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Volume 2, Number 8 August 2003 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Shelley's Bookshelf Cindy Penn's Bookshelf Klausner's Bookshelf

Shirley's Bookshelf Laurel's Bookshelf Diana's Bookshelf

Shelley's Bookshelf
Murder at Spoleto
Maurice and Leigh Thompson
Elderberry Press, 1393 Old Homestead Rd., Second Floor, Oakland, OR 97462
ISBN: 1930859546 $19.95

Leigh Thompson was a medical news reporter for NBC-TV. He built three of the first Intensive Care Units, was a Professor of Medicine, wrote countless scientific papers and lectured worldwide. He has a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and an MD. Maurice is a high school teacher and assistant to the Editor of the Women's Page of the local newspaper. She has many interests, including history and preservation, as well as science and producing meetings worldwide.

Charleston presents the Spoleto Festival each Memorial Day, which includes theater, opera, dance, and music. But this year's festival is conducted by an arrogant and cruel maestro whose captivating opera turns out to be a tale twisting Charleston's history into a craven story of debauchery. To add injury to insult, the diva topples into the orchestra pit just as she is hitting her climactic celestial note, impaling herself on an antique bassoon. Two more performances yield the same number of deaths. Is it mayhem, or murder? It is up to Medical Examiner Mary Elizabeth's team and a local football hero criminologist named Bubba to figure out the score:

" Not quite so fast, Dr. Simons,' replied Dirk. We've still got one peak on the blood analysis that I can't find in urine, in hair, in the vitreous humor, or in any of the pill bottles we have sampled. We've never seen this peak before in this laboratory and it is not in the usual references about drugs.'"

The team of Maurice and Leigh Thompson produce a fairly credible mystery yarn. Although it is evident that science and medicine is their love...they pay attention to the details of the plot thoroughly enough to keep the reader immersed in scientific procedures in pharmacology protocols while masking the true killer. Their sense of humor is ribald, and characters are drawn out to create an enjoyable theater of the absurd in which the scientists and detectives have to function. The ending is eye-opening and somewhat tragic, which brings the reader full circle in this irreverent tale of intrigue. This reviewer's guess is that the authors had a great time writing this book. It is one funny mystery from a couple who offer up a lifetime of fascinating experiences to bring to their craft.

Murder at the Brown Palace
Dick Kreck
Fulcrum Publishing
16100 Table Mountain Parkway, Suite 300, Golden, Colorado 80403
Ph: (800) 992-2908
ISBN: 1555914632 $17.95

Senior columnist Dick Kreck is a journalist with the Denver Post. He has also worked with the San Francisco Examiner and the Los Angeles Times. He has two previous books to his credit, Colorado's Scenic Railroads and Denver in Flames.

Murder at the Brown Palace chronicles one of the most famous high society murders of the twentieth century. The Brown Palace is one of Denver's grand old hotels, and the principals of the case were all of a free-wheeling social set. In the middle, and probably the cause of the murder was Isabelle Springer, who was married to would-be politician and wealthy Denver businessman John W. Springer. Not content to be a proper social wife, the narcissistic Isabelle enticed two men, and then set up a showdown which ended in two tragic deaths. Unfortunately for Frank Henwood, the killer, Denver was trying to gain a dignified reputation and had no sympathy for the cause of the shooting:

"That the said Sylvester L. von Phul came to his death by gunshot wounds having been fired by Frank H. Henwood in the City and Country of Denver in the state of Colorado about 11:35 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 1911, in the barroom of the Brown Palace Hotel at Seventeenth and Broadway; and we further find the said Sylvester L. von Phul died at St. Luke's Hospital about 11:30 a.m. May 25, 1911, and we further find that said shots were fired with felonious intent."

Dick Kreck, no doubt, went to great lengths to reenact the events leading up to the shooting. Although he presents the facts in an impartial vein, Frank Henwood was obviously led on by Isabelle Springer, as was Sylvester L. von Phul. The irony of the situation is that neither man really wanted to murder the other...but both men acted and reacted passionately to create a chain of events from which both of their lives, and two innocent bystanders' would be ruined. Kreck gives a wonderful historical overview of the politics at that time which would prove to be rigid and unforgiving towards Henwood. Another twist to the story is that John W. Springer really did not blame Henwood for what happened, although the public was not as forgiving. Kreck not only is a dogged historian, but he is faithful to the attitudes and trends of the time, giving the reader a unique perspective on this woeful tale. An excellent read!

Greetmyre
F.L. Primmer
Infinity Publishing
519 West Lancaster Ave., Haverford, PA19041-1413
ISBN: 0741413566 $15.95

Fred L. Primmer's area of expertise is in the broadcast industry. He has put in thirty years in all aspects of broadcasting, from writing, to hosting talk shows, the production and music direction. He graduated from the University of South Dakota and the Brown Institute of Broadcasting.

Set in the late 17th century, 1692, Greetmyre takes place in a fictitious village in Massachusetts during Colonial times, when religious fanaticism once again reared its ugly head in the form of the bogus witch trials and very real burnings of so-called witches. No woman, child, dog or cat was safe from the superstition and political greed that reveals itself among humankind on a regular basis.

In this case, the wicked magistrate and his two evil counterparts killed the town physician, who happened to be a friend of the governor. At the same time, a hermit was found who had been living in a cave after losing his memory. This hermit had rare intelligence and education, and was also a great warrior and a rumored legend from ages past who defended the innocent against tyrants. Is this man the fabled Greetmyre? And can the wicked trio be stopped? Another character...a beautiful countess who has lost her family and lands to the same tyrant is on the scene, using her own special form of magic to fight the maniac:

"Adora considered what the stranger had said. In her mind she could hear the trap door swing open, the bodies fall, the necks snap and the silence that followed. Could she have put a stop to it? Trellis could have. But Trellis was her demon...Trellis had no conscience. And Adora had now come to understand the inexplicable truth: She no longer had any control over Trellis, for Trellis had taken control over her."

Greetmyre is an excellent, well-crafted tale of greed and evil that is so gripping and true to what is happening once again with religious fanaticism that it should be required reading! Not only is the story based on history, but it is timely. The characters are so well drawn they seem to be standing in the same room with the reader. The plot is intricate, and weaves around the reader's imagination creating a dream world that is like a horrifying nightmare interspersed with a touching love story. Action abounds in this tale, but good and evil blend into redemption. A haunting read.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

Cindy Penn's Bookshelf
The Third Corner
J. L. Abbott
Amber Quill Press
P.O. Box 50251, Bellevue, WA 98015
ISBN 1592790100 (Electronic) $5.50
ISBN 1592799981 (Paperback) $14.49

Complex paradoxes and ethical conundrums -- Highly recommended

Kathryn Devereaux and Jared Bentley followed their father's footsteps, becoming elite members of Dark Watch, an espionage organization developed by their fathers during the Civil War to ensure reliable intelligence for President Lincoln. Ten years later their fathers were brutally murdered. While Kathryn and Jared fell in love at first sight, their service has has prevented them being together. Indeed, Jared has never told his family about Dark Watch or about Kathryn. Although the war has ended, Kathryn and Jared continue their service to Dark Watch. A year after their father's death, they don't have Dark Watch's permission to investigate their fathers' deaths nor to be together. Moreover, Kathryn's previous assignment pitted her against her nemesis, Mae Falconner, a woman driven by a passion beyond reason for Jared. Now Kathryn and Jared will face her together, confronting necessary betrayals and espionage with deadly results. I confess to thoroughly enjoying Abbot's combination of metaphysics, history and villainy. The triangle formed by Kathryn, Jared, and Mae is absolutely fascinating. As Kathryn confronts the devastating necessities that result from her political service, she also confronts the darkest side of human nature and the most difficult of challenges. Kathryn and Jared's devotion to one another and to their commit to service to Dark Watch likewise explore the dark and the light, filling THE THIRD CORNER with complex paradoxes and ethical conundrums. THE THIRD CORNER comes highly recommended.

Riptide
Julesburg Mysteries, Bk. 2
Lorena McCourtney
Fleming H Revell Co
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516
ISBN 0373790961 $12.99

Recommended

Sisters Sarah McIntosh and Julie Armstrong only recently found one another before being tragically separated again by a catastrophic act of fate. They share a dream of renovating an abandoned theater called The Nevermore, hoping to create a mini-mall where they can display their artistic creations. They invite contractor Nick Nordahl to make a bid for the renovations. Their new found friendship leads to unexpected consequences, however, when a moment in time brings tragedy. Julie falls asleep in the backseat of the car and Sarah gently covers her, leaving the car running while she runs into a convenience store for milk. Meanwhile, a masked man robs the store, killing the owner, before using Sarah's running car for his get away. He does not see the sleeping woman in the backseat, which profoundly escalates his situation. Subsequently, Sarah struggles with profound issues of grief, guilt and terror. While she believes in God, Sarah lacks the assurance of faith that sustains Nick, creating a terrible wall between them. Once again author Lorena McCourtney pens a powerful romantic suspense. Profound questions of a spiritual nature lend the novel an emotional and psychological intensity, landing both Sarah and Nick in a riptide of feeling. Unfortunately, the nature of the Christian genre precludes the edgy suspense readers expect when the characters are analyzed from a perspective of good verses evil on a scale of spirituality. Nevertheless, the Nick's determination to save Sarah's life, even if he cannot save her soul, makes him a marvelous hero readers will treasure. With a skillful blend of romantic suspense and realistic spiritual challenges, RIPTIDE comes recommended.

Wilde Thing
Janelle Denison
Zebra
Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0758203594 $14.00

Wild fun! Very highly recommended

Liz Adams is no wild child, with her only journey onto the wild side having ended in emotional and financial disaster. Now she is taking a part-time job to find her missing cousin. By day she is the owner of The Daily Grind, a specialty coffee shop. By night she works as a phone sex operator, hoping to find her missing cousin. She hires private investigator Steve Wilde to aid her quest. Liz's night job at the Ultimate Fantasy provides her with access to a world of erotic possibility and forbidden passions. Her nightly phone calls with Steve secure an invitation to exclusive parties hosted by the company. Liz hops her new contacts will provide leads to her missing cousin. Meanwhile, her real world encounters with Steve erupt in heated passion. But their relationship is merely a diversion as Liz does not expect this ultimate bad boy to linger beyond completing the case. Nevertheless, this Wild boy may have just met his match. Butterscotch equates with wild imaginings for readers decadent enough to indulge in Janelle Denison's WILD THING. The sizzling plot provides the ultimate background for some of the hottest romantic on the market. Readers will recall having met Eric in the anthology I BRAKE FOR BAD BOYS, and will look forward to brother Adrian's story in the upcoming November release BAD BOYS TO GO. Drenched in sensual heat and bold dealing, WILD THING indulges the forbidden and the erotic in a memorable read impossible to put down, coming very highly recommended.

The Good Daughter
Superromance No 1142
Jean Brashear
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711425 $5.25

Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence

From crystal and antiques to blood and death, Austin police psychologist Chloe St. Claire moves easily between the world of privilege and the harsh reality of criminals. When she leaves a cocktail party on a call to a crime scene, Chloe meets detective Vince Coronado, who has fatally shot a suspect. Now Chloe must clear Vince for duty before he can resume his normal duties. Unfortunately, the internal affairs investigator bears a personal grudge against Vince, and it will take all of Chloe's political, professional and personal savvy for them both to survive the ensuing situation. Meanwhile, Chloe uncovers family secrets that leave her feeling like she belongs nowhere, and only Vince seems to understand her challenges. Opposites attract as THE GOOD DAUGHTER brings together a legendary cop accused of murder and the society girl who can bring him down. Author Jean Brashear's powerful storytelling ability dazzles as sizzling chemistry that lends hope to the impossible in a tale that will touch reader's hearts. Indeed, Brashear's understanding of the heart and the complexities of family relationships lend THE GOOD DUAGHTER emotional depth and gripping angst. Readers will find THE GOOD DAUGHTER to be an outstanding read that belongs on the keeper shelf. THE GOOD DAUGHTER earns the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.

Jackson's Girls
Superromance No 1134
K. N. Casper
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711344 $5.25

Compelling trilogy completed -- Highly recommended

An explosion at the Fontaine sugar refinery brings together Jackson Fontaine and insurance investigator Leanna Cargill. The arson follows hard on the heels of two other business disasters, leaving the Fontaine fortune in jeopardy. Now an anonymous tip has brought Leanna to Jackson's doorstep only for her to witness the latest disaster. Soon Jackson strikes Leanna a deal. In return for helping in his investigations, Jackson will share his professional secrets with her. But it does not take long for his secrets to turn far more personal. Leanna and Jackson have daughters of approximately the same age. A nasty divorce has left Leanna solely responsible for her child. Jackson offers Leanna a place to live when her apartment is damaged to the point of becoming unlivable. However, anxious to preserve her independence, she does not make the move without reservations. Nevertheless, charmed by mint juleps and Southern manners, Leanna discovers old world grace and her own vulnerability with this Old South family. KN Casper characteristically tackles some of the most difficult of relationships. From alcoholism to ethical moral challenges, Casper's understanding of the human condition, complete with joy, sorrow, flaw and foible, makes his fiction some of the most insightful of series romance on the market. As his remarkable characters work their ways into reader's heart, they challenge reader's ideals of heroes and heroines, broadening our perceptions and strengthen our hope that love can indeed overcome any challenge. However, with JACKSON'S GIRLS, some readers may react negatively to Jackson's high handed machinations. Nevertheless, within the context of this powerfully rendered tale, Jackson becomes a understandable, if flawed hero. Certainly his overbearing nature meets its match in the independent Leanna, a woman of considerable independence and strength. The result of their mutual needs is a novel of complex motivation and believable relationships that have become the hallmark of Casper's work. JACKSON'S GIRLS comes highly recommended.

