting to die in battle.
Warriors like Talyn are not just unemployed, but mentally unprepared for civilian work. Feegash
diplomat Skirmig becomes her lover, but soon Tonk an ex-soldier of Talyn and Eastil diplomatic
Captain Gair believe in the threat that the benevolent Feegash plan to annex both disarming
countries. These sworn enemies must unite to have any hope against Skirmig, who employs a
hideous magic that leaves him in full control. Readers will have to adapt to the changing POV from
first to third and back to first within the same passage that allows the audience to see inside the
heroes, but sometimes proves difficult to follow. Once fans adjust to the constantly changing POV,
they will appreciate Holly Lisle's deep thought-provoking epic fantasy. The keys to the tale are that
the international relationships seems genuine when there is open hostility or the Trojan Horse peace
that must be dealt with when the heroes work through personal problems as well as their distrust of
one another. Only then can they can try to save their respective nations. TALYN is a deep and
powerful fantasy saga that readers will treasure.
Pilgrim
Sara Douglass
Tor
ISBN: 0312873751 $27.95, 480 pp.
The Star Gate has been destroyed allowing the TimeKeeper Demons to enter Tencendor. The land is
devastated as these killers destroy anything and everything whether the deceased was once human or
gods. Their fate is the same as this malevolent horde march unstopped and unstoppable. Watching
from what appears to be the last haven from the invincible demons remains a small group of humans
and two former gods; each awaits death feeling hopeless. Yet survivors remain struggling to destroy
the Timekeeper Demons before they achieve their objective of bringing back to life their
abomination of a leader Qeteb. If he returns Tencendor will be a total wasteland. An octet vows to
save the soul of their land before the evil adversaries can reclaim the soul of their master. The
humans and the once Gods split up in a race to save a beleaguered land from the abyss. This epic
fantasy is a terrific tale starring more of an ensemble cast than usually found in the sub-genre. This
enhances the feel that the land is about to be run over by dark forces. The collapse of the gate and
several other elements bring a science fiction mix that further makes the fantasy rudiments seem
genuine. Throw in the metamorphosis of life, death and rebirth inside a strong exhilarating story line
and fans will totally enjoy a fabulous Wayfarer Redemption tale that will leave newcomers on a
crusade to find previous tales and fans of Sara Douglass euphoric while awaiting the next
installment.
Foreigner
Robert J. Sawyer
Tor
ISBN: 0765309726 $13.95
Afsan's Saurian punishment for declaring that the Face of God is a planet that the Qintaglio home
sphere orbits as its inner most moon was being blinded. His related theory that their "orb" will be
destroyed in about a century is met with mixed results. Those who believe the astronomer ponder
how to go off planet when ocean voyages are difficult enough while Afsan negotiates a fee with
therapist Mokleb to help him mentally "see" how to overcome his natural irrational behavior and
adapting to using his new grown eyes. Meanwhile Afsan's spouse Novato studies an alien spacecraft
found in the southwestern Frahtoolah Province. At about the same time that Novato nervously
evaluated the craft, her son Toroca, while on geological survey aboard the ocean going Dasheter,
meets a second sentient saurian race on a small archipelago. This shakes the Qintaglios more than
Afsan's "taking God out of our skies" with a biological blow to the belief they are the superior race
of God. These scientific advances, instead of saving the race from the breaking up of their moon,
lead to war. This reprint of the final tale of the Qintaglio Ascension is a fabulous science fiction story
that makes the saurian races seem real as the audience will obtain a historical, anthropological, and
psychological perspective especially of the Qintaglio culture. The three prime well written subplots
tie together in a delightful climax. Fans of the series will appreciate the dual first contacts by Novato
and Toroca, but especially enjoy Mokleb getting Afsan on the couch to psychoanalyze him so that
he can understand the irrationality of the species (move over Freud). It is best read this novel after
the first two books in the series to fully savor the saurian culture but FOREIGNER can definitely
stand alone.
A Princess of Roumania
Paul Park
Tor
ISBN: 0765310961 $24.95
In the eighteenth century in an alternate world England has been devastated by a tsunami like wave
while in central Europe Roumania and Germany battle for control. Sorceress Aegypta Schenck
conjures up a magic tome that enables her to hide young Miranda Popescu in our world's
Massachusetts to elude the evil black tyranny of Baroness Nicola Ceausescu. She is the hope for the
future as the "white tyger" regal descendant. With her niece safe, Aegypta tries to set the stage for
her triumphant return. At the same time Ceausescu searches to find and destroy her only rival. When
the Baroness abetted by her necromancer elector succeeds, she brings Miranda accompanied by her
friends Andromeda and Peter into a realm so unlike what any of them have ever seen before. As
Andromaeda is changed into a dog and then a noble and Peter lives up to his sire a warrior from this
world, Miranda begins the first slow steps towards the challenge that will decide the destiny of a
planet. The key to this delightful fantasy that targets the Harry Potter class is the powerful alternate
historical backdrop to Europe that makes the two world scenario seems genuine. Miranda and her
allies are terrific younger heroes struggling with the abrupt changes in their lives especially an
adversary who wants her eliminated. The Baroness is a vile villain who fans will hiss at. Fantasy fans
of all ages will enjoy this fine dual worlds thriller.
Godslayer
Jacqueline Carey
Tor
ISBN: 0765312395 $25.95, 352 pp.
Long ago the world of Urulat was created by the Seven Shapers who made the races in their own
images. The eldest brother Haomane did not like what his brother Satoris did with his creation,
giving them free will, the ability to think for themselves and the urge to strive so they won't become
stagnant and complacent. He ordered his sibling to withdraw his gift and when he refused the
Shapers went to war Sundering the world as a by product of battle. Haomane and his siblings live
together not seen by their creations while Satoris walks the earth and lives in the fortress he created,
the underground realm of Darkhaven. Satoris's ally, the one thousand year old immortal Supreme
Commander Lord Tanaros kidnaps the ellyon (elven) Princess Cerelinde and takes her back to
Darkhaven. This stops Haomane's prophecy from being fulfilled which would end in Satoris' death.
He could permanently destroy any chance of the prophecy being fulfilled by killing the princess but
that is something he refuses to do. As Haomane's allies make ready for war Satoris decides that his
allies will also fight rather than endure a siege in Darkhaven. Both sides know that whoever wins,
the undoing of the Sundering will take place. There are many different sentient species in the world
of Urulat and with the Sundering, each race wars against the other just as the Shapers do. Haomane
is never seen and uses lies and misdirection to paint his brother as the enemy that must be destroyed.
Satoris who was not responsible for the Sundering is an enigmatic and mysterious being who got
cast in the role of villain due to his brother's deception. There is a cast of hundreds and it takes
careful reading to figure who is the ally of what Shaper. The Godslayer storyline is about the races
getting ready for war and Jacqueline Carey demonstrates her talent as fantasist by making the plot
exciting and memorable.
The Year's Best Science Fiction and Fantasy for Teens
Edited by Jane Yolen & Patrick Nielsen Hayden
Tor
ISBN: 0765313839 $17.95, 288 pp.
Ten of these eleven enjoyable stories targeting young adults (but older readers will appreciate them
too) were initially published in varying publications in 2004; one story "They" by Rudyard Kipling is
a century old (interesting to historiographic compare to the modern writers). The stories are mostly
fantasy and even the few science fiction contributions like "Sergeant Chip" have a fantasy like feel to
them. The authors are a who's who of the genres with each providing a strong effort. Settings vary
from Grandma's handbag (think Men in Black II) to the New York Forty-Second Street Public
Library to a K-9 point of view on war. Some, as is typical of fantasy, use horror elements to enhance
the plot. Each tale is well written and the editors provide the titles of other similar stories that teens
would most likely enjoy. An honorable mention list adds to the experience of fostering reading
amongst young adults. This is a terrific collection for young and old readers.
Pay the Piper
Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple
Tor
ISBN: 0765311585 $16.95, 176 pp.
Fourteen-year-old Calcephony "Callie" McCallan is a school reporter school in Northampton,
Massachusetts. She is excited by her job because this assignment enables her to go back stage while
the popular rock 'n' roll band, Brass Rat performs. The only setback is that her parents make her
bring her brother Nick with her. After listening to a recording by the group, Callie wonders why her
classmates ate making such a fuss over this band. That is she wonders until she meets the dynamic
lead singer Peter Gringras. His flute playing mesmerizes all who listen including Callie. However, on
Halloween night as the Brass Rat performs, all the children including her kid brother Nick vanish.
Callie thinks she knows why the children have been "abducted" and plans to rescue them as she
plans to follow the magic flute into the land of faerie to make the piper pay, but she will soon learn
how "faerie justice" works. The middle school crowd will enjoy this fine version of the Pied Piper
starring a wonderful young heroine who risks her life to save her sibling and the other children from
the unknown. As the audience learns the truth, feelings towards Peter the Pied Piper will change
although he still committed the abductions. Young readers will enjoy the first rock and roll fairy tale
while looking forward to future fantasies from this solid mother-son collaboration.
Chocolate On A Stick
Carole Bellacera
Baycrest Books
http://www.baycrestbooks.com
ISBN: 0972845062 $14.95 257 pp.
Velma and Louie met at the Happy Valley Hope for Retired Citizens in Memphis, Tennessee and fell
in love. Even though they are in their seventies, their love life is that of a couple in their twenties.
They are very happy together until the day Louie meets her son (owner of the used car lot, Elvis
Mobile) his bible thumping wife Loretta and Louie's identical twin daughters Geneva and
Genovedene. They inform the duo that the home is being closed and she will live with them while
Louie will live in with his daughter. Opposing the arrangements especially without their inputs Louie
calls his grandson, rich and famous rock star Gavin who he helped raise. Gavin sends them money
and a red corvette to make their getaway. Their families call the police and their plight captures the
heart of America who believes their children should leave Velma and Louie alone. On their way to
California they ride the rapids, win money in Las Vegas and take a ride on a hot air balloon, evading
the police and their family. When the family catches up with the lovebirds, tempers flare and Velma
has do something drastic to convince their children they are going to be together. This is a very
different type of read than the ones Carole Bellacera has written in past. It is funny yet contains a
serious social issue that is addressed. The elderly have rights even though their grown up children
might not agree with their choices and the lovebirds prove that they will do whatever is necessary to
lead their own lives. CHOCOLATE ON A STICK is a sweet charming geriatric romance.
Chicago Noir
Neal Pollack (Editor)
Akashic
PO Box 1456, New York, NY 10009
ISBN: 1888451890 $14.95 252 pp.
Moving from Brooklyn to Chicago, the latest urban noir anthology provides the audience with
eighteen delightful tales that pays homage to the ethnic neighborhoods and to the sports teams
(especially the Cubs and their curse). The settings vary from the present to Prohibition to the age
when Jazz was king. Each contribution shows the underbelly of the city not anything displayed by
Oprah. Each tale is well written and should please fans of mysteries set there though some of the
Second City superstars failed to show up like Sara Paretsky. Still this is a sold second entry to what
looks like is going to be a long friendship between readers and Akashic set in urban noirs.
Mad About Jack
Gayle Kasper
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142955 $26.95, 233 pp.
Holly Hanford has worked hard to make a success of Hanford Motors that she inherited from her
late father. She especially had to overcome the sleazy effort to take over her car sales company by a
former employee Adam Stone, who sweet talked her while she was grieving her dad's death. Holly is
irate that Wall St. transplant Jack Murdock has opened up Mad Jack Used Autos across the street
from her deep in the heart of Texas. Jack employs glitz and gaud to sell vehicles, but she admits his
classic red MG is a beauty. Meanwhile Jack is falling in love with his competitor, but though she
seems to reciprocate she rejects his advances as she does not trust handsome glib males. He knows
he must do the best sale of his life to persuade Holly to one day soon be his wife; if he fails he will
leave town with a whipped tail and right now things are not looking good. This is an amusing
contemporary romance though late intrigue seems unnecessary except to increase Holly's suspicion
that Jack is out to drive her from business through any means possible including sexual and
vandalism. The story line is fun as Jack drives Holly crazy, but she does not know him well enough
to realize she has all the power. Fans will enjoy this lighthearted romp between two competing car
lot owners.
Falling Through the Cracks
Barbara Haynie
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143846 $26.95, 271 pp.
The two surviving Bloom triplets (Rose died at birth), have lived a very good life until Lily tries to
kill herself over a boyfriend; deadhead Iris knows she cannot cope because she is so shook up. She
flees her relatively happy middle class Colorado home. On the road she meets Oregonian
environmental activist Blair Jaeger fleeing a situation that went wrong. They journey together
stopping in San Vacio, Mexico for some needed respite. The hotel is a dump so Iris asks elderly
ailing American expatriate Henry Whitman if they can rent his other house that he owns since he
only uses one. Henry was going to refuse until she notices and comments about his Scrabble board.
As they play Scrabble every night, a warm relationship forms until he begins to show signs similar to
Lily's. Iris wants to flee out of fear for what Henry might do. She has no one to turn to as Blair is off
to his next environmental event and the married doctor that she is half in love with ignores her. She
soon realizes she needs to be with kindhearted dying Henry who has given her back her life one tile
at a time. FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS is a deep character study that focuses
predominately on Henry and Iris as each find a way to live through their warm relationship. The
story line enables the audience to comprehend why Iris fled Colorado and is considering running
away before Henry dies, but she has matured so plans to be there for the person who was there for
her. Barbara Haynie provides a deep look at people nurturing one another during a time of
crisis.
Summons to the Chateau D'Arc
Kay Cornelius
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143862 $26.95, 324 pp.
In 1882, before she dies, mama makes her daughter twenty years old American Ellen Edmon
promise that she would write to the Marquis D'Arc. Mama wants Ellen to visit the chateau in Dreux,
France where her mama spent some happy moments of her life. After mama passes away Ellen
writes and the Marquis responds providing her with passage and a job as companion to his
wheelchair bound sixteen years old daughter Lucy. Ellen arrives at the Chateau D'Arc to find Lucy
does not want her there, her older brother Jacques seems to only want to bed her, permanent guest
Madame Albert hates her, her employer the Marquis is kind but distant, and the estate manager
Philip Mailley is hostile. Ellen finds the tension between everyone quite excruciating, but tries to help
Lucy while hiding her desire for Philip. Soon she finds herself wondering what happened to Lucy's
mother ten years ago when she seem to just vanish and what was the cause of Lucy's horse riding
accident at the same time that paralyzed her. Her snooping leads to someone amidst the household
trying to kill her and she fears it is Philip who she loves. SUMMONS TO THE CHATEAU D'ARC
is an intriguing gothic historical romance starring an innocent newcomer, a mansion that is
somewhat dark especially the upper floor and a brooding hero who wants nothing to do with the
newcomer. The story line is action-packed though the killer seems to have hidden his homicidal
history with some help to easily. Still fans will appreciate this fine tale due to the antics of the
kindhearted courageous Ellen.
Prophecy of the Seventh Dragon
Tyler Blackwood
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143897 $25.95, 341 pp.
Christopher Bartholomew is an Eskarian, a two hundred year old immortal who drinks blood for
nourishment but can go out in the sunlight. He is not a vampire but a Defender who protects
humanity from evil entities like Bermudan water dragons or demon wolves who change into animal
form every night but keep their human intelligence. A bite from one of them turns a human into a
demon wolf. After killing one such creature in the backyard of Mackenzie Wallace, he notices she
was bitten by a demon wolf and is due to turn very soon. Normally, he would kill her without a
qualm but he realizes she is his benekeda, his soulmate and instead of destroying her he turns her
into an Eskarian. When Mackenzie is convinced that her life has irrevocably changed, she finds she
loves Christopher as much as he loves her. They would be devilishly happy but Christopher and his
Defenders must prevent The Triad, a trio of powerful sorcerers, from completing the rites that
would allow the dark evil wizard Uleah from entering and laying waste to the world. This romantic
urban fantasy is refreshingly original using concepts that will appeal to lovers of this sub-genre. It
will appeal equally to readers of fantasy and romance because it has the elements of both genres.
Christopher is a delightful protagonist who, for all his many powers, finds himself feeling vulnerable
when it comes to Mackenzie. There is plenty of action and surprising twists which keeps readers
eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next. This reviewer would love to see more stories
written about the Eskarians, a very special group of people worth reading more about.
Grave Review
Cynthia Thomason
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142963 $25.95, 256 pp.
After inheriting the showboat the Jubilee Palace, The Barlows, mother Lillian daughter Gwen and
brother Preston leave their staid existence in a small town and perform shows along the rivers of
America. Their latest stop is Moss Hollow, Kentucky; an insular village that makes the star of the
show Marianne Dresden acts very peculiar. Instead of acting like her casual out going self, she hides
in her stateroom. Gwen learns the reason the star is acting despondent and reclusive is because she
came from this town and her real name is Mary Alice Kobb who left home in disgrace. Her father, a
stern emotionally abusive man wants her to come home which she refuses to do and after the
performances his body is found dead. The sheriff refuses to let the Jubilee leave until the murderer is
caught and when another killing occurs, Gwen decides to snoop never realizing that she will be
caught in a killer's trap. Readers who like exciting amateur sleuth novels set in an American
historical setting near the turn of the twentieth century will find the Jubilee showboat mysteries a
pure delight. Cynthia Thomason creates characters that are easy to like and places then in situations
that range from the comical to dangerous sometimes in the same scene. She creates a picture of a
bygone era, one this reviewer finds enchanting.
The Guardian
Jennifer A. Ruth
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142335 $26.95, 278 pp.
As a Helper to Protector Alana Devlin, Carrick "Rick" Murphy watches her back and protects her
when she is battling creatures from the Otherworld. His vocation doesn't leave him much time for a
love life but when he meets librarian Ruth Westland he can't help but falling in love with her and
cherishes having a normal relationship with her. This proves to be a difficult feat when he has to
keep leaving her to battle a monster killing men in a horrible fashion in Las Vegas. Devlin believes a
sorceress summoned these creatures from the Otherworld to do her bidding. When Alana's sister
Fiona casts a spell she sees the sorceress and draws a picture of her. Rick recognizes her as Joan's
next door neighbor Lisette. The Devlin sisters ward Joan's apartment to protect her but all it does is
make Lisette want to harm Joan. Rick uses his strength, with the help of the Devlins to keep Joan
safe but nobody is prepared when Lisette grabs him. Only Joan, using her empathic powers, has a
chance of saving Rick before Lisette kills him. Jennifer A. Ruth has written a fantastic urban fantasy
in the tradition of the works of Tanya Huff and Mercedes Lackey She place magical creatures in a
mundane world and makes them so believable that readers will entertain the possibility that these
magical entities actually exist. There is enough fantasy, horror and romance in THE GUARDIAN to
keep fans of the three genres very happy.
Lawnmower Blues
Rex Anderson
Five Star
ISBN: 159414320X $25.95, 243 pp.
In 1999 Houston private investigator Tony Aapt inherited a ton of debt when his grandfather died
and left him the family sleuthing business. Fiftyish former bartender Maggie Hawk recently won a
sweepstakes that guarantees her 500K per year for twenty years. She wants Tony, who frequented
her bar with exaggerated tales of his work, to look into the death of her husband George W. Hawk
in 1966. Tony looks at the detailed information she provides him and agrees with the official ruling
of suicide until she begins to make a case that her spouse did not kill himself; he was murdered to
steal his invention, a safe lawnmower blade. Needing the money but feeling guilty as the clues will be
cold and he has no experience with this type of inquiry Tony begins his investigation. He soon
becomes convinced that people were paid off by the legendary lawnmower king Jason Woods to
hide a homicide and a stolen invention, but how to prove it proves difficult especially when the
target of his case offers him a job he cannot afford to refuse. Tony makes the case fun to follow as
he fumbles and bumbles the investigation, but perhaps it is in the DNA because he keeps moving
forward one clue at a time. The hero is apt to fail not only due to his lack of experience, but also he
is going up against a highly regarded superheavyweight who has much more power than when he
seemingly bribed the world three decades ago. Fans will enjoy the twists to LAWNMOWER
BLUES as Rex Anderson provides a fine mystery starring a wannabe hard boiled detective who is
undercooked and truly a softy.
Fortune Cookie Karma
L.F. Crawford
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143110 $25.95, 260 pp.
Beverly Hills detectives forty-two years old Art Murry and twenty-three years old Billy Kidman are
working the crime scene of the fifth murder by the Ice Pick killer when they learn they have been
added to the regional task force to apprehend this serial killer. The victim is a college professor of
parapsychology who called the police to offer her help on the case and seemed to know she was in
danger. Meanwhile Conrad the Ice Pick Killer is stunned that the King of Thieves broke into his
home and stole his ice picks. He expects to hear from the thief who he plans to kill when the
extortion attempt occurs. He is also making plans for his next victim, medical examiner Mary ?clair,
Art's girlfriend. As Art works the clues and trains a somewhat frustrated Billy, the brass with media
and elected officials pushes for quick solutions not necessarily correct ones. This is one of the best
police procedurals of the mid point of the year in spite of the over-used serial killer angle. Art is
terrific as he provides on the job training to his junior partner and to readers. Fans of solid
investigative tales that also showcases the thoughts of the killer in a Hitchcock manner will want to
read FORTUNE COOKIE KARMA and want more works starring these two fine detectives from
award winning L.F. Crawford; she is an author worth searching for her backlist.
The Case of the Greedy Lawyers
Carl Brookins
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143196 $25.95, 260 pp.
An upper class female visits Hennepin County, Minnesota private investigator Sean "NMI" Sean
insisting that powerful attorney Ephraim Harcourt Saint Martin sent her to him because she needs
his help. She tells him no more except that she will consider hiring him before leaving. The next day
the police ask Sean to come to the morgue to identify a corpse of a woman carrying his business
card. He recognizes her as his visitor who left without providing her name or her reason for seeing
him. Not long afterward, someone attacks Sean at his home warning him to back off or else.
Another woman calls pleading with him to help her; she too is murdered. Finally Sean also learns
that a nameless detective (not Pronzini's) has made inquiries about him so he investigates why. This
leads him to Lucinda the dominatrix and the knowledge of S&M behavior on the part of the legal
class. Sean keeps digging as only he can to uncover who is snuffing out their bondage partners as
Ephraim is now dead. Sean is terrific in what is a spoof on hard boiled detectives as the hero proves
that tough sleuths can be small (5'3"), compassionate, caring and in your face as he refuses to accept
crap. The story line is interesting as Sean is pulled into the world of bondage by not quite clients
who end up dead. Private investigative fans will enjoy the entertaining tale wondering what is going
on and tagging along with Sean as he ponders why homicide amongst the legal class has interrupted
their sexual games.
Wolf Point
Edward Falco
Unbridled
Greg Michalson
200 North 9th Street, Suite A, Columbia, MO 65201
ISBN: 1932961089 $23.95, 240 pp.
Near Syracuse though he knows only a fool would stop, fifty-seven years old businessman T
Aloysius Walker known as Tom pulls over to the shoulder of the road to pick up the two
hitchhikers. The beautiful woman no more than twenty years old checks him out before entering his
SUV followed by her leather clad dude. Jen says she and Lester are heading to Tully until Tom
mentions he is heading to the Thousand Islands, which she says is their destination too. He knows he
picked them up because since his divorce he is lonely, isolated, and his life feels in ruins. T and Jen
play the game of truth asking each other questions until he asks whether they plan to rob him. Jen
says she is no longer sure, but that was the plan while Les says he needs the car and money with T
out of the way. T knows he must at least ditch Les who sounds increasingly desperate as they drive
the seemingly isolated road. Confrontation is coming, but who will walk away as T relishes the
adrenalin that has awakened inside him for the first time since his marriage legally ended. WOLF
POINT is a terrific thriller that stars three protagonists who on the ride form an intriguing triangle
that keeps the audience in suspense wondering when the seemingly inevitable altercation will occur.
The story line mostly happens inside the Rover yet the suspense is stratospherically high and keeps
growing because the audience slowly understands the demons that eat at each of the key players.
Edward Falco provides a terrific thriller sort of mindful of Spielberg's Duel except that the audience
knows all the adversaries up front and personal.
Get a Clue
Jill Shalvis
Brava
ISBN: 0758211376 $14.00, 320 pp.
Irate that her fianc? Dean left her at the altar, Breanne Mooreland goes on their honeymoon anyway
so that she can run up charges on the rat's credit card. She takes her vibrator with her knowing that
gave her more thrills than Dean ever did. The trek in a snow storm to the cabin in the Sierras is
hellish, but she makes it to her destination only to find a naked stud in her shower. San Francisco
battle fatigued police vice squad detective Cooper Scott picks up the vibrator that the woman who
ruined his shower dropped. He needs this vacation so he refuses to allow an angry beautiful woman
spoil his time off. Besides with the storm there is no other lodging available. They split the bed in
half; during the night both dreams of hot sex with the other. As he tries to prove he is a nice guy
who wants sex with her, Breanne trips over a corpse. Snowbound, Cooper investigates wondering
who amongst the zany staff is a killer although he prefers to investigate the body of his roommate.
GET A CLUE is a terrific police procedural romantic suspense as Cooper works the homicide as
best he can in accordance with procedures. The romance between the recently burned Breanne and
the burned out Cooper is deftly handled as he struggles to get her to believe he will not just leave
(not that he can with the weather) once they have sex. The eccentric support cast seems like
escapees from a loony farm, but in a wacky way enhance the two subplots. If they do not know
already, fans will GET A CLUE that Jill Shalvis is a talented writer.
Highland Vampire
Hannah Howell, Adrienne Basso, and Deborah Raleigh
Brava
ISBN: 0758211554 $12.00, 304 pp.
"Kiss of the Vampire" by Hannah Howell. In 1478 at court Janklyn MacNachton sees Efrica Callen
for the first time in three years and realizes he still desires her. When two lords accost Efrica, he
intercedes. She makes it clear she wants him, but he offers this wealthy heiress nothing but darkness
that will eventually become the light that he sees deep in her soul. "His Eternal Bride" by Adrienne
Basso. In 1321 Anaxandra watches the wonderful Highlander lead his men to a slaughter of the
English. Afterward the creature of the night slips into his keep and has her way him. The McCloskey
clan blames the death of their chieftain on his bride Callum. They lock her away in an isolated tower
where she dreams of seeing her beloved once more. As she begins to believe he still lives in a
shadowy place, Callum debates joining him in his realm. "To Tame the Beast" by Deborah Raleigh.
Bane the Beast of MacDonnell is cursed to live a lonely existence so he forces each generation of the
Foster clan to give him the oldest daughter when she turns twenty-one. Kathryn will be the next
sacrifice shortly, but her younger sister Isobella challenges Bane to leave them alone, but is stunned
to find a handsome man rather than a monster. He is shocked that the lass will do what no warrior
has done in centuries get into his face and no woman ever before get into his heart. These are three
delightfully biting vampiric historical Scottish romances that will leave the audience thirsting for
more bloodsucking hunks and passionate women who tame the beasts.
Really Unusual Bad Boys
MaryJanice Davidson
Brava
ISBN: 075820891X $14.00
"Bridefight". With her injured knee killing her, Detective Lois Commoner takes a pain killer.
However, somehow she wonders what she took because she is no longer inside her apartment.
Instead she is in a beautiful strange land looking in delight at a naked hunk Prince Damon who offers
to take the visitor under his wings and his body. The cop in her says to investigate him thoroughly
starting with a pat down even though she sees he has no hidden weapons. "Mating Season". Army
officer Lieutenant Anne Sanger looks forward to being stationed in Germany so she can see Europe
and hopes to meet a strong farm lad in uniform who worships her. Instead she meets Prince Maltese
naked in her tub who wants to kiss her senseless, which he does. Everything is ecstasy unless she
figures she will wake up putting a climax to what feels so truly hard. "Groomfight". Prince Shakar
seemingly fell from the heavens at the feet of Rica Callanbra. He adjusts to her lifestyle while she
adapts to having a compassionate caring hunk to swim naked with and make love to. However, the
Prince must go home because he must marry one of the fighting females from his realm. Of course
these women never battled a strong female human who knows what she wants and how to achieve
her objective. These three amusing erotic romantic fantasies are terrific fun stories starring strong
females who match up well with REALLY UNUSUAL BAD BOYS. Once again nobody combines
humor, romance, otherworldly elements (including that), and erotica into fabulous tales like
MaryJanice Davidson.
Fangs for the Memories
Kathy Love
Brava
ISBN: 0758211317 $14.00, 320 pp.
It is the day before Christmas Eve and two hundred year old vampire Rhys enters a seedy bar
seeking oblivion. While he drinks away his sorrows, in walks Jane an innocent who sticks out in this
dive. A customer hits on her and Jane is so innocent she accepts the drinks he keeps buying for her.
When she leaves he follows her and attacks her but Rhys stops him. When Jane goes back to her
hotel, Rhys drinks from her attacker and is then attacked by his brother, Christian who believes Rhys
was the cause of his lover's destruction. Jane returns to the area and Christian takes away her
memory of seeing Rhys unconscious and him being on the scene. Sebastian, Rhys's other brother
finds both of them and brings them to his home. Rhys' thinks he is betrothed to Jane and has no the
memory that he is a vampire. Sebastian encourages his delusion believing that Jane can make Rhys
very happy. The two fall love, neither knowing what Rhys really is but Christen is out there, waiting
to destroy Jane and make his brother suffer. Kathy Love has done the impossible: come up with an
original idea for a vampire romance. She creates a situation that leaves the hero with amnesia so that
neither he nor his lover knows he is one of the undead. This makes for some very humorous scenes
as Sebastian, who is playing matchmaker has to placate them while creating believable explanations
to his brother's questions. The love scenes are brilliantly written but lingering in the background is
Christian and the danger he presents to Rhys and Jane, making readers wonder when he will attack
next. This novel is a bloodsucker's delight.
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold
John le Carre
Walker
ISBN: 0802714541 $19.00, 245 pp.
In the early 1960s British Agent Alec Leamas is assigned control of undercover double agents
working out of the wall that divides Berlin. His job is simple: keep everyone under his watch safe
while infiltrating his men. However, somehow the East Germans are beginning to find and
assassinate his spies. Knowing that one death means failure, Leamas expects his London based boss
Control to call him back to England. In some ways he looks forward to being fired so that he can
come in from the Cold. Control brings Leamas home, but instead of sacking him, he orders him to
play the role of a dishonored agency failure. Rumors spread about Leamas the loser even as he is
deep behind the Iron Curtain. This reprint of the Cold War espionage thriller came out in 1964 just
after the Berlin Wall was raised. This reviewer did not read it (or any spy novel) until my spouse
encouraged me around the time of the Iranian Hostage crisis to try this and Cooper's The Spy. In
spite of a seemingly us vs. them surface mentality this tale (and its Revolutionary War predecessor)
paints a grim shade of life due mostly to the outlook of the forlorn hero. Interestingly Leamas still
holds up though the Wall is gone over a decade and this novel easily meets the test of time as a
classic like the Cooper thriller because the protagonist is a real person though a spy for any
season.
Desires Unleashed: Knights of the Darkness Chronicles
D.N. Simmons
Authorhouse
ISBN: 1418481157 $17.50
Police detectives Warren Davis and Matthew Eric have worked several ghastly cases in their
respective twelve and ten years on the Chicago force and partners for the last five years on the
Supernatural Unit Investigation Team, but this may be the worst. The body contains no blood and is
headless. Not needing profiling and putting aside their donuts, they seek a killer vampire. Meanwhile
Natasha Hemingway and her best friend Annette were celebrating the former obtaining a new job
when they were in a car accident. Natasha was hospitalized but as she recovers from her injuries she
begins having dreams that seem very real involving the homicides. She also meets and is attracted to
Xavier Richards, but is unaware that he is a vampire. Xavier introduces Natasha to his vampiric
lover Darian Alexander. To her chagrin she is attracted to him too. The vampires like the human
female as much and while they work out a potential m?nage de trois, Natasha offers her assistance to
Warren and Eric involving their case. DESIRES UNLEASHED: KNIGHTS OF THE DARKNESS
CHRONICLES employs two major subplots that ultimately tie together. The police procedural
investigation into the supernatural seems gritty, genuine and makes readers believe while the erotica
theme adds depth to the belief that vampires live though the audience will wonder if Natasha will go
for a threesome or not. This is not a Bueller Chicago joy ride as the novel contains graphic violence
and sex scenes including an opening with an erotic death scene that is not for everyone. However
fans of well written erotic supernatural investigative tale will enjoy D.N. Simmons dark, gory
chronicle.
Lyon's Gate
Catherine Coulter
Jove
ISBN: 0515138975 $9.99, 434 pp.
Five years ago Jason Sherbrooke left England after being betrayed by his lover (see THE
SHERBROOKE TWINS). He vowed never again to give his heart to any woman. However, after a
five year self imposed exile living in Baltimore he deices it is time to return home where he plans to
buy LYON'S GATE so he can breed racing horses there. Raised in America, Englishwoman Hallie
Carrick (see NIGHT STORM) plans to buy Lyon's Gate. When she meets Jason, an attraction is
instant that neither wants because he loathes females and she is betrothed to Elgin Sloane; they hide
their feelings behind caustic comments. Worse they soon learn they are co-owners of the horse
breeding farm with the stipulation that they must live at Lyon's Gate or forfeit their half of the estate.
As they argue, they fall in love, but Jason still distrusts any female with his heart; Hallie in turn offers
hers without a stipulation. This is a terrific Sherbrooke tale that brings in a secondary player from
the author's "Night" novels of the early 1990s. The story line is terrific due to the lead couple
especially Jason who burned once by love refuses to allow his feelings towards Hallie to interfere
with his belief she will betray him. Hallie is perfect for the damaged Jason as she tries to heal him
with love. Catherine Coulter is in top form with this fine Victorian romance.
Blood of Angels
Michael Marshall
Jove
ISBN: 0515140082 $7.99
Former CIA Agent Ward Hopkins and his lover FBI Agent Nina Bayman hide in the remotest part
of the Cascade Mountains so that the conspiracy of killers THE STRAW MEN cannot come after
them. They fear reprisal ever since they along with former cop John Zandt captured Paul "THE
UPRIGHT MAN" Hendrickson, a serial killer who happens to be Ward's twin brother; a sibling he
was unaware existed until he got involved in the homicides. FBI Los Angeles Special Agent in
Charge Charles Monroe and LAPD Robbery Homicide Lieutenant Doug Olbrich arrives to inform
Nina that that they need her in Virginia where an apparent female serial killer is on the rampage and
that Paul escaped. Everyone knows Paul is coming for his brother, but no one knows what happened
to Zandt who wanted to kill the Straw Man when they had the chance for murdering his daughter.
Refusing to wait for the inevitable, Nina and Ward search for Paul, but not only uncover a tail of
small town killings, they learn of the "Day of the Angels" is coming and fear the mass murders by a
string of puppet serial killers. The third Hopkins tale is an exhilarating thriller that grips the readers
with suspense from the moment that the heroes know their sanctuary has been breached. The story
line is action-packed as the siblings hunt for one another. Though better to have read the previous
chilling stories, the audience still gains a taste of how widespread and insidious the Straw Men
murder for hire conspiracy is. Michael Marshall shows his horror roots with this frightening chiller
that will leave a spellbound audience leaving the lights on at night.
In Stone's Clasp
Christie Golden
Luna
ISBN: 0373802293 $13.99, 400 pp.
Four times the Shadow came to different worlds and on two occasions the Dancers, along with their
Loremasters and Companions have been able to defeat it. The trio is reborn onto each world and the
Loremaster remembers their previous times. Jareth knows nothing about the Shadow but when he
was thirteen he became the Spring-Bearer able to change the seasons, allow crops to grow and
commune with the earth and the animals. Twenty years, later perpetual winter came and Jareth's
powers deserted him. He decides to find the gods and demand that his powers be returned otherwise
all of Lamath will die. Kevla the fire dancer and her companion a dragon know that Jareth is the
Stone Dancer. They accompany him on his quest to find the gods, knowing he will find his
Companion the tiger to help him accept his true destiny. Before searching for the other Dancers, he
must find and destroy the Ice Maiden who blocked his power and stopped spring from returning to
Lamath. Working together, Jareth and Kevla find the Ice Maiden and if they are able to stop her they
must set out to look for the other Dancers to fight the coming Shadow. The Dancers are elementals
who wield magic that is basic to their nature. Readers will love this romantic fantasy whose happily
ever after is not a guarantee and the quest to unite the dancers leads to danger, treachery and
romance. There is one enemy who wants to see the Dancers fail. He is the emperor and what he is
will be made clear in future books in this series. Christie Golden is a brilliant world builder and her
characters are people it is easy to care about.
Song of Unmaking
Caitlin Brennan
Luna
ISBN: 0373802323 $13.95, 400 pp.
Euan Rohe, a Caletanni barbarian almost brought the Empire and the Emperor to its knees during
the Great Dance. Valeria, a rider of the wild stallions who are gods made flesh, finished the Dance
with her own and seven other stallions and for a time war was averted. Valeria returns to the
mountain for more training while Euan escapes to his homeland and allies himself with Gothard, the
baseborn son of the Emperor who wants to Unmake his father's empire. War is coming and the
Emperor, his warriors and his mages are at the border waiting for the right time to strike out at their
enemy. Gothard has a stone that has the power to Unmake, once he knows how to use it. Valeria
and her lover Kerrick, with their stallion gods travel to the battleground to stop Gothard before he
starts using the stone's power to crush the Emperor's forces. Partners in love and battle Kerrick and
Valeria perform a Dance unlike any dance the stallions performed, one that will determine the fate of
the Empire. This is the second book in this magnificent romantic fantasy series (See THE
MOUNTAIN'S CALL) and it is full of more action, romance and drama than its prequel. The love
Kerrick and Valeria feel for each other is tested by secrets he keeps from his lover and the wounds
that refuse to heal, both magical and physical, inflicted on him by his half-brother. The battle scenes
are magnificent, the characters are realistic and the storyline is pure magic; readers will eagerly await
the next book in this tantalizing series.
Poison Study
Maria V. Snyder
Luna
ISBN: 0373802307 $13.99, 350 pp.
Yelena has been locked in the dungeon under deplorable conditions for almost a year, waiting for
her execution. Even though she killed Reyad in self-defense, the Code of Behavior punishes the
murderer even though there is cause for the crime to be committed. When Yelena is brought before
Valek the Commander's chief spymaster and assassin, he gives her a chance since she is the next
prisoner due to be executed. An opening for a taste tester for the Commander is available and
Yelena eagerly accepts the position. Valek has poisoned her and she must take the antidote each day
thus preventing her escape. Reyad's father, General Brazell wants Yelena dead but Valek prevents
numerous attempts on her life. Meanwhile Brazell sends candy to the commander that he eats
several times a day; over time Valek and Yelena notice a change come over their leader but are
unable to find any evidence that Brazell is poisoning or enchanting the Commander. When they
travel to Brazell's home, a trap is sprung and the outcome will determine who rules the realm.
Yelena, now aware of her magical abilities, must fight a trained magician who has had time to
strengthen his position and see his plans come to completion. The heroine, an orphan who doesn't
know her heritage, is a strong willed person able to take the pain life throws at her and remains a
good hearted person giving love and loyalty to those who deserve it. POISON STUDY is rich in
character development and action scenes and many of the battles take place in the magical arena.
Valek is an interesting character, more so then Yelena, because he hides behind a mask so that
readers wonder what motivates him while Yelena wears her heart on her sleeve. Maria V. Snyder
makes readers believe in her world and the characters she creates, a writer's form of magic.
White
Christopher Whitcomb
Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316600806 $24.95, 400 pp.
FBI Hostage Rescue Team Special Agent Jeremy Waller is looking forward to coming home to
spend time with his family after an assignment in Indonesia fighting terrorists; three are Americans
and the CIA supports instant execution. Shocked he heads home only to find American under attack
as extremists bomb Disneyland Anaheim, Minnesota's Mall of America and a popular Atlanta
nightspot. The first reaction from law enforcement and the media is they terrorists are Islamic Jihads.
Soon speculation turns to within and Jeremy begins to suspect an unholy alliance between Islamic
Jihad, white supremacists, and the highest levels of the American government as clues lead to the
White House. Could the recently elected President Venable be a traitor or is there someone else
behind the scenes. While he struggles with the clues more attacks occur on key American energy
points. The country is on the brink of collapse and the terrorists are becoming more brazen with
every success; only Jeremy and a couple of super female agents stand in the way of turning the Red,
White and Blue totally blood red. WHITE, the sequel to BLACK, is a terrific thriller that is action
packed from start to finish, but also contains solid characters like the heroic Jeremy. Several key
players from the previous novel provide critical support such as Sen. Elizabeth Beechum who is now
VP and Jordan Mitchell of Borders Atlantic telecommunications. However, the key to this exciting
thriller is that it seems possible so much so the audience will reconsider some of the intrusive
authorizations handed to the FBI. Christopher Whitcomb writes a tense terrorist thriller that fans
will be grateful to have read it.
The Historian
Elizabeth Kostova
Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316011770 $25.95, 656 pp.
In 1972, the sixteen year old American has lived in Amsterdam as the daughter of a widowed
diplomat so long she cannot remember much of her time in the United States. While in her father's
library, the teen finds an ancient tome that contains no writing only a disturbingly menacing looking
picture of a dragon and the word "Drakulya". However, numerous letters from 1930 are also inside
with the enigmatic salutation: "My dear and unfortunate successor". The daughter asks her father
what this all means. Despondent he explains what he knows and how he "inherited" the book and the
related terrifying quest from his former adviser at Oxford, who became convinced that Drakulya
lives, but vanished soon afterward. He picked up the mantle risking ridicule, but though he has made
progress, he fears that the search for Drakuyla will be what he bequests his beloved daughter. Still
he tells her to concentrate on school and forget his obsession. She cannot as the book has hooked
her as it has done others including her dad; the daughter begins her research into the living legend of
Drakulya. THE HISTORIAN is a terrific suspense thriller that grips the audience when the naive
narrator picks up the quest over the objection yet expectation of her father. The story line takes the
audience across Europe as the teen investigates Drakulya, what happened to the history professor,
and related sidebars as she follows the mantra that the truth is out there. Fans will accompany her
every twisted step of the way wondering what is at the end of this darkened rainbow. Like the book
within the book, THE HISTORIAN grips the audience from the start causing some sleepless
nights.
Taming the Barbarian
Lois Greiman
Avon
ISBN: 006078394X $5.99, 384 pp.
