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Table of Contents
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 enjoy this tale. The story line is action-packed while the lead couple is a
charming duet struggling with their respective pasts. Though the villain still lurks (for the sequels)
and his motives seem stretched, readers will appreciate this novel and want to read Quince's tale,
(see Elaine Barbieri's RENEGADE MOON).
Letters for Emily
Cameron Wright
Pocket
$10.00, 214 pp. ISBN: 0743444477
Though he knows he is dying that does not disturb Harry Whitney. However, Alzheimer's bothers
him because he realizes how much the disease has changed him from Grandpa Harry to an old
cranky geezer complaining about everything. Harry has several grandchildren, but his favorite is
Emily, who visits him every week. When Harry dies, his daughter-in-law Laura, finds three
homemade books filled with his poems and stories. Together with her daughter Emily, who
mourns the most over the loss of her best friend, they read Harry's poetry and stories, realizing
that each contain a coded password that opens a related computer file. Inside the files are special
notes to Harry's beloved Emily to help her in life. Other family members soon read Emily's
treasure that reminds them how remarkable Harry had been as a person, father, husband, and
grandfather before Alzheimer's destroyed his mind and body. This inspirational family drama will
leave the audience crying for joy and out of sadness. Harry in life and death is quite a protagonist
as his wisdom passes down to Emily and others. When the tale focuses on Harry directly or
indirectly (the sandwich generation struggling on what is the right thing to do with their father) or
on Emily's child-like but mature understanding of him, the book is incredible. When the tale
centers on the breakup of marriages amidst Harry's children, it adds depth yet too much angst that
weighs down the reader a bit. Still LETTERS FOR EMILY is a powerful and insightful look at
the individual members of a family.
The Baby Squad
Andrew Neiderman
Pocket
$6.99, 374 pp. ISBN: 0743412702
In the not too distant future, becoming pregnant is almost impossible as all female newborns are
given a vaccine to prevent their eggs from fertilizing. Children are conceived in a natal laboratory
with only some of the DNA coming from the parents. People who were born the old fashioned
way are called Abnormals and treated like second class citizens by the Natals who believe they are
genetically superior. In the Catskills mountain town of Sandburg, Natalie Ross, an Abnormal
passing for a Natal is six months pregnant and is using the underground to supply her with
prenatal vitamins. The cleaning woman's high school daughter steals them and trades them to
another high school girl. However, the vigilante group that polices the community to insure no
Abnormals reside there, THE BABY SQUAD, catches the teen. The caught teen confronts the
girl who gave her the prenatal vitamins and murder results. A state police officer from the CID
division investigates and his queries set off a chain reaction that ends in another murder, exposure
of corruption, and the revelation of other crimes. Is THE BABY SQUAD science fiction or a
glimpse of what lies in store for the human race in the not too distant future? Each reader will
make that judgment for themselves but in the meantime the audience is treated to a very exciting
futuristic police procedural. Readers' hearts will go out to Natalie who becomes a victim of the
system and a symbol of hope for humanity. Andrew Neiderman has written another winner that
his fans will want to put on their keeper shelves.
The Captain of All Pleasures
Kresley Cole
Pocket
$6.99 ISBN: 0743466497
In support of the concept that the "Sun never sets on the English Empire", in 1854 Queen
Victoria sponsors the Great Circle Race, a sailing contest open to all nationalities that will start in
London and finish in Sydney. Two years later just before the start of the race, Team Lassiter is
struck a terrible blow when its captain Jason Lassiter is incarcerated after a tavern brawl in
London. However, his daughter Nicole, raised on the sea, takes over as captain. Derek Sutherland
and his crew are amongst the challengers, but he is more desperate to win than most because
victory is the only way to save his tottering shipping line. Derek and Nicole are attracted to one
another, but neither trusts the other. Nicole believes that he is sabotaging her family's shipping
business. Fate intervenes when Nicole's vessel is damaged in a storm and Derek rescues her. As
they become lovers in love, they soon have an epiphany that a third party is behind the troubles
destroying both their shipping lines. Victorian England on the high seas is as vivid as can be
pictured in this action-packed historical romance. The lead couple is a delight as they brawl,
argue, and fight until they realize that they are in love. Though the intrigue subplot and the
"disputes" between her father and her beloved add tension, it seems unnecessary as Jason and
Nicole have so much baggage to go through anyway. Still readers will enjoy sailing with Kresley
Cole at the helm.
Top o' the Mournin'
Maddy Hunter
Pocket
$5.99, 320 pp. ISBN 0743458125
After learning her husband is gay, actress Emily Andrews leaves New York to return home to
Iowa where she takes a job as an escort for a bank sponsored senior citizen tours. Last year she
went to Switzerland where she was involved in a triple homicide (See ALPINE FOR YOU),
caught a killer, and met the love of her life Swiss Detective Etienne Micelli. This year Emily
escorts seniors to Ireland where they stay at Ballybantry Castle, renovated into a hotel but
rumored to be haunted. The trip begins wonderfully when Etienne shows up unexpectedly for a
rendezvous but the fires burn out when two of the hotel's staff are found dead with wet webbed
footsteps found near one of the bodies. Haunting cries in the night, cold spots in unexpected
places, and electricity going out for no logical reason turns Emily's job into a nightmare. Meeting
her former husband who had a sex change operation and is on a honeymoon complicates matters.
When Emily discovers there have been over forty deaths at the castle in two years, she decides to
find out who the killer is. TOP O' THE MOURNIN' is a delightful cozy that is low on gore but
rich in plot and characterizations. There is plenty of slapstick humor especially when the heroine
and her significant other are repeatedly interrupted during an interlude. The mystery is well
constructed and the support cast yields a number of suspects, one of whom has an excellent
motive for wanting to destroy the castle's reputation by making it seem better to vacate than
spend a deadly vacation there.
Loaded
Shari Shattuck
Pocket
$6.99, 336 pp. ISBN 0743463846
She is worth millions, but Cally Wilde is also lonely fearing that people only want her for her
money that she inherited from her father. Cally's mother hates her daughter because she thinks
some of the money should have gone to her. Her half brother Binford intensely dislikes her
because he too believes that some of the loot should belong to him. Only his wife Elena treats
Cally as a friend. Following a business lunch, two men try to murder Cally but she kills one of
them while the other retreats. Detective Evan Paley, the lead on the case, and Cally immediately
are attracted to one another, but he refuses to make love to her until the case is closed. Another
murder occurs this time in Cally's home making it looks like someone wants her to take the fall. A
half-sister Cally never heard of comes forward to make a claim on the estate and Elena takes an
overdose of sleeping pills. Cally's life seems out of control even as she suspects every member of
her family as the culprit(s). Being a reviewer is similar to a prospector panning for gold; every
once in a while one sifts to find a gold nugget LOADED in the sediment. This amateur sleuth
novel is crackling with repressed sexual desire, so much so that one should use potholders while
reading this book. There are so many suspects with viable motives that readers will go crazy
trying to figure out who the perpetrator is. The good news is that this is the opening installment in
what has the makings of a great series.
Angel Cafe
Jill Morrow
Pocket
$6.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0743475739
Two years ago, associate lawyer Katerina Piretti's beloved fiance, Baltimore Sun investigative
reporter Peter Dulaney, committed suicide. Kat has had problems accepting the official verdict,
especially since she suffers from dreams in which Peter asks for her help. On Secretary's Day, Kat
takes the office assistant to the renowned ANGEL CAFE where owner Stephen Carmichael
performs a reading that she can see is bogus until he says that Peter did not kill himself. Stephen
hires Tia Melody whose readings seem so accurate she begins to have a fan following to see if she
can 'see' more for Kat. As Peter and Kat fall in love, they struggle with happenings that seem
more appropriate for the Twilight Zone rather than the lives of a lawyer and a restaurateur. This
paranormal romance will make true believers out of the most cynical of doubters that there is
another "realm" out there. The story line moves a bit slow at first as Jill Morrow insures the
audience fully understands the motives and concerns of the lead protagonists and some support
players, and Tia's "gift". This is a special treat, so much so, sub-genre fans will visit ANGEL
CAFE for more than one reading.
Why Girls Are Weird
Pamela Ribon
Downtown Press
$12.00, 312 pp. ISBN: 0743469801
With work a bloody bore, twenty nothing Anna Koval teaches herself how to use HTML. She
begins writing a journal about slut Barbies, her last relationship with her former boyfriend Ian that
seems so ancient times in retrospect, and other tales under the byline of Anna K. Feeling no one
but her pal would ever peruse her mumbo jumbo hyperbole autobiographic stew, Anna still plugs
away at her stories everyday at work. Her keyboard never stops clicking so that peers and
management believe she is the hardest worker in the firm. To Anna's shock, she soon receives
email as she has begun to have a fan base. One particular person wants to get to know her better.
Anna fears he will reject the real Koval as not being on a par with the mythical Anna K even if
LDobler sounds like he is falling in love with Anna as she herself wonders will the real Anna
please stand up. WHY GIRLS ARE WEIRD is chick lit novel meets the information age as the
amusing heroine bares her soul to the world, but wonders whose life is surfacing. The journal
entries enable the audience to see up front and personal the essence of Anna to the nth degree
while the email from her fans especially LDobler provides the means for the reader to comprehend
his motives and desires. Readers will enjoy this often amusing, somewhat serious look at how
women are becoming weirdly wired.
The Dragon Laird
Deborah Lynne
Echelon Press
$13.49, 272 pp. ISBN: 1590802330
His father cursed Laird Dylan McGregor for his dragon mark. Most clan members including his
siblings cringe when he is near. Still the laird does his duty. He enters the forbidden forest in
search of two missing hunters and follows tracks that lead him to a pond where a beautiful
redhead bathes. Dylan falls in love and knows one day she will be his forever. He takes her crown
of flowers left on the shore before leaving. Rhiannon of Clan McKoy is surprised that her crown
of flowers is gone, but still visits the healer Dela. Her host gives Rhiannon a Moonstone that turns
hot when evil is near and also states that though she is a child of the light her mate will be from
her darkside enemy bearing the mark of the dragon. When her brother joins in the battle against
the McGregors, Rhiannon disguises herself as a boy to keep him safe, but becomes her foe's
prisoner. Dylan makes the "lad" his servant enabling Rhiannon to see the dragon mark that
identifies he is her mate. Together they must face a sorcerer prepared to destroy both clans.
Though the description above makes the tale appear more like a typical medieval romance, the
story line contains delightful subplots that include dragons, other fantasy species, and sorcery.
Dylan carries the burden that no one is loyal to him and not just he as the Laird; so he trusts no
one. Rhiannon is the only person strong enough to see beneath the shallow dragon mark to his
heart. Their story makes for a wonderful romantic fantasy that readers of both genres will
appreciate.
The Gates of Winter
Mark Anthony
Bantam
$6.99, 592 pp. ISBN 0553803344
War is coming to the medieval world of Eldh, a place where people fight using swords and magic.
Mohg, Lord of Nightfall, plans to remake his home planet in his image. His minion, the Pale King
toils at opening the Rune Gate so that his hordes can sweep through and prepare it for Mohg's
return. Mohg and the Pale King also work with Duratek on Earth to open a portal to Eldh so that
Mohg can return and the corporation can exploit the wealth of Eldh. Runebreaker Travis Wilder
travels to Earth to destroy Duratek and the gate. According to the prophecy, Travis will save and
destroy Eldh at the last battle. His friend, Grace Beckett, witch queen of an ancient lineage
marches to the Gravenfist Keep with five hundred warriors and a coven of witches. They must
hold back the hordes of the Pale King if he opens the Rune Gate until the Warriors of Vathris
arrive for the last battle. If Travis, Grace, the warriors and witches work together they might
defeat the dark forces that threaten Eldh. Book five in "The Last Rune" series is an exciting
swords and sorcery tale in the tradition of the Lord of the Rings and The Sword of Shannara
trilogies. The villains in THE GATES OF WINTER are really caricatures of evil, but the heroes
are fully developed people that will endear themselves to the reader. Fans of the series or epic
fantasy will enjoy this tale and look forward to book six, THE FIRST STONE in which readers
will finally learn what is the secret connection that ties Earth with Eldh.
Lord of Snow and Shadows
Sarah Ash
Bantam
$21.95, 496 pp. ISBN 0553803344
Portrait painter Gavril Andar has always lived with his mother in Smorna, the summer resort town
of the Muscobarian aristocracy. It is when his father, the ruler of the cold kingdom Azhkendir in
the frozen northern wastelands, is assassinated he learns the truth about his heritage. As the heir
to his father's kingdom Gavin learns that his blood is that of the dragon and when danger
threatens his people he turns into a Drakhaoul, able to fly and breath down poison fumes on the
enemy. Gavin wants no part of his father's legacy, but Azhkendiran warriors kidnap him and bring
him back to kill his sire's assassin. While Gavril learns the customs of his people, Prince Eugene of
Tielen tries to reunite the old empire with him as emperor. He wants to add Muscobar to his
kingdom but he needs to take Azhkendir in order to do it. He sets in motion a variety of schemes
to bring down the Drakhaoul but in the end, it is Gavin that Eugene must face to determine whom
rules in Azhkendir. Though somewhat typical of the sub-genre, book one in The Tears Of
Artamon series is an excellent sword and sorcery tale filled with plenty of action and fully
developed characters. The protagonist matures as he faces trials and tribulations from forces
aligned against him who want to crush him and his country. By the end of LORD OF SNOW
AND SHADOWS, Gavin has become a brave warrior; he is ready to defend the nation he
inherited. Sarah Ash's is a bright new star in the fantasy gallery.
A Fistful of Rain
Greg Rucka
Bantam
$23.95, 320 pp. ISBN 055380135X
Famous and rich rock star Mim Bracca is notorious for getting drunk and blacking out and it
becomes bad enough that her band sends her back home to Portland to dry out. Before she enters
her new home, someone kidnaps her. They drive around for a few hours before he drops her back
at her home. The police don't believe her because she is famous for her lies. Her day gets much
worse when her brother Mikel drops by to tell her their father, after serving fifteen years for
killing their mother, is out and living with him. Just when she thinks life can't get any lower,
pornographic pictures of her, which she didn't pose for appears on the net. While trying to solve
that problem she walks in to her brother's place and finds him dead, a bullet in his head. When
someone kidnaps her father for a $1,000,000 ransom, Mim stops getting defensive and works up
the courage to track down the kidnapper before he can kill her and her father. The protagonist is
an alcoholic but she is able to stay away from the bottle long enough to come up with a plan to try
to get her and her father out of trouble. She's gutsy, feisty, and vulnerable, a combination that
endears her to the audience who will root for her in the hope that she can get her act together. A
FISTFUL OF RAIN is a suspense thriller that is a dark and gritty as Greg Rucka pulls no punches
with this one sitting novel.
A Fistful of Rain
Greg Rucka
Bantam
$23.95, 320 pp. ISBN 055380135X
Famous and rich rock star Mim Bracca is notorious for getting drunk and blacking out and it
becomes bad enough that her band sends her back home to Portland to dry out. Before she enters
her new home, someone kidnaps her. They drive around for a few hours before he drops her back
at her home. The police don't believe her because she is famous for her lies. Her day gets much
worse when her brother Mikel drops by to tell her their father, after serving fifteen years for
killing their mother, is out and living with him. Just when she thinks life can't get any lower,
pornographic pictures of her, which she didn't pose for appears on the net. While trying to solve
that problem she walks in to her brother's place and finds him dead, a bullet in his head. When
someone kidnaps her father for a $1,000,000 ransom, Mim stops getting defensive and works up
the courage to track down the kidnapper before he can kill her and her father. The protagonist is
an alcoholic but she is able to stay away from the bottle long enough to come up with a plan to try
to get her and her father out of trouble. She's gutsy, feisty, and vulnerable, a combination that
endears her to the audience who will root for her in the hope that she can get her act together. A
FISTFUL OF RAIN is a suspense thriller that is a dark and gritty as Greg Rucka pulls no punches
with this one sitting novel.
A Place of Hiding
Elizabeth George
Bantam
$26.95, 513 pp. ISBN: 0553801309
China River and her brother Cherokee tender a deal to friend photographer Deborah St. James
and her spouse forensic scientist Simon. If the couple travels from their home in Montecito,
California to deliver a package of architectural drawings to Guy Brouard on the English Channel
Island of Guernsey, she will pay both fares and a five-thousand-dollar fee. Christmas in England
sounds quite good to the St. James so they readily agree. The drawings are for a museum that
Guy plans to construct to commemorate those who resisted the Nazis during the German
occupation of the island. However, upon arriving at Guernsey, Deborah and Simon find the
recipient of their package dead, a victim of murder. Most interesting is the lack of a solid motive,
as no one seems to hate Brouard though he womanized and no one gains from his death. Still the
nosy Americans investigate when China is arrested for the crime. PLACE OF HIDING is a superb
investigative tale due to the extraordinarily powerful cast on both sides of the Atlantic. The
who-done-it is cleverly devised to keep the audience guessing, but clearly the key players such as
China, her brother, the St. James couple, and Brouard and his spouse make the tale work. The
locale adds depth and a bit of World War II perspective to a strong contemporary mystery that by
George shows the talent of this author when she is on her game as she is here.
Devlin's Honor
Patricia Bray
Bantam
$5.99, 416 pp. ISBN 0553584766
Following the death of his wife and child, Devlin of Duncaer was named Kinslayer and became
Kinbereft. He sought death so he asked to be considered the Jorskian Empire's Chosen One.
Found worthy, a magical geas was placed on him forcing him to put the empire's needs before his
own even if it meant his death. Devlin's accomplishments quickly made him a favorite of the king
and the people and the monarchy names him General of the Royal Army. Devlin worries that war
is inevitable but fails to persuade the nobles and the king that a crisis is coming. Meanwhile they
want Devlin to own the Sword of Light, which he recognizes from a palace picture as being in
Duncaer. He hates returning home as everyone scorns him, but the geas forces him to obtain the
sword. On his way to Aluaran to pick up the sword, a wizard places him under a dangerous spell
that interferes with his mission. If he fails to gain the sword, the empire could collapse at a time
when war is imminent. Devlin is the key to this action-packed fantasy as readers will reach out to
him with empathy while he seeks to die until he obtains a reason to live. Once Devlin becomes the
Chosen One, protecting those most vulnerable as well as the empire, the audience will switch
emotions and end up rooting for him as a hero and feel his angst when he goes back to his home
as a most hated conqueror. This protagonist turns a well-written epic fantasy into a powerful
action and adventure tale loaded with a deep cast led by this champion.
Heart of an Outlaw
Angela Verdenius
Wings ePress
$16.95, 352 pp. ISBN: 1590888553
At Bok's slaver stall, Daamen trader Captain Darvk stops to see the merchandise that excites the
crowd. Against enslaving people, he sees the death mask of an outlawed race as the
sixteen-year-old female is a Reeka Warrior, notorious for killing males and for selling their
mercenary skills to the highest bidder. Perhaps it was the passion and power of her eyes, but
Darvk outbids the brothel owners to purchase the teen. Tenia trusts nothing male even if they act
kind like the captain because she knows they have ulterior motives. Darvk takes her on to his
vessel, but Tenia plans to escape to learn why mendacious tales about her people have spread
across the galaxy. As Darvk falls in love with his charge and she begins to slowly reciprocate, he
believes her insistence that her race is not feral serial killers. He also wonders why the Inka
Empire wants his beloved. Darvk plans to learn the truth and earn the trust of Tenia even if he
must die to do so. HEART OF AN OUTLAW is an exciting, action-packed science fiction
romance that is loaded with surprises as the audience and the hero slowly realize what is going on
and how deep the conspiracy permeates the impact on solar society has occurred. The lead couple
is a delight and a follow-up tale starring his friend and her sister is a must. However, the key to
this superb novel is how real the races and worlds seem that enables the audience to believe that a
negative campaign via abuse of power caused by love-hate really happened somewhere out there
with Angela Verdenius as an observing scribe.
Space Inc.
Julie E. Czerneda
Daw
$6.99, 320 pp. ISBN: 075640147X
The premise of this short story collection is quite simple yet very clever. These tales focus on
employment in outer space in the distant future when the solar system and beyond are settled and
are short hops away. The fourteen tales that make up this anthology are fun to follow as the
audience, for the most part, will believe in the various worlds, species, and especially the assorted
jobs. The want ads that open up each story are enjoyable in of themselves as they put the space
twist to typical employment opportunities whether they are minimum wage custodial workers,
professional blue-collar skills or office work. The SPACE INC. collection entertains the audience
who will finish the book and wonder with their present skills what job could he or she hold in
outer space. As for moi, telecommuting as an intergalactic book reviewer using Babel to translate
critiques into Martian (thrillers), Venusian (romance), or Jovian (epic fantasy) seems obvious so
where is that want ad?
First Rider's Call
Kristen Britain
Daw
$24.95, 736 pp. ISBN 0756402093
The only magic left in the Kingdom of Sacoridia resides within the members of the King's elite
messenger unit. Each person in the Green Rider troop manifests magic in a different way.