Heart Thief
Berkley Sensation Showcase
Robin D. Owens
Jove
Berkley Publishing Group
A Divsion of Penguin Putnam Inc.
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
ISBN 0425190722 $5.99

Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence

In a world where flair determines power and position, Ruis Elder has none, being a Null. As a teen, his abusive uncle stripped him of his birthright, and gleefully abused his young charge until Ruis ran away. A talented thief who could use lack of flair to his advantage, Ruis stole T'Ash's heartgift to his HeartMate. He used the precious stones, as he uses all his stolen precious stones, to further his research into ancient Earth machines because they work when Celta Flair does not. Ruis returned the necklace, but was subsequently captured to be tried before the Grand Counsil. Now his trial allows him to meet Grandlady Ailim d'Siverfir. Only recently named head of her family, Ailim finds her task daunting as she struggles to save the family from bankruptcy. Her plea happens to be timed to bring her before the Counsil at the same time Ruis is to be tried. Accustomed to the demands of the strength of her flair, Ailim finds that Ruis' presence brings a surprising measure of peace and calm. Unfortunately, as a telepathic judge Ailim cannot overlook his supposed crimes. However, a woman who believes in justice and the spirit of the law, she cannot ignore his plight when Ruis is banished from Druida on pain of death. Yet their continued contact threatens to destroy them both. Author Robin Owens soundly established herself among the top futurist authors in HEARTMATE. With such a hard act to follow, readers will be delighted to learn HEART THIEF equals HEARTMATE with a FamKitty who flies on a mini saucer, a sentient spaceship, and a return of favored characters from the first novel. Add a heated romance filled with promise and impossibility and the result is a read absolutely impossible to put down.

Cindy Penn, Reviewer http://www.wordweaving.com

Klausner's Bookshelf
American Empire: The Victorious Opposition
Harry Turtledove
Del Rey
$24.95, 512 pp. ISBN 034544423X

In a world that never was but could haven been, the Confederacy won the War of Succession and the United States had to recognize them as a sovereign nation. As the victors, they imposed certain restrictions on the way the United States governed itself. When the Great War broke out, the United States was the winner, wrestling territory away from the Confederacy and bringing it into the union. To prevent Britain from ever being a threat in the USA again, the army marched into Canada and made it a territory of America. Canada is no longer a recognized country and all laws and military rules come from the American Army of Occupation. Texas is part of the CSA but during the Great War, the US annexed part of the state naming it Houston and bringing it into the Union. Sequoyah is a part of the USA but like Houston and Kentucky (which was also forcibly brought back into the USA) they want to rejoin the CSA. There are very few blacks in the USA and most of them live in Kentucky. Former slaves trying to leave the CSA are turned back at the US border. When the world plunges into a Depression, the fascist Freedom party elects Jake Featherston president. He uses strong-arm tactics against his enemies, takes control of the radio and newspapers and sets up internment camps for political prisoners and Red Negroes. He begins building tractors and farm equipment at a fast rate so that the Black sharecroppers become redundant. Many resort to fighting a guerrilla war while others go begging for menial jobs in the cities. Under the terms of the 1917 Armistice, the CSA military is sharply curtailed but Featherston finds ways of getting around the restrictions. He is slowly building up the military strength of the CSA to the level it was in 1863. His freedom party goons are agitating in Sequoyah, Houston and Kentucky for a plebiscite and the socialist president of the USA finally allows the people of those states to vote on whether they want to stay in the USA or leave and rejoin the CSA. Many people in both countries believe that another war between the USA and CSA is inevitable. Harry Turtledove is the recognized grand master of alternative history and in AMERICAN EMPIRE: THE VICTORIOUS OPPOSITION he shows his talent grows with each book he writes. The Freedom Party can be compared with the rise of the Nazi Party in our universe and just like the SS troopers; the high-ranking members in the party use the same strong-arm tactics to cow the populace. Instead of Jews being discriminated against, the Blacks are the scapegoats. France and Russia sided with the confederacy and when they lost the war, they had to obey the terms of the armistice but they are unhappy and ready to go to war again to regain their freedoms. France especially wants to regain Alsace-Lorraine from Germany but are wary of fighting the Germans a third time. The characters in this novel are real people representing all walks of life so that the reader has a very visual picture of what life is like in this altered universe that seems similar but is so very different from our own. The CSA president is not a likable man and freedom lovers will despise him but the audience will understand that many of his constituents want him in office so that he can turn their country around and make it a world power.

Dante's Equation
Jane Jensen
Del Rey
$15.95, 496 pp. ISBN: 0345430379

Physicist and Kabbalah Rabbi Yosef Kobinski suddenly disappears from Auschwitz in a flash of light. No on knows what happened to the Jewish mystic. He left behind his work, The Book of Torment, in which he claims that he uncovered the physical law of good and evil. His mathematical mystical masterpiece of metaphysics is buried. Five decades later at the University of Washington, Dr. Jill Talcott and her lab assistant Nate Andros are on the brink of a similar breakthrough with their research into energy waves. At the same time Rabbi Handalman and investigative reporter Denton Wyle separately seek Kobinski's The Book of the Torment. Soon these four individuals will find their paths converge at the site where Kobinski allegedly vanished with the Feds on their trail as only the government fully understands the strength of the force that Kobinski and now Talcott have discovered. This extremely exciting thriller is at its strongest during the horrifying Holocaust descriptions, describing the mysticism of the Kabbalah, and explaining energy wave physics all inside a solid science fiction tale. When the story line turns otherworldly it loses much of its strength and ends up leaving the audience a bit disappointed. Jane Jensen provides a deep exciting and complex novel that will please speculative fiction fans especially those who enjoy a taut (for the most part) cutting edge thriller.

Material Girl
Julia London
Berkley
$6.99, 400 pp. ISBN: 0425191230

In Manhattan, Aaron Lear, zillionaire CEO of Lear Transport Industries, is shocked when he learns he is dying of cancer. Desperate he calls his estranged wife Bonnie Lou, who immediately drops everything to be with the only man that she ever loved though they remained apart for fifteen years. Not long afterward, Aaron with Bonnie Lou at his side, orders his three daughters to come to his Texas ranch. He knows that he was a poor lover, a horrendous spouse, and a pitiful father, but wants to make amends. He threw his oldest Robin into top management with no experience so she is a failure. The middle one Rebecca suffers with a lousy marriage to a SOB. The youngest Rachel is a perennial student majoring in nothing. Robin hires Jake Manning to renovate her house. While he dreams of obtaining his college degree, he also wants a loving wife and children to pamper. He detests that he finds the ice princess so attractive. Robin faces several crises and does not need some stud in her life, but she cannot get Jake out of her mind. The first tale of the three Lear sisters is a fun contemporary romance. The cast is a delight as the four females struggle to cope with the pending death of the patriarch who remains a nasty short-tempered individual. Jake is a wonderful protagonist who provides balance to Robin's obstinacy. Though the impact of the cancer on the quintet could have been more deeply explored (perhaps in the next two novels), readers will relish MATERIAL GIRL as a fine opening gamut.

Isle of Palms
Dorothea Benton Frank
Berkley
$22.95, 410 pp. ISBN: 0425191362

Sit back with a mint julep and follow the thoughts of divorced single mom Anna Lutz Abbot. As a hairdresser, she knows everyone's skeletons as she hears more confessions than the College of Cardinals would hear in their combined lifetimes. Now Anna has scandals in her own life. As a high school senior, her grandma who raised her and the local minister arranged a date between their two charges. His son raped her. When Anna learned she was pregnant; her grandmother reacted with apoplexy that soon led to a death stroke. Her college daughter is coming home at the same time the creep that sexually molested her will also return to town. Emily is unaware that the guy she thinks is her biological father is gay and never had relations with any woman while her real sire is a rapist. Then there is that gorgeous Connecticut Yankee to obsess. This novel is reminiscent of the Mossy Creek tales. This excellent work of fiction is fun to read for those who want to read something escapist but interesting. The support characters are an eccentric delightful ensemble especially the lead protagonist's daughter and the two geriatric neighbors who seem less golden and more leaden in attitudes (an ultra conservative Maude in her geezer stage). This is a fine beach bingo book and fans will appreciate the insights into small town southern life that allows interruptions because the novel never requires as much power as the dryers used by Anna.

Lover Beware
Christine Feehan, Katherine Sutcliffe, Fiona Brand and Eileen Wilks
Berkley
$7.99, 368 pp. ISBN: 0425189058

"Magic in the Wind" by Christine Feehan. Military defense systems expert Damon hides from the threats to his life. In his new town, he hears strange whispers about his neighbor Sarah, her "sisters" and their otherworldly powers. Damon and Sarah instantly fall in love with one another. When his adversaries find him, Damon and Sarah try to keep each other safe. This strong story needs novels starring Sarah's siblings. "Hot August Moon" by Katherine Sutcliffe. FBI profiler Anna uses her psychic skills to locate killers. She investigates the mutilation murders of a friend and her two children under the direction of district attorney Jerry, who once broke her heart. This gory tale is for those who enjoy explicit mutilation scenes with unanswered questions. "After Midnight" by Fiona Brand. In New Zealand, the rape murder has left everyone frightened especially recently widowed Jane since her farm is isolated. She avoids her nearest neighbor Michael because she feels guilty that she desired him while her spouse was dying. Michael wants her too, but first must deal with being the prime suspect. This is a strong romantic investigative tale tat showcases the talent of this fine author. "Only Human" by Eileen Wilks. Chinese-American detective Lily investigates a murder that appears to be the work of a werewolf. To infiltrate the clans, Lily enlists the help of werewolf Rule though she detests the species. Soon they fall in love, but first they must weed out the rogue killer. The novellas are well written and because the stories are so different this anthology will appeal to a wide variety of tastes.

Murder In the Museum
Simon Brett
Berkley
$22.95, 352 pp. ISBN 0425190439

After a successful career in the Home Office, Carole Seddon retires to the seashore resort town of Fethering in West Sussex where she becomes friends with Jude, her next door neighbor. They partner up solving several local homicides. Carole has recently taken a volunteer position of trustee at Bracketts House, the home where the famous Catholic writer Esmond Chadleigh once lives. The property was turned into a heritage house and is in need of outside funding to keep on operating. In the kitchen garden, a skeleton is found that dates back over seventy years. The find horrifies many of the trustees who don't want the author's named sullied. When Carole and Sheila Cartwright, the unofficial head of Bracketts House, are walking toward their cars after a trustee meeting, a shot rings out killing Sheila instantly. Carole believes there is a connection between the bodies found in the kitchen garden and Sheila's death and she is determined to find the common link knowing she may already be in danger. Although Jude isn't working the investigation as much as usual because she is nursing a very sick friend, Carole picks up the slack and for once is not overshadowed by her best friend. She proves she can investigate a murder on her own and is able to subtly put the pieces together to figure out why the homicide occurred in the first place. Carole ferrets out the secrets and scandals of Bracketts house, which makes the heritage home more appealing to visitors and readers.

A Catch of Consequence
Diana Norman
Berkley
$14.00, ISBN: 0425190153

In 1765 Boston, tavern manager Makepeace Burke despises the English crown and aristocracy for what they are doing to her and her fellow colonists. However, that does not stop the twenty-four year old from rescuing Sir Philip Dapifer from drowning in the Charles River. Her Good Samaritan deed leads to her ostracism from her friends and other patriots. Philip falls in love with his savior and returns the favor by sneaking her on board a ship bound to England. They marry on the vessel, but Makepeace finds life in England worse than Boston because the locals treat her with scorn for being a Yankee. As she adapts to her new life, Makepeace stays true to her beliefs of equality across the Anglo Atlantic, between classes, and between genders. Though in many ways Makepeace is an anachronism seemingly more suited o live in today's society than the pre-Revolutionary War era, readers will admire her spunk. The story line enables the audience to taste life just before the war in Boston and London with an emphasis on the disparity of opinions. This fascinating dual look at the dichotomy make for a vividly fine historical tale that shows Diana Norman can paint multiple perspectives without dismissing either side inside an entertaining romance.

