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MBR Bookwatch

Volume 1, Number 5 December 2002 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Bogstad's Bookshelf Kaveny's Bookshelf Laurel's Bookshelf

Shirley's Bookshelf Cindy Penn's Bookshelf Klausner's Bookshelf

Donovan's Bookshelf

Bogstad's Bookshelf
For this month's "MRB Bookwatch" I am going to talk about travel to distant places, and some of them I have yet to visit. The locations are largely on and around the burial places of Egyptian Kings and dignitaries of the ancient civilizations of the Pharaohs, but at a time that, while somewhat distant from our own, and are not all that long ago.I am referring here to the Amelia Peabody series by the multi-pseudonymous and prolific writer identified for the purposes of her mystery fiction as Elizabeth Peters.

I became addicted to this series, even though I read very few mystery novels, many years ago when I read the first volume in an old, ratty paperback. To date I have four copies of The Crocodile on the Sandbank, as I am frequently loaning it for extended periods of time (but no the hardback edition I have added to my collection of later volumes.) The most recent, with a 2002 publication date, is "The Golden One," and, as soon as I acquired it in hardback first edition (signed) at the Kalamazoo Medieval Congress in May of 2002, (a local bookstore sets up a mystery and fantasy bookstall every year for this congress as many fantasy writers attend to discuss the historical sources for their works), I devoured it's 429 pages to the exclusion of all else on my reading list, which, for me, is an alarming confession as I generally have dozes of Science Fiction, romance, cross-genre, period mystery, literary and feminist theory, Chinese fiction and history, etc. (you get the idea) on my urgent list. No practical voice about what I SHOULD be doing with my time can keep me from reading the most recent Peters novel.

So, it's not just the fact that the currently fourteen novels are set in Egypt from the late 19th century through 1917. This chronologically produced set of novels offers the reader a plethora of excitements. First, because it is chronological, one can follow the adventures of Amelia, her friends, and eventually her family and her friends' families, through time just like the adventures of any growing family. By 1914, her one and only son, Ramses (with a son like Ramses a mother hasn't time for much else) and their adoptive daughter, Nephrite have grown up and taken up their life's work. I don't intend to tell you more than that as I want you to enjoy the novels AND the suspense of wondering what will happen to them, but if you want to know where Nephrite came from, read The Last Camel Died and Noon about six books back in the series from The Golden One. She and her unlikely husband, the invented Egyptologist, Radcliffe Emerson, have established a long-standing if stormy relationship of colleagues and lovers, and more family members have been added through recognition and rescue.

Second, Amelia herself (or maybe this should have been first) is a most wondrous character after every over-thirties woman's heart. In Crocodile, she begins her love affair with Egypt itself after having spent her late-Victorian youth and young womanhood taking care of an invalid father, who, as a result, left her with a considerable amount of money. Like many of the real Victorian-period women you can read about now in such books as Victorian Women Travel Writers in Africa, On Top of the World, Women Travelers in China, Amelia sets off alone, against the protests of her older brother, to see the wonders of Egypt during the very period when such well-known real Egyptologists like Sir Howard Carter, are beginning their excavations. She meets a young women who has been lured away from her proper English family by a 'scoundrel' and then abandoned when her money runs out. Amelia, however, for some reason possesses a great deal of sympathy, and none of the disdain for those less fortunate than herself that one would expect of a woman of her day. She rescues this suffering young women, they become good friends and traveling companions, and after a brief period of recovery, the two of them set out to really SEE Egypt of the late 19th century. From this enticing and startling beginning a develops a series of adventures that bring Amelia and her dear young friend in contact with the determined group of male Egyptologists, real and imaginary, who are responsible for the many excavations and scholarly pursuits that have lead to our knowledge and veneration of this ancient civilization still strong today.

So, the novels are enjoyable because Amelia is an uncommon woman. Not the least because she rescues another woman in need, but also because she speaks often of the few illusions she has bout her own 28-year-old face and figure. The fact that she assumes she will never marry is refreshing. The fact that she has firmly decided on some very different and very unusual activities for her potentially conventional and restrictive life is even more engaging. And the fact that many of her expectations about herself and her future are just as firmly overturned by the end of the first novel and throughout is delightful.

You see, when they go to look at the 'real' ancient Egypt which can be found in the excavations of such places as Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, etc., they run into a couple of young (or youngish) brothers who, whilst they would deny it, need their help. And while Amelia detests the elder of them, Radcliffe Emerson, and he her, repeatedly, vociferously and vocally, for most of the rest of the first novel, by the end She and Radcliffe and his brother Walter and her young female friend are married.

This is her first surprise. She and Radcliffe, who calls her Peabody when speaking with affection, are equally admiring of each other and devoted together to 'real' Egyptology. Their ongoing and often humorous relationship would be enough to sustain interest through several novels. However, when their son Ramses, an enterprising and brilliant, as well as firmly determined youngster, is added to the mix, there are no end to the potential adventures. And Ramses gets his way regardless of his mother's and father's many attempts to protect, restrain or otherwise moderate his behavior. In most ways, in fact, he's just like his father until immediate post-puberty alerts him to the strains this causes for is otherwise unflappable mother.

Now Radcliffe himself is a marvelous, outspoken (loud spoken) genius who is beyond repair. He's equally fascinating, but always seen through Amelia's eyes, in his passion for his excavations and artifacts and equally vocal and critical about the stumbling incompetence of others. The family's many trips back to Egypt from England, where they often spend the summer days which would be too unbearably hot at their excavations, allow us to read more about Carter, the regrettable translator Budge, the legitimate and illegitimate antiquities business as it develops in Egypt at the turn of the century, but also the larger social issues of the day such as Women's Suffrage and World War I. These novels are carefully historically grounded so that real historical events and characters inform the lives of the fictional characters. Therefore, while unlikely, none of their adventures are impossible and most would be interesting simply as historical fiction. However, you remember no doubt that these are marketed as mystery novels. And they certainly are.

Yet another dimension to Peters' Amelia Peabody (Emerson) series is that Amelia is inadvertently a very successful detective, solving a varied series of murders, usually but not always, one per season, which often involve the endangerment of her self, and her family. Not that they couldn't get into danger all by themselves, as is also demonstrated over and over in the novels. Ramses, for example, finds himself in his first serious fix, possible entombed for the rest of his short life, at age four. Emerson is forever being conked on the head, stuffed into tombs, shot, speared, and otherwise physically jeopardized. Amelia suffers some of these insults to her person, many of which she knowingly provokes. But both of them, and Ramses, and others of their ever-widening entourage, also rescue each other in heroic and sometimes wildly silly escapades. They rescue others such as a half-adopted young Egyptian boy David, who is about Ramses' age, and Sennia, an illegitimate young relative.

As you can tell, there is much meat for adventure, character development, increasing of one's knowledge base, and just plain fun in these period mystery novels. Perhaps I should also mention some of the more traditionally literary accomplishments of this author. Such as the fact that she has carefully crafted the narratives as if they are being compiled by another hand from the actual diaries of Amelia. And then, later in the series when the adventures of the adult Ramses and Nephrite could not logically have come from that set of 'discovered diaries', she creates a second set from which to draw their adventures.In addition to adding a viewpoint, this second set of diaries allows the author to create a narrator who is more knowing than ANY of the characters and allow the reader explore ramifications of multiple adventures in relation to one another. I have only been able to suggest the richness of these fourteen novels, but in explaining my own interest in them, I've discovered I want to start reading them all over again from the beginning as we can't reasonably expect another installment for at least a few months into 2003.

For those who want to know about the whole series, they are, in this order: Crocodile in the Sandbank, The Curse of the Pharaohs, The Mummy Case, The Lion in the Valley, The Deeds of the Disturber, The Late Camel Died at Noon, The Snake, The crocodile & The Dog, The Hippopotamus Pool, Seeing a Large Cat, the Ape Who guards the balance, The falcon at the Portal, He Shall Thunder in the Sky, Lord of the Silent and The Golden One

Dr. Janice M. Bogstad
International Editor
Midwest Book Review

Kaveny's Bookshelf
A History of "The Madison Review of Books", 1975-1980.

My editor and chief James Andrew Cox assures me that there are no page counts in cyberspace. Therefore I will take him at his word and proceed with this month's Kaveny's Bookshelf. It will be organized along three major themes. The historical, the personal, and the contemporary, which will include my travels in the most recent past, my planned future projects, and of course a number of items for review which have come into my possession, as a result of these my sojourns in both Cyber and real time and space.

The historical part of this feature deals with the existence of a corporate entity called the Madison Review of books, which was founded by Dr. John Ohliger 1926-, in Madison, Wisconsin in 1975, as an offshoot of his involvement in the founding of the Community Radio Station WORT-FM, which was also in Madison. In a sense, Dr John Ohliger is the most grandly historical of any of the individuals whose names you will come upon in this section of my feature. As John reads this he will be outraged with my characterization of him.

Dr. John Ohliger's biography could easily take a volume of it its own, but the best way I could summarize his life to this point is to say that he is one of the best of what we have come to call the "Greatest Generation". John grew up in genteel poverty in Detroit during the Great Depression, and entered the military during the last days of the Second World War. John managed to miss the horrors of combat, but did see first-hand the desolation of Europe as part of The Allied Army of Occupation in Germany in 1946.

John, I think, came out of that experience just like twelve million other former GIs who wanted to make the post-war world a better one through collective activity and cooperation. John's biography would take more electrons to cover than even I have available in cyberspace. But at least two parts of it were significant to the formation of Madison Review of Books.

The first is that by the time John resigned from his position as tenured, full professor of Adult Education at Ohio State University in the early 1970's , he was a major force in the field of adult education, though a controversial one since he has worked the rest of his life to abolish the compulsory aspects of many of all its programs. The second was that John was a media professional at a west coast community station (Pacifica, I believe). Thus John was able to bring his skills as both an adult educator and media professional to the founding of the non-profit, community supported radio station WORT-FM in Madison, Wisconsin, and The Madison Review of Books. Incidentally John Ohliger came to Madison Wisconsin in 1974 to take a part-time position as library service assistance at The Undergraduate Library at the University of Wisconsin Madison. This act set the stage for all of us to come together.

At that time James Andrew Cox 1942-, Hank Luttrell 1948-, Richard Russell-1944, Janice Bogstad-1950, and myself 1944- were all moving along different time-space continuums. However, we were all drawn together by the formation of an entity called The Madison Science Fiction Group.

The Madison Science Fiction Group was founded in the basement of The Madison Book Cooperative in 1974 by Janice Bogstad, Hank Luttrell, Richard West, and, later, James A. Cox who happened to notice a note placed on a campus wall by Hank Luttrell, and showed up at a meeting. The Madison Book Cooperative was located in the heart of the campus area on 700 block of State Street. Richard Russell incorporated the Madison Science Fiction Group in 1976, as a tax-exempt literary and educational organization. Incidentally, Richard Russell helped me to incorporate the Madison Review of Books in 1979 in that same manner.

The reason I am including all of the birth dates of individuals is this. One can see an almost a generational confluence of interests between an idealistic WWII Veteran, three war babies, and two baby boomers, which supported the existence of a Madison Review of Books from 1976-1980 on the community WORT-FM radio station in Madison, Wisconsin.

Incidentally, with much rancor and great damage to certain individuals, key paid staff members became jealous of our success as radio programmers and hosts, culiminating in The Madison Review of Books being kicked off WORT-FM in 1979. However The Madison Review of Books did go not gently into that good night. It also became a public access television program from 1978 to 1981 on Public Access Cable 4 in Madison Wisconsin, where I briefly served as chairman of the board of directors.

I believe that the most significant fact in existence of the Madison Review of Books was its geographic location in Madison, Wisconsin. As a fifty-six year resident of Madison, until I retired from the University of Wisconsin on January 9, 2000, I feel I am qualified to say something about the city. I can say the best of the sprit of community of the late 1960's has survived longer in Madison, Wisconsin than any other city in the in The United States.

This statement includes The University of California Berkley campus area. While Berkley has, I observed in my September 2001 visit, settled into a kind of sixty-year-old hippie lassitude, "Hey man can yeah spare a sawbuck for a Latte, and a Biscotti?". Madison, Wisconsin, on the other hand is stilled fueled with a historical progressivism, and I sense, what is a Midwest sprit of co-operation and egalitarianism which have their roots in mid-19th Century German Liberalism, and early 20th-Century Progressivism.

In the late 70's on Community Radio WORT In Madison Wisconsin, Jim Cox, Hank Luttrell, Janice Bogstad, and myself were able to raise several thousands dollars on a Saturday afternoon fund raiser. This included a several hundred-dollar pledges from a Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice. A quarter of a century later, Wisconsin Public Radio has trouble matching such figures on a Saturday afternoon on-air fundraiser.

Recently there has been some rancor on the part of John Ohliger, a founder of community WORT-FM and the Madison Review of Books, about claims ,ade by Jim Cox that The Madison Book Review became the Midwest Book Review. Having been a significant part of both entities I feel qualified to say at least a few things about that question. I also wish to make a few sanguine comments about the fate of volunteers in community organizations like WORT-FM, and The Madison Review of Books.

To put it simply, the Midwest Book Review became the successor to The Madison Review of Books in 1980 when Jim Cox set out on his own to form the Midwest Book Review. We in fact had a meeting where we all gave Jim our blessing, and Jim repaid me the funds I had forwarded to fund the incorporation of The Madison Review of Books.

Over the previous four years 1976-1979 James Andrew Cox donated 1000-1200 hours a year of his own time and a fair amount of his own money, for stamps, commuter gas, office supplies, and a number of other items. This was when he was holding a full time job as a Wisconsin school district Developmental Disabilities Coordinator. This holds true, to an extent for Hank Luttrell, Richard Russell, Janice Bogstad, and myself. This was at a time when we could have all been using at least some of that time and energy devoted to our volunteer work with The Madison Review of Books for our own professional and career development (as we were to later in our lives), but we believed in what we were doing.

When I use the word successor I am speaking in moral, ethical, and historical, rather than corporate, and legal terms. If this were not the case I would not hold my present position as the Literary Editor for the Midwest Book Review, where I have complete editorial freedom to say and I write as I wish.

It is fair to say that by the time of its dissolution John Ohliger and the rest of the group of volunteers had come to have a very different view of what The Madison Review of Books should have been. From John Ohliger's perspective The Madison Review Books should have been an ever-expanding popular movement with successive waves of volunteers each trained by its predecessors, as in a sense he trained us. But try as we might, we handful of volunteers were unable to get anybody else to work for nothing on a regular basis, to do all the grunt work that is essential to run a book review after Jim Cox left.

In my own personal sense, the work I had done on The Madison Review Of Books led me on a track back into the academic world, starting with an article I wrote similar to this one for "The Journal of Media and Adult Education" in 1981. Nine years later I was to return to graduate school in Library and Information Science at the University of Wisconsin Madison where I earned a MLS in 1993. In 1998 I earned (CAGS) Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, in that same area. During my whole period as a graduate student I kept in contact Jim Cox and the Midwest Book Review. Even to the point of using the Midwest Book Review as a forum to present some of my most cutting edge research in comparing the Internet as agent of change to the printing press. At the present time along with my Literary Editor's hat for the Midwest Review of Books, I also review on a regular basis for five peer-reviewed academic journals.

Before I go into the travel and book review section of this feature I want make some additional comments. I speak to the responsibility one has to be aware of how they use their charismatic ability to recruit "cannon fodder" to support their community organization. I have seen people encouraged by others to dedicate their lives to causes in which their labor, energy, and good will was expropriated as certainly as if they had devoted their lives to Fortune 500 Companies. I have seen much of that in my lifetime.