However, the magic is no longer reliable because of the crack in the D'yer Wall, designed to keep
the evil essence of Mornhavon contained. Wild magic seeps through the opening, turning some
people to stone and making others disappear. The people do not know how to fix the crack
because the magical knowledge was lost centuries ago. Mornhavon is waking up and wants the
wall torn down so he can begin conquering anew what he lost eons ago. Karigan, a reluctant
Green Rider, tries to stop him while keeping the kingdom together. It is her fate to wear the
badge of the very first Green Rider and through this mutual medallion link, both women are able
to travel through time in what may prove a futile effort to keep the forces of evil in check. Epic
fantasy lovers who read Tokien and Brooks are going to find FIRST RIDER'S CALL one of the
best works of speculative fiction in 2003. Many different sub-plots tie seamlessly into the main
story line while the rotating third person narrative allows the audience to know what is going on
inside the hearts and minds of the characters at all times. Kristen Britain is a very talented author
who appears destined to be one of the genre's superstars.
Redemption
Nancy Geary
Warner
$23.95, 336 pp. ISBN: 0446527548
Manchester-by-the-Sea on Massachusetts' North Shore's overly indulged Hope Lawrence is
having second and third thoughts about her pending marriage to Jack Cabot III, heir to a fortune.
Her prime problem is that she does not love the catch of the decade, but instead loves Carl
LeFleur. However, her snobbish family expects her to wed the aristocratic the Third and not some
lobsterman. If that was Hope's only problem perhaps she could cope. Besides an eating disorder,
her family betrays her from a sister who covets her man to a father who verbally abuses her to live
up to expectations to her mother who sells her out. When Hope hangs herself, everyone assumes
suicide. Everyone that is except her visiting cousin, former assistant district attorney Frances
Pratt, who believes murder has occurred and plans to find out who would kill her hopeless
relative. Though at times the novel feels more like a four tissue box soap opera starring the rich
and not so famous, fans of New England cozies will appreciate the tale. For the most part, readers
will feel for Hope, though some in the audience will want to yell at her to get a life as her
tribulations at times seem minor. Francis, still recovering from the MISFORTUNE of her own
mother's death, is the strength of the tale as if all the assertion genetic material went to her. Nancy
Geary provides a fine cozy that those readers who enjoy murder among the affluent will want to
peruse.
Still Life With Crows
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Warner
$25.95, 435 pp. ISBN: 0446531421
Without official sanctioning, FBI Special Agent Pendergast arrives in Medicine Creek, Kansas to
investigate a serial killer leaving behind eerie signatures to include a mutilated corpse inside a
circle of crows "nailed" to stakes. The elegant Pendergast seems like a polished apple among
cornstalks as his urbane lifestyle clearly sticks out in this rural community. He hires as his
chauffeur and overall local guide rebel without a cause teenage girl Corrie Swanson, who also
sticks out in the middle of the cornfields. Additional murders occur and Pendergast, using the
Bhutanese meditation technique Chongg Ran, links them to a nineteenth century Indian massacre
of outlaws. As the local law enforcement resent Pendergast's interference on the case, the killer
abducts Corrie forcing Pendergast to follow into the cat's cave to try to rescue his local escort
before she becomes the latest victim. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's tale is fun though
STILL LIFE WITH CROWS seems like a weaker than usual entry. Pendergast is like a debonair
modernized cross between Holmes and Flint with Corrie being his "Watsonette". The story line is
crisp, but the killer seems unacceptable once Douglas Preston and Lincoln Childs reveal the
identity of the culprit. Fans of the series will appreciate the latest tale, but newcomers will be
better suited to try previous works like THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES to obtain the full rich
flavor of the tea.
Blessed Are the Cheesemakers
Sarah-Kate Lynch
Warner
$22.95, 326 pp. ISBN: 0446531286
In County Cork, Ireland, Joseph "Corrie" Corrigan and Joseph "Fee" Feehan produce the
internationally famous Coolarney Blue cheese. However as the two Josephs age, they worry about
their company's future. So they decide to embark on successor planning. Corrie has not seen his
granddaughter Abbey in almost a quarter of a century. Currently, she feels abandoned by her
womanizing preacher of a spouse spouting the word to natives on a Pacific Island. She knows she
needs a change of scenery from her locale and more from her ripping her skin for some alleged sin
husband. On an Atlantic island named Manhattan, alcoholic Kit Stephens has lost his way since his
wife and child died. Recently he also loses his stockbroker position. He needs a change of scenery
to start over. Fate enters the mix and soon Abbey and Kit meet at the Coolarney cheese factory.
This cheesy romance is amusing due mostly to the geezers, the cows, and the cats serving as
interesting secondary characters. Abbey and Kit seems like nice people, but both sing the blues
until they meet each other and see in the other a second chance. Throw in the magic of Eire
leading to the audience singing along to the Sound of Music.
Second Sunday
Michele Andrea Bowen
Warner
$22.95, 320 pp. ISBN: 0446530336
In 1975 St. Louis, in nine months a special SECOND SUNDAY will mark the centennial birthday
of the founding of the Gethesemane Missionary Baptist Church. However, tragedy strikes when
Pastor Forbes suddenly dies. Though the fifty something Pastor occupied the pulpit for six years,
the congregation is in a tizzy over selecting someone new in time to lead the gala. Wealthy
Deacon Johnson parades a series of candidates that only seems to divide his church peers. The
women, tired of male foolishness, turn to estranged member single mother Sheba Cochran to
insure that the individual who heads the church has solid morals and beliefs. Anyone else could
cause the death of the church. Exposing these losers of Johnson proves easy until she meets
George Wilson. He not only believes in God, he believes in love, especially with Sheba. Now he
needs to persuade her regardless of who becomes pastor they belong together in the eyes of God.
Though the selection process is the running link throughout the tale, SECOND SUNDAY is a
series of short stories focusing on congregation members as they struggle in life and worry that
the place they turn to for solace will soon be gone. As she did with CHURCH FOLK, Michele
Andrea Bowen provides a deep look at an urban African-American church that is done with wit
and intelligence so that the reader obtains an insightful tale. The cast is a delight as Ms. Bowen
avoids easy stereotyping and instead uses vignettes so the characters seem genuine. Though the
action is limited, fans will appreciate this astute 1970s based drama.
The End of an Error
Mameve Medwed
Warner
$24.95, 309 pp. ISBN: 0446530794
A quarter of a century ago, when she was eighteen and doing Europe with her grandma, Lee
Emery met and fell in love with Englishman Simon. Later Lee married Ben, a nice but somewhat
boring professor, who still cherishes her as if they are newlyweds though they have had three
children. Both seem contented together in a serene safe life. However, Lee reads the book she
helped bring to press, her grandmother's memoirs, Mainely Marguerite, which includes a passage
describing Lee's first love. Suddenly, Lee acts out of character and questions her present lifestyle
with a melancholy is that all there is? After sending a copy of the book to Simon, Lee scrambles
to Europe trying to decide whether to take a second chance on a first teenage love or chicken out
to return to the safety of her brood? Title pun aside, this is an intriguing look at middle age with
empty nest beckoning and the past feeling more like a positive nostalgia trip. Lee is a fabulous
protagonist struggling between what she feels is an awakening that her lackluster sheltered life
cannot be why she is breathing vs. the excitement of what she first felt as a teen. Will the reality
equal the memory or will she conclude that you can never go home and the bird in hand is
best?
Flynn's World
Gregory McDonald
Pantheon
$23.00, 210 pp. ISBN: 0375422366
Boston Police Inspector Francis X. Flynn uses his investigative work as a means to cover his
espionage efforts. Currently most of his allies and comrades still in the cold believe he is dead,
which is fine by Flynn, as he prefers the warm home life of raising five children with his poet wife.
Still he has to take leaves of absence due to the deaths of his mother at least five times as he
makes no real effort to conceal his extended times Someone much higher up in the hierarchy tells
his superior to wink and blink in silence. Currently, Flynn works several local cases
simultaneously. His thirteen-year-old daughter wakes him up "in the middle of the night" to take
him to a cemetery where her friend a high school wrestler has his ear nailed to a tree. His
superiors want Flynn to investigate the harassment of a Harvard University professor. He
personally looks into the arrest record of a cop who has an arrest record of 100% minorities and
0% whites. Told tongue in cheek by the author of Fletch, Flynn is an interesting lead protagonist
who allows nothing to get inside his stomach. The cases are weak as they never tax the hero's
intelligence, but serve as irony, showing that even the great ones have to deal with the mundane
(Jordan playing a full NBA regular season schedule each year before shining in the "second
season"). Though often amusing, in a world when homeland security trumps almost everything
else, an underutilized espionage expert with police experience seems ironically wrong even for a
satire.
Spiral Joseph Geary
Pantheon
$24.95 ISBN: 0375422234
London biographer Nick Greer sees the finish line on the definitive biography of controversial
artist Frank Spira. However, he soon learns the key source of insight into the life of the long
deceased artist, his alleged lover, Jacob Grossman, still lives in Manhattan. An excited Nick visits
Jacob who provides one revelation that holds the presses. The Incarnation, considered by many
the epitome of Spira's career was not destroyed in 1957, but probably still exists. Not long after
his interview, Nick learns that someone murdered Grossman. The police lean towards Nick killing
Grossman though the motive is unclear. Nick obsesses over finding the painting, but also wants to
stop the murderer who has killed other Spira associates, but "the collector" has different plans that
include using Nick to obtain the Incarnation for him. This is an exciting mystery that works on
several levels that include an intriguing serial killer who-done-it, a clever biography subplot, and
an insightful art mystery. Nick is a great protagonist, whose obsessive personality is costing him
his personal life, leading to the audience to wonder when he will get a real life. Anyone who reads
this superb debut novel will feel sorry for author Joseph Geary because improving on this tale
seems impossible.
Journey into the Void
Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
Eos
$25.95, 496 pp. ISBN 0061051780
Two hundred years ago King Tamoras of Vinnengael received the Sovereign Stone by the gods
and was told to keep it in one piece. In his desire to see the races of humans, orks, elfs and
dwarves live in peace with one another he split the stone in quarters, each species receiving one.
The center of the stone was part of the Void and the King's youngest son Dagnarus took it into
his heart and became Lord of the Void. Corrupted by his newfound powers, Dagnarus sought to
overthrow his father but instead destroyed the kingdom. Now Dagnarus returns from another
world, bringing with him the taan, fierce warriors and workers of magic. Using them as an army,
he became the new ruler of New Vinnengael. Dagnarus wants the four pieces of the sovereign
stone so he can turn them into one jewel, but the four Dominion Lords who carry them have other
plans. They must battle the Lord of the Void and win if they want to beat back the darkness that
overwhelms the world. Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman bring to a glorious conclusion The
Sovereign Stone Trilogy. Readers do not have to read the first two books in the series to
thoroughly enjoy and understand JOURNEY INTO THE VOID though doing so will add to the
pleasure. Readers will surprise themselves by feeling pity for the antagonist who at unexpected
moments shows himself to be vulnerable to his own emotions. The heroes of this fantastic epic
drama, and there are many, capture the hearts of the reader with their intensity and determination
to triumph over the forces of evil.
Too Beautiful to Die
Glenville Lovell
Putnam
$23.95, 304 pp. ISBN: 039915048X
Three years may have passed, but African-American Blades Overstreet remains bitter over the
incident that nearly cost him his life and ultimately did cost him his wife. During a bust, an
undercover white cop "accidentally" shot police officer Blades, who felt it was a deliberate effort
to eliminate a black cop. The brass told him to shut up so he quit and sued. The acrimonious
aftertaste and avenging obsession over the subsequent two years led to his wife Anais leaving him
to go to California. Jimmy Lucas once saved Blades' life so he now asks a big favor of Blades.
Jimmy wants Blades to help his "Precious" find her long lost father. Warning Jimmy that the debt
is now paid, Blades begins making inquiries only he finds a murdered FBI agent during his
investigation. Already detested by the NYPD brass and most of its rank and file for failing to live
up to its blue color code, Blades finds federal and local law enforcement want to hang his black
butt with the crime. He knows he needs to uncover with 200 proof evidence the identity of the
real culprit o he will find himself behind bars. Though containing a powerful condemnation of
racism, this exciting urban noir is clearly for those in the audience who appreciate macho males
bragging about sexual conquests in between acts of violence. So the question begs itself as to why
this suburban female reviewer kept reading in spite of feeling like an outsider. Somehow Blades
hooks the reader as an underdog David who the audience follows in hopes he wins the day against
entrenched Goliath bureaucracies and regains his love. This work is clearly for specified sub-genre
fans that will enjoy Blade's New York City joy ride.
Summer Time
Liz Rigbey
Putnam
$24.95, 384 pp. ISBN 0399150943
After her six month baby dies from SIDS, Luce Schaffer leaves Northern California and travels to
New York where she takes a job as an investment banker. She makes no friends and her
co-workers know nothing about the husband back home, the father who visited her only once in
three years, or the mother confined to a mental institution. One day while she is brokering the
biggest deal of her career she is summoned home by her older sister Jane who informs her that
their father died. When Luce arrives at her father's home, the police informs her that her father,
beloved by all, was the victim of a homicide. Everyone in the family is understandably shocked
because Eric was so cherished and didn't have any enemy in the world. The longer Luce stays in
California, the more family skeletons are revealed, bringing the police one step closer to solving
this and other related killings. SUMMER TIME is a masterful work of psychological suspense as
well as a heart wrenching drama about a family who has known much tragedy, especially he
protagonist who feels guilty that she left her beloved father when she couldn't come to terms with
her own grief. Liz Rigbey knows how to write a compelling story with an ending that is both
unexpected and shocking.
A Fractured Truth
Caroline Slate
Atria
$25.00, 352 pp. ISBN 0743418905
After killing her husband, Grace Leshansky plea bargained a five to fifteen year sentence for
manslaughter and was released after seven years. During her prison time she pushed all her friends
away except for Sheilah Donlan who not only picked her up from the penitentiary but also got her
an apartment and a job in her headhunting business. Now Grace has to adjust to life on the outside
knowing that she killed the man who took away her livelihood, her father her and her self-respect.
In the first weeks of freedom, Grace realizes her parole officer is a battered wife who hates her,
makes friends with a con man like her dead husband, and reconnects with her first love Michael,
whose father is indirectly responsible for the mess her life is in. Michael's dad, serving a life
sentence, is also the only man who can help her find the father she wants to see one last time.
Caroline Slate lives up to the promise she's shown in her debut novel THE HOUSE ON
SPRUCEWOOD LANE with her second novel, a powerful work about a woman who is driven to
murder, but somehow hooks the reader's sympathy even before all the facts are revealed. The
protagonist's relationship with her friends, her lover, and her father ring so true that the audience
will shed tears for a woman who was deliberately pushed to her limit by an expert manipulator
and brilliant con man. A FRACTURED TRUTH is a compelling powerful story.
A Man to Call My Own
Johanna Lindsey
Atria
ISBN: 0743456335 $25.00
On the train coming home from a Chicago business trip, Mortimer Laton fell between cars and
died. Following the funeral in his hometown of Haverhill, Massachusetts, Mortimer's attorney
Albert Bridges reads the will in which the preponderance of the estate went to his twin daughters
equally. Worried about fortune hunters, Mortimer had one stipulation. To inherit, the girls must
marry, but until they do his sister Kathleen will serve as their guardian and approve any groom.
Amanda angrily leaves, but Marian understands that they will move to Texas to live with an
unknown aunt. Chad Kinkaid works on Kathleen's ranch though he will inherit the neighboring
spread. He is attracted immediately to Marian in spite of her dotty clothing and thick spectacles.
She falls in love with Chad, but Marian believes he loves Amanda because no one ever cared
about her. While Amanda falls in love with someone who seems indifferent to her and Chad has
trouble persuading his beloved that they belong together, a behind the scenes manipulator has
other plans for the Laton cash. Though there has been a rash of twins serving as protagonists
lately, A MAN TO CALL MY OWN is an invigorating 1870s Texas romance. The plot contains
an interesting major twist that will surprise the audience but also serve as a reminder of how far
communication has come in under a century and a half. Though there is plenty of action, the story
line focuses on the couples, more so on Marian and Chad, who readers will like. Johanna Lindsey
provides an absorbing tale that her fans will appreciate.
317 Beulah Street
Sandra Steffen
Zebra
$6.50 352 pp. ISBN: 0821771329
As he lay in an El Salvador hospital in critical condition, photographer Nick Proffit receives the
letter that informs him his brother Craig died. The letter from his sister-in-law Jenna traveled
around the world taking two years to catch up to Nick. He plans to come home to learn what
happened to his beloved sibling. Nick arrives in Harmony Hills, Georgia to learn how far his
brother's widow and his preadolescent boys have fallen by their current address. He is shocked to
also find out Jenna rents rooms to two borders needing a place to start fresh. Nick revises his
charter as he must know why his brother's family have been ostracized and where did his now
deceased father's wealth go, a task made easier because he is falling in love with Craig's widow
and two sons. This is an interesting character study and contemporary romance that focuses on
the key cast members' actions to the death of a loved one. The heroine keeps on moving in spite
of the condemnation of the community because she knows she must provide a nurturing
environment for her two children. Nick is more enigmatic because he never seemed concerned
with life back home even when he didn't receive letters from Craig, but that still doesn't lessen his
need to know now. Fans of small town dramas will enjoy a visit to 317 BEULAH STREET.
Fine Spirits
Alice Duncan
Zebra
$5.99 ISBN: 0821775189
In 1920 Pasadena, California, wealthy Mrs. Bissel calls spiritualist Daisy Gumm Majesty to rid her
house of a ghost. Daisy tried to persuade her client that she communicates with the spirits but
does not do exorcisms, but the distraught widow insists that she only trusts her. Not wanting to
alienate a rich patron, Daisy agrees to try, saying she never has done anything like this so may
need to experiment. Daisy quickly concludes that the haunting of the Bissel mansion is more likely
occurring due to mortal happenings than that of the other world. She begins to solve the mystery,
but also struggles to avoid police detective Sam Rotondo, who she is half in love with though she
is married to a disabled vet. The second 1920s "Spirit" tale is a strong historical cozy that brings
to life a bygone era. The story line opens with a deep look at the 1920 with Daisy's party line and
the Colorado 13 number and opens the window into the past even further. The "ghost" turns into
a neat trick that haunts Daisy even after she uncovers the truth. Historical readers will enjoy FINE
SPIRITS and its predecessor STRONG SPIRITS as both provide interesting glances at
Americana.
Trial by Ice and Fire
Clinton McKinzie
Delacorte
$21.95, 311 pp. ISBN: 0385337353
Wyoming Special Agent Antonio Burns once killed three people in an incident that went so bad
that he still wonders what else he could have done. Though his reputation thanks to the media
pounding is that of "QuickDraw," his superiors assign Burns to protect state prosecutor Cali
Morrow from a stalker. The job seems easy on the surface or perhaps more descriptive the side of
a cliff, but Antonio finds his personal life interceding. He is attracted to his charge while he has
trouble with the woman he loves. His brother, an escaped con, is also climbing the Grand Tetons.
Finally the stalker may even be a fellow law enforcement person. With all this closing in on him,
Antonio plays mountainside chicken against Cali as his only escape. The game of chicken is an
incredibly written subplot that will leave the audience in either awe or debate the sanity of the two
participants. The stalker plot is typical of the genre, but on the other hand his sibling in many ways
steals the show with a fresh perspective on family values. Readers will appreciate this delightful
suspense thriller that slyly gives new meaning to cliff hanging especially as Antonio goes over The
EDGE OF JUSTICE.
Hostile Contact
Gordon Kent
Delacorte
$24.95, 484 pp. ISBN: 0385336284
US Navy intelligence officer Alan Craik and friend NCIS Special Agent Mike Dukas recover from
a shoot-out with traitor George Shreed. Craik lost two fingers and was shot in the collarbone,
which has led to his driving his wife navy pilot Rose crazy, as he is a terrible patient. Not fully
recuperated, Craik persuades his superiors to send him to Jakarta to evaluate a plan involving
Chinese agents. However, Agent Jerry Piat is also part of the assessment and he wants revenge
for what Craik did to his idol, Shreed. Piat firmly gives credence to someone as heroic as his
mentor who had to be innocent and thus set up by Craik. The Chinese agents see this as an
opportunity also for what Craik did to one of them, Colonel Chen. Suddenly Craik is caught in the
crosshairs of the CIA erasing evidence of Shreed's treason and a Chinese espionage team
communicating with submarines off the American Pacific Northwest that could lead to a terrorist
strike against an American aircraft carrier in the Indian Ocean. If this novel sounds complex it is
because HOSTILE CONTACT is a multi-layered tale that comes together as few can. The key to
the return of Craik is the combining of modern techno spying with pre IT espionage smoothly
consolidated into an action packed thriller that never slows down until the final convergence. The
cast is strong and real whether they are heroes, counteragents, or even tertiary players. Gordon
Kent provides the espionage thriller crowd with a superb the spy who returned to the cold tale
that should turn Craik novels (see TOP HOOK and PEACE MAKER) into bestsellers.