Dancing With A Rogue
Patricia Potter
Berkley
$6.99, 421 pp. ISBN: 0425191001

In 1792 England, his distraught father informs ten year old Gabriel Manning that family honor is at stake as men he called friends betrayed him and England. His distressed dad sends his beloved wife and their son to America before killing himself. In 1815, Gabriel finds it ironic that his enemy England informs him that he is now a Marquess. He sees this as the avenue to finally avenge his father by destroying the three rogues who ruined his sire. However, actress Merry Anders seeks retribution from the three members of the group that ruined her mother. When Gabriel and Merry collide, a new feeling begins to overwhelm the hatred that fills both their mutual hearts as they fall in love at an untimely moment. This Regency romance will thrill sub-genre fans because of the attitudes of the lead couple. Gabriel and Merry are a delightful pair, as both detest the weakness they perceive that love causes. The duet individually recognizes those positive feelings for someone else only impedes their respective quests. Patricia Potter has provided a character driven story that her audience will enjoy as they find themselves DANCING WITH A ROGUE and his actress.

Hot Pink
Susan Johnson
Berkley
$15.00, 320pp. ISBN: 0425190102

In Minneapolis, web designer Chloe Chisholm feels it is time to delete her latest male companion especially after the blind date fizzled over her pink hair. Leaving the dud behind, Chloe takes the elevator accompanied by tall, dark and handsome Rocco Vinelli. He too is frustrated over the machination of Amy Thiebaud, the younger sister of a friend. Though they went out on an occasional date in the past and he has escorted her to events, he never considered them to be more than friends. That does not stop Amy from hosting a surprise engagement party that Rocco walked out on for he has no plans to marry the witch. Chloe and Rocco share the greatest sex weekend of their lives. As they begin to fall in love, she learns that he is engaged to Amy, which he denies. When Amy claims she is pregnant by him, Chloe drops him, but Rocco insists that if she is pregnant it cannot be his. This erotic contemporary romance shows Susan Johnson at her hottest, which means the lead couple generates enough thermos heat to keep the Northeast warm in winter. Readers will want the hunk for themselves even when he utters perfectly understandable profanity. Though Amy is too much of a twit, the audience will relish HOT PINK.

Becoming Georgia
Emily Carmichael
Berkley
$5.99, 327 pp. ISBN: 042519101X

In 1870, Chicago attorney Jacob Whittaker arrives in Prescott, Territory in Arizona to escort his client's granddaughter back to the Windy City. However, he expects a lady of some sort, but instead sees an arm wrestling female that makes Jacob believe his fee ought to double because he must change "George" into Georgia. Initially refusing to go east, Georgie girl is forced to when Jason informs her the mine she sold to Cougar Barnes was not hers to sell. In Chicago, her grandpa offers her a deal. If she stays for one year and accepts the courting of his hand picked dolt, he will give her the mine outright even if she fails to wed his chosen one. As she struggles to change from a brawling mine working George into a facsimile of lady Georgia, Cougar arrives demanding ownership of the mine he bought from her. BECOMING GEORGIA is an amusing mid nineteenth century Americana romance reminiscent of "Annie Get Your Gun". The story line contains a strong cast to include the lead couple, a secondary duo, her grandfather, and her friend Essie that bring Chicago and to a lesser degree Arizona in 1870 to life. However, it is the humor that makes this tale stand out in the bookshelves as fans will appreciate the antics of George of the desert turning into Georgia of the Windy City.

Blood On Their Hands Edited
Lawrence Block
Berkley
$23.95, 352 pp. ISBN: 0425190358

This anthology consists of nineteen well-written new stories that focus, for the most part, on how everyday people react when pushed over the edge. The contributions are fun to follow as each story adheres to the premise though the scenarios differ between the contributions. This in turn leads to the reader in several cases placing themselves in the precarious situations in order to ponder how they would have acted. The authors are some of the leaders of the mystery/suspense genre and obviously everyone took the tasking seriously to the benefit of the audience. The trouble with this book is that the tales are so good this reviewer broke a personal commandment of reading no more than three shorts a day (to fully savor a collection), but this time finished BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS in one sitting as will most readers.

Ghost of a Chance
Yasmine Galenorn
Berkley
$5.99, 272 pp. ISBN 0425191281

After her husband left her for a young bimbo, Emerald O'Brien and her two children left Seattle and moved to Chiqetaw where she opened up the Chintz 'n China Tea Room, a store that sells fine china and other objects pertaining to tea. To bring in additional income she reads the tarot cards and is known to the townsfolk as the resident witch. Emerald knew from an early age that she had the Gift, seeing spirits and casting spells. One night she is woken up to see a ghost hovering over her bed. Using automatic writing, the spirit says she is Susan Mitchell and that her husband killed her. The next day Em sees a picture of Susan in the paper stating she died in an accident and her spouse has an airtight alibi and doesn't inherit a dime of her considerable wealth so he has no motive. Em risks her life to fighting an evil spirit that followed Susan into the material plane and finding her killer so the woman can travel to the next plane. This paranormal mystery has enough romance in it to keep readers of three genres very happy. The spirits are the kind portrayed in the movie "The Sixth Sense", the good, the good and the evil, all who have to pass on to the next plane of existence with the heroine's help. The audience will adore Emerald, a bright, shining and caring soul who wants to do right by everybody and use her powers to make the world a better place. Yasmine Galenorn is a bright new star in the mystery horizon.

The Wife Test
Betina Krahn
Berkley
$6.99, 336 pp. ISBN: 0425190927

In France, the emissary of English King Edward informs the Duke of Avalon he still owes ransom if he wants his freedom. Avalon has nothing to offer until he learns Edward would accept as tribute virgin daughters with a dowry to be married off to his men. Avalon informs the Abbess of the Convent of the Brides of Virtue that he requires "his" four illegitimate daughters be sent to England escorted by Sir Hugh of Sennet. The Abbess knows Avalon has no known daughters, but sees an opportunity for four of her "throwaway" charges to attain a good life as an English wife. Chloe of Guibray wants to go to England upon learning she may have family there, but the Abbess wants her to stay behind. Chloe "kidnaps" the nun who was accompanying the young women and takes her place. On the journey across France, the Channel, and England to the monarch's court, someone tries to stop Hugh from achieving his objective. Worse to Hugh is he is falling in love with Chloe, who reciprocates his deep feelings. Readers will enjoy New York Times best-selling author Betina Krahn's latest historical romance due to a fine cast. The story line is fun as an exasperated Hugh struggles to keep his desire in check protecting the five women from his horny men and an unknown enemy. Ms. Krahn passes all the tests, as her audience will appreciate this delightful medieval tale.

The Shadow Side
Linda Castillo
Berkley
$5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0425191028

Due to a head injury on the job three years ago, Chicago police detective sergeant Adam Boedecker remains on the inactive list. Adam is in no rush to return to work where he knows he will sit at a desk rather than do field work. However, everything changes when his peers inform him that his brother Michael killed his wife and then himself. Adam refuses to believe non-violent Michael who loved his wife could commit such atrocities. Adam sneaks into his sibling's home, violating a crime scene, to find the only odd thing a prescription for Valazine. He learns that the drug is a miracle worker used to battle depression and its creator Dr. Elizabeth "Eli" Barnes just received a prestigious award for her efforts. He soon finds seven other violent deaths in the past year by users of the drug. Desperate to learn the truth, he travels to Roth Pharmaceuticals to talk with Eli. Skeptical, Eli soon becomes a believer that her magic elixir can trigger violent behavior in otherwise calm peaceful individuals. As the two some fall in love, someone kills her mentor and wants them dead too. THE SHADOW SIDE is an exhilarating romantic suspense that focuses on the action for much of the plot. The story line is fast-paced and never slows down until the final moment of rescue is completed though a key deliberate act (left vague deliberately by this reviewer) by the villain seems too horrific and out of place. Still fans of romantic suspense starring a female scientist with no social life and a male cop with no life will want to read this thriller.

The English Breakfast Murder
Laura Childs
Berkley
$6.99, 288 pp. ISBN 042519129X

The Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina is doing a booming business despite the depressed economy. In addition to selling all kinds of teas from different countries, the owner serves food and sells aromatherapy teas for the bath. The store proprietor, Theodosia Browning realizes there is more to life than work and volunteers her time to the Charleston's Sea Turtle League. When the eggs hatch, the volunteers make sure they make it safely into the ocean. When it is Theodosia's shift she spots a large object floating in the water and swims out to see what it is. She doesn't expect to find the dead body of local antique dealer Harper Fisk, a good friend of Theodosia's tea blender Drayton Connelly. Both Clayton and Theodosia are sure the man was murdered even if the police won't admit it was a homicide. Theodosia, who has solved previous homicides, vows to find the killer even though she is embarking on a dangerous manhunt. Readers will be charmed and beguiled by this delicious amateur sleuth mystery and will feel like visiting Charles Street to have a cup at the Indigo Tea Shop. Laura Childs makes tea so delectable sounding that a coffee lover will commit heresy and convert. The heroine is a charming down to earth person who believes in helping out her friends and the community, two sides of her personality which will endear her to the audiences. There is a plethora of suspects but the reader will be shocked when the author cleverly reveals who the perpetrator is.

Caught in the Act
Joyce Lamb
Five Star
$26.95, ISBN: 0786253355

Jessie Rhoades relocated to Florida to escape a bad marriage and to further her career as the city editor of the Fort Myers Star News. Her top journalist reports on cops frequenting local strip joints while on duty. However, word is that the story is a hoax and careers could be ruined. Jessie is driving when her brakes fail leading to a crash. She is rescued by freelance reporter Clay Christopher who then rushes her to the hospital. Not long afterward, New York based editor Steve Crank asks Clay to investigate the police scandal and possible hoax. Pretty much retired since his beloved Ellen died, Clay makes some cursory inquiries, but soon finds Jessie has given him a reason to live just as he has revived her personal life. However, someone wants her dead as evident by her sliced brake line. Though in some ways the villain is obvious even with clever disguising by Joyce Lamb, this is a strong investigative romantic mystery. The entertaining story line provides the reader with two levels of tension. Will Jessie and Clay overcome their respective past relationships to become an entity with her as his professional boss even as the audience will wonder if the heroine will survive the assaults on her life? Readers will appreciate this deep tale rooting for the lead couple to make it.

Lady Pamela
Amy Lake
Five Star
$26.95 ISBN: 0786242329

Virginia resident Benjamin Torrance is now a duke currently residing in England. He asks Lady Pamela Sinclair to marry him after he forgives her for her transgression of having an affair with Edward Tremayne. An irate Pamela loves Benjamin, but rejects his proposal because she feels she did nothing wrong in her relationship with Edward who as single at that time. Pamela's friend Amanda Detweiler knows that Benjamin and Pamela love each other and belong together. She begins a matchmaking campaign with the help of Lady Millicent, who happens to be Big Ben's probable future fianc?e. It will take all her skills and perhaps a miracle to bring this stubborn duo to their senses This seems like an impossible task since these would be lovers differ over Edward and neither one wants to compromise their viewpoint. The third Amy Lake Regency romance is a fun tale that fans will enjoy especially those who read the previous two books because many returnees play key roles in LADY PAMELA. The story line remains inside expected sub-genre rules, but feels fresh because of the two angry lead protagonists and an amusing, often sardonic Amanda. The Regency audience will look forward to more tales starring other cast members, especially when Amanda meets her match.

The Geisha's Granddaughter
Chayym Zeldis
Five Star
$26.95, 289 pp. ISBN: 0786251123

Though a geisha, Mariko had a binding relationship with an older man. However, her occupation forbids her to ever marry. When she gives birth to a son, she gives the child Akira to her brother who raises the lad as a farmer. When his uncle dies, Akira goes to America to live with Mariko's other sibling on an isolated farm. They live amicably together for eight years until the older man dies. Akira continues to work the farm though only a teen. When he meets his fifteen-year-old neighbor Komako, he knows he has met his life's mate. They marry two years later and have a fine life together until World War II breaks out. He loses the land and both are incarcerated in a camp. So that their daughter Mitzko lives free he joins the American army. The Americanization of Mitzko has begun even while her parents keep feet in both worlds. This engaging historical novel provides readers with a taste of how Japanese-Americans felt while adjusting to a new world, when WW II shatters that world with the accompanying internment, and the assimilation during the baby boomer era. The tale is also in some ways a coming of age tale, but that serves as a backdrop to the post WW II era. The ensemble cast paints quite a picture as the audience sees in depth what life was like for Japanese in America over a three decade or so period. Though the action is somewhat limited, fans of deep vivid looks at a bygone time will appreciate the Americanization of THE GEISHA'S GRANDDAUGHTER.

Surviving Frank
David A. Page
Five Star
$25.95, 273 pp. ISBN 0786256346

Boston residents think of homicide detective Frank T. Wolfe as a hero because he puts vicious felons behind bars though his peers and superiors think he is a loose cannon. Frank, Hairy to his few friends, hates criminals with a passion and as a werewolf with superhuman senses and strength, he brings specials weapons against those who walk the wrong side of the law. Unfortunately for Frank, he caught a mutated form of the lycanthropic virus and is always in a half human half-wolf form. Police Officer Ryan applies for a detective position. He is offered the promotion if he partners with Frank, something he doesn't really want to do. The werewolf lost twelve partners in six years and although none can be linked to deeds done by Frank, Internal Affairs wants to prove he had something to do with their deaths. Ryan accepts the assignment because he admires Frank and knows he is truly a hero. On their first case together involving a dead librarian, a series of book store robberies and an assassination attempt, the two partners find they complement each other as they try to take down the mastermind who is behind all the crimes that make up this case. SURVIVING FRANK is a tongue in-check police procedural horror novel starring a caring protagonist who has adjusted very well to his handicap. He acts like a tough macho man but has his vulnerable moments and his partner recognizes them for what they are. Ryan genuinely cares about the werewolf and if he can find a way of SURVIVING FRANK, he thinks they will make a strong crime fighting team.