One last note which should put all of this in its proper historical perspective if you do a Yahoo Search for The Madison Review of Books you will get six hits. One of them will lead you to a dusty corner of a basement and a big pile of boxes. Perhaps, this reminds you a bit of the end of "The Raiders of The Lost Ark" Movie. - MsC 461 MANUSCRIPT INVENTORY RECORDS OF THE TOOTH PASTE PRESS SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DEPARTMENT UNIVERSITY OF IOWA LIBRARIES IOWA CITY, IOWA 52242-1420 TELEPHONE: 319/335-5921

FAX: 319/335-5900e-mail: lib-spec@uiowa.edu JANUARY 1998 Inside of Box 20 you will find some records for (Madison Review of Books, 1978-1980). What I am saying here, of course, is we must keep all of this in historical perspective.

If you search for the Midwest Book Review, you will get thousands of hits, and the names of hundreds of individuals. Enough said.

Sometimes my travel seems like a breath of fresh air to me. For those of you who follow my feature I am happy to announce that International Association of The Fantastic and the Arts the Conference has accepted an this abstract for a paper I will present at their Spring Conference. I just spent nearly four hundred beans for an airline ticket; perhaps it is time to ask my Editor and Chief to put me on salary.

For those you who read my last months Kaveny's Bookshelf you know I included the abstract for a paper was proposing at the conference of The International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts - www.iafa.org/

I hope you find this interesting. This is the abstract of my paper in progress. Which has now been accepted for presentation at the 2003 A view from The Commanding Heights: The last decade of J.R.R Tolkien Criticism 1992-2002), with special emphasis On recovering apparently neglected popular, and horrific aspects of his work, as seen from a Metacritical perspective. Philip Kaveny (University of Wisconsin-Madison, Emeritus).

I traveled at lot the first part of last month attending, participating, selling books and representing Midwest Book Review at an international, and a major regional science fiction and Fantasy. World Fantasy Convention 2002 "Of Gods and Monsters Minneapolis, Minnesota October 31-November 3, 2002 http://2002.worldfantasy.org/. I thought it might be of some interest to include some of its Program Highlights Friday Evening Mass Autographing Monster Memories: Growing Up with Monster Pop Culture A World Fantasy Home Companion -- A variety show with the fantasy fan in mind. A Dave McKean Visual Feast -- includes photos and film. The Fringes of Reason with Guests of Honor Etchison, Carroll, Koja and McKean. Punch and Judy Show (plus a panel devoted to the history and social implications of Punch and Judy) Sunday Night Music Party with Charles de Lint and Mary Ann Harris. Membership is always limited to 800 for World Fantasy Con and membership always sells out.

Being a bit of a ham, I have included my own program item for Saturday 9:00-10:00PM on "Visual Tolkien", held in Ballroom C.

The Lord of the Rings has had an enormous impact on modern fantasy. Now, a new generation is being introduced to the story, not by Tolkien's words, but by the movie. What will be the effect of this new vision? Will even those of us who read the books still see the story in the same way? David Lenander, Douglas Anderson, Phil Kaveny (M), Richard West, and P.C Hodgill. The panel was well attend those who count tell about fifty people showed up among them a number of well know authors.

Since I was the moderator I made sure we went to the question and answer section of the panel well before the halfway mark. There were so many hands up that I had to go row by row through the audience, and a couple of time nearly got my had bit in the process of shutting up the other panelist as we moved along. It was also great fun to watch famous authors sitting on their hands wiggling waiting to get called on. (Heh, Heh Heh, this job is just too much fun to get paid for.

Along with my literary work I am a bookseller and a packhorse. It was in my capacity as a packhorse that I met the wonder full folks from Worm Hole books, nearly ten of them who had a single dealer's table next to my two at World Fantasy Con. I remember bringing a teetering wobbling shaking four wheel cart laden with about 700 pounds or twice my weight in boxes of books into the dealer's room on the third floor of the hotel. It was about a twenty minute trip, from a parking ramp through three elevator transfers, and about 300 yards of hotel lobby, using every bit of my craft to keep from having myself and all the books tip over. I was surprised find my wife folding catalogs for these sweet people on one of my dealer's tables. Before I go any father I must give you the URL for Wormhole Books which you must go to because I will never have time to do their fine project justice. http://www.wormholebooks.com/

In a time when print runs are shrinking, and publishers are concentrating on front lists Wormhole books may well represent a future direction that publishing may take. The are both a publisher and a distributor, and retailer of a number of very interesting items. From high quality limited edition Chap books, to horror and Fantasy related art work. In a way they remind me a bit a something that grew up in Madison Wisconsin in the late 70's and early 80's called Capital City distribution, which by 1994 had grown to a $100,000,000 a year distribution empire, but had disappeared like a puff of smoke by 1997. Publishing is in some sense a very volatile business.

I did not learn all of this while I was trying unload my overburdened cart but by the end of the weekend I really got to like these folks Dawn, Dunn, & Judith Post both Genre writers, Established Master of Dark Fantasy writer Edward Bryant, and a number of other authors who were always stopping by to do some business all this was just great for my sales, since science fiction and fantasy professionals tend to be some of my best customers.

Here are a couple of WormHole items and again, I strongly recommend. I also seriously suggest that you take a trip to their Website at http://www.wormholebooks.com/

Roswell, Vegas, And Area 51: Travels With Courtney, A Hilarious Real-Life Travel Account
Connie Willis; Cover Art: Edward Bryant and Joanna Erbach; Interior Art: Joanna Erbach; Includes photos by Connie Willis and Edward Bryant; ISBN: 1-932030-09-3 Price 15.00, Published: September 2002, 39 pages

Sometimes a work speaks better for its self through excerpt than review. An excerpt from Roswell, Vegas, and Area 51:

"....Still no sign of aliens, and, in fact, the first indication that Roswell is a town in serious denial. "Roswell," a fancy sign proclaims as you turn south into town,

"Dairy Capital of the Southwest."

Exactly who are they trying to kid? Two-percent milk and large-curd cottage cheese is not what Roswell is famous for. If it were, there wouldn't be a flying saucer on theWal-Mart sign, and Price's Truck Stop wouldn't advertise itself as the "Last Stop before Crash Site." Tastee Freez's marquee wouldn't proclaim "Our Food is Out of This World," and Captain D's, "They Came for Fish."

The music store wouldn't display their drums and guitars being played by a Beatles-like quartet of big-headed green aliens. And thousands of UFOers and conspiracy theorists and Trekkies and Vulcans and Klingons and scam artists and really gullible people wouldn't descend on the town every July second for the UFO Encounte."

The second It which I have for review caused me to buy a large plastic Raven at the Eau Claire Humane Society Thrift sale with a red ribbon around it. Much like the illustration from this amazing and brilliant compilation of

Edgar Allan Poe's Dark Dreams
Illustrated by Alan M. Clark; Edited by Dawn Dunn; Cover and Interior Art by Alan M. Clark; Introduction by Edward Bryant; Biography by Dawn Dunn; October 2002 48 pages ISBN: 1-932030-01-8 Price: $15.00.

The totality of this little book took me back 19 years to World Science Fiction Convention in Baltimore why I visited both Edgar Allan Poe's tomb and actually climbed the stairway into the garret where he did his Baltimore writing. I can still remember how my shoulders barely made it through the doorway. The art color artwork is just breath taking, and I loved both the introduction, and the Poe Biography both concise and very informative.

The next week I attended yet another convection, which though it drew nearly twice as many people as World Fantasy was still what one would call a regional convention -- Windycon (Nov 8-10, 2002)

Where Hyatt Regency Woodfield, Schaumburg, IL Guests Author GOH: Charles de Lint Artist GOH: Lisa Snellings, Editor GOH: Shawna McCarthy Fan GOH: Mark Leeper, Evelyn Leeper. I did Windycon Mostly as a bookseller with three of my friends we all stayed in the same world, ate lots of doughnuts and stayed up until 4.00 A.M watching 35 mm Films not Video's. Among them. 2 hrs. 20 min. Based on the short story by Philip K. Dick, MINORITY REPORT is set in a 2054 Washington D.C. judicial system in which killers are arrested and convicted before they commit murder using a psychic technology. Tom Cruise is the head of this Pre-crime unit and is himself accused of the future murder of a man he hasn't even met. This film was one of the most gripping and audience-involving productions I have seen since the premier of Blade Runner nearly twenty years ago.

Windycon was also a place where I renewed my acquaintance with horror and Dark Fantasy writer Lois Tilton who nearly a dozen years ago wrote one of the best alternative history stores I have ever read. And writes Vampire Stories (perhaps my least favorite genre which even keep me turning pages. For example.

Darkspawn
Lois Tilton
HAWK Publishing Group
ISBN: 1930709110; (August 28, 2000) Price 15.95, Paperback: 513 pages

Lois Tilton offers a powerful look at the vampire myth with Darkspawn, a dark fantasy novel about a 400-year-old vampire prince and the battles he must fight to save both himself and his people. Tilton creates a graphically defined world full of dark, conflicted characters and intense action in a story about duty, war, and faith. All this would by itself not be enough for me to keep turning the pages all the way through the book, but what she does is cleverly insert enough a mythic element into her work to make it attractive to the non-reader of this particular genre. Lois Tilton has the craft and taste to escape the borders of a shrinking genre with a break through novel.

This is the point where I get into a book that I wrote a short critique of for a former professor of Women's studies at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. For those of you who may have never guessed I am the only male member Eau Claire Chapter AAUW. Association of American University Women, and proud to be so.

Turning Operations: Feminism, Arendt, Politics
Mary G. Dietz
Routledge
ISBN: 0415932459 Price $19.95, Paperback: 288 pages

I gave the Dietz book my full attention, and I am no stranger to political theory majoring in it and comparative politics at UW Madison where I earned an undergraduate degree in 1967. I also did some work in the area in the mid to late 90's as grounding for my Certificate of Advanced Studies in Library and Information studies which I completed in 1998 at the same institution. I also would add I gave the book my full attention giving it a close reading, and carefully going through the notes and bibliography. I can see her work would be useful to frame a series of discussions in a semester long upper level seminar in which a resistant reader might work though

Her work chapter by chapter and point by counter point, or even as starting point for further work done in the field of political theory. But it is not a handbook which would serve a useful function in structuring action for your organization, because it hangs on far too fragile a web of contingencies of interpretation which reach 2500 years back across Western Political theory to the Greek Polis, and sadly ignores the non-Western World

I must admit I also found her language exasperating as on page 184 for example "What does it mean to comprehend the what historically incomprehensible?" Drawing on Arendt, Dietz suggests we abandon analogies, and some seek deeper understanding I beg to differ. It is a book that demands deconstruction so I guess having no further time I must disqualify myself from its evaluation. It is not impossible to write about these areas with clarity and some empirical support, as has been evidenced by such writers as Betty Friedan, Charolyn Merchant. Susan Brownmiller, and Sandra Harding. I find that Dietz does not really write about power change and models of political systems, she writes about their historical Characterization. Better to read Lenin's What is to be Done.

Philip Kaveny
Literary Editor
Midwest Book Review

Laurel's Bookshelf
Humans As Self-Constructing Living Systems
Donald H. Ford, PhD
IDEALS, Inc.
130 Slab Cabin Lane, State College, PA 16801
ISBN 0932990061, $28.00 plus postage, 2nd Edition, 787 pages,

The author's purpose in this textbook is to propose a sound developmental concept of human personality and behavior, and to develop a framework for understanding individual humans as complex, functional entities. He does this, not by eliminating or disproving existing theories, but by building on them. The first five chapters construct the framework of his concept. The next ten chapters describe how humans can exist and be understood within the framework. A final chapter and detailed epilogue demonstrate applications and theoretical elaborations of the living systems framework. It is his stated hope that this developmental theory will guide future research and facilitate the work of health and human services professions.

In the development of this concept, Dr. Ford utilizes his decades of experience as a psychotherapist, counselor, and administrator. He begins with his personal knowledge - and there are solid credentials in testimony - of humans as stable, ever-evolving, elaborately organized individuals. His concept evolves from a long-held belief that "scientific study of humans.led to a kind of dehumanization." and that ".such views inadequately represent the richness of our humanness." From that point he systematically builds on or incorporates the theories of Jung, Freud, and modern-day colleagues in his field. What the author presents is a conceptual framework to be utilized by scholars and professionals - a multidisciplinary, multi-professional audience - but he clearly states that this concept ".is not yet sufficiently precise to be considered a formal theory." The process of autopoiesis - self-construction - is presented thoroughly, with emphasis on the human system.

Humans are capable of inventing supplemental structures to expand their functional capabilities. Combined with the ability to metabolize, grow, reproduce, and adapt to their environment, such capabilities make humans a living system. Human behavior is both consistent and variable so that people can change and adjust throughout their life span. They shape their own future in conscious and unconscious ways. Their behavior and environment is inextricably intertwined because humans are not just a collection of single parts, but a combination of related parts.

Humans do not function as closed systems. They can transform and recombine the material, energy, and information they exchange with their environment into forms used to maintain, repair, or elaborate their structural and functional organization. A human's development is not fixed by circumstance or static by natural law. To ignore these dynamics in a therapeutic sense often has the result of producing incomplete treatment protocols. Humans can break their system down into subordinate systems without losing their wholeness. Although the author did not state such, I felt his concept quite effectively described a holistic approach to human understanding and therapies.

Conscious, unconscious, and governing functions of living systems are documented in detail, as are genetics, evolutionary theory, biological impact, the environment, and individual personality traits. Variable, temporary, and permanent functional changes are taken into consideration along with adaptation and natural selection. All forms of Darwinian theory are considered. Established learning principles - from Classical Conditioning to Cognitive Learning - are utilized as essential aspects of conceptual framework. The resulting conclusion is that, one way or another, there is always the possibility for a living human system to reorganize and create new options and opportunities that can be directed towards individual healing. With this groundwork laid, the author progresses to examining the conceptual framework through meaningful organization and interpretation. His stated goal is revealing new perspectives and hypotheses for empirical testing.

A living system cannot properly function without biological, biochemical, and neurological processes. These complex transactions are thoroughly detailed, as they relate to self-construction. Other transactions, including arousal, consciousness, attention and the Reticular Activating System are examined. To summarize the findings, information exchanges between humans and their environment provide the basis for behavioral self-construction and self-organization. What humans perceive is often what they believe because the sense organs are dynamic information collectors. That information is collected not only from sight and sound, taste and smell, but from pressure, texture, temperature, and tissues via the haptic system. Such information gathering capability is what sets humans apart and allows them to dominate their environment, rather than be dominated by it. From birth to death, humans receive and process incoming information, then consciously or unconsciously self-construct or self-organize based on inborn markers.

Human cognitive ability is constructed, organized, retained, and remembered through an increasingly elaborate behavior repertoire throughout the lifespan. No one theory alone can address a complex human system when it deconstructs with deleterious results. Motivation, directive function, human purpose, and a meaningful life should be considered in conjunction with earlier established theories. Perceiving, recognizing, anticipating, desiring, and intending are as much a part of the human psyche as fight, flight, and survival of the fittest. Human problem solving, reasoning, and behavior organization are all necessary parts of the framework that forms a thriving human system. To build and prove this point, the author dissects various models, views, and theories before incorporating them into his living systems framework. The intensity and rate of human behavior varies dramatically, requiring varying amounts of energy. Humans fine-tune this energy usage by utilizing every system of the body, depending on the output required. All humans, regardless of their station or condition as living systems, utilize these systems and abilities.

As the author pointed out, this book is not light reading. However, I am neither scholar nor intelligentsia and I had no trouble understanding it. The book's content is clearly laid out and followed. I should think it would be intriguing fare for those schooled in or studying psychology, as well as those who enjoy pondering new theories.

Interview with Professor Donald H. Ford:

I wanted to interview Prof. Donald H. Ford because his life experience has been as fascinating as his professional history and credentials.