Hunting Midnight
Richard Zimmler
Delacorte
$24.95, 499 pp. ISBN: 0385336446
In 1800 Porto, Portugal, the memories of the Spanish Inquisition linger as Jews hide their faith to
avoid a repeat of their previous fate. In this environs nine-year-old John Zarco Stewart becomes a
friend with slightly older street person Daniel. John soon learns that his family is Jewish, which is
why they are shunned by much of the townsfolk and fail to practice in their home. Violeta joins
the two boys, but the guys one day find marks on her body as if someone battered her. She insists
she fell, but her two pals think her odious uncle assaulted her. When Daniel drowns and Violeta's
family removes her from Porto, John feels bored and guilty because he thinks he caused
misfortune for his two only pals until his papa brings home a new companion, African Bushman
Midnight, who turns into a friend and mentor. As John becomes an adult, he marries, but a secret
from the past propels him to journey to America where he starts a new adventure with a black
woman. HUNTING MIDNIGHT is a biographical fiction that consists of two stories. The first
part of the book centers on the coming of age of the narrator. This segment is insightful as it
provides depth to life on the Iberian peninsular during the Napoleonic Era, but also moves
forward slowly as the misadventures seem somewhat trivial. The latter half of the book focuses on
adventures of John the adult in the Americas. This is quite exciting as John adapts to a strange
new world. Richard Zimmler returns his audience to Portugal three centuries after his delightful
THE LAST KABBALIST OF LISBON with a strong historical tale.
Presumption of Death
Perri O'Shaughnessy
Delacorte
$24.95, 392 pp. ISBN 0385336454
After years of pursuit, Nina Reilly finally realizes she loves Paul and is willing to see where their
relationship will take them. She moves out of her home on Lake Tahoe, rents out her law
practice, and moves into Paul's place in Carmel. Nina's former assistant Sandi's son Wish
accompanies them because he is working during the summer for Paul in his private investigative
business and is living in Nina's rental home with two other young men. One night against his
better judgment, Wish joins his friend up in the woods near the Siesta Court homes to catch and
film an arsonist who has already set two fires. Things go terribly wrong and Wish's friend dies.
The arsonist injures Wish who is later arrested on an assortment of charges including homicide. It
will take all of Nina's considerable legal and investigative skills to get enough evidence to free a
client she knows is innocent. PRESUMPTION OF DEATH is a very good and exciting legal
thriller but also is so much more. Nina returns to the place of her childhood and realizes one can
go home again. Readers see the relationship between Paul and Nina grow stronger and see
through Nina's eyes that she might have a long-term future with him, something he wants very
badly. The story line has many twists and turns and it is only when the novel reaches the court
phase that readers have a glimmer of what is really going on. Perri O'Shauqhnessy will appeal to
readers who love John Grisham.
The Princess And Her Pirate
Lois Greiman
Avon
$5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0060502827
In 1817 Princess Tatiana Rocheneau will do anything for the good of her people so she sets forth
from Sedonia in disguise to meet Cairn MacTavish, pirate captain of Teleere in order to obtain his
services to protect her beloved island kingdom. To insure her safety, a look alike is left behind
sitting on the throne. However, nothing goes right from the start, as she hates traveling by sea.
Looking forward to land, the moment she sets foot on Teleere, Tatiana is arrested and is accused
of being super thief Magical Megs. In spite of her insistence that she is not Meg, but a
neighboring princess, Cairn rejects her plea of innocence. Desperate, Tatiana escapes though her
heart remains captive. Cairn follows knowing that this woman stole his heart too. Though there
has been a recent influx of Regency tales involving island kingdoms, readers will enjoy this
delightful novel. The lead couple is charming, but it is the master thief Meg who steals the show,
as readers will want to know more about this magical robber. Early nineteenth century romance
fans will want to read the pleasing THE PRINCESS AND THE PIRATE, as the story is simple
fun.
Wizard And Glass
Stephen King
Viking
$40.00, 668 pp. ISBN: 0670032573
Blaine the killing machine drives the train at speeds that ultimately means death to the passengers
unless Roland and his companions, (Jake, Eddie, Susannah, and Oy) can find a way to defeat the
seemingly invincible computer that thrives on riddles and battles of wits. Roland and cohorts
appear to have done the impossible in a verbal gunfight with Blaine. Following that High Noon
debate, Roland explains to his quartet of followers how he once loved Susan Delgado. When they
reach ravaged 1986 Topeka, (yes we're in Kansas this time), the city and much of the country lies
in ruin from a biblical proportion disease that left few standing. As Roland continues his story
with that of his teacher Cort, they wonder if the nearby lighthouse in King's Castle Rock film logo
is the Beam to and from the Dark Tower. The fourth volume in Stephen King's Dark Tower series
is exciting in several ways especially the tie in to the Stand. However, the story line seems looser
than the taut previous three tales as if Mr. King used this novel as a pivotal point to send beams of
plots into future books. Still, this plot displays Mr. King at his multitalented best by the ease he
crosses and blends genres into a strong fantasy mix that will please fans, especially those
interested in Roland.
The Waste Lands
Stephen King
Viking
$35.00, 402 pp. ISBN: 0670032565
After recuperating from the final door confrontation (see THE DRAWING OF THE THREE),
Roland trains Eddie and Susannah on how to survive as gunslingers. All goes well until a seventy
70-foot-tall bear attacks Eddie. Susannah and Roland team up to kill the bear, who actually is one
of the twelve guardians of the beams. The gunslingers follow the bear's trail, which takes them to
a portal that enables the trio follow the Beam, a line of energy that connects pairs of portals with
the center being the Dark Tower. They now know the way, but it may be too late. Roland seems
to be losing his mind as a paradox he caused by saving Jake's life on earth has begun to eat at his
brain because dual memories of death and rescue seem impossible. They need Jake to complete
the team, but to do so they must construct a door where a demon resides. The third book in
Stephen King's great Dark Tower series continues the adventures of Roland, but this time he has
associates to help him complete his quest. Though well written and quite exciting, THE WASTE
LANDS somewhat feels like a middle book needed to move the tale forward. Still, Mr. King
shows why he is more than just a horror guru as he displays his talent as a fantastic fantasist with
this novel and the first two books in this strong allegorical series that stands up well with his best
works.
The Gunslinger
Stephen King
Viking
$25.00, 237 pp. ISBN: 0670032549
Roland Deschain of Gilead knows he is obsessed over finding the Dark Tower, but does not care.
He will follow the Man in Black wherever he goes and for how long it takes even into eternity
until he catches this person, if he is a person, and force him to reveal the locale of the Dark
Tower. If others die at his hands after meeting the Gunslinger so be it. Currently he tracks his
prey across a desert stopping at a way station where he meets a child whom he thought at first
was his target, albeit two feet shorter. The kid is John "Jake" Chambers from 1977 New York
City wherever in hell that place is. Shockingly to the solitary Deschain, instead of his usual killing
or just another soul left behind, Roland allows Jake to accompany him on his trek towards the
mountains, the Man in Black, and ultimately the Black Tower. This is somewhat of a reprint, but
Stephen King has added back in edited out sections and rewritten some passages. The story line
retains the strange, deep allegorical fantasy reminiscent of the cult movie El Topo with less gore
and Michael Whelans' drawings add to that overall eerie feeling. The desert looms so vast and is
so critical to the plot that the audience will see it as a character unto itself. The other key players
fit in this TS Eliot Wasteland meets the Stand environs. Fans of the horror master and those who
appreciate a powerful parable fantasy will join the Gunslinger and Jake on their quest.
Two Bits
Clint Gaige
Quiet Storm
$22.95 ISBN: 0972881905
Just released from prison, Archibald Green notices the parallels between freedom and jail, but the
former sting artist vows to be a new man although he observes appalling lies or at least illusions of
truth. Then again working as a bored telemarketer for a nasty employer at Earthly Goods
Incorporated in Darwin, Maryland will make a cynic out of a saint. A lifetime of either fence (jail
or picket) seems too torturous to Archie so he decides that there will be no more TWO BITS
scams, but to go for one big dollar con. His target is superego millionaire mob boss Pat Shannon
not just because of the money but also because of a family revenge matter. Since Pat wants to star
in pictures, Archie pretends to be a movie producer, setting the game afoot. As this reviewer read
TWO BITS, the movie The Sting came to mind, but not just the mob and the con connection.
Like that superb movie, this wonderful novel is amusing, at times gritty and definitely darker than
the film, and stars a delightful assortment of Runyonesque characters. Still in the end Clint Gaige's
strong tale peels down to Archie and Pat, opponents who make for a fine gambol for readers.
Wilde Thing
Janelle Denison
Kensington
$14.00, 320 pp. ISBN: 0758203594
Liz Adams, owner of the Daily Grind coffee shop, cannot but help notice her repeat hunk of a
customer, who she dreams about in her muses. Her friend Mona Owen, proprietor of the Last
Word bookstore, informs her that the best sleuth in town is "bad boy" Steve Wilde, the customer
haunting her fantasies. Liz is so concerned about the well being of her cousin Valerie who seems
to have vanished following a trip with a stranger, she turns to Steve for help. Steve believe that he
must have a guardian angel looking out for him because he has become a caffeine freak just to see
Liz, the focus of his fantasies. Steve agrees to take the case (duh) if Liz assists him. She goes
undercover as a phone sex operator at the Ultimate Fantasy to obtain information on the sleazy
boyfriend. As they work together, Liz and Steve feel that love is all around them. The sequel to
the novella in I BRAKE FOR BAD BOYS continues the chronicles of the Wilde Bunch. Fans will
appreciate the delightful duo as each of the protagonists concludes that the other makes their
heart sings. WILDE THING is steamy, sexy and suspenseful as Janelle Denison provides a
wonderful tale in which the intrigue takes a back seat to the growing love of the lead couple.
Shifting Calder Wind
Janet Dailey
Kensington
$24.00, 296pp. ISBN: 0758200676
Near the deserted stockyards of Fort Worth, Laredo saves the "old" man's life when he made
noises which forces the assassin to leave the area before insuring the killer completed the job.
Laredo takes the injured individual away from the crime scene, but the man with no memory
insists he won't go to a hospital for fear his unknown foe will return. Obliging the amnesiac,
Laredo takes him to a small spread owned by someone close to him, Hattie, a former nurse. The
next day, Laredo learns that Montana rancher Chase Calder reportedly died in a fiery car crash.
However, Laredo soon realizes that Chase is alive though not quite well and is with Hattie. Two
years ago someone murdered his son and now with the attempt on his own life, Chase decides the
best chance of identifying his wannabe killer is to remain dead for a while. With Laredo's help he
returns to Montana where they enlist his widowed daughter-in-law Jessy to help them keep the
secret even from beloved kin like his daughter until the scoundrel is found as the less who know
the better the chances of success. The latest Calder tale is an exciting suspense thriller that fans of
the series will enjoy. The story line is loaded with action from the moment Laredo saves Chase's
life. Though the villain seems strange, readers will appreciate this entry especially the "Cat" wars
against Jessy and several blossoming relationships. Janet Dailey has provided another fine story
that her audience will enjoy.
Maiden Of The Winds
Janeen O'Kerry
Lovespell
$5.99 ISBN: 0505525348
In ancient Eire, several years ago Keavy shared a magical encounter with a golden eagle that she
believed was actually the man that fate intended to be her eternal mate. Over time, the beautiful
Keavy rejected suitors waiting for her mate to arrive. However, as she approaches her
twenty-fifth birthday, her parents have had it with her rejecting all males. They give her a choice
to marry a person they have selected or be exiled into servitude. Reluctantly she agrees to wed the
stranger from a foreign land though her future spouse does not want to marry either. They agree
to a marriage of convenience. However, her groom fails to inform Keavy of a custom of his
people. The bride spends her first night with the king and not her spouse. King Aengus finds he is
attracted to the newcomer and cannot help but stare at her with his eagle like eyes. As they begin
to fall in love, she wonders if he is that eagle from years ago even while both worries that their
actions could lead to war between their respective homelands. The seventh of eight book in the
Celtic Journeys series, MAIDEN OF THE WINDS at first makes the lead female protagonist
seem too much a paragon as Keavy seems to have no flaws. When she travels to her new home,
Aengus makes her real and turns the tale into a delightful romantic fantasy with two warm
characters struggling between love and duty. Fans of the series will enjoy the latest entry, but
need patience for once the prime duo meet, the novel turns magical.
Too Close To The Sun
Robin T. Popp
Lovespell
$5.99 ISBN: 050552547X
In 2503 at an old world pub in the Las Vegas Coastal Airfield, smuggler Angel Torrence goes
from elation to shock rather quickly. Felinean Avengers, seeking retaliation for what she did to
the crime boss' son, blow up her ship the Falcon. Desperate to escape, she steals the idle Icarus.
On board the vessel is scientist healer Yanur Snellen who is on two quests. He must find a way to
stop the alien menace the Harvesters and must rescue the body of his friend Colonel Nicole
Ramanoff, whose essence he has loaded into the ship's computer. From the computer, Nicole
orders Angel to do his bidding or else. As they argue voice to body over supremacy in this odd
relationship both begins to fall in love and soon she makes his cause hers. However, both know
the future is bleak between a machine harboring the brain and soul of a man and a full blooded
woman with needs and desires making it even more imperative to rescue his body from the
Avengers. Then there is the matter of saving humanity before the Harvesters reap through
mankind. This science fiction romance is a powerful futuristic tale that sub-genre fans and those
who appreciate a delightful speculative fiction story will enjoy. The story line is loaded with action
that enables the audience to believe five centuries plus from now is already her. However, the key
is the cast as Popp makes the growing love between a disembodied male and a hyperactive female
so genuine. TOO CLOSE TO THE SUN is a superb story that will gain new fans for Ms.
Popp.
Wild About You
Robin Wells
Lovespell
$6.99 ISBN: 0505525356
In Louisiana, Rand Adams owns and operates The Circle A Ranch where he hopes to one-day
breed and train world class quarter horses. He is all business, logically approaching life and his
ranch in a methodical manner. Moving next door to Rand is anachronistic hippie Celeste Landry.
She opens up the Wild Things Fun Farm, a children's petting zoo. Her spread is loaded with circus
retirees or rejects and other weird creatures. She feels fate controls life and her farm seems vry
haphazardly managed. No neighbors could be more different in outlook than Celeste and Rand.
No two people on the planet could see life as differently as these two see things. In spite of her
belief that he is a stubborn stuck in the mud and his conviction that she is a flower child born three
decades too late, they fall in love. However, they will need four-legged assistance to help them
find a mutually joining manner. Readers will be wild about Robin Wells after reading these
amusing opposites attract contemporary romance. The lead couple provides plenty of fun as they
fuss and fight while falling in love in front of an assortment of jovial animals.
Deadly Associations
Laura Belgrave
Silver Dagger
$23.95 ISBN 157072248X
Indian Hills is such a small central Florida town that Detective Claudia Hershey is shocked when a
resident at the gated community of Willow Whisper claims his house was robbed. When she
arrives to take the victim's statement, she is knocked on the head and the perpetrator takes
Claudia's gun. She notices that the man who hurt her has taken four hostages. When Claudia asks
him why he did such a thing, he replies he wants his house painted the color he requested and the
crack in the patio fixed. The four hostages are behind the movement to keep Mr. Hemmer from
getting what he wants. Claudia sees an opening to take Mr. Hemmer down without injury and
goes for it but one of the hostages gets free and kills him claiming self-defense. After the dust
settles, Claudia is pressured to drop the case but she thinks there is more to the hostage taking
and the killing than two of the hostages let and she wants to see if she can find the evidence to
substantiate her theory. DEADLY ASSOCIATIONS is the perfect book for those readers who
love a solid police procedural without any gore. The protagonist defies the mayor and her boss to
continue working on the case because she believes there is something very wrong at Willow
Whisper. She is so convinced she is right she turns the tables on the mayor when he tries to fire
her. A possible romantic interest and an identical twin sister who comes for a visit despite not
being wanted gives the audience a glimpse into the heroine's personal life.
The Breaking Point
Karen Ball
Multnomah
$12.99, 400 pp. ISBN: 1590520335
Gabe and Renee Roman were driving almost blind from the blizzard wracking the Oregon
Mountains because he wanted to get home to put an end to this miserable trip. Renee and even
their Husky Bo are frightened with this storm that leaves visibility at zero. However, Renee is also
worried that she and Gabe are finished as a couple as they can no longer communicate and when
they do the receiver misinterprets the sender. As Renee ponders the future, suddenly Gabe warns
her as their vehicle plunges off the mountainside. Perhaps it was the deep snow or more likely an
act of God, but the three travelers survive the crash though Gabe is unconscious. Somehow they
must survive the weather, their feelings towards one another, and a cougar with the most
dangerous being their animosity, for to survive, they must work as a team and find their lost
beliefs in God because they will need a miracle. Inspirational romantic suspense readers will
appreciate this delightful cliffhanger. Flashbacks provide depth to the lead couple, but also slows
down the action caused by the current peril. The "re-finding" of God is brilliantly incorporated
into the plot in a no atheist in the foxhole manner yet Karen Ball makes the growing hope and
belief seem genuine, as readers will believe in miracles. Fans will reassess what is truly their
personal THE BREAKING POINT while enjoying a powerful contemporary tale.
Killer Hair
Ellen Byerrum
Signet
$5.99, 288 pp. ISBN 0451209486
Nobody wants to make an enemy of their hairdresser, so when her stylist Stella Lake asks her
friend Lacey Smithsonian to attend a viewing, she goes. The dead woman is a young hairdresser
named Angie who has a bald do and cut wrists. The police think she committed suicide especially
with the bloody note written on her mirror in the salon. Stella knows that Angie was murdered
and she wants her reporter friend Lacey to prove it. Lacey is a fashion columnist not an
investigative reporter and at first rejects the idea out of hand. After thinking about it, she realizes
that Angie's hair is missing. She writes a column about Angie and through a combination of
circumstances finds herself in the middle of the investigation especially when another hair dresser
dies and Lacey is the only one who sees the link. She continues to dig for information and ends up
being stalked by a killer who wants to make her his next victim. The protagonist's running
commentary on social mores in Washington D.C. is hilarious and her pithy observations about
fashion and its relationship with scandal, the law and murder will have readers in tears of laughter
(don't wear fashionable mascara). The who-done-it is intelligently plotted and there is a plethora
of suspects who could be the guilty party. The audience will go crazy trying to figure out who the
killer is while the heroine goes nuts trying to figure out if a sexy security guard from her past is
interested in her or her murder theory.
High Wind Rising
Shirley Martin
New Concepts
$6.49, 320 pp. ISBN: 1586085107
When she was nine years old, the Caughnawagas captured Rebecca turning her into a slave. Three
years ago, the Lenapes rescued her and brought her to their Pennsylvania village where Snow
Woman adopted Rebecca as her daughter. Fur trader and Lenape blood brother Daniel
Chamberlain arrives at the village. He informs his "brothers" that their goods have not yet arrived
and that the French claim their land as theirs. He also cannot resist gazing at Rebecca. Quickly
they fall in love, but he has a goal to prove to his family he can make it and she feels loyalty
towards her adopted mother and tribe. On top of their personal dilemma, the outbreak of war
between the French and English over who owns the North American colonies makes it is unsafe
for anyone to travel the countryside. There is no doubt that readers will think of the Last of the
Mohicans with the backdrop and in many ways this well written colonial romance fits as the
exciting story line provides insight into the precarious era. What is somewhat different than the
Cooper classic is that the audience also receives a powerful look at the impact the French and
Indian War has on an Indian tribe. The lead couple is a warm pair deserving of one another. Many
readers will have wished they spent more time together but the realism of war impeding their
courtship makes for a stronger overall novel and just a fine time for historical and Pre
Revolutionary War romance readers.
Thunder Creek
Jill Gregory
Dell
$6.50, 384 pp. ISBN: 0440237327
Years ago, Katy Templeton left her family ranch near Thunder Creek, Wyoming feeling lost
although time had passed since the death of her hero, her older brother Matt. She returns home
after successfully owning a restaurant chain because her grandma has pneumonia and Katy does
not want her father to cancel her parents' trip to Paris. Though fourteen years have passed since
Matt fell from a ladder Katy still cannot look at his best friend Jackson Brant, who she felt
inadvertently caused the death. He tells her he understands and promises to avoid her. She no
longer blames him, but he reminds her too much of Matt's death. Katy enters Matt's room and
notices a drawing he made of a girl, who looks dead, which would have been an out of character
sketch for her upbeat brother. She also sees a note to tell dad and Sheriff Harvey. Katy is
confused by both items and wonders what Matt meant by them. Unable to resist she begins to
investigate. As the danger mounts, she and Jackson fall in love, but will these feelings prove
strong enough to overcome the ghost of Matt, that is if they survive someone who wants her to
cease her inquiries? Readers will enjoy this angst-laden romantic suspense though they will
question the villain's identity and wonder why the heroine is with solving the "mystery" of the
drawing. The relationship between Katy and Jackson is tremendously written as the audience can
feel the negative vibes slowly change into love in a real depiction that the audience will
appreciate.
The Repo
Bill Eidson
Justin Charles and Co.