A Well-Respected Dead Man
Tricia Allen
Five Star
$25.95, 310 pp. ISBN: 0786254416

In 1947 the tragic Grandcamp explosion in Texas City captures the attention of most Texans. However in Dallas, gambling king Willie Peabody visits former prosecutor David Weather to warn him to take care of his half sister, stripper Belinda Bain. The next day Willie is found dead with six bullets in his corpse. City Detective Prescott Hadley leads one side of the investigation while his enemy county sheriff O'Dell Orton the other. Everyone seems to lean towards the belief that David killed Willie. Still he plans to mind his business after his previous sleuthing intercession led to his present fall from grace. However, David changes his mind when he finds reporter Jane Aldar, a woman he thinks he may love, has gone undercover at Willie's Star D Club. He digs deep into the Peabody family and associates to learn who killed the felon in order to insure Jane remains safe. This exciting historical mystery will bring plenty of respect as an author to Tricia Allen. The story line shines an impressive light on post-World War II Texas yet never loses sight of the who-done-it. The police procedural elements are fun to observe as the county and city argue over jurisdiction while failing to gain information. David is a strong character weathering storms from friends and foes that will make him a fan favorite and send readers seeking his previous appearance (Texas Weather).

Surviving Wisdom
Ken Hodgson
Five Star
$25.95, 212 pp. ISBN: 0786254378

In 1942 Pat Gunn needs money to survive the rest of what he expects to be a short war. He does what many people living in his community of Wisdom, New Mexico has done, torched his house for the insurance. Pat will live in the movie theater he owns that is idle because the town is dying due to government policy of closing the nearby gold mines. Fire Chief and Marshal Ron Bowdrie decides to make an example of Pat. He asks the state to send an arson detective to investigate the latest fire. However, someone kills visitor Frank Keller. Ron believes Pat is the culprit and plans to have him locked away. Now Pat must prove his innocence with much of the remaining thirty residents on his side, but especially Pearl, madam of the Happy Eagle brothel and the woman whom he loves. SURVIVING WISDOM is an insightful historical mystery with an emphasis on the impact of federal policy on a small New Mexico town and its residents. The period piece remains timely in today's world, but also overpowers a clever who-done-it because of the depth of detail that easily flows as part of the plot and the genuinely realistic cast. Historical readers will fully appreciate this superb look at small town USA during the early American entry into WW II.

Reinventing Olivia
Nancy Robards Thompson
Five Star
$26.95 ISBN: 0786255366

Six months ago, her live-in boyfriend Rich left for employment in France after spending three years together. Orlando Daily restaurant critic Karen Denton looks forward to seeing him as she flies to France tomorrow, expecting to become engaged. However, late that night, Rich calls to inform Karen that he married a French fille. His desertion enforces Karen's belief that loved ones leave as her dad left when she was a child, her mom died, and now Rich. She leaves the house she lived in with Rich to move into the apartment of a gay person she recently met through a mutual friend. Karen also finds herself attracted to "Mr. Matchbox" who she met in her bon voyage stop at a bar just before Rich dropped his bombshell. Hunter, as he is called, desires Karen too, but she knows loved ones leave so fears the forging of a real relationship. Though reinvention seems out of place with President Bush in the White House instead of Mr. Gore, readers will enjoy this chick lit tale. Karen's self-deprecations can become irritating yet the audience will feel she is one of us sisters. The support cast is a delightful crew from Juan who looks forward to sharing tales about beastly males to her best friend to Hunter the hunk. Nancy Robards Thompson provides an amusing contemporary story that the sub-genre will appreciate because of its That's Life philosophy of "I'm gonna change that tune when I'm back on top ..."

Dangerous Medicine
Jane Toombs
Novel
$14.95 296 pp. ISBN: 1591051428

Knowing she needed to start over, Lynn Holley leaves Boston to accept a nursing position at Harper Hills Hospital in Southern California. Her friend, Conrad Wirth, a hospital administrator, arranged the job for her. However, due to a car accident to one of the staff, Lynn is assigned to maternity as an emergency replacement though she has not worked that specialty in several years. Three weeks pass, but though she works hard, Lynn finds the maternity ward staff remains cold towards her. Even Conrad, who brought her across the continent, has not made contact since her arrival in the El Doblez area. She still shivers from her first confrontation with Dr. Nick Dow and tries to avoid him even as she finds herself attracted to the hospital heartthrob. However, while her adjustment has been abysmal, even worse is that her past has come home to roost as she begins receiving phone calls from apparently her dead husband. This is an exciting medical thriller that will grip the audience rather quickly because fans will believe the hospital, the staff, and the patients are real, which in turn adds depth to the pressure Lynn faces. Readers will wonder if the heroine is losing her mind yet admire her courage as she deals with the crisis. Nick is also a caring character sort, reminiscent of Ben Casey. Medicine, mystery, and mysticism mix quite nicely in Jane Toombs strong romantic suspense thriller.

Sliver Moon
Jay Brandon
Forge
$25.95, 416 pp. ISBN: 0312874367

San Antonio District Attorney Chris Sinclair accompanies his girlfriend psychiatrist Anne Greenwald on a visit to her estranged father, Morris, notorious for his questionable dealings in Texas politics and government. Fortunately Chris' teenage daughter who resides with him is staying with her grandparents for the weekend. Chris and Anne are a bit surprised when they arrive at Morris' home to find her former fianc?, Ben Sewell, there. The unthinkable happens when Ben is murdered before their eyes. Chris swears he saw the victim kill himself while Anne is one hundred percent certain she saw someone shoot Ben, but the cops let that person go free. Anne and Chris disagree as to what happened even as the police arrest Morris for the homicide. Though the case has caused a schism between them, their love helps them form a bond to find the proof that her father is not the killer, but their investigation takes them into the highest levels of Lone Star society. Fans who enjoy a political legal thriller will want to read SLIVER MOON. The story line focuses on how two intelligent witnesses see the same inncident so differently. When the tale stays within the frame, it is a powerful story that leaves readers to question what he or she sees (in a gestalt way). When the plot veers into high stakes conspiracy, it retains its excitement, but loses some of the cerebral edge. Still Jay Brandon provides a deep novel that will remain with the audience long afterward as each fan will reconsider basic observations.

Siren Song
Quinn Fawcett
Forge
$25.95, 367 pp. ISBN: 0312869282

Before catching his plane in the morning to go to his winter vacation home in Jamaica, Ian Fleming attends a New Year's Eve Party in London. There he finds himself attracted to journalist Nora Blair DeYoung. However, his efforts towards an evening of delightful romance before hopping his plane fail. Before boarding his plane, two British intelligence agents order Ian, a World War II naval intelligence agent, but now a reporter, to smear American Oscar Winterberg, who they believe is selling secrets to the Russians. The governments of both the Americans and the British strongly believe Oscar is a Communist spy, though the evidence is flimsy. Ian refuses before leaving for Jamaica. Soon to his delight Nora joins him at his vacation home, but she did not come for fun in the sun as she works for the Americans and wants Ian to join forces with her. His objective is to keep the spy he loves safe while hers is to expose Winterberg. Though exciting at times, Ian Fleming is just not James Bond even if the premise of this novel and its predecessor DEATH TO SPIES is that the author modeled 007 after his own activities. The story line will hook the die-hard fans, especially those that remember Lazenby and Allen as Bond respectively. The story line is filled with action, but Fleming's motive to assist the peril of Pauline Nora never fully comes across. Still this espionage thriller brings to life the 1950s with its Red Scare so that readers will overall enjoy this 007 lite.

Slatewiper
Lewis Perdue
Forge
$24.95, 367 pp. ISBN: 0765301113

Perhaps the only female superstar in the molecular genetics world, CEO Lara Blackwood runs GenIntron, a bioengineering lab, a firm developing cures or treatments for diseases using synthetic genes made from DNA. Lara feels good about her work and even serves as an advisor to the president. However, her perfect world crumbles when GenIntron's new parent company board fires her and Tokyo is devastated by a deadly disease that uses a person's DNA to kill he or she. SLATEWIPER contains a synthetic gene similar to Lara's work that destroys people from within by converting them into slime. The Korean population residing in Tokyo is being eradicated as a genocide conspiracy of biblical proportion is happening. Lara is the only hope to stop Tokutaru Kurata from ethnic cleansing that will leave Japan for the Japanese. The quest becomes even more personal when Laura finds out that a hitwoman is killing off Lara's scientific associates. Exciting, plausible perhaps even today, SLATEWIPER is a superb thriller starring a strong woman who, except for the macho male muffins, readers will appreciate. The story line is action packed yet the author makes sure the scientific basis for the theme is presented, easily understood in spite of the complexity of the topic, yet interwoven into the plot so nothing slows it down. Fans of scientific based thrillers will quickly realize that this book is worth setting aside several because once you start, you are hooked at a microbiological brain level to finish it in one sitting.

The Weatherman's Daughter
Richard Hoyt
Forge
$24.95, 304 pp. ISBN: 0765303329

While driving in the Oregon mountains, the heavy rain pours live salmon at private investigator John Denson's vehicle. During the fishy torrent, he stops, camera in hand, to help an accident victim. However, as the young woman tries to talk through her dying gurgles, fish continue to pelt John and the victim. He realizes this was no accident as someone shot the female who he identifies as Sharon Toogood, daughter of Portland TV weatherman Jerry Toogood. Unable to forget her murder, John investigates. After talking with the prime suspect, Sharon's sister Mariah, the sibling is killed too. Needing special guidance to see through the haze of the seemingly too good world of the sisters, John enlists the help of his pal, Native American Willie Sees the Night. With Willie as a guide providing an elixir mixer, John has an out-of-body experience that may provide the clues to solving the homicides. Though a humorous private investigative tale that feels like a "Summer of Love" who-done-it, THE WEATHERMAN'S DAUGHTER is definitely not for everyone. The story line uses too much New Age (or is that old age) coincidence to move the plot forward, but the story remains amusing in spite of the murders. The cast is an eccentric delight as hippies, salmon, and poachers (oh my!) dominate the northwest.

Patent To Kill
April Christofferson
Forge
$25.95, 336 pp. ISBN 0312868987

Once the Scullys were a happy family of four, the parents practicing medicine in Nogales when tragedy struck. The son went blind from what Jake believes is an environmental factor. Subsequently, the police find the dead wife's body and rule it a suicide. Jake believes she was murdered. Jake moves his family to Seattle and goes to work for GenChrom. Research shows that Jake's son's blindness is caused by damage to the G31 gene but the mutated G32 gene (as proven in experiments with dogs) if injected into damaged DNA material will allow his son to see. The only problem is finding the G32 gene and to do that Jake and his employer must travel to the Amazon rain forest and locate a blue-eyed tribe that might have the gene in their DNA. The trip is an eye opener to Jake as he sees what happens to the native populations when ruthless corporate types who not only bend the laws but also break them, approach them. Jake's ethic's places he and his family in danger from a person who sees people as disposable commodities. PATENT TO KILL is a fascinating medical thriller on a par with the works of Robin Cook. Readers experience the beauty and danger of the Amazon jungle in counterpoint to corporate America's thirst for money treating bio-piracy as if they wee committing a trifling offense, that is when they even care. April Christofferson keeps the reader interested by never letting up on the action but also creating a moral hero, one who is it is easy to care about though he to easily resolves his dilemma of his son's need and the tribal situation.

Mean Woman Blues
Julie Smith
Forge
$24.95, 304 pp. ISBN 0765305526

At one time he was the head of a church group that he turned into his own cult of personal assassins who were willing to commit any crime he asked them to do. He ran for mayor of New Orleans before Detective Skip Langdon exposed him as a murderer, kidnapper, and con artist. Before he could be arrested, he disappeared and one of his main goals has become to destroy Langdon. After extensive plastic surgery Jacomine reinvented himself as David Wright, host of the Dallas Cable TV show, Mr. Right. He assists the poor and bewildered get help when they have nobody else to turn to. He married a woman from a powerful political family and has delusions of using his wife's family and the show to springboard a political run. He also arranges a hit on his arch enemy Skip Langdon who is determined that this time she will find and bring to justice the criminal that made her life miserable for several years. If it wasn't for Jacomine's obsession to take out the heroine, who knows if his plan to run and win in national politics would have worked. MEAN WOMAN BLUES is all about obsession: the FBI's desire to take down their number two felon, the heroine's desire to catch Jacomine and live a normal life, and the villain's need to control everyone around him. Even though the audience knows who is doing what at all times, Julie Smith is able to surprise the readers with many unexpected twists and turns. This is one of the best police procedural of the year.