LJ for MBR: Let's start at the beginning. I know you are a Kansas native and began your studies at Kansas State University. How did you end up at Penn State?

Prof. Ford: I completed a BS with a major in mathematics and an MS in psychology at KState. Worked in student affairs for a couple of years and then decided that if I was ever going to get a PhD I should do it soon. I applied to three universities that had highly regarded PhD programs in clinical and counseling psychology and was accepted by all. My wife and I decided to accept the offer from Penn State because (1) it had one of the best postWWII programs in my area; (2) living there would give us a chance to explore the east coast; and (3) a former KState president and friend of ours - Milton Eisenhower - was President at Penn State and encouraged us to come there. We moved to Penn State in the fall of 1952 knowing no one, with little money, and a baby boy. During the next three years, my wife added twin boys to our family and I completed my PhD in psychology. When I graduated, the psych department offered me a position on their faculty and asked me to serve as supervisor of their training clinic in clinical psychology. One thing led to another and we have been here ever since.

LJ for MBR: I barely touched on your credentials in the review of your book, featured on this month's bookshelf. Tell us in greater detail about your Penn State years: the positions you've held through those five decades.

Prof. Ford: I think a person is renewed by tackling something new about every ten years and I have had that privilege while working for Penn State.

My first position was as assistant professor of psychology and coordinator of the psychology clinic. I taught psychology courses and supervised the practicum experiences of PhD students in clinical psychology.

In 1957, Milton Eisenhower (then PSU president) decided to create a new, comprehensive program of psychological services for all students and their families on all Penn State campuses throughout the state. He asked me to serve as assistant director.

Two years later, PSU President, Eric Walker, appointed me Director of the Division of Counseling and I was promoted to associate professor of psychology where I continued my teaching. We created a new model of integrated services that was copied over the next ten years in the counseling programs of many other universities. It also provided training experiences for about 15 doctoral students in clinical and counseling psychology every year. While in that position, I also served for one year as Director of the University Placement Services to reorganize and modernize it, and for one year as Director of the Foreign Students Office to do the same thing.

In 1966 a good friend of mine who was provost of the university had a coronary. President Walker asked to serve temporarily on his staff as Special Assistant to the President to ease my friend's load while he recovered his health, and to carry out certain kinds of liaison with the federal government.

In 1967, President Walker asked me to serve as Dean to create a new kind of multidisciplinary professional college aimed at health and human services fields. I told him I would do so for a minimum of 5 years (it takes at least that long to create something new) and a maximum of 10 years (after 10 years every organization needs new leadership with new ideas). We named it the College of Human Development (later changed to The College of Health and Human Development). Many Universities throughout the country have since created similar colleges typically called Human Development or Human Ecology. In 1977 I resigned to return to my teaching and scholarly interests to which I could give little time while serving as Dean.

I spent the next ten years as Professor of Human Development and Biobehavioral Health, researching and writing a book I had begun planning in the mid 1960s based on what I had learned in preparing my first book called Systems of Psychotherapy, published in 1964. The new book, titled Humans As Self-Constructing Living Systems, (nicknamed the LSF) was published by Erlbaum in 1987. A companion volume, Humans As Self-Constructing Living Systems: Putting The Framework To Work was published at the same time with my son, Martin, then a professor at Stanford University, as an edited volume to illustrate how this new theory could be applied in both professional work and in designing research on issues in health and human development. The second edition was published in 1994 by IDEALS (I wanted it to be affordable to students & Erlbaum charged twice as much as IDEALS). Copies of the second edition are still available. My son, Martin Ford, derived a new theory of motivation from the LSF, published in a book by Sage titled Motivating Humans. A colleague and I created a new theory of developmental processes derived in part from the LSF and published by Sage in 1994 as Developmental Systems Theory. That book is still in print and used as a textbook in several countries.

I decided to retire in the mid 1990s so I could focus more time on my scholarly interests. John Wiley & Sons, who published Systems Of Psychotherapy in 1964, had been after me for two decades to do a new analysis of approaches to psychotherapy. Finally, my coauthor and I decided to do so. We published the results of that comparative analysis with Wiley in 1998 titled Contemporary Models Of Psychotherapy. The LSF was used as the tool for comparing psychotherapy approaches. During the 1990s, I also served as acting head of the college's Department of Communications Disorders to reorient it and start it on a different developmental pathway ( it is now one of the premier programs of that type in the country).

I also served for a year as acting head to create a new program and academic department to create an integration of biological, psychological and behavioral knowledge about human health, called the Department of Biobehavioral Health. I still teach an occasional graduate seminar to engage young, creative minds to help me continue to learn.

LJ for MBR: So when during that time period did you begin considering the self-constructing framework theory, and how was it developed?

Prof. Ford: My colleague, Hugh Urban and I shared the belief that all the kinds of psychotherapy that were proposed had to have some underlying commonality because they were all dealing with the same kind of entity, i.e. individual human beings (though on the surface their special jargon didn't sound like it). So we did a comparative study of different approaches to psychotherapy, published as Systems of Psychotherapy by John Wiley & sons in 1963. It sold 40,000 copies - astonishing for a scholarly book. What we found was that the various approaches differed primarily in the parts of humans on which they focused (e.g. Freud focused primarily on nonconscious states & certain aspects of cognition, while behaviorists emphasized how people acted and the consequences their actions produced.). When we finished that we had a "dim" idea about how to create an integrative theoretical framework that might encompass all the aspects of humans and reveal the underlying similarities among seemingly different psychotherapies. My effort to create such a framework led to publication a quarter of a century later of the first edition of the book you are reviewing. The method I used will help explain why it took so long.

First, I searched the literature in many disciplines (e.g. physics; chemistry; psychology; sociology & anthropology; meteorolgy; cosmology; biology; genetics) for a basic model about the nature of complex systems that was anchored to sound existing theoretical and empirical knowledge bases. Over the centuries many ideas and a great deal of information about the nature of humans has been created. The problem is that all that is about pieces and parts of a person, but each of us operates as a unitary, dynamic system in a context (what I call the principle of unitary functioning). Each scientific study only reveals specific information about some particular piece of reality at a particular time, under specific circumstances, that the observational methods used can reveal. At a different time under different circumstances and with different methods, different info about the same piece of reality might be revealed. Therefore, we need some way of fitting the parts together. So, we create an idea of what the whole (or system) might look like, based on existing knowledge and evidence, and then see how well all the pieces of information or knowledge we have obtained can be fit together with that idea (and look for the gaps in relevant knowledge). That is the function of theory. Everyone uses theories to organize & guide their daily life (often without awareness of the theories they are using). Unfortunately, faulty theories (beliefs) lead to faulty interpretations which in turn lead to faulty actions. No wonder most psychotherapists focus on faulty beliefs of their clients. No fragment of information is useful until we interpret it and theories are the tools for guiding such interpretations. That took several years of work and led to the formulation of the conceptual framework presented in the first section of this book

LJ for MBR: As a layman, your idea that man has been compared to, but is more than, a machine helped me to understand the living framework theory better. Will you expand on that?

Prof. Ford: Two assumptions dominated thinking about human nature for several centuries (anchored significantly in the philosophical ideas of Descarte). The first is that all aspects of the universe can be understood in terms of the dynamics of machines. The power of machines in human history is ubiquitous so, clearly, humans must also be a special kind of machine. Even our methods for trying to organize info about humans reflect that assumption (e.g. the linear model in statistics). The second assumption is that mind and body are separate kind of phenomena. Mind is at base a manifestation of biological functioning, or is irrelevant to it. Therefore, all kinds of human dysfunctions can be understood in terms of biological processes. Western medicine evolved around this assumption. The emerging view sees mind and body as parts of a unified wholes in intimate, mutually influential interaction with one another. In recent decades, both of those assumptions have begun to be rejected and an alternate cosmological model has been emerging in many fields (interestingly the guiding assumptions of ancient chinese medicine and hippocratic approaches are similar to this new view). We are beginning to realize that machines are not the fundamental model of organization of ourselves and our universe, but rather are a special case of a more dynamic model. A machine model emerges when one designs something so that certain things that typically vary in nature are not permitted to vary (because we want machines to always function the way we want them to, i.e. in equilibrium states).

This emerging view, illustrated by concepts such as "chaos theory", "non-equilibrium dynamics", "open systems", "negative and positive feedback processes." "far from equilibrium steady states," "sensitive dependence on initial conditions," provided the foundation ideas for constructing our conceptual framework for living systems. Two examples will illustrate how fundamental the differences are. How does one construct a machine? People (e.g. engineers; builders) create parts and hook them together to create a machine. How is an adult person constructed? They construct themselves! They start as a coherently organized whole - a fertilized cell. Through processes internal to that cell, parts are differentiated from that initial whole (always maintaining coherent organization), and then more parts are differentiated from that more complex whole. The basic rule is that living requires variability and change, but it also require maintaining oneself as a coherently organized whole. But they can't do it totally by themselves because they have to obtain resources from outside themselves to use in the construction and they have to eject waste products produced from those living processes outside themselves to maintain their unified effectiveness. Properties called "open systems" make that possible. The second example is about differences in functioning. The ideal machine always does what we want it to do, the way we want it to and when we want it to, i.e. "equilibrium" is considered the desirable "healthy" state for a machine. In contrast, "disequilibrium" is the fundamental state in living systems (e.g. humans) that makes growth, development & change possible. Think of the concept of "habit" as an equilibrium state (e.g. we always act the same way under the same circumstances). That is efficient as long as we and our context are the same. But suppose our context changes or our goals, values or biological systems change. Then a "habit" is no longer adequately adaptive. Living systems, such as humans, cannot exist in equilibium states because our own bodies and ideas are continually varying through processes of living, and our contexts are continually varying through their own dynamics and because we move about through them and change them. So, living systems maintain a dynamic stability through processes for continually adjusting their functioning in dynamic patterns. That means that the first step in a change process in humans requires the disruption of their existing steady state so that the dynamics of living will operate to create an adequately adaptive revised steady state. And, that goes on throughout life.

Once the conceptual framework was created and justified, I then set out to see if existing theories and knowledge about different "parts of humans" could be integrated to fit within that framework so a person could be understood as a structural/functional unified individual in continual selective transactions with their context, i.e. as an open living system. That is what part II of the book is designed to do. For example, I spent a year reading everything I could find about the nature of human sensation and perception processes. Chapter 8 presents my synthesis of what I considered to be the soundest information and theory about those processes and how it fits into the larger framework. Then, I studied the theories and evidence about how we create ideas, retain them and use them. That synthesis is chapter 9 and it had to fit with the larger framework and with chapter 8. The same process was used with all the other parts (e.g. cognitive functioning; emotions; actions ).

One other basic point is worth noting. Any entity must be understood as having both a structural and functional organization. For example, in human's anatomy is the study of their structural organization. Structural organization makes functions possible but doesn't totally determine the content and form of each function. What do we mean by functions? The dynamics of cell biology and physiology focus on biological functions or processes made possible by different structural patterns. Perceptual, cognitive, and emotional processes illustrate psychological functions. Motor skills, singing, written and oral communication illustrate transactional functions. The key idea in evolutionary theory is that some organism comes into existence with some new functional capability that gives it an adaptive advantage in its environmental niche. That new functional capability often emerges in relationship to some structural change, but not necessarily. It might emerge through some functional reorganization. The living systems framework is a model of functional organization (e.g. directive, regulatory, control and transactional functions). In this book, I applied that functional model to a person level of analysis, so I tried to show how the various functions are carried out at the person level (e.g. by thoughts or motoric actions). However, it is very important to realize that the same functional model can be made possible by different structural arrangements. For example, servomechanisms are mechanical devices that regulate the functioning of machines. There exists a great diversity of physical structures that can perform that same function (e.g., from gravity controlled to computer controlled devices). In humans, the same functional dynamics can be observed in biochemical functions at a cellular level of analysis (e.g. positive and negative feedback processes) that are manifest in psychological processes at a person level. Because the same model of dynamics operates within and between levels of organization, a complex living sysem can vary greatly and still maintain dynamic unitary functioning.

My purpose with these comments has been to provide background information about how the book came to be what it is. It is not something I made up. I doubt if there is an original idea in it because I intentionally tried to find the best (and best documented) ideas that others have created in many fields. My contribution has been to try to organize them in a more integrative, larger whole. I will not be disappointed if they are only useful in helping elaborate your readers' understanding, because as a teacher that is what I care about most.

LJ for MBR: I found your book to be thought provoking and well crafted, but my education is sub-university level. How has this new concept or theory been received by your colleagues, peers, and students?

Prof. Ford: For over a century, the psychological, social and behavioral sciences have been dominated by a mechanistic model of organisms, including humans, with roots in the ideas of "ancient" scholars like Descarte and Newton. Research designs and results have been largely shaped to fit that model. The LSF presents a major challenge to ideas that are now deeply imbedded in our culture. Incidentally similar challenges are occurring in many disciplines such as physics, chemistry, meteorology, biology and genetics, producing cutting edge theories and methods based on ideas much like the LSF (in fact the LSF builds on ideas from these other disciplines). This new perspective is now often called the science of complexity. Whenever strongly held beliefs with deep roots in science and culture are challenged, those whose careers rest on those old beliefs defend against change by rejecting alternate views and reinterpretations of their work. In such an environment, one expects new approaches to be received more favorably by younger students and scholars, and by senior scholars who are also dissatisfied with the status quo. That is what has happened with the LSF.

One indicator of its influence is that books presenting these ideas and their applications in domains like motivation and development continue in press and to sell 5 to 15 years after original publication and that is somewhat unusual for scholarly books. In some universities in various countries the work is well regarded (e.g. the LSF & systems theory is extensively used in psych department in Portugal), while in other universities it receives little attention. One never knows in what intellectual and professional soil new ideas will sprout and grow into healthy new plants. But, if the ideas are sound that will happen (although it sometimes takes decades to become fully apparent). I did not expect these books to become "bestsellers". I do hope that they, along with the work of a growing number of others, will help move us towards a sounder and more humane view of the nature of humans.

LJ for MBR: Now that you are semi retired from administration at least, do you have plans for another book. Either solo or in collaboration?

Prof. Ford: As you know from personal experience, it is hard for authors to stop writing because each new book triggers ideas to be explored. I have no plans for another book at the moment, but never say never.

LJ for MBR: You've covered a lot of ground with your answers and provided some thoughtful commentary. Is there any question you wish I had asked or any information you'd like to give our readers before I end the interview?

Prof. Ford: You are thorough as an interviewer - a skill not all interviewers have. Yes, I would like to close by saying the beliefs humans hold guide their actions and shape the kind of world we try to produce, whether or not the beliefs are sound. That fact has implications of fundamental importance for humanity. The danger is that we may act to create human societies in the image of our guiding theory about human nature, even if that guiding theory is unsound. For example, a theory that views people as machines (although complicated ones) can lead us to treat one another like machines, e.g. to dehumanize one another (so that destroying faulty or outmoded "machines" fits our beliefs); to think we can control and change one another with what we do to others (much of western medicine operates on that assumption), rather than recognizing that we can only facilitate or constrain ways of behaving and patterns of change and development people create and choose for themselves. For example, when media and games glorify violence we are creating environments that encourage people to consider the use of violence to gain their objectives to be an appropriate choice (& of course if we are only machines what difference does it make if we destroy a few). If we aren't careful we may create ourselves to become something we don't really want to be. The LSF, based on the soundest & most complete synthesis of existing knowledge about all aspect of human nature, presents a scientific explanation of why societies should be created to recognize the integrity, worth and creative potential of every person, and to honor individual differences among us. In the long haul, it is the diversity of humankind that maximizes our adaptive and creative potential as our world and universe evolves.