Seven years have passed since Thomas passed away, but Lady Fleurette Eddings has no plans to
ever marry again as she enjoys her freedom especially from abusive spouses. In Paris with friends,
she admires the statue of the Black Celt with his wolf. Legend says he was the deadliest mercenary
who sold his services to highest bidder until he met the woman who stole his heart. She cannot stop
gazing at the statue as if hypnotized by it. She has to make an effort to pull away from its strange
attraction. Unable to stop herself, Fleurette returns to the statue and caresses it. Shockingly she
releases Killian Hiltsglen from his statue home of the past few centuries. The Black Celt knows he
must somehow help the lass who freed him, but instead finds he wants to make love to her. She in
turn does not trust Killian though she also desires him. However, Fleurette needs a warrior to
protect her from one of her friends whose plan is to force her into marriage. TAMING THE
BARBARIAN is a fabulous historical romantic fantasy that grips the audience from the moment that
the Black Celt comes to life only to realize his charge seems unable to trust him. The story line plays
out on two subplots that nicely intermingle. First the obvious romance between the lead couple
supported by someone who has killed and is willing to do so again to foster his ambitions. Lois
Greiman opens her Men of the Mist trilogy with a fine tale.
One Dead Under the Cuckoo's Nest
Lori Avocato
Avon
ISBN: 0060731672 $6.99
Former nurse Pauline Sokol is enjoying her birthday party with her parents when the mysterious
Jagger, who she has worked with before, shows up claiming he needs her help. He wants Pauline, a
Scarpello & Tonelli insurance fraud investigator, to assist him in escorting Mary Louise Huntington
to the Cortona Institute of Life mental institution near Hartford, a facility run by nuns; Jagger insist
that the escort must be a nurse. At the same time her sleazy boss Fabio dumps a psychiatric fraud
case on her lap while he goes to gamble at the Mohegan Sun Casino. The two simple cases collapse
when the nuns take Pauline in as their patient. No one including Jagger bails her out and she fails to
prove to the Sisters that's she is sane. So rather than mope, she begins sleuthing only to learn other
patients have been abducted and committed to this institution. However, the fraud turns ugly when
murder occurs, but Pauline refuses to walk away as she has befriended some of the innocent victims.
The third Sokol insurance fraud mystery (see A DOSE OF MURDER, THE STIFF AND THE
DEAD), ONE DEAD UNDER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, is a terrific tale. Pauline is not only at her
courageous best, but her family, the mental institution patients, others and especially Jagger add
depth and to a degree eccentricity to the exciting story line. Lori Avocato writes a fabulous mystery
starring a delightful protagonist and a horde of supporting players who together provide a fine
who-done-it reading experience.
Deadly Collection
Elaine Flinn
Avon
ISBN: 0060545828 $6.99
Grieving artist Frances "Mackie" O'Brien returns from two years in France to California for the
funeral of her parents who died in a car accident. Stunned by what happened to her family, Mackie
hires Carmel based antiques dealer Molly Doyle to catalogue the collectibles her parents owned from
their days as Hollywood set designers. Molly expected something huge at sprawling La Casa, but
not anywhere as massive or valuable as the O'Briens accumulated over the years in movie
memorabilia worth a fortune and an expensive antique collection. However, the real shocker is when
Molly and others find a coffin containing a corpse in it. Concerned that the police limit their suspects
to one person, Molly investigates. Aided by her precocious preadolescent niece Emma, Molly soon
finds the two female amateur sleuths in trouble from a killer who wants the truth to remain buried.
The latest Molly Doyle amateur sleuth tale is a terrific who-done-it that takes its time to set the
stage of the key players so that the audience will not know who killed the victim. The story line
often humorous but never loses sight that a homicide occurred years ago. Molly is wonderful as she
makes inquiries ably assisted by her Shrek loving niece. Fans of California mellow cozies will
appreciate Molly's latest caper.
Scandalous
Jenna Peterson
Avon
ISBN: 0060798599 $5.99, 384 pp.
At his brother's engagement party, Dominic Mallory desires Katherine Fleming, fianc?e of his
step-brother Cole, who learns that his wife thought dead in a ship wreck two years ago lives. As his
family and her guardians struggle with limiting the scandal, Dominic enjoys the mess. Cole takes his
despised brother aside and offers Lansing Square to Dominic if he weds Katherine; Cole would
receive Katherine's dowry and property as he explains that he lost them gambling. Reluctantly
Dominic agrees to Cole's terms though he hates his sibling. Katherine does not want to marry
Dominic, but knows she does not love Cole. Dominic explains her choices and she reluctantly agrees
to marry him. Dominic and Katherine marry and leave for Lansing Square. They make love every
night until she decides to make this home perfect for her spouse. Meanwhile during the day,
Dominic searches for something, but refuses to tell Kat what he looks for; instead he shakes her by
saying they will leave soon and live in London. Kat loves her spouse, but now pregnant plans to
leave him as unrequited love is not good for a child as she knows first hand. The growing love
between the lead couple is deftly handled making the tale fun and the love at first sight between
Katherine and Dominic set the tone of the plot. However his step-brother is too pompous, snooty
and nasty and Cole's wife is even worse. Still in spite of neither showing any redeeming quality, fans
will appreciate this fine nineteenth century romance starring two protagonists who begin to heal due
to love.
A Match Made In Scandal
Melody Thomas
Avon
ISBN: 0060742313 $5.99, 384 pp.
Four years have passed since the death of Kathleen changed her husband Ryan Donally into a
womanizing angry person and her best friend Rachel Bailey into a guilt laden soul. He has become
an award winning civil engineer rumored to marry soon the lady Gwyneth Abbott while Rachel fled
to Ireland to perform engineering projects. Now Rachel, an engineer too, is back in London
ostensibly to expand the Rathdrum project. However, she knows she is really there to plead with
Ryan that she needs him to help heal her heart as she feels guilty over the horrible accusations she
made when Kathleen died in childbirth. She also feels guilty that she had desired him although he
was married to her best friend. However, Ryan, who once loved the only woman who could defeat
him at croquet, refuses to forgive her. Still he is unable to ignore his desire for Rachel and soon they
make love as if the world is about to end. Forced to marry, their relationship though filled with
blazing passion, looks doomed to failure unless each forgive her transgressions and reconcile with
the past. A MATCH MADE IN SCANDAL is a terrific Victorian romance starring two likable but
remorseful individuals who have never come to grips with the death of Kathleen, a person they both
cared for. The story line is driven by the lead couple as each needs to find a way to move past their
grief although four years have passed. Fans will appreciate this fine 1870s drama in which love is the
only hope to bring about healing.
After Midnight
Teresa Medeiros
Avon
ISBN: 0060762993 $6.99, 384 pp.
In 1820 bookish Lady Caroline Cabot writes off the latest comments of her whimsical in the clouds
youngest sister seventeen years old Portia of being overly dramatic as ever when she claimed their
middle sister Vivienne is marrying a vampire. Normally she ignores her sibling's ramblings like the
proclamation that a werewolf is sifting through the garbage. However, the pragmatic Caroline
realizes her middle sister in town for the season with their Aunt Marietta has a suitor in London so
she plans to travel there and meet this Viscount Adrian Kane. In London Adrian invites Vivienne's
sisters to join him for a midnight meal so they can become better acquainted though she has some
doubts about the time in light of rumors about his nocturnal activity. To her chagrin from the first
moment their eyes meet, Caroline feels hypnotized by the handsome viscount; to his shock he feels
the same about the bookworm, but fears his feelings if known could harm his beloved. As they begin
to fall in love, she begins to believe that her soulmate is a vampire. However, Caroline wonders if he
is also a killer while also feeling guilty that she is stealing the man( make that male as a vampire is
not a man are they?) courting her sibling's beau. AFTER MIDNIGHT is a delightful tongue in cheek
Regency vampire romance with quite a bite as the audience will wonder for quite a while whether he
is or is not. The supernatural historical novel freshens up the sub-genre because the hero's falling in
love endangers his beloved. Fans of both sub-genres will appreciate Teresa Medeiros's fine tale and
look forward to the sisters' stories.
Still in My Heart
Kathryn Smith
Avon
ISBN: 0060740744 $5.99, 384 pp.
Viscount Brahm Ryland is rake who does not care about his sordid reputation. In fact Brahm uses
the image of a rake to hide how much he hurts inside. He misses the woman he loves Lady Eleanor
Durbane, but has no hope of reconciliation with his ex fianc?e who will never forgive seeing him
make love with another woman. Brahm had been drunk and thought she was his beloved Eleanor,
but the betrayal cut deeply and she will not give him a chance to plead his case. By1819 after several
years of pining for Eleanor with no hope, opportunity finally arrives when Eleanor's father invites
Brahm to attend a shooting party at his estate. He hopes his beloved will accept his apology and
allow him back into her life. Heeding the advice of her sisters and her years of hurt by his betrayal
and subsequent womanizing Eleanor rejects his plea. Brahm knows he must rebuild the trust she
once had in him; he also knows he will do anything including grovel in public to get a second chance
at love. Though similar to many of the sub-genre tales, STILL IN MY HEART is a fine regency
romance starring likable characters struggling with trust issues even though the love between them
remains strong. The story line focuses on Brahm trying a Hail Mary desperation play to win back the
regard of the woman he loves. Eleanor considered an ape on the shelf being single in her thirties, still
loves Brahm, but she knows even if she forgave him, she will never trust him. His efforts to prove
his worthiness make for a fine time for readers.
A Stroke of Misfortune
Nancy Gotter Gates
Silver Dagger
ISBN: 1570722978 $9.95
In La Hacienda condo in Sarasota, Florida, Geraldine "Gerry" Stapleton worried about how her
relatively new neighbor Emma Daniels is adjusting to the sudden death of her fifty-nine year old
spouse Paul. Though Emma wants to be alone she also welcomes the show of friendship as her
family is all back in Ohio. However, not long afterward tragedy strikes when chronic leukemia
stricken Gerry suddenly dies and her husband Phil subsequently suffers a stroke, losing the ability to
communicate. The real shocker to an already mentally battered Emma occurs when the police arrest
Phil for suffocating his wife in what they label as a mercy killing. Emma refuses to believe that Phil
murdered his wife especially as an act of mercy when he informed her that the doctor's prognosis for
Gerry was excellent and would probably live at least ten more years. Unable to let it go, Emma
investigates starting with obtaining information on her deceased friend's past. She learns that the
assertive Gerri was a former president of a pro-life group that sued a storefront church for blocking
entrance to an abortion clinic and belonged to a crafts collective in which she challenged some
creative bookkeeping. Could either of these groups which had motive take revenge by killing her?
Obviously Emma is the star of this delightful cozy as she struggles with widowhood, her friend's
death, the husband as the prime suspect, and on top of that her daughter-in-law, estranged from her
son, has turned to her for help. Emma's adventures include abduction and a bomb threat to go with
her fun amateur sleuth investigation. She makes the tale she tries to solve who killed Gerry as she
refuses to accept Phil could kill his beloved spouse when she still had her spark.
Someone Else
Tonino Benacquista
Bitter Lemon
ISBN: 1904738125 $14.95
The two men in their forties met when neither confident of their sport's ability played tennis against
each other at Les Feuillants Tennis Club. Afterward Tierry Blin and Nicolas Gredzinksi went to the
bar. Over several drinks they both admit to one anther they are unhappy with their present life and
the apparent tedious future. Tierry is a successful picture framer who wants to become a private
detective while Nicholas is an executive trying to hang onto the corporate ladder that he detests.
Under the influence of imbibing too much alcohol they bet as to who could change his life the most.
They agreed to meet in three years right here. Both are frightened to make the change, but Tierry
tries dropping his loyal clientele to become a sleuth while legal circumstances forces Gred to let go
of the ladder. As each leaves their safety net behind neither knows what to expect, but the time has
come to find out what makes them tick as the capitalist world has sucked away their identity.
However, neither is prepared for the danger that comes as each journey into the unknown fostered
by the women in their lives. This is a terrific character study that looks deep into the onset of middle
age with mortality around the corner and the need to believe that there is more to life than just
making money in a safe environs. The story line rotates point of view between the two lead
protagonists yet though clearly character driven has plenty of action. Fans of something different
especially those who have become a bit cynical will appreciate this powerful glimpse at the risk of
change to become SOMEONE ELSE.
The Elder Staves
Steven Oliverez
Aventine
ISBN: 1593302800 $14.95
The majestic sky city of Tyr runs on the magic of the aristocratic elders, who use staves to keep the
deadly tundra below at bay by controlling the environs. Still even in this seemingly utopian realm,
the rebels revolt against the status quo especially the death sentence used to quell dissension. As the
rebellion mounts, rumors abound that the staves are losing their power; this growing belief is
fostered by the daily occurrence of a cold wind blowing across Tyr when until recently this had
never happened before. His family, especially his father has manipulated the political landscape so
that Carn will be named elder. Carn has problems with becoming an elder because of some of their
tyrannical practices like the execution of peaceful dissenters. Meanwhile in the frozen wasteland
below Tyr, the Fallen Exile wants vengeance against those who kicked him out of paradise. He may
just succeed if he can remove his only worthy opponent Garret the inventor, which he cleverly does.
However, the Exile failed to consider Carn. The comparative analysis between the two societies and
within Tyr makes for a deep fantasy in which readers observe a battle of ideas as much as a war
mindful of the late 1960s and the deep split in America today. The story line is action-packed with
the key cast members symbolic of a segment of society. Whereas Carn represents the rebellion of
youth, his father connotes tradition. Both believe their city is falling part, but who will prevail or will
the intrusion from below cause the end of days. This is a terrific saga that readers of all ages will
cherish as much for its concepts as for the action-adventure.
Dragon Son
Elaine Corvidae
Mundania Press
ISBN: 1594260613 $13.00
During the chaos of the battle of Segg, dying half-breed Yozert Jonaglir (offspring of a dragon fire
sorcerer Aclytese and Wolfkin shapeshifter) is near death with no hope of anyone saving his life.
However, a female orphan Owl finds Yozert in his wolf form and saves his life. They become very
close like a father with a beloved daughter, and exchange blood. They journey in hopes of finding a
haven from the brutal war as neither the forces of the merciless King Fellrant of Jenel and the just as
cold-blooded Emperor Jahcgroth of Argannese care what happens to civilians. Yozert and Owl
attract other wannabe survivors amongst human, Aclytese and Wolfkin desperate for respite from
the horrors of war. Yozert leads his troupe to Vorslava where they take over the city. Soon word
spreads of a haven for refugees. Yozerf's mate and his mother arrive to find him in charge preparing
his followers for a rough cold winter and an even tougher spring when the magical armies of King
Fellrant and Emperor Jahcgroth will attack this peaceful insurrection. The above paragraphs barely
make a dent into describing the adventures of the hero and his troupe who fight every inch of the
way to the city, to take the city, and to rule the city. Fans will believe in the existence of the differing
sentient species that have been at war for generations, but to survive the vicious royal armies must
merge. Though this epic fantasy can stand alone the audience will better appreciate and understand
the key players by reading the first two novels in the delightful Lord of Wind and Fire series (see
WOLFKIN and THE CROW QUEEN; the trio is worth the time and money.
In the Hope of Rising Again
Helen Scully
Riverhead
ISBN: 1594481032 $14.00, 336 pp.
With the Civil War over, Colonel Riant moves to Mobile where he meets and marries wealthy
Regina. However, when she dies from a yellow fever epidemic, the grieving Colonel spends his time
running the Mobile Chronicle and doing good deeds for the less fortunate. Fifteen years later, the
Colonel weds a second Regina in a marriage of convenience. Their relationship is frosty at best, but
still he sires four spoiled sons and a daughter of course named Regina. Unlike her pampered siblings
who adopt their mother's hedonistic lifestyle, Regina the daughter adulates her father who teaches
her the importance of caring for the less fortunate. In 1919 twenty one year old Regina the daughter
marries Charles Morrow, who seems feckless especially compared with her father. After the Colonel
dies, his four moronic sons waste his fortune and Charles kills himself while intoxicated. As the
Depression makes life harder, Regina the daughter finds her confidence in Jesus somewhat shaken,
but her friendship with her family maid Camilla helps her make it. Ignoring the urge to sing Henry
VIII by Herman's Hermits, readers will enjoy IN THE HOPE OF RISING AGAIN. The tale lives up
to its title as an inspirational historical fiction novel that showcases the life of a hardy woman coping
with failure. The story line feels somewhat fragmented, but for the most part follows Regina the
daughter as she courageously handles life's curveballs mostly tossed by the males in her life, who fail
to live up to dad. Although the ending is too easy of a cop out from Regina the daughter's latest
woes, fans of early twentieth century sagas will want to read Helen Scully's fine epic drama.
My Very Own Murder
Josephine Carr
NAL
ISBN: 0451216466 $12.95, 272 pp.
When Anne Johnson discovered her husband was cheating, she divorced him but unlike most women
who catch their spouse cheating, she is content because she was never happy in her marriage. She
moves into the prestigious Kennedy apartment building and she misses neither her husband nor her
children as she revels in being alone and being able to decide what she wants to do. The fifty year
old divorcee is shaken to hear a voice in her head saying that a murder will occur in the Kennedy in
thirty days and she must prevent it from happening. Not knowing what to think, she goes to the
laundry room where she meets Mary, a cleaning woman for many of the apartments in the building.
She confides about what the voice says to Mary who doesn't believe Anne is crazy. Together they
cook up a scheme where Anne has a housewarming party so that they can look for potential murder
suspects and victims. What follows is a friendship that involves a whacky investigation that leads to
the criminals who want to silence Anne before she finds out their secret. This is a lighthearted
serio-comic amateur sleuth mystery based on a voice in the protagonist's head. The heroine is a
delightfully quirky individual who marches to her own drummer and her friendship with the cleaning
lady is instant. The mystery of who is behind the suspected crime comes very late in the book but
readers won't feel any disappointment because the author is, without being obvious, sprinkling clues
that leads to the killer throughout the tale. This is a very special, unique and exciting mystery
featuring characters that are razor sharp and diabolically clever.
The Great Pretender
Millenia Black
NAL
ISBN: 0451216482 $13.95, 304 pp.
For six years in Florida, marketing vice president Reginald Brooks has had two families. His mistress
Renee lives in Orlando with their daughter Denise while his wife of two decades Tracy resides in
Miami along with their two daughters, Olivia and Valerie. However, Tracy is not pure as she is
having an affair with Reggie's childhood enemy, Franklin Bevins, who simply is using her because he
loathes her husband and plans to destroy him. Reggie feels his age as his duplicity is exhausting. He
informs Renee that their relationship is over as he has a wife and two other daughters. He further
tells Tracy that he has another child living in Orlando and learns about her affair with his adversary
Frank. Other truths surface with relationships apparently nuked as each participant in this sordid
situation must make decisions about the future. This is a fabulous insightful family drama with no
one unscathed or perfect, which is why the tale is so good. The key cast is selfish and hedonistic, but
though none come across as likable they all seem very human. Millenia Black writes a deep powerful
character study that looks at the consequences on relationships when people live duplicitous lives to
cover up bad choices.
50 Harbor Street
Debbie Macomber
Mira
ISBN: 0778322084 $7.50
In Cedar Grove, Washington, private detective Roy McAfee and his wife Corrie are undergoing
mixed emotions. They are elated that their daughter Linette is in town, but shook up by the
harassing anonymous letters that imply their past will soon catch up to them. Roy applies his
investigative skills to uncover what the stalker knows, why the person is sending the letters and who
he or she is. Still both feel the pressure, behaving testy and unsure with one another, but that does
not stop mom from matchmaking Linette with Cal at a dog and bachelor auction. Meanwhile other
townsfolk go on with their lives. Cal's boss Grace Sherman has given up on Cliff Harding while her
married daughter Mary faces a difficult pregnancy so soon after a miscarriage. Charlotte and Ben
Rhodes are happy newlyweds until his son David from a previous relationship invites them to his
home. Cecelia Randall is euphoric but frightened as she is five months pregnant, her spouse is at sea,
and they lost one child already. Though many tribulations face these locals and others, life goes on in
Cedar Grove. As with the previous four Cedar Grove tales, there is a prime story line focused on
one couple enhanced by mini subplots on other town residents. This time the center is held by the
McAfee couple happy that their child is home but fearing the shame of a secret being revealed. Folks
from the previous tales also have their lives looked at, but on a smaller scale and not just those
quickly patched together in paragraph two above. Meandering and frequently switching focus, fans
will enjoy visiting 50 HARBOR STREET.
A View of the River
Kathleen Eagle
Mira
ISBN: 0778320987 $6.99, 384 pp.
Schoolteacher Rochelle LeClair returns to her home in Little Falls, Minnesota to insure her once
wealthy philanthropist Aunt Meg has a roof over her head. The family fortune earned by
great-grandfather Martin Bruner back in 1911 also devastated the homes of a small but courageous
band of Ojibwe Indians. Ojibwe shaman Birch Trueblood is doing quite well with providing Native
American rituals to believers and tourists though he himself is a cynic. He raises his preadolescent
daughter Robin by himself ever since his wife, a soldier, died on active duty overseas. Birch is hired
to help the spirits that reside at Meg's home which was converted to a bed and breakfast move on to
the next level. Everyone who attends his performance including Robin thinks he is the real deal
except himself and Rochelle. Their ancestors crossed back in 1911 and they have known each other
on and off for years; she believes he is fraud, something he would agree with. However, this time
encouraged by her aunt, his daughter, and several spirits they fall in love but she refuses to believe
him when he insists he has seen ghosts that no one else sees. This is an interesting contemporary
romance with a paranormal spin and a delightful final reverse twist that will surprise readers. The
cast makes for a pleasant read as the past haunts the present in more ways than just the ugly
"eminent domain' 1911 incident that link the lead duet. Though Robin is too precocious, fans will
enjoy this fine tale with ghostly intervention.
Deadly Impulse
Olga Bicos
Mira
ISBN: 0778322114 $6.99, 384 pp.
The trial ended with a hung jury, but most people believed that photographer Clayton Chase killed
his pregnant wife Jillian though he insisted he was unconscious having been hit by lightning.
Currently, Clayton receives mental counseling from Piper Jordan who specializes with lightning
cases ever since her beloved spouse died when he was struck. She raises her two children though the
older teen Mandy is not her biological daughter while her preadolescent son Simon suffers from
electroporation as a result of the same strike that killed his dad. Clay's lawyer Aidan Parks informs
him that Florida is re-prosecuting the case. Clay cannot understand why Aidan represents him as
Jillian's influential and wealthy dad wants Clay executed. Meanwhile Clay realizes that he is falling in
love with his counselor especially when she is the only subject he can photograph since he was
struck by lightning. However, he also knows, as the trial starts, he will not see her or help Simon
who is only a scared child not suffering from an illness. To her chagrin, Piper is attracted to her
patient, who is probably a spousal killer. DEADLY IMPULSE is an exciting romantic suspense
thriller that grips the audience who will want to know whether Clay really killed his wife. Though
the story line has perhaps too many sidebars, ultimately they come together turning into a tense final
confrontation. Fans will appreciate this strong thriller while hoping for a sequel involving a
reappearance of secondary players, a married ADA and her private investigator spouse.
The Masquerade
Brenda Joyce
Mira
ISBN: 0778322092 $7.50, 592 pp.
Tyrell de Warenne rescued ten years old Lizzie Fitzgerald though he could not save the book she
was reading. From that moment on, Lizzie worshiped the older boy. In 1812 sixteen years old Lizzie
attends the annual All Hallows Eve masque at the home of Tyrell's father the earl. Tyrell and Lizzie
meet and agree to a tryst later in the evening. When her sibling Anna spills wine on her costume, she
persuades Lizzie to change garb with her. Lizzie, believing she is ugly and unworthy of her hero,
goes home while Anna meets with Tyrell. Nine months later at their aunt's isolated home, Anna
gives birth to Ned who she intends to give away as she plans to marry her sweetheart, but Lizzie
adopts him as hers though society condemns her as a fallen woman. Her parents learn that Tyrell is
Ned's father. They confront Tyrell and his parents, who agree, Ned is one of them. However, Tyrell
does not believe he slept with Lizzie, but decides to go ahead with the game she is playing so he can
uncover the truth. As Tyrell and Lizzie fall in love, he has first hand proof that she is not Ned's
mother, but waits for her to confess; she wants to but she promised Anna she wouldn't. THE
MASQUERADE is a solid Regency romance that sub-genre fans will rejoice in reading due to the
likable lead couple. Tyrell has everything going for him, but instead of being spoiled and pompous
like much of the nobility, he is a nice person. Lizzie has issues about her self-worth, but her
champion sees her courage and kindness as virtues. Though the secondary cast accepts Ned and the
relationship between the heir and the bookworm too readily, historical romance readers will enjoy
this fine tale.
Grand Traverse
Michael Beres
Medallion
ISBN: 1932815341 $24.95
The earth is heading toward pandemic environmental disaster. However, Paul Carter and his family
do not worry about the orb as the crisis to them is local. Ducain Chemical contaminated Easthaven.
He sues and wins, but his victory is hollow as his beloved wife Judy suffers from breast cancer.
Ironically they met during an environmental protest back when Reagan was President. Three
decades later Paul's daughter Jamie believes the toxic chemical spill is the pivotal point of her life
though she was only two at the time. She successfully becomes a political activist, a soldier,
"Chemical Jamie", in the war to save the embattled planet. Heather West seeks vengeance from the
family that successfully won a lawsuit against her father that ruined him and destroyed her heritage.
When she makes it big time on television, it furthers her life's goal to destroy the internationally
popular daughter of the man who devastated her dad. The two daughters are on a collision course
that has global impact neither of their fathers could have remotely envisioned. Michael Beres paints a
bleak ashen future on a planet devastated by environmental disasters. The story line focuses on how
the two women react to the key identical incident in their respective lives. One uses this to become a
crusader while the other uses it to spread culpability on others for what she and her family lost.
There is no question on what side of the environment argument Mr. Beres is on as his twenty-first
century looks as if mankind is one step away from extinction yet a thousand points of light still shine
with hope to save the world.
A Foreign Policy
Richard Graham-Yooll
Medallion
ISBN: 193281549X $6.99, 311 pp.
In Boston Brigham Payne insurance company director Sam Payne asks his son-in-law, Guy Sinclair,
an employee of the firm, to meet with him outside of work to discuss a business situation involving
Saudi Arabia. At a nearby restaurant, Sam introduces Guy to Nadya Kassam who opens up her
attach? case to allegedly show him something. Instead she is a suicide bomber killing herself and
Sam and hospitalizing a severely injured Guy. After Guy heals, his boss Freddie Lewis sends him to
Saudi Arabia to ostensibly work a claim. He meets Musa Salech who takes Guy around town.
However, the visiting American also witnesses a homicide in which the police name him as the prime
suspect. As he fears for his life from criminals, terrorists, and the cops, Guy with Musa's help tries to
prove his innocence but obvious allies like the Webbing-Turner company of England sell him out to
the authorities while Dr. Kamilia Rutger, Nadya's step-sister, joins his side and wants to know why.
Adding to Guy's fears is that he learns back ho me his beloved wife Diane and their ten years old
daughter is threatened. This is an interesting look at the business-terrorist complex from the
perspective of a potential victim. The lead character is the last Guy anyone would believe turns into
a hero as he luckily escapes death in Boston and Saudi Arabia, but becomes a champion when his
beloved females are threatened. Fans of suspenseful character driven thrillers will enjoy his efforts to
extricate himself from trouble and keep his family safe while also wondering like Kamilia what drove
her step-sister.
Memories of Empire
Django Wexler
Medallion
ISBN: 1932815147 $14.99, 475 pp.
The Imperial Empire had become complacent and hedonistic so it wasn't very difficult for the
Khaevs to conquer and occupy the Imperials. Far away in the desert, a caravan is attacked by
Corvus dressed all in black who kills everyone except Veil and that was because she was hidden
under a dead woman's body. Having been sold into slavery by her father, Veil has no place to go
except with Corvus who grudgingly accepts her company. Corvus is a man on a mission, an annesiac
who wants to find out who he is. The duo travels out of the desert to Corsa where he takes his
sword to an expert to find out the providence. It belonged to a person also named Corvus two
hundred years ago who was the First of the two Hundred best Khaev swordsmen. Veil and Corvus
are of interest to the spirits Sybian and Saya who arrange mortals both Imperial and Khaev like chess
pieces until they can exploit them. It is hard to believe that this is Django Wexter's debut novel
because it is as well written and character driven as a Terry Brooks or Robert Jordan novel. Veil
humanizes Corvus through her force of her personality changing him from an obsessed individual be
a man who cares about others. The Imperials and the Khaevs are reminiscent of the Romans. Sword
and sorcery fans will find MEMORIES OF EMPIRE a very enjoyable one sitting reading
experience.
Life Sentence
Tekla Dennison Miller
Medallion
ISBN: 1932815252 $6.99
Pilar Brookstone transferred from the University of Michigan medical school to the University of
Wisconsin to get away from her cold father and to flee from the brutal murder of her friend, one of
eight victims of convicted serial killer Chad Wilbanks. After a residency at Detroit Receiving
Hospital, tired of no one male accepting that someone beautiful can be intelligent and wanting to be
different from her wealth is everything dad, Pilar accepts employment as the doctor at Hawk Haven
Prison. Her first patient is Chad; she expected a monster, but instead he is charming and nice
emphasizing her brains as much as her beauty. Pilar is shocked because she is attracted to the killer
of her friend. As Chad beguiles Pilar she gives him money and rewrites her will naming him as her
beneficiary. Tragedy strikes when someone murders Pilar. Her mother believes that snake oil Chad
arranged a hit through one of his prison cronies and plans to prove it. Though somewhat a suspense
thriller especially in the latter half of the novel, LIFE SENTENCE is more an intriguing character
study that focuses into the psyche that allows an intelligent person to destroy themselves. The story
line centers on Pilar whose distrust of males goes deep so when Chad penetrates through her
anti-male armor, he grips her heart though she knows he is bad for her. After her murder, the story
line continues as a character study although with more action and the focus on several protagonists
but especially the victim's mother. Fans of tense deep looks into why people do things that they
know are bad for themselves will want to read Tekla Dennison Miller's powerful drama.
Too Wilde to Tame
Janelle Denison
Berkley
ISBN: 0425205282 $6.99, 304 pp.
In Chicago, for the past two years, private investigator Cameron Sinclair hid his desire for Mia
Wilde from the teasing, taunting, and smart mouthed woman who he feels is TOO WILDE TO
TAME. It helped to avoid the zany sexy born to be Wilde female although she is cousin to his
business partner because she is not his type with her overt provocative tease; besides which she has
protective brothers and cousins who will assault you before asking questions if you harm one hair of
her head. However, Cam cannot walk away or evade his nemesis anymore as she needs him, but not
just sexually though that would be pleasant. Someone is threatening to expose her as more than just
a tease with provocative photos that they could have only gotten by stalking her. Not wanting to
send her family into an alert mode that Homeland Security would envy, she asks Cam for help. He
agrees. As s Cam investigates and tries to keep her safe, already in love, they can no longer pretend
the attraction is not there. Readers will want to take a walk on the Wilde side with the latest tale that
combines a strong private investigative who is doing it with a heated romance. Starring two
protagonists, who have had a thing for one another, neither will brake for love until danger forces
the pair together. Fans of the series and anyone who appreciates a well written romantic suspense
thriller will want to read this action-packed torrid contemporary.
Death Waxed Over
Tim Myers
Berkley
ISBN: 0425206378 $6.99, 220 pp.
In New Conover, North Carolina is the home of Harrison Black the owner of the candle making
store At Wick's End and the business complex it is located in River's Edge. He is finally starting to
show a profit when Gretel Barnett opened Flickering Lights in Micah's Ridge only two miles way.
To drum up new business, Harrison decides to have a booth at the New Conover Founder's Day
Fair. He sees Gretel there and the two get into an argument before retiring to their respective
booths. When Harrison takes a lunch break, he walks near Gretel's booth at the same time someone
shoots her. When the wife of the town's newspaper editor accuses of him of killing Gretel going so
far as to say she saw him get rid of the gun, Harrison becomes the police's number one suspect.
Besides the damage to his reputation, business at the store drops forcing Harrison to conduct his
own investigation to clear his name and win back his customers. This regional cozy is a brilliantly
constructed who-done-it as the killer hides in plain sight while Harrison tries to clear his name and
that of the police's other suspect. Besides excellent storytelling that makes for a good reading
experience, readers learn a lot about candle making and life in a small southern town. Tim Myers,
nominated for an Agatha award, is a talented writer who deserves to hit the bestseller lists.
Scent of the Grave
India Ink
Berkley
ISBN: 0425205339 $6.99, 272 pp.
Her live-in-lover, the "nice" Elliot, was arrested for embezzling and quickly turned state's evidence
on his employers for money laundering. Persia Vanderbilt left to return home to Gull Harbor on
Puget Sound's Port Samanish Island. There she works for the woman who raised her, her Aunt
Florence, owner of Venus Envy, a business that creates custom blended oils and spa services. Lydia
Wang, the winner of the Radiance Cosmetics Beauty Contest, asks Persia to make a special scent for
her. While she is waiting, Lydia is nasty to the store's gardener, her ex-boyfriend Trevor Wilson. She
also gets into a fight with the beauty contest runner up Colleen and Colleen's friend Debbie who has
an inferiority complex. The next day when Persia opens the business, she finds Lydia's murdered
body; the police arrest Trevor because they found the murder weapon contained his prints. Neither
Persia nor her aunt believes Trevor is guilty and Persia sets out to prove it, almost losing her life in
the process. India Ink has written a clever, often humorous and definitely complex amateur sleuth
mystery. The protagonist is a martial arts expert who is a very feminine, feisty and independent
woman. The murder victim had many enemies due to her abrasive and cruel attitude so it is
impossible for readers to figure out who killed her until the author chooses to reveal that person's
identity. SCENT OF THE GRAVE is a very disciplined and unusual mystery, the start of what
smells to be a winning series.
A Crossworder's Delight
Nero Blanc
Berkley
ISBN: 0425206564 $10.95, 176 pp.
It is the day after Thanksgiving and most everyone in New Castle, Massachusetts is at the Paul
Revere Inn decorating the various rooms and completing for prizes. Belle Graham, the crossword
puzzle editor for The Evening Crier, is looking at books in the inn's library when she finds a
handmade book of crossword puzzles that a mother made for her daughter. Belle decides to see if
she can find out who the mother and daughter were. Belle's husband, private investigator Roscoe
Polycrates is involved in locating a stolen copy of Longfellow's Paul Revere's Ride that was attached
to the wall of the inn. Twelve year old E.T. Whitman, who was hired to clear the snow from the inn,
watches the guests to make sure nobody sneaks out with the poem. One morning the poem is back
on the wall but, E.T. believes it is a forgery and when they take the poem off the wall, they find a
hidden compartment in the frame. While Roscoe tracks down the thieves, E.T. helps Belle with the
puzzles and gives her the clue she needs to figure out who the mother was who made the book and
its puzzles. Readers who like to do crossword puzzles will find this book A CROSSWORD
DELIGHT. The puzzles are hard to solve because the clues center around the 1940's when the
puzzle maker constructed them. It is fun to read a regional cozy that has no violence, gore or
murders in the storyline yet still grips the reader. Although E.T. is a secondary character he plays a
major role in helping Roscoe and Belle. Once again Nero Blanc constructs a clever and witty
mystery.
Touch Me
Lucy Monroe
Berkley
ISBN: 0425205312 $6.99
In 1797 England, angry aristocrat Geoffrey Selwyn believes his wife cheated on him though Anna
swore she did not. When she gives birth to a boy, he takes the boy away with him. Heartbroken she
gives birth a few minutes later to a twin a girl she names Althea. Fearing Geoffrey will steal Thea if
he learns about her existence, Anna flees to the British West Indies. Twenty-three years later, Anna
has been dead for a decade, but Thea is a partner in Merewether Shipping with her Uncle Ashby.
Pierson Drake needs a blacksmith to fix his steam engine so that he can sail back to Liverpool in a
timely manner to insure his investors make their money. He ignores Thea who offers to help him
until he learns he needs her to hire the blacksmith. She assists him under the stipulation that he takes
her to London because she wants to look at several discrepancies in the business books. He is
blackmailed into agreeing. On the voyage over they fall in love and he wants to marry her, but she
refuses because she knows what an inflexible male can do to a loving female. TOUCH ME is an
enjoyable Regency romance starring two likable protagonists carrying plenty of relationship
baggage; hers as described above and his being an illegitimate offspring. The story line is character
driven as the cast especially the support players vividly brings out England, the West Indies, and to a
lesser degree sailing the Atlantic in 1820. Fans of historical tales will want to journey with Lucy
Monroe as her wonderful tale will touch readers hearts, making them look forward to future
passages starring the heroine's half-sister and twin.
Grave Sight
Charlaine Harris
Berkley
ISBN: 0425205681 $23.95, 272 pp.
After being struck by lightening, Harper Connelly can locate dead people and know if they died of
natural causes, committed suicide, or were murdered. Relatives of missing people hire Harper to find
their missing loved ones. Harper knows how they died because she senses the last minutes of the
individual's life. Right now she and her step-brother Tolliver are in the Ozark town of Sarne, hired to
find Teenie, a missing teenage girl. Harper finds the burial place and knows that the girl was
murdered. She also discovers that Teenie's boyfriend didn't kill her and in remorse committed suicide
but was murdered as well. Hollis, one of the police officers working the homicides, is interested in
Harper who tells him that his wife Sally, the sister of Teenie was murdered and not an accident
victim. Someone wants Harper and Tollivar gone and that person will not hesitate to use violence if
it results in getting rid of them permanently. Considering that the heroine can find a dead body and
learn how they died, she is amazingly normal and treats her skill like any of her other five senses.
She even make a living out of it, not to exploit people but to give closure and sometimes even
helping her client figure out who killed them if it was a homicide. Fast pacing, excellent character
development and a strong storyline make GRAVE SIGHT an excellent reading experience. This
fabulous opening gambit affirms that every series Charlaine Harris creates is utterly fantastic.
Someone to Believe In
Kathryn Shay
Berkley
ISBN: 0425205304 $7.99, 368 pp.
Bailey "the Street Angel" O'Neil has dedicated her life to rescue youngsters from gang violence. She
does right on the mean streets risking her life every time she tries to save a child, but that does not
stop her from being convicted as an accessory for hiding a teen in her home. The case serves as a
springboard for then DA Clayton Wainwright to become a senator. Clay feels change is needed in
the neighborhoods to lesson the influence of gangs on youngsters. He disagrees with what he feels is
Bailey's ardent caring but insane efforts. They have a public dispute going on as to what is best to
save the next generation as each argues in the media and whenever they meet. However, one night
their war changes to passionate kisses. Each realizes the attraction they have for the other, but is
that enough when fundamentally they disagree on how to deal with gangs? This contemporary
romance is built off a real social issue involving how to best deal with the influence of gangs. The
lead couple is a wonderful pairing of seemingly opposites though when love intercedes they begin to
realize how much in common they truly have, which is the typical case in societal problems. Clay
and Bailey are superb characters, who want to help people, but disagree on method making their
love for one another so much more fun to follow.
The Angel and the Warrior
Karen Kay
Berkley
ISBN: 0425205290 $7.99
In 1817 on the NW Plains, elderly medicine man White Claw explains to the four preadolescents the
curse of their tribe. Many moons ago, after killing 200 buffalo they killed a bird. That senseless
murder angered Thunderer who took away the souls of four women. The irate tribe retaliated by
killing four of Thunderer's children. In a rage he starts to eradicate the tribe of 2000, but the Creator
intercedes by placing the tribe under a curse. Two days a year they will live on the mortal plane; the
rest of the year in an ephemeral existence. The only hope to escape the curse resides in the Chosen
One who must perform a heroic s acrificial deed by the time he is thirty. In 1835, Burnt Chest knows
he is running out of time to save his tribe but instead rescues Angelia Honeywell and her brother
who lead a wagon train through the wilderness though they know nothing about the job,
endangering their passengers to escape the law. As he helps them and he falls in love with Angelia,
Burnt Chest knows he must not lose sight of his quest, but she is so pretty and warm as she
reciprocates his deepest feelings. THE ANGEL AND THE WARRIOR is a terrific Indian romantic
fantasy that readers will enjoy from the moment when White Claw explains the dilemma to the four
preadolescents. Burnt Chest is fabulous as he knows time is running out on his mission, but prefers
spending what's left of his clock with Angelia. Though the emphasis is more on the romance, this
fast-paced story line is driven by the desperation of Burnt Chest, who understands what is at
stake.
Charmed & Dangerous
Candace Havens
Berkley
ISBN: 0425206912 $14.00
Sweet, Texas High Witch Bronwyn has the Prime Minister of England as a client. Recently she
saved his life in Oslo and that of Sheik Azir from a warlock and other assassins. The Sheik has
provided Bronwyn with a jet as a thank you gift, which she does not want because it is too
extravagant. Back in Sweet, Bronwyn meets non-practicing warlock Dr. Sam McKinney. They are
attracted to one another, but Bron has a policy not to date warlocks as men and magic do not mix
well. Of course enforcing her dictate means practically no males in her life. As Bron tries to keep
Azir safe from his odious cousin, the Sheik and the doctor fall in love with her; she likes both though
one contains warlock genes and the other is halfway around the world. Still does she love either of
them and if the answer is yes which one? This is a humorous chick lit romantic fantasy starring a
delightful protagonist in which Bewitched meets James (make that Jane) Bond or at least Cody
Banks. The story line is fun to follow even the dreaded bane of the sub-genre lists seem apropos as
they come across as box scores of Bron's magical usage. Fans will appreciate this fine charmer while
wondering who the dangerous Bron will select as her man.
Treacherous Love
Lynda Hales
PublishAmerica
ISBN: 1413761658 $24.95
Skyler Kingston practices veterinary medicine at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in
Washington State. She also suffers from a family curse that Norda the Norwegian witch in 1027
bestowed on her kin; she like those before her transforms from a human into a wolf when the full
moon rises. Skyler fears the other segment of the curse; in four months when she turns thirty she
joins her beloved brother Damien and the Others as she will become Sky the white wolf with no
reverting back to her human form. This month Skyler is late from her work and is caught outside
during the conversion. A hunter wounds her thinking she is one of wolves killing local livestock.
