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MBR Bookwatch

Volume 3, Number 4 April 2004 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Cynthia Penn's Bookshelf Donovan's Bookshelf Kaveny's Bookshelf

Klausner's Bookshelf Laurel's Bookshelf Shelley's Bookshelf

Shirley's Bookshelf Vicki's Bookshelf

Cynthia Penn's Bookshelf
Mad About Mia
Millie Criswell
Ballantine/Ivy
1744 Broadway, New York NY 10019
ISBN 0804119945 $6.99

Highly recommended. Mia DeNero has made some unorthodox career choices in her life like driving a bulldozer on a highway construction crew. When she hangs her new diploma on the wall, Mia is determined to make a success of her new business Guardian Angel Protective Services. So when geeky Niccolo Caruso shows up in her office offering three thousand a month for her services, she gladly offers him a her apartment couch while he finishes writing his book, an expose of the Mafia. Mia does not know that Nick is actually working undercover for the FBI Organized Crime Investigation Unit. Nor does she realize that she lives live right above Mama Sophia's Restaurant which will allow Nick to keep close watch on his suspect who frequents the establishment. Also, Mia's sister is married to the Russo family and will provide an opportunity to interview family members and obtain other information he would not otherwise have access to. Nick chooses Mia because she is naive and she is new to the bodyguard business. But Mia's inexperience does not make her unobservant. Once they fall in love, Mia may not overlook Nick's deceitfulness. Moreover, Nick is usually up front about women's place in his life. They are for friendship and sex, and never long term. So learning that he does not need her protection, but is using her bodes ill for Mia, regardless of Nick's sex appeal. Fans of Mia Criswell will love her newest romantic comedy. While elements of intrigue underlie this delightful read, it is the marvelous characterizations that make MAD ABOUT MIA such a treasure. With Criswell's characteristically spunky heroine and sexy hero, MAD ABOUT MIA provides plenty of amusement. Although she is a bit flighty, Mia's determination and tenacity challenge Nick's determination to protect his investigation. Moreover, the background draws on the best of Baltimore's Little Italy, resulting in a flavorful read. A quick and entertaining story that fans will not want to miss, MAD ABOUT MIA comes highly recommended.

Operation: Second Chance Superromance No 1185
Roxanne Rustand
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711859 $5.25 304 pages

From The Special Agents series -- Very Highly recommended. After five years of prison, T.J. Cauthen has a plan to exonerate himself after having lost his career, his honor and his daughter. Double crossed by his coworkers with the DEA and framed for a crime he did not comment, T. J. intends to prove his innocence. When released from prison, T.J. travels by bus to Silver Springs, Wyoming, with a cheap duffel bag of second hand cloths, planning to investigate Abby Hillard, the wife of the man who landed him in prison. But from their first meeting, Abby is nothing like the sleek, wealthy woman in his newspaper photograph. Indeed, T.J. immediatelyb confronts the question of where Oren Hillard's money could have gone. Abby's boarding house is in need of significant maintenance, and she obviously scrimps to get by. Moreover, the glitzy look of the society newspaper photograph does not match the gently humor, or the personal concern that she exhibits toward her boarders. In addition, despite his determination to clear his name, T.J. quickly finds himself facing difficult choices when his brother can no longer look after his daughter Megan. Now his investigation could put her at risk, and her pain regarding his five-year absence is palpable, especially since she does not know he was prison. Between his ten-year old daughter and money launders, T.J. will have his hands full, especially when he falls for the disconcerting Abby as well. Author Roxanne Rustand pens a heart-rendering tale of loss, opportunity and second chances in OPERATION: SECOND CHANCE. T.J. is a fascinating blend of determination and compassion, strength and concern, but it is his vulnerability and need to learn to trust that becomes the heart of his story. In addition, his remorse over the pain his past has caused his daughter provides him a endearing quality that readers w ill love. Abby's determination to earn her independence from her family by finishing school and creating a new life matches T.J.'s tenacity. Ultimately, they prove to be memorable characters with their remarkable ethics and deep passion. A beautifully rendered story that belongs on the keeper shelf, OPERATION: SECOND CHANCE comes very highly recommended.

French Twist
Roxanne St. Claire
Pocket Books
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0743477294 $6.99 352 pages

A Bon Voyage novel - Highly recommended. Nick Jarrett earned the name of the Scorpion for his mark when he absconded with the treasures of the very wealthy. His exploits disappear from newspapers, however, when FBI agent Tristan finally captures him in the act. But Nick makes a deal with Tristan to protect his family. Now he is known as Luc Tremont, working undercover as a security consultant while helping the FBI stop other thieves. His current assignment brings him to a Versailles exhibit showcasing the recently discovered set of vases made by King Louis XIV's mistress. Only now someone has appropriated his old identity, claiming to be the legendary Scorpion. American professor Janine Coulter desperately wanted this job as curator for the Pompadour Plum vases. She and her mentor had spent the bulk of their careers working to prove the vases existed only for him to die just before the exhibit opened. Although authorities have ruled his death a suicide, Janine does not believe it. She disagrees with Luc's determination to limit the public's access to the vases. She does not know that Luc intends to use the vases as bait to capture the Scorpion copycat. And when the vases are stolen, she insists upon accompanying him chasing the thieves across France - falling in love only seems to complicate the situation for both of them. FRENCH TWIST begins with an intriguing plot, but the pacing slows after someone steals the vases. As tension increases between Janine and Nick, neither welcomes their mutual chemistry given their equally mutual suspicion. While St. Claire occasionally reveals too much before her hero and heroine figure it out, the strength of characterizations certainly compensates. Indeed, St. Claire demonstrates an ability to create a strong sense of background from the beauty of Versailles to the lushness of Burgundy. FRENCH TWIST comes highly recommended.

Highlander Unbound
Julia London
Pocket Books
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0743465067 $6.99 384 pages

Regency Romance -Highly recommended. A family legend passed down through the centuries transforms a token of love into a curse. Just before her execution for infidelity, Anice of Lockhart arranged to have an emerald hid in the belly of a small, ugly carving. Now rumor holds that no Lockhart woman will find love without facing the Devil. Knowledge of the jewel died, leaving only rumor of fortune. In 1816, Navy Navy Captain Liam Lockhart sets out to recover the beastie from the English Lockharts, hoping to save his Scottish family from loosing their home and property. Liam's careful plans eventually lead him to the English Lockharts. But while in London he rents a room where he meets nine-year-old Natalie, who expertly slips into his room for frequent visits despite his protestations. Eventually their acquaintance leads him to her mother Ellen. Liam falls in love with Ellen, but her desperation to provide a new life for her daughter leads to drastic measures when she steals the beatie herself. Liam vows to follow Ellen and to retrieve the beastie for his family as well as to avenge his honor. Author Julia Lodon pens a riveting frolic in HIGHLANDER UNBOUND. A delightful plot will hold the reader enthralled as Liam disposes of mice and picks roses in Hyde Park. On the one hand he is incredibly charming and on the other hand his brashness provides wonderful entertainment. Ellen's desperation will strike a cord with those sympathetic to her plight. Certainly Liam and Ellen find themselves at seemingly irreconcilable crossroads, resulting in a marvelously told tale. Natalie proves a bit too precocious to be plausible at times; nonetheless, she still adds a wonderful humorous element. HIGHLANDER UNBOUND comes highly recommended.

Romancing the Tycoon American Romance No 1011
Debra Webb
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373750153 $4.75 256 pages

The Colby Agency - Highly recommended. Personal assistant Amy Wells desperately wants to become an investigator for The Colby Agency. When her boss asks her to personally deliver an investigative report to a client, a series of coincidences and errors lands Amy an opportunity to prove her investigative abilities. Oil moguls Winterborne and Calhoun, always fierce competitors, plan to join their dynasties through an arranged marriage. Mr. Winterborne has hired the agency to check out John Robert Calhoun IV. Amy cannot resist a peak at the report, which proves to be squeaky clean except for the very last page which indicates possible connections to mob activity. A case of mistaken identity affords Amy an opportunity to prove her worth to The Colby Agency. She intends to do a little personal investigation to ascertain if there can be any truth to the allegations. While she cannot prove wrong doing, Amy falls hard for the sexy John. Certainly her supposed reputation does not match the beautiful, seemingly genuine woman who arrives on his ranch. Suddenly an arranged marriage is beginning to look like a happily forever proposition. But when the weekend ends, the truth must come out and Amy faces the possibility of loosing both her fledgling career and the man she could love for a lifetime. Author Debra Webb puts together mistaken identity and an arranged marriage in an unlikely combination that readers will find impossible to put down in ROMANCING THE TYCOON. Amy and John are engaging characters that find love only through a quirk of fate. Webb has a gift for weaving an entrancing tale out of improbable events to create a tale both tender and passionate. A quick read fans will treasure, ROMANCING THE TYCOON comes highly recommended.

He Said No
Patricia Waddell
Zebra Books
Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821775014 $5.99 416 pages

From the Gentleman's Club series - Very Highly recommended. Both Norton Russell Foxhass, Earl of Granby, and Catherine Hardwick are cynical about the opposite sex, believing they are not to be trusted. Granby further likes variety too much to content himself with a single woman for more than a few months; that is, until Catherine nearly runs him over riding a beautiful stallion called Storm Dancer. Women usually graviate to his reputation for being a vigorous lover as well as for his wealth and his title. So Catherine's determination to keep her distance, despite their scintillating chemistry, captures his attention. Catherine is perfectly happy living in Wichcombe, far from London's labyrinth of silly rules and foolish gossip. Unfortunately, her father wishes her to be married and based on what she has seen, women do not find happiness in marriage. Full of spirit and not afraid to say what she thinks, Catherine proves to be irresistible for Granby. He becomes determined to buy Storm Dancer from her father and also to know Catherine's passion first hand, even he must wed her to do so. With intriguing flair, author Patricia Waddell pens a must read regency in HE SAID NO. Irreverent humor, unexpected levity and sparkling wit all find voice from fresh characterizations and subtly unexpected plotting. Granby and Catherine, as well as marvelous cast of secondary characters, are filled with the joys and foibles that bring each characterization vividly alive. Fierce independence and powerful desire combine in this amusing read that belongs on the keeper shelf. Guaranteed to win the reader's heart, HE SAID NO comes very highly recommended.

Seen By Moonlight
Kathleen Eschenburg
Avon HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street New York, NY USA 10022
ISBN 0380815680 $5.99 416 pages

Very Highly recommended. Brought to the brink of bankruptcy following her father's illness and death, Annabelle Halleston agrees to honor a bargain struck between her father and Royce Kincaid's father. It allows her to save the family home while assuring her brother's futures. In addition to a few other demands, however, she changes their wedding day to April Fool's Day. Royce counters with his own expectations regarding inheritance of his property in the event of his death or the dissolution of their marriage should he survive the war. Indeed, should he survive the war, Royce intends to go west and wishes no further contact with Annabelle. It does not take long for Royce to realize that if he does not die in the coming war, he would live to regret this marriage. Author Kathleen Eschenburg recreates the beauty and the grace of the south before the Civil War with all possible poignancy and pain of that lost era. She deftly exposes the flaws of slaveholders, for example, yet they can be ethical, sympathetic and terribly flawed. The result is a story that springs vividly alive with the tragic nuances, triumphs and perplexities that makes it truly believable. From the main characters to the slaves, these are characters readers come to care for. One of the most entertaining Civil War stories I have had the privilege to review, SEEN BY MOONLIGHT comes very highly recommended.

A Cowboy at Heart Superromance No 1184
Roz Denny Fox
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711840 $5.25 304 pages

From You, Me & The Kids series -- Very Highly recommended. Country music star Melinda Kimbrough, known to her fans as Misty, disappears after a sell-out concert, determined to break the stranglehold her manager has over her life. Now twenty-six, Wes has managed her life since her father died when she was sixteen. The open-ended contract they have is virtually unbreakable but Melinda needs out before she breaks down. With millions in bank accounts she cannot touch, Melinda resorts to living on the streets of LA until she hears about a ranch for teens needing a new start. Linc Parker might be a financial wizard to the stars, but it was not enough to save his teen sister from suicide when an audition left her desperately depressed. To make recompense to the past, he buys Rascal Ranch sight unseen. He expects a working refuge but finds three abandoned wards of the state and bunkhouses with no heat and the entire operation filthy. Before he can even decided what to do about the three young children, five teens arrive in desperate need of a bed. He quickly realizes that Melinda, nicknamed Randi, is no teen and on the run. But does not suspect that she is part of the world of entertainers and celebrities that he has come to despise. Author Roz Denny Fox has established a solid reputation for stories that touch the heart. Inspired by an overheard conversation in which a star admitted that life at the top is not always rosy, A COWBOY AT HEART captures the challenges of life in the spotlight. With her deft storytelling skill, Fox creates a memorable tale of healing and redemption for a powerful heroine and a man bold enough to learn to love her. The result is a vividly realized tale with remarkable characterizations that cannot help but touch the heart. A COWBOY AT HEART comes very highly recommended.