You are thorough as an interviewer - a skill not all interviewers have. I appreciate this opportunity.

LJ for MBR: This has been a learning experience for me. Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts with me.

Interviewer note: Further information about Donald H. Ford or his work can be found by contacting Ideals, Inc, 130 Slab Cabin Ln, State College, PA 16801 or Wiley and Sons Publishing.

Laurel Johnson, Interviewer
Midwest Book Review

Shirley's Bookshelf
The Alley Of Wishes
Laurel Johnson
1st Books Library
2595 Vernal Pike, Bloomington IN 47404
ISBN 1403370695, 324 pages at $13.50 paperback and $ 3.95 e-book, http://www.1stbooks.com

How much sorrow can the human Spirit endure? What is the limit of anguish that will finally destroy the life flow within us? Cerise and Beck , the main characters of Laurel Johnson' novel, The Alley Of Wishes, could answer these questions for you. Meeting in the glamorous city of Paris, France, Cerise and Beck were two wounded souls that fate, or perhaps a God who loves us, brought together. Beck, a farm boy from Kansas, had come to France to fight for the idea of liberty, not knowing the stark truths of war and death would sear his soul with scars so deep that surely he could never be free. Cerise, caught in the throes of an affair with a sadistic man, struggles to maintain life with a crushed and broken spirit, never allowing herself the thought that any man, other then the cruel heartless Paul, would want her.

The Alley Of Wishes is a story of tragedy and defeat, heartache and deep sorrow, but one that shows how love, reaching deep inside our being, can result in a meaningful life of happiness. Cerise and Beck share their past sorrows and struggle to overcome unsurpassing obstacles that life bestows on them as their spirits become one.The loss of a child, the loss of one's mind, are only two of the many battles that they must overcome.

I have read and reviewed many a novel, but never have the characters stayed within my heart as Cerise and Beck have. A love affair that will draw you into its very essence awaits you in this outstanding read. War, lust, murder, love, hate and forgiveness all play a part in The Alley Of Wishes. This is a story you will not soon forget.

Dayspring Destiny
Jeanine Berry
Novel Books
PO Box 661, Douglas, Mass. 01516
ISBN # E Book 1591050227, Download $5.50, Publisher@novelbooksinc.com
ISBN # Paperback 1591050472 , $14.95, 174pp, http://www.novelbooksinc.com

Elinna Serru believed in the S'hazons, why did what Mesor suspected have to be true? After all, they had guided and helped their people for a thousand years. They were their gods that were teaching them the power of Khi, power to bless their land, heal their sick,uncover secrets of the mind and open doors to other dimensions. Now it would all be gone!

This is where the excellent story of Dayspring Destiny begins. Elinna, a Master in the House of Lohenrin bids the S'hazons adieu along with many of her fellow healers as they travel to escape a comet that will soon destroy her beloved planet Gaea. But that was not the only reason the S'hazons were taking the healers with them; no, they planned to merge their spirits with the healers and once again be able to walk in a human body. Only Elinna does not realize their hidden agenda until later.

Elinna must learn the secret of the healing stones and continue her studies into the power of Khi so she and the ones left behind may somehow prevent the comet from destroying their planet; and continue to heal the sick and bless the land.

The people of Gaea are torn however, as some chose to return to their beliefs in the gods of old, The Sky Gods and a temple is erected for their worship. Elinna's own father is part of this ancient belief, and her childhood friend. What connection do the Sky Gods have with the S'harons? That part you will have to find out for yourself, but I'll tell you this, it's what the story is all about.

Elinna struggles with her hurts over the betrayal of the S'hazons and is not wanting so quickly to believe in yet other gods, but these gods chose to contact Elinna with messages that may well save their planet and rescue those who the S'harzons have taken.

The story twists in and out, dealing with Elinna's emotions, her struggle with her beliefs, her family and friends, her responsibility to her planet and her suppressed love for Mesor.

Ms. Berry weaves a very interesting plot and adds a little flavor of spice with Elinna's rekindled affections for Mesor, a love she had put on hold so she could direct her attention to help her people. Elinna finds out about a very important family secret as she strives to stand against forces that may take her world away from her forever. Will this information save her and her world?

Are you interested in the Spirit world? If so, this book is for you, as the author pens a fantasy of sci-fi action with spiritual implications, weaving the two into an intriguing adventure. A very good read!

Thief Of Hearts
Gwen Mallory
Awestruck Ebooks
ISBN# 15887493470, 20 chapters, $4.95, Download $8.95, Diskette, http://www.awe-struck.net

Being a dog lover, I was happy to see a story featuring adorable puppies! How wonderful! I thought, as I began to read this delightful tale.

Molly Montgomery is a tender young woman. Striking out on her own, after her father's death, she is involved with Derek. Derek is a young upcoming Lawyer, who insists all his late nights at work ,are necessary for the promotion ,that will lead to him asking Molly to be his wife.I didn't like Derek from the start and hoped Molly would see through his lies!

Molly wins a new car in a contest held by the local paper. Actually, there were two winner, who both received the exact vehicle. A Clairmont, silver gray! Molly was ecstatic! On the way home from a local mini-mart, which her friend Silvester owns, Molly discovers 5 puppies in a box in the back of her car. Where did they come from? She could not imagine!

Soft hearted Molly decides she will find each and everyone of them a home, and falls in love with one little guy who has a white spot on him. "I'll call him Thadeus!" Molly said, much to the disgust of Derek, who has no use for the warm cuddly creatures. Nice guy!

Molly enlists the help of Silvester and his store as she one by one finds the puppies a home. Much to Molly's surprise when she arrives home that night, the true owners of the puppies was at her door, Mr. Joe Bronski. He was none other then the recipient of the other winning car and had accidentally put the puppies in Mollies. Joe Bronski was owner of Champion Kennels, and wanted his puppies back. It seemed they were no ordinary pups, but Pyrenees Hounds, worth thousands of dollars. Joe had them brought over from England at a very high cost.

Here is where the true story begins, as Molly, Silvester, Joe and his sister Theresa begin a hunt to retrieve the puppies. If they cannot find them, Joe Bronski will be in financial ruin.

Forces are at work, as Molly discovers what a two-timer Derek is and her heart becomes tender towards Joe. I knew I didn't like Derek! Can she trust her heart? And can she trust Joe? Will they find the puppies in time before the bank demands their money? What does the riches man in the town, Sheridan Oakes, have to do with it? After all, it was a mistake giving him a puppy that belonged to someone else? Why is he refusing to give it back and what is Joe not telling Molly? The plot thickens!

A little bit of mystery, a little bit of love, all mixed up in a delightful package!

This is an adorable story, especially for those of us who love dogs. A sweet romance that has a happy ending, for humans and canines alike!

A Room Full Of Angels
Irene Mills
Awestruck Ebooks
ISBN #1587493500, 23 Chapters, $4.75, Download $8.95, Diskette, http://www.awe-struck.net

Do you ever think of dying, or are you like so many that refuse to acknowledge the inevitable? Do you realize that no matter what color your skin, what your sex is, your station in life, your religion or your age, that this is one factor you have in common with every other living thing on our planet? If there is life, there will be death! Do you live with that knowledge tucked away in your spirit, making every moment count? Do you allow anger to linger and hurts to fester, robbing yourself of precious moments of love and life? How sad for you! This novel may just make you think twice about your actions and what is truly important. I hope so.

As Irene tells the story of the beginning of her friendship with Fran, you are drawn into the tenderness of two people sharing the experiences, good and bad, that life brings to them.

As Irene began a career as a Travel Agent, she met Fran, her teacher. Their lives intermingled as Irene began to work for Fran and her agency. They became friends, but after a time both women took different roads in their lives causing a separation in geographical locations, but not in their friendship.

Fran was diagnosed with cancer, but seemed to be winning the battle for a while. Writing to her friend, across the miles and keeping her informed. Suddenly the correspondence stopped and Irene became worried. She searched for her friend and finally found her in a Nursing Home, alone and dying.

This is where the true story, in my eyes begins, as Irene shares with the reader the emotions and preparations she helps her friend through as the dying process begins.

The author also gives some wonderful insight of the lives of the poor forgotten souls that cry alone in the cesspools of humanity that we call Nursing Homes. Tossed away and forgotten by those that they had once cared for; she brings to light the desperate need that these sad residents have; the need for love, respect and remembrance of who they are. It broke this readers heart! And should shame everyone of us for not taking the time to care! I thank her for reminding me.

Irene walks you through the different processes that Fran is taking. Questions are asked and addressed, such as; Do you want them to resuscitate you if there is a time for that decision? What do you want done with your body? Who do you want to have certain possessions? Is there an afterlife? Does it hurt to dye? Are there really Angels? Is there a God? Have you asked yourself these questions? I know I have!

Death is a hard subject to deal with, but it is a journey we will all take. Ms. Mills allows you to take this journey with her friend Fran, do not be afraid. You may just find your peace, you may find your Angel! A Room Full Of Angels, a novel about death, a whisper about forever!

The Divine Babysitter
Tonya Ramagos
Wings-E-Press
P.O Box 38 Richmond, KY 40476-0038
14 Chapters ISBN# 1590881362, $6.00 Download, http://www.wings-press.com
Paperback - ISBN# 1590888568, $10.95 Trade Paperback

Are you a single Mom? Did you ever want the best for your child, but just could not seem to make it happen? Are you still nursing the wounds from a broken marriage? Meet Dominique Gabore and identify with her and her struggles to make a life for herself and her 5 year old son. Relate to her fears and challenges and whisper a prayer that she will embrace the one man that can make it happen, Joshua Divine.

Dominique, a Bartender by trade, desperately needed a babysitter. She did not however count on falling in love with the one who responded to her advertisement. She could not allow herself to trust, to love again. She had to show everyone, even herself, she could make it on her own.

Joshua Divine, tall, handsome, haunting ,burst into her life and from the first moment his eyes gazed upon beautiful Dominique, he was in love. But would he ever allow himself to accept that fact? Joshua also had some secret hurts, deep wounds that bled to the touch. Why did the knowledge that Dominique was a Bartender make Joshua push away from the drawing of her on his heart strings? And will he ever get beyond that point.

A love story of two wounded souls, each longing for what the other has, will they ever posses it? A novel especially recommended for a single Mom, who will perhaps whisper a prayer, that she too will find a Joshua Divine! I hope you do!

Poor Man's Cookbook
Brenda & Cliff Roberts
SynergEbooks
1235 Shoals Rd., King, NC 27021
ISBN# 1931540764, 83 pages, $5.00, Download CD-Rom $8.99, http://www.synergebooks.com

Want to read a cookbook with a little family history? If you do Poor Mans Cookbook is for you. Recipes of family members that were made and shared during precious moments of fellowship can be found within the pages of this book.

Recipes that will tempt your taste buds, but still not strain your budget can be made and enjoyed! Zucchini bread, corn bread, Jell-O salad, all written with easy instructions for you the reader to make and share with those you love. My favorite would have to be Broccoli and Cheese Soup, with some of those hot biscuits, that are said to be excellent! Yum! I will say however, that I am going to pass on the Rabbit Stew. But if I am ever starving, it's nice to know that recipe is there. I just hope I never have to use it!

If you want a cookbook that will help you save those pennies and give you some delightful stories to read while your cooking, this is it. A cookbook that shares a heart of a family! Eat Well!
The Stinky Feet Book
Lily Erlic, author, Martin Erlic, illustrator
SynergEbook
1235 Shoals Rd., King, NC 27021
ISBN# 1-931540-21-4, $TBA, 11 pages, http://www.SynergEbooks.com

I was intrigued by the name of this fun story, The Stinky Feet Book. All children would get a giggle just hearing the title and would want to see what was awaiting them in the read.

The story is about a little skunk named Sootie. As he is out among his friends one day, they tell him that his feet stink, and no one wanted to play with him. He tried to play with Bouncy the Bear, Dosie the Dog and Freddy the Fish, but they all turned him away because of the odor coming from his feet. What was Sootie to do? Each friend had an idea that might help rid him of his smelly feet. Perhaps a dip in the river, or a squish in the blackberry patch would rid his feet of the terrible smell.

Finally Sootie found the solution to his stinky feet problem. Now he could play with his friends. Just then Sootie was called back home, it seems they were having a family reunion. As Sootie walked among his skunk family they all proclaimed how bad he smelled. So Sootie realized in this adorable story, that a rose, or feet as the case maybe, smells bad or good, depending on who is doing the sniffing!

The Seed Of The Dogwood Tree
Greg Cicio
American Book Company
325 East 2400 South Salt-Lake City,Utah 84115
ISBN# 1589820061, $22.00, 284 pages

As I first began to read The Seed Of The Dogwood Tree, I was easily distracted, but by the time I got to Chapter four I was hooked. It is the story of Michael Sinclair and Bruce Plantard, who set out to do a student archaeology trip to the Mendip Mines of Somerset, England. What they found, the journal of the first Baldwin King of Jerusalem, started them on an adventure that would change the world.

Feeling that the journal gave them clues to greater hidden treasure in Mendip, they are financed by Bruce's Uncle Edmond and a secret expedition is undertaken. Uncle Edmond also gives them some new documents and with those and the journal in hand they discover a secret chamber and what it contained was almost unbelievable. The excitement rose in the young men! Could they truly have discovered the cross that Jesus was nailed to? And what was in the jars that they had found? Could it be the blood of the Savior? I wanted to know.

Trust me, this story is not easily figured out. Secret societies are discovered, murders uncovered,and the birth of a child conceived with whose seed? You'll hold your breath waiting to find out as all leads to a climax that you will not soon forget.

Is it the story of the beginning, or the story of the end! This is the thought that you will ponder after reading this excellent novel by Greg Cicio. A Very good read!

Interview with Nancy Mehl:

Interview with Nancy Mehl - Reviewer and Columnist for MyShelf.com, author of numerous books and articles and a wealth of excellent information for writers.

I chose to interview Nancy because she is a reviewer, as well as an author. I feel other authors will gain much wisdom from her answers and will appreciate and understand the job of a reviewer a lot better after reading her interview. Let's begin!

Q: Nancy would you please tell us how long you have been a reviewer.

A: I've been a reviewer for about three years. Seems like much longer!

Q: Why did you decide to become a reviewer?

A: I was approached by a friend, John Broussard, who had recommended me to Charlotte Austin. Charlotte had just set up a new review site, The Charlotte Austin Review. I had heard of Charlotte, had great respect for her, and felt that this kind of exposure for a fledging author would be an advantage. Through the years, however, I've become very interested in helping authors.

I find them to be fascinating people who, for the most part, are very generous and truly appreciate the fact that a reviewer will take time to read their work and comment about it in public.

Q: Nancy, about how many hours a week do you spend reading books for review?

A: No month is the same as another. Some months are heavier than others depending on what I've accepted for review. I would say that ten to twelve hours a week would be a fair guess.

Q: Thank you! Would you tell us how many requests you receive per month for reviews and what is the percentage that you accept?

A: Again, it varies. I would say that I get about five or six requests every month. I also will contact authors on my own who have books I'm interested in. I usually get three or four books every month that I have not requested. I very rarely review those books. Many are books I have no interest in. Most of the review requests for MyShelf.com come to the site itself. They are made available to all the reviewers. I choose some of these, but I really like to pick books that have piqued my interest. Many of these come through the lists I subscribe to like Sisters in Crime, Dorothy L. Murder Must Advertise, and Wicked Company. Since I pick most of my reviews, I don't turn down many requests. I would say that 10% of the request I receive, I refuse.

Some books are assigned by my editor but I have always been given the option of turning down books I'm not interested in.

Q: Is there any genre you will not review?