$24.95 301 pp. ISBN: 1932112111
Forced into an early retirement, former DEA agent Jack Merchant wastes time passing aimlessly
sailing in the waters off Charleston, Massachusetts. He is bored and knows he is stuck in a watery
rut, but though he loathes what has become of him, Jack seems unable to do anything but languish
in self-pity. Repo woman Sarah Ballard offers Jack a deal that if he fails to accept he will lose his
sloop the Lila as she possesses the past due bank notes. Sarah knows Jack from an encounter five
years ago and uses his debt as a blackmail tool to obtain his help as her own business teeters on
the brink of failure. In one week, MassBank demands she locate former Veep Paul Baylor and his
wife, who apparently embezzled bank cash or else. Sarah and Jack begin the quest to find the
Baylors, but soon end up in the same knotted mess that has engulfed their prey. The sleuthing is
well done and exciting and that alone should hook the audience, as the investigation is as complex
as it gets because it seems so straightforward and simple. However, the key to this delightful
maritime mystery is the cast. Not only do the lead duo and the vanished pair come across as
genuine, especially THE REPO woman, but the support crew provides depth whether they are in
Massachusetts or not. Bill Eidson writes a powerful tale that readers will demand more rough
sailing from this talented author.
Ghost Riders
Sharyn McCrumb
Dutton
$24.95, 352 pp. ISBN: 0525947183
In 1861 when it comes to joining a side in the war, people living in the Southern Appalachia
believe neither side is right because someone will detest you for signing up with the wrong team.
When her husband Keith signs on with the Confederacy due to the pay, Malinda Blalock cuts her
hair and joins too as his younger brother Sam. They try to receive a discharge, but soon become
avenging outlaws even while a mountain peer Zebulon Vance somehow becomes governor of
North Carolina. At the same time except in the year is 2003, Civil War reenactment actors in the
Appalachians reenacts a violent incident from 1862 when suddenly ghosts of Confederate soldiers
appear. Local residents Rattler and Nora Bonesteel try to use their special gifts to calm the angry
ghosts and assist them in moving on to the next plane. Readers who enjoy a complete package
with no finality need to look elsewhere. However, those fans that appreciate a deep comparative
look at generations over a century apart with the ending of each "tale" left to the imagination will
value the powerful GHOST RIDERS. As expected Sharyn McCrumb provides her audience with
a strong story line filled with wonderful protagonists as she displays why she is so good at
bringing together contemporary and historical perspectives as few writers can do.
The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy
Weight Loss
Arthur Agatston, M.D.
Rodale
$24.95, 310 pp. ISBN: 1579546463
After years of encouraging his patients to lose weight without success, Miami Beach cardiologist
Dr. Arthur Agatston wondered why few could properly diet even with a perilous "Sword of
Damocles" threat to their heart. He analyzed various diets and concluded that they were either too
harsh or bland to adhere to beyond an initial enthusiastic stage or deadlier than what they were
correcting. Cholesterol and other critical indicators remained at deadly levels even for those who
tried to stick to the regimen. In response to his assessment, he developed his diet plan testing it on
himself (no wisecracks about clients and fools) starting with the avoidance of all carbohydrates
including fruits to eventually allowing small intakes of these foods. He felt better, lost weight, and
slightly modified his approach. Ho hum another assault on public enemy number two (cholesterol
remains numero uno) carbohydrates, but surprisingly this dietary approach is different as
individual can use in modification some carbohydrates during phase two. Though the initial
withdrawal pain may be difficult, Dr. Agatson feels most people have an early euphoria that
carries them for a while through that phase before falling off the wagon. Thus the reintroduction
to carbs is to avoid a crash and burn. The key to this book is the author whose energy is catching
and his emphasis on meal planning thorough. This is a solid well-written choice that even this
reviewer avoided the sugary snack (guilt goes a long way) I normally take when reading. Now if I
can do this beyond one book.
Summer in Mossy Creek
Dixon, Chastain, Smith, Knight, Shields, Bishop, McSparren, Brock, Henry, Keim, Sebastian,
Morris, Goggins
Belle
$14.95 ISBN: 0967303540
If the Lovin' Spoonful had been in the Georgia village of Mossy Creek rather than Greenwich
Village, they would know that hot time, summer in the mountains means plenty of fun, ole
southern style. The townsfolk look for a quiet uneventful season, but also know their enemy in
slimy Bigelow still remains on the prowl. Meanwhile the librarian pushes the Police Chief into
bluffing an abusive parent while the Mayor leads by example applying common sense to seemingly
difficult problems. Much of the townsfolk meet eating dessert at the diner, but along with fans will
find hot fun in the summertime here. The third Mossy Creek tale is a series of vignettes written by
a virtual whose who of the irons maidens of the south (more talented than steel magnolias). The
contributions differ in size while providing a slice of life in a small remote Georgia mountain
town. Each story builds up on the previous contribution so that the audience receives an
anthology that uses the best elements of a novel and that of a short story into a tremendous
collection. SUMMER IN MOSSY CREEK holds in own with its superb predecessors. Fans of the
series already know that the first two books flow smoothly; the third tale shares in common with
the previous duo a southern comfort smoothness.
Hell's Faire
John Ringo
Baen
$25.00, 312 pp. ISBN: 0743436040
The Posleen appear unbeatable as the millions of alien invaders are conquering the Earth.
Humanity is rapidly becoming extinct under the endless horde, especially since the adaptable
Posleen have stolen advanced technology from some other race and applied mankind's military
strategy to insure total victory. The next major confrontation is at the Rabun Pass in North
Carolina where millions of Posleen soldiers are pushing to break the last organized human
resistance in North America. The 555th Mobile Infantry block the pass, but if the aliens break
through, mankinds reign on planet earth will be through too. Supplies, including ammo, is low and
the logistics system is broken so here is no hope for humanity from that quarter. Still Major Mike
O'Neal and his intrepid forces know what is at stake with their hope resting on the Bun-Bun
supertank that can destroy millions in the blink of a Posleen eye. When it comes to action packed
military science fiction few if any are better at hooking the audience than John Ringo is. His latest
Posleen vs. the earth tale never slows down (except for some amusing observational asides).
HELL'S FAIRE is well written and contains significant timely moral dilemmas such as first strike
(Iraq) and nuking a portion of one's homeland for the better good (Fail Safe). Mr. Ringo provides
a dark story with the glimmer of light being the quips, including the great ventriloquist Sluggy
Freelance comic strip, that are trademarks of why the author's works always soar above the
competition. Throw in a CD (not sure what it does I barely read(joke) and the audience receives
quite a novel.
The Apocrypha
John A. De Vito
iUniverse
$14.95 ISBN 059525070X
In a universe separated from this one by time and space some sentient beings evolved so far that
they left their material bodies behind. The came from different planets, some are even a collective
mind and they speak to each other and contemplate many subjects. One day Lucifer tells He Who
Is Three that he senses a change in the universe and the being that is three-in-one discovers that
their universe is dying and he doesn't want to die with it. Using their combined mental energy they
open a portal into this universe and their entry ignited the big bang. Planets and stars, light and
dark came into being. Eventually a special planet formed and those sentient creatures created a
creature who worship them for their prayers are fuel that is needed to keep them alive. When
Lucifer objected to using man as sheep, they entombed him and his followers to stop them from
revealing to man that they can transcend the material realm if allowed free will. Millennium later a
priest was directed by Lucifer to find the tablets of the three mad prophets if he wanted to learn
the true purpose of man ant to warn the world what they face. John A. De Vito's premise for this
book is a very clever one based on the concept that history is written by the winners so the loser
Lucifer is cast as the evil serpent whose sole purpose is to tempt man into the sin. The Apocrypha
is Lucifer's story told from his point of view from the birth of our universe to the teachings of
Martin Luther. This is a very imaginative colorful science fiction tale that shocks the audience
with its suppositions and historical interpetations.
Beyond The Hanging Wall
Sara Douglass
Tor
$24.95, 336 pp. ISBN: 076530449X
In the kingdom of Escator, medical apprentice Garth Baxtor learns how to apply his gift of the
healing touch and use of herbs under the tutelage of his father physician Joseph. Every year
Joseph treks to the Veins to provide health care to the condemned prisoners working the mines
instead of paying taxes. Garth accompanies his father on the trip. Garth notices one of the
incarcerated has the tattoo of the mythical Manteceros on his arm; a tattoo of this beast is
restricted only to two people, the king and his heir. It does not take mush thinking to conclude
that this prisoner has to be Prince Maximillian, who vanished almost a decade ago. Garth says
nothing, but upon returning home, he quietly investigates the tattoo, the Manteceros, and a weird
rhyme the prisoner recited. Joined by Ravenna of the marsh, and the regally faithful Abbott
Vorstus, Garth knows the rightful monarch toils in the mine while an imposter rules Escador.
Though the story line flows in an obvious direction, fantasy readers will enjoy this delightful tale.
The story line is loaded with action so the audience rarely has a moment to breathe. The champion
trio seems genuine even as they step over the edge risking everything in a heroic effort to right a
wrong. Sara Douglass provides a strong tale that displays why the Australian audience thinks she
is one of the top fantasists writing in the past decade.
The Dragon Of Despair
Jane Lindskold
Tor
$27.95, 640 pp. ISBN 0765302594
Desiring to increase their land holdings, the old Country Lords and the colonists sailed to the New
World making a place or themselves in the almost deserted continent. However, when the Fire
Plague broke out, the Old World lords fled back home taking with them their magic and leaving
behind many of the colonists. They settled into lands of the East never realizing that in the west
were the Royal Beasts, thinking sentient beings that did not want humans encroaching on their
lands The wolves raised the human child Firekeeper, speaking to her and treating her as one of the
pack. Humans who ventured into the Royal Beast territory discovered her. She was taken to the
royal court and Firekeeper became involved in the royal intrigues of the king of Hawk Haven.
When a group of men travel to the lands of the Royal Beasts, the sentient beings debate whether
to declare a war on humanity, a guerrilla style action they have every chance of winning.
Firekeeper begs the king to bring his citizens back and to prevent others from going and he agrees
if Firekeeper undertakes a mission for him. Melina Sheild, exiled from Hawks Haven for her
treachery and treason has married the Healed One, the hereditary monarch of New Kelvin. The
Kelvinese are drawn to magic and want to find a way to bring it back into their world. Melina, a
powerful sorceress in her own right, wants to find that magic and free it, believing she would
become the powerful ruler of a new empire if she succeeded in her evil quest. Firekeeper has
already fought Melina once and she fears that she and her specially chosen companions will have
to do battle with her once again if they don't want evil let loose in the New World. The world
Jane Lindskold has created is very similar to medieval Europe but the Church is not in a position
of power. There is a vassal system in effect where lords are vassals of the king and commoners
are free men tied to their estates. The guilds are powerful and it seems like more and more
younger sons, having no land to inherit, will go into trade. This is a world in flux and nobody
except the author knows how it will evolve. FireKeeper, although human in form, thinks of herself
as a wolf and her first loyalty is to them and her human friends' respect her for her stand even if
they don't understand it. Some of the best scenes in THE DRAGON OF DESPAIR involve Fire
Keeper talking strategy with the wolves who show more mercy than their human counterparts.
Every fantasy novel needs a villain and Melina Shield is the perfect one. She abandoned her
daughter who was held hostage for her good behavior and the little girl was tortured as a result.
She also tried to undermine her country and turned her back on her remaining children. Her one
love is power and she doesn't care who gets hurt in her quest to attain it. There are several story
line threads left dangling so there is at least one more book in this enthralling sword and sorcery
epic. Although this exciting epic fantasy novel is part of a series, it is also a stand alone novel that
will have readers turning the pages to see what happens next.
Not Really The Prisoner Of Zenda
Joel Rosenberg
Tor
$24.95, 383 pp. ISBN: 076530046X
Emperor Thomen has plenty to worry about already, but now has looming another major crisis to
contend with involving the death of the very important Baron Forinel (see NOT QUITE
SCARAMOUCHE). The heir to the Barony, Miron is a nasty individual who does not allow
morals or scruples to stand in the way of his achieving his aspirations; fidelity to Miron is to one
person: himself. However, on the positive side, very few people are privy to the fact that Forinel
died. Cullinane loyalists to the crown come up with a rather simple solution. They use magic to
transform warrior Kethol into looking like Forinel so he can serve in that post. However,
malevolent Miron will not allow the return of his half brother from thwarting his goals and he has
an ally at the emperor's court, the Dowager Empress Beralyn. Fantasy readers know that when
Joel B. Rosenberg releases a new tale it is an automatic winner. His latest "Not" tale is the usual
intelligent, exciting Dumas like action fantasy story that makes magic seem real through strong
characters whether they are the "good guys" or the thugs. NOT REALLY THE PRISONER OF
ZENDA is a superb story set in a vivid realm. The return of the "Not Exactly the Three
Musketeers" is a welcome treat even if they are frustrated because they see their hope of opening
their dream establishment diminishing. This novel and its predecessors are books not to be
missed.
Wolfskin
Juliet Marillier
Tor
$25.95, 493 pp. ISBN: 0765306727
Ulf, already a Viking warrior Wolfskin, learns about a magical place across the sea. Believing
there must be plenty of treasure and a chance to do honorable deeds in Thor's name, he decides to
sail for the Orkney Islands. Young Eyvind sees this as his chance to become a Wolfskin and
pleads his way onto the crew. They reach this land, but find friendly people led by a kind-hearted
king Angus who are willing to share their bounty with the "invaders". Eyvind meets the monarch's
niece, the seer Nessa and falls in love but though attracted she does not trust the newcomers.
Eyvind's new happiness is tested when his heart friend, Somerled, invokes their childhood blood
oath of lifelong loyalty. Somerled's demand places Eyvind in a tug between honor and love
exacerbated by a disease that ravages the natives Folks, but not the Norsemen which leading to
enmity and perhaps war between the two groups. Juliet Marillier takes her audience to the same
Dark Ages that is the focus of many of her novels with this deep gritty tale. WOLFSKIN takes no
prisoners as the audience observes a hostile world even when the two groups forge an alliance.
The key to this powerful historical is the cast as Eyvind, Nessa, and Somerled seem genuine and
their "triangle" makes for great insightful reading. Ms. Marillier shows why she is among the top
writers of historical fantasy with a fabulous opening novel that will excite readers with its
depth.
The Wraiths Of Will And Pleasure
Storm Constantine
Tor
$27.95, 496 pp. ISBN: 0765303469
The number of humans is dropping rapidly but no species has stepped forth to claim planetary
superiority. The hermaphrodite Wraeththu are on the verge of being the next master race adding
to the reduction of the human populace by "converting" captured males into their species. The
Wraeththu celebrate the Festival amidst their tribe, but this year is different as the tribes begin to
realize what they can become. The desert tribe Kakkahaar exiles a member Ulaume. In his solo
travel, Ulaume finds an abandoned infant Lileen, whom he takes with him. Soon the Wraeththu
follow, as Lileen is a special individual who defies the accepted normal order of the race and its
Gods. Ulaume vows to keep the baby safe. This novel takes place somewhere in the middle of the
previous Wraththu trilogy. As such events and references that previously occurred will prove
confusing to newcomers. To obtain a full savoring of this complex tale, read the others first.
Different individuals looking back in time tell the tale of THE WRAITHS OF WILL AND
PLEASURE. This makes for an interesting complicated perspective that at times seems
convoluted yet really works if the reader keeps in mind that an individual brings their
interpretation to the mix. Storm Constantine provides a powerful look at several key players from
her previous trilogy that her fans will appreciate as the Wraththu universe keenly expands.
The White Dragon
Laura Resnick
Tor
$25.95, 494 pp. ISBN: 0312890567
After centuries of foreign tyranny, led by Josarin the Firebringer, the island people of Sileria have
thrown out their alien masters the Valdani and gained freedom. To succeed at his endeavor,
Josarian merged opposing groups into a force, but once victory was achieved, the band split into
the bitter rivals they had been before the Firebringer united them. The termination of the
confederation occurs when The Waterlord White Dragon of Kilorian kills Josarian. Civil war
between the fire sorcerers and the Honored Society led by its notorious water wizards breaks out.
Josarian trusted second in command Tansen is the last hope for freedom on the island. Mirabar
had previously led her people in the revolt. She must decide whether to trust her natural enemy
Tansen or ally herself with her side of the civil war. The problem she confronts is that this Tansen
is in her visions and dreams seemingly as the anointed one the Gods said was coming to lead all
people. The first tale in the "In Fire Forged" series is an action packed, exciting fantasy that
provides a key message involving freedom in a land in which recent history is brutally tyrannical.
The story line works because key players like Tansen and Mirabar seem real in a realm where
Gods interfere in everyday life and magic works. Fans of powerful fantasy will want to read THE
WHITE DRAGON: IN FIRE FORGED AS Laura Resnick proves she more than just the
daughter of a renowned author, but instead Mike is the father of a renowned writer.
The Scoundrel Worlds
Chris Bunch
Roc
$6.99, 352 pp. ISBN 0451459369
Trimalchio IV is the home base of Star Risk, Ltd., a mercenary outfit headed by Friedrich Von
Baldur that takes on unusual cases and political hot potatoes. Von Baldur went AWOL from the
military arm of the Alliance to escape his court martial. Other members of the group include
Jasmine King (an operative who might be a robot), Grok (a Chewbacca looking alien), and Riss
(who quit the Allied Service after squaring off with her lecherous commanding officer). The
former premier of the Planet Dampier hires the team to free an intelligence officer accused of
selling state secrets to the Torguth homeworld. Both Dampier and Torguth claim the Belfort
worlds even though the former currently controls them. The ex-premier believes that there is still
a highly placed mole in the government and he wants Star Risk to catch the culprit. Once they
arrive on Dampier they are immediately caught up in the politics and espionage shenanigans of the
planet and must hire mercenaries to guard their own backs if they want to live to free an innocent
man and catch the traitor. The members of Star Risk are a lovable bunch of misfits who use
self-deprecating humor to keep from taking themselves too seriously. Though some supporting
items seem familiar such as the skyball game they play seems Harry Potter like and Grok the
Chewbacca intellect, these elements are actually fresh and different once the reader clears the
surface. The world of Dampier is a treacherous place, particularly suited to the battle-hardened
mercenaries who meet force with even more force. Chris Bunch is one of the top authors of
military space operas.
Live Without A Net
Lou Anders, editor
Roc
$14.95, 336 pp. ISBN: 0451459253
The underlying premise to this eighteen story collection is based on no Internet communicating
between the many to the many. This reviewer not only read the book, but also asked her college
IT major son do so too (that in of itself is a miracle that he left the hyper realm for the printing
realm). Based on this unscientific sample of two (still 67% of the household population), the
reaction to the tales will differ depending on the age (and experiences) of the reader. Those
ancient baby boomers and fountain of youth older generations know first hand an unwired world
of dial phones in which the consumer could choose any color as long as it was black. To that
group, the stories will seem like alternate history as it is not much of a stretch to believe that the
alternatives might have been viable at one time. To those whose braces are wireless cell phones
from the birthing room, the book will still find reading it fun, but it will feel more like a fantasy or
science fiction anthology. The tales are cleverly written so that the much of the audience,
regardless of age or experiences, will find LIVE WITHOUT A NET as an entertaining short story
medley that is worth the time away from hyperspace HTML to enter the world of printing
text.
Death Masks
Jim Butcher
Roc
$6.99, 384 pp. ISBN 0451459407
Two extremely competent female cat burglars steal the Shroud of Turin with all signs pointing
towards the icon being taken to Chicago. Evidence suggests that Chicago mobster John Marcone
is the intended buyer, but the church hopes to intercept the sacred artifact before it changes hands.
Father Vincent works with the Chicago police but he also hopes to obtain the assistance of local
wizard Harry Dresden, a private investigator who specializes in supernatural crimes. Harry agrees
to take the case but it becomes more complicated when the Denarians also want the shroud. The
Denarians are humans who chose to align themselves with the Fallen for immortality and
innumerable power. They plan to use the artifact combined with some dark magic to create and
spread a plague that will decimate much of the world's population. Harry and his allies, the
Knights of the Cross, must stop the Denarians at all costs or Earth will undergo a tragedy more
powerful than the Black Plague. Jim Butcher has created a very powerful urban fantasy story set
in modern day Chicago where the only "outed" wizard resides. Unlike many of his allies, who
operate in a black and white world, Harry works in shades of pastels, never certain whether what
he is doing is right or just expedient. It is that uncertainty that makes the hero a vulnerable lovable
person. Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton and Mercedes Lackey will definitely want to read all five
books in the Dresden Files.
Harriet Klausner
Reviewer
Shirley's Bookshelf
Caleng and the Moonstone Pearl
Maria Romero
1stBooks
ISBN: 1410746119 (S)
1410762114 (H)
Price: $13.50 paperback
"For though the faerie realm remains distant from our own world, there are times and places
where these two worlds meet, where a traveler may wander into this hidden place. But keep in
mind that evil resides in all parts of both worlds, deep in the back of every human mind -in the
darkest corner."
Caleng the faerie prince, son of King Perret, finds himself on a dangerous quest. A journey against
the darkest of evils that takes him far from his home, the land of Goliad and the castle of Brzden.
He meets the beautiful Gn'dhl, Oracle and guide of the realm of Faye and realizes that his life is
about to change forever. Caleng's quest to find Fyn'hazzmhn the great wizard who was banished
from Goliad by King Perret, his now long lost and imprisoned father, leads him to strange and
mysterious lands and hazardous adventures.
Author, Maria Romero brings the complex yet endearing characters to life with vivid descriptions
and strategically placed humor. The picturesque descriptions of the landscape help the reader to
imagine the whimsical and magical locations that Caleng visits.