Take Me Twice Blaze No 126
Isabel Sharpe
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373273452 $4.50 256 pages

Men to Do - Recommended Once Laine Blackwell had belonged to him body and soul until Grayson Alexander callously threw it away on stolen kisses with someone else. After the emotional maelstrom passed, they had even managed a fun friendship that included a lot of terrific sex until Grayson moved from New York to Chicago. But he still kept tabs on Laine through mutual friends. When he moves back to the area, Grayson decides that a part-time apartment in the city would be conducive to business, and Laine just happens to be in need of a roommate. He is certainly more than willing to pick up where they left off. Laine knows that perfect solutions and obvious choices have a way of turning on her. But she does not have many other viable options if she wants this summer off before she starts graduate school in the fall. She has marvelous plans of lessons in skydiving, French, yoga, and cooking for the summer. Even more importantly, she wants a man, or men, to do before she gets returns to the world of hard work. So full time rent and part time cohabitation is the perfect solution if she can keep her libido under control. After all, she has no intentions of risking her heart on Grayson again. One of the most exciting elements in the Men to Do miniseries is the element of risk that comes into play when a woman boldly chooses a man "to do." Isabel Sharpe, rather than exploiting the titillating possibilities, brings together old lovers instead, thereby taking some of the element of surprise and suspense out of the equation. Once Grayson wears down Laine's resistance, the conclusion seems rather obvious. On the other hand, despite their shared history of sexual satisfaction, Grayson's fear of commitment, even to next week, does add a bit of complexity to their situation. For readers who enjoy the tease and reunion of old lovers, Sharpe pens a lightly entertaining read perfect for a lazy day. TAKE ME TWICE comes recommended.

Nothing Sacred Superromance No 1185
Tara Taylor Quinn
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711891 $5.25 304 pages

From the Shelter Valley Stories series - Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence Martha Moore's forty-something year old professor husband left her for a twenty-something old student. Consequently, she cannot help treating the new minister's sermon on love with cynicism. But David Cole Marks is the first minister in Shelter Valley not to hide behind his robe and his pulpit. He is determined to earn Martha's trust and confidence, patient with her even if he must pay for the transgressions of another man. Who better, he believes, given that he ministers because he carefully protects a secret that keeps him from marrying and having his own family. Martha's twenty-year old daughter Ellen hitchhikes when she runs out of gas. Unthinkably for Shelter Valley, a stranger picks her up and rapes her. The shock ripples through the small town that once considered itself totally safe. Suddenly people find themselves locking doors and looking over their shoulders. Indeed, no one is left untouched, especially David, who suspects that the rape is tied to a much bigger crime wave that threatens to overwhelm the peace and serenity of Shelter Valley. Now he and Martha must combine their efforts to make a difference for the town they both love. Author Tara Taylor Quinn captures the horrors of life as well as the power of faith and love to transcend all in NOTHING SACRED. Quinn deftly creates the painful nuances of a family devastated by infidelity and the loss of a father. The impact on the four children is profound from the eldest daughter whose determinate to not be a burden leads her to the wrong place at the wrong time to the teen daughter who seems bent on a path of self-destruction. Consequently, trust issues dominate this family and the minister determined to reach them. But his own painful past threatens to overwhelm the beauty of the place where he comes to find love and acceptance. Quinn does not shy away from the darker side of life, but she does balance with a promise of happiness. Both Martha and David are the kind of people we would all like to know and would feel compassion for as they fight their individual demons. As they confront the disillusionment that nothing may be sacred, their transformation will touch readers deeply. One of the most powerful Superromances I have had the privilege to review, NOTHING SACRED earns the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.

The Wedding Rescue American Romance No 1007
Dianne Castell
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373750110 $4.75 256 pages

Highly recommended. Alaskan bush pilot Tanner Davenport flies home to Kentucky to stop his brother from marrying neighbor Savannah MacKay. Savannah has never stuck to anything and Tanner does not believe her marriage to his brother can possibly last. When he shares his concerns with Savannah's older sister Charity, she promises to help him stop the wedding, while plotting to ensure that it actually goes off without a hitch. It has been eight years since Tanner and Charity have seen one another and the attraction between them is palpable. But he loves flying, whales and the aurora borealis. Charity loves horses and is raising a possibly Kentucky Derby contender. Unfortunately, a mysterious illness threatens Charity's plans. So while she struggles to keep her horse business thriving, Charity strives to keep Tanner as far away from Savannah as possible for the next two weeks until the wedding takes place. Author Dianne Castell takes a well used plot and adds her own flair to create a freshly delightful tale in THE WEDDING RESCUE. A well rounded cast of characters keeps the pages turning swiftly as Tanner and Savannah threaten to set the bluegrass state ablaze. Neither Tanner nor Charity is prepared to deal with the impossibly strong attraction between them. With a rich background and delightful subplots that comes alive with Castell's deft pen, THE WEDDING RESCUE comes highly recommended.

The Prodigal Cousin Superromance No 1188
Anna Adams
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711883 $5.25 304 pages

From The Calvert Cousins series -- Very Highly recommended. The first woman in sixteen months that reminds Sam Lockwood that he is a man just happens to be his mother's daughter. Never mind they are not biologically related, the irony is almost too much. Sam only came to Bardill 's Ridge to meet his birth mother Eliza Calvert. When he and his two daughters arrive at the bed and breakfast, the Calverts extend a warm welcome to the Lockwoods, little suspecting the secrets that will shortly come to light. He desperately wants his daughters to be accepted by Eliza even if she chooses to reject him. Eliza's adopted daughter Molly had a rough childhood, paying penance as an adult for painful choices made years ago. She cannot have children and as she watches her adopted cousins marrying and having children, feels like she will never have the family they each are building. Then Sam arrives with three daughters, widowed, searching for a family for the girls in case something happens to him. But at twenty-five, Molly is too old to accept a new brother. Despite Molly's determination to disregard her feelings for her mother's son, however, love seems determined to find a way. Author Anna Adams deftly captures the ironies and emotional conundrums of adoption situations In THE PRODIGAL COUSIN. The need for family, for acceptance and for connections creates powerful motivation for Sam and his daughters to fit in with the Calverts. Molly's innate feeling of alienation captures the need for self-acceptance and self-forgiveness. Birth mother Eliza becomes a stunningly memorable secondary character with her necessary losses and heart rendering choices. Indeed, Adams boldly portrays the rejection and broken trust that makes revealing painful truths a life shattering, and life altering experience for all concerned. THE PRODIGAL COUSIN comes highly recommended.

Wild Highland Rose
Dee Davis
Leisure Books
Dorchester Publishing Co, Inc.
276 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10001
ISBN 0505525704 $5.99 368 pages

Very highly recommended. Cameron briefly rouses to the sound of the hospital machines that keep him alive before the light draws him to another place. When he awakens, he finds himself at the foot of a rockslide without his memory. Cameron knows he is not part of the fifteenth century in which he awakens, but he cannot recall the life he left behind. Yet a recurring nightmare of car accident and a screaming woman insure his discontent with his new life and his need for resolution. In the meantime, Cameron finds himself caught in intricate plots of revenge between highland clans. The man whose body he occupies is married to Marjory, who detests him. She recognizes that her husband's survival of the rockslide is miraculous, but she certainly does not suspect the truth of his identity. Nevertheless, Marjory is terribly suspicious of his radical changes in behavior, especially toward her. She certainly does not expect to fall in love with Cameron. Author Dee Davis has a gift for penning romances that are impossible to put down. Switching from her usual romantic suspense to time travel, Davis displays the range of her talent in WILD HIGHLAND ROSE. Interestingly, Davis bases the premises of the novel on a historical concept that contemporary readers will initially find shocking. Between Cameron's inability to pinpoint what has happened to him and other people's reactions, readers will discover plenty of amusing entertainment. Moreover, Davis deftly captures the painful difficulty a woman married to her enemy must face because Cameron is so good to her. Add this one to your keeper shelf! WILD HIGHLAND ROSE comes very highly recommended.

Crossfire: Silhouette Intimate Moments No 1275
Jenna Mills
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373273452 $4.75 256 pages

Sequel to The Perfect Target - Very highly recommended. Two years have passed since passion exploded and seven hours of lovemaking ended with feelings of betrayal between Elizabeth Carrington and Wesley "Hawk" Monroe. One mistake had unraveled Elizabeth's well thought out plans for her life. Now her father insists that the bodyguard come back to protect her again when an international criminal threatens revenge on the Carringtons. But when Wesley attempts to move Elizabeth to a safe place, their plane crashes. Once Wesley had believed that a woman of refinement like Elizabeth could love a man like him. He believed that the cool fa�ade concealed a fabulously passionate woman. Now it does not matter. He attends to do his job and walk away with his heart and his self-esteem intact. Once Elizabeth had tried to strip away Wesley's roughness and crudeness to find the man inside. What she found had rocked the foundations of her world. Soon Wesley and Elizabeth will discover that neither of them can just walk away again. Author Jenna Mills pens an exhilarating ending in CROSSFIRE that readers will find difficult to put down. From the gripping beginning to the last mind-blowing page, Mills creates an intriguing world of danger. The excellent plotting keeps tension high and sensuality burning as Wesley and Elizabeth struggle with the possibilities of second chances and extreme danger. While following the familiar device of opposites attracting, Wesley and Elizabeth are strong, appealing characters. Wesley is coarse and brash, thriving on adrenaline and risk, living outside the lines. Elizabeth is a rule follower, a maker of plans and a woman who meets her family's expectations. Together they become something far more than what they are apart. As a result, they are incredibly memorable. Daring, unexpected and sexy, CROSSFIRE comes very highly recommended.

With this Fling: Blaze No 128
Jeanie London
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373791321 $4.50 248 pages

Highly Recommended. Theirs is more than a power struggle between two strong personalities. Private investigators Harley Prince and Mac Gerard share a profound attraction - one she is not willing to act upon. Mac knows that he is in for the trouble of his life and he will break any rule to get Harley into bed. He thinks that a wild fling will satisfy his unbearable urge. But when an investigation brings them together twenty-four/seven, Mac gets more than he expected. Harley unequivocally turns Mac down at every turn. She considers him a spoiled, rich boy and does not take him seriously. Eventually she yields, however, hoping that a night together will get him out of her system. Meanwhile, to catch a thief, Harley and Mac will have to go undercover, pretending to marry. But when the investigation is complete, someone has to risk their heart to learn if they can have a fling that will last a lifetime. Author Jeanie London pens a delightful romp in WITH THIS FLING. Harley is a marvelous heroine with her lighthearted approach to affairs that sharply contrasts her professional image. Her determination to not yield to Mac gives him quite the run for his money. Mac knows his tactics are unfair, but will do anything to convince Harley to share her bed. A steamy, fun, sexy tale sure to please, WITH THIS FLING comes highly recommended.

Life According to Lucy
Cyndi Myers
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373441843 $4.50 248 pages

Highly Recommended. Theirs is more than a power struggle between two strong personalities. Private investigators Harley Prince and Mac Gerard share a profound attraction - one she is not willing to act upon. Mac knows that he is in for the trouble of his life and he will break any rule to get Harley into bed. He thinks that a wild fling will satisfy his unbearable urge. But when an investigation brings them together twenty-four/seven, Mac gets more than he expected. Harley unequivocally turns Mac down at every turn. She considers him a spoiled, rich boy and does not take him seriously. Eventually she yields, however, hoping that a night together will get him out of her system. Meanwhile, to catch a thief, Harley and Mac will have to go undercover, pretending to marry. But when the investigation is complete, someone has to risk their heart to learn if they can have a fling that will last a lifetime. Author Jeanie London pens a delightful romp in WITH THIS FLING. Harley is a marvelous heroine with her lighthearted approach to affairs that sharply contrasts her professional image. Her determination to not yield to Mac gives him quite the run for his money. Mac knows his tactics are unfair, but will do anything to convince Harley to share her bed. A steamy, fun, sexy tale sure to please, WITH THIS FLING comes highly recommended.