When a car hits Bubba the Pomeranian of six year old Cassandra, Skyler insures the tiny furrball is
okay while the owner's father Dr. Nathaniel Brady disrespects her. She soon learns that his reaction
is out of fear for his daughter dying from a blood ailment. As Skyler and Nathan become acquainted
he figures out her secret, but instead of being appalled with her as she expects he dreads the end of
their loving relationship unless they find the cure. This is a terrific werewolf romance starring two
wonderful protagonists who struggle with the shapeshifting curse, his daughter's illness and cures for
both as well as the impact of any solutions on their loved ones. The story line is character driven by
obviously the lead couple, but enhanced by support cast like Cassandra and Damien. Turing the
werewolf legend upside down, sub-genre fans will hail TREACHEROUS LOVE as a splendid entry
whose love between the prime players is symbolized by of all things a dishwasher.
Across the Wall
Garth Nix
Eos
ISBN: 0060747137 $16.99
Middle school children and other fans of Garth Nix's Abhorsen stories will appreciate the superb
clever novella, "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case". The story line centers on the young
hero struggling far from the Wall against a creature, whom somehow he must bring back to the Old
Kingdom, but his opponent, seems to gain its power from Nicholas. The other twelve contributions
are wonderful short stories that have been printed in other publications over the past decade but
apparently mostly overseas. The tales run the gamut of the genre. This reviewer especially enjoyed
the Arthurian-Merlin tales and the haunting "Hansel's Eyes" that reminded me of some crazy fairy
tale plays my spouse put on with elementary school children. Though the short stories are well
written and fun to read, Mr. Nix's legion will remain focused on Nicholas' latest adventures while
asking why he was not the star of all the tales of ACROSS THE WALL, which obviously refers to
him.
Shaman's Crossing
Robin Hobb
Eos
ISBN: 0060757620 $25.95, 624 pp.
The military of the Kingdom of Gernia conquers the nomads and other tribes of the uncivilized
plains. The king rewards his officers by adding new lines of nobility that not only raises morale
among the troops but provides a personally loyal cell within the ruling class. The cavalry next
conquers the strange forest dwelling Specks of the Barrier Mountains. The Specks are considered
blood-drinking tree worshipers who carry a plague that can kill Gernians. The second son of a new
lord's second son Nevare Burvelle becomes as expected a student learning steed combat at the
King's Cavalry Academy. Upon graduation he will marry his chosen bride and relocate to the Speck
zone. However, at school Cadet Nevare runs into prejudice and hostility from faculty and students
detesting the new nobles. Even more mysterious, Nevare meets the Plainspeople and is attracted to
their magic especially as he comprehends their freedom of choices, which he lacks, but also was
ignorant about it. He questions his lifestyle, but as he becomes deathly ill he also finds his name
tattered by the son of a distinguish ed officer. Through Nevare's eyes and those who come into
contact with him, readers gain a savory taste of conflicting cultures, historical background (mostly
recent) and strident religions. The story line, like most first fantasies, sets the world scene so that the
audience gains a full understanding of what the hero undergoes as a cadet. Readers are hooked from
almost the start as they follow Nevare's planned life not going according to the plan. Fans of Robin
Hobb's Farseer tales will want to read this fabulous opening novel that sets the stage for what looks
kike a terrific series a terrific saga. However, it can also stands alone more like a historical
fiction.
Black Monday
William Manchee
Lean Press
Portland, OR 97216-3219
www.leanpress.com 503-708-4415
ISBN: 1932475087 $13.00, 260 pp.
Attorney Stan Turner hates Mondays because his clients have a weekend to think. However, this
Monday, October 19, 1987, is worst than usual as the markets have nose dived from the opening
bell and his clients are panicking like everyone else's customers accelerating the drop. Stan faces a
more horrendous BLACK MONDAY than most lawyers. Someone murdered client Lottie West,
who named Stan as her executor and the SPCA as her beneficiary of an estate that includes the
renowned Ludinburg Collection of art treasures allegedly stolen by a GI during World War II. As
the stock market collapses and the Federal Reserve fails to react, Stan is caught up with hostile fire
between the CIA and the FBI on an overseas matter he works involving the other espionage group
the IRS. Finally his partner Paula Waters informs him she plans to defend Jimmy Bennett accused of
killing his father-in-law, the CEO of Metroplex Savings and Loan. As Stan reflects on a law banning
Mondays, he investigates Lottie's murder with Dallas Police Detective Besch, struggles with Federal
entanglements that tie Central America to Iran, assists Paula, and waits for Tuesday while someone
wants him dead, but for which case he does not know. Stan's the man as he does his best whether his
clients are dead, government or that of his partner. The tongue in cheek story line feels like a
historical Noir as Stan cynically pontificates on various 1980s events; for instance he blames the
market collapse on President Reagan's tax cuts promised as part of his 1984 reelection debate. Legal
thriller fans will appreciate 1987 as seen through the eyes of Stan unless President Regan is part of
your pantheon of the Gods.
Unmasked
Virginia Henley
Signet
ISBN: 045121627X $7.99, 416 pp.
In 1657 Captain Robert "Graysteel" Montgomery fights to put Charles on the throne, but General
Monck and his troops trap Graysteel and his soldiers; the captain surrenders to keep his men alive.
Monck offers to send Graysteel's men home in exchange for Graysteel providing him insight as to
how the people feel about Cromwell. Able to remain loyal to Charles, Graysteel agrees. Meanwhile
his betrothed, Elizabeth "Velvet" Cavendish, is on the continent with her parents when her mother
dies. Her dad remarries a woman her age so Velvet returns to England to live with the Dowager
Countess Christian of Devonshire. Graysteel learns the people detest the iron rule and that Cromwell
is dying. Graysteel and Velvet meet for the first time in thirteen years only to argue. Graysteel courts
Velvet and they make love. Velvet finds a Roundhead uniform in his closet so she accuses him of
being a traitor. He is angry that she does not trust him. Charles tells her the truth, she apologizes and
they marry. Velvet loves Graysteel but has trouble trusting any man. Graysteel loves Velvet but
believes if she loved him she would trust him. It will take a miracle for these lovebirds to trust one
another. The key to this fine Restoration tale is the insightful look at the era and personage that is
cleverly woven inside a fine romance starring two courageous supporters of Charles who love each
other but also distrust one another. That trust issue is overly done as much of their conflict appears
unnecessary if either took the time to talk with the other. Still no one is better than Virginia Henley
at incorporating the period's details to enhance a fabulous seventeenth century romance.
Dying in Style
Elaine Viets
Signet
ISBN: 0451216792 $6.99, 488 pp
In St. Louis thirty-one years old Josie Marcus enjoys her undercover work as a mystery shopper for
Sutton Services mostly because it enables the single mother to spend plenty of flexible time with her
nine years old daughter Amelia, but also she enjoys the thrill. She admits that the job pays lousy, is
hard on the feet and her car and her mom thinks she is as bad as the CIA dirty tricks squad. Her
current assignment is for the client Creshan Corporation, which is considering whether to spend fifty
million dollars to purchase the three exclusive Danessa boutiques from founder Danessa Celedine.
Josie is shocked to find the three stores poorly managed and not customer focused even with few
people shopping. Her report tears into Danessa and threatens the business deal. Before Danessa can
react, someone kills her with the police wondering whether the mystery shopper, fearing a costly law
suit, killed her. Josie in turn ponders whether the amazon store manager of one of the Danessa shops
did the deed because she assumes someone had to be strong to commit this style murder. DYING
IN STYLE is a fun cozy starring a delightful protagonist who enjoys debunking crummy sales
people and managers. The first half of the story line introduces the audience to Josie, a terrific
undercover agent. When Danessa is murdered, Josie becomes an amateur sleuth because she fears
she will be the fall gal. Throw in fourteen simple shopping tips and one has a fine unique espionage
murder in the mall thriller.
Dark Lover
J.R. Ward
Signet
ISBN: 0451216954 $6.99, 416 pp.
In Caldwell, New York, the vampires and their adversaries the Lessening Society Slayers are at war.
To enable the bloodsuckers to oppose their deadly opponents, six vampires formed the Black
Dagger Brotherhood led by Wrath, who loathes Slayers for murdering his parents though hundreds
of years have passed and detests humans almost as much. Wrath learns that one of his top warriors
Darius has been killed by the enemy combatants. Though he wants instant vengeance he is more
concerned over Darius' daughter Beth, unaware that she is a hybrid born of a human mother and
vampire father. To keep her safe, Wrath must bring her into his world, that of the undead; however
he fails to realize until later that she has guided him into her world of love when the legendary
Omega apparently has need for her. Though obviously an action-packed vampire romance, DARK
LOVER is character driven. Readers will feel vampires and slayers exist especially the former
though they are nothing like those found in the Stoker universe. Wrath is terrific as a leader and a
lover while Beth proves to be his equal or as he feels his superior. J.R. Ward paints an interesting
realm that fans will want to bite into in one delightful reading.
Almost Perfect
Julie Ortolon
Signet
ISBN: 0451216407 $6.99, 304 pp.
Artist Maddy Mills, scientist Christine Ashton, and Amy Baker are elated for former college
roommate Jane Redding, a TV anchor tuned motivational speaker, who has written a self-help book
"How to have the Perfect Life". However, they become angry when they realize Jane used the trio as
classic examples of how fear can destroy your life. Angry and feeling ridiculed, the threesome detest
that Jane is right. Motivated, they vow to prove little Ms. Perfect wrong by regaining the passion
they lost when they allowed phobias to paralyze them. Artist Maddy is to get any Santa Fe gallery to
display her work. To achieve the objective Maddy obtains work as the Arts & Crafts Coordinator at
Mama Fraser's Camp Enchantment. Fraser's son Joe also works there as director. Years ago Maddy
rejected Joe's proposal of marriage as she chose art school over being a military spouse. Ultimately
she lost both as her fervor for the arts vanished with Joe leaving her life. Though frightened, she is
more scared that Joe is there and she still feels her heart beat like crazy for him though he seems to
reject her as yesterday's news. The first of the "perfect" tales is a fun story with a strong male lead
whose heart was once crushed by the more tenuous female counterpart; choosing ice cream flavors
is difficult for Maddy. However, readers will wonder not just whether Maddy meets the challenge
that her two buddies dared her with, but also how will she overcome Joe's animosity towards her.
Fans will appreciate this lighthearted second chance at love between two high school sweethearts
reunited for the first time in a decade.
The Chocolate Mouse Trap
JoAnna Carl
Signet
ISBN: 0451216350 $6.99, 240 pp.
In Warner Pier, Michigan, Lee McKinney manages her Aunt Nettie's chocolate shop, Tenhuis
Chocolate. Currently the emails from wannabe party planner Julie Singletree is driving Lee crazy
with her Victorian sweetness in every message; approximately six arrive every day to Lee and five
other people that Julie has anointed as the seventh major food group, "fancy foods". Lee eats the
sugary electronic memos because she cannot afford to alienate the granddaughter of wealthy
customer Rachel Shraeder of Shraeder Labs. On local TV news is the report someone murdered
Julie. Lee feels bad and a bit guilty that she recently badmouthed the woman, but goes on with her
life. That changes when assaults on the fancy food group occurs. Julie wonders if one of the other
five is a killer or could an outsider have a grudge against them. Julie plans to find out before she or
her aunt become victims. The latest chocolate animal amateur sleuth novel is a fine tale as Lee
changes from detesting the victim to guilt and sorrow over her death to fear and courage for the
safety of her aunt and her. The heroine's transformation happens quite smoothly as she hated the
sugary emails, but never wished Julie dead nor willing to allow herself or her aunt to join the
deceased by idly waiting for the cops to solve the caper. Once Lee knows that she has a different
deadly rodent than the chocolate mice she made for a Shraeder Labs gala, she begins her
investigation into who wants to murder the fancy food group.
Home at Last
Jerri Corgiat
Signet
ISBN: 0451216210 $6.99, 384 pp.
Eight years ago, Marigold "Mari" O'Malley fled Cordelia, Missouri for Kansas City vowing to never
return. However three strikes propel her to go home. First her career tanked; next her love life
collapsed; finally and most critical her beloved mom suffered a heart attack and resides in the cardiac
care unit of St. Luke's Hospital. Her mom's health accentuated by pressure from her siblings Lil and
Alceca is the reason Mari rationalizes as to why she is in Cordelia. Former troublemaker Andy
Epplewaite has struggled but turned his life around. Now he works with troubled teens trying to
help them straighten out their lives. He wants Mari, but she is reluctant as her last relationship was a
disaster. As he gets her involved in his work, they fall in love, but she has a secret that she knows
she must tell him though she expects once she reveals the truth he will send her away to Kansas
City. The third "Home" tale (see FOLLOW ME HOME and SING ME HOME) is a terrific
O'Malley contemporary romance that stands alone because Jerri Corgiat cleverly intertwines the key
elements from the previous novels into the fine story line. Andy is fabulous as a reformed bad boy
while Mari is his ideal counterpart struggling between love and shame. Although a major but almost
feeling like an implausible twist of fate propels the plot to its conclusion, fans will appreciate the
final story in the O'Malley sisters' you can find love at home trilogy.
First Dance
Karen Kendall
Signet
ISBN: 0451216105 $6.99, 320 pp.
When New Jersey nouveau riche Julia Spinelli and Texas Brahmin Roman Sonntag met and fell in
love, neither expected their respective families and friends to revolt. That is what seems to have
happened as everyone discounts the feelings of the duo and insists they know what is best for either
Julie or Roman. Now the third bridesmaid New York divorce attorney Vivien Shelton does not trust
the Italian speaking Texan that she never met. Their whirlwind courtship has their families in an
uproar. She draws up the perfect present for her best friend Julia, a prenup with no loopholes though
she has to do that in between migraine causing clients. She leaves her five greyhounds behind to go
to Texas to rescue her best friend. Roman's pal attorney J.B. Anglin is reminded by Roman's nuptial
of the New York lawyer who bested him in a divorce case, Vivien Shelton. When they meet again to
discuss prenups, he is cold towards her while she is cynical about relationships and marriage. As they
fight, they fall in love, but she is Manhattan and he is Texas but more important neither seems to
trust one another though they are good in bed together. The third entry of this series (and the final
one starring the bridesmaids) is a terrific tale as the two combatants battle every moment until both
realizes that love has snuck into their relationship. The story line is amusing as the lead couple argue
over everything as he is cattle and she is greyhound. This dueling duo makes for a fine entry that sets
up the final march down the aisle of Julia and Roman in FIRST LOVE.
First Love
Julie Kenner
Signet
ISBN: 0451216296 $6.99
The plan seemed doable just three weeks ago when New jersey nouveau riche Julia Spinelli and
Texas Brahmin Roman Sonntag met, fell in love, and agreed to marry in the month. Neither of the
lovers anticipated the bridesmaids. Her sister (see FIRST DATE), his sister (see FIRST KISS) and
her best friend (FIRST DANCE) have caused absolute havoc with the wedding plans and male
participants in the upcoming nuptials. Still they cling to the hope that they can throw the greatest
wedding ever seen in the state of Texas. With nothing going right and the parents have not even
met, Julia wonders what else could go wrong. She quickly learns why her sibling considers Murphy
an optimist because her parents have left South River, New Jersey for Fredericksburg a few days
early. Her crass dad Marv, owner of Marvs Motor Inn chain, believes her beloved is after her
money. He alienates everyone with his tackiness making the wedding of the century look like it will
be called off. Even the groom is having second thoughts heeding a maelstrom of Texans warning
him not to marry a Jersey daughter of the tactless. FIRST LOVE is a wild ending to the amusing
wacky The Bridesmaid Chronicles. The story line continues the tale of the tapes between New jersey
and Texas, but this time raised to new levels of craziness as Marv invades the Lone Star State,
which will never recover. Though capable of being enjoyed by itself, fans of contemporary wedding
romances will want to devour the entire series in order to fully savor the war between the states (see
FIRST DATE by Karen Kendall; FIRST KISS by Kylie Adams; and FIRST DANCE by Karen
Kendall).
Confessions of a Nervous Shiksa
Tracy McArdle
Downtown Press
ISBN: 1416503218 $13.00
In Hollywood, publicity vice president Alexis "Lexy" Manning works 24/7 promoting her studio's
movies and its stars. Lexy could not have a more suited job for herself as she loves the movies
adulating footnotes from her favorite pictures in discussions with her friends. Lexy is almost
engaged to Jewish bartender David Rothstein who uses the name of Deke Rothrock as a wannabe
actor. She takes him home to spend a Yankee Christmas with her family in Vermont that shakes him
to his circumcised core because he feels so out of place. Afterward, David makes religious demands
on Lexy to convert to Judaism so they can raise their children Jewish. She refuses and they break up.
It helps that she is attracted to a director she just met, but it hurts as it gives her time to worry about
her ailing cat and sick sister. Lexy sees no happy ending as the reels of her life play out. Though
readers might question Lexy's choices and there is the inevitable lists (though some like the
schedules fit her job), she seems like a genuine person living a stressed out lifestyle turned even
more nerve-racking by David's demands after three years together. Simply put Lexy makes this chick
lit tale worth reading as she spends money on herself, uses help when she needs to, and euphorically
drops cinema references that this movie buff (don't ask how I squeeze time in for a flick) and her
even greater movie buffed spouse enjoyed. Junk food junkie Lexy struggles at work and at home
while seeking the next popular hit, which readers will hope is CONFESSIONS OF A NERVOUS
SHIKSA.
Endangered Magic
Gloria Harchar
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526182 $5.99
Pixie Allegro Soprano reluctantly agrees to help her friend Largo rescue his missing fianc?e. That
would seem noble except that to do so the two fairies must join forces with the evil Shade Lord. The
malevolent being simply demands that the bungling twosome help him destroy Europe, a small price
to pay to rescue one's fianc?e. They do have an alternative: finding the Shade Lord's enemy Sheridan
who could save the human realm and two misguided fairies. Meanwhile Earl Nolan Monroe believes
he killed his spouse during one of his mysterious blackouts. Filled with shame and self scorn, he
wants to die so he asks for the most malevolent being to kill him because he cowardly cannot do the
deed. However, spy Tessa Ballard saves his wretched life though she detests him because she
believes like him he cravenly murdered her friend his wife. As she struggles to uncover who plots to
kill the Prime Minster, Tessa feels abashed that she desires Nolan, who feels guilty to want her so
soon after killing his spouse. Soon the realms of fairie and human will collide with Nolan the key
ingredient to stop the Shade Lord. In her third "by magic" tale, Gloria Harchar provides her
audience with a whimsical Regency fantasy romantic suspense with the world at stake. As usual
whenever Allegro and Largo team up, nothing goes right as they are the epitome of chaos theory.
Readers will find them amusing, but also believe that England is in peril from a supernatural
malevolence. The human romance between Nolan and Tessa enchantingly intertwines in a fine
thriller that will leave readers wanting more from Ms. Harchar.
Predators & Prayers
Phillip Carlo
Leisure
ISBN: 0843955767 $6.99
New York Police Department Captain Tony Flynn investigates a serial killer targeting priests, but
also uncovers criminal activities by the victims. As he follows up that link, the Catholic Diocese
pressures the cops to back off that side of their inquiries even if that is the key connection besides
religion between the deceased. The Church wants the killer stopped, but not with a spotlight on
them; if he or she remains free to murder a few more priests until caught so be it. The NYPD brass
and the mayor's office heed the Church's desire to back off from anything that makes the priesthood
look bad. They press Tony to stop following clues that paint the Church in a nasty light. The Church
also uses the media claiming the cops are anti-religious activists hating Catholics. Already with a
cloud over him from his past, Tony refuses to back off as he wonders about the Church's attitude
until he finds a taint impacting children that have conspiracy, cover up and crime reaching into the
top levels of the Catholic hierarchy. This is an exhilarating police procedural suspense thriller that
grips the reader from the moment the Church begins to complain to the media and the politicians
that the cops are Catholic bashers who are not interested in capturing a deranged killer. Fans will
wonder why they take that position as the conspiracy starts to surface at the same time that the
audience will feel the tension of a serial killer psychological thriller. All this comes together though
some readers will think perhaps Phillip Carlo went too far with the conspiracy, but all readers will
finish this in one tense sitting to learn the several whys behind the realistic cast.
The Moon and the Stars
Constance O'Banyon
Leisure
ISBN: 0843955422 $6.99, 353 pp.
On her wedding day in Charleston, Caroline Duncan became a widow when she believes her
stepbrother-in-law Brace arranged her husband Michael's murder. Knowing that Brace will take her,
Caroline flees, hiding until she surfaces in 1871 using the surname Richmond in San Sebastian,
Texas until bounty hunter Wade Renault arrives to escort her home to face a murder rap. As he
takes her back with him, Caroline swears she is innocent; at first Wade's cynicism from his years of
hunting criminals leaves him disbelieving her, but soon he begins to see holes in his client Brace's
story. Still he has doubts as he wonders if he just wants Caroline to be innocent because he is falling
in love with her. Instead of taking her to Brace, Wade hides Caroline in his Louisiana home thinking
that if he married her she would be safe. However, Brace finds them and abducts Wade's adopted
son Jonathan, leaving it up to courageous Caroline to confront her murdering nemesis. This is a
terrific nineteenth century American romantic suspense thriller starring two caring likable
individuals. Readers will admire Caroline who tosses her lifestyle away to elude her murdering
brother-in-law. Wade is a perfect counterpart starting off with not only distrusting his prisoner but
assuming she probably killed her husband. He soon regrets his pre-opinion as he sees how kind and
caring she is. Though Brace is too evil to matter except as a threat, historical romance readers will
enjoy Constant O'Banyon's exciting tale.
Lethal Dose
Jeff Buick
Leisure
ISBN: 0843955783 $6.99
Near Canyon Creek, Montana, self made-millionaire Gordon Buchanan, his brother Billy and others
struggle to contain a fire that threatens to destroy his brand new sawmill. When Billy accidentally
slices his leg to the bone with a saw, first aid fails to stop the bleeding. Gordon is stunned to watch
his sibling die in spite of doing everything right. Billy's blood simply failed to coagulate like it should
have. Gordon cleans out Billy's house only to find strange green pills Triaxcion prescribed by highly
regarded Dr. Hastings of Butte. He learns from the doctor that the drug is making a fortune for its
manufacturer Veritas Pharmaceutical of Richmond, Virginia; it used to prevent baldness. Gordon
has a nagging feeling that the drug killed his sibling by preventing his blood from coagulating. The
legal system offers no relief since the drug company is "protected" by the FDA. The company CEO
Bruce Andrews refuses to listen to Gordon claiming he grieves by seeking culpability elsewhere. As
Gordon continues to dig he gains an ally Jennifer Pearce of Veritas and begins to find evidence of
deadly foul play. LETHAL DOSE is a tense thriller that will shake up the audience with the recent
withdrawals of drugs due to adverse deadly side effects. The story line is at its best when Gordon,
who has more going for him than most people would believe, takes on the Fortune 500 giant. When
the tale spins into a murder thriller, it remains an exciting action packed tale, but loses some of its
condemnation steam of pointing fingers at the American pharmaceutical-government incest. Still Jeff
Buick writes a thought provoking suspense filled novel.
Ship of Dreams
Elaine LeClaire
Leisure
ISBN: 0843955759 $5.99
In 1725 Rosalind Hanshaw refuses to marry Murdock, the odious business partner of her father.
However, she also knows if she remains in London, she will be forced to wed against her will. Her
only hope is to journey to Jamaica where her brother can protect her. On the high seas, Alexandre de
Marchant, the notorious French pirate Black Angel, stops Rosalind's vessel and takes her captive.
When Alexandre realizes that he has his adversary's fianc?e as his prisoner, he decides she is the
perfect pawn for avenging what Murdock did to him and his family. He will deflower her before
shipping her home for a large ransom. However, he soon changes his mind as he finds he is her
prisoner as she has captured his heart. Though the relational theme of this strong pirate romance is
similar to several recent tales (for instance, see Jennifer Ashley's THE PIRATE HUNTER), fans of
the sub-genre will appreciate this fine early eighteenth century romance. The story line is
action-packed filled with daring sea battles and plenty of romance. The lead couple is a delightful
pairing as the audience observes the metamorphosis of the hero from pirate capturer to loving
prisoner. Readers will want to sail the seven seas with Captain Elaine LeClaire.
Too Rich to Live
Lawrence Light
Leisure
ISBN: 0843955465 $6.99, 338 pp.
In New York though in her thirties reporter Karen Glick is reengineering her life. First she has
divorced her PowerPoint efficient investment banker Tim Bratton. Second she wants out of the fluff
executive profiles she writes for Profit magazine as her heart is in investigating. She is looking into
the buyout of Redmon, Dangler, Strongville & Morgan by the Billionaire Boys Club who she has
evidence that proves they are a quartet of tax cheaters. Highly regarded investigative journalist
Frank Vere tells her if they can verify the proof with supporting documentation they will bring down
a powerful group that includes one member currently running for the US Senate. At the
Metropolitan Museum of Art fundraiser, senatorial candidate Caddy Redmon gives a shocking
speech before collapsing and dies. The group Vampyr has accused Redmon of fraud and cheating,
but Karen doubts this organization would seek blood to cleanse the problem. Karen begins to
investigate, but soon realizes that someone with a personal vendetta has targeted the Billionaire
Boys Club as another member is murdered, but finding the guilty party will prove difficult as this
group has hurt many people over their two decades of cheating. Ironically while Karen seeks to
uncover the identity of a killer, readers know who he is from page one and somewhat his motive
although that is not fully understandable until the final climax. The story line is exciting as the
audience follows Karen investigating the homicide while also seeking the collaborating evidence that
proves the Billionaire Boys Club are tax cheaters. Though the reasoning behind the killings seems
stretched, fans will appreciate this intense thriller starring a delightful protagonist who hopefully
covers future financial scandalous stories.
Halfbreed Warrior
Bobbi Smith
Leisure
ISBN: 0843953969 $6.99
In 1870 Texas Hawk Morgan sees the lad on what appears to be a runaway steed so he gives chase.
When the "boy" sees the Comanche coming after her, Randi Stockton tries to flee, but he catches up
to her. She is stunned that he speaks eloquent English and he is shocked that he is a she. Even more
astonishing to both is the attraction each feels almost immediately for the other. Neither wants a
relationship at this particular time, but neither can they ignore the feelings though their heated
discussions would imply otherwise. However, Hawk must first catch the rustlers he tracks before he
can heed his heart's message. Soon his dilemmas merge when the rustlers try to kill Hawk and
Randi's dad and kidnap her. Hawk risks his life to save the woman who gives meaning to his life.
HALFBREED WARRIOR is an exciting western romance starring two amiable protagonists who
readers will want to see make it. The vivid descriptions of Reconstruction Era Texas is brought to
life through the cast especially Hawk. Fans will admire his sense of honor and duty, but also want
him to catch the outlaws so he and the strong willed courageous Randi can come together. Bobbi
Smith provides a fine Americana tale that her fans will treasure.
Incendiary
Chris Cleave
Knopf
ISBN: 0307262820 $22.95, 237 pp.
The suicide attack killed a thousand attending the football game at Arsenal Stadium, but to the wife
and mother of two victims, it is personal. Her grief has aged her and the video Osama made lauding
those who killed the innocent upsets her further. The nameless widow decides to write a letter to
Osama as her mourning gives her little comfort. Still her loss goes through the stages until she
becomes angry that the government anticipated the attack, but did nothing to stop it. As her anger
grows, she becomes a civilian working at Scotland Yard's antiterrorist unit where she learns a new
strike is imminent, but it appears once again officialdom will do nothing. As she continues
hermessage to Osama she believes now he is right that some people deserve to die as they are selfish
but not everyone for instance why her innocent son. She now trusts no one especially not her
government, the media, or her neighbor; Christmas Eve has arrived with no hope or cheer for
anyone. Yes Osama you are right. This is a deep thought provoking and haunting tale that will leave
the audience stunned by the impact on the living by a terrorist act. The nameless protagonist comes
across as an every-person whether they are a civilian victim in Iraq, the WTC, Madrid, or London.
This talented author cleaves one through the soul of the audience that even when there are sprinkles
of humor they turn the plot even more provocative. Not for the faint of heart, INCENDIARY is a
powerful indictment of humanity.
The Mercy of Thin Air
Ronlyn Domingue
Atria
ISBN: 0743278801 $24.00, 320 pp.
In late 1920s New Orleans, while at college Raziela "Razi" Nolan and Andrew O'Connell share a
heated romance. In 1929 she slips at a poolside and dies. However, Razi who wanted to live forever
finds herself at THE MERCY OF THIN AIR, a gray world in between the mortal plane and the
afterlife. She can see back to her former home and over time learns she can slightly interfere with
humans, but emotionally she was never able to watch what happened to her beloved Andrew after
she died though she would constantly peek at others from their circle. That is until seven decades on
earth have passed. She decides to learn about Andrew, but is interested in Amy Richmond and Scott
Duncan. This pair seems so in love yet so troubled. Their relationship appears to be in jeopardy at
least from what Razi can perceive. However, even as she feels an obsession to intercede and insure
this pair makes it together, Razi tries to figure out why them. Razi is a tremendous protagonist
looking back to life in the 1920s in New Orleans especially with her beloved Andrew, which enables
readers to gain an interesting feel for the place and time. Her reflections on her life and on her post
time existence in the thin air are well written and her amateur sleuth investigation from the other side
is cleverly devised adding an aura of suspense. However, the tale belongs to the moral lesson of
never take for granted loved ones or what the senses provide when one is alive.
Mercy Falls
William Kent Krueger
Atria
ISBN: 0743445880 $24.00, 352 pp.
Tamarack County Minnesota, Sheriff Cork O'Connor and deputy Marsha Dross respond to a
domestic disturbance between Lucy and Eli Tibodeau on the Iron Lake Reservation, home of the
Ojibwe. However, someone begins firing at the law enforcement officials with Dross hit in the
stomach in spite of body armor and O'Connor barely escaping. Cork begins pondering why they
were ambushed and soon believes that he was the target, but in the dark the culprit mistook the tall
big Marsha to be him. Before he can consider who wanted him dead, Cork has a murder
investigation to deal with as someone killed despicable Eddie Jacoby whose wealthy family arrive
from Chicago demanding instant results. Eddie's father brings with him his own sleuth, former FBI
agent Dina Winter to find the culprit. This strong police procedural is enhanced by the hero's doubts
when a former law school lover of his wife is part of the Jacoby entourage. However, though that
humanizes the sheriff, he remains so stiltedly correct he seems at times unreal especially when
compared with the outside muscle. Still the exciting story line is filled with action as Cork works the
murder case and the ambush while struggling with jealousy and with the inability to keep the Jacoby
crew from destroying his investigations.
Bluetick Revenge
Mark Cohen
Mysterious
ISBN: 0892968001 $24.95, 310 pp.
Attorney "Big" Matt Simms of the Denver law firm of Keane, Simms & Mercante hires private
investigator Pepper Keane to perform two jobs for his client, Karlynn Slade. First he must "dognap"
her canine from her husband and second he must keep her safe from him. Pepper knows neither duty
will be easy because her husband is Thaddeus Bugg, head of the most violent drug dealing biker
gang in Colorado, Sons of Satan. Matt explains that Karlynn left Thaddeus taking 300K with her
only to have the FBI threaten her with arrest if she failed to cooperate on bringing down her ex and
his cohorts. She agreed to life in the witness protection program instead of prison as long as Prince
her bluetick coonhound joins her. Learning that there is a bounty on whoever stole Bugg's mutt, the
simple job turns more complex than the DNA double helix when Karlynn vanishes. Expecting the
SOS crowd to come after him, Pepper is shocked when instead Thaddeus hires him to find her.
However, the case spins further out of control when the trail leads to a cold case murder. Pepper
would like to expedite himself in one piece and alive from this mess, but knows he has some difficult
decisions to make to do so. BLUETICK REVENGE is an exciting private investigative tale that is
filled with much more action and less cerebral concepts than the incredibly superb predecessor THE
FRACTAL MURDERS although some key characters reappear in this tale. Still this is a strong entry
as the hero has extremely thorny choices to make in which morality is gray. Though not the
mathematical delight of the previous keen tale in spite of math Professor Jane Smyers on hand,
readers will take immense pleasure with this powerful thriller in which nothing is sound byte black
and white.
Cape Perdido
Marcia Muller
Mysterious
ISBN: 089296006X $24.95, 305 pp.
The North Carolina incorporated Aqueduct Systems, Inc wants to pump the pristine water of the
Perdido River from California's serene Soledad County to the southern thirsty cities to the south.
Friends of the Perdido River headed by Maine transplant Bernino Tobin and other pro
environmentalists including internationally renowned activist but local resident Joseph Openshaw
oppose the water grab that they feel will destroy the natural beauty of the area and harm the mostly
navigational river. Environmental Consultants Clearinghouse has sent two specialists, water rights
attorney Fitch Coller and ecologist Jessie Domingo, to assist the locals and testify in Sacramento as
expert witnesses against the corporation. However, the environmental vs. development dispute turns
dangerous when someone shoots the enormous bags used to tote the water. Additionally, instead of
just obtaining supporting data on the water debate, Jessie finds herself in the middle of a cold case
unsolved murder that have left angry memories that appear ready to explode with the return of
Joseph. The water rights issue has been around a long time with the demand of Southern California
for the precious liquid vs. the environmental concerns of Northern California where the supply is.
However, balance is lost in CAPE PERDILLO as the representatives of Aqueduct Systems, Inc are
all avaricious suits wanting to make a quick buck at any cost to others while the environmental
opponents, especially the outsiders, have pure motives. The murder mystery is fun to follow, but is
two edged as it also takes away from the prime adversarial dispute. Though no McCone, Jessie is a
terrific protagonist who should return with that jerk Fitch on future debates. Overall this is a fine tale
but not quite as good as Marcia Muller normally provides.
Troy Lord of the Silver Bow
David Gemmell
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345458354 $24.95
Dardania Prince Helikaon sails the stormy Great Green Sea on a gigantic ship that most feel will
quickly sink due to its massive size. He and companion Zidantas have angered King Agamemnon of
Mykene when they killed the pirates terrorizing the Great Green Sea; Agamemnon stealthy abetted
the pirates. At about the same time, Priam of Troy has killed his sons except for Hektor the warrior
who allied with the Hittites against the Egyptians. Priam orders Priestess Andromache to wed
Hektor. Instead she sails for Blue Owl Bay where she meets Helikaon. He falls in love with her while
several people try to kill him; one enemy Kolanos tortures and murders Zidantas. Outraged and out
of control, Helikaon begins destroying Mykene ships with the crew on board. As Kolanos flees,
Helikaon follows devastating anything in his path with Troy the apparent destination of the blood
feud that has boiled over. TROY LORD OF THE SILVER BOW is a terrific historical fiction that
brings alive the Trojan War era as few tales do. The story line is fast-paced and action-packed, but
works because the key cast members seem genuine. Helikaon runs a gamut of emotions from stoic
warrior-trader sailor to besotted hero to avenging berserker. Priam also comes across as real as he is
the tyrannical Machiavellian poster monarch. Others like Kolanos, Andromache and Zidantas add to
the overall feel that this exciting thriller is the real deal.
Looking for Jake
China Mieville
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345476077 $14.95
The award winning horror and fantasy novelist provides a powerful anthology that runs the gamut of
speculative fiction. The collection consists of ten works previously published in the last few years in
varying publications and five new tales. One story is a graphic short ("On the Way to the Front"),
but that was not available for review. Another The Tain is more a short novella while the author
breaks the wall as China Mieville is a key character in "Reports of Certain Events in London"; the
title now feels eerie even unrelated to the latest horrifying terrorist ahole BS. Though most are set in
London, fans who know Iron Council and Perdido Street Station will appreciate that "Jack" is set in
that same realm of New C robuzon. Each tale is well written, filled with suspense and grips the
audience with a sense that nothing is quite the way it first seems, which turns out to be true. Though
China Mieville imbues messages including an anti war theme in his submissions; that never slows or
take away from the entertainment of a fine compilation.
Straken
Terry Brooks
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345451120 $26.96, 384 pp.
Grianne Ohmsford, the Ard Rhys of the Third Druid Order, was never fully trusted because of the
harm she did to others as the llse witch. Certain druids led by Shadea with the aid of the Prime
Minister of the Federation trapped her in The Forbidden, a dark, dangerous evil place where the
dark beings of Faerie were sent eons ago. Shadea is now the new Ard Rhys and rules through fear
and terror making the Druid keep of Paranor a very unpleasant place to live and learn the craft.
What Shadea doesn't know is that a demon sorcerer, Tael Riverine, in the Forbidding influenced
Shadea because when one is sent to that evil place, a being is allowed into the real world. The
shapeshifting demon is influencing events in the real world so that the wall of the Forbidding will
come down allowing the evil creatures penned up inside to enter the Druid realm and turn it into
another Forbidding. Grianne's nephew knows he must bring his beloved aunt home from the
Forbidden, but has no idea how to find the demon. STRAKEN, the last book in the latest Shannara
trilogy is a fantastic, compelling and thoroughly enjoyable sword & sorcery book. One of Terry
Brooks greatest gifts as an author is to create characters that are realistic and believable in settings
that enable the audience to suspend reality. Grianne is his greatest creation, a character who
demonstrates that redemption is always possible if one wants it enough.
Double Tap
Steve Martini
Putnam
ISBN: 0399150927 $26.95, 432 pp.
Successful wealthy CEO of Isotenics, Inc. Madelyn Chapman enjoys her bi-coastal lifestyle that
includes abodes in Manhattan and Virginia. However, one day when she returns to the house she
considers her home in La Jolla, California, someone assassinates her with a double tap, two precise
bullets to her head. The police follow clues that lead to career veteran Emiliano Ruiz. He hires
attorney Paul Madriani to represent him. Paul faces an uphill battle as not only evidence places the
accused near the crime scene; Emiliano had the skill to perform the precision operation. Adding to
his dilemma is that Emiliano provides no background information about himself especially a seven
year data hole in the middle of his long military career. The prosecutors cooperate as much as his
client refuses to impart information on the victim's link to the military. Still Paul continues to dig to
insure he bestows the best defense he can for his silent client. DOUBLE TAP is a terrific thriller that
has the hero frustrated at ever turn as his client refuses to cooperate and the prosecution is even less
forthcoming. Paul keeps digging for information, but for every step forward he takes two steps
backward. Still he wants to put up a strong defense even if he wonders if Emiliano committed the
homicide. Steve Martini is at his supreme best with this tale that showcases a struggling legal
defense unable to obtain any cooperation.
School Days
Robert B. Parker
Putnam
ISBN: 0399153333 $24.95, 304 pp.
In the upscale affluent Boston suburb of Dowling at the local prep school, two teens that attended
the education facility took their nine millimeter handguns and opened fire. Five studies and two
teachers were killed a six students and two teachers were injured. They then holed up in the library
until a hostage negotiator persuaded Wendell Grant to give up. The other killer disappeared but Dell
later told them it was Jared Cark who later confessed to the crimes. Jared's grandmother hires
Spenser to prove her grandson is innocent but when he gets to Dowling, he finds Jared is
represented by an incompetent lawyer who believes his client is guilty and Jared's parents feel the
same way. By the time Spenser questions everyone there is no question in his mind that Jared is
guilty. However, Spencer goes one step further and sets out to find why this tragedy happened and
what the private investigator learns turns out to be almost as big a tragedy as the teen killing spree.
Fast paced, breezy dialogue and the protagonist's trademark dry-wit makes for another delightful
reading experience in the long running Spenser series. Robert B. Parker is at the top of his game in
this exciting private investigative tale that examines how a Columbine type action could happen and
where the blame should be placed. Fans of this series won't be disappointed in SCHOOL DAYS,
one of the best and most timely books Mr. Parker has ever written.
Blue Smoke
Nora Roberts
Putnam
ISBN: 0399153063 $25.95, 448 pp.
In 1985 Baltimore Catarina "Renna" Hale was attacked by her neighbor twelve year old Joey
Pastorelli and would have been raped if the neighbors didn't intervene. Reena's father fought with
Joey's abusive dad and that night, the Hale's family pizzeria, Sirico's burns to the ground. Police find
enough evidence to arrest Joey's father and Joey is taken away from his mother after he burns his
dog and leaves it on Reena's doorstop. Reena decides that she will because an arson investigator,
studying hard in school to make her dream a reality. When Rena buys a house in her old
neighborhood, her next door neighbor is Bo Goodnight who saw Reena at a college party years ago
and fell in lust. Over the years he sighted his Dream Girl but they never met but when the pair finally
get together, lust turns into something more for Bo and the commitment phobic Reena who is afraid
that he might be her one and only true love. They conduct their courtship during an arson
investigation in which someone is targeting Reena and the people closest to her. Reena is in a race
against time to catch the killer before the body count mounts. Once again Nora Roberts has written
a wonderful romantic thriller that is sure to hit the New York Times bestseller list. Her
characterization are fantastic, the firefighting scenes are full of action and suspense and the plot
moves along at a fast pace. Bo's Dream Girl is better than his fantasy of her and he is determined to
woo her no matter how many obstacles she put in his path. Their love scenes are sweet, poignant
sometimes downright funny. BLUE SMOKE is an example of why Ms. Roberts is one of the most
popular authors writing today.
Iron Orchid
Stuart Woods
Putnam
ISBN: 039915325X $25.95, 304 pp.
Teddy Fay Worked for the CIA for forty years, eventually becoming a Tech Services coordinator
and when he retired, he erased all his files in the Agency's computers. They have no pictures or
fingerprints of the man who disappeared with astonishing ease. He started killing Right Wing
politician including the Speaker of the House and when he was close to being caught, he blew up the
plance he was flying and jumped out into the ocean. While the FBI and CIA think he is dead, Teddy
relocates to New York when he starts killing terrorists, the enemies of America as he calls them. A
joint FBI-CIA task force is formed and one of the CIA members is Holly Barker, the former Chief of
Police in Orchid Beach, Florida. They recruited her and she eagerly grabbed the chance to become
an operative. She is the only agent to see Holly and she is in the forefront of the investigation as
Teddy tries to avoid the agents while continuing on his mission. The antagonist is the focus and the
star of IRON ORCHID as he calmly hacks into CIA and FBI computers with the help of an inside
source. Readers will be simultaneously drawn to and repelled by this character who marches to his
own drummer. The protagonist takes to her CIA training like a duck to water and is able to carry
her share of the work load on her uses first case as an agent. Stuart Woods has written a compelling
and entertaining cat and mouse caper.