Kingdom River
Mitchell Smith
Forge
$25.95, 416 pp. ISBN: 0765300087

In the distant future a curtain of ice stretches from sea to once shining sea. To survive one must head south of the great wall of ice that has devastated what were once much of the United States and all of Canada. To endure, clans and kingdoms formed as people battles for control of the livable land left on the North America. Years have passed since Monroe and Olsen led the Colorado Trappers south where they join forces with the Garden tree-dwellers (see SNOWFALL). Jack and Catania's son Sam now leads the army of North-Map Mexico, but knows that his people are on the easement and that the Khanate nomads led by Toghrul Khan will ravage the land on their way to war with Kingdom River ruled by Queen Joan. Sam knows his relatively small country has no chance though the never defeated army would risk their lives to prove otherwise. He needs an alliance with Joan, but worries that her much larger nation will gobble up his small country. To have some say in the confederacy, Sam marries the Kingdom's Princess Rachel. War remains inevitable as Khan and his barbarians sweep over all in their path. The second tale in Mitchell Smith's apocalyptic future world, KINGDOM RIVER, is a very exciting look at people struggling to survive a harsh time, but in this novel (as opposed to the ice of SNOWFALL) it is from enemy forces. The story line escorts the reader to a changed realm where civilization almost totally collapsed. The audience will picture this frozen wasteland as a distinct possibility because Mr. Smith goes to extreme lengths through his strong characters and vivid universe to make everything believable.

The Company: The Story of a Murderer
Arabella Edge
Simon & Schuster
$12.00 ISBN: 0743419189

In 1628, apothecary Jeronimus Cornelisz flees Amsterdam because some of his views on sorcery are considered heresy. In spite of his assisting the city's burghers with various vials including poisons, Jeronimus knows his exile must start immediately. His need to leave town forces the pompous Jeronimus to travel by sea, a mode of transportation he loathes. Still Jeronimus becomes a passenger on the Dutch East India ship Batavia heading to Indonesia. While sailing on the endless oceans, Jeronimus realizes the ship carries a fortune that he believes should be his by divine right. He also lusts after another passenger, who spurns his efforts at courting. Still, Jeronimus manages to use his charismatic personality to incite a mutiny. Soon, the Batavia runs aground with many dying at sea. Those who survive soon turn to "the seducer of men" to keep them safe until a rescue ship can arrive. Instead of a leader of a temporary haven, Jeronimus begins forty days of torture, mayhem, and murder. THE COMPANY is a powerful historical fiction told in the first person by the beguiling villain. The story line is frightening because it is based on a true incident and person. Arabella's Edge's research into Jeronimus allows the reader to see behind his charm into the head of this psychopathic megalomaniac. Yet his fellow mutineers and survivors fell right into his devilish allure. Genre fans will have a field day with this novel, especially comparing this diabolical individual with some of history's charismatic, but deadly tyrants.

The Widow Ginger
Pip Granger
Poisoned Pen Press
$24.95, 242 pp. ISBN 1590580575

The year 1954 starts off well for Maggie and Bert Featherby and their adopted daughter Rosie. Sugar is off rationing so their neighborhood caf? in the Soho district of London is back in full operation. The local lothario Luigi has finally found a woman he likes who doesn't fall at his feet and Rosie's mother is in the hospital being treated for her alcoholic condition. Rosie thinks she knows who her father is and she is very happy especially when he takes an interest in her. Rosie's world starts to get shaky when her school friend Jenny takes ill and doesn't seem to get better. Matters become frightening for her and Uncle Bert and Aunt Maggie when the Widow Ginger, an ex-GI who was involved during the war in the black market, gets out of prison and feels that his former friend and local mobster Maltese Joe owes him. He intends to collect and begins a reign of neighborhood terror that forces Rosie's adoptive parents, her biological father, and Maltese Joe to work together to put him out of commission any way they can. In 1954, England is still recovering from the affects of WW II and though people are starting to look to the future, they can't forget the pain of the past. Rosie has an adult mind in an eight-year-old body so that even though the audience sees events from her perspective, it feels like the narrator is looking back at a certain time in her childhood, similar to The Wonder Years. THE WIDOW GINGER is a charming and beguiling work starring a support cast that is eccentric and refreshingly unique.

Mesozoic Murder
Christine Gentry
Poisoned Pen Press
$24.95, 292 ISBN 1590580486

A paleoartist uses scientific expertise and a bit of intuition to draw pictures of dinosaurs for museums, book covers and magazines. Ansel Phoenix is one of the best and her work is in demand. Whatever spare time she has is devoted to the Pangaea Society, a non-profit organization devoted to the study of fossils and raising interest, awareness and knowledge of the subject. They bought some land and with a $300,000 bequest they plan to build the Preston Opel Paleohistory center, a storehouse of specimens and research materials pertaining to fossils. While fossil hunting in a deserted field with three graduate students, Ansel discovers the body of Nick Capos, a former lover and a member of the Pangaea Society. While the police investigate the homicide, Ansel learns that Nick's valuable fossil collection is missing and a man looking for money and the Baltic Amber attacks her in her own studio. She knows nothing about these items. When another member of the Pangaea Society is killed, Ansel intends to find out what is going on before someone else is murdered. Anyone reading MESOZOIC MURDER will understand why some people become obsessed with fossils and dinosaurs as Christine Gentry makes them come alive for the reader. The mystery itself is well crafted and believable as is the actions of the heroine who stumbles sometimes but makes a lot of progress in a short period of time in discovering who the killer is, but during her investigation trying to stay alive becomes the crux of the matter. Ms. Gentry is a very talented writer who hopefully will write other mysteries starring this feisty protagonist.

The Hell Screen
I. J. Parker
St. Martin's
$24.95, 352 pp. ISBN: 031228795X

With his mother ill and perhaps dying, government clerk Akitada Sugawara returns home from the provincial north to Edo. Some things never change in Akitada' mind as his rancorous mother rips his skin off from almost the moment he arrives. However, Akitada has bigger problems than surviving the acrimonious Lady S. His sisters turn to Akitada for help. His older sister's husband is accused of stealing government treasures. His other sister loves Kojiro, a landowner whose social standing is beneath that of the noble Sugawara, making him unsuitable for her. However, worse yet is his sibling pleads with him to help Kojiro, a prime suspect of police inspector Kobe in his investigation of a vicious murder. THE HELL SCREEN is a strong amateur sleuth eleventh century Japanese mystery that will provide plenty of entertainment for those readers who enjoy something different. Akitada is a strong detective following clues in a methodical manner. It is interesting to notice the contrast between Akitada is Kobe, who resents his rival and prefers fast solutions whether he catches the right culprit or not. This is a strong tale rich with eleventh century Japanese culture though at times the "formal" dialogue feels like a certain female sumo wrestler ran over the reader.

The High Price of a Good Man
Debra Phillips
St. Martin's
$12.95, 293 pp. ISBN: 0312305257

Queenisha Renae Sutton, better known as Queenie to her friends that is, relishes being an amazon honey brown. Six feet size sixteen means no crap even if the brother is a hunk. Still she wants a man of her own, but not one to play her as a fool. Queenie thinks she met the brother of her dreams when she sees Zeke Washington. She campaigns to make him hers. Her best friend Poetta encourages her tossing in a voodoo love charm. Queenie tries to change her outlook and appearance to fit what she believes Zeke would want in a woman even after she meets his animalistic roommate Sweet Willie. However, Raymo from work loves Queenie just the way she is: big, black, and beautiful, but she sees him as a pest and cannot understand tamales and candies when she needs to lose weight (diet pills and all) for Zeke. Raymo has started his own campaign to make Queenie his wife bordering on sexual harassment, but to her he is too short and too small for a woman her size. THE HIGH PRICE OF A GOOD MAN is a fine chick lit tale with a delightful lead protagonist whose sass is fun especially when she blows away a male loser and during her efforts to change into Zeke's ideal female image as encouraged by him. Po is a perfect sidekick and Raymo will surprise readers with his depth even if he is a pain at times. Though Zeke seems somewhat shallow, fans will appreciate this delightful look at a big woman seeking love.

Cry Havoc
Clive Egleton
St. Martin's
$24.95, 352 pp. ISBN: 0312309430

Everyone employed by the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) is shocked by the suicide death of the head of the Asian Desk Bill Orchard. Representing SIS at the funeral is Will Landon who is accosted by the victim's sister-in-law claiming the Firm killed him and that just prior to his death SIS Deputy Director General Jill Sheridan visited him. Will reports the claim to his superior Peter Ashton, head of the Eastern European Desk, who reports this to the DG. Jill has other problems besides the probe into her and Bill's activities. Apparently while on Florida vacation, she was drugged and videotaped having kinky sex. The client then kills the movie producer Kransky and his two actors. Terrorists believe they have perfect blackmail material and it becomes Peter's job to lead the effort to abort their diabolical plan. CRY HAVOC is a strong modern day espionage thriller that sub-genre readers will enjoy and not just for its terrorist subplot. Fans will appreciate its insightful look at how politics impede and interfere with accomplishing the mission especially at the DG level. Will and Peter are delightful protagonists and Jill is a piece of work who the audience will not want to meet in a dark alley. Clive Egelton's latest tale is a winner.

Night Embrace
Sherrilyn Kenyon
St. Martin's
$6.99, 416 pp. ISBN: 0312984820

In 558 Glionnen, Talon of Morrigantes watches in horror as he fails to keep the promise he gave to his dying uncle of protecting the female members of their family. First his aunt is raped and murdered. Then his clan murders his wife and sister. As they kill him, he vows vengeance and Artemis provides the mechanism. She sends Archeon to train her new recruit on killing the bloodsucking Daimons. In 2003 New Orleans, Dionysius and Camulus see an opportunity to regain lost power and for the latter revenge the death of his son at the hands of Talon. They arrange for Talon to meet Sunshine Runningwolf. As Talon and Sunshine fall in love, they must find a way to prevent her death, as he knows his curse is to watch anyone he cherishes die. Though this romantic fantasy feels somewhat like the first tale in the series (see NIGHT PLEASURES), readers will embrace this pleasant novel due to the delightful story line. The plot makes the Greek Gods seem real due to a strong cast especially the lead couple, their foes, and his mentor. Sub-genre fans and fantasy purists will gladly give up much of the night to read Sherrilyn Kenyon's latest story.

Medusa Skye
Kathleen Moody
St. Martin's
$24.95, 336 pp. ISBN 0312266782

In Elliot Bay, twelve-year old Tim Diamond and his two friends and next door neighbors, Henry and Pearl are playing pirates on the family yacht, the Caprice. The next thing anyone knows is nine-year-old Pearl is missing and presumed drowned. Henry swears that he saw Tim tie her up, push her in, jump into the water and hold her head under until she was dead. On the basis of Henry's testimony, Tim is arrested and though he is out of jail, he is wearing an electronic bracelet. Tim's brother Bart calls Venus in Hawaii and begs her to come home to figure out what is happening. Venus, an undercover agent with the United States Fish and Wildlife agency, uses her police powers to horn in on the local investigation. The further she digs, the more she learns that her brother's story about a giant jelly fish taking Pearl away is true and the players in the game are some of her old enemies in the Russian Mafia. Much blood will be shed and many lives will be lost when the authorities try to bring all the guilty parties to justice. MEDUSA is a fascinating crime thriller with plenty of action, a touch of romance and some family humor to keep the tension levels at a certain level. The heroine risks her own life and freedom to make certain the guilty parties pay for what they did to her family. She is feisty and courageous protagonist and readers will adore. There are many sub-plots that tie back to the central theme of innocent children who trust the wrong people and pay the price.

The Vagabond Clown
Edward Marston
St. Martin's
$24.95, 352 pp. ISBN 0312307896

The Westfield's Men acting troupe consider themselves very lucky while in London to be based at The Queen's Head Inn. It has an enclosed yard that is perfect as an outdoor theatre and it even has balconies for the aristocrats and wealthy merchants that want to attend a play without mingling with the common folk. When a riot breaks out during a play they are giving, one of their star performers is injured and a man in the balcony is murdered. It is clear to all that someone wanted to use the riot as a diversion for the killing. The proprietor of the Queen's Head throws out the actors forcing them to take to the road. They hire a substitute player temporarily until the injured actor is ready to perform again. However, every place they stop they are welcomed by villains who try to sabotage their performances. At one stopover, a player is killed and Nicholas Bracewell, the book holder and the glue that keeps the company together, realizes somebody is out to destroy the company and he intends to stop them. Readers are privy to what happens behind the scenes in a traveling troupe's entourage. Westfield's Men are a diverse lot of actors who are at times act petty and argumentative but are at the same time loyal to one another and the troupe as a whole. They love to act and it shows in the risks they take but it is Nicholas Bracewell, a hired hand, who manages to rise above the ensemble to make Westfield's Men one of the best acting troupes in Elizabethan England.