When Megan Smiles: American Romance No 1009
Mary Anne Wilson
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373750137 $4.75 256 pages

Highly recommended. Two years after his wife's death, single father Rafe Dagget is target of lots of nice women whose biological clocks tick away. His wife had been very sick with her pregnancy with the twins, and he consequently stepped away from the hands-on operations of Dagget Security, Inc. and started delegating and supervising. A phone call from a long time friend, however, puts rescues Rafe from his latest blind date and puts Rafe back in the day day-to-day work with a new name and an assumed identity. He puts the twin boys in the company day care and begins investigating a case of industrial espionage. He never expects to meet a woman like sexy lawyer Megan Gallagher or to have his fake identity get in the way. Megan arrives at LynTech planning to prove her skills and land a promotion. Engaged for a month, she expects life to go according to her carefully laid plans. But when she arrives for a black tie dinner, security will not even let her onto the premises until she proves she is supposed to be there. The inauspicious introduction to Rafe does not bode well, especially when he makes her late. But Megan's disarming smile has a way of getting to Rafe, even if he perceives her judgements of an hourly worker to be unfair. Further, she hates him for being able to get to her. As a result, their volatile relationship certainly promises to rock both their worlds. Author Mary Anne Wilson pens a charming romance in WHEN MEGAN SMILES. The strong character driven dynamics lend the novel an amusing, tender quality as Megan and Rafe struggle to discover the person beneath the fa�ade. Rafe's love for his children, his positive memories of his deceased wife, and his protective streak make him a powerful and memorable hero. Megan oscillates between abrasive and vulnerable as she struggles to redefine her priorities, allowing for tremendous character growth. With lots of strong wonderful secondary characters and charming children, WHEN MEGAN SMILES comes highly recommended.

Cynthia Penn
Reviewer

Donovan's Bookshelf
Keys to the Kingdom: Mr. Monday
Garth Nix
Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
0439551234 $5.99 1-800-242-7737

Arthur is slated to die an early death, but finds his life saved by a key shaped like a clock. His world remains in danger, however, and it's up to Arthur to battle a strange plague which enters his world through the key, and a stranger named Mister Monday who seems to have the answers to all.

A Nose Like a Hose
Jenny Samuels
Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
0439373034 $12.95 1-800-242-7737

What can you do with a nose like a hose? You can decorate it with bows and other moves, or read all about it in this fun picturebook story which pairs a rollicking rhyme with an elephant's dilemma, and ends with an unexpected celebration of a hose nose's benefits.

Scholastic Book of Outstanding Americans
Sheila Keenan
Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
0439283582 $19.95 1-800-242-7737

Profiles of over four hundred famous and infamous figures of US history include such notables as Bob Dylan, Abraham Lincoln, and Colin Powell. A photo accompanies every entry, quotes are included, and info covered includes biographical sketches of scientists, artists, activists, and politicians alike. The lively format makes this appealing for leisure browsers or those honing subjects for a deeper biographical report.

Island of Hope
Martin Sandler
Scholastic Inc.
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
0439530822 $18.95 www.scholastic.com

This story of Ellis Island will reach grades 5-7 with almost 150 pages of detail on the immigrants to the island and their different experiences. Vintage black and white photos and first-person accounts capture the Ellis Island experience in vivid detail.

Audio Editions
Auburn, CA 95604
www.audiopartners.com

Two new arrivals are powerful picks for audio listeners who relish the cd format. M.C. Beaton's DEATH OF A POISON PEN (1572703784, $27.95) enjoys Graeme Malcolm's studied and smooth voice as it presents a new Hamish Macbeth mystery: this one revolving around a town infected with poison pen letters which may hold murderous dangers to recipients. Colum McCann's DANCER (1572703741, $44.95) is a full-cast production with 6 readers sharing the drama. The novel of Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev uses facts from his life to spice an erotic story of his talents and lust.

Green Mangoes and Lemon Grass
Wendy Hutton
Periplus/Tuttle Publishing, Dist.
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
079460157X $35.00 tuttlepublishing.com

Access to a well-stocked Asian grocery will be required for successful appreciation of GREEN MANGOES AND LEMON GRASS; but readers with such access will find this a fine introduction to the range of Southeast Asia's dishes, from Thailand's spicy cuisine to the French influences of Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy a Mimosa Rice from Vietnam spiced with coconut milk, fish sauce, Chinese sausages and onions; or a Spicy Minced Beef from Laos with lime juice and lemon grass. Beautiful color photos abound.

Life and Works of Alfred Bestall
Caroline Bott
Bloomsbury UK/Trafalgar Square
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
074756194X $35.00 1-800-423-4525

Bestall was illustrator of Rupert Bear, a popular set of cartoons for kids which appeared in Britain's Daily Express for thirty years. As such, many Americans may not find these family images; but any with a British background or knowledge will find them familiar far. Goddaughter Bott pieced together the life of her godfather and in LIFE AND WORKS provides a delightful portrait of an illustrator's life.

Encyclopedia of Mosaic
Elaine Goodwin
Trafalgar Square Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
157076266X $27.50 1-800-423-4525

Mosacists will delight in an in-depth survey which covers the technical, cultural and historical context for creating mosaics. Goodwin's guide takes the form of an A-Z encyclopedia of techniques and creations, covering everything from mosaic history and technical details on mosaic creation to the entire design process. An incredible pick for artists at all levels of talent, working in the medium.

Diane C. Donovan
Reviewer

Kaveny's Bookshelf
I am attending and reporting on The 25th International Conferences on The Fantastic and The Arts. But please bear with me as I reflect for just a few moments, as I let just a few thoughts race through my brain as I stare at the raging bull that Hemmingway called the blank page.

Sometimes fifty years seems like long enough to do this sort of thing especially when my own face in the hotel room mirror looks back at me and seems to say enough is enough and the demon of self accusatory depression looks over my shoulder, and the chicken of despair pecks at my toes and clucks at me as she says, why bother, who reads your stuff anyway, you should be doing something else, anything else, you would have done better to be a foot powder salesman then to spend your life doing what you have.

I have been involved in creative writing and literary criticism for over fifty years, since I was in third grade at Marquette School in Madison Wisconsin, and was told to write a story about a winter scene in which a horse drawn sleigh glided across new fallen snow on a frosty moonlit night. Instead I wrote a stylistic critique of the artist who did the painting, in great big block letters, because I felt that I had to say what I thought about the painting.

But then, strangely enough, just the moment at which I am entertaining such thoughts, the ghost of John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim's Progress laughs at me and says, "Did it again, did Yeah. Put yourself into the Dungeon of Despair. Well Yeah Damm Fool yeah left the door open, and the giant who guards it is a moron so all you have to do is walk out, or better yet write your way out. Its not now as it was in my day in England under Oliver Cromwell, where they did really lock you up for a few years, if you did not agree with them, like they did with yours truly.

Don't worry I don't really talk to Ghosts, (at least not when I am awake), and I have pretty good reason to believe that I am not clinically depressed, but what I do need to do from time to time is jump start my brain. That's what you do with your car when it won't start and a friend hooks up jumper cables from his battery to yours and the sparks between the two batteries makes your engine roar to life. Well I guess this is a metaphor for why I live my life the way I do. Interesting ideas come to me as the spark off other ideas and then it occurs to me that we might learn something new or perhaps uncover something important but forgotten which may help me to continue to write and re-write the narrative of my life.

Sometimes it takes a long time for things to work out. For example did you know the findings of the Austrian Monk Mendel, the discoverer of the laws of genetics in the last third of the 19th Century, lay gathering dust in his drawer for nearly forty years, until they were un-earthed after his death and another generation connected with them? So maybe my working at being a writer for the last fifty years is not such a big deal after all.

In any case I am going to limit my focus at this time to covering a few very memorable performance events (and one panel session) which took place live and in real-time at this conference. In a way they all have to do with the difficulty of creating a sustained interesting and marketable narrative, however before I do that must mention that The International Conference on The Fantastic and The arts is the world-class event in its area drawing writers, editors, publishers, artists poets filmmakers, video game designers academics, and performance artist all dealing with the broadly cast net of the role of the Fantastic and the arts. Some participate as producers of the fantastic cultural products, some as commentators on that production, some come as camp followers but not many. If you want to find more about the conference, and attend or possibly participate follow this URL. http://wiz.cath.vt.edu/iafa/iafa.home.html

The conference draws upwards of three hundred attendees, on that note let me turn to the Friday night Cabaret where music and song were provided by a number of academics moonlighting as performers featuring Dr. Faye Ringel, who was belting it out at the Piano, Dr. Dan Morse, Brushes and Tray, Dr. Sean McMullen, Singing Dr Joe Haldeman, Singing Dr. Russell Letson, Editor, Swing Guitar & Dr. Becky .., Singing Folk and Opera. Not all of it was memorable but some of the performers were outstanding. For example, Ellen Kushner a wonderful signer and Journeyman fantasy writer brought out the oppositional critic in which makes me say Ellen did a wonderful accomplished and artful in putting her Thomas the Rhymer series to word and song of presenting what is in my opinion is the most wrong with contemporary high fantasy which is so say that for her it has become much more formulaic than the worst examples of the Romance Genre, and much inferior to its best examples because it asks nothing of the reader as beautiful image upon beautiful images is heaped upon the reader until you wish the queen of the fairies had a big fat wart on her nose, just so she would not be so boring .

But just when I needed it the next to last act of the night rolled into the A.M and Dr. Russell Letson who is a much better classic Guitar player than he ever led me to believe gave it all as he sang and performed The Ray Charles Version of The Classic Makin' Whoopee. Russell has been playing the guitar for nearly as long as I have been writing and he is getting much better also. Actually Hugo award winning writer Vernor Vinge told me three years ago a writers secret which is to say it get easier after the first million words

As the hour ground towards 1:00 A.M perhaps the greatest living practitioner of the light fantastic The British writer Brian Aldiss (1925-) presented a performance piece of his short story A Better Metamorphosis which last appeared in

A Tupelov Too Far: And Other Stories
Brian W. Aldiss
St. Martin's Press
0312105657 $17.95 200 pages

It was a wonderful and fantastic play on a The Franz Kafka's (1883-1924 1915 Novella "The Metamorphosis," (which he wrote in one sitting) and Kafka's Novel The Trial which first appeared shortly after his death in 1925. Both stories are brooding and cosmically dark enough to make the Norse Sagas seem like episodes from the I love Lucy show. Yet Aldiss reverses the both stories major tropes in the best traditions of magical realism, while at the same time he uses a narrative of a cockroach going through the horrible process of becoming a self aware human being with only two legs. But the best part of this tale as with all writers is in the telling, and in the supporting cast of four who will gleefully and unselfconsciously scuttle when the structure of the story demands it.

I realize that everyone has not spent their life around English and comparative literature departments so the do not know The Metamorphosis and The Trial by heart, so here is the thumbnail sketch for both of them. A man awakes to find that he has been turned into a Giant Cockroach, and for The Trial a man is brought to trial for he knows not what and cast into to the darkest depths to await his death. Well for Aldiss a cockroach whose only wish is to scuttle across the floor and eat garbage human self awareness and introspection is a terror as he explains to anyone who will listen. Then the cockroach finds himself writing The Trial as Kafka, but it ends on happy note because as Kafka he ends up in the darkest, dankest dungeon among his friends and back home. The joy of the story in Aldiss' performance of it. I think because we all have been terrorized by English and literature departments even to the point where if we are a part of them we use them to terrorize ourselves because it is part of our operant conditioning.

I spoke to Brian Aldiss the next morning and told him I was going to write this little article and asked his permission to mention his name. I also mentioned that he was the best performance of the night. Brian was kind enough to share with myself and Dr. Russell Letson that there were only two things in the world that he gave F---- about in his life: the popular song and writing science fiction. What a guy. What a life.

Next I want to turn my own personal story and Cuba as I move back in time to New Years 1958-1959 and Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution, and how it intersected with my life. Castro had just taken Havana. I was as a rebellious fourteen year old who had just flunked four high subjects at Madison Eastside High School, so you might say I was a bit outside the American Dream, I liked Castro and what he stood for. More than that I despised Batista for what he was and the methods he used. That has not changed so much in forty five years, but my eyes have been opened by a speech made by the guest of honor Dania Chaviano, who spoke and wrote about her life in Cuba, and by a section she read from one of her works in progress.

But Before I do that let me tell you a bit about her. As I do this I will do her the favor of not lumping her in with catch-all class that Americans have come to refer to as fantastic realists, as they apply it to Latin writers. That was the first thing I liked about her. She has what I would call a concise and intense use of the English Language; her diction has a refreshing quality to it. So, when she positions herself with the 19th Century Gothic Tradition I think she knows what she is talking about.

This is a bit of her biography from the conference book: Diana Chaviano was born in Cuba and graduated from the University of Havana with a degree in English Language Studies. She is now a U.S. Citizen living in Miami. She published her first book while still a student, after wining Cuba's first science fiction writing competition. In Cuba, she published a variety of science fiction and fantasy works, becoming the biggest best-selling author in both genres in the island nation's history. She also publishes in mainstream literature. The third novel in her current series, earned the 1998 Azorin Award for Best Novel in Spain. Her novel, Fables for an Extraterrestrial Grandmother is considered one of the classics of Latin American Science Fiction.

As she read her two stories she had my full attention. I was looking hard for polemic, clich�, and for that matter sentimentality. Instead a got range fire and beauty, love for freedom all wrapped up in a little story about a wizard who gives life to a dragon from the first smile a joyless child has had in six months, and then sends the dragon off into the world knowing he can not own it. I consider a writer important when they can make me like the sort of story that I usually do not. And when they can speak to what I love also then I want more of her.