Point Blank
Catherine Coulter
Putnam
ISBN: 0399153225 $25.95, 432 pp.
FBI agents Dillon Savich, his wife Lacey Sherlock and their friend Dane Carver are staking out
Hooter's Motel in Pumis City, Maryland hoping to rescue the kidnapped Pinky before he is killed.
His captors Moses Grace and the teenage psychopath Claudia want Savich and Sherlock dead
because he was involved in the killing of someone Moses loved. The criminals set a trap for the
agents and when they enter the motel they see a bomb and luckily are able to escape. The Feds next
go to Maestro, Virginia to see fellow agent Ruth Warnecki who was on a treasure hunt in Wrinkle's
Cave looking for Confederate gold. Suddenly she becomes dizzy and blacks out coming to when she
is rescued by Sheriff Dixon Noble. When the four agents and the sheriff return to the cave they find
the body of a dead student from nearby Stanislaus College, the Julliard of the south. Shortly after
that grizzly discovery, Savich and Sherlock pursue a new lead on Moses and Claudia while two men
break into the sheriff's house where Ruth is in an attempt to kill her. If the agents working the two
cases solve them without being kil led it will be a miracle. Fans of Tami Hoag, Iris Johansen, and
Kay Hooper will want to read Catherine Coulter's latest suspense thriller. The love between Savich
and Sherlock is stronger than ever while Ruth and Noble realizes they feel a strong emotional
connection to one another. There is enough romance in this crime thriller to satisfy fans of that genre
and of course it will appeal to readers who favor works of psychological suspense. Ms. Coulter once
again delivers a work brimming with action, chase scenes and terrific characterizations.
King of Glory
Kristen Halter
Lulu.com
http://www.lulu.com
ISBN: 1411630750 $19.94 308 pp.
Life is hard for unwed mother Gisele Domingo who just got fired from her job at the library. She
lives with her son Jonathan in her parents' home and her only solace is her love for Jesus, which she
teaches to her son so he will love him as well. During renovations of her parents home, Giselle finds
what later is known as "The Jesus Letter" which proves Jesus lived and was resurrected. Her faith is
stronger than ever as she becomes an international celebrity. Gregorio Vargas, a singer with the
Christian band the Jesus Freaks, is a world renowned celebrity but his fame and fortune don't take
away his loneliness. He saw Giselle at a concert where he was performing and he never was able to
get her out of his mind. They are thrown together at a speaking engagement where Giselle talks
about her find and both realize they are soulmates. After a very rocky courtship, they marry and
bring the Jesus Paper to Israel. There she is kidnapped by Muslims who want her to renounce her
find because the letter nullifies all existing religions. A miracle delivers her from her kidnappers but
Giselle's future is cut short by a freak accident and it is only their faith in God and his son that keep
her two men from sinking into despair. Each character in KING OF GLORY is accompanied by an
invisible Jesus who walks with them though they don't realize it. He gives them peace and hope and
he never gives up on those who turned their back on him. This exciting ecclesiastical thriller
wrapped around a Divine love story is a creative and inspiring tale. Kristen Halter gets her message
of Jesus' love through actions that speak for themselves.
Contact Zero
David Wolstencroft
Dutton
ISBN: 052594902X $24.95
In Peru, Ben Sinclair looks forward to his first posting after graduating with nine others from British
espionage school. However, his assignment falls apart almost immediately when he is accused by the
local police of smuggling. He escapes capture, but is stunned when his call to his handler Mum is
met with zero help. The embassy reacts the same way although to both parties he insists he was
framed. Ben makes an appeal to his classmates, but only Lucy responds. She informs him that seven
of them are dead murdered on the same day around the globe; only they and Nat still live. The trio
tries to unite to stay alive as agents try to kill them. There only hope of survival resides in
discovering and perhaps destroying their only possible haven mythological Contact Zero, but the
probability of achieving this appears impossible but is even made more difficult by the threesome not
trusting one another. This action packed thriller starts with an assault in Thailand on one of the
seven and never slows down until the final confrontation with zero options left for the runaways.
Readers will be hooked trying to learn why seven homicides and three attempted murders occurred
to the espionage school graduating class. The survival capers of the beleaguered trio take front stage
in a thrill a page tale that keeps the adrenaline of readers anticipating what happens next at the
pinnacle of excitement.
Harbor Nights
Marcia Evanick
Zebra
ISBN: 0821777084 $5.99, 304 pp.
Twenty-four years old petit Norah Stevens and her mom have relocated to Misty Harbor, Maine
where she gets a job writing a weekly column for the Hancock Review that provides Views from the
Other Side. Her mom's Pomeranian Zsa Zsa has moved under the next door neighbor's bush where
Norah tries to get the canine diva. Ned Porter sees her and introduces himself. However, Norah
fears his size as he seems even bigger than her father who beat her up last year. As Norah adjusts to
living amongst the Redwoods with even the females extended Porter family easily topping six feet,
she finds herself attracted to Ned though remains afraid of him. Ned reciprocates, but believes the
beautiful runt is wrong for him as he needs females like his outdoor hefty but beautiful sister-in-laws.
Still as love connects them, their relationship cannot grow until she overcomes her phobia that giant
males equate to abuse. HARBOR NIGHTS is a fine contemporary romance that focuses on how
abuse can potentially devastate a person's psyche and ultimately even relationships with a caring
soulmate. The story line is character driven as neither Norah nor Ned is comfortable with the size
gap, but their reasons greatly differ. He because he assumes a big outdoor guy needs a big woman;
she because of her father's recent physical abuse. Though the resolution seems abrupt as love
conquers all (this reviewer believes it would need time to heal the wounded), fans will enjoy the
return to Misty Harbor (see BERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS and BLUEBERRY HILL).
The Night I Got Lucky
Laura Caldwell
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373895313 $12.95, 256 pp.
Billy (dad wanted a brawling boxer hence her first name) Rendell cannot believe that she is in her
twenties and questioning how life can be so boring. Married for two years, her husband Chris has
seemed to lost interest in her even out of bed. Her mom, who has never untied the umbilical cord
since her father abandoned them a quarter of a century ago, has recently tightened the noose if that
is possible. Finally at work, her boss Roslyn hates her, she is unable to get the promotion she covets,
and Evan, the VP she flirts with sees her as a friend. Her therapist Blinda tells her to look inside to
ascertain what she desires and gives her a jade frog that will make it come true. Chris gives the frog
her full attention and mom discovers her own life. At work Billy is promoted and Evan starts flirting
with her. All is perfect. So why is Billy on the top of the Sears Building tossing the jade frog away?
Simple Chris is smothering her with affection, she misses mom the globetrotter, the VP job is all
responsibility with no fun, and Evan has become even more tempting. THE NIGHT I GOT LUCKY
is a fabulous deep version of chick lit meets the Monkey's Paw. The story line is owned by Billy as
she starts lamenting that life is a boring rut, receives the frog, obtains her wishes, but hates the
outcome wanting to go back to the starting line. Laura Caldwell provides a whimsical tale that
showcases the sub-genre at its magically charming best.
Wonderboy
Fiona Gibson
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373895321 $12.95
Marcus Skews decides that leaving London to live in the countryside is best for his wife Ro and
almost six years old son Tod. He persuades a reluctant Ro by claiming the eccentric Tod needs a
different school having been the victim of recent bullying incidents due to his eccentric behavior and
the neighbor in the flat above them seems to have a loose screw. Thus they move to Gorby Cottage,
a fixer-upper, in Chetsley, population 1200 and just under two hours to London causing Ro to give
up her job at Anna's Film Archives, not a bad thing as she hated her boss, but an extra major change.
Not long afterward, Marcus goes to work with a severe cold; that night he tells Ro he is too sick to
come home. More days like that occur in which he stays in London. Soon she finds she likes
Chetsley especially the friendly people kind to her son such as her neighbor Joe, who shows he
wants her too. However, Ro stays true to her vows until she learns why Marcus spends increasingly
more time in London. WONDERBOY is an interesting family drama that digs deep into the
disintegration of a relationship by looking closely at the three prime players. Fans will know what
makes Ro tick and feel for Tod, a brilliant but troubled child failing to adjust to formal and informal
school behavioral demands. Though they will hiss at Marcus' indiscretions and avoiding his
obligations, fans will understand his motives that led to his failures. Fiona Gibson's insightful tale is
well written, though Joe is too nice and convenient.
The Funeral Planner
Lynn Isenberg
Red Dress
ISBN: 037389533X $12.95, 384 pp.
Even as a child Maddy Banks equated self worth to be equal to net worth. So she is concerned that
she has yet to make her entrepreneurial mark. Maddy has no time for self pity as she travels from
Los Angeles to Ann Arbor to attend the funeral of her friend Tara Pintock. This second sudden
death, last year her cousin was hit by lightning, with a canned eulogy by a clergy who never knew
the deceased has Maddy thinking that ceremonies should be customized to honor the dearly
departed and provide solace to the guests. Her Uncle Sam lends her $15K to develop the strategic
business plan for Lights Out and soon sells the concept to venture capitalist Victor Winston. Her
business booms until the Fed Uncle Sam pulls the plug on her. She misses Victor, who encouraged
her every step of the way as he was with her the extra miles beyond that of an investor, more than
Lights Out. Maddy reconsiders her mantra as her self worth is much higher than her net worth if she
can persuade Victor that he invested in love. THE FUNERAL PLANNER is a primer for starting a
business with satirical chapter titles that Maddy's entrepreneurial efforts never seem to quite achieve.
Maddy is terrific as even as a preadolescent preferred the financial reports over dolls. Her how to
succeed at business with trying makes for a fine chick lit tale; even when she breaks the first
commandment of the Bush Administration "Thou shall not worship any other god but Adam Smith"
when she entered the dark side of placing her personal life over the bottom line.
Love So Tender
Stephanie Bond, Jo Leigh, & JoAnn Rock
Signature Select
ISBN: 0373836570 $5.99
"Taking Care of Business" by Stephanie Bond. In Vegas, FBI Agent Steve Berringer is undercover
as a photographer at the Taking Care of Business Chapel. His target is Mitch Landy who is expected
to come here to marry. As Steve trips over H.D. the dog, he also finds he can't help falling in love
with wedding designer Gracie Sergeant. "Play It Again, Elvis" by Jo Leigh. In Vegas, stand up
comedian Molly Canada worries that her writer Charlie Webster has written poor material for her
lately. Charlie is not suffering from writer's block, but instead fears unrequited love. He knows it's
now or never that he must declare his feelings to Molly. "The Good Luck Charm" by JoAnn Rock.
In Vegas, former music agent Alyssa Renalto owns and operates the Memorabilia shop. Currently
she is angry with musician Brett Neale who disrupted her Elvis dance. Brett wants Alyssa to be his
agent and more as he suffers from a burning love for her. However, when he competes against her
sister in the Elvis Legacy Contest, Alyssa feels divided as she loves her sibling but the hound dog
too. These contemporary romances with an Elvis theme are tongue in cheek fun starring delightful
couples and a multiple of "Elvi".
Searching for Cate
Maria Ferrarella
Signature Select
ISBN: 0373285256 $5.99
FBI Special Agent Catherine "Cate" Kowalski reels with difficult blows to her mental health. Her
beloved Gabe Summer died at the World Trade Center on 9/11 in the line of duty just like her daddy
years before. Her dying mom needs blood, but a test shows that Cate is incompatible to her mother,
which means Julia could not have birthed her. After mom dies, Cate feels alone with no attachments
to anyone. She decides she needs to search for the real Cate starting with finding her biological
parents. Three years ago Alma the wife of Dr. Christian Graywolf committed suicide taking their
tiny daughter with her; he holds himself culpable for their death because he failed to heed his
spouse's final plea. To forget his demons Christian buries himself at Blair Memorial Hospital. That is
until now. His sister Lydia introduces him to a new friend from work Cate. Both are stunned by their
immediate overwhelming attraction and desire for one another, but neither trust relationships
because each has demons to deal with first. SEARCHING FOR CATE is a fine investigative
romance starring two individuals struggling with life's setbacks that make each one leery of love.
When the story line concentrates on either Cate seeking her biological heritage or on the relationship
between her and Christian, the tale is excellent. When the plot evolves into an FBI case, it turns
excitingly suspenseful, but loses some of the key focus. Still Maria Ferrarella provides a warm
contemporary romantic thriller starring two scarred souls seeking solace and a reason to live until
love frighteningly shows them what it is all about.
Cornered
Linda Turner, Ingrid Weaver, & Julie Miller
Signature (Silhouette) Collection
ISBN: 0373285280 $5.99 240 pp.
"Fooling Around" by Linda Turning. When staid and stuffy Josephine London learns that her
great-aunt Boonie left her a detective agency, she kicks up her heels and moves to San Antonio. Her
partner Wiley Valentine is first surprised that she had the gumption to make the change and then
becomes worried when she accepts the case of a mafia's lord's wife who wants to find out if her
husband to cheating on her. While working the case, the pair falls in love. Josephine also inherits a
parrot Elliot who talks to people in a human manor and manages to steal the spotlight in this
exciting romantic suspense. "The Man in Shadow" by Ingrid Weaver. For a year, her family and
friends worried about Erika, who kept seeing Sloan in spite of knowing he drowned at sea even
though his body was never recovered. While working a case on the docks she notices a man who
looks like Sloan and goes to investigate, but is knocked out. When she regains consciousness, she
finds the man who looks like Sloan brokering an arms deal. When the authorities arrive, Sloan falls
into the water and she can't convince anyone that he was with her. Ingrid Weaver's heroine believes,
despite the evidence, that her beloved did not die at sea a year ago, leaving readers (and her family)
empathizing yet wondering. This is a terrific tale by a fabulous author. "A Midsummer Night
Murder" by Julie Miller. Not available for review.
Warrior Without Rules
Nancy Gideon
Silhouette Intimate Moments
ISBN: 0373274521 $4.99, 249 pp.
Personal Protection Professional Jack Chaney arrives from the states to convince covert operator
Zach Russell to meet with wealthy Mexican-American Victor Castillo, CEO of Aletta. Though he
and Victor detest one another, Zach flies from Australia to Chicago. The hatred they felt ten years
ago remains strong, but Victor needs Zach to protect his daughter Antonia while completing a major
business deal as someone threatens her life; she trusts only Zach with that and he came because Jack
asked him. Zach lays out three rules that everyone must agree to if he is to accept this civilian job.
Rule one is he makes the rules; rule two is where she goes he goes; rule three is nothing personal
between them. Antonia agrees to his obnoxious terms even as Zach wonders if her father will pay
the price as he refused when his daughter was kidnapped ten years ago. Zach struggles to adhere to
rule three as Antonia tempts his body, heart, and soul. However, the threats turn real, but neither are
prepared from where and how the present ties back to when she was abducted. The latest "warrior"
tale (see WARRIOR WITHOUT A CAUSE), WARRIOR WITHOUT RULES, is a terrific romantic
suspense filled with intrigue and plenty of twists and turns especially the climax. Readers will
appreciate Zach's discomfit as enforcing his rules leaves him conflicted because two and three
contradict between his head and his heart while in spite of his professional experiences rule one ends
up with Antonia making the rules. Nancy Gideon provides a gripping tense thriller that the audience
will read in one sitting to learn who is behind the assault.
Rare Breed
Connie Hall
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513682 $4.99
In the Lower Zambezi National Park, Africa, Zambian Wildlife Authority Ranger Wynne Sperling
has diligently worked to shut down a major poaching operation. Former US Navy SEAL Jack
MacKay says he is a businessman in Africa to enjoy a safari hosted by Hellstrom Tours. Sparks fly
when they meet, but not due to an attraction as they have a martial arts encounter. Though
Hellstrom has a reputation as a philanthropist, she suspects his company is killing the animals to sell
as meat. She does not trust the Texan. Perhaps it was how well she held her own in their fight, but
Jack is shocked that he so desperately desires Wynne that he is thinking of corrupting his mission
because he wants her to see him as one of the good guys. However, he holds his heart and libido in
check as he continues his undercover work, but knows that if his beloved ranger becomes
endangered to hell with the mission, a feeling this dedicated individual has never felt before. She to
her chagrin feels feminine for the first time and wants to believe he is not a poacher, but holds back
judgment in him. RARE BREED is a fabulous romantic suspense thriller staring two dedicated
protagonists who want to do the right thing, which means ignoring their attraction for one another.
The story line is action-packed and quite exciting yet makes the case that the right and wrong of
poaching is not just black and white as people risk their lives to feed their families. Interestingly the
star of this excellent drama is Zambia and its people who are lovingly intertwined into this quality
plot making the tale must reading.
Devil's Bargain
Rachel Caine
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513674 $4.99
Milo Laskins, partner at Gabriel, Pike & Laskins, LLP, sends employee attorney James Borden to
inform former cop Jasmine "Jazz" Callender that a not for profit organization wants to fund her in
opening a private investigative firm. The only stipulation is that she partners with Lucia Garza, a
former USAF Security Police Officer Law Enforcement Supervisor who she has never met. Though
she does not like knowing more about these enigmatic benefactors, she agrees to their terms. After a
less than amiable first call between the two tough females, they agree to meet though they are across
the country from one another as neither trusts their unknown benefactor. However, the 100K check
they already received is good so the duo agree to the terms. As the two sleuths conduct an
investigation for their new employers, the case turns dangerous. James tries to help the women, but
neither Jazz nor Lucia wants a civilian in the way. Someone wants the inquiries stopped or else; but
these two tough females are too obstinate to back down over a threat even if it is to them. Though
the investigation is convoluted and starts relatively late, readers who appreciate strong female action
heroines will want to read DEVIL'S BARGAIN. The testosterone flows on every page in which
either Lucia or Jazz appear starting from the beginning the latter kicks butt in a bar and never
lessons until the final kick butt climax even when Jazz and James make love. Fans of strong women
starring in a wild investigative thriller will enjoy this dynamic tale.
The Profiler
Lori A. May
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513704 $4.99
FBI Agent Angela David comes home to New York to train under legendary profiler Marcus Cain, a
close friend and partner of her late father. As he tutors her on the job, they succeed in apprehending
dangerous criminals; for instance they capture dangerous Zeus due to his experience and knowledge
and her skill to pose as a foreigner. However, Manhattan also serves as a depressing reminder that
her beloved dad was murdered with his throat sliced here. Soon she is assigned her first case to
uncover the identity of a devious serial killer. Cain introduces Angela to New York Police Officer
Carson Severo who is to help her with her investigation. Though she struggles to ignore her dad's
death her current case keeps intertwining with his murder. Someone apparently holds a grudge
against the David family. Angela knows she must stop this serial killer before anyone else she loves
is hurt. Though the audience will wonder if Angela should have been disqualified from the
investigation for personal reasons, readers will enjoy this strong heroine as she works the mean
streets of New York. The romance takes a back seat to the action as physically active Angela
wrestles with killers and follows them in wild Manhattan car pursuits. A final twist that seems way
out adds suspense to a terrific kick butt police procedural.
She's on the Money
Stephanie Feagan
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513690 $4.99
In Midland, Texas following her success as a whistle blower rising from the ashes of public scorn to
heroine (see SHOW HER THE MONEY), CPA Whitney "Pink" Pearl is hired by Banty McMeans
to look into why his oil profits have dropped off considerably. He thinks David Lorenzo is siphoning
revenues from him. However, like her love life the simple case takes a strange spin when not long
after she visits Beeps Body Shop and finds someone killed Nolan Beeps. That is followed by David's
wife and Pink's Aunt Dru vanishing and assumed abducted. While trying to choose between
romancing her lawyer Ed Ravnealdt and having a fling with that handsome Senator Santorelli, Pink
ponders whether she missed "National Nutcase Day" as her inquiries have gone crazy and interferes
with her personal life. Of course her dad "Lurch" would tell her that is a good thing as neither of
these white collars is worth that of a mechanic as a son-in-law. To make matters worse, someone
wants to shut down Pink before she can select which hunk (perhaps that police sergeant) she wants
or even learn the truth about the oil wells. Adding her to the obituary column is an unacceptable
method to close her investigation as far Pink is concerned. Readers will appreciate Pink's return
engagement in this wacky satirical private investigative tale. The story line never takes itself
seriously even when someone tries to kill the heroine. Fans of humorous mysteries that lampoon
chick lit superheroes will agree that Stephanie Feagan is on the money with this thriller.
Crazy Love
Desiree Day
Pocket
ISBN: 1416503501 $13.00, 320 pp.
In Atlanta, best friends Stacie Long and Tameeka Johnson totally disagree on what they desire in a
man. Whereas Stacie has a list of ten items that she has revised several times to improve the
attributes of her desire, Tameeka has one requirement. She just wants to meet her soul mate while
Stacie assumes she is God's gift to mankind so deserves a wealthy healthy specimen. Neither have
had any success in finding The Hunk. Both attend the Sexy and Sultry New Year's Eve gala
unescorted in spite of being beauties. At the event, Stacie meets NBA star Crawford Wallace while
Tameeka meets Tyrell Powell. As they continue to see the new men in their lives, the two females
wonder if that have found their perfect mate, but both have doubts that their feelings are
reciprocated. Their respective hesitations grow especially when Jackson and Mohamed enter their
lives. This is an interesting chick lit tale starring two delightful protagonists though the seemingly
ever present lists are included. The story line follows the two women as they wonder if they have
found their respective Mr. Right, but question if they are their lovers' Ms. Right especially when new
men enter their lives. Sub-genre fans will get pleasure from these Georgia Peaches as they search for
love.
The Shattered Blue Line
Patrick A. Davis
Pocket
ISBN: 0743499751 $7.99, 406 pp.
Major Nathan Malone, the Commander of the Office of Special Investigations, is jailed at the Air
Force Academy in Colorado Springs on a DWI charge. He fully expects to be discharged but instead
Superintendent Crenshaw frees him and puts him in charge of working with the representative of
Senator Smith involving sexual misconduct on the base. When he meets the senator's representative,
he shocked to see a woman who looks like Christina Barlow, the only woman he ever loved. The
woman was raped by three men never caught at the Air Force Academy. The woman he sees is
Christina's identical twin Kaitlin who blames the Academy for what happened to her sister. The
investigation takes a sudden turn into murder when the cadets Mary and Rachel are killed. Rachel
was pregnant but refused to name the father. Her roommate Mary was killed because the murderer
believed she told Mary who the father was. Suspicion falls on Rachel's ex-boyfriend who never
wanted the break-up but he is found dead along with an investigator assigned to watch him. Rachel's
mother is also murdered and the wife of a suspect kills him and herself. With pressure to solve the
case, Malone works a hunch that lea ds him to the killer but before an arrest can be made, more
deaths follow. Malone, a wealthy playboy, is portrayed as a good investigator but a terrible officer
who frequently breaks the rules. Patrick A. Davis has written a crime thriller that is exciting, well
plotted and with so many suspects hiding secrets that his investigation frequently spins out of
control. Though the homicide count requires a serial killer calculator, THE SHATTERED BLUE
LINE remains a mesmerizing military mystery.
Have Glass Slipper Will Travel
Lisa Cach
Pocket
ISBN: 0743470893 $6.99, 352 pp.
In Seattle, her social life was already in the tank when she lost her job as a technical writer at
WxyTech. Katy Orville needs someone to talk to, but cannot afford a psychiatrist. So she does what
many poor Americans do, she ponders what would Oprah do. Since Katy cannot consult with
Oprah, she turns to the website of her goddess for advice. Later Katy dreams of Oprah advising her
that you have only one short time so it is important to live life to the fullest. Katy interprets the sage
advice to mean she should fulfill her fantasy by flying to London to find Prince Charming. At a
family wedding, he did not want to attend Will Eland meets the crazy Yank. She thinks he is her
Prince Charming while he believes she is an heiress who is the answer to saving his organic
gardening business. The passion between them is an added bonus to both of them who believe they
found what they need at last. Not long after love begins to blossom, scandal erupts as the tabloids
expose Katy as a sham after title and wealth. Though Katy's behavior is rationalized as caused by her
fear of poverty, readers will still shake their heads at her placing Oprah on Olympus above Dear
Abby in the advice pantheon and her grasping for the glass slipper until they get to know her. Still
Lisa Cach's fine tongue in cheek modern day retelling of Cinderella is delightful.. Her antics makes
the tale amusing and fun to follow as she and her Prince Charming do not have a smooth coach ride
to happily ever after. Ms. Cach provides a humorous chick lit romance.
When Secrets Die
Lynn Hightower
Pocket
ISBN: 0743463919 $14.00, 352 pp.
After caring for her son during a traumatic illness that eventually killed him, Emma Marsden is
finally coming to terms with her grief. Her world is shattered once again when a call from the Clay's
Mill children's clinic that was treating her son informed her that they had some of his organs that
they kept for research purposes. When she goes to collect them, the person who called her is under
orders not to give them to her. She takes them anyway. Soon after that incident, Dr. Theodore
Turnbridge, her son's doctor, accuses Emma of poisoning her son because she has Munchausen by
Proxy. She is in danger of children's protective services taking her fifteen year old daughter away
from her and there is the real possibility she might go to jail. She hires private detective Lena
Padgett to disprove the charges. Lena, who has an intenseapport with her client, takes the case but it
isn't until Emma's daughter is kidnapped does Lena, the police and the medical people have a clue
who is behind Emma's legal troubles. Lynn Hightower is one of the best thriller writers of the new
millennium and will appeal to fans of Patricia Cornwell and Nancy Taylor Rosenberg. Readers learn
about the power of the medical profession and how in the wrong hands it can ruin the lives of
innocent people. Emma is a sympathetic character and readers will empathize with all the problems
she has to bear through no fault of her own. Lena plays more of a secondary role then in previous
novels in the series but the audience won't feel cheated because she is still a key player in a tense
drama.
Heretic
Joseph Nassise
Pocket
ISBN: 0743470958 $6.99, 304 pp.
When their organization was outlawed, the Knights Templar went underground until the Vatican
recognized them again and they became an arm of the church fighting the supernatural enemies of
humanity. One Knight Commander Cade Williams, in charge of Echo Command, joined the order
when as a policeman he encountered a supernatural entity he calls the Adversary that killed his wife.
He fully intends to avenge his wife's death but for now he fights the cases of the order whenever he
is called to do so. Someone or something is attacking commanderies (various headquarters of the
Knights Templar), killing the Templars and raising them from the dead as revenants. The group of
nine led by Simon Hamilton Logan, the head Necromancer is looking for the Spear of Destiny for it
is believed whoever possesses it could rule the world. The battle becomes personal for Cade when
he realizes the Necromancer is in league with his enemy the Adversary. Before he can ever think of
taking vengeance on his foe, he must keep the spear out of the enemy's hands, a difficult thing to
accomplish when there is a traitor within his organization. Horror fans will be delighted to discover
the works of Joseph Nassise a relatively new writer who can hold his own with such masters as
Douglas Clegg, Bentley Little, and Stephen King. Heretic is a dark work, gothic in tone with scary
scenes that will frighten even those who don't get scared by reading a horror novel. The protagonist
fights on the side of the light even though he has his own agenda. Like this reviewer, fans will look
forward to more adventures starring Cade and the Knights Templar.
Shadows All Around Her
Catherine Mulvany
Pocket
ISBN: 0743493842 $6.99
Janus the head of security for the Mediterranean Sea island monarchy Calix, informs his agent
Dominic Fortune that someone is stealing artifacts from the palace library. Of most concern is that
American medieval literature Professor Erskine Grant has obtained a copy of a sacred Calixian
document. Dominic is to retrieve it from Grant who is in Edinburgh attending a forum. Dominic
finds Erskine dead and another visiting professor Magnus Armstrong missing. Magnus' stepdaughter
Math Professor Caitlin O'Shaugnessy received a package from Magnus for her birthday. When she
learns he is missing, accompanied by her closest friend Bree Thatcher, she flies to Scotland where
Dominic meets her at the airport. As he tries to keep her safe from several attempts to abduct her,
Caitlin begins realizing that she possesses the missing manuscript sent to her by Magnus. She also
knows she loves her protector who reciprocates her feelings, but first must solve the case of the
seventeenth century manuscript in order to rescue Magnus from a villain who seems invincible.
SHADOWS ALL AROUND HER is a fantastic romantic suspense thriller with fantasy and horror
elements that enhance the delightful story line. Readers will root for the lead couple to rescue the
tortured Magnus from a clever adversary pulling everyone's strings. Romance readers will enjoy the
relationship between Dominick and Caitlin as well as that between Bree and another protection
expert. Still the plot is loaded with intrigue from the beginning to the final chaos theory twists that
will have the audience seeking more works from talented Catherine Mulvany.
Born to Be Bad
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Pocket
ISBN: 1416507507 $7.50
"One Bad Night". The Bureau of American Defense (B.A.D.) has assigned Agent Samantha
Winslow to rectify the Road Runner problem as Jason Banks betrayed them by giving another
agent's name to terrorists. In Berlin, Sam shoots and abducts Jason to interrogate him. Though she
hates him, she also finds herself attracted to the traitor. "Bad to the Bone". Thirty year old high
school teacher Marianne Webernec dreams of being tall, thin, and terrific, but knows she is average.
However, she looks forward to playing out her favorite romantic fantasy at a "sex camp". Instead of
pretend, Marianne finds herself underneath and in other positions with real life B.A.D. espionage
agent Kyle Foster as she is on the wrong side of the vacation island, but the right side of her lover.
"Captivated by You". To capture a terrorist B.A.D. Agent Rhea Stevenson is preparing for an
undercover assignment as a dominatrix. Training with her for her role is Agent "Ace" Krux, who she
has secretly desired. As they rehearse, passion flows between them. These three good B.A.D.
novellas are tongue in cheek (literally perhaps more so than figuratively) erotic romantic suspense
tales with "One Bad Night" being new; the other two were in relatively recent anthologies. The
B.A.D. collection is fun for Ms. Kenyon's fans, but not on a par with the author's Dark Hunter
fantasies.
A Bitter Chill
Jane Finnis
Poisoned Pen
ISBN: 1590581938 $24.95, 352 pp.
The Roman settlers in the province of Britannia near the town of Ebornacum (later known as York)
in Dec 95 AD are getting ready to celebrate the holiday Saturnalia. Nobody is more excited than
innkeeper Aurelia Marcella who expects no overnight customers due to the inclement weather. She
is very disappointed when a very important Roman family comes up from Londinium to search for
their runaway son who wants to marry a local girl and not the woman his parents chose for him.
Aurelia's sister is shocked to learn that her fianc? Candidus is the rich Roman son of a senatorial
family. A confrontation leads to the threat of him being disinherited but he chooses love over money.
When his father's slave is killed in the patriarch's bed, Aurelia and her sister are accused of the
murder. When a second slave is murdered, it verifies the patriarch's fear that someone is trying to kill
him. Aurelia agrees to help in the investigation once she is cleared of any suspicion but the killer
strikes again mounting a full scale investigation with Aurelia's sister and Candidus as two of the
prime suspects. Readers who liked the first book in this series GET OUT OR DIE will find A
BITTER CHILL is even more exciting. It is a fantastic historical mystery that gives insight into the
Roman culture adjusting to life in the back water provinces. The characters are well drawn and the
support cast plays key roles and are as important to the storyline as the protagonist. Aurelia is an
independent businesswoman who would have been at home in twenty-first century America instead
of a Roman province where women were considered second citizens.
The Green Room
Deborah Turrell Atkinson
Poisoned Pen
ISBN: 1590581997 $22.95, 370 pp.
On the island of O'ahu in Hawaii, native Storm Kayama and her lover Ian Hamlin opened up a law
office in a small converted house about a mile from Honolulu. Her very first client is Stephanie
Barstow who wants Storm to represent her in a divorce from her husband Marty who will definitely
contest it. Stephanie and her son believe that Barstow will be coming to the island shortly and they
are proven right. Barstow and his partner Steve O'Reilly are putting together a high stakes surfing
competition The Intrepid where the surf is so high the only way the contestants can get to waves is
by jet skis. The person thought most likely to win is Nahoa but he is killed when he is caught in a
cave and then washed out to sea. His molars are missing as were those of another surfer who also
drowned a short time ago. The police believe it is a coincidence but Storm, who knows the island
legends, believes something about the contest is off kilter. When someone breaks into her home to
see what information she has on her computer and discs, she starts her own investigation which puts
her in danger and later almost gets Storm and Hamlin killed. Readers get to see the real Hawaii
through the eyes of the heroine, a headstrong, independent and feisty woman who is a good role
model because she doesn't let anyone make her feel less than she is. Vivid descriptions of the island,
a glimpse into the Hawaiian mythos and an exciting plot makes THE GREEN ROOM the perfect
reading experience.
Madonna of the Apes
Nicholas Kilmer
Poisoned Pen
ISBN: 1590581962 $24.95, 278 pp.
In Boston, Good Samaritan Clayton Reed tries to help his drunken companion to his home. Another
passerby Fred Taylor comes along and helps. At the apartment, Fred, a former overseas operative,
takes charge as he knows the drunk was pulling scam on the innocent Clayton and takes over the
situation. The phony drunk is a Franklin from Atlanta and he has some interesting art, if genuine, in
his place that should probably not be in the United States. Franklin says he has something truly
special coming in to his possession in a few days; the tantalizer hooks art collector Clayton who
agrees to return. As they leave, Fred asks Clayton if he is nuts. He responds in kind by hiring Fred to
provide him security. A few days later, they are shown a Renaissance masterpiece MADONNA OF
THE APES that could have be an original Renaissance masterpiece. Though having doubts on its'
authenticity, related murders occur that seem to affirm that this painting is indeed a lost treasure
worth dying for. The stupendous sixth Taylor-Reed collaboration is a prequel to the previous art
mysteries by occurring at the beginning when they first met and formed their employer-employee
relationship. The tale is terrific as the art expert and the former agent work to learn if MADONNA
OF THE APES is authentic and uncover who is murdering those associated with the painting.
Taylor receives a first hand lesson in art appreciation as dealers willingly lie to make a sale. Nicholas
Kilmer refreshes his delightful series with a wonderful "first" tale.
Drive
James Sallis
Poisoned Pen
ISBN: 1590581814 $19.95
Los Angeles based Drive lives up to his name day and night. During the day he works in films as an
action drive while at night he drives the getaway car in criminal activities. His current evening job
has Drive working a heist just north of Phoenix. As he sits in the vehicle waiting for his teammates,
The New Guy who cooked up the job and hired Drive, Dave Strong who aptly provides muscle, and
Blanche, who offers the sexy distraction, he notices another car sitting in the nearby alley, mirroring
what Drive is doing. Shots are fired; Blanche races into Drive's car with the money; urging him to
take off. Drive leaves with the other vehicle on his back; he gets rid of the tail by cleverly using the
police to stop the other car. However that night at the motel, the thugs from the other car arrive
shooting at Drive and Blanche leaving her and the two adversaries dead; Drive has a ton of money,
but first must clean up the double cross if he is to use it without someone trying to murder him.
DRIVE is a throwback tale to the Noirs of the late 1940s and 1950s starring a tough individual who
steps over the legal line, but only so far until the double-cross and attempts on his life turn him into a
retaliatory machine. The story line is action-packed with a strong support cast that provides a look
at the support Hollywood role of a driver as well as a first class criminal tale. Fans will want to hitch
a ride with James Sallis as he provides an excellent hardboiled crime thriller.
Easy Streets
Bill James
Norton
ISBN: 039306042X $23.95
For years there was agreement between Assistant Chief Constable Desmond Iles and drug kingpins
Mansel Shale and Panicking Ralph Ember. The cops would wink at their drug deals in return they
would keep the streets safe and peaceful for the law abiding citizen. However, classic supply and
demand economics takes root over time; surplus drugs become available in a risk free buyer's market
leading to increase in small owner competition that eats at the oligopoly's dwindling profit margin.
Someone ends the truce, blowing up the home of dealer Ferdy Dubal, killing him and his daughter.
Detective Chief Superintendent Colin Harper and Iles know the peace is over, as they try to solve
the double homicide. Meanwhile Colin's teenage Jill explains the by-product outcome of the street
deal in economic terms making Iles wonder if he has done the right thing. As the detectives
investigate, more killings occur and the open drug war threatens the city making both cops reflect on
the ethics of blinking. The Harper-Iles police procedural has consistently been one of the best British
police procedurals on the market for the past six or so years; the latest tale EASY STREETS
perhaps is the best yet. Besides a fabulous investigation, readers see a fresh side to Iles whose
conscience has taken a battering with the outcome of his drug policy yet he remains pompous and
rigid as ever. Harper is his perfect sidekick but this single dad receives an education from his teenage
daughters that open his eyes to the reality of the deal as much as the drug related murders do. Bill
James is at his finest with this unsurpassed thriller that may prove to be the sub-genre's top novel of
the year.
First Dawn
Judith Miller
Bethany House
ISBN: 0764229974 $12.99, 379 pp.
In 1877 Kansas, two new segregated towns are formed out of the Great Prairie: The former slaves
are to live in Nicodemus while the whites settle in Hill City. Many former slaves hearing about the
new opportunity take their family to relocate, but arrive to find a tent city with abject campsites to
call home. Most are disappointed and return to their former homes. One of the newcomers Ezekiel
Harban decides stay although his three daughters have doubts. Former Kentucky physician Samuel
Boyle brings his family to Hill City, but his new home is devastating as there is not much more than
a few abodes and "several sad-looking buildings." His accompanying family members miss their old
Kentucky home with the social atmosphere especially potential boyfriends. Though going back is
quite the temptation, their faith in the Lord by the Boyle family and others provide them with the
encouragement to make their new home work. Meanwhile Boyle's provides medical care to both
towns and soon he and his family form friendships with black settlers like Ezek iel. Christian
historical readers will enjoy this fine Reconstruction Era tale with its insightful look at the period and
especially the obvious parallels to the Exodus. The story line overuses improbable happenstances to
move the plot forward, but sub-genre fans will not care because the cast is solid especially the lead
males whose friendship bonds starting with the birth of a newborn and solidified by their beliefs in
God. Judith Miller in her solo debut (see Lights of Lowell series co-written with Tracie Peterson)
opens her Freedom's Path series with an entertaining Americana saga.
The Double Eagle
James Twining
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0060762098 $24.95, 400 pp.
On April 5, 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt claiming a national emergency issued Executive
Order 6102. With this declaration, FDR directed citizens to hand in their horde of gold whether it is
be coin, bullion or certificates to the Federal reserve system by 1 May or face criminal charges. The
gold coins including the $20.00 Double Eagle were melted down with five stored as a memento
locked way in Fort Knox. Seventy years later, a gold coin surfaced in the throat of a mutilated priest
found floating in the Seine in Paris. Someone broke into Fort Knox and stole the coin. FBI Agent
Jennifer Browne sees the gold coin caper as a chance to redeem a career that recently took a bad
blow due to an error in judgment on her part. She assumes former CIA Agent and retired jewel thief
Tom Kirk, who has the requisite skills needed to successfully break into the highly guarded
installation and steal the coin. That is until she meets him in England. He wants to clear his name and
she her reputation so they team up. This is a terrific thriller that uses the true story of the Double
Eagle as background enabling the exhilarating action-packed story line to stay anchored in reality.
The story line is fast-paced as readers accompany the protagonists and others as the adventure
moves back and forth between several American locations, Paris, London, the Netherlands, and
Turkey. Readers will appreciate the anti-heroic Tom and commiserate with beleaguered Jennifer
who is not sure she should trust her rascally companion, but has no other choice. James Twining
provides a fabulous thriller that never allows the audience a chance to catch their breath.
The Coast of Akron
Adrienne Miller
FSG
ISBN: 0374125120 $25.00
In the mid 1970s, Lowell Haven met and married Jenny in London; they had in common painting as
both were talented artists. The two American settled in Akron where they had a daughter Merit.
However, Lowell's womanizing and need to be part of the gentry aristocracy takes it toll on Jenny,
who in spite of loving her mendicant spouse, divorces him. Lowell is now a famous portrait artist
though he has not done anything in five years while Jenny's talent died when her beloved killed their
relationship when he seduced her best friend Fergus and moved into Fergus' lavish mansion. Fergus
assumes that Merit running away from her parents has devastated Lowell, who no longer paints. To
get him back to doing the popular self portraits that has brought fame and fortune Fergus believes he
needs Merit home. Fergus chooses to throw a gala inviting the Midwestern aristocracy, but not
knowing that one of the guests is the true secret behind Jenny's collapse, Merit's running away and
Lowell quitting. THE COAST OF AKRON is a terrific often amusing and as equally tragic family
drama that showcases what happens when someone obsessively needs to possess a butterfly that
needs to be left free. The well written insightful story line contains full blooded key characters and a
strong support cast that enhances the look into the behavior of the three Havens, Fergus, and the
prime guest. Contemporary readers will enjoy Adrienne Miller's cross Atlantic three decade
character study.
Into Temptation
Penny Vincenzi
Overlook
ISBN: 1585677086 $26.95, 672 pp.
In the Coronation Year 1953 septuagenarian Lady Celia Lytton makes two shocking announcements
that everyone who knows her assumes she is terminally ill. After five decades with Lyttons
Publishing and known as its life force since her spouse Oliver died, she informs her stunned family
and others that she is retiring to marry long time friend Lord Arden. The family members react
differently, but all share a stunning disbelief. Meanwhile Lytton Publishing is in trouble in spite of the
efforts of the Lytton next generation to modernize and compete in a new age of book making at a
time that they have lost their two symbols, Celia and Oliver in the past year. The only hope of rescue
resides in New York where Barty Miller runs her own publishing house while also owning powerful
shares of Lyttons Publishing stock. Celia believes her Barty who she rescued from the slums so
many years ago will save the firm; other family members know how they mistreated the slum child as
beneath them and fear she will retaliate by burying Lyttons Publishing. The third "Spoils of Time"
tale continues the Lytton family saga started with NO ANGEL (World War I) and continued in
SOMETHING DANGEROUS (1930s). Whereas the first two dramas concentrated mostly on Celia,
this time the plot focuses predominantly on Barty. As with the first two tales, other family members
are highlighted just to a lesser degree. Fans of insightful historical dramas that center on people and
families will enjoy Penny Vincenzi's powerful 1950s tale that can be read alone, but better when
following SOMETHING DANGEROUS as much of Barty's decision making motives are formed in
the previous novel.