Inside Out
Elise Title
St. Martin's
$24.95, 368 pp. ISBN 0312285825

She is justifiably proud that though she is female and only thirty-five years old, she is the superintendent of Horizon House, a halfway house for ex-cons about to be released into society. At present, the only irritant in Nat's life is Suzanne, a Horizon House inmate and the mother of her lover's five-year-old son, Jakey. Detective Leo Coscarelli has custody of Jakey but he wants Suzanne in their son's life. A new resident at the halfway house is very worrisome for the stuff because transsexual Lynn Ingram spent most of her four year sentence for second degree manslaughter in isolation for her own protection. Only a few days after coming to Horizon House, she is brutally attacked and left on the street to die. She lapses into a coma with the only person who has a clue to the perpetrator is Suzanne and she isn't talking even when she is attacked and almost killed. This is a very gritty, take no prisoners (no pun intended) thriller that gives readers a glimpse into the lives of people who live in the shadow of society. INSIDE OUT is not a pretty book but it isn't meant to be. It is a glimpse into a portion of humanity that most people would like to ignore but are unable to do so, sort of like having a rehab next door. People like the protagonist who believes in rehabilitation and serves as a role model that leaves the audience with hope for the future of humanity.

The Cat Who Wasn't A Dog
Marian Babson
St. Martin's
$22.95, 208 pp. ISBN 0312284977

Everything is quiet and settled for actresses of stage and screen, Evangeline Sinclair and Trixie Dolan until they receive a call from fellow thespian Dame Cecile Savoy. The Dame's beloved Maltese Fleur de-Lys has died after twenty years and she needs her friends around her in her time of grief. When they arrive in Brighton, driven there by their friend Eddie in his taxi, they take Fleur to the taxidermist. When they arrive at the store, nobody seems to be in sight so they spread out looking for the owner. Trixie finds a live cat waiting to be stuffed and saves it when a fire breaks out. All four leave the scene unharmed but Eddie tells his friends he saw a dead body. A neighbor writes down the plate number of his car and the police arrest Eddie. Trixie and Evangeline stay with a friend in Brighton determined to find a way to clear Eddie. However, another dead body, found in their friend's basement, sidetracks them. In their usual befuddled manner, the duo try to fix things and end up turning things into a comedy of errors. Marian Babson has written another witty whimsical cozy that will appeal to animal lovers and mystery readers who don't like blood and gore in their tales. The two protagonists are delightfully dotty as is the support cast, who seems to live in their own artistic realm. THE CAT WHO WASN'T A DOG is another winner by an author who can always be counted on to deliver a fine tale in this case of a tail.

Dead Egotistical Morons
Mark Richard Zubro
St. Martin's
$23.95, 288 pp. ISBN 0312266820

The rock concert at the All-Chicago Sports Arena in Chicago is over and the world's most popular boy's band, Boys 4U, is celebrating the end of a six-month tour. The joyous occasion comes to a screeching halt when the body of the unofficial leader of the group Roger Stendar is found dead, a bullet in the back of his head. The autopsy shows that he had anal sex right before he died but there were no marks to indicate he struggled. Chicago police detectives Paul Turner and Buck Fenwick are assigned to the case and when they do a search of the crime scene they find the gun with no bullets in it. Somebody shot at the stage where the group was performing and they find other evidence of sabotage. When a second band member is killed a few days later in the same manner, Turner and Fenwick realize they have to stop the killer before he cancels the entire band. DEAD EGOTISTICAL MORONS shows readers a glimpse of the sickening side of what goes on behind the scenes in the music industry. Mark Richard Zubro has written an exciting police procedural where the homicides are solved by tried and true investigating techniques. The members of the band engage the reader's sympathy because they act like mixed up scared kids who need adult supervision. The protagonist doesn't want to play daddy but at least two of the members of the band want to cast him in that role. The lead detective defines grace under pressure as he is bombarded from all sides to solve the case quickly.

The Night Calls
David Pirie
St. Martin's
$24.95, 360 pp. ISBN: 0312291043

In 1878 Arthur Conan Doyle studies medicine at the University of Edinburgh under the tutelage of Dr. Joseph Bell. However, Arthur particularly appreciates the deductive reasoning that his mentor brings to solving crimes by turning an investigation into a more scientific approach. Between his studies, the occasional detective work (see THE PATIENT'S EYES) and an intelligent female student, whom the professors treat with gender scorn, Arthur is able to somewhat put aside his family troubles. However, the city is gripped with fear as a killer begins murdering women in brothels leaving behind strange clues such as neatly piled coins "paying" the fee perhaps. Bell believes a new type of culprit has surfaced. This is a clever individual with an obsession that leads him to most likely kill again. As the duo struggles to solve a case with an MO outside their normal methodology, Bell and Doyle try to invent a different approach still using deductive and inductive logic. Doyle as a young man accompanied by his teacher are fun to follow while student Elspeth Scott provides more than a romantic interlude as the audience sees the disdain and prejudice the Victorian Era faculty and her peers bestow on her because of her gender. The historical look is fascinating as the reader observes Doyle before Holmes and Moriarty. However, unlike the first novel in this series, solving the mystery surprisingly is un-Holmes like especially in light of Bell recognizing a whole new category of homicide. Still David Pirie writes a solid tale, but not quite the par excellence of his previous book.

Murder On Coney Island
Michael Jahn
St. Martin's
$24.95, 320 pp. ISBN 0312308019

It is nine months since the tragic events of September 11th and Captain Bill Donovan, head of Special Investigations, is depressed, because he isn't part of the World Trade Center investigation. To cheer him up, his wife Marcy arranges a family outing at Coney Island that includes their three-year-old son Daniel. While waiting on a line at Nathan's to buy a "world famous", he hears police sirens and decides to go to the nearby crime scene. Business mogul James Victor is found murdered in the basement of a candy store and the owner has no idea how he got there or why he would even be in the basement. The storeowner was suing the victim who wanted to tear down the block and build an expensive housing resort. Donovan doesn't really suspect him because everything is too pat and there are plenty of other suspects who wanted the man dead. Imagine Donovan's surprise when the killing is tied to the September 11th attack, and the captain is able to contribute to the bigger inquiry while trying to nab the killer. Every time Michael Jahn writes a police procedural starring Captain Bill Donovan it turns out to be an exciting page-turner and MURDER ON CONEY ISLAND is no exception. The author humanizes the protagonist by escorting the audience into his personal life and showing how the World Trade Center disaster hurt him personally and makes him want to be a part of the war on terrorism. The interesting twists that the plot takes will keep readers interested to the point that they finish this electrifying novel in one sitting.

Poppy Done to Death
Charlaine Harris
St. Martin's
$22.95, 240 pp. ISBN 0312277644

Lawrenceton, Georgia librarian Aurora Teagarden is adjusting to widowhood just fine now that the worst of her grief is over. She is romantically involved with Robin Crusoe and is now a member of the Uppity Women, a prestigious group of females involved with literacy, and other social and political matters. It is by invitation only and Aurora is delighted that her stepsister-in-law Poppy is going to be inducted into the group. She is positively mortified when Poppy doesn't show up to the meeting and rushes over to her home to lecture her, but instead finds her murdered body on the Kitchen floor. Poppy had many secrets and Aurora's family is trying to cope with the gossip and scandal. Roe is happy to find that her half brother Phillip is going to stay with her a while even though that puts more stress on her. While his presence takes her mind off the tragedy temporarily, she is pulled into the murder investigation by circumstances beyond her control and almost gets killed in the process. Charlaine Harris has taken her heroine in a completely different direction and readers will be happy to see the protagonist find the double dose of happiness she so richly deserves. There is a lot of action in this delightful cozy, and not all of it is directed at solving the homicide. Roe gets a chance to become reacquainted with the brother she was forbidden to see for some time and helps her in-laws and her mother cope with a loved one's death. POPPY DONE TO DEATH is a terrific cozy, one readers will want to put on their keeper shelves.

Highland Fling
Katie Fforde
St. Martin's
$24.95, 336 pp. ISBN: 0312317689

In England, her boyfriend Henry tells Jenny not to go on her business trip to Scotland because it will prove to be a failure as he believes she is too passionate to do the job. Serving as a virtual assistant to clients she rarely sees Jenny goes ahead with her trip in spite of his dire warnings to determine whether Dalmain Mills is worthy of outside investment or he should just be shut down. In the Highlands, Jenny meets pregnant Meggie Dalmain, wife of the younger son to the Dalmain estate, and before she can shut her mouth agrees to run Homely Haggis, a refreshment stand. She meets the rest of the family including the standoffish matriarch, lonely daughter, and oldest son. However, she begins to like the eccentric brood and decides to turn the business into an efficient effective company through cockamamie schemes. There is also nasty Ross Grant who she should detest for his boorish behavior towards her but instead falls in love with him. This is a fun contemporary romance that focuses on an individual who struggles to succeed in her profession, but allows her feelings to interfere with her business acumen. Though amusing especially during the gender war scenes, the story line contains a serious undertow involving failing "cottage" industries. Though the ending is tied up to easily and the use of profanity for the most part is out of place, Kate Fforde provides an all around good "thyme" for her fans.

Double Take
Brenda Joyce
St. Martin's
$24.95, 384 pp. ISBN: 0312284748

For a few years twins Kait and Lana London rarely talked beyond the globetrotting latter calling from typically a European city to claim she was "alive and kicking". Those calls were seldom and short, leaving Kait to wonder what went wrong between the sisters to make Lana walk away. That distance changes in the middle of the night when Lana calls to say she is in Manhattan where Kait lives, in deep trouble, and needs her help. Kait wants her sibling back in her life and would do anything to achieve this goal. So when Lana pleads with Kait to do what they used to as children, switch places for a few days, living in her Virginia home, Kait quickly agrees. Once the masquerade begins she learns how difficult it is to accomplish, as she knows little about her sister's life and doesn't have a clue why so many people hate Lana including her husband Trev Coleman, who she finds herself more than just attracted to. There is also the matter of the stalker, who might be Trev, going after Lana, not realizing this is Kait. Though twins switching identities is one of the most overused devices in fiction, Brenda Joyce provides the audience with a terse romantic suspense that is filled with twists and keeps the tension at high levels throughout the tale. The cast is strong especially the courageous Kait who readers will like. Though the villains of the piece are either off kilter or to selfish, fans will appreciate this engaging thriller.

A Dark Devotion
Clare Francis
Soho
$25.00, 410 pp. ISBN: 1569473250

London attorney Alexandra O'Neil is upset with her husband Paul, also a lawyer, because he has a propensity for defending those who are guilty. For instance, his latest client, Mr. Ronnie "lifelong felon" Buck nearly killed a cop, but Paul got him acquitted based on a stategey of self-defense. Even worse to Alex is the post-game gala gloat. From her hometown in Norfolk, Will Deardon calls Alex to help him. His wife Grace vanished and the police are looking closely at him as a suspect in the disappearance of his wife. Alex has mixed feelings about taking the case because Will was her first love before he married Grace. However, she also wants him safe and the real perpetrator caught. She travels home to give him legal council only to begin to believe that the man she represents is guilty of a heinous crime. A DARK DEVOTION is a cerebral legal thriller that readers will appreciate, as the tale never loses sight of its prime theme. The audience will ponder the issues of whether everyone, even the guilty, should have proper legal representation and how far should an attorney go to defend their client. Alex is a great lead player and the support cast especially her spouse and client, enable readers to see deeper into moral dilemma. Fans will quickly develop a deep devotion to Clare Francis with works like this one.

Heart on the Line
Judith Arnold
Mira
$6.50, 384 pp. ISBN: 1551667029

TV talk show producer Loretta D'Angelo has pressure on two fronts. At work, the ratings are down, which will result in the staff being reduced by one. Thinking she will be a victim of LIFO, Loretta also struggles with her family of dentists who put pressure on to give up her non-swinging Manhattan single's life to marry dentist Marty Calabrese, whom she never dated. On the Long Island Railroad, Loretta observes passenger Josh Kaplan shut down the cell phone of an obnoxious individual. She introduces herself to him asking if he would be interested in coming on her show as the cell phone hero. Instead her boss, TV personality Becky Blake, selects Loretta to go on the air on a blind date. She pleads with Marty, whose girlfriend lives in Florida, to help her. As they go out on the worst date of their lives, Marty and Loretta fall in love. This is an amusing contemporary romance that will keep the audience laughing with the antics of the lead couple, that of the extended dental group and finally the other TV show players. Readers will applaud Josh for his cell phone heroics sort of mindful of Annie Hall when Woody gets McLuhan to shut up the pseudo intellectual students. HEART ON THE LINE is simply a warm and entertaining Manhattan frolic.

A Summer Affair
Susan Wiggs
Mira
$6.99, 416 pp. ISBN: 155166710X

In San Francisco, Dr. Blue Calhoun, medical provider to much of the poor, knows that he will never overcome his failure no matter how many good deeds he performs. Almost as soon as he reaches his home, a lad points a gun at him demanding he remove a bullet from his back. He quickly learns the lad is a woman, Isabel Fish-Wooten. He performs the surgery, but to his shock she flees into the night. Later, Blue learns someone killed a cop. He wonders if the mysterious Isabel is the culprit. With a citywide manhunt searching for the cop killer, his teenage son brings a semi conscious Isabel to him for treatment. As Blue learns her mystery, he falls in love, but is he placing his beloved son and cherished nurse in jeopardy because his heart rather than his brain is doing the thinking? A SUMMER AFFAIR is an engaging historical romantic mystery starring two likable lead protagonists and a strong secondary ensemble. Readers will particularly admire the strong willed courageous Isabel. The suspense never lets up as the plot twists and turns more than Lombard Street leaving the audience wondering what will happen next in this taut thriller.