Characters, both good and evil come to life in this mythical fantasy. Caleng is a curious,
mischievous boy whose greatest wish is to be a wizard like the great Andrade. We meet Jwbrylla,
a plain cranky, stubborn old witch and her closest companion, Hollorbab, a wisecracking bird.
The ten and a half foot tall, six hundred and twenty pound Dryad named Quiggles is the
kindhearted guardian of our hero Prince Caleng.
Children ages 12 and up will enjoy this book, which takes place in a world of faeries, elves,
witches and wizards. The book has a simplistic charm, is well written and will captivate young
readers. The author has a fascinating character in Caleng who I am sure we will see in many
future sequels. Visit: http://betsie.tripod.com to see future publications and for order info.
Love in Seaview
Adrian Quest
iUniverse
ISBN 0595238661 $13.95
Will Tom ever be free of Natalie's ghost? Secluded on an island, unemployed and surrounded by
Natalie's things, ex-professor Tom is struggling to rebuild his life. Can he and new love Ellen
succeed in putting Natalie to rest? Ellen enters the relationship with issues of her own. Divorced,
strongly independent and much younger than Tom, she loves him with all of her heart but will that
be enough?
Love in Seaview explores the deep-seated emotions of losing a loved one and the aftermath of
guilt, fear and letting go. Combined with the trials and tribulations of a second marriage, serious
age differences and shortage of money, our couple faces some serious challenges.
The characters are easy to know through articulate, heart felt emotions and credible actions and
reactions. Penobscot Bay is the setting for the story and although this reviewer would have
preferred more in-depth scenic descriptions, they suffice in giving our characters a perfect location
for their professional photographic adventures.
Love in Seaview is author, Adrian Quest's sequel to his first book, A Certain Distance to Cross.
This book however can stand alone with good character introductions and a glimpse into the past.
Quest began writing after the death of his only son and the emotional turmoil and devastation of
facing this loss are reflected in his novel.
This book is a pleasurable romantic tale and a light easy read. It would be the perfect book to take
along on a vacation to the seaside.
Let's Go Shopping
Steven Lindblom
Kathy Allert, illustrator
Western Publishing Company
Racine, Wisconsin 53404
ISBN# 0307021718 $4.99
This is a delightful story of a little girl that spends the day shopping with Mom and Dad. In this
book, the author takes you to different stores, such as the bookstore, the auto parts store, the
flower store and many others. In each store the author tells what is found, this is great as it
teaches the little one who is being read the book information.
The illustrations were well done, detailed and eye catching. All in all this was a very nice
read.
Friends Of God - Moving Picture Book
Sally Lloyd Jones
Nancy Pistone, illustrator
Wishing Well Books
Joshua Morris Publishing
221 Danbury road, Wilton CT 06897
ISBN# 0887957705 $14.99 10 pages
I have found that children adore books that they can interact with, whether it be a touch, smell or
pull out, they love it. "Friends of God" delivers this to the young ones.
A delightful book that takes 5 tales of well know Bible characters and tells the story in an easy to
understand way, short and to the point, not to bore the child.We have the story of Jonah,
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego,Joshua, Moses and Noah, and each has the Scripture reference
noted. Very good!
In each story they have supplied a pull out for the child. For the story of Noah you first see the
animals in the ark, pull out the tab and they are on dry land. Very cute and reinforces the story
with one pull of the tab.
I liked this book and so did my granddaughter with whom I shared these tales.
Good read and I recommend it!
The Omega Code
Paul Crouch
Western Front Ltd
Beverly Hills, CA
ISBN# 1888848359 $15.99
I loved this book. It is a tale that soon we will be living. Perhaps not exactly as it is portrayed by
the writing, but the basic idea will be in full bloom.
The book is good against evil, the rise of the Anti-Christ, coming to rule the world in all his
ungodly fame and glory. The code has been found in the Bible, a code that can be used for good
or for evil, the race is on.
I believe that Christians will enjoy this read and it might just get a few non-believers to dig a little
bit in the Word of God to see what is about to take place in this old world of ours.
Recommended!
Angels On Assignment
Roland Buck
Hunter Books
1602 Tornhurst, Houston, Texas 77043
ISBN# 0883686058 $12.99
Did you ever wonder about Angels? Do you sometimes see a light or feel a brush against your
face? Have you ever all of a sudden felt a warm flow of love and protection? Perhaps you are in
the presence of angels?
In this book "Angels on Assignment", the author shares with you, the reader, his experience as
God sends His Angels with a message to mankind. I truly will not even begin to tell you what is
inside of this wonderful book, but I encourage you to read it for yourself.
If you ever wondered what these Holy Beings do, perhaps this will give you some answers and
will encourage you in your journey through this world. You are not alone!
Few have been honored to have such an encounter as Mr. Buck has had. Is it the truth? That will
be your decision to make, but I will tell you this, this book had a great impact on my life. I truly
will never forget it.
Recommended!
Carman
The Champion
Thomas Nelson Publishers
Nashville, Tenn
http://www.thomasnelson.com
ISBN# 0785267077 $12.99 Paperback
Orlando Leone Jr was a champion and that would never leave him, he could not run away from
that truth and fate would again shine it before the world.
A former cruiserweight champion Orlando is put in a situation where he takes down Antonio
Vasquez, the current heavyweight champion of the world, when he is unruly at a party. This act
begins a succession of events to prove who is indeed the champion, something Orlando is not
wanting to undertake.
The story is more in-depth than meets the eye. It is not just a story about boxing, or who is the
best in the ring. No, this is a story about family, friends, betrayal, love, hate and a soul seeking
truth, seeking God.
A touching story, one that will challenge your faith as you decide just what decisions you would
make if you were Orlando Leone Jr.
Controlled Defense
Richard P. Tanos
American Book Publishing
http://www.americanbookpublishing.com
ISBN# 1589820886 $19.20
Mike Nemsky's life is about to be turned upside down. A man with a mind that should not be
wasted, finds himself without a job and uncertain of his future. Money is becoming tight and
needs have to be met, a solution has to be found.
This is how we are introduced to the main character of Mr. Tanos's book , Controlled Defenses. I
have to admit, at first I was getting very angry at this man for just sitting around his living room
and not taking the initiative to remedy his problem.He sounded like a wimp at first, allowing his
ex-wife to bully him, and learning he had lost a lot of money in past inventions, while others made
a killing, it made me mad! That's good for a book to stir emotions in you towards the main
character!
Soon however, Mike comes up with an idea that will revolutionize football as we know it. He sets
out to bring his idea into fruition.You are taken step by step with Mike as he puts his plan into
action, using a technology that is placed in the helmet of the player, guaranteed to bring a win to
the team. Quite a plan for victory! Now he must put his plan into action, but how?
On a night out Mike meets a man that will change his life. Sal Begalo was the Director of Player
Personnel for the Hamilton Courgars. Mike, while in an intoxicated state, lets his plan slip out to
Sal who immediately decided he wanted a piece of the action .
Mike was not sure, as he wanted his favorite team, the Buffalo Bulls, to have the benefit of his
invention. Sal promised him that after a trial run with his team he would make sure they did.
Mike also meets a girl, Carla, and falls in love. This is a nice add of tenderness to the storyline.
One women will appreciate. To his pleasure she is also very adapt in computers and immediately
picks up on what Mike is doing. As it may be, her input only sweetens the pot for Mike, giving
him ideas to make his invention better. The games begin!
Mike's invention is used by Sal's team and success is made. Money is flowing and all is going well
until the faithful day when an accident happens and their plot is uncovered. This sends Sal, Mike
and Carla on a run for their lives. There are many twists and turns to the story, that would be too
complicated for this reviewer to write here. Let me say this, you will not be bored in this
read!
Football fans will love this book.Computer gurus will as well. Its technical and also adventurous
at the same time.You have another winner Mr. Tanos!
Good for you!
Lady In Pink
Ginger Kornegay
Adventure book Publishers
http://www.puzzlesbyshar/adventurebooks.com
adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1553132327 $3.49 Download
I really enjoyed this book, it was a great mystery, full of suspense and the 'who done it'. The
author also weaved in interesting information about show dogs, something I knew little about
before, nice add on. The mystery begins when Joe Reynolds, the one who was due to judge a dog
show for pugs, ends up dead in his hotel room the night before the judging. Who would kill him
and why?
Katherine and George Sloan, brother and sister, own a Champion black pug called Duke. Joe
Reynolds did not like black pugs, let it be known, and it appears by what came out in the
investigation, that not many people liked Joe Reynolds. Interesting! The plot thickens as the
suspects increase.
The Sloans had just found out that Dukes semen had been stolen from their veterinarian and sold
to sire other pugs. It appeared Mr. Reynolds was involved. The DA was to confront Reynolds the
following week with their evidence against him, This was a good move by the author, even before
Joe was dead, there was a dash of mystery slipped into the story.
The author introduces you to many colorful characters who are all involved in one way or another
in the world of champion dogs; such as Joy, the rude wife of Don Faber, who happens to be the
nephew of the wealthy judge Joe Reynolds. Every story needs a nasty character and Joy certainly
fit that bill. In this read the author certainly keeps you guessing and just when you think you have
it figured out another murder occurs, there goes your great detective work.
I enjoyed Lady In Pink and I believe you will too. A good mystery, a good dose of show dog
information, and just an all around good read. Recommended!
The Diet Bible
Maureen Salaman
Statford Publishing Incorporated
1259 El Camino Real, Site 1500, Menlo Park, CA 94025
ISBN# 0913087033 $17.50
Maureen Salaman does it again in this outstanding book on Biblical answers to our overweight
problems. Showing why it is important to eat God-made foods, we can learn a formula that will
work to help our bodies become healthier and slimmer. She even includes a 30 day diet plan for
men and woman. Good idea!
This book is like a mini seminar, full of information for those who are determined to beat the
battle of the bulge, and after trying every diet known to mankind have still lost.
I believe there is help for us yet. I recommend this book, especially if you have tried everything
and failed. Very good read!
Jesus Makes Me Happy
Wanda Hayes
Frances Hook, illustrator
The Standard Publishing Company
Cincinnati, Ohio
ISBN# 0784702632 12 pages $2.50
This is truly a beautiful book for children and adults alike. Each page tells a special story about
Jesus beginning when He was a baby and continues on.
Each story is accompanied with a tender illustration of Jesus interacting with people. Colorful and
real to life, the illustrations are outstanding and coincide wonderful with the stories.
All in all this little book is a winner and a very special read for parents to share with their little
ones.
The Great BooDinie Bird
The Capture
Book 2 of 5
Sherry Jessop
Elly Sketchit, illustrator
12 pages $ 5.99
ISBN# 1931540268 Digital
ISBN# 1931540519 Paperback
SynergEbooks
http://www.SynergEbooks.com
In this second book of a series, hunters entered the quiet village in South Africa in search of the
magical BooDina bird, the beloved friend of Tamboo and Kara.
To the children's dismay they capture their friend who sends out an urgent call to the children for
help. They would have to rescue BooDina at all costs.
This second book again is filled with colorful illustrations and will draw your young one into the
story line, giving them lessons in loyalty, hope, and faith that good will triumph over evil. A very
delightful read.
The Great BooDinie Bird
"Faith"
Book 1of 5
By: Sherry Jessop
Illustrated By: Elly Sketchit
13 pages $TBA
ISBN# 193154025X Digital
ISBN# 193154025X Paperback
SynergEbooks
http://www.SynergEbooks.com
This is book number one of a delightful children's tale. Book one introduces you to the Great
BooDinie bird, a bird with feathers that had the colors of the kaleidoscope and eyes that glowed
brightly and could dispel darkness. His voice filled the rainforest of South Africa, his presence
brought it life, for he was a magical bird, a symbol of all that was good.
Al the people knew this bird existed, although they dreamed of him, they had never seen him until
one day! A little boy and girl named Tamboo and Kara wandered away from their village one day
and got lost in the deepest darkest part of the rainforest. Afraid they began to run and little
Tamboo fell and broke his leg. What could they do? They were afraid and cuddled next to each
other crying out for help.
Suddenly a big bird appears whose eyes dispelled the darkness and whose words made the fear
flee. Could this be the BooDina bird? Do the children get home safely? Well, you will have to read
the book to find out.
The author does a great job in introducing you to the main characters of her series about the
magical BooDina bird. Colorful illustrations add to the quality of this book. This is a story that
your children will be drawn into and will anxiously await book two to see what new adventure
Tamboo, Kara and the magical BooDina bird have in store for them. Also a good lesson on faith
and hope.
Recommended read.
Breaking Christian Curses
Dennis Cramer
Arrow Publications
P.O. Box 10102, Cedar Rapids, Ia. 52410
319-395-7833
http://www.arrowbookstore.com
ISBN# 1886296197 223 pages Softcover $15.00
How does one review a book that has had such an impact upon their lives, that has brought tears
to their eyes, sorrow to their heart, yet carried such hope and excitement for the future, that it
takes their breath away... This is what Dennis Cramer's book " Breaking Christian Curses" has
done for this reviewer.
It does not matter if you are a believer, or a stark atheist, what does matter is that you speak
words, and in this outstanding work, by Dennis Cramer, you will understand the importance of
what escapes your lips and harbors in your heart. Are you interested yet? Read on!
Although written by a Christian and geared towards fellow Christians, the words within the pages
of this book will speak to all mankind, believer and non-believers alike.The author shares with you
his 13 year battle with a 'christian' curse and explains how God not only exposed the source of the
curse, but delivered him from the effects it had on his life. Now are you interested ? Well, you
should be!
Here are a few more questions to tempt your taste buds for this book! Ever wonder why nothing
works out for you? Do you feel as if you have a rain cloud over your head that follows you
around and hinders every advancement you try to achieve? Have you ever cursed God for your
misfortune, cursed life or fate? Or perhaps you have cried out in despair and buried bitterness
within your soul because you live a defeated life. If you have this book is for you. Dennis explains
how we as Christians can pronounce failure and defeat over another Christians life. How sad is
that? But here is the good news, he also shares how to be free from those curses and enjoy the
abundant life you have been promised. Now are you smiling!
Maybe it is time for you to turn your life around! Perhaps this book has the answers that you have
been looking for!
Thank you Mr. Cramer for a read that has changed this reviewers life, forever!
Highly recommended!
Journey of Love
Beverly Dow
Darlene Hulett, illustrator
Abba Father Ministries
9 Orchard Lane, Manchester, Maine 04351
http://www.abbafatherministries.net
ISBN# 0966928997 54 pages
ebook $12.00 softcover $15.00 (With S&H)
As you sit in quiet meditation to the Lord, are there words you wish you could speak to Him or
hear from Him, but you just have not reached that place in your spiritual walk? Desperately you
seek, wanting to tell Him of your love, your pain, your journey in life, but the words do not come.
Do you pray to hear Him whisper His love for you? If so, Journey of Love is the devotional book
for you.
A tender grouping of poems, with beautiful soft illustrations for each, spoken into the heart of one
who loves Him and gently written to minister to you, the reader.
Words of love, words of encouragement and words of understanding will envelope your Spirit as
you read this work. A tiny read with a big impact on the hearts of a believer and a drawing to the
hearts of the seeker. Saint or sinner, both will benefit from reading Journey of Love.
Tenderly let Him embrace you! You will enjoy this one!
Shirley Roe
Reviewer
Interview with Judy Galbraith, Founder and President of Free Spirit Publishing!
I would like to write a little about Free Spirit Publishing before we start this interview. Free Spirit
Publishing is an award-winning publisher of nonfiction material for children, and teens, parents
and all those interested and working with youth. I have read and reviewed several of their books
and was very impressed with them. (Please see reviews in this column). I wanted to know a little
more about Free Spirit Publishing and the person behind this outstanding company.
I found Judy to be very approachable and very likeable. I don't think I have ever had a harder time
trying to get an interview together. It seemed everything that could happen in my life did and I
had to keep asking Judy if we could wait just a little longer to complete this. I don't think I have
ever worked with a more understanding publisher. Thank you Judy! I could have asked her more,
but due to the powers-that-be that seemed to be trying to keep this interview out of MidWest, I
decided to put it in while I could. I cannot say enough good things about Judy Galbraith, she
really has a heart of gold, and I think the work she is doing for children and young adults in her
publishing company certainly fits her to a T. This is a short interview with a powerful woman who
is doing a remarkable job.
Let's begin!
SPJ: Judy, thank you for allowing me to do this interview. Please tell us how Free Spirit
Publishing began and how long it has been operational.
JUDY: Free Spirit has been around for 20 years. I use to be a teacher and I specialized with gifted
and talented kids; I focused on guidance and counseling. When I was in Graduate school, I wrote
a book called, "The Gifted Kids Survival Guide"; it was written for young people themselves. In
this work I talked about what it was like to be bored in school, what to do when your friends
tease you for being a brainiak, areas such as that.
I started this company because I saw a need for self-help material for kids. There were a lot of
books for adults about how to navigate life; everything from developing your career to stress
management, to having relationships. You name it, it was there, but there really was nothing out
there for the kids themselves, much less gifted kids. Especially subjects such as growing up
healthy and strong, or how to make good decisions and cope with life.
It was my intention to develop a line of materials that would do just that and offer kids real life
solid information and then testimonies from their peers about their experiences. The company
essentially started with my work, "The Gifted Kids Survival Guide", and then I started acquiring
information for gifted kids from other sources. As we grew, we started to expand to the point
where we cover the age range of pre/k through 12; and we also do books for parents and
teachers.
Our true mission is to empower kids to develop their confidence, and to know how to get help
when they need it. I grew up with books and I have always believed that books have enormous
power to change our lives and to inspire us, so it has been really great to be part of an industry
that has that potential influence.
SPJ: Thank you Judy, that was very interesting! Tell me, do you have audio books and
tapes?
JUDY: We did two audio versions with books we created for kids with learning disabilities.
Because some of those children have such a hard time reading, we thought it would be great if
they could listen to the book as they were reading along, but other than that we really have not
gone much into the audio book market.
SPJ: Do you do anything for the special needs children, such as the blind?
JUDY: We know that some of our books are available in braille through the National Society for
the Blind, but the two special needs groups that we focus on right now are gifted and talented and
kids with LD. (Learning Disabilities) We are doing a survival guide for kids with behavior
disorders that will be out next fall, but we haven't done anything yet for kids with the broader
range of specialized needs like physical handicaps.
We just produced our first board book, we came out with a book for children 4 to 7 called
"Hands Are Not For Hitting" and it has been very, very popular. Parents and Daycare providers
were soon saying, "Oh I need a version of this for 2 or 3 year olds." So we created a board book.
However, the self-help area is really our niche.
SPJ: Tell me Judy, do you accept submissions from authors?
JUDY: Our guidelines are available on our website or they can call and request a copy, which we
will mail out to them; and we also recommend that they study our catalog. Like I said, we don't
do fiction, we don't do picture books, except if they are grounded in self-help, for example, the
Hands Are Not For Hitting Books.
We are always happy to look at new submissions, always looking for new talent. I will say that
most of our authors are educators or youth workers or child psychologists, there are a few
exceptions to that, but because of the nature of the topics that we cover, it is important for us to
know that that person has a particular expertise. Even in our early childhood material, we just
came out with the first of 2 books in an 8 book series designed to teach preschoolers social skills
and the series is called, "Learning To Get Along." The first one is "Listen and Learn" and
obviously teaches listening skills and the other one is "Share and Take Turns". The author has a
background in education and we also work with professionals and hire them to read manuscripts
as we are developing them so that we're sure the content is as age appropriate as it can be. We
feel strongly about this, since we are in the business of giving advice, we want to make sure we
are dispensing good advice.
SPJ: Judy, please use this space for any closing words that you would like to leave with our
readers about yourself, your company, your books, or publishing in general:
JUDY: I'd like to tell you something about our best sellers. This will give the readers some idea of
exactly which books we publish and show the diversity of the titles we publish.
For teens one of our top sellers is HOW RUDE! The Teenager's Guide to Good Manners, Proper
Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out. This book is hilarious so teens love it, yet serious, and
guides teens through the world of manners in all kinds of situations.
Parents of younger children are finding HANDS ARE NOT FOR HITTING to be extremely
helpful because just about every child encounters hitting at some point, or they may go through a
hitting phase themselves. And for parents of children all ages a new book that a lot of people are
excited about is OUR FAMILY MEETING BOOK. It shows families ways to communicate
better, how to share responsibilities, and have more fun in the process!
Our top teacher titles are THE BULLY FREE CLASSROOM and TEACHING GIFTED KIDS
IN THE REGULAR CLASSROOM. Like all of our materials for educators, these books are
user-friendly, timely, and very practical.
SPJ: Thank you Judy for telling us a little about Free Spirit Publishing. I would truly recommend
your readers to take a look at their great website and purchase some of their books. They really
are outstanding, well written and very informative. The best of luck to Judy and Free Spirit
Publishing.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
800-735-7323
Twin Cities local number: 612-338-2068
help4kids@freespirit.com
http://www.freespirit.com
New from Free Spirit Publishing:
LIFE LISTS FOR TEENS: Tips, Steps, Hints, and How-Tos for Growing Up, Getting Along,
Learning, and Having Fun
Think of this handy book as a 4-1-1 for tweens and teens. It's filled with hundreds of lists: some
serious, some silly, all useful. From handling stress and how not to get ripped off, to effectively
communicating with adults, staying safe, saving the world, planning ahead, and more. This is a
great addition to any backpack or messenger bag. $11.95, ages 10 and up.
http://www.freespirit.com/cgi/s_product_nf.cgi?productid=406
INTERVIEW WITH ANNA MARIE JAWORSKI - Owner of "Baby Hearts Press"
A PUBLISHER WITH A MISSION!