Side by Side
John Ramsey Miller
Dell
ISBN: 0553583433 $6.99, 352 pp.
Winter Massey used to be a U.S. Marshall until he killed a person and didn't feel a shred of remorse.
He knew it was time to get out and is now making a new happier life with his wife Sean and their
infant daughter Olivia. When his old friend Special Agent Alexa Keen tracks him down to help her in
a case that she is pursuing without the help of the FBI. Winter is reluctant to assist her until she
explains that a woman and her infant son were kidnapped; he agrees to lend a hand. The kidnapped
woman is the daughter of Judge Hailey Fondren, the presiding over the case of Ex-Army Colonel
Hunter Bryce charged with killing an ATF agent who found the weapons that the accused was
planning to sell to the Soviet Mafia. Bryce's criminal allies are using the hostages to extort the judge
to pronounce the colonel not guilty. If he fails to free Bryce they will kill his daughter and grandson.
Winter searches for the victims but after nearly being blindsided several lines, he has to wonder if
Alexa is working for the enemy. SIDE BY SIDE is a fantastic action thriller that starts of at light
speed and just keeps accelerating until the shocking and exciting finale. Readers won't know who the
real villains are until the author chooses to reveal their allegiances. The characters are well drawn
and three dimensional especially the hero so that readers feel they know him and his motivations.
John Ramsey Miller writes a strong crime thriller with espionage and military overtones filled with
plenty of guts and heart.
The Mission: Crazy Hot
Tara Janzen
Dell
ISBN: 0553586106 $5.00
The Boulder police did not believe paleontologist Regan McKinney that the disappearance of her
beloved grandfather was not his usual summer wandering amidst the Badlands. She insisted this was
different as retired professor Dr. Wilson McKinney always checked in with her and would never
miss a speaking engagement; both occurred. That is why she is in the middle of the ghost town
Cisco seeking former USAF hero Quinn Younger who Regan believes knows what happened to her
grandfather. While Quinn watches Regan wondering if she is an en emy agent, two thugs arrive,
forcing him to come out of the shadows to rescue her. In front of Quinn's "guardian angel" Kid
Chaos, Regan explains that Wilson vanished just after bringing home a Porsche, whish she knows
from her teen days means Quinn is involved. Quinn would do anything for his mentor Wilson who he
believes straightened him out as a teen except give away his cover as a thief. Still he must protect
Regan because she refuses to stop her search and rescue of Wilson though he believes the bones doc
is safe. He must also prevent some nasty thieves from stealing precious dinosaur bones inside a nest
filled with diamonds. This action-packed thriller never slows down from the moment that Regan
arrives in Cisco until the final discussion between the lead couple over confiscated diamonds. The
story line is action-packed leaping from one escapade to another mindful of an Indiana Jones
adventure. Fans who appreciate plenty of adventure and romance will want to read CRAZY HOT
and look forward to the capers of Quinn's teammate Christian Hawkins in the next crazy special
defense force unit's appearance.
The Belen Hitch
Pari Noskin Taichert
University of New Mexico
ISBN: 0826339158 $24.95, 296 pp.
Free lance public relations consultant Sasha Solomon is hired by the New Mexican town of Belen to
give her expert opinion on what to do with Harrow's House so that it would attract more tourists.
One idea is to convert it into an art gallery featuring the paintings of local artist Phillipa Petty.
Others want to turn the place into a bed and breakfast with a restaurant. When Sasha arrives in town
she drives to Miss Petty's home only to find the woman dead. She takes a picture that is near the
body featuring her Phillipa and an unknown man without telling the police what she did. Afterward
she suffers from a very sore throat, the same affiliation suffered by police officers who were at the
crime scene. The cops believe that they breathed in something poisonous that also killed Phillipa.
Sasha's mother is recovering from a nursing home where someone is trying to kill her by giving her
penicillin. Someone is also trying to frighten Sasha away from Belen because she is asking too many
questions. She doesn't realize that the killer won't mind adding her to the head of the list of people
he wants dead. The first book in this series earned the author an Agatha nomination, but this novel
could go one step further. The support cast is made up of quirky characters that add humor to the
tense storyline and make readers feel they are reading a family saga inside an amateur sleuth tale.
Pari Noskin Taichert creates an atmospheric mystery that will send chills up the readers' spines.
Pardonable Lies
Jacqueline Winspear
Holt
ISBN: 0805078975 $23.00, 352 pp.
In 1930 through Sir Julian Compton, Sir Cecil Lawton meets renowned psychologist and
investigator Maisie Dobbs to ask a favor of her, regardless of her high fee. Nervous Cecil explains
that his son Ralph served as a member of the Flying Corps, but died in 1917 in France. Cecil's wife
Agnes believed her son lived in spite of the contrary evidence and turned to spiritualists as her
mental state collapsed. Three months just before dying Agnes made Cecil vow on her deathbed to
find Ralph. Though she believes this is a wild goose chase, Maisie agrees to make some inquiries
although she admits she is not sure how to proceed. She is curious as to how Agnes reconciled her
insistence that Ralph lives with the fact that he never came home to see her. Still she begins her
inquiries into what happened to Ralph at his home while seeking a legal miracle worker to help
embattled Avril Jarvis. Her efforts take Maisie full circle as the clues lead to her college friend
Priscilla Evernden, whose lost brother served with Ralph. Meanwhile someone wants the
investigation stopped, tampering with Maisie's car amongst other attempts to end her inquiries. The
third Maisie Dobbs investigative tale is a fabulous historical mystery that brings to life two eras,
1930 through the heroine's lifestyle and 1917 through the case. The story line is fabulous to follow
because of the cast especially the heroine as she digs deep into the past. Readers who appreciate an
intelligent well written period piece detective story will enjoy this fine tale and its predecessors (see
MAISIE DOBBS and BIRDS OF A FEATHER).
Good Woman Blues
Lynn Emery
Harper Torch
ISBN: 0060731028 $6.99, 384 pp.
Erikka Rochon was on her way to top of the corporate ladder as an accountant in New Orleans until
the DUI. She was convicted of first offense driving while intoxicated and reckless operation of a
vehicle; the part of her sentencing she hates is the sessions with psychiatrist Dr. Morrow and her rule
enforcing team. Still due to her hospital roommate Terri's insight, Erikka finally bluffs a pass out of
"jail". Her employer tells her to chill for a while so she takes time off visiting her Aunt Darlene in
Loreauville, a home she went to as a child when she needed to escape from her own house. In spite
of the loving nurturing of her Aunt, Erikka struggles with the future as she wants back up the Big
Easy corporate food chain, but also worries that her depression accelerated by an empty personal life
will lead her back to binging. However, everything changes when she meets Gabriel Cormier. They
are attracted to one another from the start, but as love blossoms their personal demons leave both
reluctant to take the next step in their relationship. GOOD WOMAN BLUES is an intriguing
contemporary romance starring two nice but haunted protagonists and a mixed support cast with
several quite likable while the her heroine's parents are too into their own hedonistic needs. The
story line is character driven as Erikka and Gabriel struggle with their destructive pasts, their loving
yet shaky present, and whether the future is together or not. Lynn Emery writes a fine Bayou
romance that showcases a fine couple trying to make it over their own issues.
My Lady Scandalous: The Amazing Life and Outrageous Times of Grace Dalrymple Elliot, Royal
Courtesan
Jo Manning
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 074326262X $25.00
This combination biography and autobiography enables Georgian and Regency readers especially of
romance to gain deep insight into an interesting era of manners that today seem contradictory yet
perfectly acceptable. Fans of the period will see through the eyes of one of the more renowned
courtesans Grace Dalrymple Elliot, whose memoir was filmed by Eric Roemer The Lady and the
Duke). Her insight into royalty and other members of the aristocracy is enhanced by sidebars from
noted Regency author Jo Manning. Easy to read with its pick up and put down style and quite
entertaining, MY LADY SCANDALOUS will elate sub-genre audience with living up to its subtitle
by providing a deep look at the outrageous life of a royal courtesan during a time of decadence and
hedonism. Excellent biography worth the time needed by the audience to absorb as there is so much
here that bears rereading and applies so brilliantly to the novels set in this period.
The Big Scam
Paul Lindsey
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743250001 $24.00, 320 pp.
FBI Headquarters is investigating the New York office when Administrative Assistant Special Agent
in Charge Bernard Dreagen, seeking future favors, offers to his former colleague Inspector Charles
Lansing the special Vanko squad as a sacrifice. This group apparently breaks all the rules. After
scamming a criminal lowlife they are searching for the missing Judge Ferris. At about the same time
local mob chief Tony Casesca suffers a stroke. His deadliest lieutenant Danny DeMilglia becomes
temporary head of the family. He warns Tony's nephew by marriage Mike Parisi he better shape up
or else. Mike knows that Tony is setting him up to take a fall so that the only competition to replace
the boss is eliminated. Soon Vanko's squad, Parisi's men, Lansing, and DeMilglia will learn the basic
law of physics about objects sharing the same space when they collide over Judge Ferris. THE BIG
SCAM is a wild FBI investigative tale that uses sidebar vignettes to provide excitement and insight
into the Vanko team yet never intrudes on the prime story line of internal gang warfare and internal
Feds warfare ultimately meeting. Fans will appreciate the non-stop action starting with an impressive
fun to read opening sting and never slowing down until the contenders' final altercation. With all this
action, kind of like a modern day Indian Jones tale, Paul Lindsey also insures his ensemble cast seem
real and unique from one another. This is no scam as fans of Mafia vs. the FBI detective novels will
enjoy the ride.
Oddest Yet Even More Stories to Chill the Heart
Steve Burt and Jessica Hagerman (illustrator)
Burt Creations
29 Arnold Place, Norwich, CT 06360
ISBN: 0974140716 $14.95
This nine tale collection of chilling suspense that edges towards the realm of horror and fantasy
genres targets the middle school aged child. The contributions are fabulous and adults will enjoy the
entries too. Each tale is unique whether it pays homage to Stephen King ("Storming Stephen King")
or Devaney and Hoag struggling with a paranormal mystery ("The French Acre" actually a longer
short than the other contributions). The illustrations found in five of the stories add to the eerie
feeling that something bad is about to happen usually to youngsters. Yet the key to ODDEST YET
EVEN MORE STORIES TO CHILL THE HEART like its award winning predecessors is that the
stars like the train muggers of "Uncle Bando's Chimes" using somewhat nasty language so that it
seems real when a wind chime works its magic. It is that the tales entertain with realistic
protagonists although the format is magically short.
Rorey's Secret
Leisha Kelly
Revell
ISBN: 0800759850 $12.99, 288 pp.
Though life has been hard during the Depression, Samuel and Julia Wortham have weathered the
storms through faith while raising their children. The Worthams believe they are blessed as they and
their children have been healthy, they still own their Dearing, Illinois farm, and the two remain very
happy with one another and with their children. However, in 1938, disaster strikes at the farm of
their close friend and neighbor George Hammond when a fire destroys much of his property. After
the blaze is put out, but not before much damage to the crops and the barn occurs, everyone begins
to wonder what caused the inferno. Most people believe Franky Hammond set the fire except
teenage Sarah who feels Rorey caused the disaster as they share a secret that both keeps silent about
even as their families struggle with a new beginning with only their faith in God keeping them going.
Six years have passed since the Great Depression impacted the Wortham and Hammond families
(see KATIE'S DREAM, JULIA'S HOPE AND EMMA'S GIFT) and the children in those tales are
now adults or teens. However, the message remains the same though told from new perspectives;
that when things seem bleak, hopeless, and darkest salvation and solace is with the Lord. The story
line is exciting as readers observe varying viewpoints about the fire and its aftermath. Americana
Historical Christian readers will enjoy this fine tale of salvation after the brutal test of fire.
A Lady's Guide to Rakes
Kathryn Caskie
Warner
ISBN: 0446616095 $6.50, 320 pp.
Meredith Merriwether asks the driver of the hot air balloon to get closer so she can research her
treatise on rakes with a close up look at how Alexander Lamont behaves towards Giselle the
courtesan she hired to accost him. However, the balloon gets too close to the trees and is punctured.
Alexander catches Meredith when she falls, but before he could question her or her compatriots she
fakes fainting. Alexander carries her home. Her Aunts Leticia and Viola Featherton argue with
Meredith that her rescuer is a reformed rake, but she insists that is impossible. Two years ago a rake
left her at the altar and so now she writes the guide to warn other innocent girls to beware of rakes.
Alex's dad informs him though his motives were honorable he compromised Meredith and will have
to marry her. Surprisingly the concept does not disturb Alex. He comes to see her, but she informs
him that she is betrothed to Mr. Arthur Chillton. Alex does not plan to let that get in his way of
marrying Meredith; however, she remains stubborn that a rake is a rake by any other name. The
Featherton sisters (see RULES OF ENGAGEMENT and LADY IN WAITING) are their usual
outrageous selves and with their niece's antics make this somewhat typical Regency starring a
reformed rake quite amusing and refreshing. The lead couple is a fine pairing as she loathes rakes
and considers him the poster boy for rakes. Readers will enjoy this fine historical romance due to the
zany cast.
Bride Needs Groom
Wendy Markham
Warner
ISBN: 0446614548 $6.50, 384 pp.
In recent years, Mia Calogera has been spoiled because her grandpa won the lottery. However he is
also from the old country and demands Mia marry before she reaches her thirtieth birthday or he will
cut her out of his will. He even offers to bring a groom from Sicily for her. Mia meets Derek
Jackson, an orchid grower, over the internet. They exchange email, chats, and pictures, and soon
agree to wed. She flies to Vegas to marry him at the Chapel of Luv. Her first class row mate on the
flight is Dominick Chickalini. On the plane they hit it off starting with both being from Astoria
Queens. In the Vegas Airport she decides to drop Derek and try to convince Dominick to marry her
because she feels attracted to him. She offers Dominick money, which he needs to move out from
under his father's roof so he marries her. Soon the newlyweds each wants to make their relationship
permanent because they love each other, but neither is willing to take the daring first step. BRIDE
NEEDS GROOM is a fun lighthearted romantic romp that fans of contemporary tales will
appreciate. The lead couple are fun to read about as they marry for the wrong reasons, but all the
right reasons are there too if either courageously reaches out to the other. Readers will enjoy Wendy
Markham's amusing tale of love across the tracks in Astoria.
The Marriage Bargain
Diane Perkins
Warner
ISBN: 0446614386 $6.50
In 1816 Earl Spence Keenan cannot believe that his seconds Gideon Wolf and Theodore Blakewell
were unable to put an end to the duel he has forthcoming with Esmund who accused him of cheating
at cards. A former soldier, Spence is not afraid of dying; he just cannot see why they need to settle
this over guns. Spence purposely misses, but a shaking Esmund shoots him dead on; Spence's last
thought was an apology to his wife Emily who he has not seen in three years. Gideon and Theodore
bring Spence's corpse home for burial, but Emily demands to see the body before it is buried feeling
deep in her heart she would know if he died. Reluctantly, the coffin is opened and Spence grabs her
gasping for water. Over the next few days Emily helps her husband heal; when he recovers enough
he fails to recognize his wife. Already angry at him for neglecting her and his estate, she wants
nothing further to do with him. As he heals he loves his wife, but she rejects him. Spence realizes he
must make up for his neglect to his tenants if he wants to regain the love of his special angel. THE
MARRIAGE BARGAIN is a terrific Regency romance starring two interesting characters. Spence
feels regret and love as he tries desperately to overcome guilt and neglect while Emily refuses to let
her love of her spouse intercede with her feelings of abandonment and disdain. The villain and his
actions add excitement and even provide some explanation to Spence's early failures though that
seems an unneeded rationalization as the dysfunctional relationship as accentuated by the bargain
makes for a strong historical.
Out of the Night
Robin T. Popp
Warner
ISBN: 0446616265 $6.50, 368 pp.
Admiral Winslow arranges a charter flight to take volunteer EMT firefighter and full time librarian
Lanie Weber from Houston to Taribu in the Amazon Rain Forest so she can take home her dad, who
just died in an accident. Michael "Mac" Knight of Dey or Knight Private Charters flies her, but hides
from her that she is his cover to learn what happened at the zoological research facility and whether
naval officer Lance Burton is dead. At the remote lab, they find five corpses all lacking blood as if a
creature dined on them. Lanie opens up a cage containing a statue that comes to life and bites Mac
when he tries to rescue her. She contains the creature before dragging Mac into the facility where
she provides him a blood transplant that saves his life. She concludes that her father, an expert on
cryptozoology, must have found El Chupacabra, which she assumes is the stone creature inside the
cage. Believing her father and Burton are vampires, Lanie will soon join them as a blood sucker.
Since she cannot get TOO CLOSE TO THE SUN, Mac knows he must kill the woman he now
loves. OUT OF THE NIGHT is an engaging vampire romance starring two wonderful lead
characters supported by a solid (no pun intended) cast to include El Chupacabra, the two vampires,
and the US Navy. The story line is action-packed as the thriller elements take charge of the plot.
Though the romantic subplot seems abrupt, fans will enjoy the relationship between Mac and Lanie
starting with his drugging her so she can fly. Robin T. Popp writes a fabulous supernatural romantic
suspense that never slows down until the final altercation.
Shattered Justice
Karen Ball
Multnomah
ISBN: 1590524136 $12.99
Avidan "Dan" Justice and his beloved wife Sarah went into the woods with bows and arrows for fun.
Her shot struck a yellow jacket nest that she failed to notice. The angry insects attacked, stung and
killed Sarah. Dan moves with his two children Shannon and Aaron to Sanctuary, Oregon where the
trio adjusts quickly with the kids healing faster than their dad. Their renewed happiness ends when
several children including his two are murdered. Dan discovered their bodies and the meth lab which
is the motive for their deaths. Dan was a believer until he saw the corpses of Shannon and Aaron
amongst the dead children. He no longer believes that God is a just being after the yellow jackets
and now the random shootings. Shelby Wilson works with troubled teens, but because she has loved
Dan from almost day one of his arrival she hopes to reach him with solace. She thinks by matching
him with one of her most troublesome teens Jayce Dalton, both will make it through their respective
storms. Neither wants it, but she is persistent showering them with love as she fights to save two
souls that mean the world to her. Dan has tried to live up to his name fortified by his belief in God.
However, the deaths of his loved ones, fine souls that they were, nuke his conviction as he fails to
see the justice of the heavenly master plan. The wise Shelby sees inside the torn Dan and the
troubled Jayce believing they were intended to help one another through the darkest night. As Dan
has one more Job like test to cope with, Christian fiction readers will treasure the inner war for his
soul.
The Mile High Hair Club
Naomi Neale
Making It
ISBN: 0843955643 $12.95, 336 pp.
Bailey Roberts left Crestonville, Virginia for New York City several years ago to make her mark in
the theater. Though she nearly succeeded as an actress, she has fine job as the talent producer at
Expedition Network and has a boyfriend for four years who fails to get the message of what an
empty drawer in her apartment means. With her mother recovering rather oddly from a stroke,
Bailey goes home to help her younger sister Jeanne with their mother, but her sis is missing in
action. As usual home is chaos, assisted by her Aunts Bits and Bubbles competing against Shirley
"not the Partridge" Jones to sponsor the winner of the Miss Butter Bean Competition and by her
sibling who has come home pregnant and man less. However, this time beleaguered Bailey finds
herself attracted to the agronomist next door Taylor Montgomery, which makes her stay more than
palpable; it makes it lovingly divine. The Roberts extended family is the Steel Magnolia version of
You Can't Take It with You. Bailey is the "normal" one in a sea of likable nutcases, but the
"runaway" soon gets caught up in the zaniness and becomes a born again convert to the world of the
southern small town eccentric. Though the acerbic satirical scrutiny is somewhat abated by the
amusing situations, readers will enjoy this slice of Southern lifestyle.
Reckless
Shannon Drake
HQN
ISBN: 0373770618 $16.95
From the deck of her father's vessel the Promise, Katherine "Kat" Adair sees her beloved Lord
David Turnberry fall from his ship The Inner Sanctum into the Thames; when no one reacts, she
jumps and rescues him. However, before she can get back to her boat, she runs out of steam.
Notorious rake Lord Hunter Macdonald sees the two "fools", jumps in, and saves her life though she
refuses to acknowledge he did. Afterward David insists someone deliberately pushed him into the
river. Hunter asks Kat's father, an artist, whether his daughter can join an Egyptian archeological
expedition. He agrees, but she becomes concerned when she hears rumors of some dying on their
last trek. When Hunter learns that David wants to make Kat his mistress, he decides to protect her
by naming her as his fianc?e. In the Sahara someone tries to abduct Kat with only Hunter keeping
her safe. She falls in love with her heroic rescuer who feels the same way as they search for items of
antiquity while trying to uncover who is behind the deadly attacks on this expedition and the
previous one. This is an exhilarating historical romantic suspense due to the RECKLESS antics of
the heroine who dives head first into dangerous situations that forces her champion to keep rescuing
her. The story line is action-packed but brings out the English Egyptology period during the reign of
Queen Victoria especially in Egypt. Fans of nineteenth century adventure romances will appreciate
Shannon Drake's tense thriller.
Feet First
Leanne Banks
HQN
ISBN: 0373770189 $6.99
Design artist Jenny Prillaman works at Bellagio Shoes where she is an assistant to Sal of the Sal
Amore line of shoes. Manager Marc Waterson asks Jenny where Sal is; she covers for him saying he
ill when she thinks he is drunk. When he asks if Sal has sketched any special shows for the upcoming
wedding of the century, she says yes, but hands him her sketches insisting they were done by Sal. He
has her stay when the bride, his spoiled cousin Brooke Tarrentino arrives. Marc is impressed as she
handles Brooke with ease. Afterward he tells her that Sal called from a rehab center praising her and
insisting it was her work. As they work on the wedding that will be filmed as a reality TV show
Marc finds himself impressed with Jenny. His admiration begins to turn to desire; Jenny has salivated
over Marc form the first moment she saw him, but assumes someone who cannot resist a second and
third Krispy Kreme has no chance. Besides if he ever learns that her r?sum? is a fabrication created
by Sal, he would dump her even if he miraculously fell in love with her as she has him. FEET FIRST
is a fun contemporary romance starring two likable lead characters and the cousin from hell. The
amusing story line focuses on how Marc's feelings towards a too confident Jenny evolve as he
observes her competence in shoe design and handling people starting with his cousin the
Frankenstein bride, her ailing boss, and eventually him. Readers will never look at shoes the same
way as Leanne Banks designs a fine tale.
U.S. Male
Kristin Hardy
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373792034 $4.75
In San Francisco, someone stole the rare Blue Mauritius stamp from her grandfather's business while
her sister Gwen Chastain was on watch (see CERTIFIED MALE). Feeling sorry for her sibling and
knowing the family business is in jeopardy, Joss Chastain decides to try to recover the valuable
stamp. Her plan is simple she will hire a private investigator to escort her to Stockholm where she
believes the person possessing the stamp is; there she will pretend to have the Orange Mauritius
stamp. Joss hires sleuth John Baxter, who reluctantly accepts the case though he tries to persuade
her to stay in California while he tries to recover the stolen stamp. She rejects his idea so he agrees
to her ploy because he fears someone less reputable will harm her or let her get hurt. As they work
together in Stockholm, Joss and Bax fall in love, but first there remains a stolen stamp to recover.
U.S. Male is a fabulous romantic suspense thriller that never decelerates from the moment that Joss
hires Bax. The action-packed story line grips the audience as Bax has cardiac arrests at the same
time his heart has never felt more complete in both cases due to his client. Sub-genre readers will
appreciate this fine tale that though can stand alone as Kristin Hardy cleverly interweaves the back
story, is even further enhanced by reading Gwen's escapades first.
Exposure
Dee Davis
HQN
ISBN: 037377060X $5.99
CIA agent Melissa Pope uses her photojournalist skills as a cover to investigate who is using the UN
Peacekeeping Operations to smuggle weapons and other illegal contraband. The current assignment
allows her to see the East River as she is looking inside the Office of the Secretariat for the turncoat.
At a reception honoring the Swiss delegation she encounters British M16 Special Agent Nigel
Ferris; they fell in love fifteen years ago while on assignment in Spain, but separated once the job
was done. He seeks the stolen nerve agent taken in Russia as part of his job for the Last Chance task
force and she has information for him. The next day at her information drop Ed fails to meet her at
the rendezvous restaurant. However, while waiting Melissa eats tainted food; someone poisoned
her. The next morning Melissa wakes up in her home with vehicles surrounding her abode. Not
wanting to involve her pregnant sister and with Ed missing, Melissa contacts the only other person
she trusts with her life, Nigel, who immediately rushes to her side. He knows they must find the
nerve agent. The latest E for excellence Last Chance romantic suspense thriller is a fabulous
espionage tale that stars two strong protagonists, the return of the heroes from ENDGAME and
ENIGMA, nasty but clever terrorists, and New York City. The danger they face as they seek clues
to the whereabouts of the nerve agent before the terrorists cause destruction enhances the
relationship between Melissa and Nigel. Dee Davis' final Last Chance novel is like the previous trio a
delightful spy loves spy vs. terrorists in a tense thriller.
She's Got the Look
Leslie Kelly
HQN
ISBN: 0373770588 $5.99
Eight years ago when she learned that preadolescent boys were masturbating to her modeling
pictures, Melody Tanner quit. Her mom seeing the meal ticket over deserted her, which did not
surprise Mel. Two years later Mel was to marry Atlanta dentist Dr. Bill Todd; the night before she
and her pals drew up a list of five hunks they would like to sleep with. Her fist choice was the
marine on the cover of Time. Not to long ago she divorced her womanizing spouse, but he got
everything because she destroyed his dental business by defacing his advertising billboard. Mel
refuses to dwell on the past and plans to use her camera to make a living. Her best friend Rosemary
Chilton mentions that two from her list recently died. Rosemary tells her boyfriend Savannah Police
Detective Dex Delaney who arranges for his partner Nick Walker to discuss this with Mel. When
Mel sees Nick who wants to look at and discuss the list she realizes who he is, her dream lover from
years ago. As they become acquainted they fall in love, but someone wants to eliminate the
competition to have Mel for himself only. SHE'S GOT THE LOOK is a fine chick lit police
procedural starring a fiery female (epitome of a woman scorned) and a wonderful hunk who was her
fantasy sex partner a few years ago and now is her reality sex partner and more if she takes a chance
on love. The romance turned murder list storyline contains an intriguing twist that will fool the
audience though the answers are in plain sight and keeps the tale from falling into a trite climax.
Leslie Kelly shows she has the talent to provide fans with a delightful romantic suspense thriller.
Montana Blue
Genell Dellin
HQN
ISBN: 0373770448 $5.99
Blue Bowman spent the last ten years in prison convicted for murdering the person he held
responsible for killing his junkie sister Dannah. He heads to the renowned Splendid Ranch in
Montana to compete the vow he made to himself when his mother died to avenge the deaths of her
and his sibling by destroying rancher Gordon Campbell, his biological father. Blue obtains work on
the ranch because he is so good with horses. There he meets and helps veterinarian Andie Lee Hart
with a nasty situation involving her troubled son Shane. To his mortification his attraction to her has
him wanting to forget his pledge. As they work together, they fall in love, but she admires his father
who is her stepfather while he detests his sire; this makes him wonder how she will react when he
reveals the truth and breaks dear old dad. Though the theme has been used quite frequently
especially in romance novels, Genell Dellin provides a fine contemporary tale. Readers will wonder
whether Blue will choose love or revenge as he feels about his father similar to how Shane feels
about the same man who many in the area admire including Andie Lee. Though the final round up
seems to simplistic, fans of Big Sky romances driven by the characters will want to read
MONTANA BLUE.
Summer Lovin'
Carly Phillips
HQN
ISBN: 0373770197 $16.95, 304 pp.
Boston Brahmin attorney Ryan Baldwin is pleased his search for his sister is over after years of
trying to find Faith, a teen runaway. However he is sad that he is too late as she died in a drug
shootout. He plans to bring home his fourteen years old niece Samantha who he assumes is unhappy
after years in the foster care system. To his astonishment he arrives at her Atlantic City home only to
find Sam adjusted and very happy living with the Costas family. The parents and sisters shower Sam
with love and proper discipline though they are a zany bunch with Zack the monkey as a friend and a
pet pig as a birthday gift for his niece. The worst jolt is his attraction to big sister Zoe; she to her
astonishment feels the same way. Both knows a relationship between the free spirit and the stuffed
shirt cannot survive very long, but they share a common goal keeping Sam safe from someone who
wants the teen permanently missing. The return of the crazy kooky Costas crew provides the
audience with an amusing class warfare tale of manners. The story line focuses on Ryan's reactions
to the wild bunch as he starts off so tight a nickel could not slide out of his butt, but time with Zoe
and Sam grease his brain so that he turns somewhat zany. Though a late suspense adds tension, that
subplot feels out of place in this comedic look at upper class Boston meets hustler Atlantic City
UNDER THE BOARDWALK.
Kiss & Makeup
Alison Kent
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373792018 $4.75
Shandi Fossey left her home tending bar at the Thirsty Rattler in Round-Up, Oklahoma to find fame
and fortune in Manhattan. While she waits for her break, Shandi tends bar at Hush, a Manhattan
luxurious hotel. Music producer Quentin Marks visits Hush every night that Shandi is on duty
offering to buy the beautiful Sooner a drink. She sweetly declines each time, but does so with an
impish hint of brazen fire that turns Quenti on. He muses that he probably would have a heart attack
when she finally says yes as he sees desire for him flash in her eyes. He knows he can help her
career, but does not want the gratitude of a roll in her sack as her remittance. Shandi's fears are
similar that if he gives her career a boost, he will misinterpret her need to make love with him as
payment in kind instead of truly coming from the heart. KISS & MAKEUP is an interesting
contemporary romance because of the lead female character. Shandi is sweet and hot as the hunk
Quentin will testify. The story line is somewhat common with the small town sweetheart and the big
city dude falling in love though both have doubts about the other's motives since he can make her
career. Alison Kent steps away from her exciting Smithson group thrillers to provide readers with a
heated modern day Manhattan romance.
A Fabulous Wife
Dianne Castell
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373750811 $4.99, 251 pp.
Accompanied by his parents, Chicago cop Jack Dawson comes to Whistlers Bend, Montana to
attend the high school graduation of his son Ben. However, Jack is stunned to see Maggie Moran,
his ex-wife, who divorced him thirteen years ago when he chose urban cop and she selected ranch.
Though both are fortyish, each keeps the thought to themselves that the other looks great, better
than when they were married. Maggie has problems as her prize bull Andy is missing and probably
abducted which means her Sky Notch ranch is in jeopardy of foreclosure, but the worst is that she
still desires Jack. He knows from the first moment he saw her he wanted her too. When he tries to
keep her safe from cattle rustlers, she objects until he kisses her senseless. As they realize they
remain in love, both worries that what divided them then remains in the way though the loft seems
like so much fun when they visit it together. The tense suspense takes somewhat of a back seat to
the delightful second chance at love gender battle between two likable protagonists who fans will
want to see compromise so they can grow old together. The story line hooks the audience from the
moment that Jack sees Maggie moving at her usual pace that leaves world class sprinters lagging.
The cattle rustling adds an element of tension that brings additional conflict between the lead duet,
but the intensity of the tale lies between the heated relationship of a couple in love unable to find a
common path.
Heart of the Dragon
Gena Showalter
HQN
ISBN: 037377057X $6.99 286 pp.
The underground city of Atlantis is real and in the present day and is guarded by the shapeshifter
Dragon Darius en Kragin who kills anyone who enters the city through the portal and the mist. For
three hundred years he kept the citizens of Atlantis safe, killing any surface dweller who dared to
enter the city. However when Grace comes to Brazil looking for her brother who is searching to see
if Atlantis really exists, she enters the city but Darius is too attracted to her to kill her. Her feelings
for Darius frighten her so aided by the Argonauts, the company her brother works for, she escapes
and returns home. Darius follows her because humans have found an entrance to Atlantis and are
taking the jewels that decorate the walls. If Grace helps him, he will insure her brother, who is a
prisoner, is safe. In love with the taciturn man, Grace agrees to his conditions and both realize he
can't kill the woman he desires above all others. Now he has to defeat the humans so the secret of
Atlantis is insured, find a way to make Grace part of Atlantis so he won't violate the laws of the city
and free Grace's brother who is also in love with a dragon. This romantic fantasy is a magical work
where dragons take on human form and have different values than the surface dwellers. Atlantis is an
exotic city populated by dragons, vampires, centaurs, and other beings of myth and legend. There is
plenty of action as well as romance in the storyline as the book will appeal to a wide range of
readers. Gena Showalter has the magic touch to make readers believe in what she writes.
Another Woman's Son
Anna Adams
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712944 $5.50, 297 pp.
Isabel Barker has known for months that her estranged husband Will and her married sister Faith
were having an affair. She never informed her brother-in-law Ben feeling unsure whether to tell him
or not that his wife cheated on him with her brother-in-law. However, the car crash that killed the
cheating lovers leaves her no choice as she feels she must explain to the grieving husband that his
eighteen month old child Tony does not contain his DNA. Ben is stunned with Isabel's accusations
that their deceased spouses were fleeing with their infant when they crashed. He assumes at first that
she is filled with guilt over her rift with her late husband. However, as Ben begins to accept the truth
about his wife and their child, he sees how loving and nurturing Isabel is towards her nephew. As the
two work closely together to insure that Tony is loved the cuckolded pair fall in love, but can they
make a happy family of three out of the tragedy. Though the intriguing family drama at times feels
like a soap opera, fans will enjoy this fine contemporary romance that demonstrates the healing
power of love. The adults are a delightful duo as they struggle with anger and resentment towards
their late spouses which in turn makes it difficult to admit they love one another until their feelings
towards the innocent child and each other begins healing them. Fans of deep character study tales
will appreciate Awesome Anna Adams' strong tale.
Dear Cordelia
Pamela Ford
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 037371291X $5.50, 299 pp.
Reporter Liza Dunnigan always does her best, but her stomach is not in her work even if she does
the food column at the Chicago Sentinel as she has for seven years; instead she wants to become an
investigative journalist. After her latest haranguing of her boss Kristin Coulter, she is assigned a
chance to prove herself by performing an impossible task. She is to interview advice columnist Dear
Cordelia, who no one has claimed they ever met her, let alone interviewed her. Liza decides the only
place to start is with Cordelia's only known contact, publicist Jack Graham. She follows him to
Maine where he is visiting to arrange for the care of the dog of his late beloved grandmother.
Desperate to make progress with her only link, Liza pretends to be a professional canine caretaker.
However, her plot backfires when she falls in love with Jack, but fears once she tells him the truth he
will distrust and drop her. DEAR CORDELIA is a fine lighthearted romantic romp starring a
delightful cast of characters. The story line is fun though it seems unrealistic yet the audience will
not care because they will be so into Liza's efforts to meet Cordelia through Jack. Fans will enjoy
her efforts as her heart and body betray her by falling in love with her meal ticket. He, in turn,
desires her as much from the moment he watched her at his grandmother's table though he knows
that she only wants to know Jack because of Cordelia.
A Mom for Mathew
Roz Denny Fox
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712901 $5.50, 297 pp.
Texas schoolteacher Grace Stafford refuses to believe the official record that her grandfather
deserted the military during World War II. She plans to prove her assertion that instead his plane
went down off Galveston, Texas. Following intensive research, Grace begins diving in search of the
lost plane. Meanwhile her efforts could cost Zeke Rosetti's oil company Kemper Offshore Oil
Reserch and Development a bundle if their drilling is delayed by her diving. He owes Kemper and
the firm because they are so cooperative with his being a single father of a handicapped child
Matthew. Instead of a long winded court suit, he decides to expedite her efforts by helping her. As
they seek the evidence she so desires, Zeke and Grace fall in love, but he fears how she will react
when she learns that he is raising a young deaf son whose mother deserted him as an ailing infant.
This is a wonderful contemporary romance starring two wonderful protagonists, a fine supportive
cast (except for the social worker and his ex) that digs deep into the issue of raising a handicapped
child. The story line is fabulous as the audience along with the wonderful male lead wonder if
Grace's love for Zeke will allow her to not just love Matthew, but to cope with his deafness. The
Navy-sea salvage subplot is deep and powerful, but it is the relationships that turn Roz Denny Fox's
into a powerhouse.
Pelican Bay
Charlotte Douglas
Next
ISBN: 0373230397 $5.50, 304 pp.
Five years have passed since the Florida West Coast town of Pelican Bay has had a homicide until
now. Police detective Maggie Skerritt investigates who murdered the twenty-two years old obese
Edith Wainwright in her home while her boss wants her to fail because he hates female cops. Clues
at the crime scene lead to Karen Englewood, a counselor at the Pelican Bay Weight Management
Clinic as it appears the victim died from cyanide laced chocolate apparently given as a reward by
Karen. Maggie interviews Karen who insists she refuses to use Skinner's conditional behavior to help
her clients lose weight; they must do it themselves with her assisting them. She also says that Edith
was upbeat; this is confirmed by a co-worker. When a second victim Sophie Morelli dies from
cyanide poisoning, the evidence again points towards her weight counselor Karen. Still nothing adds
up as her retired former partner in Tampa and current lover Bill Malcolm tries to quietly help
Maggie resolve what seems like a closed case in which a deranged weight counselor is killing her
clients. PELICAN BAY is a terrific police procedural with a touch of a romantic subplot that stars
forty-eight years old dedicated cop trying to look at a bewildering case from different perspectives
because the obvious culprit seems innocent in at least her mind. The story line is action-packed as
Maggie works the clues that a serial killer leaves behind to either paint Karen as a crazed murderer
or she is. Though the killer's motives take a strange twist that seems unnecessary, fans will
appreciate this fine tale and look forward to the next appearance of Maggie once she finishes her
sailing vacation with Bill.
The Red Hot Empress
Meredith Blevins
Forge
ISBN: 0765307812 $24.95, 352 pp.
By this time Anne Szabo should know that when she goes along with one of her mother-in-law's
plans, trouble follows. Mina wants Jimmy's picture in The Eye, the tabloid where Annie works.
Jimmy's a toner, a person who heals illness and cures them through chanting. If he can't cure a
person, he is able to give them peace. The picture and the story attract too many people who want
to use the twelve year old boy for their selfish purpose. Flora an Evangelical preacher wants to use
Jimmy to heal the sick in her congregation so she can collect a fee. The CDC wants him when he is
older to help discover cures for diseases even though his method is outside the box. The FBI wants
him because they believe he can create biological weapons. The tongs want him to keep them in
good health. When Jimmy's uncle is murdered, Mina kidnaps him and hands him over to Annie to
protect, a dangerous job because some assailants will kill to control Jimmy. Anne devises a
diabolical plan to make everyone think they are dead so she can figure who the real villain of the
piece is. Meredith Blevins should be on everyone's must read list if they like a who-done-it with
plenty of action and a lot of honorable characters. Jimmy almost steals the show as a pre-teen, who
is wise beyond his years, a healer who practices alternative health medicine that is mystical in nature.
He is an adorable young man who will endear himself to the readers who will root for Annie to keep
him safe so he can have somewhat of a normal life.
Pale Death
David and Aimee Thurlo
Forge
ISBN: 0765313855 $23.95, 264 pp.
State police officer Leo Hawk, once known as Lee Nez, is a Navaho half vampire who frequently
works with FBI agent Diane Lopez who knows what he is and cares about him anyway. They are
called to a crime scene where three people are staked and bite marks are on their neck. They trace
the works to a nearby top secret federal facility where vampire Stewart Tanner, a full fledged
vampire was being held against his will. Experiments were conducted on him that were painful and
could be considered torture. Eventually he went insane and when he was able to escape he killed his
captors and is now going after federal employees. Dianne and Lee are assigned to the case and Lee
has the best chance of catching him even though he is only a half vampire and Tanner is stronger and
faster than him. As the body count mounts, Lee knows he has to work faster to take Tanner down
but it is difficult when he has to hold back his true nature because he is working with mortals that
will use him to experiment on if they discover he is a half vampire. Navaho culture is woven into the
vampire legend and what results is a fantastic storyline that is creatively different than most vampire
stories. Lee is a good man who protects mortals from the evil vampires that want to kill or turn
humans. His sense of justice is strong and as a result he recognizes that there are good vampires in
the world and he has no reason to go after them. PALE DEATH will appeal to horror and mystery
fans as well as those who love to read tales that are refreshingly original.
Sons of Liberty
Marie Jakober
Forge
ISBN: 0765310414 $25.95
In 1862 the border state of Maryland is a divided state with many southern sympathizers pushing for
succession. Both sides know the strategic importance of Maryland if it joins the Confederacy it
isolates the Union Capital from the rest of the United States. The battles of Bull Run have energized
groups whose loyalty is with the south such as the Sons of Liberty. Austrian expatriate Union
assistant provost marshal Captain Branden Rolfe, a firm believe that slavery is an abomination,
worries that the rebel loving Sons of Liberty are about to do something to insure the state goes
Confederate. He tries to penetrate their cloak with spies and capture their leaders. However, so far
the key person Langdon Everett remains free to continue to push his belief in "plantationism"; the
only way the south can economically survive which also provides protection of those childish
incompetent darkies. Everett wants an insurrection while Rolfe wants secure northern loyalties.
These two ideologues will soon clash. This is a superb Civil War thriller that brings to life perhaps
the key strategically located border state just after the failures of the Union army. The story line
combines real events with deep characterizations especially the two adversaries who seem heading
towards a showdown. Fans of historical fiction will want to read this excellent fresh take on the Civil
War.
Vixen
Ken Bruen
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312327307 $12.95, 208 pp.
In London, Desk Sergeant Doyle receives the call about the bomb at the Paradise Cinema just before
the explosion. The caller tells to cop to provide $300K or more bombs will ignite. The bomb was
amateurish consisting of two sticks of dynamite and a simple timer with no one hurt. The second
bomb a few days later proved a bit more sophisticated but still amateurish, but the extortion demand
doubled. While the cops like crazy Detective Sergeant Brant search for the bomber, Angie James
and her associates the Cross brothers keep the blitz on by raising the ante with each new explosive
incident. Angie also works on recruiting disaffected cop P.C. Falls upset for not receiving a
promotion. As Brant and James head towards a collision, no one knows who of these two who feel
so much alike yet think so differently than most people will survive. The macabre fascinating Angie
freshens the series with her inability to comprehend in terms of right or wrong but instead she feels
life is for feeling good and to do that takes her into the realm of the criminal. Readers will enjoy her
cat and mouse game with the cops with tough guy Brant her only competition. The story line is a
combination of a police procedural enhanced by the sociopath subplot. Ken Bruen combines that
into a terrific thriller starring two adversaries and a support cast burned by contact with either of
them.