The second thing she read from was Novel which will soon appear in English and when it does I will give you its full publication information because I intend to follow this writer, because I think great things will come of her in English language fantasy world as her works become more accessible.

The part she read to us was what I would call the establishment narrative which deals with a young highly educated woman who works in a Museum in Havana and is filled with anger loss and terror as she watches everything she loves in her culture being sold off. The selling off has been going on for a generation as it started with personal and family treasures which are sold to survive but now has spread to what is essential in the Cuban Culture, Perhaps it would be like an American watching The Statue of Liberty being sold of to a mainland Chinese scrap metal dealer, or perhaps the Book of Kells from library in Trinity College in London. The thing is gripping about her narrative is the non-Latin Reader learns the material and spiritual value of things just as they are being lost. What a way to learn about a culture.

Much of the action of the story takes place at what is between a flee market or a bazaar, depending on what one might call it. The narrative thread is a round what I would refer as a huckster's table. Since I have sold books in situations since 1979 and talk to women across similar tables her text spoke to me. But as interesting as her use of the fantastic is her use of the human is what drew me to her. In a simple lunch date the huckster and the Museum Girl find that they share a secret and the must reach past their fear to trust each other. As I tell you this you must remember that I only heard her read a small part of her novel and a wonderful little short story and I await more.

Has what I have seen of her made me reconsider what I think about Castro's Cuba? In a way of course it has, but in way it also makes me say that the things that she abhors about her native Cuba are some of the same things I abhor about my United States. It is not the same thing in way America that I know and love and may still be the last best hope of the world, here what I am saying is we all must hope and fight so that America does not become like the Cuba for which she feels such great anger and loss. I will say as Americans we may have a better chance and a greater responsibility.

The Demon on My Chest that steals my life and breath was plot of a radio show that so terrified me so much when I was nine years old in 1953 and lived at 1221 Jennifer Street in Madison Wisconsin that I slept with a little night light on for the next four years. Now fifty years later because I attended Panel 68 4:00-5:30 Friday Mar. 26th entitled between sleep and waking Chaired by DR. W.C Sullivan with presentations by Dr. James Kirkland East Carolina University, and Julie Totten& James Hundley both registered Polysommographic Technicians. Between the three presenters some absolutely fascinating information about links between folk lore and biomedical information where established which may at least give some medical information as to why (The Demon on My Chest) which is my working title for the radio play that so terrified me has a pervasive cultural power and weight and is represented in a number different fantastic media. Here I want to make clear that these are my reactions to the presentations and my extrapolations from the presenters work, and not a report of their findings only my reactions to my understanding of them.

After saying all of that I have a hint that taste in fact at least as far as the fantastic and the arts is concerned may be linked to certain predispositions which may in turn be a function of how we have evolved over the ages. Of course as I am armed with my new hammer it may be that everything which appears to me starts to look like a nail. There is lots more I could say about narrative but it will have to wait until next month since my fingers are getting really tired from typing. One last note looking at what I wrote over the last thirty two hours I guess that I took the bull by the horns so to speak.

Philip E. Kaveny
Reviewer

Klausner's Bookshelf
The Speed Of Dark
Elizabeth Moon
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345447549 $13.95, 340 pp.

Though Lou Arrendale suffers from autism, he refuses to allow that condition from stopping him from living a fruitful "normal" life. Lou works at a pharmaceutical company and has many friends. He has adapted to the troubles his condition causes him in a non-autistic society by adopting polite mannerisms such as shaking hands and using salutations. Lou tries very hard to behave "normal" when he is in the urban wilderness. However, the CEO of his firm wants to cut costs by firing the autistic work force that needs special assistance to perform. Lou is given an option of taking an experimental drug that will allegedly turn him into a normal, but he hesitates. He worries that if he becomes normal is he Lou? Adding to his dilemma is his deep feelings for Marjory Shaw, a normal who probably will never love the present Lou. Would the revisionist Lou still love her? Before he can decide what to do, Lou must hide from a stalker who wants to harm him. THE SPEED OF DARK is an incredible novel that captures the essences of an intelligent autistic person struggling to independently survive in a constantly changing world. Though the stalking angle adds suspense, the excitement of the subplot takes away from the powerful themes of focusing on autism and the ethical issue of chemical cures to the mind and body changing the essence of the person. This strong tale with powerful characters will remind the audience of Flowers for Algernon and Rain Man as Elizabeth Moon takes the reader inside the soul of the hero.

Monument
Ian Graham
Ace
ISBN: 0441011357 $14.00, 400 pp.

He is a slothful thief who does not care that he is homeless, smells like a pig and has a beer belly so huge that it bounces. Ballas has no friends and kills without mercy. In a tavern he steals the purse of a store mason but is caught and beaten almost to death. A priest takes him into his home and when he is well asks him to perform an errand at the museum. Ballas spots an artifact consisting of a big blue stone surrounded by red ones that brighten up a room when a light is put under it. He steals it hoping to sell it to a collector. Instead the church, which rules the kingdom of Druine, wants him dead. The chief hunter is from a magical race of mages long thought gone. Ballas leaves dead bodies in his wake and forces reluctant allies to help him find the mystical city of Belthiran over the unexplored Garsbracks Mountains because he knows he can never return to Druine. This is not the typical fantasy novel because Ballas is an antagonist with very few redeeming qualities. Those he does have he does his best to sublimate preferring to treat other people as if they were things to be discarded when he has no use for them. Readers can't helped but be drawn to this character in spite of themselves because of a fascination with such a nasty soul or because he has the raw potential to do good deeds in spite of himself. Ian Graham has plenty of talent and the courage to write a book that is totally different than any recent work in the fantasy genre.

No Phule Like an Old Phule
Robert Asprin with Peter J. Heck
Ace
ISBN: 0441011527 $7.99, 320 pp.

General Blitzkrieg hates Phule (AKA Captain Jester) and his Omega Company, soldiers who fail to heed any rules except their own. To make Phule's life miserable, Blitzkrieg sends the Alliance Ecological Interplanetary Observation Union (AEIOU) to "join" the Omega Company on Zenobia. The wily General hopes the two groups interact in a manner that will cause aggravation and stress to Phule. Phule anticipates rewards for finding a new alien race on this planet. Phule copes with AEIOU and renowned genetically enhanced wonder dog Barky while also dealing with hunters desiring to bring home trophy dinosaurs. At the same time, his father Victor tries to work on conning two Grifters into selling the shares of Phule's Casino that they won for a nominal price. Most military science fiction is serious with a theme of saving the universe, but NO PHULE LIKE AN OLD PHULE is an upbeat lighthearted galaxy romp. The protagonist might ignore bureaucratic regulations and procedures furbished from a central location with no understanding beyond their beltway, but he also runs a tight ship. His crew respects Phule who goes out of their way to ensure they are cared for with proper equipment and supplies and are financially rewarded. Only a fool would myths a Phule's tale.

Starchild
Katriena Knights
LTD Books
ISBN: 155311246 $5.00 320 pp.

Earth owns the heavens through the use of the yperspace drive. The governing body Earth Fed has colonized many planets. The Earth Fed president asks wealthy Harrison Fairfax to invest in the Denahault colony. Harrison agrees to travel to the planet to decide whether he wants to do so. He journeys on the spaceship Starchild commanded by Trieka Cavendish. From the moment Harrison and Trieka meet, they feel the strong attraction between them. However, he refuses to act upon it until he learns whether his wife, who disappeared in a plane crash, is dead. Harrison hopes to learn the haunting truth on Denahault, but is kidnapped on his first day on the planet. Before his abduction, he left two discs with Trieka who struggles between her conscience and her lifetime beliefs. Giving in to her feelings about what is morally right, Trieka rescues Harrison. As Earth Fed thugs chase them across the galaxy, their feelings turn into a deep love. Fans of futuristic superstars such as Kathleen Morgan and Marilyn Campbell will want to read Katriena Knights' superb science fiction romance Starchild. The enthralling, fast-paced plot runs on hyper-speed, showing that Ms. Knights is a creative force who has quite a future as a storyteller.

The Silken Shroud
ElizaBeth Gilligan
Daw
ISBN: 0756401798 $6.99, 496 pp.

In 1684 on an alternative earth, religious wars extend over the continent and the Catholic Church does what it can to spread the faith by whatever means possible. Only Tyrrhia welcomes all religions because they are a philosopher state, the only place where the Rom can call home. In return, much of Tyrrhia's wealth comes from the magic silk which the Rom cultivates and is in much demand all over Europe. Trouble has come to this peaceful country in the form of Cardinal delle Torre, a fanatical Jesuit, who has formed a secret cabal within the church that hunts witches and kills them in defiance of the law of the white king and queen. He is also responsible for the death of the Romani Princess Alessandra who was Fairy Blessed. He has taken her body to an undisclosed location and uses her essence to cast darker and more powerful spells. Maggiore Mandero di Montago, Alessa's love and fairy wed husband, is ordered by his king to break the Cardinal's hold on the people. He also intends to avenge the death of Alessa while following his orders given to him by the king and his council. ElizaBeth Gilligan is a bright and shining star in the fantasy firmament, an author who creates characters, both real and magical who appeal to readers who like complexity and honor in their heroes. The villain is a fanatic who does vile things to influence the monarchy and make Catholicism the religion of the state in which he is the ruler. Like the prequel MAGIC'S SILKEN SNARE, THE SILKEN SHROUD is a book that deserves to be put on the keeper's shelf.

Conqueror Fantastic
Pamela Sargent, editor
Daw
ISBN: 0756401917 $6.99, 320 pp.

This is a terrific alternate history anthology that centers on taking a pivotal moment in the life of an influential individual from the past and showing his or her (yes females can prove critical too especially outside the west) fragility of the time stream with a minor twist or two. The key players are a wide grouping from Philip of Macedonia to John Wayne, LBJ and Mao and many major points in between. The stories are well written, but what grips the audience is how easily history could have been different if some mostly minor event (and some critical real happenings) never occurred as we know it. This what if drill works cleverly and brilliantly as the audience will ponder similar happenings involving diverse crowd from JFK to Hitler to Alexander. Think if Philip failed to unite Macedonia where does that leave Alexander or if Hitler had no air war over England how would he plan his invasion? The key to this collection written by some of the leading science fiction lights of today is that the tales take the audience down one speculative path but leaves readers wondering about other possibilities. Perhaps editor Pamela Sargent should consider a contest for many readers will have their own ideas for Conqueror Fantastic II after this fantastic compilation.

A Secret Word
Jennifer Paddock
Touchstone
ISBN: 0743247078 $13.00

In 1986 Fort Smith, Arkansas, three tenth grade coeds and the boyfriend of one of the trio is in a car crash during an off campus lunch. The boy dies in the crash bonding the threesome with this tragedy. Two of the female students were already close friends coming from the elite of the community while the third belonged to the working poor. Not long after graduating, the affluent duo Chandler and Sarah leave the hicks for the bright lights of Broadway while Leigh remains behind toiling at minimum wage. Over the years, Chandler and Sarah enjoy the swinging life of the Big Apple until a tragedy forces the former to come home. While Sarah continues jet setting, Leigh tries to help Chandler adapt to her new life. The novel is an intriguing look over a fifteen-year span at three individuals tied together through the starting point tragedy. The low-key novel rotates first person narratives so that the audience sees the same event or time in separate first-person chapters. The crucial element that makes the tale work is that regardless of whether you remain behind in Fort Smith, move to Manhattan, or return to your small hometown, a person can never escape a pivotal moment calamity that ensures you can never truly leave home.

The Girl with the Long Back
Bill James
Norton
ISBN: 0393058557 $23.95, 239 pp.

The balanced scale of the drug trade becomes shook to the core with the rumors that have reached the streets that Chief Constable Mark Lane' is being promoted and replaced by a hardliner. Assistant Chief Constable Desmond Iles worries that the fragile balance between peace and sales could end leading to hard core crime including a drug war and murder. The two leading drug lords Ralph Ember and Mansel Shade have heard the word of Lane leaving leading to reduced negotiability room for Iles and each one knows they must take action before the other has the edge. Newcomer Ferdinand Dubal sees this as an opening for him to carve out a major piece of the action. The violence explodes when he executes two of Dubal's thugs and a police informant is run over. Iles knows he must broker a new peace, but the brass wants numbers not tranquility. Talk about refreshing a long running series! Bill James returns with an entertaining economics of illegal drugs tale that will leave the audience shaking their heads wondering why bother with the drug wars. Iles is at his best trying to defuse a situation that is getting worse as three contenders battle for the heavyweight drug lord while his employers complicate matters with undercover operations. THE GIRL WITH THE LONG BACK is a delightful British police procedural with quite a twist that fans of Mr. James will fully appreciate.

The Swords of Night and Day
David Gemmell
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345458338 $24.95, 432 pp.