Sometimes there comes a long a person that you immediately know is special, this is how I
perceived Ms. Jaworski. A mom who has had her share of trials, reaching out to help other
children and parents who are hurting, that is a special person. I have to tell you that her book "My
Brother Needs An Operation," is one of the most thought-out works I have read in a long time.
This book was written from a heart that knows what is going on in the life of a sibling when
sickness hits the family.
I was extremely impressed and wanted to give Ms. Jaworski and her work as much attention as
my little corner could give. If anyone ever needed recognition, it is truly Anna Jaworski and her
publishing site. She has a mission that needs to be known! Let's begin.
SPJ: Anna, thank you for allowing me to do this interview. You are not only a writer, you are a
publisher. Tell us how did both of these professions come about?
ANNA: They came about after my second son was born with a life-threatening heart defect. He
had emergency open-heart surgery and was scheduled for two more within the next two years.
After the shock wore off, and I felt the doctors were wrong and my baby would survive, I started
doing research on his heart defect. This research led to me putting together a book about his heart
condition. When none of the publishers I queried were willing to publish it, I chose to do it
myself.
SPJ: Why is it that something so desperately needed is ignored by publishers? I am so glad you
chose to publish your work instead of just putting it down. Tell me, how long has Baby Heart
Press been in business?
ANNA: I was told over and over again, in the nice rejection letters that I received, that the
audience was too small. My husband and I felt that if we only helped one other family, all of our
work would be worth it. Thus far, we've distributed about 3000 books worldwide in the 6 years
we've been in business. We have sold books to libraries, hospitals and clinics -- so some of our
books are out there helping many families.
SPJ: Anna, I'm going to ask you some questions concerning publishing first, and than we will talk
some about your writing. Tell me, about how many submissions do you receive per month, and
out of them how many do you accept?
ANNA: I receive about half a dozen to a dozen letters per year asking me about publishing a
book. Baby Hearts Press' mission is to help members of the congenital heart defect community
and the books it puts out must meet that mission. Currently I am working with an author to
publish her book regarding losing a sibling (to a heart defect, although the cause of death won't be
explicitly stated in order to help as many children as possible). At another time, I worked with a
woman to publish her autobiography, but alas, she passed away without leaving me information
regarding the next of kin and the project has died with her. :-( Baby Hearts Press has put together
an anthology of writings (The Heart of a Mother) but we have not published any other individual's
work.
SPJ: I understand this is a unique genre, but one that is needed and I'm glad that you are
filling.
Do you work with a standard contract and royalty agreement?
ANNA: I am just looking into this now. The final manuscript for the book I described earlier is
not completed. We are just at the beginning stages of development.
SPJ: How many books do you produce per year?
ANNA: This year will be a record year for Baby Hearts Press. I hope to put out a new book
called The Heart of a Father; I am revising my first book and hope to have that out late summer
and I am also hoping that the children's book on grief will be ready to publish either this winter or
early next year. Some of this will depend on the illustrator we choose and how long it takes
my
neophyte author to perfect her manuscript.
SPJ: I look forward to reviewing those books Anna. Do you have a promoting plan in effect and
how much promoting do you place upon an author?
ANNA: You have identified my weakest link. I have done booksignings in the past. I have spoken
at conferences and had tables/booths at conferences. I have two websites to help members of the
congenital heart defect community. I have done interviews on television and radio. I have written
for CHD support group newsletters. I even hired a publicist once, when My Brother Needs an
Operation and The Heart of a Mother were hot off the presses. The results were not what I had
hoped. Lots of people said they were interested in interviewing me or doing reviews of the books,
but not much panned out. What did pan out was mostly reviews in free parenting magazines
which did not result in an appreciable increase in sales.
SPJ: Readers, you really need to check out Anna's website and her books. We all know someone
who could benefit from these great reads.
ANNA: Regarding working with my new author: I have asked her if she is willing to do
booksignings and interviews. Like I said, we are just now discussing this project, so it is still very
early in the game for us. This author's book is extremely niche market -- which is good. We plan
on sending information to all of the grief support groups we can find; I'd like to see if she can do a
presentation at a grief conference and we will be creating a webpage for her book on our website.
I will also include information about her book in a newsletter I plan on writing and sending to
former customers.
SPJ: I wish you the best in that venture Anna. What would you suggest to authors that would
seek publication with your company?
ANNA: First of all, understand Baby Hearts Press' mission. It is clearly stated on my website.
Secondly, know your audience. I won't publish books that are not for the congenital heart defect
community. Thirdly, look at the books already available from Baby Hearts Press. I got a
manuscript proposal from an author recently that described a book very much like my first book --
except it was much more limited in scope than my book! My books' Table of Contents is online at
my website, as are quite a few of the chapters or, in the case of The Heart of a Mother, essays
from certain chapters are online. If this author would have looked at what I had online, she would
have saved herself the trouble of sending me a manuscript I had to reject.
SPJ: That is true.......we need to read guidelines! How do you determine the pricing of your
books?
ANNA: This is a tricky area. I cannot use the traditional formula for pricing books (8 times the
cost of the book) because it would make the books too expensive. What I have done in the past is
send out books for review and asked the reviewers to fill out a questionnaire. The books are only
sent to members of the congenital heart defect community -- the group I am targeting.
One of the questions on the questionnaire deals with how much the reviewer would be willing to
pay for the book. I have been surprised at how consistent the reviewers have been regarding the
choice of price. I choose the price that most of the reviewers are willing to pay. Thus far, that has
worked okay for me, although the cost of my books is a bit high because I have relatively small
print runs (compared to bigger publishers) AND I have been highly selective with my materials.
My books are made with very good quality paper so they will last and not discolor or curl.
Because of some of the choices I have made, my books cost more to produce, but I am putting
together very important books that I hope will last a very long time.
SPJ: Where are your books available? Are they in ebook form?
ANNA: My books are available by ordering from my website. I have a working relationship with
Ingram, but it has not always been as profitable a relationship as I would like it to be. Some
bookstores carry my books (only bookstores that are friendly toward self-publishers and ones
where I have done booksignings in the past). These books are not in eBook form yet. My newest
books will either be available as an eBook and/or POD.
SPJ: Tell me Anna, what do you, as a publisher, think about ebooks?
ANNA: I am in favor of them. It saves trees, reduces the inventory demands on the publisher and
allows the publisher to update the books without having a good number of books that are no
longer current. I plan on turning to the eBook and POD format this year, but I still have inventory
of my other books that
are currently available.
SPJ: Anna, let me ask you some questions now about you as a writer. I have read and reviewed
"My Brother Needs an Operation," and found it was an outstanding book. Please tell us why you
wrote this book and what you hope to accomplish with it?
ANNA: I wrote "My Brother Needs an Operation" after I was unable to find anything to help me
help my son when I knew his baby brother was going to have another open-heart surgery. I knew
our life would be very different than it normally is and I wanted a resource to help me explain to
my 3 year old what was going to happen. I wanted it to be something familiar that he could hold
onto when I would be away from him. All I could find was resources for the hospitalized child. I
put this book together to help other children, like Joey, who would have to face the uncertainties
of having a sibling in the hospital.
Most of the people I have contact with are families of children with congenital heart defects
(because my other two books deal with that topic). Imagine my surprise when I was contacted by
a grandmother whose granddaughter had cancer. I was overjoyed to learn that "My Brother
Needs an Operation" has been helping her healthy grandchild deal with the many hospitalizations
her sister (with cancer) has had. I believe this children's book has the potential to help many
families cope during a time of crisis.
SPJ: I agree with you, this is an outstanding book. Please tell us how long you have been a writer
and if you write in any other genre?
ANNA: Right now my editor's hat is on. I am putting together an anthology of stories by men
around the world about living with congenital heart defects. This will be the "companion book"
for another book I edited, "The Heart of a Mother." I specialize in writing nonfiction self-help
books for families dealing with congenital heart defects. I have wanted to be a writer ever since I
can remember. I have always loved books -- the way they look, feel, smell . . . and of course the
experience of being whisked away to another world in another time. I started writing when young,
but never had anything accepted for publication until I sent a letter to the editor of a nursing
magazine regarding the care that nurses can provide parents of children undergoing open-heart
surgery. Instead of publishing it as a Letter to the Editor, the editor of the magazine called me to
ask if they could post it as a featured article. It was published as the Endnote in the October 1995
issue of Critical Care Nurse. This was the first time for me to be paid for my writing.
SPJ: Anna that is very impressive. Please tell us about your other works.
ANNA: My first book was entitled "Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Handbook for Parents"
-- what a mouthful! It is a self-help book for families living with children with the heart defect
known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). I put it together because there was nothing
else out there in plain English for parents like me, living with a baby with HLHS. This book is
currently under revision and will include chapters about hypoplastic right heart syndrome and
single ventricle -- all heart defects which require major reconstructive, open-heart surgeries. "The
Heart of a Mother" is an anthology of stories by women around the world -- mostly mothers of
children with heart defects, but also stories by grandmothers and adults who grew up with a
congenital heart defect and are now mothers. This is the book I wanted someone to hand me
when my son's heart defect was diagnosed. The book is divided into three sections -- discovery
(finding out about the congenital heart defect diagnosis), support and hope. With over 2000
books distributed throughout the world, this is my most popular book and the one that has helped
the most people.
I am currently working on "The Heart of a Father" which will be stories by men from around the
world. The fathers bring a different perspective to the congenital heart defect realm. The way men
deal with their children's diagnoses is special and deserves recognition and understanding. It is my
hope that this book will not only help men in a similar position, but the wives who are unable to
communicate in usual fashion with their husbands due to being in a state of grief after the
diagnosis of the heart defect.
I believe there is much we can learn from reading about the experiences of others. These stories
empower parents and help make them better advocates for their children. I am hopeful that The
Heart of a Mother and The Heart of a Father will help parents be better advocates AND
better/healthier parents and partners as they struggle with living with a child with a chronic, often
critical, birth defect.
SPJ: Anna, that is wonderful. The best to you in these endeavors. How many hours a day do you
give to writing?
ANNA: Not as many as I would like. While working on editing others' works, I don't have the
time to devote to my own writing, but I feel that helping other people to be better writers will
ultimately make me a better writer, too.
I also homeschool my two boys. Writing is a very important part of our curriculum. I write with
my children on a regular basis. I have a Dialog Journal with each of my boys. Their journals have
allowed us the opportunity to write about everyday experiences, our dreams and wishes, as well
as little stories and poems.
Perhaps the most common form of writing I do on a daily basis is writing to parents of children
with congenital heart defects. Although these letters will probably never be published, they
contain some of the most valuable writing I do. These letters of encouragement, hope and love
are what I would have loved to have received when my son was in the hospital having surgery or
recovering from surgery and suffering some of the same complications that parents write to me
about. It is because of this common bond -- living with heart defects -- that I have put together a
new website CongenitalHeartDefects.com along with fellow heart mom, Sue Dove. Sue is the
webmaster and I provide the content.
We aren't paid for what we've done with our websites (http://babyheartspress.com Baby Hearts
Press and the one above), but we know we are reaching people all over the world. We are helping
people find resources, network and reach out to others. Sometimes being a "successful" writer
doesn't show if you look in my bank account. To me, being a successful writer means knowing
that my words have helped a family sleep better at night; helped a little one deal with his brother
or sister's surgery; helped a frightened teenager know that her life is important and that she is a
pioneer! I believe the most important thing about being a writer is using the gift God has given
me to reach out and help/love others.
SPJ: Thank you so much Anna. Tell me, do you have a special place where you write?
ANNA: Yes, although I'll write anywhere! I have a corner desk in my office with a Macintosh G4
computer on it and that is where I do most of my writing. I can type much faster than I can legibly
write, so I use my G4. I also have a laptop which I like to use, but for most of my writing, I'm in
front of my G4.
SPJ: What did "My Brother Needs an Operation" leave you with after you completed the
work?
ANNA: "My Brother Needs an Operation" is much more than just Joey's story. Linda Ball, our
illustrator, agreed to illustrate the book after I asked her to do a portrait of my boys. She had
never done illustrations like the ones in our book before; her specialty was portraits. However,
Linda very much wanted to illustrate the book after she learned why I wanted to put the book
together.
Linda contacted me right after she got a copy of the manuscript and we spent a long time talking
and crying on the phone. Linda was the sister left behind when her older sister was hospitalized --
not once, but multiple times. Linda knew exactly how Joey felt. As she read Joey's story, she
couldn't help but remember how she felt as a child.
After the book was completed, I felt such a sense of peace. Linda and I worked for over 2 years
on that project. It was a learning experience for both of us. Linda learned she could modify her art
to fit into the children's book we created. I bought a scanner and learned how to adjust the
artwork to fit into the book. I was also using PageMaker for the first time which was quite a
learning experience in and of itself! When it was all done, I think Linda and I were both so happy
that we'd been able to see this project through from beginning to end and we were hopeful that
other families would learn about it and find it helpful when dealing with their difficult time of
hospitalizations, surgeries and worry.
SPJ: It is a beautiful piece of work Anna. I know you fashioned the book from your own
experiences, how do your children feel about this book?
ANNA: Joey is especially proud of the book. He knows it's "his" book. :-) Naturally Alex doesn't
remember anything associated with the book (he was a baby), but Joey does remember some of
thethings we wrote about. What is so wonderful is that Linda took about 100 pictures from my
personal album and worked them into the book, so not only have the boys seen the pictures in the
book, but they've seen the actual photographs, too.
SPJ: Wow, that is something! It really brings it home doesn't it readers?
ANNA: Although Joey and Alex don't have plans to follow in my footsteps (RE:
writing/publishing), they are very proud of what we do. Joey helps me with inventory, filing and
mailings. They're very supportive of the time I spend writing letters and talking on the phone with
parents.
They have even written penpal letters and get-well letters/cards to children of the parents I
communicate with. Alex still writes penpal letters to a brother whose baby brother passed away
from the same heart defect Alex was born with. Although Alex is younger than this boy, he was
reading and writing at an earlier age. The boy was in kindergarten when his brother was born and
passed away his first day of life.
Naturally it was hard for Eric to concentrate in school. His teacher wanted to hold him back, but
his mother and I had become close friends thanks to the Internet and the websites that Sue Dove
manages for me. Because Eric was having trouble reading/writing, I suggested having Alex write
to Eric. Alex sent letters and little stories to Eric. Eric really wanted to be able to read what Alex
sent, so with the help of a tutor during the summer, he became a reader himself! Now he reads
above grade level and is doing fine in school (and his mother refused to let them hold him
back!).
I believe that all of these activities have contributed to making Joey and Alex more compassionate
children. Sadly, we have been to funerals of children we loved. We correspond with people who
have lost children to heart defects. We also meet with families living with heart defects and find
immediate bonds. We have had fun at different 'heart' events and, perhaps most importantly, we
have learned how precious each and every day is and that each of us has the opportunity to make
a difference in our small corner of the world. We don't put things off until tomorrow. We know
that for some people there won't be a tomorrow. Writing has been a way for us to show and
receive love, support and encouragement.
SPJ: Sounds like you have a hand in some miracles along the way, that's wonderful! How long did
it take you to complete this work?
ANNA: 2 years
SPJ: Tell me Anna, what was the hardest part for you in writing this work and why?
ANNA: The writing was easy; the hard part was learning PageMaker, learning to use my scanner
and its software and formatting the book in a way that would be useable and not overwhelming
for the reader or child.
SPJ: Thank you so much for your answers Anna. Please use this space for any final words that
you would like to leave with our readers about yourself, your books or publishing in general.
ANNA: I'm so glad you asked me this because I was thinking I needed to write you another note
to explain myself a little bit further. I understand that many of my answers to your other questions
may have seemed a bit "Pollyanna" or "pie in the sky" so I think I need to add a few lines of
clarification about me and why I got into publishing in the first place.
SPJ: Anna, you answers were great! Were they not readers? However, feel free to share what is
on your heart!
ANNA: First of all -- I am lucky enough to have a VERY supportive husband who feels, as I do,
that we have a mission to provide resources to the congenital heart defect (CHD) community. We
are so blessed to have our little boy with us -- a child who has beaten the odds time and again --
that we feel we owe it to the CHD community to give something back. We aren't looking to profit
financially from the sale of our items and we soak everything we make right back into the
business.
This sets us apart from most publishers. We don't have to make a huge profit to keep going. We
are going on love, devotion and a desire to fulfill a higher mission; a higher calling. I know how
competitive and difficult the publishing industry is and I don't want my answers to take away from
the people who are trying to make a living off of their publishing venture. My story about
publishing is a very personal one; I never thought I'd be a publisher and I wouldn't have become
one had I not been turned down by every publisher I queried. I only became a publisher because I
knew how desperately resources were needed by parents in the CHD community.
I also know that I have a lot to learn yet about being a publisher; there is much I could improve. I
hope that my answers might inspire someone who wishes to fulfill a dream, like I did and I hope
that my story doesn't detract from the incredible efforts of other publishers who are small, but
making a difference in the publishing world -- and making a considerable profit!
Lastly, I have felt a personal responsibility to publish information for members of the CHD
community that is honest. To my dismay, I have found that other information that is out there is
not real. I was interviewed by a major woman's magazine after they read something I had written
online. They wanted to do my story. I requested to hear what the writer came up with before it
went to print. I was horrified to hear how my story had been changed to be more "mainstream" --
to sell more magazines. I refused to allow the story to be done because my story had been so
distorted.
With my books, I am able to keep the integrity of the stories, the voices of the authors and the
honesty of the situation alive. Some people may disagree with some of the editing I have done,
but I have received so many letters from members of the CHD community regarding how stories
from my books have touched them that I know I'm doing the right thing. These stories may not
look like stories seen in popular magazines, but the kind of life we lead isn't what you'll see on
Chicago Hope, ER or any of the medical television shows that might feature a story kind of like
our own. I won't Hollywood-ize or sensationalize our stories because that won't help us to cope
with the daily life of stress, fear and joy that we lead. Publishing these books myself allows me the
opportunity to turn away from what might sell to the mass market so that I can really touch the
people for whom the books are intended.
I'm glad that most people have children who are perfectly healthy. Would I love to sell a ton of
books so that I could make more money and thus offer more resources to the CHD community?
You bet! But do I want to do it at the expense of the integrity of the projects I'm working on? No.
I guess that's the bottom line with me and why I am not a typical publisher.
Thank you, Shirley, for giving me an opportunity to put words to the feelings I've had about my
business lately. Sometimes I get depressed that I'm not doing more, but when I really stop and
think about it, I'm really proud of what I've done so far and I'm so optimistic about what the
future holds for Baby Hearts Press.
Sincerely.
Anna Jaworski
SPJ: Well readers! After reading Anna's words don't you totally agree with me that she is one
amazing woman, mother, wife, publisher and friend to many, many people. Please help her get the
word out about her work and her outstanding books. She is a gift to so many, and my prayer is
that her work will prosper and she will touch many more children and their families. God Bless
you Anna Jaworski!
Shirley Johnson/Interviewer
Contact Information for Anna Marie Jaworski
aj@babyheartspress.com
www.babyheartspress.com
www.CongenitalHeartDefects.com
Books by Anna Marie Jaworski
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Handbook for Parents
My Brother Needs an Operation
The Heart of a Mother (author and editor of this anthology)
INTERVIEW WITH BEV DOW - AUTHOR OF "JOURNEY OF LOVE"
I want to thank Bev Dow for allowing me to interview her. I enjoyed reading her wonderful
poems that were full of the love that God has for each one of us. I believe you will enjoy getting
to know her as well. Let's begin please!
SPJ: Bev, I have read and reviewed your work "Journey of Love." Tell us, what gave you the
idea for this book?
BEV: It was a dream of mine as a child to be a writer but I didn't have the self-confidence to
follow through. I had no encouragement from family or friends so the dream died. But when I
turned 50, God began to speak to me during the night. I would wake up with phrases and
Scriptures running through my head, crying to be written down. So I wrote whatever He gave me
and when I had enough poems, I compiled them into a book.
SPJ: They are truly beautiful Bev; how long did it take you to complete this work?
BEV: Approximately 2 years. I could only write when God gave me ideas.
SPJ: What was the hardest part in writing your book and what part did you
enjoy the most and why?
BEV: The hardest part was compiling and editing them in the word processor. I am so fussy that I
felt everything had to be perfect until someone told me most authors are not completely happy
with their first work and to submit it even if not perfect, for corrections could be made in a second
printing. I enjoyed the quiet times at night when I felt very close to God as He gave me the
material. He seemed to surround me in the room.
SPJ: That sounds like it was a real blessing, to feel His presence. What a wonderful experience
you must have had. Tell us, is this your first published work?
BEV: Yes.
SPJ: Bev, did you find it difficult to find a publisher?