Irish Gilt
Ralph McInerny
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312336888 $23.95, 240 pp.
South Bend, Indiana is known as the home of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Brotherly private
investigators Roger and Phil Knight love the college atmosphere, the sports, and the occasional
intrigue. Roger, recently appointed to the Huneker Chair in the Catholic Studies Department,
teaches a course on the renowned Father John Zahm, a Renaissance man who many believe found
the legendary El Dorado Mine. However, Roger nd his students are not the only people interested in
Zahm. Alumni Boris Henry possesses Zahm's diaries that provide clues to the El Dorado Mine. He
wants to mount an expedition that he hopes will lead to a center based on Zahm's works. Another
alumnus Xavier Killock is also interested in finding the El Dorado Mine; Boris believes Xavier stole
the diaries from him, but if he did he will not be able to confess as someone killed him. The tour of
the famous university will be enjoyed not just by alumni, but also fans of teams who until recent
years spent many a defeat in Rockne Stadium. The who-done-it is fun to follow as Ralph McInerny
provides lots of misdirection, which also turns into to many dead ended sidebars. Still this is a
pleasant read in an amiable series.
Gagged & Bound
Natasha Cooper
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312349211 $24.95, 352 pp.
New House of Lords member Simon "Baiborn" Tick sues renowned biographer Beatrice Bowman
for claiming he was one of the terrorists who killed a bus filled with children three decades ago.
Beatrice insists she is right and hires London barrister Trish Maguire to represent her against
Simon's libel suit. At the same time Trish's friend, Police Inspector Caro Lyalt faces a moral dilemma
about a rival competing for a job that she wants. Apparently rumors abound that a London crime
family is making payoffs to a certain police offer. The accusations have not been proven so if false it
would destroy both careers anyway; hers for being a snitch and her opponent by innuendo. On the
other hand if true, she will not be able to sleep at night if she remained silent. Caro assists Trish with
information on the thirty year old deadly bombing attack while the barrister seeks evidence to either
confirm or deny the mob tie. GAGGED & BOUND is a terrific English legal thriller starring one of
the better protagonists of recent years. The story line is fast-paced as readers observe Trish
struggling at home with George while working on the libel case and trying to assist her best friend
Caro with her quandary. Fans will appreciate this fine tale with an intriguing final twist about
justice.
Getting Hers
Donna Hill
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312281943 $19.95, 212 pp.
The three successful business women had never met when they were at the top of their respective
game. Tess McDonald managed a highly respected escort service; Nikki Perez was a sleuth; Kim
Sheppard-Benning had built the successful Sheppard Enterprises and had a wonderful spouse. All
three meet after their lives already crashed when the elevator in the building housing their
gynecologist gets stuck for several hours. They exchange names and tales. Tess lost her business to
her twin who arranged a police raid; Nikki was convicted of a crime her former lover committed and
spent time behind bars; Kim's husband is suing for divorce and demands control of their business or
else he will reveal her deepest secret to the media. The trio forms a sisterhood to avenge the affronts
they suffered from so called loved ones. These three tough sisters from different walks of life and
races make a bond that will intrigue the audience as they avenge the wrongs done to each of them.
The story line is driven by the trio as their exchanges are fun to follow starting with the chocolate
incident in the elevator and ending with one more item to clean up. Fans will enjoy this fine tale of
merciless hurt women fighting back after facing a near ten count.
Evan Blessed
Rhys Bowen
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312332068 $23.95, 246 pp.
Detective Constable Evan Evans knows first hand what it means to move someone as he has lugged
the junk (don't tell her that) of his fianc?e Bronwen up Mount Snowdon's mountainside to their
cottage. On one of his treks he meets Paul Upfield, who says he is searching for his seventeen year
old girlfriend Shannon Parkinson who he raced ahead of hiking down the mountainside; she never
caught up and he never found her when he turned back to look. Instead of finding the missing teen,
the K-9 dogs uncover a concealed underground bunker including handcuffs hanging down from a
ceiling beam. Soon Evan begins receiving sheet music containing enigmatic clues. The police
struggle with too many people and no viable suspect. While Evan continues his investigation, a
strange twist occurs when Bronwen disappears with the music writer sending notes that she is now a
prisoner. Whereas before he was duty intense to rescue the girl now he is obsessed to save his
beloved and the teen. The long running Evan Evans' police procedural is refreshed with this fine cat
and mouse tale as this time the case turns personal. The story line grips the audience from the
beginning when a frantic Paul explains to Evan that his girlfriend is lost on Snowdon and never takes
time off as the hero begins to believe he is the ultimate target in a cat and mouse encounter. Rhys
Bowen shows why she is one of the best mystery writers today with this excellent tale.
Breaking Faith
Jo Bannister
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312343019 $24.95
In Dimmock, England, Brodie Farrell, who runs the business Looking for Something? explains to
her friend nerdy Daniel Hood what demon rock is. Her current client, demon rock star Jared Fry,
lead singer of the Souls for Satan, is proving impossible to satisfy as even realtors failed to come up
with the right home for him, but for 2.5 million pounds she will find Dracula a blood bank.
Thankfully Jared's manager Eric Chandos is working with Brodie although they must adhere to the
rock star's impossible mega list. They find the perfect place, a rundown former inn changed into
flats, The Diligence although Jared whines that he needs a pool. A builder begins digging up the
ground only to find a Jane Doe who has been buried for several years. The locals assume that the
corpse is either runaway Sasha Wade or Michelle Rollins who allegedly left town with a truck
driver. Brodie's lover, Detective Superintendent Jack Deacon investigates while she goes undercover
with Eric. This is an intriguing English police procedural in which the interaction of the cast to
include the almost decade old deceased is more interesting than the investigation. The story line
follows Brodie who is attracted to Eric though she is seeing Jack while her best friend Daniel wants
to keep her safe though she probably could take him. Throw in eccentric suspects on top of zany
outsiders and the audience will have a fun time while pondering who at the climax will end up in bed
with Brodie rather than wondering who the killer is.
Killer Cocktail
Sheryl J. Anderson
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312319444 $24.95
Molly Forrester has mixed feelings about her recently solving the murder of her boss (see KILLER
HEELS) because she believes that should have been her meal ticket to real journalism. However,
resolving the case failed to get her from under writing the Zeitgeist magazine advice column, but on
the other hand besides proving her capabilities she met NYPD Detective Kyle Edwards, the hunk
who saved her life. She wonders if she just suffers from hero worship as opposed to love as her brain
seems to consist of one icon Kyle. One of her best friends, event planner Trish Vincent pleads with
Molly to learn who killed her brother's fianc?e, wannabe actress Lisbet McCandless at their
engagement party. Apparently someone smashed Lisbett's head with a champagne bottle at the
Hamptons home of Trish's aunt. Feeling this will keep her mind off of obsessing over Kyle and
enable her to play hard to get when he calls, Molly makes inquiries by interviewing those who
attended the gala. Her efforts result in someone trying to kill her with Kyle as the only reason she
remains alive. Though difficult to accept that Trish would ask Molly to investigate an open homicide
and that the reporter agreed to do so after her harrowing experience, fans will enjoy this chick lit
amateur sleuth tale. The story line is a lighthearted romp as Molly gets into trouble with a
Southampton police hunk, her fantasy male Kyle, and a killer. Readers who enjoy a breezy late
summer read will appreciate the zany antics of Molly on Long Island.
First Drop
Zoe Sharp
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312341695 $23.95, 304 pp.
Body guard Charlie Fox leaves England for Florida to protect fifteen year old Trey Pelzner, the son
of a software company director, Keith. Currently in her fourth day on the job, she baby sits Trey
with a trip to Adventure World which is why she feels like puking as they ride the roller coaster for
the fifth time together; that is not even the dangerous Demon ride. When Charlie sees a man heading
towards her charge, she charges at full speed to stop him. Charlie keeps them safe as the man fires at
them. Her calls to the Pelzner home and to her security teammates including her former lover and
boss Sean Meyer go unanswered. She realized the adversary was one of the "cops" who escorted
Charlie home after he was picked up for shoplifting. Feeling all alone and not sure who to trust,
Charlie and Trey are on the run as the enemy encircles them as if they are sitting ducks in a wintry
pond. FIRST DROP is an exciting suspense thriller starring a very competent individual struggling in
a foreign territory with no help in sight against powerful enemies while having no idea who they are.
Throwing her off kilter is that the person who shot at them is the same cop who brought home Trey
when he was caught shoplifting. The story line is action-packed with the audience reading FIRST
DROP in one sitting to see how Charlie extracts herself and her charge from what seems inevitable
capture or death.
To the Limit
Cindy Gerard
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312990928 $6.99, 352 pp.
In West Palm beach, Florida at 1:00 in the morning, personal security specialist Eve Garrett wonders
where teenage heiress Tiffany Clayborne is. The young woman hysterically called Eve to meet her in
the nasty rainstorm, but she is no where in sight. Eve only came for Tiff when they bonded three
years ago while she was a Secret Service agent protecting her, which she did when an assailant tried
to get to Tiff. Impatient Eve goes out of her car only to be accosted by a thug who before knocking
her out whispers "You're dead. You just don't know it yet. The next night though still sore, Eve
searches for Tiff at some of the popular night spots when she runs into the last man that she wants to
meet alone, Tyler "Mac" McClain. Fourteen years ago they were hot lovers, but he left her without a
look back. He explains that Tiff's dad Jeremy hired him to find her before she does something stupid
that the media learns about and then portrays her as rich bimbo to the world. Eve believes Tiff is in
trouble. When a bomb nearly kills her followed by other attempts on her life, Eve reluctantly agrees
to team up with Mac in search of the missing teen. The second bodyguard romance (see TO THE
EDGE) is a super action-packed investigative thriller starring two capable individuals who have a
history that they must overcome if they are to locate and perhaps rescue the missing teen let alone
find a future together. Love is not the issue between them; nor is attraction and desire. Instead the
two obstinate heroes take each TO THE LIMIT as they battle one another for the top position.
Too Hot to Handle
Cheryl Holt
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312937970 $6.99, 352 pp.
In 1813, when her odious cousin Reginald demands she marries him Emily Barnett was going to do
her duty and wed him though she did not like him until she learns he plans to ship her blind widow
sister Mary to an asylum and do who knows what to her nine years old niece Rose. Emily fakes her
references and visits a rake, Earl Michael Farrow, who needs a governess for his two wards. While
waiting her interview she drinks too much spiked punch and though she is not in red as he expected
he interviews her for the position of mistress, which he has had plenty of hands on applicants. After
realizing his error, Michael hires Emily as a governess and allows her sister and niece to live with
her. As he tries to persuade Emily to fill two jobs, he falls in love with her; she fell in love when they
first met while she was intoxicated. However, he does not believe he deserves the happiness she
offers him as everyone except his only friend believes he is a killer who got away with murder. This
is a fun regency romance that starts off with a comedy of errors and turns into a wonderful amusing
battle of the sexes. Emily is terrific as a courageous individual going after what she believes is right
whether it is protecting her relatives or trying to persuade the man she loves they belong together.
Michael is stubborn, unable to accept that anyone even the woman he loves will believe he killed no
one. Cheryl Holt provides a delightful historical with a slight twist as to whom really killed poor
Pamela.
The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette
Carolly Erickson
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312337086 $24.95, 352 pp.
In 1769, Father Kunibert demands that thirteen years old Archduchess Maria Antonia called
Antoinette to confess her sins by writing them down in a journal. Thus starts a record of her life
through her eyes that she maintains until her last entry while residing in Conciergie Prison in Oct
1793. Early on at fourteen, she is to save Austria by marrying the Bourbon heir to the throne of
France. Over the next two decades she takes lovers, but supports her husband King Louis XVI.
When the peasants storm the palace, she is as unprepared as the other nobles especially her spouse.
As she realizes they will get their pint of blood and more, she keeps her head up until she meets
Madam Guillotine. Using real historical events over the latter half of the eighteenth century, Carolly
Erickson provides a provocative fictionalized autobiography of Marie Antoinette. Fans obtain a taste
of how the royal court perceived life including their take on the peasant class. Though there is too
much titillating tease about Maria's affairs that takes away from the insightful look at the events and
misinterpretation of these incidents that lead to the downfall of royalty, THE HIDDEN DIARY OF
MARIE ANTOINETTE remains a fine work of historical fiction.
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twenty-second Annual Collection
Gardner Dozois (editor)
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312336608 $19.95, 662 pp.
Each year this series is always one of the best anthologies on the market as evidenced by the
numerous awards including several over the last year. As always the compilation provides readers
with insight into what is happening in the genre. The twenty-eight chosen tales run the gamut
displaying a widening genre that proves no boundaries exist except that of the imagination. The
stories are all well written and fun to read especially contrasting styles and sub-genres. Of most
interest to at least this reader is the increase of contributions that initially appeared on-line; fans will
be hard pressed to figure out which first appeared in electronic media vs. print without the insightful
introduction that laments th e slow decline of publications. As usual Mr. Dozois does his terrific
yeomen job (sort of reminding this reviewer he and me need to get a life beyond the classic
bookworm) of bringing together a broad sample of science fiction that showcases the trends of 2004
inside of superb tales.
The Iron Girl
Ellen Hart
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312317492 $24.95, 352 pp.
Now that Kenzie is in Jane Lawless's life, she is so grateful to have found love for the second time
after a ten year hiatus she gets up the nerve to go through her dead lover's things in order to put
Christine in the past. She is shocked to find a gun in Christine's briefcase and when a friend brings
over a statue that she was to give to Jane ten years ago but forgot all about it until now, Jane
realizes both things were the property of the Simoneau family. Christine worked for Bill McBride of
McBride Realty and she was selling the property of Bernadette Simoneau who moved with her son
Philip into the family mansion. Not long before Christine died, the matriarch, Philip and the cook
were murdered. The handy man was convicted of the crime. After visiting the black man in prison
Jane believes that he is innocent; she starts asking questions in the hopes of finding the real
murderers because she believes Christine would want her to do this. The reader sees flashbacks of
the last weeks of Christine's life and how she came into possession of the gun and the statue. They
also read about the revelation about Christine's death and how heart wrenching it is for the two
lovers to acknowledge this. In the present, Jane meets Greta who could pass for Christine's double
propping pictures of Jane's new restaurant. Jane's friend believes Greta has a motive for crossing
Jane's path and the reader slowly began to believe it too, but wonder why. The decade old triple
homicide was constructed with several suspects who had a motive and the opportunity to kill the
victims. Ellen Hart has written one of the best novels of her career.
The Girl in the Green Glass Mirror
Elizabeth McGregor
Bantam
ISBN: 055380359X $24.00
Art appraiser Catherine Sergeant thought their marriage was perfect until her husband Robert left
her without warning just vanishing. Feeling betrayed and unable to confide in anyone even her friend
and partner Amanda, she turns even deeper into her fixation, Victorian painter Richard Dadd, who
spent four decades in Bedlam after slicing his father's throat with a knife that he insists Osiris told
him to do to free his sire; there he painted his masterpieces. That helps a bit, but not much as she still
mourns the loss of her relationship. Fleeing from London to Dorset to find solace, Catherine meets
architect John Brigham, two decades older than her. They find commonality when she learns he is
the grandson of the attendant at the insane asylum that housed Dadd. He not only knows a lot of
insider information on the crazed artist, but owns several works. John insists that Catherine
resembles a character in one of the paintings he possesses. As they begin to have an affair, Catherine
learns that her lover suffers from heart disease that will soon prove fatal. THE GIRL IN THE
GREEN GLASS MIRROR is a remarkable tale that contains a strong lead protagonist and a
powerful support cast in London and Dorset that enables further insight into Catherine or to a lesser
degree John. A subplot that takes the audience inside 1840s Bedlam is a stunner that will horrify the
audience. Though the climax starring John's sister Helen in a key role seems contrived fans of
character driven novels that focus on the arts will appreciate Elizabeth McGregor's portrait of an
obsessed woman in trouble.
Dancing on Thorns
Rebecca Horsfall
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345479785 $23.95
Only sixteen and his promise as a classical dancer already seems lost as his teachers at the Academie
in Paris have given up on him and worse so has he. Jean-Baptiste St. Michel's dream of proving to
his renowned dancer-choreographer father that he is worthy appears doomed to failure as his
techniques are imperfect until the internationally once famous aging Nadia Petrovna arrives for two
weeks of escape from bills to the place she first achieved acclaim. She brings him back to London
and arranges for her ingenious protege Charles Crown, head of the Islington Ballet, to tutor the
teen. Over the enxt few years, Michel works on his craft to become a star under the demanding
tutlege. He also becomes the center of the troupe that includes Jonni Kendal. They are attracted to
one another immediately and marry, but he is unable to provide any true emotion to their
relationship as the dance is everything. In spite of success and marriage to a nice sweet person,
Michel remains discontented as he still fails to achieve his objective of parental approval. This is a
terrific dance saga that though Michel is the prima donna contains side tales of several other key
players so that the prime cast seems genuine whether it is a scorning father, a cold mother, a
nurturing yet demanding teacher or a sweet wannabe actress. Still the in spite of the powerful
characterizations, ballet is the star of this five star production. Readers will appreciate this strong
look over several years that look deep inside life of a classical dancer and those in his sphere.
Among Grizzlies: Living with Wild Bears in Alaska
Timothy Treadwell and Jewel Palovak
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345426053 $14.00
This is a reprint of the intriguing autobiography of Timothy Treadwell who found a new life living
AMONG GRIZZLIES every summer for thirteen years in Alaska's Katmai National Park until he
was killed there by his beloved bears in 2003. Mr. Treadwell explained how he fled a drug filled life
in Los Angeles to find renewal of the spirit amidst the bears that he loved. The book is well written
providing insight into a controversial figure loved by many for his courage and hated by others for
his claim as a grizzly guru by daring to reside inside the "grizzly maze." Fans of nature tales or
National Geographic will want to read this delightful autobiography and a wonderful companion
piece, THE GRIZZLY MAZE by Nick Jans that follows up on the life and death of Timothy
Treadwell.
Wedding Day
Catherine Alliott
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345462823 $13.95
Annabel "Annie" O'Harran has raised her daughter Flora by herself ever since she dumped her
womanizing spouse Adam. She vowed never again would she fall for another man until she met
kindhearted and patient (no pun intended) Dr. David Palmer. They are marrying at the end of the
summer, but first she must finish writing her book. David persuades her to go use crazy Aunt
Gertrude's vacant home in Cornwall where she will find peace and quiet. The only problem with the
hideaway is Aunt Gertrude. She has rented the place to visiting American hunk Matt Malone. He is
only the first in what seems like an endless queue as Annie's sister Clare and her crew arrive to use
the beach followed by Adam and his young girlfriend. However, Matt is the one causing Annie
trouble because she wants him instead of David in her bed, but she also does not want to cheat on
the kind doctor who has given her a reason to live again. Of course he is in a custody fight with his
ex-wife Madeline over young Tod and cannot afford a diversion. This will either be the greatest or
worst summer of her life. As the doorbell kept ringing at Annie's getaway, this reviewer kept
thinking of the cabin scene in A Night at the Opera. That sets the tone of an amusing yet deep look
at modern day extended families. Annie is the center that keeps the story line together while the
ensemble cast feels like real people whose prime role is enhancing the heroine (some might say
harassing her). Fans of contemporary character studies will enjoy this detoured trek towards the
altar.
Cold Truth
Mariah Stewart
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345476654 $6.99, 400 pp.
Twenty-six years have passed since the horror, but Cassandra "Cass" Burke will never forget. When
she was six, someone killed her family, but made one mistake; the assailant thought she was dead
too. Rookie police officer Craig Denver comforted the child and over the tears provided support to
her. For the past decade, Cass has served as a cop turned detective with Bowers Inlet, New Jersey,
headed by Craig. Suddenly in the past week four homicides occurred by the same person who has
taunted Craig with notes just like the Bayside Strangler did twenty plus years ago. Craig and Cass
know they are out of their league so ask for help from the FBI. Special Agent Rick Cisco works
with Cass and Denver while Special Agent Mitchell Peyton is dispatched to the home of writer
Regan Landry, daughter of a recently famous bestselling true crime author to see if he had
information on the Bayside Strangler and hopefully a lead to stop Bowers Inlet killer. Though this is
the first novel of the Truth mini series, Mariah Stewart's fans will recognize some of the law
enforcement characters from the previous Dead tale leading to the feeling that crime never sleeps.
The story line is action-packed as the beleaguered local cops and their outside allies struggle with
time slipping into the future summer tourist rush, which could mean an exponential increase in
homicides. There is romance in the tale, but that takes a back seat to a strong serial killer police
procedural that will leave Ms. Stewart's grateful but frightened audience leaving lights on 24/7.
Angels in the Gloom
Anne Perry
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345456564 $25.95, 352 pp.
In March 1916 in the icy mud that separated the trenches, several British soldiers raided the nearby
German forces; two failed to return with one dead, but the other Tucky Nann apparently is alive.
Protestant chaplain Captain Joseph Reavley finds the badly injured Tucky andmoves him to bring
him safely to his side. However, before he can make it, a shell exploded nearby sending Joseph into
severe pain and immediately thereafter unconsciousness. He awakens with a horrendous headache
and other pain as Surgeon Cavan explains he has a broken arm, a badly injured leg and lost plenty of
blood. He is sent to his Cambridgeshire hometown for surgery and recuperation. However, rest is
not what Joseph will find as he soon becomes embroiled in trying to stop the diabolically clever plot
of the Peacemaker to forge an Anglo-German Empire that would dominate the world for centuries.
ANGELS IN THE GLOOM is a fabulous historical thriller that is at its best on the not so quiet
Western Front as readers taste the horrific conditions that the soldiers faced during the trench
warfare. When the tale returns to idyllic Cambridgeshire and the London nightlife, it remains quite
intriguing with the comparison between those at home enjoying nightclubs and those at the front or
like dedicated Joseph recovering from war injuries. As the story line twists into a murder mystery
with a conspiratorial twist, the plot remains exciting and action-packed but loses some of its
grittiness. Still Anne Perry provides a fine World War I tale with her latest Reavley caper.
Perfect Nightmare
John Saul
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345467310 $25.95, 352 pp.
Attorney Steve Marshall is exhausted from his daily commute from his home in Camden Green,
Long Island to his firm in Manhattan so he and his wife agree to relocate to the Big Apple. While
Kara seeks a brownstone for them to live in, their teenage daughter Lindsay objects as she expects
to be named the high school head cheerleader; besides why would she leave suburbia and her friends
for the dirty city. A psychopath recently burned down the home of Patrick Shields, a Marshall
neighbor, killing his wife and two daughters. This maniac targets Lindsay next using a realtor open
house to enter the Marshall home on two occasions for initial reconnaissance and finally the
abduction of the teen. Stunned Steve buries himself in his work and frantic Kara tries to recruit her
neighbors and the media to help her find her missing daughter while police sergeant Andrew Grant
assumes she is another run away. The story line explodes early into a tense thriller, but in spite of
several homicides, once the audience meets up front and personal the psychopath he seems tame
especially dealing with his teenage female prisoners; his threats towards Lindsay appear ineffectual
and empty even as he murders strangers. Still John Saul provides an interesting tale because of the
reactions of Lindsay's parents. Her father buries himself in the sands of work while her lioness
mother recruits an army to search for her cub.
Without a Word
Carol Lea Benjamin
Morrow
ISBN: 0060539011 $23.95, 288 pp.
Five years two months and eleven day ago, Sally Spector was walking Roy the family pet when she
vanished. Her daughter Madison has not spoken since her mother disappeared and is the prime
suspect of murdering her doctor for causing a drooping eyelid. Though hurt by his wife's
abandonment, Leon is more worried over his daughter; he concludes that Madison needs to see that
her mother is okay if she is to start to heal. In Manhattan's Washington Square Park, Leon sees
Rachel Alexander walking her pit bull Dashiel a former therapy dog. He asks for her help in finding
his missing wife and mother to his shell shocked daughter. Seeing father and daughter wear deep
psychological wounds from the abandonment, Rachel agrees to help starting with Dashiel offering
friendship to the distraught girl. As Rachel investigates the disappearance and the homicide, she
soon learns that the doctor's mistress apparently committed suicide. Rachel knows this is too
coincidental to be happenchance; she wonders who connects a mute frightened girl, her doctor, and
his mistress for that missing link is the killer. WITHOUT A WORD is a remarkable private
investigative tale because the prime cast members seem genuine and the events quite plausible. The
hearts of readers will go out to the silent sad little murder suspect who as Rachel digs deeper into
the case it seems increasingly likely she committed the homicide though the sleuth's gut and Dash's
opinion evidence by his actions towards Madison speak otherwise. Fans will be fully entertained as
Rachel works the missing mommy inquiry for a fee and the murder investigation pro bono for a little
girl who has touched her soul.
The Killing Art
Jonathan Santlofer
Morrow
ISBN: 0060541075 $24.95, 352 pp.
Former NYPD detective Kate McKinnon quit the force after her husband was murdered to become
an art historian. She was drawn back into police work when art and murder intersected in the cases
of the DEATH ARTIST and the COLOR BLIND. Now she is writing a book about the New York
School of abstract impressionists of the 1930's and 1940's like Phillip Zander. One of the paintings
Kate donated to the Modernist Museum was slashed beyond repair and she later finds out that a
Jackson Pollack painting was defaced in the sane manner a few weeks earlier. The same person ruins
a Kline painting at the home of Kate's friends the Starnetts and kills the male member of the
twosome. Kate is once again drawn into a murder case. The killer strikes three more times leaving a
clue each time. Even when various police departments and the FBI finally believe they know who
the killer was after he died in a shoot out, Kate is convinced that the person was not a murderer just
a thief and con man. Acting on a hunch, she enters a scenario where innocent people could die.
Jonathan Santlofer has written an exiting crime thriller that focuses on the cliques, petty jealousies
and the competition for attention that is prevalent in the art world. The small paintings that contain
the clue the killer sends to the victims are placed in various chapters in the book giving the plot an
artsy feel and makes the reader feel that they are part of the investigation. The protagonist is a
strong woman still recovering from the death of her husband but is determined so make a new life
for herself. Readers with will eagerly await her next adventure.
And Only To Deceive
Tasha Alexander
Morrow
ISBN: 0060756713 $23.95, 320 pp.
In the latter half of the nineteenth century, Viscount Philip Ashton proposes marriage to intelligent
Emily, who accepts not because of love, wealth or title, but to escape her nagging mother who
wants her wedded to an aristocrat. Emily assumes Philip has to be better than mom besides he is
always overseas hunting on a safari anyway. Six months later, Emily learns that her husband died in
Africa. She inherits a lot of money and his family insists she stay in their home. Eighteen months
later Philip's friend Colin Hargreaves mentions a Greek villa on Santorini in the Aegean Sea and how
much her late husband loved her. Trying to avoid her marriage minded mother again, she decides to
follow up on Philip's love of Ancient Greece; she begins an odyssey that takes her to her late
spouse's island home and his collection. As she learns more about antiquities encouraged by Colin,
Emily realizes someone is stealing the originals and replacing them with well done forgeries. Unable
to resist she begins investigating knowing the danger she will be in from hard core collectors. Emily
was already a feisty independent soul when she decides to conduct her investigations first into the
life of her spouse that she did not know well and then into what was happening to his prized
possessions. Her willingness to take risks allows her to escape the prison that Victorian society has
on women as embodied by her mother's view on marriage. The who-done-it is well designed and fun
to follow, but that also enhances a solid look at a spirited soul who makes Tasha Alexander's
historical mystery terrific.
Anansi Boys
Neil Gaiman
Morrow
ISBN: 006051518X $26.95
The West African spider-trickster god Anansi in an incarnation as Mr. Nancy has died and was
buried in Florida. He left behind an adult son Fat Charlie in England. Ironically Charlie is not
overweight but instead is a half god who lost part of himself due to a grudge and a curse. His other
part is Charlie's unknown brother Spider. Spider tricks Tiger and ends up gaining control of all the
stories in the world as well as a deadly enemy who wants to kill him whether he is reincarnation of
Anansi or just a demi God. Using animistic magic, Spider flees to England where he meets his
sibling's fianc?e Rosie and odious boss, Grahame. Being a trickster, this is not a joyful encounter as
Spider steals Rosie from Fat Charlie and causes troubles for his brother with Grahame. Meanwhile
Tiger is coming to regain the stories stolen from him and if killing two brothers and other innocent
people will achieve his goal so be it. Sort of a loose sequel to the AMERICAN GODS, ANANSI
BOYS is a fine fantasy tale that combines myths from different cultures. The story line is much more
complex than what is presented above, but Neil Gaiman keeps his subplots straight, ultimately tying
back together in a final High Noon confrontation in which the power of story-telling is the real
magic. Mr. Gaiman's fans from novels and comic books will take immense delight in his latest wild
thriller.
The Woman Who Married a Bear
John Straley
Soho
ISBN: 156947401X $12.00
In Sitka hard boiled drinker Cecil Younger sits outside the Alaskan state run Pioneer Home for the
elderly without any money and no idea what happened to his credit card. He cannot afford the ferry
to leave town and wonders what cure to try next to battle alcoholism as only Haiku writing so far
has helped a little. Cecil blames or thanks his drinking problem depending on how many he already
has on his wife deserting him. When his potential client Mrs. Victor finishes her breakfast Cecil
enters the facility to talk with her. The elderly Tlingit woman hires Cecil to learn the whole truth
why someone killed her son Louis, a big-game guide; she rejects the official position that a crazy
man convicted of the murder committed the crime. Needing to escape his troubles and knowing the
irony of taking on The Brown Bear Man Case, Cecil agrees to investigate to help the grieving mom
get some closure though he expects to find nothing different until someone tries to shoot him. Cecil
travels to Juneau and Anchorage to talk with family members and hunting guides not realizing that
opening up this solved case could lead to a second murder, his. THE WOMAN WHO MARRIED A
BEAR is a terrific Alaskan private investigative tale that grips the audience on several fronts.
Readers will appreciate the fallen hero struggling to regain some of his self esteem, but not always
succeeding. Cecil's inquiries are electrifying as the suspense mounts with every new person he
questions and his tour of Alaska enhances the excitement. Readers will welcome John Straley as a
super addition to the forty-ninth state mystery pantheon.
Call to the Hunt
Steven E. Wedel
Scrybe Press
15 Cook St, Massena, NY 13662
ISBN: 1933274050 $10.00, 112 pp.
Fans of werewolf thrillers will want to howl with this strong twelve story compilation. Most of the
tales are set in the eighteenth century, which Steven E. Wedel uses to deftly portray an eerie
environs in spite of commonly known American historical events like an escaped slave , life on the
frontier with the Sioux, or the battle of Saratoga. Seven of the contributions star Josef Ulrik, an
interesting lycanthrope who steals the show even when the competition is the queen of howling
Shara Wellington. For the most part the tales are serious with Sunday Dentistry more a tongue in
cheek tale. Readers will feast on this fabulous journey into the world wild werewolves and latent
lycanthropic who prove to the enthralled audience that Mr. Wedel knows his subject while also
wondering if this author takes the full moon off.
Fiesta Moon
Linda Windsor
WestBow Press
ISBN: 0785260633 $13.99
At Madison Engineering, CEO Blaine Madison lectures his brother Mark for his third DUI offense.
Tired of his sibling's shenanigans Blaine offers Mark a deal; if he brings in the hacienda contract on
time and sober, he can take over the on-site management of their projects. Mark readily agrees as he
wants to travel anyway while wondering why Blaine prefers to stay home with his wife and children.
Corinne Diaz came to Mexicalli, seeking information on her biological mother at the last known
place she lived. She works at the Hoger de los Ninos orphanage at the local orphanage when Mark
arrives to take charge of the renovation project. Corinne thinks very little of the alcoholic hedonist
though she is attracted to him. He wants her too, but hates the scorn in her eyes. Matchmaking them
is a haunted piglet who adopted Mark as her pet. However, what begins to bring the two outsiders
together besides a deep attraction is someone, perhaps a voodoo practitioner, who wants the project
stopped and them out of town. Mark is an interesting character who all his compared unfavorably to
his successful siblings, using charm with no substance to compete. However, Corinne, who initially
write him off as a playboy with no core, begins to see little things in him based on his interactions
with the children and his piglet; she encourages him and the underachiever begins to accomplish the
mission. That Pygmalion Effect transition is the key to the inspirational romance FIESTA MOON; a
fine Moonstruck tale filled with humor and a serious undercurrent that the locals believe is a voodoo
curse on Mark while he deems that he is simply doing God's work.
Servant of the Shard
R.A. Salvatore
Wizards of the Coast
ISBN: 0786939508 $7.99, 384 pp.
In Calimport, Artemis Entreri heads the powerful House Basadoni, but is concerned that his secret
sponsor Jarlaxle the drow is increasingly descending under the control of Crenshinibon, the Crystal
Shard. If Jarlaxle falls, he will be replaced by one of his second in command either Kimmuriel or
Rai-guy; both of whom hate Entreri and will remove him from leadership. Though visibly worried
that others notice that the ice cold killer seems almost frightened, Entreri refuses to sit idly by and
watch his plans vanish and perhaps even his life. He concludes that he must insure that his
surreptitious mentor remains in charge of the drow. To do that, he must evade the number two
drows and Jarlaxle while finding a way to neutralize the Crenshinibon's control over his superior.
However, to attempt this means risking the chance he too could become a SERVANT OF THE
SHARD, a fate worse than death, but perhaps better then listening to Cadderly and Danica preach.
The key players in the power struggle make for a strong Forgotten Realms fantasy as each competes
for power. Thus Enreri, a few of his closest associates and the three head Drows come across as
fully developed characters that turn SERVANT OF THE SHARD into a winning tale. Interestingly
the fast-paced novel slows down a bit when the morally correct Cadderly and his wife spout their
pious ramblings that enable them to claim God's will while torturing their enemy. Readers will
appreciate this fine reprint of Book 1 of the Sellswords series in which the "bad" dudes win out as
complete characters over the shallow "good" guys similar to the first Star Wars movie with Darth or
Solo vs. Luke).
Someplace to Be Flying
Charles de Lint
Orb
ISBN: 076530757X $14.95
In 1996 Newford, Canada cab driver Hank leaves his vehicle to stop a man beating up a woman in a
nearby alley. The Good Samaritan takes a bullet in his shoulder for his efforts with the assailant
apparently ready to kill him. Instead a girl comes off the roof and somehow kills the punk. She licks
her fingers and touches Hank's wound with her moisturized fingers before running off. His shoulder
immediately fully heals. Both Hank and the initial victim photojournalist Lily are stunned by the turn
of events. Hank and Lily have had their initial encounter with the immortal "First People," a hybrid
human-animal mix. The two shocked humans soon meet other strange individuals like Jack and
Kerry, who both differently shun the "normal" world. The humans soon join the hunt by members of
the First People to find the object that created the world, "Raven's pot", for war is brewing and the
winner is assured if they obtain possession of this magical artifact. Newford fans of course will
appreciate this fine urban fantasy, but so will anyone who enjoys a strong tale with intriguing
characters regardless of whether they are human or out of mythos. Jack and Lily are fabulous
opposites who come together in search of the First People and soon begin a quest to find the
Raven's Pot so it does not get into wrong hands. Though allegedly targeting high school readers,
Charles de Lint's latest tale is urban fantasy at is best that all genre fans will enjoy.
The Protector's War
S.M. Stirling
Roc
ISBN: 0451460464 $24.95, 496 pp.
It has been nine years since the Change has rendered technology obsolete. There is no more
electricity, guns are obsolete and the world has devolved into a feudal society. In the Wilmette
Valley in Oregon Michael Havel's Bear Killers, a tribal community, and Clan McKenzie led by
Juniper McKenzie have organized the people into a farming community, giving land and livestock in
return for loyalty to the leaders. Norman Arminger is their greatest enemy who loathes what they
have built. He is a former medieval historian who has formed a society based on Norman culture
which includes the building of castles that will protect his people in the coming war. In a stroke of
luck, Arminger's daughter is taken by clan McKenzie. Sir Nigel, who helped King Charles bring
England back from the brink of extinction, had to leave his country in a hurry because he dared to
question his liege's decisions. He makes his home with Clan McKenzie who the beautiful leader
believes will play an important role in the upcoming war. It's hard to imagine a world where
something destroyed Earth's technology which resulted in the deaths of billions of people due to
famine, fire and plague. Yet S.M. Stirling places such an apocalyptical event on human scale so
readers get a picture of what such a world be like. This is a dark gritty world yet the people are
determined to rebuild and cooperate to ensure their survival. The villain in this exciting and well
constructed work of speculative fiction is the type of that emerges whenever a crisis allows him to
seize control of events. Readers will eagerly await the next work in the stunning series.
King's Blood
Judith Tarr
Roc
ISBN: 0451460456 $16.00, 384 pp.
When the Saxons converted to Christianity, the Old Magic of Britain that kept it alive started dying.
When the Norman conquerors came, Britain for a time began to heal because William and his wife
followed the Old Ways. When Mathilda died, William turned his back on magic and with his death, a
king sits on the throne who can see but wants nothing to do with magic. The darkness is spreading
again and the magic is dying out. The guardians are short one number because a priest denies the
Old Ways and follows Christianity. The princess of Scotland, Edith, and Prince Henry, the English
king's brother, are filled with and accept the magic that is a part of them. With England under siege
from all sides the time is coming for a great sacrifice that if not made will cause Britain to suffer the
same fate as Atlantis. Judith Tarr weaves a web of historical facts and imbues them with a touch of
enchantment so that a pivotal event in history is made possible by sorcery. This glimpse into a past
that once existed comes about because many minor magical rites and especially one major one cause
the essential moment that magic made history. This romantic fantasy is full of action, otherworldly
creatures and the need for the champions to prove brave and victorious otherwise Britain will be
destroyed.
Daughter of the Ancients
Carol Berg
Roc
ISBN: 0451460421 $7.99, 544 pp.
Gerick can never forget his time spent as a Lord of Zhev'Na especially the unspeakable acts he
committed during that period. Freed by his father, he spends his time in the Bounded, a realm he
created out of the chaos of the Breach between the world of Gondai, where everyone uses magic
and the mundane world of Valleor. Out of the desert in Gondai comes the woman D'Sanya claiming
to be the daughter of King D'Arnath who died one thousand years ago. Her reputation spreads as
she heals people who are dying and the land that was destroyed in the war with the Zhev'Na. The
people want her to be crowned the queen and for Prince Vam'Dar step down. He loathes doing so
because he isn't sure if he can trust Lady D'Sanya. He convinces Gerick and his dying father to work
undercover to see if her claims are true. While Gerick spends time with her and falls a little in love
with her, the world of Gondai is once more under attack by the Zhid, soulless creatures in thrall to
the Lords. With the Lords dead, it becomes imperative to find out who is controlling them before
another war destroys the land. Garick has an important role to play in the final battle but first he
must learn and accept the truth of Lady D'Sanya. This is the fourth and final book in THE BRIDGE
OF D'ARNATH saga and it ties up all the loose ends, answers all the questions readers may have
and finally shows where Gerick's true loyalties lie once he is again exposed to the magical instrument
of the dead Lords. Carol Berg has written an exciting, ensorcelling and enthralling fantasy saga on a
par with The Lord of The Rings and The Sword of Shannara.
Bear Daughter
Judith Berman
Ace
ISBN: 0441013228 $15.00, 432 pp.
One day Cloud wakes up to find she is a twelve year old human girl and no longer the bear she once
was. Her mother Thrush is glad to see her daughter take human form but her husband King Rumble
of Sandspit Town is horrified and banishes her from her mother's home. She goes to stay with Aunt
Glory who tells her she must visit the seer Winter in Whale Town. Rumble tries to kill her and sends
his wizard to make sure she never comes home again. She makes her way to Winter and her husband
the wizard Otter who tells her she is half mortal and half divine, a fact that scares her because her
father is one of the First People who walked the Earth as a Bear who killed many people. Rumble
who loved Thrush, Blush's mother, rescued her and killed her father and brothers and bound their
bones together so they cannot be reborn. They cry out to Blush in her dreams and she undergoes
many dangerous adventures to undo what Rumble has done and in the process accepts herself and
her dual nature. This is a delightfully imaginative world where magic exists and is used the way
people in our world use machinery. The protagonist travels through many realms and sees wondrous
sights but she doesn't have time to enjoy any of them because she is in constant danger and must
keep on the move. Readers will empathize with her fears and hope she finds peace in a world that
treats her like an outcast.
Songs of Victory
Loren L. Coleman
Ace
ISBN: 0441013104 $6.99, 324 pp.
Conan, the Cimmerian who became 'king of another realm' was a legend in his own time. However,
there were other warriors of Cimmeria who were as brave and strong as Conan. They too did their
best to keep their land safe from the Vinir and their masters the Ymirish who came from the North
to conquer and settle the lands. They are led by the giant Grimnir, the son of the god Ymir who is
invulnerable in battle. Only Kern Wolf-Eye, an outcast from the clan, ever hurt him and the giant
wants his revenge. While the Vinir and Ymirish are using various techniques to get the clans fighting
among themselves, Kern is traveling the breadth and width of Cimmeria hoping to unite the clans
against a common enemy. It is when Kern exposes one of the most powerful clan chiefs as a
shapeshifting ally of the Ymirish do the clans put aside their differences to fight as one against the
enemy. In the end it is Kern who will face off against Grimnir with the winner of their battle deciding
the fate of Cimmeria for years to come. The protagonist, who looks like the Ymirish with their
soldier eyes and inability to stay warm, doesn't let the fact that he looks like the enemy stop him
from going to battle against them even as his own clan fears him and casts him out. There is plenty
of action in this swords and sorcery tale but the true magic of this story lies in one man's courage to
go against his heritage and fight to keep Cimmeria free even if it means his death.
Song In The Dark
P.N. Elrod
Ace
ISBN: 0441013236 $24.95, 384 pp.