A: Yes, I won't review erotica. I have accepted books that had more sex and violence than I prefer, but it is hard to know what a book contains before you read it. I normally try to stay away from explicit books that promote sex and/or gratuitous violence. I also don't like books that have a definite political agenda. (Especially if it isn't mine! ) I did turn down a book one time that I had originally accepted. It was a guide to literary publishers and agents. The writer had done a good job of presenting her information in a concise and well-thought out manner. However, there were publishers and agents listed that I could not recommend because of shady business practices. I had to contact the author and decline the review.

Q: If you really hate a book, will you refuse to do the review or will you tell how you truly feel in that review?

A: I don't review books I hate. I just recently received an ARC of a book from a publisher whose books I normally enjoy. However, this one didn't have a single character I cared anything about. To be honest, I didn't even finish it. I was probably only ten pages from the end. I disliked the book so much, I didn't care "whodunit!" I offered it to another reviewer hoping that someone else would find it to their liking.

Sometimes, I find books I like but the editing or writing style is lacking. If it's so bad it pulls me out of the story, I will mention it in the review. If it doesn't affect my enjoyment of the book, I will sometimes contact the author. I'll ask them if they would like some personal comments about the writing itself. If they say yes, I'll tell them what I think they need to change in their future books. Invariably, these comments will include problems with incorrect POV changes or editing mistakes.

I've never written a purely negative review. As an author myself, I just can't crush the spirit of another writer.

Q: That is a good trait Nancy! Thank you, now let me ask you this. Do you feel it has helped your writing to read and review other author's works and if so why?

A: Absolutely. I've heard it said that the best way to learn to write is to read. As I view the writing of other authors with a critical eye, I can see what works and what doesn't. It really helps me to learn to avoid things that may pull me out of a story - or things that may cause a plot to drag. The experience has been invaluable. The downside is that sometimes it's hard to just enjoy the story without seeing a book through that critical "writer's eye." It can really get in the way. Also, I've noticed that it is easier to see problems in someone else's writing than it is in your own.

Q: Do you feel that being a reviewer has helped you as an author?

A: Yes. It has definitely opened doors to me. I've been given opportunities that wouldn't have been as easy to obtain without some of the contracts I've made. Also, authors are usually very generous. If you take the time to review their book, they will often buy your book and recommend it to others. When my review is posted on their website or in their press releases, it gets my name out to the public. Of course, on the writing side of things, exposure to different types of styles and genres has increased my over all knowledge of writing in general.

Q: I'd like to ask you something that maybe a little difficult to answer, but here goes. Do you find authors trying to win your favor to obtain a good review?

A: Honestly, I've never had that happen - that I know of anyway! I most authors want a fair review. Usually, they are very respectful when asking me to consider reviewing their books. Of course, I'm very open to bribes. Cash only. Large amounts. (Just kidding!) Perhaps a reviewer for the New York Times would have a bigger problem with this than I would!

Hee! Hee! Thanks Nancy, I needed that chuckle! Make sure you only send hundred dollar bills folks! ( Just Kidding!)

Q: Tell me Nancy, would you recommend someone to pursue being a reviewer?

A: Yes and no. I think it has helped me a great deal. Exposure is important to authors. I've encouraged two different friends to become reviewers. One seems to be doing very well. The other didn't enjoy it at all and quit. I guess you have to be a certain kind of person. I truly enjoy finding new and exciting authors. I love doing something that encourages them - or helps them on their journey. I think you have to have a real interest in authors to love reviewing.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone who is interested in reviewing?

A: First of all, you must face the reality that goes with being a book reviewer. It's hard work. Many people think, "Oh, I read all the time anyway. This will be easy!" Not so. As a reviewer, you are reading books, not because you want to, but because you have to. You will probably be assigned books you don't care for - in genres that don't interest you. This changes pleasure into responsibility. There are deadlines - and they're important. Authors are depending on you - and so is your editor. Be certain you are willing to accept the duties of a reviewer for the long term. It's difficult for editors to have to hire new reviewers and begin the training process all over again.

Also, you will be faced with writing reviews for books you don't like. It's important to separate your personal preferences from your professional critique.

I, for one, don't like explicit sex or rough profanity. Yet, I've had to review a few books that contained these things. I tried to review them fairly - based on the merits of the writing - not my prejudices. It isn't always easy. On MyShelf, we are asked to inform our readers if there is explicit material in the books we review. I like that. That way, I can deal with the issue without involving it in my overall review.

One last warning. As a reviewer, you will be asked to review books written by friends. This can be tough. If you think the book is poorly written, you will have to struggle with your ethics as a reviewer. This is difficult for many of us. Either refuse to review the books of people you consider friends, or be prepared to ruffle a few feathers.

Thank you Nancy, that needed to be said. Reviewing is a responsibility and should not be taken lightly.

Q: Do you send a copy of your review to the author before it is put on the review site?

A: Sometimes. Usually, I don't. However, if the author needs the review a book cover or for promotional material, I will send it early.

Q: If you do this and they want changes, will you change what you have written?

A: Not as it applies to my opinion. If there is a factual error, then of course, I will make an adjustment. I don't remember this happening, but it might have.

Q: Are you responsible to do this and also are you responsible to send one to the publisher?

A: It depends upon the source of the assignment. If my editor assigned the review, she contacts the author or publisher. If the review is one that I've arranged, it is my responsibility to contact the author or publisher. I have to say that I don't always do this. If I've already told the author that their review will be in the upcoming issue, I don't feel it is always necessary to tell them again. I would expect them to contact their publisher or publicist. However, if the publicist has requested that I contact them, I will do so.

Q: Since you read so many books, what would you say is the percentage of writers who really have talent?

A: Oh boy. What a tough question! The answer depends on what you think "talent" is. Raw talent can be useless in a writer who isn't interested in honing his skills. Let's say that I had a good singing voice but didn't want to practice or learn vocal control. The difference could be as wide-ranging as singing in the shower the rest of my life or singing at the Met. Raw talent is useless if it isn't brought to maturity. I would say that almost every book I've ever read showed talent. Most people don't write if they don't have the desire for it. Usually, that craving comes from inside them.

I think it is an inborn gift yearning to be expressed. But without proper training, it will stay underdeveloped. So, talent isn't enough. If you want actual percentages, I would say that 90% of what I read shows talent. Sadly, maybe 20% have what it takes to find major success due to an ignorance of the mechanics of writing.

Q: What do you feel is the most popular genre that is being written at this time and what if any genre do you feel is up and coming?

A: Well, according to the publishing industry, Christian fiction is taking the book world by storm. The "Left Behind" series has been enormously popular. I'm glad to see this area find some maturity. I feel that much of the Christian fiction offered in the past was rather unskilled. In my opinion, Frank Peretti lead the way, breaking the barriers that had held Christian fiction behind rather tame fences.

Also, the mystery genre is still strong, and novels with a supernatural twist seem to be growing in number. I'm betting on this since I'm writing a series of supernatural mysteries!

Q: What advice would you give to writers that might make their book stand out from others on the market?

A: My advice to every writer is to read three books: Stein on Writing by Sol Stein, How to Grow a Novel by Sol Stein, and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King. Every bit of advice I could give is inside the covers of these books. Study, study, study! Learn your craft! Use the advice these authors share so that it will enhance the gift inside of you. Learning to write should make your imagination flow in a way that will help you to express it fully. The "rules" of writing won't diminish your talent - they will enhance it. Find a unique idea - something that stands out from the crowd and then learn how to present it skillfully.

Q: What question/comment would you like to ask or tell publishers on behalf of authors?

A: A loaded question! I would have to say this: Take a chance! Quit trying to always make decisions based on what you "think" the market trends are.The books that hit it big are usually something different.

I wish more publishers would recognize talent and inventiveness. I would like to see publishers go back to the days when they were willing to work with an author who has something new and creative to offer. Years ago, publishers were more willing to develop a promising writer. Many best-selling authors came from this kind of background. Today, it seems as if many publishers want only works that mirror other books that have been successful. Why do we keep pumping out clones? I've read books published by big houses that weren't half as interesting as some of the novels published by POD or small press publishers - or even by authors who self-published.

Thank you Nancy. I hope the Publishers are listening to the voice of authors everywhere.

Please leave us with any additional comments that you would like to make.

My column, the Bare Bones, on MyShelf.com, is for writers. It is my desire to share with them anything I've learned that might be helpful. I certainly don't know it all. If I did, I'd have hit that "big" publisher by now. But, I'm willing to learn and to share what I've learned so far. I would encourage writers never to fear constructive criticism. If negative comments crush your spirit, you don't have what it will take to be successful. The most important thing anyone will ever say to you is this: Never give up. Never stop learning. Never stop growing. And, never stop writing.

I want to thank Nancy for a wonderful interview. I am sure that many of understand the world of a reviewer much clearer now and appreciate the work that they do. I extend the best of luck to Nancy in her future as a writer and reviewer and where ever her dreams may take her. She is one talented lady that I believe has a bright future!

Personal Information:

Nancy Mehl - Review Site: www.myshelf.com - MyShelf.com Personal website: www.nancymehlbooks.com

Besides writing reviews, Nancy Mehl has a column on MyShelf.com called The Bare Bones. The column is for writers and contains information and advice geared to assist the new writer in their future career. She is working on a project for the NBC affiliate station in her hometown and will be doing on-air book reviews for Kansas authors. She has had short stories and articles published nationally and was a columnist for the Kansas Times. Out of these columns, her first book, NUTRITION FOR THE GOLDEN YEARS, (nonfiction) came out in 2000. She has completed two novels, SINNER'S SONG, and MALEVOLENCE, the first in a new supernatural mystery series, that are being represented by her agent Janet Benrey with the Hartline Literary Agency. Work has begun on the second book in the Icy Curtis MALEVOLENCE series, ASHLAND.

Her published novel, GRAVEN IMAGES, was released in October of 2001. ISBN: 1599525958/AmErica House) GRAVEN IMAGES is a mystery/suspense novel that >revolves around a young woman who at four years old witnesses the murder of her mother. With the help of a therapist, she remembers the face of the killer. Her testimony sends him to prison where he dies of a heart attack. When she is in her twenties, she begins to have a series of nightmares that seem to be trying to tell her that the real murderer is still alive - and might be someone close to her. GRAVEN IMAGES explores childhood trauma and dream interpretation. It has received excellent reviews.

Please see Laurel Johnson's review of Graven Images on MidWest Book Review

GRAVEN IMAGES - http://www.nancymehlbooks.com THE BARE BONES at MYSHELF.COM - http://www.myshelf.com

RB, The Widow Maker
C.C.Colee
America House Publishers
P.O. Box 151, Fredricks, MD
ISBN# 1588513785, 330 pages, $18.95, Paperback, http://www.publisheamerica.com

I was glad when I was asked to review the first installation of a trilogy, R.B., The Widow Maker, by C.C. Colee. I read and reviewed The Enchantress and greatly enjoyed the novel. The Widow Maker gave added insight to the characters that I had become so involved with in trilogy two. Reading firsthand of the horrible life that Aubrey was living with her Uncle help me to understand her better. The thought of being with the men that her Uncle wanted her to marry actually made my skin crawl. No wonder she ran away and booked passage on the Gull to go to Africa. I would have run too! Unfortunately the ship was taken over by the notorious pirate Rene Black and Aubrey found herself thrust into the world of Rene and his pirates on his ship, The Widow Maker. Aubrey was marked as his woman and began to learn the meanings of the words, fear, courage, and love.

I was glad to see that she had spunk , knowing what she would face in the story ahead. Learning more about Rene and Mala (the true love of his life) made my heart more tender towards them. I am a romantic and want the love that they once shared to bloom forever! Also, learning about Jean Luc Pierne and his love for Aubrey helped to put the feeling of Mr. Alcott from book two for Aubrey, in more of a perspective. Now I can't decide who I want her to love! Not fair!

RB, The Widow Maker is an excellent pirate, romance adventurous book. Drawing you into the story and the lives of the characters and making you want to know what happens next. All of your emotions will tingle as you read this novel. Love, fear, hate, anger , and yes, even compassion, will bubble up inside of you, as you watch their lives unfold. The first book of this trilogy bleeds into the second, yet, in my opinion each can stand alone. This is a good mark for a trilogy and makes for an excellent read. If you have not sunk your teeth into these novels, I would highly recommend that you do. I look forward to the ending and only hope that it plays out the way I want it to. I love a happy ending!

Interview with co-authors Cody Lee and Chris Cole:

Interview with Cody Lee and Chris Cole co-authors of the trilogy -RB The Widow Maker, RB The Enchantress, and the soon to be released RB The Game!

I chose to interview these two ladies for several reasons. One is that I was very impressed with their writing. Their books are excellent, packed full of adventure and romance, with a twist that is different from other works I have read. You become one with their characters and become so engrossed in the story you are reading, that you truly feel you are part of the adventure. Excellent writing ladies. Also, I wanted to know the workings of co-authors,and I think you will find this interview very interesting. Now let's get started.

Q: What brought the two of you together and what made you decide to author a trilogy?

A: We have been best friends since the 7th grade. Both of us loved to write and we used to write short stories in high school for ourselves and selected friends. We mostly wrote episodes of our favorite shows on TV but we were too bashful to let others outside of our circle of close friends to read what we wrote. We both put the writing away when we married and had families. Then one day in February, 1998, Cody called and said, "Guess what I'm doing?" After listening to this pirate story from Cody, Chris shared a pirate story that she had milling around in her head. So bits and pieces of Chris' pirate story showed up in the RB Trilogy. One of the biggest piece used was the idea of a birthmark. It became a tattoo in the trilogy.

Q: Why did you decide on a pirate adventure?

A: The whole manuscript began with a dream Cody had about pirates. That dream became the storm scene in the first book and everything else evolved from there.

That is really interesting. Perhaps you were supernaturally inspired!

Q: How long did it take you to complete Book One- RB The Widow Maker? Book Two: The Enchantress?

A: Actually, the trilogy started as one whole manuscript which ended up being over 1500 pages long. It began in February 1998 and we finished with the final draft version in October 2000. We had to 'make' ourselves end the story at this point. We were having too much fun writing this story, but it was getting long. As for it being a trilogy, well, we had the manuscript in three parts based on the change-up of scenes and characters. Because it was too big to sell as a whole, we split it up into a trilogy almost at the very points we had the three parts broken down. So making it into a trilogy wasn't hard and we basically had three books completed without really trying.

Don't you love when it all comes together! Enjoying writing is really what it's all about isn't it? If others also enjoy your work, that's just icing on the cake! Well done ladies!

Q: Did you fashion the characters after people you know or are they solely from your imagination?

A: Sort of...*grin* We knew what kind of character we wanted to build up in the reader's imaginations and we made it easier to write by envisioning certain real people for the facial expressions and body movements. This way, we felt like the characters were more believable and the readers could relate to the character much better. We think that readers will soon find that he/she will immediately love, hate, or be very wary of each respective character.

Q: Do you find it difficult to work as a team?

A: No, we didn't actually. We have been friends for so long (over thirty years) that we can finish each other's sentences or even scarier....pick up the phone to call only to have the phone ring and the other one of us will be on the other end of the line. Whenever this question is asked and Chris' youngest daughter is around, she loves to tell people, "They can write with three states between them because they share the same brain." That is probably a real close description of our relationship and to add to the fact, Cody is only six (6) days older than Chris. Talk about ALMOST being twins! We joke and tell people that we are and our mothers just roll their eyes.

Q: Are there times when one of you wants the story to go one way and the other does not agree? If so, how do you handle this?