A thousand years ago, Skilgannon heroically died in battle. Over time the legend of the hero grew to monumental proportions. Now Drenai is under threat of annihilation with no champion arising to stop the dark sorceress Eternal or her Joinings of man and beast into one. Desperate for a defender, none have any hope except Landis Kan, who has some doubts but wonders if he can fulfill the ancient prophecy that stated Skilgannon would return when his people were on the brink of disaster. Landis believes he has found Skilgannon's resting place. He experiments on another set of bones bringing back a churlish individual who Kan writes off as a loser. He next performs the ritual on the remains of Skilgannon, but instead of a Herculean warrior, the reincarnation seems much less than the legend and even Kan questions whether this youngster could save the realm. Skilgannon realizes that not him, but the other experiment is the only chance for the realm to find victory. This Drenai epic sword and sorcery saga can stand alone as a delightful fantasy that points out what time does to heroes (similar to much of the George Washington legendary feats came out in a book in 1817 or about that stuck for decades as truth). The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action yet characters like Kan and Skilgannon come across as genuine. Though trying to make this book fit into the full saga will need an access database, fans of the series and newcomers will enjoy this fabulous fantasy.

Sugar Skull
Denise Hamilton
Pocket
ISBN: 0743482212 $6.99, 374 pp.

Los Angeles Times reporter is working on the weekend homicide count when a flustered angry man races into the newsroom accusing the cops of indifference towards the disappearance of his daughter. To calm the father Vincent down, reporter Eve Diamond agrees to make inquiries into the vanishing of Isabel Chevalier. However, as Eve starts looking into the disappearance and finishing her cataloguing the thirty plus known murders, the killing murder of socialite Dellaviglia Langdon sends shockwaves throughout the city. Dellaviglia's spouse Carter is running for mayor and his wife's body floating in her pool provide him a tremendous lift towards winning the race. Overnight he has become the overwhelming favorite as everyone sympathizes with the grieving politician. That is everyone except Eve who via a pair of Speedo sees links to the promise she made to the distraught father and to another dead person that leads to corruption at the highest level of the city and could change the dynamics of the mayoral race. This is an engaging investigative tale that displays how a high profile case can overwhelm anything else on the plate. The store line is very invigorating as Eve paints a vivid but somewhat ugly picture of the mean streets of Los Angeles that interconnect. Eve makes the tale work as she tries to clean up her home city even when her bosses, the police, and the mayor demand she back off.

Tattoo Blues
Michael McClelland
I Books (Pocket)
ISBN: 0743486560 $19.95, 298 pp.

Cedar Key is a small self contained place which has been undiscovered by developers and where nothing much ever happens. When Desiree Dean, a rich college student who left home to live her own life, not the one that is expected by her father. She decides to get a tattoo at Pimlico Phil's tattoo parlor and she believes she's getting one that says Golden Dragon but at the strip where she works as a hostess dressed up in a dragon costume, she learns the tattoo means 'with hot sauce'. She goes over to Phil's in costume and accidentally sets fire to the place. Both she and Phil disappear and a story in a Florida paper talks about the incident. Robin Chanterelles of the tabloid The Weekly Alarm is sent down to investigate. She becomes involved in the fight to save Cedar Key from a developer who wants a referendum to get the land he owns rezoned so he can build a casino which would destroy the uniqueness of the island. This zany tale is filled with lots of off beat humor and eccentric characters that make the meandering storyline somehow always come back to the main theme of saving the island from those who would exploit it. Michael McClelland has an original and refreshing writing style that will appeal to the reader who likes to read something different on occasion. The author has the talent to put people in impossible situations and have them find a way to do what is right even if it costs them a boat load of money.

Shadow Men
Jonathon King
Dutton
ISBN: 0525948074 $23.95, 258 pp.

In 1923, Cyrus Mayes and his sons Steven and Robert were part of a crew hired to cut the Tamiani Trail deep through the Everglades. Though dangerous, the men received room and board and very high wages. However, the trio vanishes without a trace and no one does anything to learn what happened to the Mayes males. Eight decades later Mark Mayes has found letters that Cyrus sent to his wife before vanishing. He contacts West Palm attorney Billy Manchester to learn what happened to his relatives. Billy arranges for troubled private eye Max Freeman to conduct the search into his current home area. Max begins making inquiries of what he assumes will be impossible to learn what happened, but must have made waves because people have burned down his shack (no loss) and try to kill him when warning fails to make him back off. Instead, the attempts on his life propel the former Philadelphia cop to dig deeper into the Southern Florida wilderness. Ironically, readers know from the beginning what actually happened to the Mayes men as a bit of nasty historical darkness is made visible. In spite of that revelation, the story line grips the audience as they wonder whether Max will uncover the truth and why someone wants him silent on an incident that occurred eighty years ago. The vivid descriptions of the Everglades as usual are top rate in its raw delicate beauty. Though the flashbacks will help new readers understand Max's sorrow, fans will find them disruptive and unnecessary thinking Philadelphia is in Pennsylvania not Florida. Still Jonathon King furbishes another delightful regional private investigative tale.

Mystic Warrior
Tracy & Laura Hickman
Aspect
ISBN: 0446531057 $24.95

Three different worlds exist in different dimensions but what happens in one world affects the other two. In the world of humans and dwarves, the seven dragons rule. An annual festival is held in which those that are mad or have Deep Magic are taken away from their homes never to be seen again. Galen Arnold hears inanimate objects talk and visits other realms in his dreams and he is caught by the Inquisitor and brought to a central location where others like him are trained to fight in a war that the general populace doesn't know exists. The Titans once ruled another world but all that is left is machines that don't work and books that are used for burning. The goblins want to fix these machines but the only one who has an affinity for them is Mimic who rises to power. Queen Tatayna's world of faery is besieged on two fronts. In the north the centaurs and satyrs struggle to take control; while Lord Pheor in the south plans to overthrow her highness and marry her daughter to become the ruler. The faery seeker Dwynwym struggles to find a truth that will save her homeland. Galen's Deep Magic has the power to influence events in the other worlds and is strong enough if he learns to use it properly to change his own. Tracy and Laura Hickman have created fantasy worlds that exist on separate planes but impact each other. Just how deep they interact will be explained in further installments of The Bronze Canticles. Each world is different and fascinating with characters created specifically for that realm. Readers will care about several protagonists, hoping they survive their trials and tribulations. The Hickmans deserve an award for originality and creativity.

Sex and the Single Vampire
Katie MacAlister
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525542 $6.99, 372 pp.

Anton Melrose II, chief of the western division of the United Psychical Research Association, informs employee Summoner Alegra Telford that if does not succeed soon she will return from London for the states. Alegra feels like a failure as she is in England because that is where many ghosts haunt and as a Summoner, she should be able to make contact. Moravian Dark One Christian Dante detests swinging London though he swings the scene in an attempt that seems futile to find his cherished one; only she can save his soul with her love. His nightmare wait suddenly turns to a blissful dream when he meets Alegra who thinks she has summoned him through the portals of the netherworld. He persuades her that he has never even visited the place, but as a vampire, he hopes that she will insure that he never does. When Alegra finally succeeds in summoning ghosts, she comes to the attention of worshippers of the dark and their malevolent evil spirit. Only with Christian's help can she hope to remain safe even as she finds herself reciprocating the love he feels for her. SEX AND THE SINGLE VAMPIRE is an amusing paranormal romance starring two delightful protagonists, a horde of supernatural creatures that make the beyond seem real plus the return of Alegra's pals from A GIRL'S GUIDE TO VAMPIRES. The story line hooks the audience the moment that Christian and Alegra meet because the reader can feel the attraction and that sets in motion the dangerous gathering of a deadly entity and his followers. Horror romance readers will enjoy this one-bite sitting teeth in cheek (and neck) tale.

Blast to the Past
Virginia Farmer
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525720 $5.99

US Chief Petty Officer Brian Skelley is a bomb expert providing training in a remote section of the Scottish Highlands. In support of the exercise, Brian placed inert explosives for his crew to locate and identify. However, someone added a real bomb that explodes. Brian awakens from the blast in the year 1301 to see a thriving Kilbeinn Castle not the ruins he had observed just before the explosion. Callum and Malcolm of Clan Mackenzie find Brian and take him inside the castle to meet Caira, clan chieftain since her father and husband died and most of the remaining males are fighting for William Wallace. Though she is attracted to the outsider, Caira does not trust him as he might be a spy for the nearby English post or even Wallace. When Brian refuses to back down to English cruelty and abuse, she takes him back in to the keep. As the twentieth-one century explosive expert works on a black powder to send him back to the future, he wonders if that is what he really wants, as he now loves Caira. This is an exciting time travel romance starring a wonderful male protagonist who adapts perhaps a bit too easily to the early fourteenth century even if he is a navy survivor expert. Caira is a courageous soul struggling between her desire and what she feels is good for her clan. The English are very malicious so that it is becomes too easy for the hero to support the victims of their mistreatment. Still fans will appreciate Brian's dilemma as she wonders whether h really wants to go home when Caira is what he desires.

The Legend of Banzai Maguire
Susan Grant
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525429 $6.99, 384 pp.

In 2006 Captain Bree "Banzai" Maguire and her wingman Cam "Scarlet" Tucker fly a sortie over North Korean when both of their F-16 jets are shot down by surface to air missiles. A fanatical scientist apparently not associated with the North Korean government captures both American aviators. He injects the duo with some sort of experimental elixir. In 2176 United Colonies of Earth SEAL Commander Tyler Armstrong tries to rescue two Korean War pilots allegedly still alive due to a cryobiology experiment. Tyler knows the danger of entering the Kingdom of Asia, but firmly believes the credo that the military never leaves anyone behind. An added impetus is that he is already half in love with the legendary Banzai. He succeeds in finding his Sleeping Beauty, but not her wingman Scarlet. Before Tyler can flee with Banzai, soldiers of the Kingdom of Asia's ruler Prince Kyber catch him. As Kyber and Tyler compete for the affection of a now awake Banzai, the two men reassess their values and patriotism influenced by the twenty first century legend that will soon shake a world. This is an exciting military science fiction romance tale that readers will enjoy immensely. The story line is action packed yet allows the audience to see deep into the personalities of the romantic triangle. The superpower rivalries (there is at least one more) are cleverly designed, but the key to this terrific tale is Ms. Grant enables readers to observe life in 2176 as fans along with Banzai will know what its like to fall through the rabbit hole. Hopefully Scarlet's tale is told shortly.

The Courier
Melanie Jackson
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525763 $5.99

In New Orleans on the alternate earth Wildside, courier Lyris is assigned to learn whether Goblin King Quede is also a vampire. She knows how difficult it will prove to get close enough the make the determination so she enlists the help of a half breed stripper Romeo Hart. He agrees as he sees Lyris as a perfect front to hide his cover. He is really Roman Hautecoeur, undercover trying to learn what the evil Quede is plotting. As Lyris and Romeo work closely together, an attraction between them blossoms. However, Quede's spies know why Lyris is in town, but he also is fascinated by the lass who might wants to destroy him. However, danger can come from anywhere as Lyris learns that Quede may want to lovingly kill her and a seemingly immortal hobgoblin threatens her and Romeo but her most dangerous foe is her partner who steals her heart. The latest Wildside fantasy romance (see TRAVELER) is a terrific tale that makes this alternate realm seems real due to the bantering relationship between the lead duo. Romeo is sort of like a mythical Hans Solo as he is amusing, tough, and sensitive (just don't remind him of the last trait). Lyris is an intrepid heroine willing to die if her death means the end of Quede's Goblin reign. The support cast brings Wildside further to life so that readers will want to visit the place where Goblins apparently killed JFK.

Souvenir of Love
Joanna Novins
Berkley
ISBN: 0425194566 $5.99, 328 pp.

Elizabeth Harcrest has loved James Dinsmore since they met as children, but he prefers being a rake. However, James' sister Anne detests the Harcrests ever since Elizabeth's brother Rafe married someone else. Anne arranges for Elizabeth and James to be caught in a loving hug. James refuses to marry Elizabeth. Rafe demands satisfaction as James dishonored his family. In the subsequent duel between two men Elizabeth loves, Rafe wounds James. While convalescing, James begins to ponder how he lives and how he scandalized innocent Elizabeth. He also realizes he misses her, which turns into a revelation that he now knows he loves Elizabeth. While working on a dangerous mission James wonders how he will convince his beloved to forgive his cavalier attitude, as he wants her forever. Though the sequel to sequel to the delightful SOUVENIR COUNTESS (Rafe's story) has less of the French Revolution as a backdrop SOUVENIR OF LOVE is an enjoyable late eighteenth century romance that will bring plenty of pleasure to sub-genre readers. The story line focuses on the changing attitude of James who knows he done her wrong and is being punished not by the Ton, but his own heart. He makes the novel work though his sister is a classic rat. Elizabeth is a great character and fans will appreciate Joanna Novin's latest charmer due to the metamorphosis of the lead male.