BEV: I submitted it to about 30 publishers by mail and e-mail. Most publishers do not accept
poetry submissions and will state that in their author's guidelines but some do not. So I decided to
self publish after receiving no offers.
SPJ: It can be very discouraging seeking out a publisher. Tell us, if you could speak to publishers
out there, what would you want them to know?
BEV: Please make it clear in your guidelines what kinds of material you will accept. To those
who send rejection letters, I say thank you and to those who do not, I say shame on you. I would
always send a self-addressed envelope with my manuscript but not all publishers responded.
SPJ: I understand what you are saying, and as with any business, you have the good, the bad and
the ugly, even in publishers! I go through this myself with interviews. They start out with a bang
and then fizzle out! No response to follow-up emails, just silence! I often think, how rude! Oh
where oh where have those publishers gone? One has to think, perhaps it was a question that I
asked that they just did not want to answer! Here's a thought! Should I post the half done
interview and leave off where that question was asked, and let the reader fill in the blank? It just
might be a red flag to authors concerning that publisher. Hummm....perhaps!
Sorry, back to the interview. Sometimes I think out loud, or should I say write out loud! Tell us,
do you have any advice for authors seeking publication?
BEV: There are several internet sites that list publishers. Try these first. I did not go through the
agent route but this is an option. There are also companies that will print short runs for a fee
which may or may not include marketing. I chose to print my book myself (I bought a laser
printer) and paid for having the binding done at a professional bindery.
SPJ: What a great idea, and I must say, your book looks very nice! Do you plan to publish any
other works, if so in what genre and when can we expect to see these in print?
BEV: Yes, I have an internet site where I am posting inspirational Christian material such as
devotionals. I expect when I've written enough I'll compile them into a book.
SPJ: I look forward to reading that work Bev. Do you have a special place that you write?
BEV: I usually sit in a lounge chair in my living room cuddled up with a soft afghan, surrounded
by my Bible, a concordance and my cat.
SPJ: That sounds very inviting! Your illustrations are simple, but profound. Would you tell us a
little about your illustrator and how the decision was made for each illustration?
BEV: My illustrator has painted and drawn as a hobby. I saw her works at a Christian women's
meeting and immediately I knew in my heart that she was the one who would illustrate. I had
previously spoken to her a few times but we didn't really know each other. I gave her my finished
manuscript and asked her if she would be interested. She read each poem and when she had an
idea, she roughly sketched it. Then we met and reviewed her ideas. Every one matched what I had
in mind. So God worked to bring us together, and worked with both of us to faithfully to bring
His message.
SPJ: Well Bev, thank the Lord because they truly are beautiful. Tell me, how did writing this book
effect your life?
BEV: Writing Journey of Love taught me that long buried dreams can come true and God is
faithful to fulfill our visions. I've had the opportunity to speak on the radio and before women's
group, something I thought I would never be able to do. My life is heading in an unexpected
direction and blessing others along the way.
SPJ: What do you want the readers of this book to take away with them after reading it?
BEV: We each have different issues and emotional needs. There are poems in Journey of Love
that seems to fit each one. From comments from those who have read it, certain poems jump out
at them and touch their hearts. I pray that each one who reads it will be blessed and that inner
healing will occur for both men and women.
SPJ: Do you have a favorite poem in your book?
BEV: It's amazing how God works because each time I read "Journey of Love" a different poem
strikes me. Today my favorite one is "Heart Secrets" on page 3. We all have secrets and hurts
from our childhood and later on in life that we haven't shared with anyone, ones that are hidden
even from ourselves. God wants to go inside to heal those wounds and the process can be painful.
So we are reluctant to let Him in. But when we open the door to Him, He does the work and we
become free to release that pain and share with others so they can open up, too. It's wonderful to
feel free but it sure can be a scary process!
SPJ: Where do you hope your writing career will be 3 to 5 years from now?
BEV: Well, Shirley, as long as God gives me the material I will keep writing. My next work will
probably be a collection of short devotionals and teachings Also, I have a cat named Snuggles
who has decided he wants to write so there may be a Christian children's book in the near future.
On my internet site, www.abbafatherministries.net, there are 3 links that are updated weekly with
new material that will be the meat of more books. The book is available in printed form and as an
e-book.
SPJ: I truly look forward to reading a book by Snuggles, and I mean that! *smile* Bev, please use
this space for anything you would like to leave with our readers!
BEV: I encourage you to go to my web site and view the sample poems which are in html and
.pdf format. These poems are God-breathed and in the book, He has a word for all men and
women. He has a personal word for you. My only purpose in writing this book is to glorify God
and to help others find that inner healing we all deeply crave. Bless you all and, thank you, Shirley
for the opportunity to share with your readers.
SPJ: Thank you Bev for allowing me to read and review your lovely book filled with the passion
of a loving God. I truly feel it will reach out and touch many hurting people. I pray God's blessing
on it and on you as you continue in your service to Him. Please see review of "Journey of Love"
in this column.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
http://www.abbafathersministries.net
bev@abbafatherministries.net
Shirley Johnson
Reviewer
Laurel's Bookshelf
Prairie Winds
Larsen Bowker
Bellowing Ark Press
PO Box 55564, Shoreline WA 98155
ISBN 0944920152 $12.00 paperback
The author was born and raised in rural Nebraska, "on land between two rivers running sand." He
writes of a farmer's touching visions - "a cow's tender licking of a stillborn calf" - and of
"hard-enameled city ways." He's had quite a journey on his way from Alexandria Nebraska to
Blacksburg Virginia. Prairie Winds tells a small part of his story.
"I Hear My Father" is a fitting tribute and reminiscence that tells more about the man than simple
words convey:
I hear him in my mother's voice at eighty,
when I asked if they talked much when they courted,
"Oh no, he didn't have to
he just flowed over me like water."
I hear him in the earth's turning,
in the lingering light on summer evenings
when fireflies dance yellow-green light through
the darkness, light enough to remember back porch
evenings, sharing images too rich for speech......
With spare and simple eloquence, the author's past, present, and future is communicated in "New
Beginnings":
He made things work again....
....He fixed and gave them away and fixed them
again if people brought them back, because he believed
in the rough music of old things making new beginnings.
I loved it when Mr. Bowker made sense out of what he once saw as youthful failure in "At
Certain Times the River Runs Clear":
But light lasts a long time in Nebraska twilights,
where buffalo grass grows into the wind, even when
there is no wind, and time is stored in riverstones
sliding slow along the bottom, waiting for those
certain times when the river runs clear.
I appreciate the way Larsen Bowker expresses the everyday realities we think about but
sometimes can't verbalize.The lack of appreciation for a childhood Christmas gift his father made
him becomes "the lazy poison of regret" in grownup retrospect. And in his elegy written for a lost
farmer, a meadolark's song celebrates "the uncorrupted reach of an honest heart."
His work is gently spoken, soothing or disturbing in turn. He speaks of the natural and familiar in
evocative verse.
Girl Talk
Nancy McCleery
The Backwaters Press
3502 N. 32 Str. Omaha NE 68104-3506
www.thebackwaterspress.homestead.com
ISBN 0967714990 $16.00 paperback
In Girl Talk, poet Nancy McCleery takes the simple premise of two friends talking, then
beautifully expands on it. The effect is lyrical and soulful.
The poet's friend is an artist who translates her hopes and beliefs into colorful mediums, much like
Ms. McCleery uses words. Their conversations are often blunt, sometimes bordering on the
argumentative, but always underlined with the sort of love and respect friends offer in support of
each other. In "Girl Talk (AIDS / quilt)" their conversation centers on the artist's friend who died
of AIDS. Listening to her friend's reminiscence, watching her create a tribute, the poet says:
"Given a little privacy, I'd have cried."
Simple. Profound. Empathetic. Those words came to mind often as I read Girl Talk. In "Girl Talk
(v. monologues) she says:
"Told me about a girlfriend of hers, an artist:
as a child abused head t' toe 'n in between
inside out 'n she's never seen a counselor
but she's workin' with imagery of clenched fists
also of Georgia O'Keefe-like flowers
could be like Tennessee Wiliams' definition:
a bruised orchid his vagina metaphor ..."
Ms. McCllery uses imagery as an artist uses paint, with meanings both obvious and layered in
effect. In "My Daughter Brings me Garbage Flowers" :
"Most want the virgin rose buds.
She knows I prefer the blatant,
immodest, blowzy, open blossoms.
Brings them wrapped in pastel tissue papers
holding them in her arms the way
I carried her before she walked."
The friends talk of lovers, of old pleasures and sorrows, of losses and learnings. The poet puts to
words what she sees in her friend's metaphorical paintings. In "Girl Talk (tracings)" the subject is
a lover's fading interest:
"...but something
(the moon?)
had washed the touch
from his eyes..."
The quote this author uses in introduction seems particularly evocative of her work. The quote is
from "Aurora Leigh" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning circa 1857. "Never flinch."
Ms. McCreery does not flinch, which is why her poetry has heart and spirit.
Dreaming on the Other Side of Time
Fredrick Zydek
Holmes House Publications
530 72nd Ave., Omaha NE 68114
no ISBN 27 page chapbook at $6.95
Poet Fredrick Zydek shares dreams with us, tells of "things you have chosen not to remember."
The effect is often surrealistic, sometimes unsettling, and occasionally delightful.
In "Dreaming of Blue Laughter" the imagery is enticing.
"....These dreams
are effervescent things that carbonate
even the darkest and thickest juices
that try to fill our small cups of sleep."
"Dreaming my Way Home" allows the poet to travel outside himself to another place and
time.
"I'm a wild and willowy thing
waiting for the dancing light
of the aurora borealis to spell
out something central in my name."
"Dreams That Take Men to Their Knees" has that sense of niggling fear we often get when
dreaming the inexplicable.
"These dreams do not forget that we are carnivores -
creatures caught in the sad certainty of having
to eat our way through the animal kingdom as if we
were nothing more than lions devouring helpless lambs.
I'm told that even carrots scream when we peel them."
"Dreams That Turn Inside Out" tells of dreams and nightmares and why we must embrace them
all willingly.
"....one day their doors will remain closed
to you. The sacred mystery that embraces
all the lovely contradictions will pass you
by until even your skin forgets how to dream."
My favorite by far is "Dream Dancing." In dreams, even the unbeautiful and ungraceful among us
can briefly shine.
"Without dreams I'm not much more
than a walrus trying to waddle
my way across a rock. I've seen
beach whales demonstrate more grace.
But put me in a dream and I can waltz
with such elegance, the spirit of Strauss
begins composing new music so appealing
even God begins to tap His feet."
Mr. Zydek, your dreams were wonderful! Even the scary ones.
The Patron Saint of Lost and Found
Greg Kosmicki
Lone Willow Press
PO Box 31647, Omaha NE 68131
no ISBN 44 page chapbook at $7.95
The Patron Saint of Lost and Found is aptly named. Lost memories, feelings, and hopes are found
within the pages of this chapbook Some old memories are raw, still painful, while others shine
with hopes fulfilled. Taken as a whole, the author struck a thoughtful balance.
In "War", he speaks of the Viet Nam era as both extension and reflection of pre-existing
truths.
"We didn't need the Viet Nam War
where I was growing up.
We had it, but we didn't need it.
We had plenty hate to go around."
"Orbison" evokes bittersweet memories of the night this author's brother died, when he hears
music of that time - Crying by Roy Orbison.
"Last time I think about it
we're on the way out the cafe door
back into that same cool night air
my brother died in
and I was all right, for awhile."
And again, in "The Visit", he writes of an imaginary late night visit from his long dead brother.
Even after more than three decades, the pain of loss is sharp, the effect haunting and cryptic..
"My heart was torn in two
to look at him.
He looked like he'd been homeless since he left."
In "A Blessing for My Mother", Mr. Kosmicki has the last word by skillfully transforming
dysfunction into a blessing.
"....spent years trying
to drink myself into oblivion, didn't
know how to talk to girls
or how to converse with my friends
but with you I always
had to have the last word.
This is the last word.
The word is a blessing."
Greg Kosmicki's poems are plain spoken, erudite. You won't have to ponder his meanings or get
lost in a maze of meaningless words. He says what he thinks, what he feels. In The Patron Saint of
Lost and Found, he shares his strengths as both man and poet.
Greg Kosmicki is editor of The Backwaters Press in Omaha Nebraska. For my bookshelf this
month on MBR Bookwatch I have reviewed several of his poets and authors. As a published poet
himself, I thought it might be interesting to get his perspective as both publisher and
published.
LJ for MBR: Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Greg. I appreciate your time. How long has
Backwaters Press been in existence and what gave you the idea to establish a small press?
Greg: I have always been interested in books since I became a poet. When I first started being
encouraged by Greg Kuzma to write poems in 1973, I couldn't imagine that one day I would have
poems that I wrote, in a book. It all seemed so magical and otherworldly. It was when I became
friends with Greg, after taking a couple writing classes from him at UNL, and coincidentally
moving to a farm outside of Crete, where his house is located, that I first became aware of fine
letterpress books and the idea of making books. I have come to like books as objects, as
things-in-themselves, for their very bookness. I do not like to read things on a screen though I do
all day long at work and all night long at home, I like to read from a book. An object that you can
hold in your hand. A thing that you can give to someone dear to you. Something that has heft, and
has its own odors, and its own sounds. Something that takes up space in the real world, and that
gets dust and snot and coffee on it, and doesn't stop working because of that. Something that has
ideas stored in it that you can take with you wherever you go, that doesn't need electricity to
operate, that you can mark with your own ideas and thoughts, that you can lose and find again. I
just like books.
Greg used to have this ancient monolithic hand-operated press in his basement and his press, The
Best Cellar Press, printed a widely respected little magazine called Pebble, and also a series of
chapbooks. They were all beautiful, made with fine papers and each one with the lettering
impressed into the paper so that the chapbooks themselves were works of art, as well as the
poems. There were also a couple other "little magazines" being edited and published in the
Lincoln area at that time: The New Salt Creek Reader by Ted Kooser and Saltillo by Bill
Kloefkorn. Every time I'd stumble across someone's new book or chapbook or a new issue of a
magazine, it was just wonderful. I treasured each one of them I received and read them over and
over. The fresh words were just magic. So I always had the idea in mind that I wanted to start a
press, and years later, I decided to take the leap and publish a manuscript by Jack Collom, from
Boulder, called "Entering the City". I had the manuscript around for about eight years (really) and
was getting ready to return it to Jack but before I did I wanted to read it once again. It was so
good I decided to publish it and asked Jack if he was OK with that and it turned into a fun project
and learning experience. The coolest thing about this book is that Jack had lost all the poems from
his days teaching poets-in-the-schools in NYC, which is when these poems were written, and so it
was great to be able to save them into print.
LJ for MBR: So far I've read several books of poetry and one fiction novel published by
Backwaters Press. As a small press, do you welcome unsolicited manuscripts or do you prefer to
hand pick work by authors you already know?
Greg: As it stands right now, the only work that I read is work that I have asked people to give
me, or that comes to the press through the annual contest that the press runs for a
manuscript-length collection of poems. If the press ever becomes able to pay its own way, I plan
to look at any manuscripts that come to the press, as Lone Willow Press does, here in Omaha.
Fred Zydek, the editor there, says that he receives eight to ten manuscripts a week, unsolicited.
Figure that up: that's a lot of manuscripts! Right now I've got plenty to keep me busy. I've put a
moratorium on publishing fiction because I can only do so much.
LJ for MBR: What criteria do you use when accepting or rejecting submissions?
Greg: I hope to find the best writing that I can. I like poems that were written to be like life rafts
for the poet, rather than ones that are more like finger exercises for the poet as craftsman. There
is good writing in both, but the former has more of a sense of urgency, which tends to
supercharge the poems for me. I like poems like Emily Dickinson said she liked, that, roughly
paraphrased, "take the top of your head off". Don't ask me what that means because I can't
explain it which is maybe where that strange indefinable inner life comes from that those kinds
of poems seem to have, like a tornado cloud has that blue-green tint, or horseradish has that tang.
Where's that stuff come from? You don't know, but you know it's there.
LJ for MBR: Several of your published works have been award winners, and submissions to your
press are also evaluated for awards. Tell us about the Nebraska Center for the Book Award; the
Backwaters Prize; and the Omaha Prize.
Greg: The only award I ever won for my own writing was the one from the Nebraska Arts
Council a couple years ago. It was a cash award and I really appreciated it. The books that the
press has published have done well with the Nebraska Book Awards: Marjorie Saiser's first book,
"Bones of a Very Fine Hand" won the best poetry award from the Nebraska Center for the book,
and her second, "Lost in Seward County" was a runner-up the next year. Robert Richter's
"Homefield:Sonata in Rural Voice", which is a novel set in western Nebraska, won two years ago
for cover design. I think it was the Massey-Harris red and yellow on the cover and the blue sky in
the picture that won it. Recently, the winning book from The Backwaters Prize contest from
2001, "The Laugh We Make When We Fall", by Susan Firer of Wisconsin, was the runner-up for
the best book of poetry in Wisconsin from that year. So the press hasn't done too shabbily.
LJ for MBR: For a small press, your books are quite reasonably priced and are available on
Amazon.com. You are not a print on demand publisher. Tell us about the printing and distribution
process you use.
Greg: I use a Nebraska-based printer, Morris Publishing in Kearney. They are a "short run"
publisher, and to keep costs low, they have a somewhat limited selection in, say, book sizes, but
they do decent work at a reasonable price. There are probably at least a hundred printers like that
in the US, if not a thousand, but I bumped into them when I first started the press and have stayed
with them since.
As for distribution, I don't have much of a process, if you mean a distribution chain, etc. I rely on
the authors, most of whom are only too excited to get a book published, to go out and sell their
books by doing readings. If that doesn't happen, there's not a whole lot that I can do because most
people don't go to the bookstore looking for a book by one of the authors that my press has
published because most of them are only known locally, wherever they're from. Few writers,
especially poets, have such name recognition that their books will be picked up and sold by the
national chains, but the local independent bookstores such as Lee Booksellers in Lincoln, and The
Bookworm and Soul Desires in Omaha have been just fantastic in supporting local presses such as
mine. Trying to get books into the big chain stores seems difficult if not impossible. It may seem
like a lot of poets are represented in the major chain bookstores, but their selection is just the tip
of the iceberg, literally, and there are almost no small presses represented at the major bookstores.
There are some, like Copper Canyon Press or Black Sparrow, that are carried by the chains, but
they are the exceptions, and their output, incredible as it seems in comparison to my press, is
nothing by NY book publishing standards. When a New York publisher has a novel that "only"
sells ten thousand copies, they consider it to be a failure and remainder it. If my press sold even
two thousand copies of a book, I'd have a heart attack and you'd have to carry me off the stage.
It's also been really tough for me to get distribution through the distributors that are set up
specifically to sell small press books. Don't know why. I was really excited that Book Source in
St. Louis has agreed to carry "Times of Sorrow/Times of Grace" the anthology of writing by
Great Plains women that came out last September, for distribution to bookstores. Then I've got to
get out there and try and get the books into the stores locally, which is another part of the jobs
that a small press publisher does in the jack-of-all-trades role of editor/publisher/promoter/fund
raiser/gopher, etc. It's fun, but taxing. The press' books are listed in R.R.Bowker's "Books in
Print", so stores and libraries can always reference that source to obtain books directly from the
press, and they do.
LJ for MBR: You list "Friends of Backwaters Press" in the front of each book you publish. Are
you a subsidy publisher? A royalty paying publisher?
Greg: I had several people who really believed in me, just as a person I think, and in what the
press is trying to do, and they donated various sums of money to help the press. It was quite a
nice bit of money and some people were very generous. Of course that money was spent in about
28 minutes, but I wanted to honor those people by listing them in each book the press published.
When I figured out that I wasn't going to try and make the press into a non-profit press, so I really
can't be asking people for donations because, well, businesses don't ask for donations, only
non-profits do. Of course, I am still non-profit, but not on purpose.
The press pays the winner of The Backwaters Prize a thousand dollar prize and publication, plus
10 copies of the book and the opportunity to buy as many of their books as they would like from
the press at my cost plus two dollars. The thousand dollars is usually looked at as "Cash payment
in lieu of royalties." No one the press publishes is obligated to buy any books, but as I noted
before, that's about the only way that a writer will get the word out about himself or
herself doing readings so most of the people I've published are extremely interested in getting
out and barnstorming for their books. I do have some people I've published who just aren't "into"
that though, so I've got a lot of their books in my garage.
A subsidy publisher is a publisher who will publish any book anyone sends to them, because the
writer pays them to publish the book and the publisher doesn't really care what the book's
contents are all about, or about the quality of the writing. That doesn't mean that subsidy
publishing is "bad" but that's the reality of it. A man who would later become a National Book
Award and Pulitzer Prize winner, A.R. Ammons, self-published his first book. The incredibly odd
and gifted poet Russell Edson self-published his first three books. Jack Collom is known
throughout his circle of friends for the quirkily beautiful handmade books of poems with which he
occasionally graces our mailboxes. The writer pays the printer to publish his or her book: that's
subsidy. Self-publishing is about the same thing, but you do it yourself. For my money, if I were
going to go that route, I'd just start my own press and go to a printer and cut out the middleman.
Who needs them?