A: Sometimes this happens but not very often. If one had a scene that she envisioned differently, then it was mutually agreed for that one to write up the scene then it was looked over by the other. One of the scenes that come to mind was that in the original story, Captain Mala died (the end of the second book, RB: The Enchantress). Cody didn't like it but went along with it. The funny thing was that after writing many scenes dealing with the 'avenging of Mala's deat' which is basically the third book of the trilogy, RB: The Game, Chris thought that the character, Aubrey Malone, was having way too much fun with the main male characters! Since it was Chris' idea to have Mala killed off, then Cody's edict to Chris was to come up with a way to have Mala live and not lose the scenes already written. So that evening after taking a walk for about an hour, Chris had it all worked out and the story is what the reader will see near the end of RB: The Enchantress. The scenes are still intact for the third book with a few minor changes to the dialogue.

Q: How do you work out the writing of the script?

A: It starts out with each of us taking a few characters to build on and then the characters were shared when writing scenes. We write what scenes come to mind and, as we write, we try to make sure to give a little insight to what life on board a ship was like back in 1720. We write in humor similar to a comic relief in a serious situation. You just never know what will be said or done next although you think you know.

Q: Do you both work on one chapter together or do you take turns with the chapters? Please explain!

A: We wrote the whole story as a string of scenes then we broke them down into chapters. Each scene was a separate document. Once the story was done, we printed out everything then put them together in a notebook. That way if we decide to put a scene in one place then later felt that it would be better to go after something else earlier or later in the story, it was easy to move around. Then it was Chris who took the printed copies and made a document for a story. Once it was put together, we read it to make sure that it flowed. What we mean by that is we watched out for things like sudden changes in scenes, characters being where they should be in the scene or not being there, not to mention the location. For instance, a verbal confrontation may have originally been on the main deck but we moved the scene to the galley so we changed the setting.

Q: Do either of you have any separate works published and if so what are they?

A: No, we had always wanted to do something like this since school but hadn't made it real until 1998.

Q: What made you both interested in a writing career?

A: We love to write. We wrote short stories to entertain to each other as girls. We were those bothersome kids in class who loved those writings assignments from the teachers and were already writing down notes for what we were going to write as the teacher outlined the requirements. The only thing we needed to know was word count and page limits! When we started on the trilogy, we wanted to come up with a "niche" that identifies us much like Sue Grafton with her alpha stories or James Patterson using lines from nursery rhymes or John Sandford using the word 'prey' in all of his Lucas Davenport detective stories. We thought that using two letters in the title and then explaining what the two letters meant in the story would be different. But when RB became a trilogy, we couldn't have three books titled RB. So we kept the RB in front of each title so that the reader knew it was a part of the RB Trilogy.

Q: When this trilogy is completed, do you have any plans for other works? If so, will they be joint works?

A: Yes, we have ten other stories in the works and all of them will be published under C.C. Colee. Although one story was written solely by Chris and another one is written solely by Cody, we are still going to publish them jointly. We have been friends for so long that we don't know how to act apart. *smile* Actually, we have gone into this venture together and together we will always be.

Q: Do you plan to expand in different genres?

A: Yes, although all of our stories will still have a romantic thread through them, the stories we are working on are westerns, action-adventures, sci-fi, and time travel, just to name a few genres. There will always be something more in the story than star-struck lovers.

Q: Oh I do look forward to more of your works and it's great that you are expanding in different genres. I know they will be wonderful reads! Did you find it difficult to find a publisher and how long did it take you to get your work published?

A: It took us a year to find a publisher after the many rejection letters. We sent queries from two different listings for the literary agents through the internet. Getting hooked up with Publish America really came about when we got a response from Erica House, whose parent company is Publish America. We were then guided in the direction of Publish America. We were thrilled at the prospect of bypassing the middleman (the agent) and working directly with a publisher. Not many publishing houses want to deal with the author. That is actually kind of sad because who can tell them (the publisher) more about the manuscript than the one (or ones) that wrote it? Publish America is willing to deal with the author directly. Once, our manuscript was accepted by Publish America, it took about six months from signing a contract to having a book in our hands. Each stage of the production was an opportunity for the author. Not just to know where the book is in production, but to be sure that it's the way the author wants it to be. Even the cover art was worked out between author and publisher. Publish America lets us suggest something for cover but if they have a better idea, they share it and let the author give the final approval. For the unknown and/or first time authors, Publish America is a great place to be.

Q: How many hours a day do you write?

Cody: If given the time and space, I can easily write for at least 5 hours a day. I have been known to hit the keyboard for up to 8. Daytime and early evening is best for me. After about 11pm, I start to crash and burn and Chris is just getting fired up.

Chris: I am a night owl. I can sit at the computer until 2 or 3 am then get up around 6:30 to get ready for work. Because of the distance between us, Cody and I got together three times to work on this story. Twice we met at friend's beach house for a week (we dedicated the second book to them) and the third time, I went up to visit Cody for a week. Cody would 'crash and burn' on me around 2am. I could set my watch to that.....LOL. A couple of 'nights' while we were working together, I had been so involved in working on scenes that I was still sitting at the computer when the sun came up.

Whatever you two are doing, it sure is working! Just keep it up ladies!

Q: How much promoting do you have to do for your books and do you have any tips you can share with our readers that may help them promote their books?

A: Initially, it was a lot of promoting and marketing. We look into promotion for our books with local bookstores, newspapers, and magazines either in person, through emails or telephone conversations. We send and/or take them our brochures.

We built a webpage and signed up for any reputable free PR found on the net as well as joined webrings. Cody's husband, Jack, made our brochures, bookmarks, and we are now designing our business cards. One day just as the first book, RB: The Widow Maker was released, we touched on a real 'gold mine'. Jack was searching the net for pirate sites that we could link up to and found a site that does a newsletter about all things piratical. We found out that this newsletter has over 350 addresses on the mailing list and not only did we buy ad space, but we also found out that the editor writes reviews. If she liked the book, her review is one of the features in her newsletter. Both books of the trilogy thus far has made it in her newsletter. In this case, there were over 350 people we had no clue how to reach otherwise.

Advise to others trying to promote their books? Well, let's see. Have something that can be handed out be it brochures, flyers, bookmarks, business cards or all the above! We have brochures/bookmarks with us always and we hand them out to interested folks. Even though someone cannot buy your book right at that moment, give them something that they can remember you by. A picture in their head of you will not always be matched up with a name or the title of the book. Most folks think of us as "the pirates." Very much the compliment as it tells what we are about in relation to our books but the titles of the books or our names would be what the search line would want. "Pirates" just ain't gonna cut it! *grin*

Set up a webpage. We were surprised at how many asked us if we had a webpage. Make more than just a page. So far, our site is almost fifty pages....and we weren't even trying hard. *smile* Put up things like a pictures and just a bio page. We have pictures of us at booksignings with other authors, naming them with their books. We have short stories like the one of Cody spending time on a schooner during the summer of 2001. For those who have agreed to link us from them, we made a page (CC Colee's Pirate's Den) that links them from us. Make a page of any and everything that shows your personality.

Another thing to do is speaking engagements. Some clubs and organizations are always looking out for a good speaker. Talk about you and your book but be ready for just about anything. We get questions like "is it hard to write with one in Maryland and the other in South Carolina?" That's our favorite. Another favorite one asked is "why did you write about ....?" Some people are very interested in why a writer chose fantasy over adventure and so on. Some of your questions here, Shirley, have been some that we've answered before. So authors....be ready!!

Q: That is alot of valuable information! Thank you! Do you ever experience the famous 'writers block' and if so, how do you remedy this?

Cody: Personally, I cannot say that I have experienced that. There are several stories going around in my head and several that Chris and I are working on together already. So when we get stuck on one, we just slip over to another and run with it for a while. We find ourselves carrying small notebooks and have been known to pen down an idea or scene while sitting in traffic, at a red light, while waiting on someone for an appointment, in the airport between flights.and I pen thoughts as I ride the shuttle bus from one of our work locations to another.

Chris: Not really. We write whatever scenes come to mind. When we read the final draft, we know we will find gaps and make notes of what needs to be there then go back to it. In a couple of stories, we are writing as one document so the scenes are placed in the order we want them to be for the moment. For gaps, we make notes in bold, italics and large letters so that we can see them as we scroll down or when we print out the story for editing. Some notes are what we want the scene to be but we haven't quite worked out the dialogue or the actions yet so we just make a note so that we don't forget what we wanted there.

Q: Do you have the support of your family in your writing career and how important do you feel this is for a writer to have?

A: Yes we do. We are VERY much supported by our families. We feel that it is very important to have that 'home' support when you are a writer. It gives you a medium to bounce ideas off of, get some ideas from sometimes and also constructive suggestion

Our spouses talk up the books as much as we do. They even pass out brochures and bookmarks to those they talked with. Chris' husband, Charles, even has a small supply of books at his office in case there are any takers and he has sold several copies. Cody's husband is a fireman and works in shifts. Not having a desk that he can call his own makes it difficult to leave books around but he does talk up a good sales pitch! Our favorite 'groupies' are our husbands and daughters! *smile*

Having the support of our families has been wonderful. They understand not to bother us while we were at the computer until we get to a stopping point or they will ask if they can stop us for a moment. With the hours that we put in and the traveling that we have had to expend, it has been great to have a husband to say, "Sure, no problem. I'll take care of things here while you're gone."

Q: What is your favorite gene to write? A: Adventure/Romance.

Cody: I think that Fantasy would be my next choice.
Chris: After the adventure/romance, my next choice would be mystery.

Q: Where would you like to see your writing career in 5 years, what are your goals?

A: In five years, we would love to be home and strictly doing the writing thing. *smile* We have always had so much writing even when we were teens in high school and our imaginations seem to always be on the same wave frequency. Still writing together is a given, but not just on our novels. We would like to move on to screenplay scripts.

Q: I believe you will do it! Good luck! Here is a fun question ladies that I would like to ask you. Out of the two characters in your trilogy, Aubrey and Mala, which one would you choose to be and why? Also are their personalities fashioned after either of you ladies, how you are, or how you would like to be? Be honest with us now ladies! *smile*

Chris: Funny that you should ask.....*smile* Remember how we mentioned earlier that we'd take some characters and build them up. Well, my character is Captain Mala. She looks nothing like me except for the dark hair and dark eyes but she is like my alter ego. Cody and I have this saying whenever stuff at work gets on our nerves, "If they don't stop messing with this, I'm gonna go Mala on them!" At times, I have a quick temper and likely could embarrass the most experienced sailor with my 'colorful expressions'. But I will hold back when it comes to what one character in the story describes as "tossing people overboard in the middle of the ocean just to win an argument."

Cody: I suppose you might say that Aubrey is my alter ego in some sense. When we do book signing, I dress as her. In my early days I used to be shy and demure, but I have grown over the years as Aubrey did over a span of weeks and months. Now, in my more mature years..*smile*..I have a good bit of the Mala 'spunk' in me. So with that, I was able to write the Aubrey character to grow stronger and braver.

Q: What was the most difficult Chapter/Scene in both of your books to complete and why?

Cody: In the first book, RB: The Widow Maker, I would have to say that it was the chapter that describes Aubrey's 'pursuer'. It was difficult describing him and his actions, and yet keep him secret from the reader at the same time. Then, I would have to say, that the most difficult chapter/scene for me in our second book, RB: The Enchantress, was the one where our characters sail into the Chesapeake Bay to careen the ship. Actually, it was very easy to write and visualize as far as the course of events. The difficult thing was that, as I was just about finished it, I hit a bad spot on the disc I was using. From that point, the document was lost to me physically. I was literally in tears on the phone with Chris and her husband trying desperately to do all that I could to retrieve anything that I could of it. Keep in mind that this was in our 'still learning' stages of writing, and I soon learned not to rely so much on my 'portable files' and to keep my documents in several places. At any rate, the document was gone and I had to rewrite the entire chapter from memory. Fortunately, it was still very fresh in my mind and I like to think that the second time out it was better. *grin*

Chris: For any of our books, we seem to do the beginning as we near the end. We want to be able to capture the reader right off the bat so it is almost agonizing for us to think of something that would do the job just right. We don't want to take a while to get to the 'meat' of the story so we basically just plunge right in!

Q: What would you like your readers to experience and retain from your works and why? (Example---pure reading pleasure, etc.)

A: We would like the reader to feel as though they are right there with the characters or that they are one of the characters in the story. We want them to feel like what they are experiencing is as real as it can be. It thrills us to no end to read comments from our readers who state things like "travel while you read", "they felt seasick..." or "they could almost feel the ship under their feet." Some readers had the pleasure of reading while at the beach and comments they had made was that they would "look up from reading and expect to see a pirate ship out on the horizon." But not only do we want the reader to "feel" the surroundings whether on the ship or 'on shore leave', but we want them to feel the emotions the characters are feeling. The anger and rage, the betrayals, and the other behaviors that Aubrey's witnesses not to mention her own despair, jubilance, or fright. We also hope that our readers get an idea of how life may have been on the high seas in 1720. Although seen through Aubrey's eyes, we hope that the reader could almost feel the excitement and danger of being a pirate.

Q: I will tell you this right now, that is exactly how I felt reading your books. I did become one with the characters and the adventure. Let's get a little personal! Tell me, what does the room you write in look like? Does it have the covers of your books on the wall..... copies of great reviews...things that inspire you?

Cody: I really have no one particular room that I write in. In my home I have models of tall ships, paintings of tall ships, weaponry like swords, cutlass and pistols on the walls and shelves. My bookcase beside my favorite chair has shelves full of reference books, copies of our books that Chris inscribed to me, tapes, and other trinkets. I also love to write as I sit in the yard, or on the deck when I can, and I do that a great deal. That, of course, is done the old fashioned way, with paper and pen. *smile *

Chris: I have a small alcove in one corner of my room as my workspace. I have a copy of each book that Cody inscribed to me on a shelf above on my computer along with other nautical stuff like small ships, pirate figures, a skull with a red bandana and an eyepatch and a small display of various knots, just to name a few. On my wall beside me is a replica of a ship's wheel with a brass clock in the center that my husband gave me for Christmas last year. Some of my stuff on the shelves gets packed up when doing booksignings because we decorate our table so that there's more than just the books to see as well as Cody and I dressing up as Aubrey and Mala. Some pictures of our table and our costumes can be found on our website on the Photo Gallery page.

Q: I ask everyone I review this question and I hope some of the Publishers are reading their answers. If you could speak to Publishers face to face, what would you like to tell them on behalf of authors that send in their submissions?

Cody: Please, please, please, continue to give us a chance, give us a look and see what we have to offer. There is a lot of great talent out there just waiting to be found and nurtured.

Chris: We can understand why publishers do not talk to authors directly because once you get an author to talk about his/her book, well, you've started a real 'talking machine'. *smile* Talking to agents is all well and good but who could tell anyone about a story but the one who originated it. The author can give insight as to why he/she/they went this way with the story instead of that way. Authors are fanatics when it comes their books. Listening to the authors can give publishers some idea of how the book is going to be marketable. Books on their own don't sell, but get an author with that 'no holds barred' attitude when promoting the book(s) then the skies the limit. We think publishers will be able to see that when they listened to an author give the sales pitch instead of the agent.

Q: Please use this space for any final words you would like our readers to know about you, your work, or any tips you may like to share with them.

A: Keep a notebook and pen with you everywhere you go. If you have an idea, even if it is just a little sentence, or a paragraph, write it down. If you see something, dream something, experience something, or hear something that sparks an idea, jot it down. You never know where those little notes might take you. Nurture yourself and your own talents, and never let anyone tell you that you can't write. Believe in positive affirmation. By that we mean it is sort of the 'Field of Dreams' thing....only Cody says, '.if you think it, it will come.'

Q: Tell our readers something about yourselves, anything that you would like to share.