Death in Hyde Park
Robin Paige
Berkley
ISBN: 0425194191 $23.95, 296 pp.

In 1902 on the same day that Edward is crowned as the king, anarchist Yuri Messenko dies when the bomb he carried exploded when he accidentally dropped his satchel setting off the explosive while he strolled through Hyde Park with a purposeful stride. All the king's men believe the deceased was coming to Buckingham Palace to kill the monarch, but the explosive detonated too soon when Yuri tripped. The king's retinue worries that other assassins and terrorists perhaps sponsored by the Clarion newspaper will try again and howl for justice. The king's equerry Frederick Ponsonby royally orders Lord Charles Sheridan to investigate whether the dead man planned to kill the newly coroneted Edward VII and the probability of other terrorists lurking for the moment to complete the atrocity. Charles begins making inquiries while his wife Kate begins her own investigation. Robin Paige makes a case that Edward's England is similar to Bush's America just after 9/11. However, instead of allowing the readers to surmise the parallel actions and reactions, Ms. Paige forces the comparisons so that the audience never needs to ponder what they are and why. The inquiries are fun to follow, but take a backseat to the comparisons between then and now. The lead couple remains charming and the rest of the cast is solid though renowned author Jack London will feel off kilter. However, though intriguing, a lot more cerebral inference would have made this a super tale rather than an in your face story.

Good Blood
Aaron Elkins
Berkley
ISBN: 0425194116 $23.25, 304 pp.

In the village of Stresa, near Lake Maggiore, Italy a well planned kidnapping is carried out. Achille de Grazia, the sixteen-year-old heir to wealthy and aristocratic Vincenzo, the owner of numerous business enterprises and his own island, is being ransomed for the sum of five million Euros. While the family is raising the money, the bones of a murdered man are found at a de Grazia construction site. Forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver, his wife Julie and a de Grazia cousin Phil are in Stresa to host a "Travel of the Cheap Tour." The carbineer in the form of Colonel Caravale asks Gideon to help him identify the skeleton and find out the cause of death. With the information Gideon gives him, Caravale identifies the body of Vincenzo's father who was thought to be lost at sea. After Achille is returned, somebody tries to steal the bones and kill Gideon, making him believe that the two crimes are linked in some manner. Further investigation proves he is right but it does not get him any closer to identifying the perpetrator or the mastermind who is orchestrating events. After reading GOOD BLOOD, an appropriate title if ever there was one, readers will find themselves wishing they could go Italy and immerse themselves in the culture, just not the sidebar that Gideon becomes part of. With only a few days of holiday under his belt, Gideon is so antsy to get back to work that he leaps into the case and makes such a good impression on the colonel that he becomes his de facto partner. This is an exciting police procedural set among the blue bloods of Italian society.

Shadow Heart
Laura Kinsale
Berkley
ISBN: 042516232X $7.99, 512 pp.

While Richard II rules England, Lady Elena sadly knows she must go to the Principality of Montverde since she learns that she is the long lost princess. She realizes her duty is to marry the current head of state in order to strengthen Montverde with her political marriage though she would prefer to remain in England. While at sea, pirates attack and capture her vessel. Elena becomes a prisoner of assassin Allegreto who sees his beautiful detainee as an expendable hostage to achieve his objective of regaining his family's place in Montverde. However, he admires Elena's spunk initially shown through her ire at him. As he forces his pretty prisoner to be his bride he soon finds his respect for her courage turning into passion and love something the jailbird reciprocates. Though the Stockholm syndrome of captive and warden falling in love has been overused, Laura Kinsdale keeps it fresh because of the lead male protagonist. Allegreto has been a paid killer yet this hired gun shows depth and ethics as he did in FOR MY LADY'S HEART that enables the audience to see beyond his assassin job. Elena is a courageous soul though one must wonder how she found the back bone to stand up to one as notorious as Allegreto. Only a talent like Ms. Kinsdale could bring this unlikely pairing to a wonderful historical romantic crescendo.

Putt To Death
Roberta Isleib
Berkley
ISBN: 0425195309 $5.99, 272 pp.

Her first year in the LPGA was terrible and she didn't make the cut so Cassie Burdette takes a job as the touring pro at the Stony Creek Country Club. In addition, to having free room and a paying job, she can practice on the club's golf course whenever she has free time. Further sweetening the deal, she can take time off to play in LPGA tournaments and try to make the qualifying cut for the events. On her first day on the job, she is ordered to attend the board of director's meeting where member Brad Latham wants the club to have Audobon Sanctuary Certification while Elizabeth Weigel wants women accorded the same privileges as the male members. Both people stir up a lot of resentment because they are disturbing the status quo. The next day on the golf course, Cassie finds Brad's body on the golf course. A few days later, a club employees digs up Elizabeth's murdered body. Cassie thinks there is a link between the two homicides and she looks to find it and by doing so she double bogies her life in danger. Sports fans and amateur sleuth lovers will want to read PUTT TO DEATH, an exciting crime thriller that gives readers a thorough education on the world of golf. Readers also get a feel for what an exclusive country club is like especially the in politics and petty resentments. The heroine is obsessed with obtaining eagles, but that does not stop her from seeking justice.

The Magyar Venus
Lyn Hamilton
Berkley
ISBN: 0425194299 $22.95, 256 pp.

It isn't every person who could own and work with an ex-husband but Lara McClintoch manages quite nicely. In fact Clive Swain carries most of the business load because Lara is depressed because she broke up with her long time lover. In downtown Toronto Lara meets an old schoolmate who is on her way to meet some other college friends. Lara joins them because she shared an apartment with them and was one of the Dovercourt Divas as they were called. The six divas attend an exhibit at the Cottingham Museum hosted by new curator, Lara's former lover Karoly Ndmar. He displays the Magyar Venus that he acquired for the museum. Some of the divas think he committed fraud so Lara goes to Hungary to trace the history of the three inch ivory statue. While there the man who sold the Venus to Karoly dies. The police believe he slipped but Lara thinks someone killed him; she also believes that one of the Divas didn't commit suicide but was chased and fell off the bridge trying to get away from someone she knew. Determined to find out the truth, Lara goes to London where she finds the evidence she needs to confront the perpetrator and almost loses her life in the process. Lyn Hamilton's archeological mysteries always make the reader want to travel to the setting of her latest book and THE MAGYAR VENUS is no exception. She makes Hungary come alive in the mind's eye with her descriptions of the country and its people. The heroine is a fascinating and complex person who has the courage to do what is right even if it means putting herself in danger. The armchair travel crowd and fans of excellent amateur sleuth novels will want to read this book in one sitting.

Death of a Tart
Kate Borden
Berkley
ISBN: 0425194892 $5.99, 208 pp.

The town of Cobb's Landing New England is on the downhill slide thanks to a lack of money to keep the place running at peak capacity. Mayor Peggy Jean Turner (P.J.) has no money to give the teachers a much needed raise or to update the equipment in the police department. Max heroically rides into town, buys the bank and offers a brilliant idea to fill the town coffers. He wants to turn the town into a colonial village, a New England Williamsburg. Max is so enthusiastic and such a positive speaker that the residents unanimously adopt his ideas. Of course Max is a business man first so he makes the residents take out loans to cover their share of the renovations. When Selma runs into P.J. at the post office, she says she has something to tell her about Max and they should meet that night by the town cemetery. Selma doesn't show and the next day her body is found at the unused water mill. Believing she was murdered, P.J. starts her own investigation and finds herself at the mercy of an insane killer. DEATH OF A TART is an upbeat whimsical tale of small town living wrapped around a murder mystery. Just like an official police investigation, P.J. slowly connects the clues until she figures out who the perpetrator is. The townsfolk are a jolly lot as they see prosperity coming their way after years of trying to make ends meet. Though why P.J. and not the police investigated the crime is a myteery, fans will appreciate the talent of Kate Borden, who provides a fine New England amateur sleuth cozy.

Berried Alive
Kate Kingsbury
Berkley
ISBN: 0425194906 $5.99, 208 pp.

World War II is causing hardship for those left behind especially in the small village of Sitting Marsh where women and men unable too serve have to keep their spirits up as they try to do the work of the men now at the front. Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton of Manor House tries to set a good example helping when she is needed. The offices of the United States Army Air Force are billeted in her home so they can be near the base, but that doesn't sit too well with the villagers. Even though the Americans are fighting for their country, the people of Sitting Marsh resent their brashness, their flirting with the local women, and the quality of goods they have on the base while the villagers must make do with rationing. Four red haired men on the base have died after eating at the local pub and the authorities believe they were poisoned. Lady Elizabeth finds this intolerable and decides to do her best to flush out the perpetrator. Kate Kingsbury's manor house mysteries are charming and whimsical historical tales that give the reader an understanding of the hardships and the sorrows of village life during World War II. The heroine is a strong-minded woman who leads by example with action and kindness especially to those less fortunate than herself. The secondary cast is a delightful bunch of eccentrics, who add humor when the plot turns too maudlin.

Beauty Queen
Julia London
Berkley
ISBN: 0425195244 $7.50

Everyone believes that Rebecca Reynolds lives the life of a princess with her being the middle daughter of the immense Lear holdings. However, the mother of a small son, her gilded cage crashes when her spouse leaves her for a younger model and her father announces he is dying from cancer. Her confidence smashed to smithereens, Rebecca looks for employment, but no one wants a former Miss Texas whose only experience is that of arm candy to her father and her husband. However that changes when State Senator Tom Masters asks her to help him with his campaign to become the Lieutenant Governor. Also working on the campaign is attorney Mike Parrish. As Mike and Rebecca work closely together, respect surfaces that soon turn to love. However, she begins to uncover questionable practices that if surfaced will derail the individual who deserves Rebecca's loyalty for giving her a chance to prove herself, but she wonders what will be the cost to her new found soul? The second "King Lear" contemporary Texas romance is intriguing due to a delightful heroine. Though Mike is a fine protagonist struggling with the direction his legal partnership seems to be heading, the enjoyable story line belongs to Rebecca. She remakes herself into someone she can respect once she realizes how useless her life has been. Though her spouse comes across as a womanizing dirty rat who makes no time for his son, fans will appreciate this second chance at life and love story that works because Rebecca makes it so.

The Gunsmith: In the Service of the Queen
C. K. Crigger
Amber Quill
ISBN: 1592798748 $16.00 230 pp.

In Spokane, Washington Boothenay Irons is a chip off the old block as like her father she is a talented modern-day gunsmith. However, sometimes when she touches an old weapon she goes back to the time of the gun residing in the body of someone from that era. Caleb Deane visits the Irons family with an 1810 blunderbuss. He and Boothenay touch the gun at the same time and the twosome is transported back to 1811. Boothenay lands inside Lady Annabelle Winthrop while Caleb becomes military Captain Ethan Delaney. Both host bodies service English Queen Charlotte at a time when the British impress Americans to work on their ships. One victim is the Queen's illegitimate grandson, Jonathan Harriman, whom she wants freed. The Queen expects her loyal twosome to rescue Jonathan and dispatch him back to the States. As the transported pair work to accomplish the Queen's bidding, Caleb has no idea that he is from the future while Boothenay knows who she and he are. THE GUNSMITH: IN THE SERVICE OF THE QUEEN is an exciting time travel thriller that hooks the audience once Caleb meets Boothenay. The story line starts more like vignettes so that the audience can learn how Boothenay's magic works. Boothenay, the glue of the novel, is a terrific person whose inner modern day feminism is brought to her host bodies. The bewildered Caleb is her ideal counterpart. However what makes the tale once the heroine arrives in 1811 are the little irritating inconveniences of no microwave, horrendous bathroom facilities, and an olfactory nightmare that will leave readers desiring more stories starring this intrepid Gunsmith.

Shivers
Katherine Irving
Amber Quill
ISBN: 1592799671 $15.50 253 pp.

This is an interesting horror suspense anthology focusing on a very creative what if nightmarish extensions into Twilight Zone like scenarios. All of the contributions are well written with several superb entries that turn quite frightening when the key character seems like neighbors and in turn that authentic touch leads readers to accept the horrendous happenings to them as real. In a few cases the key protagonist lacks depth (even in terms of a short story) so that the terror is not as fully felt in spite of an original quite imaginative plot line in every case. My favorite personal tale is "Warm Wet Kisses in E-Flat Minor starring Jack and Jill. Of special mention is "Freeze Frame" that reminded me of a 1960s survey comparing residents of Manhattan's Bellvue Hospital to those living in the nearby neighborhoods with the results being no statistical difference between the groups. Fans will feel the SHIVERS from this very inventive collection.

The Hound in the Left Hand Corner
Giles Waterfield
Washington Square
ISBN: 0743475534 $13.00, 288 pp.