LJ for MBR: We've heard about Greg Kosmicki the publisher and editor. I know you are also a
poet and a Social Worker. Tell us about your other endeavors, including your own publishing
history.
Greg: I started sending out poems to literary or "little" magazines as an undergrad, in about 1975,
with Greg Kuzma's encouragement, and just had some silly blind luck, getting some poems
published in really tough magazines to get accepted by. I have never sent a cover letter with
poems, unless I happen to know the editor, and even then I don't like to take the time to write
something on the computer, and so I don't write much because my handwriting is illegible to all
but me and so I have to write big loopy letters so that people can read them if handwritten. So it
takes a couple sheets of paper just to say "Here's some poems for you to read" and "We have had
bad weather in Omaha and I've had my poems published in Doo Dah and Scrumbleink". I don't
send cover letters because I want the poems to speak for themselves, and I still get published
when I send poems out, but it seems a lot more difficult to get published now than it was when I
first started to publish in magazines in the 'Seventies. Most editors and junior readers at 99.998%
of all magazines have never heard of me, so my poems go in there cold just like anyone's, they
have to make their own way. Of course, maybe my poems aren't as risky and weird and bold as
they were twenty or thirty years ago. Many poets have published 50 to a thousand times (literally)
more than I have done in magazines. But I set out to try and get a lot of books published back in
the late 'Nineties, and I have been successful at that, for whatever that's worth, having had a book
or chapbook published every year since 1997, except last year. I have two coming out this year.
But they're all local presses so I am still your basic unknown poet, no different than the other ten
or twenty thousand unknown poets in the US, sitting around with paper bags over our heads
hoping some great and powerful editor will smile down upon us and pluck us from the deserts of
obscurity in which we dwell in eternal thirst with lizards and snakes and cacti and odd little secret
dreams of glass. My secret objective in getting published is to get a full-time job teaching creative
writing somewhere. It can even be in Council Bluffs, I don't care. Unfortunately, since I graduated
with my MA in English, there have been approximately thirty thousand certified poets graduate
each year with MFA's in Creative Writing in hand, a list of influential poets backing them, and
friends at Poets & Writers. So
I do the social work job I do because it's more congruent with my personality than other jobs I've
had such as driving for UPS. Though the job at UPS gave me material for a full-length book of
poems, I still have nightmares about delivering packages to this very day. Had one just two nights
ago. They're not really frightening, but I am trapped in this package car (that's what they call their
trucks) full of packages to be delivered, and it's always way late in the day and I'm desperate
because I haven't delivered even one package yet and I just can't get it to going, and I'm lost, and
it's getting dark and I haven't even made my first stop, and I can't figure anything out about the
route I'm running, I can't even recognize the street I'm on or the stores I stop before. In other
words, my dreams are just like it really was! Anyway, I quit that in 1988 and we moved to
Omaha, where both my wife Debbie and I have been involved in one sort of social work or
another since.
LJ for MBR: On your website you have a link to the Association of Writers and Writing
Programs. Do you recommend such associations or find them helpful for writers?
Greg: Absolutely. They are great for support. The point is, though, to writing, is that you have to
write. And if you're going to be any good, if it's going to have any value to you in your life, if it's
going to actually mean anything and not just be something you do to be cultivated, you have to
have to write, or the little that you do write if you're worried about organizations and that sort of
stuff will all be academic eh-eh. And only you will be able to find out whether you have to write
or not. You can tell only after you do it, and start, and stop, and come back to it, and abandon it,
and think about it day and night, and read about it, and read other people's writing about it, and
read other people's writing, and get the top of your head blown off once in a while, and quit, and
start up again, and do it late at night or early in the morning or whenever you can, and not worry
about it if you go for a while without doing it, and worry about it all the time if you go a while
without doing it, and find yourself finding ways to frame what's going on right now in your life
into a poem or a story, and not feel right with the world if you don't write about it, and don't care
if you can't function at work because you were up all night writing, and well, you get the
picture. But those organizations are very helpful. You just have to remember what it is that makes
you a poet or a writer.
LJ for MBR: Other poets I know participate in poetry readings. I notice the Omaha area has many
readings scheduled. Do you or the poets published by you do readings?
Greg: This is referred to extensively earlier. Some do, some don't. I like to give readings. I don't
like slams. I don't like competition and sports stadium-The Guy Show-like conduct associated
with poems. I don't like showmanship and showing off. Though I don't mind acting stupid and do
sometimes, just not when I'm reading poems. Usually. My family will tell you that I actually can't
control acting stupid. But I think that our entire country is inundated with those sorts of scenes
and happenings and we need times to be quiet and reflective in groups like at a poetry reading
or at a symphony. To be somewhere that something's happening that's real and not hype. But
that's just me lots of people get a big charge out of slams and competition readings and if that's
how they relate to their internal world, more power to 'em. It's better by far than to have them
grow up to become right-wingers and trust in evil men and go out and kill people whose cultures
they don't understand.
LJ for MBR: Is there any question you wish I had asked or any information you would like to
share with our readers?
Greg: Are you serious? Give these poor people a break!
LJ for MBR: I appreciate your time, Greg. Thanks so much. Learn more about The Backwaters
Press at their website.
www.thebackwaterspress.homestead.com
Laurel Johnson
Reviewer
Diana's Bookshelf
Lily: A Story Of Love
Marilyn Stuart
1st Books Library
www.1stbooks.com
ISBN # 1403392684 (e-book)
ISBN # 1403392692 (Paperback)
ISBN # 1403392706 (Dust Jacket)
$19.95
Powerful in everyway a book should be, Lily, by Marilyn Stuart, is powerfully written; with
powerful characters wrapped tightly in a powerful plot.
Lily Halston made choices. True, they might have been ones that would make life better for
herself and her daughter; ones she felt would please everyone. Most of all, however, they were
choices made putting aside her own feelings, based on what would be best for others. But now, all
that is changing.
The return of her first and only love, Edmund Vilante, a man her mother never wanted her to
love, a man who left town but never her heart, threatens to expose more than just, what felt to her
like, unrequited love. With each page read, the desire to see them talk about and get past what
was essentially a misunderstanding grew to immense proportions.
Despite her efforts not to see Edmund, Lily finds herself confronted with him because he is not
only her husbands' childhood friend, but also her brother's friend and daughter's professor. Fate
seems to be forcing them to face the ghosts of the past, and ultimately each other.
Lily is quite possibly the strongest female character I have read this year, faced with dark secrets,
true love, illness, and a tangled web of lies unraveling beyond her control, leaving her heart
exposed in the wake.
In this novel you get the rare treat of deeply caring for the character. It is a hard book to put
down, simply because you need to know how she will deal with each situation as it is posed to
her. It is a true emotional ride where I found myself so totally engrossed in this novel I actually
held Lily in my thoughts hoping for the best since it raises hard questions about love, life, and
family.
Marilyn Stuart accomplishes the next to impossible task of telling a story in way that you forget it
is being told. Her characters become flesh as she masterfully lays their story out for the world to
see. It is easy to lose yourself in her words, and in the world of her rich characters.
If you seek a powerful story that is sure to stir emotions and touch your heart, you must read Lily:
A Story Of Love.
After reading the novel there is only one question left: when will we be graced with the literary
talent of Marilyn Stuart next?
Clownwhite: A Comedy of Horrors
K.K. (Ken Kupstis)
1st Books Library
www.1stbooks.com
ISBN # 0759681228 $21.95
Edgy dark humor at its finest describes Clownwhite by K.K. AKA Ken Kupstis. Are you looking
for a good horror novel? Do you want to be laughing while feeling the urge to turn on the lights
to chase the shadows away? You will find it all between the covers of this deliciously dark
story.
A series of nightmares shared by the populace provide only a glimpse of what is in store for the
citizens of the town of Meridian. Even nature itself screams out several simultaneous cries of
danger, which are foolishly ignored. But now it is too late-the Circus has arrived-and believe me,
we are not talking Ringling Brothers.
Henry Voulkos, the local party clown, is not a very nice man by any standard. He is a drunk, a
child abuser, and generally just a miserable person. The time has come for him to repay a debt to
one of the best villains I have seen in a long time- Malice, one of Hell's most ruthless and feared
tormentors.
Colin Shepard, a struggling stand up comedian, is returning home in an effort to patch up things
with his family. Unfortunately, he arrives in time to see them all dead, bathed in a blanket of fresh
blood. Now the chase is on as he and the local police try to come to grips with the ghastly
murders and find the one responsible for the crime.
The multiple murders are bad enough, but it doesn't stop there; there is much more at work than
what is on the surface. Malice has been watching and waiting, and is at last ready for the show to
begin.
K.K. is a master of good old-fashioned horror, and brings with him a dark comedic quality that
breathes life into the genre. His story telling is aggressive and well paced, and I want to stress this
again; this is a true page-turner that will have you laughing hysterically one minute, then looking
over your shoulder in fear the next.
K.K. is an author to be watched. Get your copy now and you too will understand why he is sure
to rise to the top of the horror field, providing his readers with chills and chuckles along the
way.
Raising Kids In An Age Of Terror
C. Brian Silver
iUniverse
2021 Pine Lake Road, Suit 100, Lincoln NE 68512
www.iuniverse.com
ISBN # 0595263984 $13.95
In Raising Kids In An Age Of Terror, author C. Brian Silver answers the questions many
Americans have had since the news on September 11 was first broadcast. It is a hard and scary
topic to think about, and one hardly knows how to react when faced with both the questions our
kids ask, and how best to protect them from harm.
From the opening, you can feel his passion and desire to know just what needs to be accomplished
in order to secure our way of life. He has done the work that so few of us have the time or
inclination to do-ask questions. With no answer forthcoming, he pushed further in his pursuit of
knowledge. Not only does the book give you invaluable advice on what to do, but also taken a
step further, actually showing you the causes of these acts and history into past events, to better
help you thinks and act with reason and purpose. This is an invaluable tool for parents,
Americans, and humans worldwide, as no one is safe from the threat of terrorism.
In these pages, you will also find detailed information on a number or related topics. When you
watch the news now, you will be aware of the different types of attacks or weapons that you and
your family could possibly face. After reading the guide, you will know what is meant when the
government issues a statement to 'be vigilant,' and what the different levels threat conditions
mean.
Not only does he encourage you to take an active role as a citizen but also provides you with the
necessary contact information and advice on how to do so, with contacts also given for whom to
notify should you feel the need to take shelter and are not sure how are where to begin.
As an adult the threats are disturbing, as a parent the threats are horrifying. Now imagine the
threats through the eyes of your children. There will be hard questions to answer and they will
turn to you for those answers. With the information contained in this book, you will be armed
with the strongest weapon of all-knowledge.
Thank you C. Brian Silver, for your time, passion, and compassion. You have given a wonderful
gift with this work and it is my opinion that this book should be a staple in every household,
however sad that might be.
Trysts
Steve Berman
Lethe Press
102 Heritage Avenue Maple Shade, NJ 08052
www.lethepress.com
ISBN # 159021000X $13.00
Sexy chic is a good description for the writing style in this collection of thirteen short stories
entitled Trysts, however not all encompassing of what you will find. While each story is unique,
they all contain a classy erotic tone that is sure to have readers hanging on every word. Author
Steve Berman has a unique voice and style, which in my opinion is what has been missing from
the gay fiction, as well as the dark fantasy markets.
Yes, you read that right, erotic, gay, dark, fantasy, all combined into a stunning combination
skillfully created by someone with such a clear mastery of the written word. The supernatural,
when mixed with the most tasteful and highly erotic touches, as it is here, will leave you lying in
bed wondering if you should run from or toward the things that go bump in the night. While it
may take great skill to make a story leave you feeling a little uneasy, it takes even more skill to
leave you feeling uneasy and aroused. I should note that despite not all of the stories having a
strong erotic element, I think perhaps the style and innuendo displayed herein enables them all to
be very 'moving' in that manner.
Usually when I review a collection I mention my favorite story; I have two in this case.
Left Alone, albeit one of the shorter stories in the collection, is probably the most powerful with
the imagery and passion infected in the passages being utterly astounding. I felt privileged to be a
part of one of the yearly visits Dave made to his ghostly lover. To want something that wholly
with your entire essence is a beautiful thing indeed.
Finn's Night is a story of a gambler and his young companion. Two things made me really enjoy
this story; Huck is, and always will be, my favorite bad boy, and the end took my thoughts to very
interesting places after reading the last sentence.
This is a collection where every story will leave you wanting more, and when you reach lucky
number thirteen, your heart will be racing, you will be breathing deep slow breaths, and looking
forward to your next tryst.
If you are looking for a collection of the strange and sublime, you will find it in Trysts. Turn down
the lights, make yourself comfortable, and join Steve Berman in his passionate and beautifully
quirky mind.
Night of the Witches: The Bocor
Don Festge
Rhapsody Publishing
14027 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33168
ISBN # 0966723228 $4.99
The intensity started with The Beginnings and continues with The Bocor, the second part of the
young adult series Night of the Witches by Don Festge, and I couldn't wait to read it.
Damiana, once a sweet young girl, is now well on her way to being a powerful voodoo master as
a student under the most respected and feared voodoo priest in the West Indies, the Bocor. Her
need to understand and perfect her craft is fueled by the desire to cast revenge on her enemy El
Jefe who, in the first part, made her suffer in an unspeakable manner at his hands. At the
plantation, she feels more at ease with the slaves and is quickly welcomed into their lives. Her
friendship with a young slave girl, Marie, intensifies. All is going well, the gods welcome her as
easily as they welcome the slave people that worship them, granting her powers in the process.
But as always with power comes fear. Moreover, it's the fear of her new power that sets into
motion a betrayal that will forever mark her life.
The subplot that began in Book 1 continues as Damiana recounts her story to the young man she
has captured. He is still on his back, tied to a table, unaware of what the future holds in store for
him as she prepares for a ceremony.
Both plots intertwine in a manner that flows smoothly in each transition. The pacing and
anticipation of what will happen next make this a page-turner perfect for young adult and adult
readers alike.
The character development is superb. Your opinion of Damiana flips from sorrow and
understanding to distaste as you try to figure out what really drives her, and what her character
holds deep in her soul. The young man's predicament weighs heavy on your heart as you, just like
him, want to know why he is here, and what will become of him once the preparations are
completed.
With his first novel in the series and now with Night of the Witches: The Bocor, author Don
Festge has created an intriguing tale filled with rich detail and well-rounded characters. Every
quality that can be stated about a well-written book can be found here. The pacing makes the
story effortless to read, allowing you to truly become lost in his writing as you watch the story
unfold.
I am eagerly awaiting the release of part three and recommend that anyone who hasn't already
done so, pick up the first two parts, and join me in my quest to find out what happens to the
captive young man and what is at the heart of the young girl turned bitter witch, Damiana.
Stereo Sanctity
Mike E. Purfield
Publish America
P.O. Box 151 Frederick, MD 21705-0151
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN # 1592861237 $19.95
What is real? There is a thin and very faint line that separates true and imagined; would you be
able to tell when you crossed that line? Just how do we determine where reality ends and
imagination begins? Mike Purfield, in his novel Stereo Sanctity, will have you wondering those
questions as he drags you kicking and screaming into the life of Daryl Hersh.
Daryl Hersh, just as Danny Shields eleven years earlier, has issues with sleepwalking. But it
doesn't stop there; they have both seen 'the beings'.
At first Daryl finds them sweet and angelic in nature, almost a comfort to have them watching
over him as he sleeps. However, very suddenly, they turn to demons which seem to take special
pleasure in his torment. But are they really hurting him or is he doing it to himself?
It is in the hunt for a cure in which the fun begins. Yet still, you cannot help but question just
what is real. Is the 'clinic' helping Daryl, or are they part of his problem? Are the answers he needs
find that will stop the torment locked away in his own mind? Perhaps something deeply locked
away in his forgotten past?
Mike Purfield's style is fresh and blunt, sure to please even the most jaded horror reader. He is
clear, crisp, shocking, and yes, at times, deliciously explicit. I have never read anything quite like
this before, with his fast pacing making it a true pleasure to read.
The characters are superbly written with none of the softening often seen in novels. They become
alive and draw you into the problems they face no matter how unreal the situation may seem.
It is clear that this author loves to tell a good story and in so tells the story well. The genre needs
more. I need more.
I highly recommend you dim the lights, strap in and find your own answers to the questions of
reality and personal demons.
Diana Bennett
Reviewer
Interview With Mike Purfield Author of Stereo Sanctity
Bennett: Hey Mike thanks for coming and welcome.
Purfield: No problem, thank you for having me.
Bennett: How early can you recall writing as a part of your life?
Purfield: Maybe as early as 15 yrs old, but back then I didn't want to be a writer, I want to be a
F/X artist. My first written project was for a writing contest, but I didn't win.
Bennett: When did you get serious about your writing?
Purfield: I think when I was 18, and had graduated High School. I was going to The School of
Visual Arts for their film school, so writing was a big deal, and I had to show samples. Before
then, I just did it for fun, wrote five scripts or something like that, but then I had to use my
writing to prove I was worthy to be an artist to other people, which seems serious. Getting into
film school was serious business.
Bennett: And have you always leaned toward horror?
Purfield: I guess, I do consider myself as a horror writer, but people tell me I'm much more. I
think I developed another genre, not to sound to pretentious, but I have heard people laughing
about what I write, and are surprised of how serious I can be, as well as scary. Weird. I do love
horror, but I also love drama and comedy, whichever way that tells the story best.
Bennett: I agree there is a very dark satire taste to your style.
Purfield: My Mom says I have a soap opera flavor.
Bennett: Who are your influences?
Purfield: In literature? Robert McCammon, S.P. Somtow, Clive Barker, Roddy Doyle, James
Joyce, Poppy Brite, Kathe Koja, but I'm not sure how much they influence me. I feel as an artist, I
have to have my own voice; maybe in the beginning it is smart to imitate those people, but
hopefully I had developed my own ME. Ya know?
Bennett: Oh yes, you do have a very unique voice, where did you draw inspiration for such a
reality-bending concept?
Purfield: My life. (Laughs) I don't know, my brain is weird, my family is weird, and life is weird.
Plus, I think it has to do with my desire for not being bored. You know, writing things you want
to read or filming things you want to see. With every thing I write, I do try to take some of
myself with it, try to be honest and express that emotion or idea that I had felt.
Bennett: When you created The Beings, what were you hoping readers would take away from the
book with them?
Purfield: I never thought about how people would take The Beings. The Beings are real to me,
only because I have seen them all my life, more as a child. Freaky deaky, right. But, as far as the
book is concerned, I thought they were like guardians when Daryl was lonely, and they were there
to watch and protect him. So maybe I'm hoping The Beings would open people eyes into
believing that they might have someone watching out for them- that when you feel like you are
alone, you aren't, and even though you can't see them, they are there.
Bennett: So you have seen your own beings, are they as disturbing?
Purfield: Not at all. I get scared when I see them, only because they surprised me, but I never felt
harm from them, mostly they stand and I see them for a moment. My book Stereo Sanctity is an
exaggeration of a single second of a moment of my life. I guess one day I thought about if they
went bad, and from there wrote the novel. Who knows if they are real, I see so many things in my
sleep, who knows?
Bennett: Do you ever see them in your awake moments?
Purfield: No, never. I'm sure there is a scientific explanation for why I see them. I think I would
be in trouble if I saw them in waking life.
Bennett: Perhaps but it is very interesting nevertheless. Character, prose, or plot? Which do you
feel is more important and why?
Purfield: All are important, but I guess character would have to be at the very top. Writing a book
is like going on a road trip across the country. If you like the person, it is going to be an
emotional ride when obstacles are thrown in the way. If they suck, then you're gonna want to get
out of the car at the next rest stop and go home.
Bennett: Daryl is a very well developed character; what emotion did you hope your readers would
feel for him?
Purfield: Thanks; I'm never sure about my characters. What emotion: empathy? Somehow
understanding his point of view, which I think is what anyone does when writing a novel, sucks
you in and gets you, the reader, in the character's heads. Is empathy an emotion? (Laughs)
Bennett: I would thinks so, yes, and I would also say that you have created a character in which
people will feel for, nice work.
Purfield: Thanks, that means a lot. I think I overdid it with the set up, but I also feel it was
important.
Bennett: It wasn't overdone it was necessary to the story. Is there anything you would change
about the book?
Purfield: I thought so too, the relationship with Daryl and Belinda was important to me, and if we
didn't travel in their shoes, everything after the catalyst wouldn't have that strong of an impact.
And I wouldn't change anything, it fit so perfect for me, I said all I had to say with that kind of
story, I wouldn't have published it if I thought it need changes.
Bennett: So what's next for you?
Purfield: I wrote a short novel (35k words) with Jenny Orosel called SLOWDIVE, which
publishers are reading even as we speak; it would be good to get a contract by the end of the
summer. I also finished the second book of the Page and Sam series (the two kids from my first
book, Dirty Boots) and I'm shopping that around. Writing shorts, reviewing books, maybe write
another novel next year, see how I feel.
Bennett: That is quite a full plate
Purfield: I guess.
Bennett: Is there anything else you want to say about Stereo Sanctity?
Purfield: Just that it is the most original novel you can read, I am proud to say that there is
nothing out there like it, and with any luck I will never be that good again. I don't think there is
any book out there that messes with your mind so much.
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
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