After being tortured for over an hour and being skinned alive, vampire Jack Fleming, owner of the
nightclub Lady Crymsyn, in Chicago of 1938 is recovered physically but is an emotional wreck. He
can't hypnotize anyone without getting a vicious headache. He has uncontrollable muscle spasms and
an unholy thirst for blood to drink. He is afraid if he is with his girlfriend Bobbie, he will be unable to
control his bloodlust so he keeps his distance from her at a time he needs her most. His friend, mob
boss Gordy is sick and while he recovers, Jack takes his place. A New York Crime lord is in
Chicago to hear why Jack killed the man who tortured him before bumping off Jack. The vampire
risks the headache and hypnotizes him into becoming his friend. When the lead singer at and his ex
wife are both murdered, Jack resolves to find the killer. When a mob war breaks out Jack has to
watch his back from his enemies because in his present condition he could be killed and in a horrible
twist, his greatest enemy uses Bobbie to bring him to his knees. P.N. Elrod has written another
exciting vampire crime thriller featuring an immortal but not invulnerable protagonist who suffers
from panic attacks because of lingering psychological trauma. This vulnerability makes Jack even
more of an endearing character in the tradition of Heathcliffe. The infighting in Chicago is very
realistic in an Al Capone sort of way. Only Jack limits the violence as much as possible. This long
running series just keeps getting better and better.
War Surf
M.M. Buckner
Ace
ISBN: 0441013201 $7.99
In 2253, after almost two and a half centuries of living, Nasir Deepra is bored. The wealthy exec
knows all the NEM treatments and replacement parts make him almost immortal, but nothing helps
with the tedium until recently. For a couple of centuries he and fellow Agonists (Verinne, Kat,
Winston, and Grunze) took pleasure jumping into the middle of the small wars between the workers
and the Corporatists that they broadcasted live on the Net, but even with side wagers that has
become dull. The exception occurred five years ago when he met physical therapist Sheeba Zee. He
obsessively needs her though he hides his feeling from his Agonist teammates. Nasir and Grunze
interfere in another battle, but this time the former calls Sheeba to make an appointment to see her in
the midst of the action. When the scenario turns dangerous, he forgets to shut down the
communication device so that Sheeba hears everything. As Sheeba learns her best client's darkest
secrets, she seduces him to come with her to Heaven; though he goes with her over the objection of
his four partners, Nasir knows this stop might prove his hell if he lives long enough to talk about it.
M.M. Buckner's fabulous futuristic tale focuses on an intriguing "young" man who has found
extended life exceedingly boring instead of addicting. The story line is character driven though the
action is powerful and vivid. Readers will understand the subtle differences between the two century
plus old quintet in comparison to twenty-something Sheeba. Fans will appreciate the other side of
near immortality as the Paul Revere and the Raiders words "kicks keep getting harder to find" seem
apropos.
Paths Not Taken
Simon R. Green
Ace
ISBN: 0441013198 $6.99, 272 pp.
In the place know as the known as the Nightside, a realm in another dimension that can be accessed
in London, the name John Taylor means apprehension to the denizen of the magical area. Residents
of the perpetual three in the morning locale are divided when it comes to whether John is a while
knight or evil, but all fear him. His supporters feel that this sleuth is the next monarch while his
detractors want this Abomination dead. Recently John has his worst nightmare has turned real. He
dreamt that his magical home was a wasteland with everyone dead all because he sought to meet his
mother. Now he knows his mother Lilith, Adam's first wife, created Nightside as a haven from the
Heaven-Hell eternal war, but she is back and since he knows who she is so the beginning of the end
has started unless John can find away to prevent the pending disaster. He visits Old father Time so
he can travel back to the beginnings when Lilith created Nightside or perhaps earlier before she was
exiled form the Garden. Somewhere back in time he must confront her knowing that even if he wins
he may not return to see his victory. The fifth Nightside tale is a fantastic fantasy with some mystery,
but less than usual, to enhance the tale. The story line is action-packed from the moment that John
realizes by learning the identity of his mother, who has just returned to Darkside after eons away, the
nightmare that he has feared for seemingly ever has been set in motion. John is at his best in this
fabulous entry that easily stands alone yet newcomers will seek Simon R. Green's previous four
thrillers.
Mistaken Identity
Josh McDowell & Ed Stewart
Green Key
The Resource Agency
616 Bradley Court, Franklin, TN 37067
ISBN: 1932587632 $13.99, 308 pp.
The Chapel of the Valley Church in Orchard Valley, Washington is a ministering place of worship
led by Reverend Ezra who dreams of erecting on the thirteen acres of private land that the ministry
owns a ministry site for migrant workers. For now, homeless people and drifters are allowed to
camp at that site. Joe, a man who rides a motorcycle, has a scar on his face and a tattoo on his arm,
is the only person camping there right now. When he sees a fire at the church he uses a garden hose
to contain it until the firefighters arrive to put it out; Joe is accepted as one of the congregation. The
reverend goes to check on the $22,455 that was in a box in his desk and notices the drawer has been
jimmied and the box along with the money is missing. Suspicion falls on Joe because he is a stranger,
his screwdriver was found in the church and the box is located in his tent. Joe wants to clear his
name because he has come to care about the people in the valley and he doesn't want to lose their
regard. Joe came to Orchard Valley to meet his birth mother but finds a community of Christians
who practice what they preach and make a stranger feel like one of the flock. This is a riveting tale
with characters who are believable, especially a man whose love of god and good heart makes one
forget that he is mentally challenged. He is the glue that holds the story together because people can
sense saintliness about him and his joy in the word and his love of people. MISTAKEN IDENTITY
is a very special treat that fans will feel privileged to have read.
Harriet Klausner
Senior Reviewer
Laurel's Bookshelf
White Lotus: A Journal of Haiku & Senryu Poetry
Fall/Winter 2005, Issue #1
Shadow Poetry
"White Lotus Magazine"
1209 Milwaukee Street, Excelsior Springs MO 64024 USA
ISSN 1556-3979 www.shadowpoetry.com
Subscription rate $14 US; $16 CAN; $20 International
Individual copies $7.95 US; $8.95 CAN; $9.95 International
When White Lotus arrived in the mail, I simply held in it my hands for several moments. From the
cover alone I knew it was a labor of love. Cover art sets the tone for any book or journal. This
cover, front and back, reflects the eloquent simplicity I found within. Inside are small visions of
man's universe, fleeting bits of life recorded in haiku or senryu by twenty-four contributors. And
scattered throughout are beautiful drawings by talented artists, evocative of and aesthetically
connected to the verses.
I must confess to knowing very little about haiku, senryu, or haibun. This journal educated me in so
many delightful ways. Simply stated, haiku concerns nature and senryu human nature. Haibun is a
combination of prose and haiku. I randomly chose several samples from White Lotus to demonstrate
its content and examples of haiku and senryu:
white lotus
behind a veil of green
the blushing bride
by Robin M. Buehler
over marsh marigolds
the shadow of a hawk
as it circles
by Emily Romano
missing you --
I drop each bread crumb
a little closer
by Robert Mestre
soup line --
a tattered child makes
the first snow angel
by Kathy Lippard Cobb
In addition to verse, White Lotus features informative, provocative haibun and an interview with
Stanford M. Forrester. Forrester is past President of The Haiku Society of America, a poet, and a
frequent judge of haiku competitions. Submission guidelines are clearly stated for both White Lotus
and Shadow Poetry's Zen Garden Haiku contest.
By every possible measure, White Lotus lives up to its promise. I congratulate Shadow Poetry for
creating this beautiful journal. It's an island of peace, a haven from our stressful world. As a journal,
White Lotus is highly recommended.
A.D.D. and Me: Attention Deficit Disorder from a Child's Viewpoint
Debra L. Hall
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington IN 47403
www.authorhouse.com
ISBN 142084721X $12.25 22 page
This beautiful book is a must have for school counselors, psychologists, parents, or anyone who
needs to understand Attention Deficit Disorder. Full of bright colors and positive messages, A.D.D.
and Me is appropriate for all ages, including small children. This book is more than simply helpful
and informative. It's a success story blueprint for anyone who reads it. A portion of the proceeds will
go to C.H.A.D.D.
In 1976, Travis Hall was born into a loving, nurturing family. As Travis grew, he had difficulty
concentrating, completing tasks, and interacting effectively with others. Concerned teachers
wondered why he couldn't remember instructions or "settle down" and pay attention. Travis
struggled due to his confusion and anger at needing constant reminders to complete simple,
everyday tasks.
His parents soon learned to accentuate the positive accomplishments instead of dwelling on the
negative behaviors. Travis is wonderfully gifted in many ways. His colorful drawings recreated in
this book are proof of that. He is a handsome, physically healthy, and intelligent boy. Over time, Ms.
Hall built on Travis' strong points with positive messages. The Halls also learned that hereditary
traits often are a cause of A.D.D. With patience, understanding, and encouragement the adults in his
life eased Travis towards adulthood.
Any parent, relative, teacher, counselor, psychologist, or child dealing with A.D.D. will benefit from
this book. I will repeat that this book is beautiful, helpful, and wise, written from Travis Hall's point
of view. When I called A.D.D. and Me a blueprint for success, I was not exaggerating. Travis Hall is
a winner in every way. Highly recommended for all age groups.
The Skull: a novel in Tales of the Hall series
Tom Eagan
Aran Press
1036 So. 5th Street, Louisville KY 40203
ISBN 0966158873 $24.95 384 pages
This fifth in the Tales of the Hall series is innovative, colorful, humorous, and just a touch dark.
Eagan calls himself a "hackmeister" but he's anything but that. He excels at serio-comic parables of
our modern world and rich characterizations of the often bizarre people whose foibles make up
humankind. I keep waiting for him to be "discovered" by the media. Imagine a Quentin Tarantino
film, black and dramatically devastating, starring every major comedic talent of our time.
Bob Schaad is a River City attorney who seems to be forever in the spotlight, even in his dreams.
Schaad is an enigmatic man who fears he has become a caricature without dignity among his peers.
His clients never seem to have the means to pay his fees. He drives a battered clunker of a car; his
suits look like he slept in them, which is often the case. Still, he sails through his daily court
appearances with panache.
When an old client, Bobby Jo Cratchit, is arrested for assault in Bone County, Schaad sallies forth to
defend him. Cratchit is a long time thief who wouldn't deliberately harm anyone. But his oldest
daughter, the first Cratchit who ever "had a brain" -- nicknamed The Skull -- is dead from suspected
suicide and the grieving father blames her biology teacher. He's attacked his daughter's High School
biology teacher and beaten him to a pulp. Schaad knows there must be more to the story than simple
assault and sets out to find the proof needed to clear his client.
Presiding Judge Beltcher hopes for just one interesting case before his tenure in Bone County ends.
He gets what he hoped for when Schaad and Cratchit come into his court. Prosecutor Henry
Doorman is wet behind the ears and no match for Schaad's defense shenanigans, so enlists attorney /
icon Don Heavrin to assist. What ensues is a riotously funny and surprisingly poignant portrayal of
the law and what it has become in America today.
As his defense tactic, Schaad invokes the theory of evolution. It's a case of Intelligent Design vs.
Darwin's theory as Schaad pursues the Scopes trial in reverse. In one of the most interesting closings
I've ever experienced, Schaad hits his stride by waxing eloquent on the topics of philosophy,
abortion, euthanasia, man's law vs. God's, and other hot button issues of the modern era. The
bottom line is a teenage girl is dead due to the failings of her school system and a grief stricken
father attacked the teacher who failed her.
Tom Eagan writes with intelligence and passion in equal portions. His characters are endearing,
charismatic and colorful. The story is engrossing and gains momentum as Schaad systematically
skewers every failing known to man and modern law. The author clearly understands human
imperfections, yet creates each character and scenario with compassion. Eagan's work stands out
because of its complexity, humor, and stark reflections of human life as we know it.
Small Press Verse & Poeticonjectures
Alessio Zanelli
Xlibris
International Plaza II, Suite 340, Philadelphia, PA 19113-1513
ISBN 1401068308 $20.99
ISBN 1401068316 $30.99 156 pp
Alessio Zanelli is a prolific Italian poet who creates in his second language, English. That fact alone
is impressive, but is just the beginning of his accomplishments. Zanelli is making a name for himself
internationally. His work has been featured in journals originating in Australia, Canada, Iceland, UK,
US, and others at the time of this review. His poetry contemplates life, love, loss, the environment,
the stablizing influence of family, and does so with passion.
Old World rhythms often accentuate his words in pleasing ways, as in this excerpt from "Dedi":
Wiser would you have been
Had you never stolen
The richest sighs from me
Together with my only treasure.
In a surprisingly tender remembrance, "Mom's Dad Bigio", Zanelli portrays his grandfather as
talented pianist, lover of wine, and a man forced to entertain the Nazis in his home while his wife
and children hid themselves away. War's impact on three generations is clear in this excerpt:
.....My mom's dad Bigio
Is said to have had large hands and
A heart so big! Then why is it
That mine are not as big?
I have no music in my fingers.
I don't drink to excess.
I have no kids to feed,
Nor the SS reveling at home.
Zanelli is a world traveler whose fascination with the history of American Indians lends poignant
power to his words. Consider this excerpt from "I Once Met a Man in Navajoland":
I have seen -- sunk into your eyes --
The Spirit of a great man, of an entire nation.
But now you poorly earn your living
By selling pendants of stone on the fringe of Grand Canyon.
When it is the time, man, I --
Who live six thousand miles away,
On the other side of the large sea
That you have never even seen --
I would like my soul to ride with yours....
Another tribute to America and her indigenous people is the haunting and beautiful "I've Seen." This
poem does not lend itself well to excerpt. I tried because it's a favorite, but choosing small portions
of it detracts from the whole experience. In "Dineh Ritual of Recall", Zanelli witnesses a Navajo
ritual:
Sort of a privileged intruder -- now I too can
Perceive the raped earth's wail. Vacant-looking
Faces transmit memories and deliver places'
Quiddity. Being native slithers into me.
In his quest to provide readers with worthy contemplations, Zanelli often plays with words and
meanings in charming ways, such as in this excerpt from "Nightsough":
The night is a youngling
Still afraid of the sonance
of her supreme sough....
While sharing his poetic tales of America, the Scottish Highlands, or his native Italy, Zanelli
communicates a world view. And whether musing on the brutalities of life or the sweet balm of
forgiveness, this poet's voice rings true.
Radiance
Barbara Crooker
Word Press
P.O. Box 541106, Cincinnat OH 45254-1106
www.word-press.com
ISBN 1932339914 $17.00 soft cover plus 5.00 s & h 84 pages
Barbara Crooker has won or been nominated for more prestigious poetry awards than I have room
to list in this review. Word Press is a publisher with a primary submission guideline of poetic
excellence. Radiance is the winner of the Word Press First Book Prize. While reading Crooker's
beautiful poetry, I decided her association with Word Press must have been predestined in the
stars.
Crooker's poetry is easily understood, coming straight at readers from the heart and marrow. In this
excerpt from "Autism Poem: The Grid", for example, she contemplates her autistic son's view of the
world:
What does he see in his world, where geometry
is more beautiful than a human face?
Given chalk, he draws shapes on the driveway:
pentagons, hexagons, rectangles, squares.
The spider's web is a grid,
transecting the garden in equal parts.
Her technique of occasionally continuing the poem from its title was new to me, and quite appealing.
A personal favorite is "Sometimes, I Am Startled Out of Myself":
like this morning, when the wild geese came squawking,
flapping their rusty hinges, and something about their trek
across the sky made me think about my life, the places
of brokenness, the places of sorrow, the places where grief
has strung me out to dry......
This poet skillfully creates magic out of the mundane. Consider this excerpt from "Possibly":
When I left Pennsylvania, spring was still scuffing her feet,
scarf muffled around her neck, duffle coat buttoned up tight,
the ground still hard as a calculus textbook, grass infinite
shades of dun and tan...
Crooker's poems often reflect a graceful blending of bitter and sweet, light and dark. In evidence of
that statement, I offer "White Lilacs, after a painting by Eduoard Manet" in its entirety:
When the world
was reduced to a black flag
of pain, what else could he do
but paint flowers, white
lilacs in a crystal vase,
prismatic in the May sunlight,
their heavy perfume
filling the room?
And what can I do
when my autistic son
shuts down, talks nonsense,
flicks and stims?
I want to go out
and swim in this river
of drenching scent,
so thick you could lick it
from the air. I'd like to shrink
to the size of a raindrop,
make my home on this branch
of white clusters, let the ether
of their odor anesthetize the evening,
a field of blank white snow.
Hers is a world of impressionistic beauty, generously shared. She gives us "bruise-blue irises that
wince against the yellow wall" and "white blossoms, festive as brides." With her we hear "dogwoods
sing loud hosannas" and "notes turned liquid in the autumn sun." Each word and every phrase is
carefully combined for our pleasure or understanding of Crooker's world, much like the
impressionist artists created paintings dot by precious dot. Her poetry paints rich word canvases,
glorious as an Old Master in his prime. Radiance is highly recommended.
Threads From a Coat of Many Colors: Poems on Genesis
Yakov Azriel
Time Being Books
10411 Clayton Road, St. Louis MO 63131
www.timebeing.com
ISBN 1568091001 $14.95 115 pages
Yakov Azriel is an award winning poet who lives in Israel. This first full length book is a shining
example of why his tenderly crafted work wins awards. As he leads readers step by step through the
book of Genesis, God's words and covenants come to life in human form. And yet, it isn't necessary
that we be Jewish, Christian, or religious to appreciate Azriel's poetry. His blending of modern day
humanity with the ancient historical icons of Genesis is that skillful.
Scriptures from Genesis introduce each poem, starting with the Creation and ending with Joseph's
Coat of Many Colors. Each poem, regardless of topic, melds the modern with the historical in
insightful ways. Consider, for example, this excerpt from "Questions for Eve":
Why did you talk to the serpent?
Don't you know that even then he was planning the gas chambers,
Blueprinting the crematoria?
How can a mother be so naieve?
Snakes devour
Dust, like the cinder
Of children belched from the chimneys.
Lucky you -- only one son will be murdered.
And in "The Ark", Noah's ark becomes a metaphor for man, whose body and spirit seek safe haven
from life's trials:
Oh, God, don't let me go under.
Save this vessel from shipwreck;
Keep it sound and in one piece,
One peace.
Don't let this boat just drift,
But help us reach dry land and home port;
The mountain of Your resting place.
Azriel uses various poetic forms, from formal rhyme to free verse to haunting metaphor as he shares
the Song of Songs and the Generations of Jacob. One of the most chilling works in this book, and
ultimately the most glorious, is "As the Stars, As the Sand", based on God's promise to ancient
Israel in Genesis 22:17: "For I will surely bless you and surely multiply your seed, as the stars of the
heavens and as the sand on the sea-shore." Excerpts do not do this beautiful poem justice.
Nevertheless, I feel the need to share a small part of it:
Hiking to Jerusalem, I met a woman with weathered hands
Who recommended visiting Eilat,
Where waters, skies, sands
Converge.
When we parted, we shook hands.
I saw tatooed in blue on her arm:
"A61312."
I pulled out my blue passport, to be sure:
"Z12613."
We grains of sand crawl homeward
Across the empty withered wasteland of Europe.
Our feet limp as we sing without music,
Unheard by all
Except the unseen stars,
Stars blotted out in the leer of the noontime desert sun.
Threads From a Coat of Many Colors is a wistful paean, a universal spirit prayer carried on hot
desert winds. Azriel transports us to a time of miracles and promises, detailing a rich history we all
share in one way or another. This book is highly recommended.
Pardonable Lies: a Maisie Dobbs Novel
Jacqueline Winspear
Henry Holt and Co.
175 5th Ave., New York NY 10010
ISBN 0805078975 $23.00 325 pages
This is the third in Winspear's award winning Maisie Dobbs mystery series. Mystery fans who have
not yet discovered Maisie Dobbs would be well advised to correct that oversight! This author's
writing is first rate and Maisie Dobbs is a deliciously detailed heroine.
In the Fall of 1930, London is mired in economic Depression. And England's citizens have never
quite recovered from World War I, including Maisie Dobbs. She still struggles with her experiences
as a nurse at the Front. The man she loved in wartime is little more than a vegetable confined to a
wheelchair. And her mother's untimely death haunts Maisie's thoughts, asleep or awake. Still, her
work as an Investigator / Psychologist keeps her focused and busy as she pursues a cautious
relationship with a devoted admirer, Dr. Andrew Dene. Maisie Dobbs is plucky, determined, and has
become a skillful investigator in her own right. She'll need every ounce of courage and skill she
possesses to survive the case that unexpectedly presents itself.
Sir Cecil Lawton QC is a legal miracle worker and one of the great orators of his time. He promises
his wife on her death bed to search for proof of their son Ralph's death. Sir Cecil hires Maisie to
investigate the fiery airplane crash in France to prove Ralph dead. In exchange, Maisie agrees to
halve her fee if Sir Cecil will defend an innocent, imprisoned girl awaiting trial for murder. While
Maisie follows one intriguing lead after another in her search for evidence of Ralph Lawton's death,
her assistant Billy Beale seeks information to bolster her belief that an innocent girl has been
wrongly accused of murder.
To complicate the investigation into Ralph Lawton's death, long time friend Priscilla begs Maisie to
find information about her brother Peter. Soon, Maisie's educated hunches and focused search for
clues lead her to believe that the disappearance of both men is related. After several attempts on her
life, Maisie is convinced that someone powerful wishes to prevent a firm conclusion of her
investigation. The list of suspects is painful to contemplate because it includes her old friend and
mentor, Maurice Blanche.
Why would investigating the death of two brave soldiers lost to war move anyone to kill her? Once
Maisie ties up all loose ends to her investigation, the truth is shocking and poignant. Should she
reveal the utter truth, or are a few "pardonable lies" in order?
This book is a delightful read in every way. It's a crackerjack mystery, written by a skillful writer.
The characters seemed like real people; they were that well-developed and appealing. Winspear
creates an interesting and believable milieu for her characters and provides fascinating details of the
era following World War I. Such details add to, and do not in any way detract from, the mystery and
plot development. I applaud Ms. Winspear and her intriguing heroine. The possibilities for this series
are endless, and wonderful to contemplate.
Kaddish Diary
Sean M. Teaford
Pudding House Publications
81 Shadymere Lane, Columbus OH 43213
www.puddinghouse.com
ISBN 1589983637 $8.95 25 page chapbook
Pudding House is an exemplary publisher of notable poetry, which they call "limited edition fine art."
Sean M. Teaford is a gifted poet. That these two came together to produce Kaddish Diary is a
blessing. Teaford is a young American living in Bryn Mawr, PA, far removed from the stark horrors
of Nazi Germany. Nevertheless, reading Janusz Korczak's Ghetto Diary inspired a creative spark in
this young poet that goes well beyond empathy. Korczak and the children he cared for and taught at
a Polish orphanage during the Holocaust are a forgotten part of history. Teaford's Kaddish -- his
haunting affirmations of their lives -- memorializes and sanctifies their existence in words both
beautiful and chilling.
Plucking bits of Korczak's diary, Teaford brings small moments of that awful world to life. This
excerpt from "Teaching His Children" took this well fed American to Korczak's makeshift
classroom, where I looked on in shame and sorrow:
Korczak knew he was slowly
losing his children.
Before occupation, the children
were disciplined for pencils
chewed in boredom.
Now, sounds of gnawing wood
were ignored. The doctor knew
that it could be the only thing
they would have to eat that day.
Korczak often wrote in pencil through the night while his charges were sleeping. An assistant typed
his notes and kept his own thoughts private. The images invoked by this small excerpt from "The
Assistant's Diary: August 4th 1942" are effectively conveyed in a few well-chosen words:
Amidst the children's
cacaphony of coughs,
the typewriter keys popped
with every staggered finger stroke
like moist maple wood in a flame.
Korczak and his children are destined for Treblinka's ovens. He knows that for a certainty. He has
written his diary, recorded their existence for future generations to acknowledge. "A Pure Breath" is
his Kaddish, his affirmation of their lives. I quote Teaford's poem in its entirety. To do otherwise
might dilute its message:
The boy pushed away sleep and,
blinking his silent eyes in the candlelight,
he listened to Korczak's voice.
Echoing above the soldier's
ash-muffled steps, the only
sound in the camp was
the doctor's paper cracking
like a stiff flag in a sharp
breeze as he chiseled lead
onto what was once white.
Despite his arthritic fingers,
he had written hundreds of
pages in the ghetto;
but these were the first
curled letters of his Kaddish.
This was his last leaf of script;
the last journal entry which
would never leave his hand.
This was his voice that would rain
down with his body and
rest in the lungs of Treblinka.
Neither Korczak nor his orphans survived to see the end of the war. But sixty years after war's end,
a young poet's words have given those innocent victims of Nazi horror new life. Sean M. Teaford
has the sort of power poets crave, the power to touch hearts, capture moments, and express the
often inexpressible. For devotees of fine poetry, this chapbook is a must read, must have.
Flaw in the Tapestry
Joyce S. Anderson
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick MD 21705
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN 1413764878 $19.95 236 pages
Joyce Anderson states in her press release that she prefers to write "about and for women." Her first
book, Courage in High Heels, was non-fiction, the true life story of eight remarkable women. This
second book is fiction, but with the distinct intelligence of well researched non fiction. Anderson's
writing style is crisp and clean, her characters well developed and sympathetic.
The central characters in Flaw in the Tapestry are three generations of uncommon women. Annie
Bertman has what most women would view as a storybook marriage. Her children are accomplished,
living productive, stable lives. She's successful in her career as a freelance writer, and her husband is
an OB/GYN practitioner who loves her devotedly after 37 years of marriage. At age 62 she's still
healthy, fit, and attractive. Annie has never dreamed of having an affair, until she meets a handsome
artist at the fitness center. Everything she ever valued -- home, family, husband -- has been safely
compartmentalized until Mark Trianos becomes her lover.
Annie's mother, Ruth Schaeffer, is 87 years old and a role model for her family. This lively widow
and retired teacher enjoys a wide circle of friends, varied interests and social activities. She stays
mentally and physically active. Ruth loves the metaphorical in life and is creating her granddaughter
a needlepoint tapestry with a deliberate flaw in its border. Life, after all, is flawed. Humans are
flawed. Only God is perfect. The tapestry represents Ruth's metaphorical message for her
granddaughter.
Annie's daughter Tessa is a lawyer juggling family and work with long commutes into the city by
train. Her long term plan is to make partner at the small but prestigious law firm where she works.
Both Tessa and her husband are in their second marriages. Both are financially successful, sharing
household chores and childcare duties for two children. When an unplanned pregnancy threatens
Tessa's career plans, she considers abortion as an option despite her husband's objection.
This is a touching and realistic tale of three strong women, their trials and triumphs, and the men
who love them. Each woman struggles with age related issues and personal views of what life should
be. Through good times and bad, one constant remains: their love and devotion to each other. Like
all good literary fiction, Flaw in the Tapestry has the clear ring of truth to it. It's a thoroughly
engrossing read.
Briana
Tammy L. Boulds
Whiskey Creek Press
PO Box 51052, Casper WY 82605-1052
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
ISBN 1593742932 $12.95 239 pages
ISBN 1593742940 ebook $4.99
Briana is a lively western historical romance that fans of the genre should find well worth the read.
The characters are larger than life in keeping with their Texas locations, and the romance deliciously
spicy.
It takes hard work to keep the Silver Lining Ranch running, and Briana McBride does more than her
share. Work rough hands and shabby work clothes successfully disguise her beauty. Briana is little
more than a work horse on the ranch, while her step mother Victoria and step sister Tiffany live a
pampered life of leisure. Victoria and Tiffany are a beautiful, conniving pair who make Briana's skin
crawl. Her father Raymond caters to the pair while treating Briana -- his own flesh and blood -- like
trash. Her one supportive friend is Miss Abby, the family cook and housekeeper.
Life has not been good for Briana since her mother's death. A recent series of odd accidents has left
her bruised and distracted. When her father sends Briana to pick up the new foreman, life goes from
bad to worse. Nick McMurtry comes to town smelling of whiskey. He's a widower in shambles, in
need of drink at regular intervals to calm his shattered nerves. His only saving grace is a handsome,
precocious three year old son who takes to Briana right away. And the boy is not the only one who
sees beyond Briana's surface shabbiness. McMurtry rapidly progresses from initial attaction to the
girl, to worry about her safety, to barely controllable desire. Briana is the first woman since his wife's
death to spark hope and desire in Nick and he's not about to throw this chance away through
drinking.
Nick traces down the reasons for Briana's rash of accidents. The truth is frightening and leaves the
girl few options if she is to survive. Nick summons his Uncle Jake to help protect Briana, and in the
process both men find love and renewed purpose.
I loved these characters. Nick and Briana are not perfect, but become so in each other's eyes. The
romance is spicy and just right between these well matched lovers. Three year old Logan is a pure
delight. Uncle Jake and Miss Abby are staunch, sensible allies. And the bad guys are very bad,
deserving of the poetic justice dealt them in the end. Readers who enjoy western romance stories
should give Briana a read.
Shades of Silence
Gloria Davidson Marlow
Authors Ink Books
PO Box 396, Sturgis Michigan 49091
www.authorsinkbooks.com
ISBN 0972238565 $14.99 250 pages
Gloria Davidson Marlow excels at creating mysteries that make her fans shiver, coupled with
delicious romance. Her heroines are strong, with human vulnerabilities, and the bad guys represent
the sort of creeping evil that readers of the genre expect.
Sara Jennings has a gift. Since early childhood she's tapped into the emotions and inner experiences
of others. Swirling colors, overpowering feelings, and stark visions often come with a touch of her
hand. Sara is exhausted by such daily assaults on her senses and isolates herself in search of peace.
When Drake Sexton seeks her out in hopes of helping his young daughter, Sara initially turns him
away. Sexton is an angry, shattered man. His daughter Kelsey is trapped in horror after seeing her
mother's death. She has not spoken in several years. Despite misgivings, Sara agrees to spend three
months in the Sexton home to help Kelsey return to normal life.
Kelsey Sexton is a beautiful child who blossoms towards healing over time with Sara's help. And
Drake Sexton cannot hide his need for tenderness and warmth from Sara's gift of seeing true
emotions. Drake's dead wife Madeline was a classic beauty, an empty shell of a woman in life and a
cold, haunting apparition in death. Her ghostly presence is evident in the house Drake built
overlooking the ocean, and along the beach where she died. Sara quickly realizes that Madeline's
death came as the result of murder, not suicide as she had been told. As she learns more about the
Sextons, an unidentified evil gains power and momentum. And soon, everyone who knows the truth
about Madeline's death is eliminated by her killer. Sara is in danger from the deadly stalker, whose
image remains hidden from her. Complicating her situation is the growing love she feels for
Drake.
Shades of Silence represents another successful Marlow excursion into passion and suspense. The
mystery is chilling as Sara gradually learns the murderer's identity and motives. Sara's gift is
harrowing and believably detailed. Drake Sexton is a sympathetic character, struggling to make
sense out of a broken life. And Kelsey is a delightful child whose world is brightened by Sara's warm
and compassionate personality. For readers of the mystery and romance genre, any book by Gloria
Davidson Marlow should be a must read.
Molding 2
Bob Watkins, Eric Watkins, John Wheeler and Friends
Eric Watson -- Molding Music
529 Barrywood Drive, Nashville TN 37220
www.moldingmusic.com
10 Tracks $10.00 plus s & h Purchase ID -- M-002
I've been a rock and roll fan since its inception. My friends and I were screaming in the audience for
Jerry Lee Lewis, Ritchie Valens, and Buddy Holly while fame was still their distant hope. From the
beginning, rock and roll was heavily influenced by a country, bluegrass, jazz, and southern gospel
music. Regardless of musical genre, the best always deliver to listeners a sense of raw wonder
through imaginative instrumentals and vocals. The Beatles and the Stones had it; Alabama had it;
and Molding has it.
Molding 2 features ten original tracks that demonstrate this group's range. One of my favorites, "Set
Myself on Fire", has strong bluegrass leanings, as does another favorite, "Oklahoma Moon." The
Watkins brother's father -- Nashville poet and musician Klyd Watkins -- does an entertaining turn as
a radio preacher on "Oklahoma Moon." "Heavenly Wrecks" tells a Dylanesque story, but with a
wider vocal range than Dylan. In fact, each Molding 2 track tells a story in song accompanied by
acoustic or electric guitars, bluegrass fiddles, and drums. Each track is alternately tough, tender, or
humorous and always featuring original, entertaining vocals. For me, the highlight of this CD was
"Coffee Girls & The Suicide Shift." It not only tells a poignant story but its instrumentals are a
perfect fit.
Molding delivers humor and energy in their music. I've never seen a live performance but this is one
group out of Nashville I'd gladly pay to see.
Molding 3 -- a CD
Bob Watkins, Eric Watkins and Friends
Eric Watkins -- Molding Music
529 Barrywood Drive, Nashville TN 37220
www.moldingmusic.com
11 tracks at 10.00 + s&h ID # M-003
Fans of this talented group may disagree with my opinion that Molding 3 is their best work yet. I'm
certain it will earn a parental guidance rating. The lyrics are bold, unapologetically rated 'R', and
backed by instrumentals that communicate a lusty sexuality both tough and tender. Bob and Eric
Watkins share vocals and guitar. John Wheeler mans keyboard, guitar, fiddle, and vocals. June Kato
is a pro on bass, and the same can be said for Terry Thomas on drums. Klyd Watkins' spoken poetry
and Scott "Sweepy" Walker's blues harmonica contribute to the overall impact.
"Annie" kicks off Molding 3 with a frenetic energy. That rousing intro is followed by a reprise of
Molding classic, "Jason LaFarge", a mellower, bluesier version of the original.
"Wyoming" is a personal favorite, a perfect blend of Watkins lyrics and instrumentals that tell a story
of love gone wrong. The lyrics on this one are priceless, and will no doubt bring the house down in a
live appearance.
"Phone Call" is quintessential Molding -- an addicting combination of vocal manipulation backed by
powerful instrumental work -- the sort of sound that inspires candles in the dark in concert.
Track 5 is a social commentary, presented Watkins style: People are the root of all evil so you better
learn to watch your ass "When People Get Involved."
"I Do" is another brilliant blending of lyrics, instrumentals, and musical genres, including fiddle work
reminiscent of the best of Irish folk music.
"Against the Law" has all the earmarks of another Molding classic. Sweepy Walker's harmonica
perfectly punctuates R-rated lyrics about a tumultuous male-female relationship. This one is
"outlaw" music at its best. Waylon, Willie, and Hank Jr. would be proud.
"Deadbeat Sonic", with Klyd Watkins' haunting spoken poetry in the background and Molding's
chilling instrumentals, could easily be the theme track for a Quentin Tarantino film.
"Song for You" is another favorite. The sound is sweet, lyrical, and lulled
me into a false complacency at first. And then the lyrics and instrumentals
slowly segued into a raw, angry edge.
"Hope for the World" wraps up Molding 3 with a retrospective of this country's violent past. The
ending is a surprise. I won't tell you who or what provides hope for our world!
I'm convinced Molding can do any musical genre well. This CD showcases their ability to handle
rock and roll, avant garde, bluegrass, blues, country and outlaw, folk, and other genres I can't name.
Their sound is distinctive and explosive, lyrics straightforward and laced with expletives. I can only
imagine what sort of riot they incite before a live audience. This talented group is highly
recommended.
The Threef Project
C.H. Foertmeyer
iUniverse
2021 Pine Lake Rd. Suite 100, Lincoln NE 68512
ISBN 0595363083 $12.95 153 pages
C.H. Foertmeyer's ninth book is a departure from his previous genres of sci fi and fantasy. With The
Threef Project, this prolific Cincinnati author tackles an action thriller at the encouragement of his
fans. Foertmeyer fans won't be disappointed. This thriller is every bit as good as his award
nominated sci fi / fantasy novels.
Dr. John Jennings is a small town family practice physician who loves his work and his life. Hatcher
Creek Arkansas is a peaceful village, far removed from the traffic, noise, and polluted air of cities.
Jennings, his wife Carrol, and children Timmy and Sally embark on their annual rough camping trip
to a remote mountainous region not far from Hatcher Creek. The experience swiftly changes from
idyllic recreation to danger when Jennings hikes to his favorite fishing lake in hopes of enjoying
solitary time. He's driven into unfamiliar territory by a storm and takes refuge in a cave that smells
strongly of exhaust fumes. Back at camp, his family sees an oil slick on a clear mountain stream. In
Dr. Jennings' absence, his family is surrounded by men in military garb, blindfolded, and held hostage
in an unknown location. The campsite is swept clean. An empty clearing greets Jennings on his
return. He has no choice but to retrace his path in hopes the cave will yield clues to his family's
disappearance.
When Jennings stumbles across the mountain home of Cordell Heartley, the odds of finding his
missing family change to his favor. Heartley is a reclusive ex-Army Ranger, an experienced
spelunker and warrior whose survival skills prove helpful to the bewildered Jennings. Using a natural
underground cave system, they systematically track the smells of vehicle exhaust. What they find is
is shocking, a hidden military project underground where SUVs are transformed into bombs destined
for Iraq. Those involved are patriots of a different stripe than Heartley, playing a dangerous game
without the knowledge of their government. From that initial discovery the game becomes straight
arrow Rangers vs. a few bad apples as the danger level increases exponentially with passing time.
Heartley's investigation takes him from Arkansas to New Orleans to Iraq as he calls in favors from
old friends and military contacts to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians. But the unprincipled
predators hiding behind U.S. Army uniforms don't plan to give in without a fight. They'll eliminate
Heartley if they have to, murder Jennings and his family if necessary to accomplish their illegal
goals.
The Threef Project is fast paced and exciting. The plot is distinctive and definitely not a clone of
every other action thriller out there. Heartley is a true patriot in the finest sense of the word, and
John Jennings is a courageous common citizen caught in a frightening maze. This book is
Foertmeyer's testament to the men of courage and honor -- both in and out of the military -- who
love their country and do whatever it takes to protect it.
Final Decree: A Corie McKenna Mystery
Kay Finch
Top Publications, Ltd.
1221 Merit Dr. Suite 750, Dallas TX 75251
www.toppub.com
ISBN 1929976208 $14.95 279 pages
If this first novel is any indication, Kay Finch will soon be a familiar name to mystery fans
everywhere. Plot development is first rate, her characters lively and believable. Adding distinctive
flavor to this delightful mix is a little taste of Texas.
Private Investigator Corie McKenna is a thirty-something widow living and working in Houston.
Since her husband's death in an explosion two years before, much of her energy is focused on
avoiding men sent her way by a matchmaking mother. Her position as investigator for attorney
Wade Alexander is simple and straightforward. She gets the goods on two-timing spouses, tracks
down deadbeat dads, then goes home at the end of her day to a dog and an empty house. When Dr.
Edward Kemp retains Alexander's firm to handle his divorce, Corie's investigative involvement is
reluctant at best. Kemp is arrogant, foul tempered, and a pain in Corie's kiester from the start.
Alexander assures Corie that Dr. Kemp is a good man who deserves custody of his young son, but
her sympathies are with his beautiful young wife, Suzanna.
Corie tails Suzanna Kemp on her late night sortie to a warehouse in a rundown area of Houston.
She's still questioning the purpose of that visit when Suzanna is gunned down from the shadows in
her own driveway. All clues point to the unpleasant Dr. Kemp at first. Corie's dislike of the man,
however, does not cloud her judgement or investigative focus. As she systematically follows minute
clues from the warehouse to a strip club to Mexico, a troubling light dawns: Suzanna Kemp's
murder is only the latest in a series that may be related to her husband's death.
Kay Finch's writing style is crisp and exhilarating. She pulled me into this story fast and kept me
there through every twist and turn of plot. Corie McKenna is a gutsy character, a strong willed
woman with charming foibles and vulnerabilities that add to her persona. A second in this series of
Corie McKenna mysteries is coming soon, and I can't wait to read it.
The Black Silent
David Dun
Pinnacle Books
Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022
www.kensingtonbooks.com
ISBN 078601637X $6.99 479 pages
The Black Silent is a mystery action thriller that will have readers careening at a dizzying pace from
first page to last. The plot is intelligent and plausible in ways that educate as well as entertain. The
three main characters shine because Dun allows them human weaknesses and strengths. Page one of
the Prologue sets a hair raising pace that does not let up throughout the book.
Someone wants Marine Biologist Ben Anderson dead. The project he's been working on for years
could solve Earth's energy crisis, prolong human life, or extinguish life as we know it on this planet
if it falls into the wrong hands. His discoveries are worth trillions. But Anderson is an idealist whose
motives have nothing to do with money. To prevent his discoveries from being tainted, he's been
negotiating with Big Government and predatory CEOs. Unscrupulous men want Ben Anderson's
knowledge and don't care who they have to kill to possess it.
Ben Anderson is Haley Walther's adoptive father and mentor. Haley is a brilliant scientist in her own
right, unexpectedly fired from the Sanker Corporation where she and Ben both worked. When Ben
goes missing, the clues he leaves behind are cryptic and frightening. Haley needs help circumventing
security protocols at Sanker and, whether she likes it or not, Ben's nephew, Sam Wintripp, is the
only man she can trust. Sam and Haley have unresolved history between them, history that Sam
believes is best forgotten.
Sam Wintripp is recuperating from devastating injuries that left him physically weakened and
emotionally drained. He hopes the magnificent beauty and peaceful surroundings of the San Juan
Islands will promote recovery and ease his physical and psychic pain. Sam is determined to leave a
career of killing and covert ops behind, but Haley needs him to locate Ben Anderson. Sam can barely
walk, and is no longer the focused operative he once was, but he protects Haley with what energy he
has left as they fight to locate Ben.
Everyone who cares about Ben Anderson is relentlessly hounded by a vicious retired cop named
Frick. Frick kills without compunction, because he enjoys maiming and murder. He's pathologically
power-mad and hungry for the wealth Ben's discoveries will deliver. And nothing would please him
more than to see Sam Wintripp and Haley Walther suffer a slow death at his hands. He plays a
grueling cat and mouse game with the exhausted Sam and terrorizes Haley. Imported henchmen
from Las Vegas assist Frick in his madness, but underestimate the combined skill and ability Sam
and Haley bring to the chase. Sam may not be the physically powerful superhero he once was, but
he's cunning and intelligent. And Haley is not the fragile female Frick imagines. She's an
accomplished sailor and pilot who knows the San Juan islands well, and she's not about to let Frick
win.