Once called the Museum of English History, director Dr. Auberon Booth changed the name to BRIT and pushed a PR campaign through exhibits that would catch the attention of the media and subsequently the public. Auberon hopes that his jazzed up exhibitions with twenty-first century sound bite titles like "Slums" will bring in visitors and subsequently upgrade his reputation. He might even get a curator to remain beyond a cup of tea. His current show, "Elegance," focuses on a Gainsborough portrait of Lady St. John dressed as Puck owned by wealthy Chairman of the Board of Trustees Sir Lewis Burslem. Lending his masterpiece is Sir Lewis's ticket to leave this second rate museum when he gets a seat on the National Gallery board. Sir Lewis and Auberon expect perfection, but alas Murphy proves that the law is not just an American phenomenon as the embattled Director tries to keep peace, sanity, and an exhibit from collapse when everything that could goes wrong does. Giles Waterfield amusing satire bruises pretentiousness, over valued self importance, and unchecked ambition that would make Lady Macbeth envious. The humorous story line takes no prisoners as the soulless ambitious without ethics crowd is blistered. The besieged hero serves as the center of this tale as he ironically keeps the plot from imploding even while he feels the universe big crunch started with him. Fans of Swift-like satire will laugh out loud while placing associates (never one's self of course) as secondary know it all characters supporting THE HOUND IN THE LEFT HAND CORNER.

Competition Can Be Murder
Connie Shelton
Intrigue
ISBN: 1890768596 $24.95, 292 pp.

Married couple Charlie Parker and Drake Langston leaves sunny New Mexico for the mist and fog of Scotland to help get their friend Brian Swinney out of trouble. Britt won the lucrative contract transporting goods and people on his helicopters to the oil rigs but his is essentially a one man operation and he has to leave to see his very ill father in the hospital. Charlie and Drake will take over the contract and rent a cottage on the Wealthy Dunworthy estate. When Charlie arrives at the castle for tea, she mentions that she is a private investigator back home and host Robert Dunbar wants to hire Charlie to find his two missing lambs that he thinks his neighbor stole. When their grandson Richie is kidnapped and held for ransom, The Dunbars beg Charlie to rescue their grandson. While working that case she and Drake are met with hostilities by the men on the oil rig who want the contract to be given to the boat transports which are also union members. The situation threatens to escalate into violence. The two protagonists are fierce individualists who go their own way and don't let anyone tell them what they can or cannot do, but the way they need each other is a beautiful sight to behold and somewhat softens their desire for total independence. Between the kidnapping case and the situation with the boat owners and the oil workers who want the flying contract canceled, Charlie and Drake have all they can do to stay alive. There's a lot of action in this exciting crime thriller and Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes.

Independent Bride
Leigh Greenwood
Leisure
ISBN: 0843952350 $6.99 384 pp.

Under suspicion for embezzlement Abigail Pierce, accompanied by her sister Moriah, flee St. Louis to run their late father's store at Fort Lookout, Colorado. The commander of the army post, Captain Bryce McGregor tries, but fails to persuade the siblings to go home as they do not belong in the rugged unsafe Rocky Mountains even inside the fort. Bryce does convince the women to stay with him until the store can be renovated and made hospitable. His young daughter Pamela serves as a perfect chaperone so Abby and Moriah accept the kind offer. Pamela adopts Abby as a mother figure and the former St. Louis resident cannot stop her heart from reaching out to the young child. Inadvertently Pamela plays matchmaker as Abby and Bryce fall in love. However, Abigail willingly sacrifices her happiness because she knows the scandal she fled would destroy the man she cherishes as a rising officer cannot afford a dishonored (even if she is innocent) spouse. There are few if any authors that can provide such well drawn characters including secondary players with a colorfully vivid nineteenth century Americana panorama inside an exciting historical romance than Leigh greenwood can. His latest tale INDEPENDENT BRIDE matches up two honorable individuals in love and encouraged by her sister and his daughter and even to a degree his men, but those same principles stand in their way of happiness. Mr. Greenwood shows that principles are important even if it costs achievement of a personal goal all that within a fabulous post Civil War romance with a deep message.

The Pirate's Jewel
Cheryl Howe
Leisure
ISBN: 0843953055 $5.99, 339 pp.

In 1775 Charles Town, South Carolina, while working at a tavern Jewel Sanderson wonders how her life could have fallen apart to the point that she considers marrying Latimer Payne who she detests. Nothing nasty has occurred, but without a word from her swashbuckling father for five years, Jewel has no future. Ironically, she still holds the treasure map that her father gave her the last time she saw him. Her dad's prot�g� Nolan Kenton arrives to pick up the map that Jewel holds. Jewel has loved him ever since she was a little girl, but he always treated her like a much younger sister. He admits to himself that she has blossomed into a beauty. Nolan has retired from piracy, but as a colonialist privateer the work is identically dangerous. He leaves with the map, but she sneaks onto his ship. Once he discovers his stowaway, he knows it is too late to turn back. As they become reacquainted as adults they fall in love. However, he keeps one secret about her father that if Jewel learns it their relationship will be dead in the water. Though the secret (I refuse to reveal it even under the threat of walking the plank) and pirate romances have been often used (see Ms. Howe's THE PIRATE AND THE PURITAN), the story line is ocean fresh due to the graphic sea battles and the deadly weather. The lead couple is a delightful pairing of two courageous individuals while the support cast makes the voyage seem so real readers will feel the dampness. Fans of pirate, whoops change that to privateer, romances will see how this is a fine tale.

Carnal Gift
Pamela Clare
Leisure
ISBN: 0843952067 $5.99

English Protestant Jamie Blakewell hopes his Oxford University friend Lord Sheffield Tate III can influence the House of Lords to employ a navy against the French. However, Sheff is not the same caring person Jamie knew and respected. Instead he seems abusive, mean spirited and obsessed, especially with Irish Catholic lass Brighid. Jamie decides to keep Brighid safe by hiding her from his former friend though he pretends to help a man he believes is mad. Brighid hates the English though her warden seems nicer than most. She grew up with memories like the English overlords starving her mother, selling her father into slavery, and stealing his land. Star crossed as any couple could be, Brighid and Jamie fall in love while their religions excommunicate each other's believers. Then there is the psychopath Sheff who willingly will kill a friend to possess Brighid and he is coming. The second medieval romance (see the delightful SWEET RELEASE) CARNAL GIFT is a wonderful historical because the audience can understand the obstacles that the lead couple face if they want their love to forge a permanent relationship. Brighid and Jamie should never be able to find a love as their nations' war and their religions squabble even more, but it is their courage that makes this more than a prisoner of love tale. Though Sheff is too much a lunatic, fans will enjoy Pamela Clare's fine tale of hate turning into a "taboo" love.

Children in the Morning
Jennifer Macaire
Jacobyte Books
ISBN: 1741001676 $TBA

In Nysa, Alexander the Great and one of his spouses, the time traveling journalist Ashley, find their abducted son Paul being worshipped by valley natives as "the child of the moon". Seeing Paul in this godly role reminds Ashley that she must avoid inadvertently changing the historical timeline. Not only will she definitely vanish as if she never existed, other unknown things will change. Her biggest fear lies with her two children, who by their existence have forced some changes in time, but Ashley panics over what will happen once Alexander dies for she realizes that they too cannot alter events. Alexander leads his army to India where battles rage and he suffers injuries. Ashley knows that death stalks him unless she does the unthinkable by changing history and preventing it. In spite of her indoctrination by the Time Travel Institute and her fears of becoming nothingness, Ashley is now considering saving the life of the man she loves with more than her soul. The first segment of book three of the Iskander series is similar to the previous two stories (see the great TIME FOR ALEXANDER and HEROES IN THE DUST), but once the army reaches India, the tale turns more historical. Unlike the shared ardor of the lead couple in the first two novels, much of the passion of CHILDREN IN THE MORNING is focused on Ashley's dilemma as she becomes increasingly worried about Alexander who she knows will die soon unless she intercedes and in her protection for the next generation. Once again this is a great novel that can be summed up with Ashley's observation: "My kingdom for a camera".

Winning Habits: 4 Secrets That Will Change the Rest of Your Life
Dick Lyles
Prentice Hall
ISBN: 0131453580 $19.95, 111 pp.

This amazing self help book seems to answer Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth H. Blanchard being Dr. Covey of Seven Habits fame. Dick Lyles uses fictional characters to bring across his messages that will remind readers of a cross between the two books above. The characters Albert and Jennifer make it much simpler for readers to follow, apply and adhere to Mr. Lyles four not so secret guidelines through their trials and tribulations that will enable the user to improve his or her group dynamics. The secret foursome is obvious yet often ignored whether it is on the job, with family, or with a social religious group. Mr. Lyles suggests the "winning habits" that successful people foster are

- "Be first on, last off, and add extra value" If you fail to add worth why does the group need you. My spouse always talks about negative man-hours and vampire employees sucking the energy and time of teammates. Don't be one.
- "Never trade results for excuses" Don't rationalize failure, go out and get the job done.
- "Solve problems in advance" Be active not reactive.
- "Always make those around you look good" People will want you on their team if you help make the group look good and not just hog the glory.

WINNING HABITS: 4 SECRETS THAT WILL CHANGE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE is fun to read due to the parable writings that are easy to use in business, in the community and at home. Now if I can find myself a team, I can double my review production.

Flashback
Jenny Siler
Holt
ISBN: 080507211X $25.00, 259 pp.

A year has passed since the nuns found the injured American near their convent. They took her in, helped her heal, and named her Eve when it was obvious that she suffered from amnesia due to a shot to her head. She also learned that she must have given birth, but has no idea where her child is or its sex. Now that she has physically healed, Eve wants to learn what really happened to her and more important who she is. She arrives at the convent only to find every nun except one has been murdered. She locates her few belongings from last year with the only interesting item being a ticket stub for the Tangier-Algeciras Ferry. Stealing the identity of one of the deceased sisters, Eve travels to Tangier. She trusts no one, feeling paranoid that everyone is watching her. Eve suspects those who act friendly towards her, but still heeds advice that sends her to fellow American, Brian Haverman. He insists that she was his brother's lover. They travel to Marrakech where her enemies believe she possesses something that they are willing to torture and even kill to obtain. Fans will think Ludlum (especially with the recent movie) with this exciting thriller starring a wonderful protagonist who ensures that the plot freshens up the trite amnesiac victim in peril. The story line is exciting as Eve bounces from one villain to another, distrusting everyone even her alleged allies; readers will cheer the heroine on hoping she will regain her memory and kick butt. Jenny Siler provides a terrific taut thriller that should make her an EASY MONEY favorite to gain a SHOT of new fans seeking her works.

Why We Love: The Nature and Future of Romantic Love
Helen Fisher
Holt
ISBN: 0805069135 $25.00, 302 pp.

This intriguing look at why we love responds to that question and more such as when we fall out of love and implies why cheating on one's love occurs. Using survey techniques applied globally and scrutinizing available governmental records to gather information and evaluate research data on human behavior, behavioral anthropologist Helen Fisher insists that romantic behavior is caused by two crucial chemicals produced by the brain. When a person falls in love, the brain generates major increases of energy that leads to positive and negative reactions such as passion, elation, obsession, and jealousy. Most interesting is the thesis on love amongst prehistorical mankind that insists that "four-year birth intervals were the regular pattern of birth spacing during our long human prehistory". The author insists this has been wired into our modern brains to remain monogamous for four years. World wide data shows that a higher than normal divorce rate occurs during the fourth year of marriage especially when one child has been born. This is more than just a scientific look at love. Instead Dr. Fisher provides an intriguing argument on WHY WE LOVE and why we fall out of love. Though the emphasis is chemical and data oriented, Dr. Fisher also provides tips to stay in love that includes focusing on the positive emotions. Fascinating well written as a reference tome that provides insight yet the easy to read WHY WE LOVE: THE NATURE AND FUTURE OF ROMANTIC LOVE is fun to follow.

Beautiful Ghost
Eliot Patterson
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312277598 $24.95, 352 pp.

At one time Inspector Shan Tao Yun felt his life in Beijing was excellent, but he made the error of following personal ethics and adhering to the law rather than the party line; he alienated a person very high in the Chinese governmental hierarchy. The "court" sentenced Shan to toil at a remote work camp where he would not see his wife or son ever again. However, he no longer works at the camp; instead, Shan lives in Tibet amidst outlawed Buddhist monks. Having become a non-person of no status, Shan can never go home. Shan attends a ceremony rededicating an ancient ruined monastery. While there, he finds evidence that a murder recently occurred amidst the devastated monastery. Local officials want to investigate dangling the opportunity to go back to Beijing and see his son as a carrot. Others want him quietly to leave the area. Worse, the FBI and Beijing officials are involved too. Hoping to protect the secret group of Buddhist monks that have befriended him, Shan begins to make inquiries that will take him far away from the Himalayas across the Pacific. This is an engaging Chinese mystery starring a delightful lead protagonist, but the real star is the vivid and deep look into Tibet and other Himalayan locations. Readers obtain a taste of Buddhism and the Chine Communist government's efforts to eliminate the belief system. Shan is a wonderful sleuth finding himself pulled in several directions, but following his personal ethics regardless of the cost to his heart. BEAUTIFUL GHOST is a beautiful thriller.