Prince of Ayodhya
Ashok K. Banker
Aspect
$24.95, 388 pp. ISBN 0446530921

Thousands of years before India became a nation, the Ayran nations fought a war against the Asuras, the evil minions of the Dark Lord Ravana who reigns in the nether world of Narak. The humans were victorious and drove the forces of darkness back to their own world and for over two decades the Ayran nations knew peace. The Maharajah Dasaratha of Ayodhya, the capital city of Kosala, names his eldest son Prince Rama as his heir. The millennia old seer-mage Brahamirish Vishuamitra warns the people of Ayodhya that Lord Ravana intends to invade the human world and destroy everyone in it. As a first step in stopping him he requests Prince Rama accompanies him to the Southlands, a dark and evil place that must be destroyed. The prince, imbued with Brahamirishi powers is given the task to destroy the evil demoness who holds dominion over that piece of land. Back at the capital, the Dark Lord's influence reaches into the highest levels of the royal family and will not be easy to root out. This story is based on the ancient Indian tale, "The Ramayana" and is set in what is now India but several millenniums before the birth of Christ. Prince of Ayodhya is an enthralling epic fantasy that is filled with heroic men and women fighting the forces of darkness because it is the right thing to do. The protagonist, a sixteen-year-old prince, is transformed into a powerful sorcerer and a great warrior who is pure of heart and full of virtue. It will be interesting to see how he matures in the next two books of this trilogy.

Exit Wounds
J.A. Jance
Morrow
$24.95, 384pp. ISBN:0380977311

Though she is pregnant and struggling with morning sickness, Arizona sheriff Joanna Brady feels she still can campaign for reelection. Though stuffing her face makes her vn more nauseous, she runs from one hot dog event to another as she seeks votes while constituents celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. However, her reelection bid goes on the backburner when Joanna learns that a homicide occurred. Someone shot and killed Carol Mossman in a mobile home amidst seventeen dead dogs that were victims of the cruel summer heat. Later ballistics proves the weapon used in the Mossman murder was also used in the killing of two females in New Mexico. Joanna begins to look into the life of the victim in her jurisdiction and she finds a link that ties Carol's father to the Brethren cult that is under investigation because of allegations made by the Lobo State victims. This is a strong entry in one of the better police procedural series on the market today. In many ways, the tale will remind the audience of Fargo, but with the added issue of running for office. The who-done-it is cleverly designed and Joanna is learning the hard way how difficult it is to work while throwing up. J.A. Jance further humanizes one of the better-fictionalized law enforcement officials in this top rate tale.

Secret Lives of Second Wives
Catherine Todd
Morrow
$24.95, 226 pp. ISBN: 0060512385

Immigration attorney Lynn Bartlett's first marriage was a disaster. For approximately a decade, she avoided serious alliances though that made the nights lonely. Tech business executive Jackson Hughes is divorced also, but unlike Lynn he has two children, supposedly adults. Lynn and Jackson are perfect for each other and marry. They settle in Silicon Valley, which is ideal, as his company is near and she has a strong client base in the green card professionals who lost employment due to the downturn in dot.com One year after they tie the knot, Lynn throws a fiftieth birthday party for her spouse. Though contented, she is not totally into the gala as she finds a Russian scientist more interesting than her husband. She also detests having his children around as they treat her like a fungus; even worse his son plans to move in with them. His first wife has made a martyred appearance that deserves an Oscar. Only her peers at the Anne Boleyn Society provide any relief for the beleaguered second wife. THE SECRET LIVES OF SECOND WIVES is an amusing often-melancholy character study. Lynn and Jackson work on (or ignore) family issues that make them seem real. Her clients also add depth to Lynn's character. However, his children behave so blatantly and appallingly nasty towards Lynn, readers will wonder why Jackson fails to divorce the duo. His first wife is subtler in her tactics so that she comes across as a sneaky, nasty, but clever schemer. Catherine Todd provides a solid tale that could have been a great novel if she had created realistic antagonists.

A Blind Eye
G.M. Ford
Morrow
$23.95, 293 pp. ISBN: 038097875X

Reporter Frank Corso fell from grace when he was accused of making up a crime story. However, Frank is resourceful and easily reinvented himself into a true-crime writer who claims to have insider information on a Texas high-society murder. Rather than face the results of a subpoena demanding he talk, Frank does what comes naturally; he goes on the run. Accompanying Frank into hiding in wintry Wisconsin is his photographer, Meg Dougherty. Following an accident caused by blizzard like weather, Frank and Meg take shelter on an abandoned farm in Avalon. In the shed, they discover the remains of the male members of the Holmes family, whom everyone thought, simply left town fifteen years ago. The local sheriff cuts a deal with Frank that he won't be handed over to Texas if he investigates the murders. Already fascinated by the grisly scene, Frank accepts the terms. He starts his inquiries by looking into the mother of the brood who's not part of the skeletal remains. He soon traces her bloody trail to other homicides, but the culprit has plans to add the writer to the pile of deaths. The suspense is at the usual high level expected in a G.M Ford novel starring the likable antihero Frank who is accompanied by a support cast that adds exaggerated regional eccentricities. Yet with all that the tale seems off slightly because whenever Frank hits a dead end he finds this incredible Ziggy like source that moves him further along on the case. Still fans will continue reading because the rapid pace, the chilling suspense, and the quaint cast make for a strong entertaining read.

Love for Sale
Jill Churchill
Morrow
$23.95, 214 pp. ISBN: 0060199423

In 1932 in Voorburg-on-Hudson siblings Lily and Robert Brewster recover from their sudden fall from wealth by turning the mansion they can live in for life (according to their late uncle's will) into a bed and breakfast. When an obviously masqueraded stranger leases a room for the outrageous price of $500, Lily hesitantly agrees though she suspects the worst from this individual and his cronies coming for the weekend. However, Lily misread what the worst is when someone stabs and subsequently drowns radio preacher Brother Mark Luke Goodheart in one of the B&B bathtubs. While Police Chief Walker investigates the homicide, Lily and Robert begin work as a substitute teacher temporarily replacing Millicent Langston who seems to have vanished. Meanwhile someone abducts young Joey while his mom waits for news whether her husband died while working on the Hoover Dam project. Lily being Lily cannot resist making inquiries into the murder, the misplaced teacher, and the kidnapped child. Though this is a Grace and Favor mystery, the suspense elements take a back seat to the Depression Era ambiance of the story line. Readers can feel the mood at least near the Hudson River of the change in presidential administrations from Hoover to the New York Governor Roosevelt. The intrigues tie together, but never really hook the reader as deeply as the historical perspective as LOVE FOR SALE is more a strong 1930s fiction that contains mystery subplots.

Sacrifice
Clyde Phillips
Morrow
$24.95, 308 pp. ISBN: 0066212375

Just after San Francisco's most respected and best-loved citizen, philanthropist Philip Iverson announced the pledge to the children's hospital, someone murders him in the parking garage of the Golden Gate Grand Hotel. The city is in shock with this high visibility homicide. The pressure is on the police for a swift arrest. Homicide Lieutenant Jane Candiotti and her new husband and "old" partner Kenny Marks lead the investigation, the first since they married and she was promoted to being his boss by the SFPD. That same evening, a second murder occurs that fails to get more than a slight yawn from the media and even less from the politicians and the police leadership. The victim is just a homeless person. However, soon new murders occur tied to the bum's homicide by the letter S written in blood at the scene. With Iverson's wife leading the howls for justice and the media and politicos joining in the screaming, Jane has her hands full struggling to solve the Iverson case as well as the five murders especially when a link between he investigations is found that makes her a target. This is an exciting police procedural that is typical of the sub-genre, but grips the audience because author Clyde Phillips provides a strong cast working an intriguing investigation. Jane is a delight as the culprit, the media, the brass, Iverson's widow, and members of her team, especially one outraged subordinate and even to a degree Kenny, work against her. Police procedural fans will applaud this solid work.

Scaredy Cat
Mark Billingham
Morrow
$23.95 ISBN: 0066213002

London Detective Tom Thorne is churlish and depressing when he is in what he would consider a good mood, quite a rarity for this cop. However, when he becomes involved in a homicide the police receive the best out of him professionally, but his behavior turns atrocious. His current case leads him to suffer from the Grand Canyon of misery when two murders with the identical MO occurs at approximately the same time in different parts of the city. One of the victims is a mother whose three-year-old watched her die. Tom and his team investigate the twin killings on the extraordinary concept that a pair of serial killers working in tandem committed the crimes. Forensics say the killers were radically different with one being a professional, smooth and experienced at the job while the other was an amateur. They believe the pro is teaching and leading the rookie and if the theory holds it is the accomplished killer who must be stopped fist. Tom will soon learn this individual is a master manipulator who learned his killing lessons two decades ago in school. Readers who like a powerful police procedural with strong characters, including the secondary support cast, will want to read this superb tale. SCAREDY CAT develops the crime and the cast before going into hyperspeed as Tom digs deep into any clue he finds to insure no one else dies. This is a winner as was Tom's first appearance in SLEEPYHEAD.

Done For A Dime
David Corbett
Ballantine
$24.95, 368 pp. ISBN 0345447530

There is tension between father and son because famous blues musician Raymond "Strong" Carlisle has started drinking again only months after having a kidney removed. Toby Marchand moved in with his father to nurse him through his health crisis and is irate that his dad disobeys medical orders. Toby goes to play with his own band at a nearby club and his girlfriend Nadya escorts his father to see him perform. Strong picks a fight with everyone he comes in contact with. When he returns home someone kills him with three bullets in his back. The police turn their attention to Toby and Nadya, but that fails to turn up any leads. What the police have yet to realize is that the killer lives next door to Carlisle in a boarded up Victorian, waiting to set fire to a part of the town that his clients want destroyed. These developers want to rebuild it in the image that will bring them the most profit. Whether the killer will succeed in carrying out his objective remains to be read. David Corbett's story line is stark, gritty and totally believable. From the police to the average citizen to the criminals, Mr. Corbett creates a microcosm of life in the pages of DONE FOR A DIME. His perspectives is realistic and readers will accept that the lead detective on the case has to go outside the law to try to see that justice occurs. While many readers will not agree with the protagonist's solution, they will understand why he was driven to break the laws he was sworn to uphold. This is one police procedural it will be impossible to forget.

Their Wildest Dreams
Peter Abrahams
Ballantine
$24.95, 304 pp. ISBN 0345439392

Mackie learned what a louse her husband was after she discovered he was cheating on her and divorced her. The housing development they were creating went into foreclosure and the bank took possession of it leaving her and her daughter Lianne barely able to afford the payments on the model house. When she gets a notice from the IRS saying she owes over $100,000, she finds out Kevin did some financial maneuvering that make her liable for the bill. Her friend gives her the idea of stripping as a way of getting back on her feet financially and the Tucson resident travels to the border town of Aqua Fria where she gets hired on as an exotic dancer at Buckaroo's. The owner of the club Buck Samsanov also owns the local bank. He has a scheme where one of his workers robs the place and he gets the money back plus the insurance. Through a quirky set of circumstances, Mackie winds up with the money, Lianne's boyfriend is dead, and Kevin is kidnapped. A crime writer looking for inspiration winds up in the middle of the whole mess and manages to make matters worse. This suspense thriller is a memorable reading experience due to the cast of characters who are unique and believable. Peter Abrahams has a colorful writing style and his prose is a work of art even with plenty of farcical humor that lowers the tension level when the reader needs a bit of relief from the almost non-stop action. Once again, Mr. Abrahams proves he is one of the grandmasters of suspense.

Jackson Park
Charlotte Carter
Ballantine
$32.95, 224 pp. ISBN 0345447824

Her mother abandoned Cassandra to her grandmother, who did her duty but had no love to give to the young child. When her grandmother died, her great-uncle Woody and his wife Ivy took her in and treated her like the child they wanted but could never have. The Isle's took Cassandra out of the ghetto that was Forest Street and moved her into their upscale apartment hotel in Cook County Hyde Park. During a family reunion, a man who lives on Forest Street drops by to beg Woody who has a lot of political and criminal connections to help him find his missing granddaughter who was last seen at a local grocery store. When Woody and Ivy go to the store where the granddaughter was last seen, the owner gives them a ring she left behind. That piece of jewelry is tied to a murder case that took place years ago, one in which many people felt the wrong man was convicted. As Woody, Ivy, and Cassandra delve further into the two cases, somebody is out to keep them quiet at any cost. The protagonists are black, the year is 1965 eight days after the assassination of Martin Luther King. Riots have erupted in Chicago and the national guard is called in to restore order. Charlotte Carter gives her readers a fine sense of place and time through a strong descriptive story that seems common for that era. Told from the perspective of a twenty-year-old college student, the audience learns how blacks felt about their position in society back them. JACKSON PARK is the first installment in what looks to be a great new series.