A: Cody Lee was born and raised in a small Maryland town at the head of the Chesapeake Bay while Chris Cole grew up as a Navy 'brat'. Meeting in the 7th grade, they have been friends for over thirty years and have always shared a love of writing. With a distance of over 500 miles between us, we embarked on a dream to co-author a book that we hoped would be published. In February 1998 what was to become the RB Trilogy began and by October 2000 the manuscript was completed in rough draft. We successfully contracted in January 2001 with (PublishAmerica) in Frederick, Maryland. RB: The Widow Maker, the first book of the trilogy, was released June 2001. Book two of the trilogy, RB: The Enchantress was released May 2002. Coming soon is book three, RB: The Game.

Pen Name: C.C. Colee

Chris Cole and Cody Lee's Website and Email address: lwww.geocities.com/cc_colee

cc_colee@hotmail.com

Titles of Works published and the publisher:

RB: The Widow Maker released through Publish America in June 2001; RB: The Enchantress released through Publish America in May 2002. The third book of this pirate trilogy, RB: The Game, will be released through Publish America in the spring of 2003.

Title of projects in the works and expected completion date:

The next one to be released is a romantic mystery set in London around the 1730s. It is finished and already copyrighted. We will submit it to Publish America soon. As for our other stories, we have ten more in various stages of completion though none of them have their actual titles yet.

I want to thank Chris and Cody for allowing me to do this interview. I found both of them very helpful and just plain delightful ladies. I truly wish them the best of everything in their writing career's and believe me, as great as their books are, I won't be surprised if we see their names on the New York Times Best Seller list in the future. Many blessings to you both!

Interview with Jeanette A. Lundren - Agent

Interview with Jeanette A. Lundgren - Manager/Director of Book-To-Screen-Management 710 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite #305 Santa Monica, CA 90401 Phone #: 310-917-5070 Fax #: 310-917-5080 Email: jlundgren@book-to-screen-management.com Website: http://www.book-to-screen-management.com

I chose to do this interview with Jeanette because she is an agent that I feel works for the benefit of authors and I would like her information known. Thank you Jeanette for allowing me this opportunity, let's begin.

Q: Would you please tell us exactly what your job description is?

A: Job description: editor, proofreader, copyeditor, manager for film rights, coach, master of the pep-talk, friend, agent for North America with a full line-up of British and foreign sub-agents. I think I do it all from soup to nuts and then some. I can recognize a good story when I see one, even if the book needs editing to get it to its best form before submission. I read, edit and proofread a book all at the same time, get it to a place where I feel it can be submitted for North American publication as well as getting the author to do a synopsis for film submission via my film agent, and create a PDF file from the ms. for British and Foreign submission at the same time as it's on North American submission. I also work with several US and foreign publishers and 7 east coast agents, to pitch their film rights. Even though my last job was as rights director for a children's publisher, I prefer to be less involved with kids books except on the film rights level; and more involved with adult thriller and other adult titles on all levels. With the kids titles, I do represent a few hand-chosen ones that I feel will work in the various markets, but as an agent I really do prefer a good adult thriller of any kind any day of the week. However, this does not mean that if I discover an author who writes Young Adult novels who writes excellent stories in a literary style, I won't grab them - because I will!!!!! Some of my favorite authors over the years have been from the Young Adult end of things and when I go into a book store, I generally have to force myself not to enter the children's section.

I can see you wear a lot of hats, and all of them would be an asset for any author!

Q: Would you please tell us how long you have been in this job?

A: I've been building Book-to-Screen-Management, part-time, since February '02 and I went full-time in early May '02. However, I have 23 years in the business to back me up.

Q: Would you please tell us why you chose this Profession?

A: I sorta fell into it. I graduated from college knowing that I belonged in publishing; I interviewed for a job and got it, and the rest is history. I did foreign rights at Dell Publishing for about 14 years before becoming Rights Director at Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers and learning that building momentum is one of the best ways to get new authors licensed worldwide. The books with a hot name attached to them sell themselves, but new authors need momentum and I enjoy creating excitement and momentum. Over those years I've developed a knack for recognizing phenomenal fiction and somewhere along the line (probably reading books that had been published and badly edited or copyedited) I learned to edit. I also belong to several on-line writers groups where we feedback each others stories and I think that has helped me too. And all along, while working for the conglomerates, I started to think that at some point in time I would like to work solely on behalf of the author and to protect their (sub)rights as well as their rights as authors.

I think it's a shame that bigger agencies shy away from taking on new, non-published authors but I also applaud self-publishers like 1stBooks Library working with Lightning Print in providing a place for frustrated authors to get their work into print and recognized in some capacity. I already represent a good handful of self-published authors; they're all terrific and I'm going to make sure they're taken care of publishing and film-wise the world over. I hear that Stephen King is retiring. This news disappoints me because I love his work. On another hand, perhaps one of my writers -- new and wet behind the ears as they might be now -- will take his place on the bestseller list someday.

Q: I hope that they do Jeanette! Now let me get down to some questions I'm sure writers would like to know the answers to. Do you have certain genres that you lean towards? I believe you said you like a good adult thriller. Does a work in that genre have more of a chance of representation than one in another?

A: Funny thing about the adult thrillers - we just sorta fell into each other. I set out to represent a good mix of adult thriller, sci-fi (earth based), literary horror, contemporary fiction, paranormal and psychic fiction and non-fiction and good literary-leaning Young Adult novels. But it seemed that the first group of people who came to me as authors all had some sort of thriller in different categories, and I found out I liked 'em as long as they were tightly written and delivered a good punch. So that's how that happened. In addition to thrillers, however, ALL of the above categories are still very much of interest to me.

Q: What is the hardest part of your job and what is the most enjoyable?

A: I can't say that there is a hardest part yet since it's still early on. I love film rights, I love foreign rights, and I love to negotiate - there is negotiation in everything, across the board. Once you've done it a few hundred times, it's easy if you have a killer instinct and I seem to. I have a nickname from a previous boss of mine - he called me "the pitbull of rights"; I hate the word 'no' when I want my way. I would have to say that probably, at this point, the hardest part of my job is turning away authors but if their work isn't something I feel comfortable working with, at which point it's best that they find someone who will be better at it than I will. And I hate turning people away so to make myself feel better (and hopefully them too) I try and give them some helpful hints on how and where to find a good agent that might suit their needs.

Q: I think that is a wise decision Jeanette. Let me ask you, how many author submissions do you receive per month? And is there a limit to how many you will represent?

A: At the moment, I'm not getting that many since a lot of the people who are coming to me are coming via word-of-mouth. Once this interview goes live, it'll get more interesting except that for the time being I'm a bit full up UNLESS a proposal sounds intriguing to me and then I will agree to read the manuscript. I never want to turn something away that might have been brilliant so I will always try and read something that gets my blood going when it's described. However, I don't like receiving stuff in the mail - I'd rather hear from authors via email first so I can tell them who I am, how I work, etc.

Q: Let me ask you this, in your opinion why does an author need an agent? Why not just go it on their own and not have to share their royalties?

A: In my opinion, an author needs an agent to take care of all of the business details so that the author can live his/her life and write and not worry about the business details. Dealing with royalties and advances and contract clauses, subright splits that are unfavorable, and hoodwinking foreign publishers of North American publishers who won't sell the rights because it's a mid-list title, or all of the other little niggling things that can come up can probably drive a creative person nuts. All an author wants to do is write and he/she should be able to as long as he/she has an agent that he/she can trust to do it for them. A good agent should look out for his/her author, bottom line, and protect his/her author's rights in all matters.

Q: That is the way that I know I would like it. I would not like to have to deal with all that you have stated above. It would drive me crazy! *smile* When submitting work to publishers do you feel an agented author's percentage of being accepted is higher than one who is not represented?

A: Seeing as how several of the authors I represent are self-published, my answer to this question is yes. (Traditional) Publishers are understaffed and don't have the time or inclination to go thru the slush pile. This is left to the already overworked editorial assistants who already work for 2 or more editors. I think most publishers have the assistants go thru the slush pile once a month or so and those things that aren't accepted right away receive a form letter in reply. So if an agent represents an author, the publisher is gonna think that this agency isn't going to waste his/her time on someone who's not talented so they'll take the time and man/woman-power to read. In addition, an agent will know which editors to send various kinds of material to, as opposed to authors who will send stuff anonymously. An agent needs to build editorial relationships at a variety of publishing houses and it is these relationships, more often than not, that gets a manuscript in the doors and read, as opposed to an unsolicited manuscript sent by an author which gets put into the slush pile. This is less true on the kids side of things. There are more kids/YA authors who don't have agents than there are unagented adult authors. The adult market is a lot more cut-throat.

Wow! That almost sounds scary Jeanette! Good points for having an agent! However all writers know there are many vipers out there in the agent world. I, myself, have been bitten once to the tune of $300 because I believed their lies. What should an author look for when deciding if an agent is truthful and honest? What are the red flags, so to speak?

A: I think an author has to respect his or her own instincts about someone. I personally wonder about those people I've known in the business who were editors for 2-3 years and then became an agent. What does that editor know about all of the other parts of publishing other than editorial and having agent contacts? How can that agent represent foreign, film, and any other ancillary rights? Many of them don't, even tho they hang on to those rights. I think experience is key. I only know that I'm honest to a fault. I'm not sure what the red flags are....I know some of the people in business that I don't trust but it wouldn't be nice to list their names........

Thank you Jeanette! Here is a question I'm sure we all want to know. Since you have worked in publishing, let me ask you this. Why do some publishers only allow agented work to be presented to them when they know how hard it is for an author to obtain an agent? It just does not seem fair to me!

A: I don't think publishers are thinking about how hard it is to get an agent; publishers are a bit insular that way. See the above about the slush pile. They want to be able to have phenomenal books pitched to them without having to slog thru a million submissions. I'm a little insulated myself since I only worked for one conglomerate (in stages) for most of my pro life. So I can't speak about all the publishers.

Q: Let me ask you this. What do you do to help your authors?

A: I edit, proofread and copyedit at the same time as reading - I can't help it - it comes naturally. I'm a coach, I'm a teacher, I do great pep-talks, I'm an agent and a manager and everything else. I also do a weekly media email about all forms of media connected to publishing, with articles from all the email newsletters and on-line media magazines so that my authors will get a better idea of how vast the various markets are. I have pretty much decided that because I hardly trust any of the subrights departments out there save a very small handful, that I will keep all non-standard subsidiary rights for sale through my company and allow the North American publisher only standard North American publication and ancillary rights. I already have a chain of the foreign sub-agents I used throughout my professional life anyway, all of whom understand how I work and appreciate the momentum I like to build for an author, so that's good. And I have a great film agent too.

Q: Interesting! Tell me what do you require from your authors?

A: The ability to take criticism - to agree to changes into their work if required - the ability to understand that if they're new in the market that sometimes it takes time - I might have total faith in their work but it may take time to find the right publisher and/or venue for their work.

Q: That sound fair enough! Do you keep your authors informed often of the status of their work?

A: Yes, absolutely. Even when a film producer or a foreign sub-agent makes a comment about a title, I pass that along. I think it's important that the author knows that his/her agent/manager is out there championing the writer's cause!

Q: I'm interested to know and I'm sure our readers would be to. How long does it usually take to sell a work?

A:I can't tell you that yet - I only started up in May '02 and my first projects went out a few weeks back. I hope that my instincts are on the money but who knows? However, one of my self-published authors had a Japanese sale about a two months ago. Nice deal too! I would say it would take anywhere from 2 months to 2 years depending on the book and the market and the publishers and the market (did I say the market? because it all depends on what is being accepted by readers and its the readers who are the market as well as the state of the world).....I make no absolute promises other than that I am working my butt off and doing my best at all times. One thing I do know for certain is that if something is unable to sell now because of one reason or another, the markets are cyclical, so one just needs to be patient to wait for something old and unacceptable to become new and acceptable again. I saw romance novels go out of style and come right back into style 3-5 years later. The same happened for westerns and science fiction and war novels. It's cyclical; like Harry Chapin used to sing: "All My Life's a Circle". Well, so's publishing.

Q: May an author refuse placement with a publisher that you have found for their work?

A: Absolutely! The author has veto power, no ifs ands or buts. The way I work, and have always worked, is to keep the author informed of everything going on that affects them. It's always been my practice to get a deal to the best possible place and then present that offer to the author with my recommendations for acceptance (if I believe that it is the best deal possible) or not (if I don't think it's the best deal possible or we can do better elsewhere) and then the final decision lies with the author.

Q: That sounds great! Here is a question we all want to know! What percentage do you receive and what is the norm for the industry? Also do you work with a standard contract and what should the author watch out for in contracts with agents?

A: I think my percentages are standard for the industry. 15% for domestic rights, and 20% split evenly with my sub-agents for British, Foreign and Film. I don't know about other agents. I only know about those people I've known most of my pro life that gave me their standard contracts that I now use. I would tell an author not to sign his or her life away to an agent, but also to make sure they have an agreement up front before there is a deal. Weird to have to find out an agent takes a huge commission after the fact.

Q: You work with film rights, does a book have to be published to be considered for a film?

A: Absolutely not. I have several projects being looked at right now in synopsis form. My film agent, for adult titles, requires a good synopsis to use in pitching to studio execs and producers. The way I look at it, momentum can build a book. I can get a North American book deal which will peak film, foreign and British interest in a book. I can get a British, Japanese or German Language deal which will peak film, North American and other foreign interest in a title. It all works hand-in-hand as long as the agent is willing to help build that momentum by letting everyone concerned know what's going on. If the book gets a good review, it should be passed to whomever has and hasn't bought rights yet. It's like building a house, brick by brick. If you don't lay the foundation, you've got a problem. You've got to get everything working together, like cogs on intersecting mechanical wheels, to make it work or The Big Bad Wolf can blow it down with two huffs and a puff.

Q: That makes a lot of sense. Thank you for explaining that. The Website 'Predators and Editors' - the watch-dog for writers, warns against any agent or publisher that charges upfront fees. How do you feel about that and why?

A: I get upfront fees presently because I'm in startup and I do a lot of work on books before they get submitted. Because of editors who no longer edit and copywriters and proofreaders who don't do their jobs, I don't want anything to leave my office unless I feel good about it. I get (but I can waive the fee if I choose) $150. up front to read a ms. The fee is non-refundable BUT it is applicable against one or more things. If I like the manuscript and want to work with it but it needs editorial work, than the $150. is applied against my editing fee of $20. an hour (which is lower than standard - plus I do it all at one time - reading, editing, proofreading, fact-checking, copy-editing -- I read with a red pen in my right hand, a book of small colored stickees on my knee, and a dictionary and thesaurus at my side), if it doesn't need editorial work, than the $150. is applicable against my commission on a first license whatever that license might be. But I'm fair and up front and all that stuff. I don't know about other agents, but once more an author has to trust their gut instinct about someone.

As for publishers charging fees, I would think that would only be vanity and self-publishers and if that's the way an author wants to go there is money involved there yes....Just make sure that the vanity press won't own your work throughout the universe together with any yet undiscovered planets in perpetuity in any and all means of reading material, either already in existence or not yet created for the rest of your known life and beyond in case a traditional publisher comes along who wants to take over the title...Several of my self-published authors are published by 1stBooks Library. I like them too because they are up-front, their website is easy to read, and you can get out of the contract within 24 hours. Plus, though you have to pay them for their services at every turn and corner, they are helpful and polite, and offer some nice packages and deals. Not bad!

Q: Do you ever advise an author to self-publish while representing them?

A: I haven't been doing this long but for one of my authors I did recommend self-publication. The reason was that his book is a screenwriter's workbook and though, as a screenwriter and a teacher of same, he is known within the Hollywood community, he is not known within the world at large. Since he wrote the book to be a teaching tool for his seminars around town as well as to teach from when he gets a college teaching position (and his previous students were begging him to write a book for them to refer to), I figured that it would work best if we had it self-published first.