I read The Black Silent straight through because it was too exciting to put down. The scientific
background information was fascinating and added greatly to this book's appeal. And the glorious
Pacific Northwest provided haunting atmosphere. But it was the realistic characters as Dun created
them that made this book for me. Are you listening, Hollywood? The Black Silent has "blockbuster
movie" written all over it.
Byron
Michael Corrigan
Virtual Bookworm
P.O. Box 9949, College Station, TX 77842
ISBN 1589397630 $13.95 224 pages
Michael Corrigan's third book is a noir action thriller, with plenty of action and enough excitement
and intrigue to keep the pages turning. What sets this book apart from others of the genre is
intelligent prose and appealing characters with human vulnerabilities who prove themselves under
extraordinary conditions.
Byron Duffy has come to an uncomfortable juncture in his life. A man "past his prime for wooing
women, no longer the dashing rogue", Byron finds himself recently divorced and facing
unemployment. With typical wry humor, Byron wonders what a self-described "academic saddle
tramp" will become without his position as a college English teacher in Pocatello. He's accustomed
to defining the boundaries of his world in solitary pursuits by listening to the blues, reading
Hemingway or Keats or Rilke, enjoying Nature in the wild Idaho back country. He's out of his
element when a couple of his students lead him into a dangerous distraction.
Ted Bear is a student activist determined to reveal illegal toxic dumping and stop white supremacist
activities in the area. Despite his initial reluctance, Byron finds himself drawn into conflicts between
white supremacists, a suspicious red neck sheriff, drug dealers, the Mafia and the F.B.I. To
complicate his world, Byron is falling in love. The quiet man and deep thinker who vowed to never
fall in love again is making sweet music with Mary Goldstein -- an undercover F.B.I. agent -- in wild
grasses on the Ft. Hall Reservation. Mary brings a dangerous edge to their affair. Soon he's up to his
neck in an FBI investigation, tracking a marauding bear and having his life saved by a vengeful
Indian Spirit Walker. Despite his doubts about himself, Byron Duffy measures up.
Let me reiterate that what sets Byron apart from other action thrillers is Corrigan's splendid use of
descriptive prose. Through his eyes and words the Idaho wilderness becomes a living character. And
the noir loneliness of Byron Duffy shines in a thousand different passages because Michael Corrigan
knows how to tell a story:
"At the crossing, Byron watched the last train heading toward Pocatello. Trains always made him
think of hoboes riding the rails, American isolation and loneliness celebrated by folk singers singing
of poverty and lost love. It was a world of unrequited love, revenge, murder and characters with
names like Staggalee and Pretty Polly. The train passed, light bringing up the brief images of trees
and houses, the whistle coming back at him like a ghostly voice out of the darkness. Byron thought
he saw a lone figure standing in the trees, but then the train was gone and the landscape vanished
into darkness."
INTERVIEW WITH REED EVAN RICHARDS
Reed Evan Richards works in Development and Alumni Relations at Vanderbilt University. He is
also a poet, writer, and free lance photographer. I first discovered his poetry online at The Time
Garden, then later read his poetry and short stories in Nashville Scene. Reed's writing has what I call
a universal appeal. Most readers can relate to the style and substance of his writings in one way or
another.
Laurel: When did you begin writing, Reed? Did your interest start as a result of attending college
courses and creative writing workshops, or did the drive to write come earlier in life?
Reed: My dad was a junior high school English teacher, and when we kids were very young he used
to read us a story every Saturday morning. They were his own favorites from the literature textbook
he taught from, but they were excellent read-aloud stories for kids, "Split Cherry Tree" by Jesse
Stuart, an autobiographical piece whose title I forget by Lincoln Steffens about getting a pony for
Christmas, and everybody's favorite, "Rikki-Tikki- Tavi" by Kipling. Poetry came from my mom. I
always loved nursery rhymes and still think they are some of the best poems there are. When I was in
the first or second grade I wrote a poem about a meadowlark, based on what my mom told me the
meadowlark's song meant: "Wake up! Spring's here!" My teacher liked it so much she showed it to
the principal, who liked it so much he showed it to the district officers, who came to see me in
school. I imagine they were disappointed to find a nerdy and painfully shy and tongue- tied kid who
after all was probably not a genius. I, however, though I didn't have much to say to them, enjoyed
the attention and decided that a writer was a pretty good thing to be. On the other hand, I always
was and always will be pretty lazy. I read a lot and thought a lot about writing but did not write very
much until I got in high school. I adored my eleventh grade English teacher and wanted to impress
her as I had the district officers years before, so I started writing poetry again, not love poetry - I
didn't have a crush on Mrs. Pearlman - just poetry. I found I wasn't half-bad and that I loved it - it
was exciting, poetry was open to anything you could put in it. Best of all, Mrs. Pearlman liked what
I wrote.
Laurel: An admiring peer speaks of "the distinctive bits of Reedness" in your work. That describes
perfectly how I felt while reading your poetry and prose, like I knew you. You share yourself with
readers. Your style is unique and accessible. How do your stories and poems come to you?
Reed: There's no one way. I remember a couple of poems starting as lines that came to me in the
shower, which makes it ironic, since I was getting clean, that one poem was about a prostitute and
the other was titled "Old Men Looking for Prostitutes." I don't spend time with prostitutes, but it
interested me what it must be like to be one getting old. The second is about what it must be like to
get old and have to lower your expectations from life and love. Another poem I dreamed during a
troubled sleep. I woke myself up and wrote it down in about fifteen minutes and then couldn't get
back to sleep because my imagination was so excited. I'd hate to live like that all the time.
I wrote a series of poems about the articles of clothing I might be wearing at any given time - shirt,
pants, glasses, socks, shoes and cap, underwear. Just made myself sit down every few days and
make a poem out of one of these items, spend a few days revising, and then draft a poem on the next
item. They are funny and melancholy. Then I moved on to body parts - hair, teeth, knees, nose,
nipples, navel - as a series, that one is unfinished.
I guess I could answer your question by saying poems come from showering, sleeping, wearing
clothes, having a body. They also come from memory and from emotional events. One of my
favorites is about finding a wounded dog and trying to help her and then losing her in the
woods.
As far as stories, I can't think of any two I've written that have had the same kind of genesis, unless
"what if?" counts as a genesis. A lot of them are first person "what ifs" - what if I were that guy I
saw from the drug rehabilitation facility a few blocks away, riding a bike too small for him and
wearing a heavy jacket in the middle of summer? What if I were a child molester who thinks his
sexuality is a gift from God? What if my sister had been adopted? What if, when my sister had her
miscarriage, a mysterious woman came to me in the night and told me about it? What if, instead of
me being white and my cousins Mexican, my cousins were white and I were Mexican? What if I
could prove my cousin was killed by a gay-basher?
Laurel: Is Nashville a poet and writer-friendly place? Do you participate in poetry readings and
literary gatherings, for example? And how does the fact that you've won awards for writing impact
your experience?
Reed: Nashville is right in the middle of the Bible Belt. The publishers here - and there are a lot of
them - are mainly religious. Thomas Nelson is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) publishers of
Bibles in the English- speaking world. Abingdon Press is Methodist. Ideals Magazine comes from
Nashville. It would be safe to say that Nashville is a great place for religious writers. I am religious
and active in my church, but I don't write for a religious market, so I don't have personal knowledge
of what the opportunities in that market are really like here. I assume they must be good, but I don't
think you have to live in Nashville to take advantage of them.
As far as newspapers and other periodicals are concerned, Nashville has only one daily paper, The
Tennessean, whose quality has fallen considerably since the other, competing, paper went out of
business eight or nine years ago. It's come a long way down from the paper that won a Pulitzer for
its civil rights coverage in the early Sixties. The Tennessean barely recognizes any local culture
outside of established groups and venues that are supported by high profile society types -
symphony, opera, ballet, TPAC Repertory Theater. Pretty much, if it isn't downtown, it's nowhere.
Of the three or four weekly papers, Nashville Scene is the most supportive of writers and musicians.
Adam Ross, who was then features editor, established the Scene writing contest five years ago, and
it has been a big success. Margaret Renkl, the book editor, has done a terrific job of pushing her
agenda to have regular book reviews, and, of particular interest to me, a weekly personal essay.
When I first became interested in open mikes ten years ago there was one local poetry publication,
The Beatlick Poetry News, put together with great care by Joe Speer and Pamela Hirst, which I
think they mostly underwrote, though they charged a very small amount for it to cover at least some
of their expenses. I'd had an idea to do something like that even before going to any open mikes. In
fact, that's one of the main reasons I started going. It was clear that there was room for another
poetry publication, and Joe and Pam, who were selflessly dedicated to the local poetry scene and
who were poets themselves, encouraged it. I took the easy route of printing it all on one piece of
paper, an 11x14 broadside, and putting it out as often as I felt like it. I called it Radio Beds, which
earned me the nickname from Joe Speer of Radio Reed. I accepted and printed just about anything
that was handed to me, so if the quality was not uniformly high, there was always a lot of variety.
There was often artwork in the spaces between poems, usually by me, but sometimes solicited from
poets at open mikes. Once I asked everybody to draw me a picture of a tree. One time I decided to
do a theme issue and asked for poems of an erotic nature. I was surprised to discover that most
people's sense of the dividing line between erotic and pornographic is not very sophisticated, if
there's a dividing line at all. I felt like a prude, but I refused to prudishly turn anything down since I
had solicited all the submissions. I usually left copies of Radio Beds at most of the local coffee
houses, but that issue I only took to open mikes and charged a quarter for it so nobody could say
they came across it by accident or didn't know what they were getting. It was probably actually the
best issue, just not something I would show my mother. Radio Beds has been on hiatus for several
years now. It got to be a hassle when Joe Speer, with all the best intentions but perhaps being more
supportive than I needed him to be, started getting people from all over the country and even
overseas to submit poems to me. I hadn't intended for it to be any bigger or more widely distributed
than it was at the start.
Another arts publication started up a few years ago called Sensored. It was home-grown and
desktop published, but quite advanced in format and reproduction values (they had color) compared
to my sheet and the Beatlick newsletter. They had rock concert fundraisers and for a few years
sponsored a contest covering writing and visual arts called The Starvies. Sensored is still around, but
only online.
On the academic side, Nashville likes to style itself the "Athens of the South." That's partly in
reference to the replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park, which I suspect is more a tribute to
Victorian taste and maybe Southern pride than to ancient Greek values, which is not to say it's not a
beautiful building. But "Athens of the South" is really supposed to mean that Nashville is a center of
learning because of all the colleges and universities here. I supposed there are quite a few, though it
has never seemed to me that it had an unusual number for a city its size. If Atlanta doesn't have at
least as many colleges as Nashville, Atlanta should be ashamed. Anyway, I don't think cities that are
truly academically distinguished tend to advertise it in neon lights. As far as I know, Boston doesn't
call itself the Athens of the North. We do have Vanderbilt, which is highly rated. I think the English
Department even now somewhat relies on its reputation as the home and source of the Fugitives, but
that movement is far in the past. It shook up the critical world and produced one or two enduring
poets - Warren and Ransom, maybe Tate - but the Fugitives' politics were nearly as well-known as
their critical theories, and far less attractive, and the New Criticism that had such a profound effect
on analytical method has been passe for three or four decades.
All of which is not to suggest that there's nothing going on at Vanderbilt. The English faculty has
three distinguished creative writers - Kate Daniels, Mark Jarman, and Tony Early - and every year
well-known writers come and give readings that are open to the public.
There are hardly any open mike venues around here any more. There were quite a few ten years ago
when I became interested, and several that have come and gone between then and now. I had been
hesitant for a long time to participate, partly because, though I wanted an audience and though I
rarely have stage fright, reading my own poems to anybody always made me nervous. What's more,
a few years previous, I had gone to a slam with a couple of friends, just to observe. A poem that was
better by several yards than anything else read that night didn't even make it to the second round
because the poet had simply given it without chewing the scenery or even raising her voice. It was
not a poem that would have benefited from that. The other poets spat gobs of confrontational
language and emoted like carnival geeks -- they ripped their guts out for no good reason that I could
see. If there was an art in slamming, it had little to do with the writing. When I finally started going
to open mikes, I was pleased to discover that they were less feverish and competitive than slams. I'm
impressed when someone can bare his soul, even frighten me, and do it honestly, not looking for a
prize. A local poet named Adoni can do that. His monologues are bone-deep and blood-red. He's a
rare combination of true artist and true performer, but his appearances are extremely infrequent. He
reveals himself more completely than anyone I know, and if he came out more often his value would
be diminished. One of the big mysteries of poetry is why we choose to communicate these things at
all, and why we choose to communicate them in these ways, why we want as many people as
possible to hear us or read us and think what we've written is good and maybe even be changed by
it, have their view broadened, of themselves, of their art. You go to open mikes ideally, I think, to
listen critically and to be astonished, and the surprising thing, you come to realize after you've been
to a few, is that in spite of all the bullshit you have to sit through, astonishment usually happens once
or twice an evening. On the other hand, maybe I've come around to the slam point of view when I
feel that lively crap is usually better than boring good stuff, and sometimes those seem like the only
alternatives. That's when you start to question whether it is worth your time going to those things.
Do they offer any opportunity to improve your art? Is the audience they offer the right one for what
you have to say? Are they even listening? I still go to one which is just about the only one left, a sort
of combination of writing group and open mike that meets monthly. We are given a topic a week in
advance to write a poem about. The aspect of parlor game bothers me, but on the other hand, in the
two and a half years I've been going I've written three pieces worth keeping. That sounds like a low
yield, but they are pieces I might not otherwise have written.
What was the question? Is Nashville a writer-friendly place? Sort of, I guess. Hard to say.
Laurel: The Great Duckweed Debate is one of my favorite projects featuring your poetry because of
the many styles used well. It is an improvisational exchange, a humorous debate, a commentary on
life and nature expressed from several different viewpoints. What prompted this online debate and
how would you as poet describe it?
Reed: Klyd Watkins was always writing little poems (I hope he's still writing them, but he's always
threatening to give up poetry altogether) about natural events that most people don't consciously
observe or that they even tend to avoid - changes of light on the surface of a brackish pond, the
growth of duckweed in the same pond, the ripples left by a turtle in the same pond, the reflected
image of sycamores in the same pond. His observations are precise enough that he titles the poems
by the date, place and time of day. If there is an un-ironic side to postmodernism, this is it, if not in
intention at least in effect. Readers who are not on Klyd's wavelength can tend to be bored or
puzzled by what looks like an obsession, though if it is one I think there are a lot worse things one
could get obsessed about. Some of the readers who have been least sympathetic to Klyd's poems
have been some of his closest poet friends. It seems the more ironically they view themselves and
their lives the less attracted they are to the purity and simplicity of Klyd's vision. Even his livelier
poems with characters and events in them have a kind of holy innocence.
Anyway, one time Klyd asked me to go to Radnor Lake and take some pictures of sycamores for the
cover of a chapbook of poems he was putting together. It was not easy to get a good shot of
sycamores. They like the water and tend to grow right on the edge of the lake. Shooting them from
across the lake, even with a zoom lens they seemed too far away. Shooting them with the lake
behind them, to see them at all you had to get too close to take a picture because the woods were
fairly dense. I did my best, though I don't recall that any of the shots were especially good. But while
all this was going on I got an idea for a poem, a sort of reply to Klyd's love of sycamores called "Oh
Look, Sycamores." I truly am not very fond of sycamores. The color of their trunks makes a nice
contrast with the trees around them, but there is nothing aesthetically pleasing to me about the way
their branches grow in all directions, and if you have one in your yard, as I did at the time, you know
what a mess they make, losing branches whenever the wind blows and dropping those great big
green globes all over the place at the end of summer. In the poem, a very old widow is complaining
about sycamores and about how she misses her husband and revealing that sycamores represent her
guilt because she once had an affair and used to meet her lover in remote places outdoors like the
scene in the photograph she is looking at.
When Klyd posted the poem on his website someone commented that it looked like a debate was
heating up. I thought, why not? I decided to tackle another of Klyd's favorite subjects: duckweed. I
think part of Klyd's point writing about duckweed is that in nature nothing is unacceptable and
therefore nothing is ugly. I, on the other hand, think duckweed is ugly and possibly unsanitary. The
truth is, though I really don't feel that strongly about duckweed, my view of life is more tragic than
Klyd's, so I thought I could use duckweed as a way to point out some of the things that happen in
the world that his view can't account for. I invented an alter-ego named Alvin B. and wrote, "You
and Your Duckweed" not as a criticism, but as a challenge. The upshot is that I would write
something long that wallows in the muck of life and he would always come back with something
even longer and incredibly beautiful. I'm telling all this, of course from my own point of view, but I
think, as philosophical as Klyd gets in his poems, that I at least had common sense, if not logic, on
my side. The argument ends with me/Alvin B. unpersuaded, but I'm more than willing to admit that
Klyd always had art and beauty on his side. I guess you could say my point was that life and beauty
are not the same and rarely intersect.
Laurel: One early critic said Duckweed has echoes of Zen Buddhism because it is "beauty and life
described by vituosos." Is there a chance it will be published in book form any time soon?
Reed: We're trying to make a chapbook out of it.
Laurel: Which writers and poets have had the greatest influence on your writing?
Reed: I asked a poet at an open mike once who she read and she said, "I'm not a reader, I'm a
writer." I read a lot, but I don't think I could say any better than she could what writers or books
ended up being influences. I know the influences are there, but I hope they've been well enough
digested that readers can't tell what they are any better than I can. I'll tell you who some of my
favorite writers and what some of my favorite books are. Favorite novel (it's a lot of people's
favorite) is One Hundred Years of Solitude. Two other favorites: The Tin Drum and Death on the
Installment Plan. Celine is like Dickens on angel dust - so full of life and yet so bleak. I guess the
best short story writer ever is either Chekov or Turgenev. Probably about a hundred years ago Ford
Madox Ford said that Turgenev's "Bezhin Meadow" was the most beautiful piece of writing ever
created. That is still true.
Samuel Johnson's Rasselas is worth reading once a year. Charles Lamb and William Hazlitt are the
sweet and the sour of English essayists. There is so much pleasure in reading them slowly. My tastes
are pretty conventional I guess. I really enjoy quite a few modern and post modern writers, but
Dickens and Thackeray and Melville and Conrad cast such long shadows over all of them! Melville
and Conrad had to struggle just to be who they were and to write (the best modern equivalent, I
think, is Thelonius Monk) and outside of scripture there is not much that is more profound than their
best works. I once taught "Bartleby the Scrivener" to a class as an anti-Sunday School lesson about
the disappearance or withdrawal of God (not my personal feeling) and the ethical dilemma that
leaves us in. I love Sir Thomas Browne and think the last two chapters of Urn Burial, though prose,
make up one of the best poems ever written.
Of poets, the usual suspects, Shakespeare, Donne, Wordsworth. Anybody writing poetry ought to
read "Tintern Abbey" every so often. I dearly love Browning and can fairly confidently claim him as
an influence, though I'd hate for anybody to make a comparison. I think most of all I love Hardy
because his poems can bring honest tears to your eyes.
Laurel: Is there any question you wish I had asked, or any other bit of information you'd like to
share with our readers?
Reed: I have a cat named Spud.
Laurel: Thanks for agreeing to the interview, Reed. Examples of Reed Richard's writing can be
found at www.thetimegarden.com and www.nashvillescene.com.
Laurel Johnson
Senior Reviewer
Shelley's Bookshelf
Tea Is for Terror
Gayle Wigglesworth
Koenisha Publications
3196 53rd St., Hamilton, MI 49419
ISBN: 0974168521 $19.95
Gayle Wigglesworth left the world of art, where she began her education, to move to San Francisco.
She instead chose banking as a career and excelled at it, rising to Senior Vice President. She had a
family and ended up moving to Houston, where she and her husband presently live. She and her
husband travel and read extensively. TEA IS FOR TERROR placed second in the Mayhaven Annual
Award for Fiction in 2002.
Claire Gulliver is an erstwhile librarian who took the plunge out of a careful life when her uncle left
her his shabby bookstore. She revitalized the store and made it a haven for travelers. Claire is still
bothered by nightmares from a series of odd events that brought out a flair for detective work, and
her father's police mates watch over her. Claire is about to take her first trip abroad, but ends up as
the guide when her friend Lucy Springer, an established travel writer and guide, mysteriously falls on
a broken step and can't make the trip to England and Wales. Little does Claire realize that the
seeming accident is just the beginning of a malicious design on her travel group:
"'But it's Arnie. He's with us. I mean he's a member of our tour. I'm in charge. I have to do
something.' She knew she wasn't quite coherent but the policeman apparently understood and he led
her over to two men standing to the side, one talking on a mobile phone directing the rescue efforts
on the roof. It was apparent from his conversation that there was no hope of Arnie having survived
the fall."
Wigglesworth combines lots of interesting elements to put her mark on TEA IS FOR TERROR. She
is knowledgeable about the interesting parts of England and Wales and carries on a travelogue for
the reader, even as the plot unfolds. Claire is a somewhat shy heroine who enjoys wandering by
herself, and she finds a keeper and friend in Jack, who is himself interesting and full of surprises. The
plot moves right along, with one disaster after another testing Claire's resolve. Even as the ending of
the book draws near, Wigglesworth plays her cards close to her vest, not wanting the reader to
guess at the conclusion. Her denouement is well crafted, and she cunningly leaves a few threads
hanging for her next story. An excellent first effort!
Shelley Glodowski
Senior Reviewer
Shirley's Bookshelf
Pedestals
Jane Shoup
Echelon Press
56 Sawyer Circle #354, Memphis, TN 38103.
ISBN: 1590804260 $14.99 280 pages
There are times when a book is so outstanding that you wonder how you will possibly write a
review worthy of it; such is the case with Pedestals. As we begin our reading journey we met Jack
Wilmont, a detective who just wants to take sometime off; get back in touch with life, but that was
not about to happen. When a serial killer strikes Jack is asked to look at the evidence; Jack knew
this was just the beginning.Through this, he becomes involved in the case of a missing nine-year old
who had been abducted from her home.
Jack knows this is a strange case. The young girl is being raised by her step-mother, unwanted by
either her father or mother. Jack is immediately drawn to the step-mother, and although she is the
main suspect, Jack does not feel she is guilty. He enlists the help of his ex-partner and the two of
them begin an exciting investigation, just where it will lead, and if the child will be found alive is yet
to be known.
The author does an outstanding job of running two separate cases in this work, but keeping your
interest peaked in each one, yet not causing any confusion. You wonder at first if the two are
related, but soon find out they are not. The characters are well defined, extremely likeable and
believable and the storyline flows without a flaw. Well done! You are in for a treat when you see the
twist and the strange reason for the serial killings. I was shocked and surprised and I think
considering the ending that we may have a reason for another book in the future, although I can't be
sure of that.
I don't want to give a lot away concerning this mystery, but I can tell you that this is certainly one
book you do not want to miss reading. It's suspenseful, has a tad of romance and some humor and is
full of the wonderful question, who done it! This is one work I am proud to recommend, well worth
your time.
Super Foods RX
Steven Pratt, M.D.
William Morrow Publishing
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
ISBN: 0060535679 $24.95 352 pages
I have to tell you that once I began this read I could not put it down. The information that is packed
inside of it to help us promote better health is superior to most that I have read.
Dr. Pratt gives us fourteen foods that will definitely bring us closer to a healthy body if we will
incorporate them in our diet. These are: Beans, Blueberries, Broccoli, Oats, Oranges, Pumpkin,
Salmon, Soy, Spinach, Tea, Tomatoes, Turkey, Walnuts and Yogurt. Not all on your 'favorite list;?
take heart, the good doctor also provides some alternatives in each group for you to chose from. He
dedicates an entire chapter to each one, clearly defining their benefits for our bodies.
He winds down this outstanding educational read by giving us some wonderful recipes and some
important nutrition facts and slam dunks it with a chapter titled, SuperFoods RX Shopping Lists,
that will allow you to take the guess work out of which product has what , and which is the best to
buy (something I always have trouble figuring out); and for those hard to find items, he includes
their email or street address. Excellent!
This really is a useful, informative book; especially for those who wish to improve their health by
adding foods that are readily available. Dr. Pratt does an outstanding job, writing in a clear and
concise manner, bringing to light just the right amount of information you need to know without
boring you. This book is a keeper, and one you will turn to time and time again. Recommended.
I Knew I Was A Woman When....
Vanessa Denha
Publish America
PO Box 151, Baltimore, Maryland
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN: 1413707084 $14.95 176 pages
Author Vanessa Denha delves into a topic that will surely be embraced by women near and far.
When did you know you were truly a woman? Ah! Was it on a certain day, a certain occasion or
perhaps a certain season of your life?
In this work you will relish in the stories of many different women as they share the time or event
they knew they had become a woman. I laughed some and felt some tugs on my heartstrings as I
read their words. I definitely could relate.
I really liked the section, "Yes I Am a Woman NOW," where our author asked her interviewees to
answer the question, "How would you define being a woman today?"
In this section she also gives little tid-bits of information about women. Intriguing fun facts that you
will enjoy.
I really liked this book; I believe it is the personal touch that it presents to the reader. It truly is like
you are sitting and talking with your sisters, your friends, and sharing their hearts. It was an
interesting and fun read; I think all women will enjoy this work.
When Fallen Angels Fly
Vicki Thornberry
Helm Publishing
3923 Seward Avenue, Rockford, Il 61108
www.publishersdrive.com
ISBN: 0976091917 $16.00 353 pages
In this work we are first taken into the life of a young girl named Charlene. Charlene lives in
Kentucky, child of a loving but poor coal mining family. The author marks her as the main character
in this read; the source of much strength, determination, faith and loyalty that the other players in the
story, Rosie, Karma and Birdie will draw from and lean on. Ms Thornberry does an outstanding job
of defining her characters bringing them into a full spectrum of their vibrant personalities and
bringing them alive in your minds eye.
This story is mainly about Charlene and the journey of her life and how it touches others.
It is laced with the friendships she develops and the bond that is created between them.
Often heartbreaking, often humorous, at times insightful, their lives are played before you like a
vivid well documented movie that burst forth with a true taste of local color and life, that is often the
norm in a coal mining community. Excellent job in that area; I might add. This is a work that will
touch your heart with many explosions of emotions. You will laugh, you will cry, you will even
become angry at life itself, but you will never forget the story, nor the Angels that fly.
The Third Condition
Richard Lawrence Gilbert
Helm Publishing
3923 Seward Avenue, Rockford Ill 61108
www.publishersdrive.com
ISBN: 0976091976 $14.95 232 pages
Unique, that is the word that would best describe this outstanding work by author, Richard
Lawrence Gilbert. In this read we meet Dr. Richard Gilbert, a Professor of Psychology in Los
Angeles. Dr.Gilbert is preparing an international conference entitled,"The Post-Freudian
Millennium." What is this about?, Richard plans to destroy the writings of the late Sigmund Freud.
Richard is a divorced dad, one whose life is more complicated than even he realized and it is about
to change in a way he would never imagine.
On Halloween night Richard finds himself face-to-face with the ghost of Sigmund Freud. At first he
thinks it is an elaborate hoax, but soon realizes that God Himself has allowed Mr.Freud to visit earth
for purposes yet unknown to Richard. What follows is a two-month interaction between Richard and
Sigmund discussing his theories and opening Richard up to a world within himself, as they debate
psychology and matters of the heart. Before his arrival Sigmund was given three conditions by God
that must be followed on earth. Sigmund reveals the first two to Richard, but the third, a secret that
will unlock hidden mysteries and change Richards's life forever, is waiting towards the end of the
read to totally confound you. What a great twist in a novel; I never saw it coming.
This work, although done as a fictional memoir, is quite thought-provoking, yet it is laced with
humor, realism and a surprising comfortable style for the reader. A different, unique and interesting
read awaits you in "The Third Condition," don't miss this one.
Predators & Prayers
Phillip Carlo
Dorchester Publishing
200 Madison Ave., Suite 2000, New York, NY 10016
ISBN: 0843955767 $6.99 384 pages
There are some books that grab your attention from the first word, such is the case with this
outstanding work, Predators & Prayers. Priests in New York City are being brutally killed,
mutilated, degraded and the pressure is on to find this madman. That was the job set before Captain
Tony Flynn, a man who has seen more than his fair share of murders, but this case would run into
deep un-charted waters, waters he didn't like being in as they stirred memories that he had tried to
forget. This one would be personal.
As for our killer, he has his reasons for what appears to be senseless death, and as the author details
the deep-seated pain of his past you must rebuke the urge to cheer him on, knowing within yourself
murder is never the answer, two wrongs do not make a right. Yet, the author takes you so deep into
the pain in the soul of this man that you bleed within for the sorrow that was his life.
We are introduced to Carole Cunningham, a hard nose attorney from the DA's office, who is
carefully working another angle of the case. The author worked this side of the investigation in
allowing you to know facts that otherwise would be left by the wayside. That was a good move and
really enhanced the read.
The story is quick paced as the killer travels to Rome, his quest, the death of the Pope. We are
introduced to Nino Maranzano, the Italian Chief of police who merges forces with Flynn to stop this
killer. Mr. Carlo builds character upon charter, defining each one so vividly that they nicely layer the
story and pull you into the core of this book, the lives of these people. There are many emotional
surges throughout this work and some surprising twists, such as the first true feeling of love our
killer experiences for a wonderful woman named Diane, and the final chapter that brings closure to a
life wracked in pain. As details are revealed you want to laugh, you want to cry and your emotions
spiral within you.
I really can't say enough good things about this work. Philip Carlo brings out a hidden truth of
sexual abuse that plagues the very institution that should be a haven of safety, the Catholic church.
Yet, understand this, he makes it plain that it is not the belief in God, nor the soundness of such a
belief that is to fault, but the concept that predators always find openings to feed upon their prey. He
opens our eyes to a problem that is sweeping our country, infiltrating many sacred institutions and
touching those who cannot defend themselves. This read is one of pain, revenge, love, hate,
forgiveness and frank honesty that you will never forget. This is a must read that you will not be able
to put down. Highly, highly recommended.
Pretty Poison - A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery
Joyce and Jim Lavene
Berkley Prime Crime
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
ISBN: 0425202992 $6.99 272 pages
We are introduced at the beginning of this read to Peggy Lee, widow of John who was a police
detective before he gave his life for the cause. Peggy Lee owns a garden shop and has plunged into
learning all she can about her beloved plants. She is a middle-aged vibrant woman, with much to
give to others; and her knowledge of poisonous plants is about to be put to good use in this
outstanding mystery read.Peggy finds the body of a Mr.Mark Warner in her shop one morning upon
arriving for work. The fact that she knows the man and that his body was found in her shop puts
Peggy in a very hard position and plunges her into a quest to solve the murder. This is not
appreciated by the detectives that are working on this case; however in time they will change their
tune. Peggy, who has been content to live without a man in her life suddenly is thrown into the path
of Steve, a local veterinarian. Despite him being a little younger than Peggy, the instant attraction to
each other cannot be denied; yet Peggy fights the feelings she has long buried; but her struggle will
be futile.
We are taken on an enjoyable roller coaster ride as Peggy, Steve and her workers at the garden
shop begin their investigation work to solve this murder. To add some spice, another woman dies in
the same way in another city and Peggy is sure the two cases are related. I don't want to give away
the reason these poor souls died, but it certainly is not as it first appeared. A nice touch that the
authors add at the beginning of each chapter is information about different plants. A perfect addition
to the read, that blends well with the story. The authors introduce many colorful characters that add
complete realism to this read. They interweave relationship turmoil's that top the cake with a little
cream and also you are given a nice slice of humor in the form of a canine named, Shakespeare.
I believe the fact that Peggy is a middle-aged woman caused me to enjoy this read all the more. Not
the norm for many mystery novels; this shows that adventure certainly can knock on the door at any
age; and wisdom that comes with maturity can make a difference. I liked that. I have come to
respect the writing of Joyce and Jim Lavene. I know I am always going to be engrossed in any book
they write. They amaze me with their ability to write in so many different genres with such expertise,
and this work is yet another reminder of that fact. I can truly say I loved this book and was sorry
when it ended. And for a reviewer that is something we don't say very often.
Adventure, romance, humor and mystery. This is truly a read that you do not want to miss. I carry
the characters with me and look forward to Peggy's next adventure with great anticipation. Well
done!
Black Rose
Nora Roberts
The Berkley Publishing Group
375 Hudson Avenue, New York, NY 10014
ISBN: 0515138657 $7.99 370 pages
Do you think it's true that every house has a secret? If the walls could talk would you want to hear
what they had to say? The Harper House in this story could certainly tell you a few things.
We meet Roz, descendent of the owners of the Harper House, where she now resides. Recently
divorced, she is a likable perky, wealthy woman in mid-life, searching to find answers to some
hidden happenings in her home. It seems Harper House has had a ghostly residence for years; a
young woman who sings to the newborn and has stayed in the shadows until recently. Her gentle
presence, which was tolerated through the years, is now turning into rage and violence; nearly taking
the life of Roz and endangering her entire household. Who is this woman and why will she not leave
the house? Why has she turned from gentle to savage and how is she connected to the family?
Chilling questions for sure; and you will devour the book to find out the answers.
The author does a wonderful job in story and character development in this novel. She allows you to
know the main players, draws you into their personal lives and emotions and uses this as building
blocks to the danger and mystery that surrounds them. Ms. Roberts adds some romance and humor
which makes the work a comfortable read without losing it's mysterious element. I found this book
to be outstanding. a real page turner and one that I can highly recommend.
Long Ride Home
Susan K. Marlow
Kregel Publications
PO Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501
ISBN: 0825431883 $12.95 128 pages
In this wonderful teen novel we meet perky 12-year old Andi and her beloved horse Taffy. Andi is
the type of girl that loves adventure, is curious about everything and always seems to get into
trouble, despite her best efforts not to. After causing a ruckus and almost losing her life by being
careless with a wild horse, Andi is afraid she will be sent to her aunts since her family is at wits end
with her daily bouts of trouble and something must be done. Overhearing her family discussing her
possible future, Andi decides she will run away and make it on her own. Bad move! Her youth does
not give her the wisdom that is needed to be on the look-out for the many unsavory people that lurk
in the world, and so she loses her beloved horse Taffy to a horse thief, almost loses her own life, and
learns the hard way how those not as fortunate as herself must live just to survive.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick paced read and kept my interest from beginning to end. It
has some great teaching elements in it and a wonderful storyline. I recommend it highly, a very
enjoyable read.
The Carpenter's Notebook
Mark Clement
CenterLine Publishing
1021 Arlington Blvd Suite 1206, Arlington, VA 22209
www.centerlinemedia.com
ISBN: 0975421239 $16.95 291 pages
In this book we meet Brendan, a young man in a collapsing marriage, father of two daughters and
desperate to once again find peace. Brendan loves his wife, but seems unable to reach her, unable to
rekindle the love they once shared. Brendan has a promise to fulfill to his now passed father. He
promised to take his old shop and turn it into an art studio for his mother. It is during the keeping of
this promise that Brendan turns his own life around.
Brendan's father had recorded much of his work. Finding his old clipboard and his papers, Brandan
reads the words that his father penned so many years ago. Using his tools, and comparing his work
to life, Gideon records small morsels of wisdom to lives challenges and speaks of what really is
important. These words and the strength that Brandan takes from them turns Brandan around to see
what truly is important in life, and in doing so brings his family back to him. A touching work that
will open the eyes of any willing to see.
Wake Up- Live The Life You Love
Steven E & Lee Beard
Little Seed Publishing
PO Box 4483, Laguna Beach, CA 92652
ISBN: 0964470691 $14.95 190 pages
In this exceptional collection of essays we are given morsels, pearls of wisdom to help us achieve a
better life. Sharing their secrets are some of the world's well-known teachers, public speakers and
entrepreneurs. They openly discuss how they view happiness, freedom, opportunity, destiny and
many other subjects. They share ways to overcome fears, doubts, past hurts allowing us to forge
forward to a happier tomorrow. This is a very uplifting book, brimming full of positive advice in a
frank and honest way which you definitely can and will apply to your life. Recommended.
Chesapeake Crimes Two
Coordinating Editors: Donna Andrews and Maria Y. Lima
Quiet Storm Publishing
PO Box 1666, Martinsburg, WV 25402
ISBN: 0977007006 $23.95 151 pages
I love a good mystery, one you can curl-up with at night and immerse yourself in; I truly found more
than my cup of tea in this work. We don't just have one mystery to solve, but fifteen, as some
top-notch writers take us from one dark corner to the next in reverting tales of murder, mayhem and
mystery. My favorite was,"A Senior Discount On Death." I loved the two main characters, Kate and
Marlene and the twist that the story took. At first I felt sorry for them, until I realized it was the 'bad
guys,' who needed my pity. I had to chuckle!
However, each story in this book works its own magic, as every author pens their style and talent
with excellence. Each story unique, yet brimming with the familiar mystery you anticipated, you will
find yourself turning the pages in anticipation and delight. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.
More than a great read, many great reads all wrapped up in one. Outstanding, thank you authors for
sharing your talent with a hungry audience that will devour every morsel with joy.
Looking Up: A Working View
J.M. Kearney
Quiet Storm Publishing
Martinsburg WV
ISBN: 0974408417 $25.95 218 pages
In this work author J.M. Kearney writes from his heart on subjects that we face and think about
everyday but perhaps never voice our opinion. A fireman in New York City, he has perhaps heard
and seen it all and shares his opinion, those of others and his comments on the thinking of many who
do not speak for the working man (or woman.)
Sometimes harsh, sometimes humorous this book takes you into perhaps unspoken thoughts of your
neighbors, friends or family on some tough subjects that flood our existence. I loved his take on
"Wealth Vs Income," and if I may quote from page 145, " Money isn't " a method of keeping score,"
it's a barometer of how much value that person has produced." Interesting isn't it? Now you get an
idea of the contents of this work. He covers such a wide variety of subjects that touch our lives it
would be hard to tell you them all. A few are , Our obsession with self, Grief, and even a short take
on 'Bumper Sticker," and their hidden meaning. I loved it.
A real down to earth, straight talk read that the 'working class' will be able to relate to.
I think this one you will enjoy sinking your teeth in. Recommended.
Red Tide
T.G. Browning
RDD Publishing
2170 Raynor St SE, Salem, OR 97302
ISBN: 0975351044 $16.95 344 pages
I sat on my bed reading this book and hearing my heart pound within me; what a ride. Pam Whitby
was to be married, that is until Kevin was killed in a car accident. Kevin worked magic, knew the
powers that be, was gifted. Pam also is gifted, but is not prepared for the battle against evil she will
be thrust into.
Traveling across country Pam is drawn to an ocean town where something is devouring the people,
literally. This evil is eating them, controlling them and becoming stronger with each victim. Pam
teams up with some very colorful characters, such as Jack Westfeld, a local bartender who is seeing
people change before his eyes and Casey Nugent, a teenager who is forgotten by everyone who ever
knew him, including his own family, once he was touched by the evil. Add to that a talking cat,
several women who see into the future, robbing of graves and the walking dead, you better know
you are in for one chilling adventure. I have to tell you; I read this book in two nights and was so
engrossed in the read that I actually jumped when I heard a noise, for a moment thinking could it be
"The Maker of Night!" Scary!
If you want a book that has a great storyline, is bone chilling and chock full of the supernatural this
one is for you. A work that grabs you and locks you in until you have read the last word; now that is
a book you don't want to miss. Very highly recommended especially for those who love to feel the
terror as they read; I know I did.
Finding Favor With The King
Tommy Tenney
Bethany House Publishers
11499 Hamphire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minnesota,55438
ISBN: 0764200178 $12.00 224 pages
In this outstanding work author Tommy Tenney takes us on a journey, that if followed could change
our lives and bring us to a place with the Lord that is breathtaking. He shares with us the story of
Esther in the Bible and how she won favor with the King during her time. Using this as an example,
Mr. Tenney challenges us to take the steps as Esther did to receive favor from our King, the Lord
Jesus.
His leading in instructions to achieve this goal are practical, Scriptural, and profoundly spiritual as
you soon see that Esther was a true example for us to follow; and you realize you actually can obtain
favor with the Lord if you are willing to pay the price that it will require. It really is not a hard price
to pay, but a joy to do to achieve the favor of the One we love. To give an additional help, our
author has a page at the end of the book that we may use as a reminder of what these protocols are.
On this page are the, "Twelve Protocols of the Palace," Esther's secrets of finding favor with the
King. I agree with my fellow reviewer; I'm hanging this on the wall as well. Thank you Mr. Tenney
for such an encouraging read.
The Time Tunnel of August Kaplan
Jane Shoup
Kids Dimension
An Imprint of New Age Dimensions, Inc.
P.O. Box 772097, Coral Springs, FL 33077
www.NewAgeDemensionsPublishing.com
ISBN: 15961110325 $4.50 download 84 pages
Do you ever entertain the possibility of time travel? Wonder what another era was like and longed to
visit that time for yourself? If you do, this book is for you. We meet a delightful 'almost,' thirteen
year old named Kati Kaplan; one is going through a time of divorce with her parents and an
awakening to who she is. She doesn't seem to fit in anywhere, money is tight for her and her mom,
and life seems to be zigzagging from one hard spot to another, but that was about to change.
Katie and her mom inherit a beautiful home from her father's several times removed Uncle August.
Why he left it to Katie and her mom and not to Kati's dad and how he even knew she would be born
are several of the mysteries waiting to be solved in this delightful read.
As they moved into this mansion of a home, Kati begins to explore and finds a secret tunnel, one
with a special purpose. As Kati ventures through this tunnel she is transported back to the year her
Uncle lived and after the initial shock of meeting her Uncle; they begin a friendship that spans all
time and space. Quite a ride.
I have been privileged to review some really wonderful young adult books lately, but I have to say
this one is top of the notch. The characters are well defined, realistic and likeable and I believe all
young people will relate to Kati and will love the way the author allows her to express freely her
feelings and the growing pains she is experiencing. Top that off with mystery and adventure and you
have a real winner of a read. I give this book a high recommendation and believe this is one you
should not miss reading. A very fun, enjoyable read.
Shirley Johnson
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
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