Postcards From Berlin
Margaret Leroy
Little, Brown
$22.95, 400 pp. ISBN: 0316738131

When she was a young teen, her mother abandoned Catriona Lydgate, leaving the child to the machinations of governmental entities. Several years later, preschool teacher Catriona met and married Richard, a divorced father of one of her students. Over the next few years life seems perfect to Catriona. Everything changes when POSTCARDS FROM BERLIN arrive from either her mother or someone who knows her past. More upsetting is when her eight-year-old daughter Daisy becomes very ill with a stomach flu. The doctor initially rejects Catriona's concerns, but eventually (to shut Catriona up) refers the preadolescent to a pediatrician. The two medical professionals conclude that Catriona is the prime cause of Daisy's disease and bring in the authorities to investigate. A distraught Catriona pleads with Richard to help her hide her ugly childhood from the investigators that she believes supports their position of her being a nut case, but he refuses. Catriona sees her world collapsing but must take a risk on reaching out to the past that could destroy her so she can help her child. This condemnation of the British health care system is at its strongest when the reader is not sure whether Catriona is a beleaguered person fighting the bureaucracy for her daughter or a paranoid maniac whose buried past resurfaced pushing her over the edge. A romantic subplot takes away from the deep look at the protagonist and the failures of the health care system. Though Richard is described as a womanizing loser, the audience will comprehend why he struggles with his wife's demands. POSTCARDS FROM BERLIN is overall a strong look at when an institution fails through the eyes of the victims.

Fear Itself
Walter Mosley
Little, Brown
$24.95, 316 pp. ISBN: 0316591122

In 1955 Los Angeles, Leora Hartman hires Fearless Jones to find Kit Mitchell, the father of her son, who simply vanished. Though the case seems quite simple, finding someone who appears to have just moved on, Fearless quickly concludes he needs some intellectual help and who better than a book lover would suffice? So he enlists his friend, book seller Paris Minton to help him. However, the easy queries that his mousy friend makes soon prove perilous as everyone including the client lie and are willing to use, even perhaps kill, Fearless and Paris. Others have vanished too with the sleuthing duo learning they, including Kit, are probably all dead. The dynamic pair (at least one dynamo and one passive) soon finds themselves as part of the focus of a war between local VIPs, a cosmetics queen and a developer, which also makes Fearless and Paris important to LAPD. Have no fear, FEAR ITSELF is a great historical mystery that not only brings to life pre- Dodger LA, but does so inside an exciting who-done-it. Though perhaps the novel has too much subterfuge (and consequently subplots), the keys to this terrific tale are the lead detectives. Fearless lives up to his name, as he is somewhat like many of the genre's hard boiled types. However, Paris brings freshness by not being a superhero preparing to break steel with his teeth. Instead he is an intelligent individual so frightened with the threats to his well being and from what he has learned about the affluent, fans including those in Brooklyn, will feel at home with him even if the Padres is winning the subway series a continent away.

The Footprints of God
Greg Iles
Scribner
$25.95, 480 pp. ISBN 0743234693

The Trinity Project involves using superior MRIs to copy the brain scans of an individual with resolution to the molecular level and loading the neuro model into a vast super computer. It would mean a kind of immortality for the people who had their brains scanned and it would create an Artificial Intelligence superior to that of man because it works more effectively and faster. The ethics involved in such a project are so complex that the US President appointed Dr. David Tennant to work on the proposal. David had the project suspended when the six scientists working on it including himself, had their brains scanned and developed some alarming symptoms. He knows that his supporter Dr. Andrew Fielding was killed on orders of the head of the project Peter Godin. What David does not know is that a second site for the Trinity Project has been built in New Mexico and that they are only days away from success. As different law enforcement officials try to assassinate David and his beautiful psychiatrist Rachel the duo make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where David finds the answers needed to send him to New Mexico and a confrontation with destiny. Greg Iles has written the best book of his career, a thriller that is also speculative fiction that postulates the origin of religion. THE FOOTPRINTS OF GOD is innovative, intellectually stimulating and so fascinating in scope that readers will finish it in one sitting. The hero is a good man who serves as a role model to humanity; a person readers will root for in his quest for answers to ethical dilemmas.

Shadows on the Coast of Maine
Lea Wait
Scribner
$24.00, 288 pp. ISBN 0743225546

When Maggie Summer's old college roommate and close friend begs her to come visit her in her new home in Madoc, Maine, she drops everything to see Amy Douglas. Her husband and Amy left their high powered jobs in New York City and bought an old Colonial home built in 1774, which they intend to restore to it's former glory. The move hasn't worked well for the Douglas' as Amy tells Maggie the moment she enters the home. Sounds of a baby crying disturb their sleep as do phone calls with nobody at the other end. A fire breaks out in a room where nothing is combustible and shingles fall off the roof even when the roofer has fixed them. Matters take a more serious turn when Amy's part-time helper is murdered and her husband gets into a car accident because the brake line is cut. As Maggie starts putting the pieces of the puzzle together, she realizes that there are two separate groups at work with different aims and only one of them intended actual harm. SHADOWS ON THE COAST OF MAINE is a picturesque amateur sleuth mystery that is perfect beach or pool reading material. Readers are treated to life in a small Maine village in which the same families have lived near each other for generations and an outsider is considered anyone whose gene pool hasn't resided there for over a century. Lea Wait has written a complex, multi-layered who done it that is fun to read and difficult to solve, leading to readers waiting anxiously for the author's next novel.

Me and Bobby D: A Memoir
Steve Karmen
Hal Leonard
$26.95, 434 pp. ISBN: 0634048767

In 1956, two students meet for the first time at the prestigious Bronx High School of Science. Both are excited with the new music rocking the country and want to be part of the revolution. They becomes friends and form an act together and travel to their first dig, two weeks in a sleazy joint in Detroit. However, they break up. The Italian Walden Robert Cassotto changes his name to Bobby Darin before achieving fame while the Jew Steve Karmen writes his commercial jingles like "You Deserve a Break Today," "I Love New York," and "Nationwide Is on Your Side." Steve Karmen provides an interesting "autobiography-biography" mostly focused on those two weeks in the pre Motown Motor City where the pair where the pair are surrounded by a world of sex filled with racketeers, strippers, and aging vaudeville comedians. The memoir provides the audience a glimpse at an early Rock and Roll legend as much as how what seemed a friendship forever dissolved under the pressure of fame, fortune, and sex. Easy to read just like one of the author's famous jingles, ME AND BOBBY D is a winner for readers who relish an intriguing tell all look at the ups and downs of fame with special insight into the life of Bobby Darin.

Until That Good Day
Marjorie Kemper
Dunne
$24.95, 320 pp. ISBN: 0312290799

John Washington travels the entire Lower Mississippi Valley selling wares to small stores and is away from his Myrtle, Louisiana home most of the time. Thus, it is not surprising that he is on the road when his wife dies leaving him with two daughters, eight years old Clara and five years old Vivian. About a year later, over the objection of his children especially the younger one, he remarries Antoinette Malone. His older child goes to a New Orleans school and his younger one moves in with his in-laws. Meanwhile, John continues traveling not just to make money but to see the love of his life Odessa, a black woman. However, she is not the only secret John keeps as he passes in white society by acting accordingly. UNTIL THAT GOOD DAY is an intriguing period piece that enables the audience to visualize life in the Lower Mississippi during the Depression. The tale is told from different perspectives so that the audience gains a wider vision of the times. The characters are deep and John's dark secret is interesting as he hides it from most of his customers and his family. Only his beloved Odessa knows the truth. Though there is little action, Marjorie Kemper provides a deep character study that shines on a way of life that feels almost ancient though it is only seven decades ago.

Perfect Love
Elizabeth Buchan
Dunne
$13.95, 438 pp. ISBN: 0312324642

In Hampshire England, for the two decades that she has been married to sixty-years old Max Valour, Prue and her stepdaughter Violet have never gotten along with each other. Pleased with her marriage, Prue enjoys her current life raising their young child Jane and working on a Joan of Arc bio. However, her contented days end when Violet returns from living in the states. Accompanying Violet is her spouse James Beckett who is closer to Prue's age than his spouse and an unwanted baby. James immediately finds himself attracted to the kind Prue, whom he considers a peer, unlike his much younger obsessed wife. Prue finds in James a passion she has never known in her marriage. Though they both know this illicit affair is morally wrong, neither one of the lovers can stop committing adultery. However, what will happen when their mates, father and daughter, draw the obvious conclusion of what is occurring behind their backs. PERFECT LOVE is an honest look at extramarital relationships. The characters are all brilliantly designed so that readers can understand everyone's motives. The alternating scenes between Prue and her research on Joan of Arc for the most part proves enjoyable and intelligent, but at times slows down the plot. Without lecturing or preaching, award winning Elizabeth Buchan provides a witty, sharp, but ugly examination of families after the loving seems burned to an unrecognizable crisp.

A Stolen Time
Shari Boullion
Leisure
$5.99, 304 pp. ISBN: 0843952296

In 1861 Northern California, Janet Garret, disguised as a male, somewhat blames herself for the death of her Pa during a holdup that went bad. Before he died Pa made Janet vow she would get out of the outlawing business and marry a respectful person. Though the Marshal has the drop on her and her brother Clint, Janet and her sibling manage to escape, but she shoots the other lawman. Feeling guilty for being a "softy" Marshal Dagger Blackthorn vows to bring in the last two members of the Garret gang especially that blond male who crippled his brother. Janet becomes a schoolmarm in Whiskeytown, but Dagger begins to wonder about her especially when she cusses, beats up bullies, and shoots more accurately than any man he knows. His suspicions grow as he falls in love with Janet Donner. She surprises herself by reciprocating, but Clint is coming to town with plans to reform the Garret gang and he needs his sis to succeed. A STOLEN TIMES will live up to its title as readers will find western romance steals time from other activities to finish in one sitting. The story line is fun to follow as the assertive Janet takes no prisoners while learning life on the legal side and working her way through two conflicting loves that of her brother and that of her Marshal. She also fears that when he learns the truth, he will hate her while locking her up and throwing away the key. Though Dagger overcomes his obsession too easily, fans will appreciate this delightful novel.

Midnight Silk
Laurie Grant
Leisure
$5.99, 331 pp. ISBN: 0843951680

Growing up on a Texas plantation, the son of the overseer Bowie Beckett loved the owner's daughter Maria Taylor. However, though she followed him around the spread, he knew she was out of reach. During the Civil War Bowie runs the northern blockade that enables him to bring cotton to the market and in turn finance the Confederacy. His father feels Bowie is a coward for not joining the military and makes it clear publicly how he feels about his son. By 1863, Maria is no longer a pampered belle of the south as she keeps the books and even works in the fields. When he learns of the plot that Lance Webster has for Maria to further his own well being, Bowie intercedes. However, the rescue has just begun as the Union Army, Confederate bandits, and their families seek the fleeing duo, who allow their love for one another to surface. MIDNIGHT SILK is a solid Civil War romance that brings to life the diverse opinions that further divided the Confederate side of the conflict. Bowie's dad Sam cannot see how courageous his son is by supporting the effort in as dangerous an occupation as soldiering. The story line is fast-paced and action packed, but it is the star-crossed lead protagonists that turn on the romance inside a vivid historical tale.

Renegade Moon
Elaine Barbieri
Leisure
$6.99, 354 pp. ISBN: 0843951788

By 1880, after several years as an Army scout in the Arizona Territory, Quince Hunter realizes how hopeless the situation is as this remains Apache land. When his "friend" dies and his sister's letter tells him she needs him, Quince decides to come home to the Half Moon Ranch in Texas, the place where his father killed his mother ten years ago and he and his brother had a falling out five years ago. Quince rescues horse farmer Glory Townsend from quicksand, but cannot save her steed. Both are attracted to one another, but neither want to follow up on the feelings that course through them. It is even worse on the family ranch where Brent remains angry for Quince walking out on them. When Quince and Glory compete for the same army contract, they realize they need to work as a team or both will lose their spreads to the bank. Love naturally blossoms. RENEGADE MOON is a fine follow-up to Bobbi Smith's HUNTER'S MOON, but is a fine stand-alone. It is that ability to provide a complete western romance inside a series written by other authors that displays the talent of Elaine Barbieri. This novel is exciting as the lead couple refuses to give in to something as pathetic as love. Readers will enjoy this tale immensely. Readers will also look forward to the final two tales MOON RACER by Constance O'Banyon and DARK OF THE MOON by Evelyn Rogers coming out in August and September respectively.

Hunter's Moon
Bobbi Smith
Leisure
$6.99, 369 pp. ISBN: 0843951559

In 1870 on the Half Moon Ranch in Texas Hill Country, Brent Hunter heard shots. He raced home to find his drunken father Jack holding a gun while his mother lies dead. The three older males, Brent and his two brothers Quince and Matt, hide their loss behind stoic faces. The youngest child, their sister Abby was hysterical. Jack is convicted of the homicide. Brent plans to make a go of the ranch, but learns how much collateral his father took out at the bank. Ten years later, Brent spends time at a nearby saloon because he likes the bargirl Ruby who reminds him of another bargirl whose life he saved. As he flirts with Ruby, she completes what he started when he rescued her by falling in love with him. Brent does not need female trouble now, but he wonders if love is really trouble. Ruby who is Crystal Stewart ponders whether he will be there for her again when her past finally catches up to her. Though the angst is at stratospheric levels, western romance readers will e

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