Good Books Lately: The One-Stop Resource for Book Groups and Other Greedy Readers
Ellen Moore, Kira Stevens
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312309619 $13.95, 348 pp.

I don't know if book groups existed as far back as Gutenberg (religious book groups?), but I can testify that they have been around since at least the 1960s as this reviewer joined an existing one during the Summer of Love (love to me was a novel). The authors do provide some historical perspective as Regency readers know of the reading groups formed in that era, etc. However, in recent years perhaps promulgated by Oprah, book groups have flourished making it more complex with so many choices to choose the right one for a reader. Ellen Moore and Kira Stevens are experts on forming book groups, how to stir the debate on a particular book, and troubleshooting especially when the group seems stagnant among other topics. In GOOD BOOKS LATELY: THE ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR BOOK GROUPS AND OTHER GREEDY READERS, the authors provide advice as they have done with their consulting firm. This self help book is easy and fun to follow as it offers practical guidance on forming and maintaining a quality book group whether it is generalists or genre specific. Anyone who wants to start or improve a group will find this reference book offers solid tips to make a successful go. Most of all Ms. Moore and Ms. Stevens encourage people to keep on reading even if you are a group of one, but will appreciate a vigorous debate with others.

Time After Time
Sue Haasler
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312306431 $13.95, 263 pp.

In the London vicinity, Cass Thomson is struggling to come up with a fiscal plan that will save historic Coltsfoot Hall, a former family manor converted into a museum before realtors kill history again by turning the place into the latest sprawling development. If she fails not only will the former manor house be gone and she out of a job, she will need a place to live as she resides inside the museum. Already feeling stress, her anxiety goes off the scale when she receives the invitation to her high school's fifteenth anniversary reunion because it brings back memories of the early 1980s and poster bad boy, her boyfriend, Gideon Harker. Though she is seeing a soccer crazed sportswriter the thought of an adult version of Gideon makes her heart pound. Gideon is a hunk who happens to dabble with high finance (will wonders ever seize!). However, he has troubles as the law believes he has committed fraud and a detective plans to prove so even while Cass and Gideon renew their teen relationship. TIME AFTER TIME is an entertaining contemporary romance with loads of references and tidbits especially to the early 1980s (each chapter begins with a song title- felt like a decade top 100). The story line is amusing and nostalgic when Cass reflects Dickensian like back to the worst and best of times of her life and readers meet Gideon and a fine supporting cast of reunion attendees. The fraud subplot with its Clouseau -Girard hybrid detective seems unnecessary and takes away from a fun lighthearted second chance romance filled with tidbits from the first time around.

The Tumbler
Peter Bowen
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312277334 $22.95, 224 pp.

Retired Brand inspector Gabriel Dupre hoped to live out the rest of his life in peace and tranquility but his ability to sniff out wrongdoers always seem to land him in the middle of a homicide investigation. This time Dupre is being sued by the U.S. government who wants him to turn over the lost journals of Louis and Clark that he dug out of the ground. When he goes to court Benetsee, an Indian mystic, persuades the judge to issue a six month continuance because the documents are needed in another case. Dupre receives phone calls asking him to sell the documents for a handsome sum of money. Letters with thousands of dollars are left in his car and Benetsee's cabin as an incentive to get them to talk to the agents of the buyer. Reporters flock to the town of Toussaint sensing a juicy story but things start turning violent when someone beats up DuPre's friend Bassman. One of the reporters who got too close to the source of the trouble is killed and one of the private security agents guarding Julie, who was almost kidnapped, simply disappears. DuPre is determined to find out who the perpetrator is or die trying. Montana breeds rugged individualists and nobody is more ornery and determined than the protagonist of THE TUMBLER. He has a lust for living life to the fullest that many people twenty years younger than him would envy and he needs no Viagra to enjoy his loving with Madeline who returns his attentions in full measure. The who-done-it is fascinating and author Peter Bowen deserves an award for creating a vivid sense of place that readers can easily imagine.

Twice
Lisa Miscione
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312314051 $23.95, 304 pp.

New York City Detective Halford "Ford" McKirdy feels d�j� vu as he investigates the murder of Richard Stratton III. The obvious suspect is Julian Ross who slept through the decapitation and dismembering of her spouse though sharing the bed just like a decade ago when her first husband Tad Jansen was killed. Julian's mother Eleanor hires private eyes Jeffrey Marks and pregnant Lydia Strong to find out who killed her son-in-law, but hides some eerie similarities between mother and daughter from her sleuths. While the twosome and peer Dax Chicago investigate, Jed McIntyre escapes from the asylum he went to for killing Lydia's mother to stalk his victim's daughter. Meanwhile the three detectives learn about the Ross family tree filled with generations of twins and similar deaths to that of Richard and Tad. Following the clues the threesome leaves the Manhattan subways for Haunted, New York where confrontations with the past and present will haunt everyone for the rest of their lives. Though the tension starts at a high pace, unfortunately the suspense never fully retains that early feel of weird intrigue of THE DARKNESS GATHERS when Ford struggles with the impossibility of the physical evidence. The story line contains twin subplots that ultimately merge, but is strongest when the private sleuths investigate the murders. The tale is weakened by the cleverly written, unnecessary personalized stalker killer subplot that provides some light on what makes the fire inside the intrepid no angel Lydia burn. Lisa Miscione provides a terse tale starring strong heroes who make their mark in this tale and previous series books (see ANGEL FIRE).

Evan's Gate
Rhys Bowen
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312301146 $25.95, 288 pp.

With his promotion, Evan Evans is now a Detective Constable and his future never looked brighter. In September, he is marrying the woman he loves and they are going to live in a fixer-upper cottage in the National Park adjacent to the North Wales town of Llanfair. Before he can work on the sewer system to get them ready for inspection, he is called in on a case of a missing five year old girl whose mother thinks was abducted by the child's Russian immigrant father. The case is urgent because the child has had a heart transplant and she needs the anti-rejection medication to survive. A search for the father draws a blank and Evan takes a break to work on the underground sewer lines near his house. When he digs a few feet, he finds the body of a young child who was probably interred two decades ago. This case is personal for Evan because he played with the child when they were youngsters and he's determined to find out how she got in the hole. In the meantime, the mother of the missing girl has disappeared and Evan believes when he finds her, he will solve that crime. Each novel in this series keeps getting better because the hero learns from his mistakes and knows how to be part of a team. The romance between him and his fianc�e adds a nice touch of spice to this special cozy as the police have to investigate the death of one child and the disappearance of another. Rhys Bowen attractively brings North Wales to life in this police procedural series.

Earth Colors
Sarah Andrews
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312301979 $23.95

For geologist Em Hansen her latest assignment is odd in terms of how she got the job while babysitting the infant daughter of her friend Faye Carter "don't call me" Latimer and what her client Tert Krehbeil who's affiliated with a museum hires her to investigate. Tert wants to know whether a painting allegedly done by renowned western artist Frederick Remington is genuine especially since the coloring is a bit different than the painter's usual works. Em begins tracking the history of the painting, taking her from Cody, Wyoming where she had been visiting museums with baby Sloane when she got the job to Utah, Washington DC and Pennsylvania. However, the complex investigation turns ugly when someone begins poisoning the family members of Em's client. Soon Em realizes she may be on the short list of a killer whose motive is murky, but whose means and opportunities have been on target. Though this tale starts differently than the fabulous previous treasures as Em is hired for her sleuthing reputation more than her bone hunting geological skills, EARTH COLORS is a wonderful and intelligent mystery. The story line combines two subplots that of the masterpiece investigation with a series of murders in which Em is the point of convergence. Though the art inquiries could have sustained the plot without the homicide fault line that feel more by the numbers than usual for this unique series, fans will enjoy Sarah Andrews' latest gold dust entry in what remains one of the most refreshing sleuths of the past few years.

The Coil
Gayle Lynds
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312301448 $24.95, 464 pp.

Liz Sansborough has come out of the cold to make a life for herself as a psychology professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara. She feels that her past as a CIA field operative and the daughter of the notorious Cold War assassin Carnivore is yesterday's news. However, though she believes her heritage and work experience is ancient history, others disagree starting with an assault while riding her bicycle. Afterward, she learns that someone has kidnapped her cousin vacationing in Paris. The ransom is the lost files of Carnivore that allegedly contains numerous murders of prominent people. The problem for the beleaguered Liz is that she does not even know if they exist or are just an urban legend. As she reluctantly returns to her former occupation teaming up with British undercover agent Simon Childs, they begin to uncoil the Coil, but as they get closer to these bigwigs the danger rises and the death count grows. Though one must wonder how Liz can go about her espionage work refusing to carry a gun in spite of swimming in a sea of red, fans will enjoy her sense of humor that surfaces at odd moments to lighten an intense story line. The plot moves at a rate faster than the speed of light so that even Robert Ludlum would be amazed. Espionage thriller fans will want to go along for the ride that returns a great protagonist (see MASQUERADE) whose past will not allow her to hide in the pillars of academia as she prefers.

Best Enemies
Jane Heller
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312288492 $24.95, 352 pp.

Amy Sherman and Tara Messer were friends and rivals for a long time though the latter always triumphed. The final contest between the two focused on Stuart Lasher. The odds favored Amy as she was engaged to Stuart. However, Amy found Tara and Stuart naked in bed together. The engagement ended. Tara and Stuart married. Four years later, Amy works as publicity director at Manhattan's Lowry and Trammell. Her worse nightmare happens when she learns that her publishing company has picked up a lifestyle of the rich and famous book called Simply Beautiful written by Tara about Tara. Lowry and Trammell plan to make Tara the new Martha Stewart with Amy to lead the publicity beat. Amusing absolutely as Jane Heller fan would expect from this author. However, the key to the tale is the BEST ENEMIES. Readers will commiserate with Amy even as she trumps up a lover just to save face with her rival. However, the surprise and what ultimately makes the tale superb is the audience will also feel empathy towards Tara who provides a different perspective than Amy does on the same event. Tara believes Amy owes her for absconding with the womanizing perfidious loser Stuart; surprisingly readers will ultimately agree. Ms. Heller takes a trite plot and turns it into a terrific character study that is part humor and part relationship drama.

Green Streak
Daniel J. Hale and Matthew LaBrot
Top
ISBN: 1929976283 $8.95 231 pp.

Thirteen year old friends Zeke "Sherlock" Armstrong and Richard "Pow Wow" Gao are participating in the Big Apple Inline Skate-Off. Zeke's parents make their way home from overseas and his Uncle Dane is delayed; Pow Wow's parents supervise the two teens. While waiting on a line to buy refreshments, an elderly woman Ms. Natalie talks to the lads about sundry things including taking her medicine. Not much later, Zeke notices that a guy dressed in all green on inline skates races towards Ms. Natalie. The "Jittery Man" as Zeke calls him knocks the senior citizen down and flees with her purse. While Pow Wow attends to the unconscious Ms. Natalie, Zeke chases after the Jittery Man because he knows that his comatose new acquaintance needs her medicine immediately. Zeke tricks the Jittery Man and his accomplice regaining the medicine bottle, but at the cost of his skates. The thugs come after a recovering Ms. Natalie so that they can steal her fortune, but the two teens stand in their way. Think Hardy Boys and you have a reasonable indication of Zeke and Pow Wow though the stars of GREEN STREAK are unique in their own manner and Zeke is more a solo sleuth. The story line goes as fast as the guys go on their inline skate, which is at a terrific rate of speed. The sleuthing duo makes a fine refreshing pair as they try to keep Ms. Natalie safe whether it's skating around Manhattan or riding to Roosevelt Island. Young adults will appreciate this wonderful teen thriller and seek other colorful tales like the award winning RED CARD and the upcoming WHITE OUT.

My Fake Wedding
Mina Ford
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373250541 $12.95, 384 pp.

In London Katie Simpson is positive that her boyfriend Jake Carpenter is her Mr. Right until she finds him making love with Fishpants Fraser. Irate, Katie vows to play by the BLAB rule when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex2 for from now on she will behave like a bloke. At work, Katie is the envy of the female zoo as the only male Aussie hunk The David goes out drinking with her. However, at his flat, she learns that the David is gay and more suited for her pal George. When David needs to marry to stay in England, he and George hit on Katie who agrees since she plans to be a spinster anyway, but draws the line on bearing a child for the gay couple. However as her wedding day comes closer, her childhood friend Sam becomes fixed in her heart, but he still sees her as a pain in the butt sister or does he? Though Katie is too opinionated (her analysis of the hens at work is amusing, but nasty), fans will enjoy this solid chick lit tale as love comes from an unlikely source. The story line contains five likable protagonists, but it is clearly Katie who serves

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