In this case, the author agreed with me. I worked on it editorially just like I do all the books I rep and it's currently on submission throughout the world as a PDF file in the interim while the self-publisher is working on getting it ready for publication. When ready, the books will be available via Amazon and B & N.com as well as on-line. In addition, I have someone who will be looking to book him into colleges and screenwriting courses around the country to give his seminar, where I'm sure we'll sell copies of the book. After two years of touting this title, I'll tally the copy sales we've had as well together with any foreign licenses and copies of all of the on-line reviews and author interviews, et al., and then take all that and offer the book to major publishers with proof that my author is just as good if not better than the screenwriters of name who already have screenwriting books available.

So, like in this case, it all depends on the book itself. Because there are publishers everywhere of every type, there's no reason to recommend self publication in every instance but sometimes it's worth it. As an agent it's my job to look after the author's work and make sure it's placed in the best way possible every step of the way.

Thank you Jeanette. Now would you please use this space for your final statement. Anything you think authors should know that would increase their chances of being accepted by an agent.

A: I think these two are the hardest of the questions you've asked so far. OK, I've got my thinking cap on. Um, I would say that authors, being creative people to start with, should be wary of anyone they're entering into any business dealings with. There are agents out there who were editors for under five years, and for whatever reason, lost/left their job and became agents - and though they may know something about the North American side of the publishing industry, they don't know anything about the rest of it - foreign, film, etc. I wouldn't give them all my rights; nuh uh. Not to mention that I know of agents who keep all rights other than the traditional ones sold to a North American publisher and then just sit on those rights. Depending on the book, the North American publisher's foreign rights department may have been able to license the book well throughout the world, which then helps to earn back the advance paid to the author by the publisher a heck of a lot faster than waiting for the royalties to be applied against said advance (in my case, I prefer to handle those foreign rights directly so that the author gets his/her money upfront in addition to the North American publishers advance BUT if another agent isn't going to try and do anything with those rights, they might as well go to the North American publisher for exploiting via their rights people). I'm not so sure about the film rights though - I think that they're best handled by a film rights professional. There aren't a lot of subrights departments in publishing houses out there who take an active interest in film rights. They don't understand the far reaching affects an option or film deal can do for their other rights or their copy sales for that matter.

What I'm saying here is that an author wants to find an agent who will do their best work for the author; and from all aspects of the various mediums out there, not just sell North American rights and get the advance and royalties and forget it after that. Authors need to be able to write with a clear mind and their agent needs to be the business-person; and there should be a good rapor between both...the author should be able to ask questions and get answers - etc.

Q: That was great Jeanette. Thank you so much!

I want to thank Jeanette Lundgren for a wonderful interview. I found her information extremely valuable and I know that I certainly have learned alot. I'm sure that you have too! Jeanette seems to truly care for her authors and their future. This is indeed a gift for them.

We wish Jeanette the best of luck in her Profession and good wishes to all of her authors, with Jeanette working for them, I believe they will all be winners!

Higher Order Thinking Skills For Spiritual Abundance Building Blocks Of Knowledge
Jeanette McKenzie
Publish America
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
ISBN: 151293383, $19.95, 175 pages,www.publishamerica.com

I began reading Jeanette McKenzie's book with interest since I am quite knowledgeable in the subject she was writing about. Having been a Pastor for over 20 years, I was anxious to see how she would present this information. I wondered if it would be 'preachy' or given to the people in a tender,understanding way.

The author takes all of the Spiritual truths that are needed from the Word of God and presents them to the reader using Bloom's Taxonomy of cognitive brain development. Now, don't let that big name scare you away! The author really does a wonderful job of using these concepts in teaching the reader how to raise their spiritual level and get the most out of their spiritual walk. As Christians, we are always striving to have more understanding of God's Word and His principals.

Using the six levels of the taxonomy she applies them to knowing the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, prayer, fasting, faith and answered prayer, among others.
She does an excellent job in presenting her information. I feel someone wanting to truly grow in God's Word would benefit greatly from applying her format.

Higher Order Thinking Skills For Spiritual Abundance would make a good complimentary book to your Bible. And would be an excellent companion book for those wanting a deeper walk with the Lord.

Interview with Jeanette McKenzie:

Q: Please tell us Ms. McKenzie, is Higher Order Thinking Skills for Spiritual Abundance your first work?

A: Yes, Higher Order Thinking Skills for Spiritual Abundance/Building Blocks of Knowledge is my first
published work.

Q: Being involved in Christian teaching myself, I would like to ask why you write this book, what inspired you?

A: After teaching Higher Order Thinking Skills, also known as Bloom's Taxonomy, for many years as a teacher and witnessing the academic growth of my students, one day my thoughts focused on the basic principles of Christianity and their correlation with the taxonomy.

I thought to myself, these match up perfectly with the taxonomy. I pondered this idea in my mind for a few months. As an Evangelist with a radio program I started to speak on each of these topics on my Inspirational Messages program. Then I thought, these topics are so intense that the listeners wouldn't grasp the full meaning of the messages. That's when I decided to write the book Higher Order Thinking Skills for Spiritual Abundance. I began to write the titles for each chapter matching each principle to a level of the taxonomy and I was amazed how easily I found scriptures to go along with each one. So I wrote this book so that Christians would learn how to grow in the knowledge of the Lord in a meaningful way realizing the need to put these principles to practice daily. I didn't really know what I was going to write about as I began each chapter but the Holy Spirit helped inspire me as I began to search the scriptures.

Q: That is a very interesting way to bring the truths of God's Word to life. I have read your book (please note review in this post) and found the information in it to be very useful. May I ask how long it took you to complete this work?

A: I pondered the idea in my mind in December of 1999 but I didn't begin writing until March of 2000. I completed the book in March of 2002. I will say it took me 2 years to write this book. Although I sent the manuscripts out in September of 2001, thinking I was finished, it wasn't until after I received the final draft that I really finished the book. I found myself adding and subtracting ideas even at the last minute.

Q: Yes Jeanette, I think we all understand the adding and subtracting of ideas with a work. Let me ask you this, how long did it take you to find a publisher and was this difficult for you?

A: It took me 6 months to find a publisher and yes I thought it was difficult. Prayerfully I began my search and asked the Lord to assist me and direct me to a publisher. There are so many publishers out there that one doesn't know where to begin, as well as Literary Agents. A person doesn't know if they're legitimate publishers or con-artists waiting to rip you off. I sent out manuscripts in September of 2001 to 5 different publishers I found in front of some of the well known Christian books. In November I started getting them back with the rejection letters. I then began to wonder just how long it would take me to find a publisher. I got somewhat discouraged and my daughter encouraged me to search the Internet. I really didn't know who to contact. One night as I was searching I found Publish America and a few others and sent them a Synopsis of my work which is what they requested via e-mail. That same night one of the editors of Publish America e-mailed me requesting my manuscript. She said if it was accepted I would be contacted via e-mail in approximately 3 weeks. I got rejection e-mails from the others. In 3 weeks I got my acceptance notice like she said via e-mail along with a copy of the contract for me to study. Geez, was I a happy camper (smile)!!!!

Q: It is a wonderful feeling to receive acceptance isn't it? I'm very glad that you found a publisher for your work. Let me ask you this. What do you want your reader to receive from your book? What do you hope they will take with them when they are finished reading it?

A: I would like for my readers to understand exactly what God requires of us when we commit our lives to Him with the realization that God expects spiritual growth from all born again believers which is really spiritual abundance. We must understand that spiritual abundance is not related to money, fame and fortune but these things come when we practice the principles of righteous living that I have discussed in my book. It is then that we truly grow in our knowledge of Christ. Our main emphasis should not be on material wealth but on becoming spiritually abundant in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and forming that intimate relationship with Him daily.

It is my prayer that after reading my book they will sincerely think about the last chapter, The Critical List. I want them to take with them the results of being on this list and how it effects one's spiritual growth. Maybe this will wake some of us up to doing something about it. As I stated in my book, you can get off the Critical List by asking the Lord to forgive you and wash you in His blood. But you don't stop there, then you must practice each level of the taxonomy so that you may truly grow and receive the blessings God has promised to every believer.

Q: Let me say this to our readers, I know enough of the Word of God and Spiritual Law to tell you that Ms. McKenzie's book can help your Spiritual walk, if you will apply what she suggests. Read her work and give it a try! Let me ask you some basic questions about yourself and your writing. How many hours a day do you spend writing?

A: I write sporadically a little here and a little there. There are days when I don't write at all. That's when I'm busy doing other needed things. If I were to add it all up I'd say 3 hours or less. Because of my job I really have to chose the times when I'm not working or busy to sit down and write. But after an influx of thoughts I can go for hours sometimes all day on a Saturday. I wish I could do it full time because the revising and editing takes up a lot of my time.

Q: I can understand that. As a writer, I know what it feels like to long to be typing away at my computer, but not having the time to do it. What other writings are you working on and when can we expect to see them published?

A: Presently I'm working on my 2nd book. I hope to be finished by December so I can begin my search for a publisher and hopefully it can be released by June. I also have 4 more titles after this one that I'll be writing on. I'll keep on writing until I run out of titles to explore.

Q: That is wonderful. I am sure each one will be a blessing to the Body of Christ! Would you tell us how long you have been writing?

A: I just begun serious writing in the past 2 years with the release of my first book "Higher Order Thinking Skills for Spiritual Abundance. I do recall one of my grade school teachers informing me not to watch a lot of TV because it would stifle my creativity. At this point I don't think it has.

Q: And neither do I! Your book is in the Christian genre, do you think you will ever expand your writing in another genre and if so what genre would that be?

A: No, I don't have titles for any other books but Christian books. This seems to be the area the Lord
is leading me.

Q: You are doing a very good job in your calling Jeanette! Does your publisher help promote your book and how much promoting do you do? Do you have any tips for our readers in this area?

A: This same question was asked by one of the Publish America authors and posted on the Author's Message Board. The answer was that Publish America will do some promoting on a minimal level. That is they send out some direct mail to friends and family and then they promote it to the on-line book retailers and are able to get it on-line for people to buy.

The rest is up to the author. I am trying to promote my book as I learn how and who to contact. It's certainly not easy as a first time author. I thought they would at least get it in some of the stores (at least one chain), but I was later told that I was responsible for getting it into the stores and that's hard.

I have been promoting it as a vendor at various festivals and conventions. But for me this is very tiresome. Now I'm trying to get reviews so maybe they will be placed on-line, on websites and in magazines.

I've sent out probably over 100 books to various churches, Christian religious groups and stores, as well to local TV and radio stations. I can count the responses on one hand. It's a hard job. But then again for a first time author I do feel the author should be required to market and promote their book to some extent to learn and become familiar with the publishing world. All of this is new to me and I'm learning something new everyday. I don't have tips for anyone in this area, I'm the new gal on the block. If anyone has some for me I will gladly receive them.

Q: There you go readers! Now is your chance to help a fellow author! Any ideas for Jeanette? Let me ask you this, for you, what was the most difficult part of writing your book?

A: I didn't have a difficult time writing my book and no parts were difficult to write. I took my time and didn't try to rush myself. In this way I gave myself time to do the best job I could.

Q: That is wonderful! We should all be so blessed! Did writing your book make a difference in your life and if so would you share that with us?

A: Certainly, it has. I have applied this concept to my own spiritual life and in doing so I have found that it keeps me in the word, in prayer and I have an awareness that as I Christian I am required to continually grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. I have basically changed, that is my attitude and my character, and I can feel the transformation from within. And as I stated in my book, it's continuous and on-going, it never stops in the lives of believers. It's amazing! I can actually feel the presence of the Lord inside me, a closeness with God, and I can see Him working in my life. I know I am growing to new levels in Christ for it is impossible to walk with God and stay the same way. One must change.

Q: I agree with you completely! Is there any one person who gave you the most encouragement in writing your book?

A: No, no one encouraged me to write this book. The few people I did mention it to really didn't understand the concepts behind what I was doing so I didn't try to share it. I have always been a self-motivated person and I don't need to be pried and pushed to do something once my mind sets on doing it.

As I wrote each chapter I really didn't know what I was going to write until I started writing. These topics are written about so much by Christians that at one time I wondered if it was anything left to write about concerning them. But that's the wonder of God. His treasury is full of surprises. He never runs out of ideas. So my greatest motivator was the Holy Spirit. He continually put thoughts and ideas in my mind as I wrote. I give all the glory to Him.

Q: I like to ask those that I interview this question; If there was one thing you could tell a publisher from the view point of an author, what would that be?

A: I was happy with my soft cover books when I received them. I was first sent 2 copies so that I could respond to how the cover looked. When I was told that my book was selected to be in a hard cover version this wasn't done. They sent me all the books and to my disappointment I was unhappy with the covers because the color is much lighter than the soft cover version. Instead of sending me one to preview they sent me all of them. When I complained they said they would correct it the next time. Well my hard earned money was spent the first time and this was disheartening.

Publishers should always allow the author to preview what they're receiving especially when they're paying for them. They should also tell the whole truth about how they market your book. I did not know I would be responsible for getting my book in the stores. I thought the contract said they would get it in Borders and Barnes & Nobles but this was not so. As a first time author if you're not familiar with what to look for you're always fooled. I even had a lawyer to review my contract and I was still unaware of certain things.

Q: Let me ask you this, what reactions have you been having concerning the release of your book? I am sorry to say this is a familiar story, and one that I have heard and lived many times. I suppose it is a lesson we will all remember in the future in dealing with publishers, and I hope not repeat.

A: Mixed emotions; surprise, joy, jealousy and even that very subtle anger. At first I felt quite intimidated not knowing how people would respond. Mainly because I've always been a quiet person, a follower and not a leader, and I've always stayed in the background. So I prayerfully asked the Lord to take these feelings away and give me the holy boldness I would need to promote my book. And He has done that. I don't feel that way anymore.

I've found that people do get sincerely jealous and envious of ones success and these are sometimes professing Christians. And then there are those that are truly happy for me and that makes me glad. So I've decided no matter what reactions I get I am not going to let them stop me from being happy about my published book and promoting it as the Lord opens doors and shows me what to do to get it out to the public. I am going to continue to write to the glory and honor of God as long as I have a workable title to unfold creatively in a way that has not been dealt with before.

Q: Good for you! Would you please use this space for any final words you would like to leave with our readers concerning your book or publishing in general?

A: This one is to the readers, if you read my book and enjoy it please write a review on all the websites. And concerning my book I would like for my readers to remember this quote; "Holiness involves friendship with God. There has to be a moment in our relationship with God when He ceases to be just a Sunday acquaintance and becomes a weekday friend." -Basil Hume And this is the theme of my book, using the 6 levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and they are, Knowing the Word, Comprehending the Holy Spirit, Obedience to the Word through the Application of it, Analyzing Self through Prayer, Synthesizing Faith and having the Fruit of the Spirit working in your character. Truly, this is how to become Christ's lifetime friend.

Q: I wish to thank Jeanette McKenzie for allowing me this interview with her. I recommend her book to you. If you are a Christian, the words and concept she uses will help you with your walk with Jesus, if you are just curious about the Christian faith, her book will answer some of your questions.

I sincerely wish Jeanette much success with her book and all her future works. Thank you and God's blessings on your work!

Contact Information:
j_ginyard@yahoo.com
AuthorsDen.com/jeanettemckenzie - Here you can post a message for me on my message board.
SpiritualAbundance.net - Here you can sign my guest book and leave a message. It is forwarded directly to my e-mail account.

On the Publish America website (PublishAmerica.com), where my book is found for ordering on top of the covers you may send me an electronic postcard. I check these websites daily.

I want to take this time to thank Jeanette for allowing me to interview her. I believe that she has a bright future ahead of her and pray that all her dreams come true. Keep an eye out for more of Jeanette's works, I'm sure they will be winners!

Shirley Johnson
Reviewer/Interviewer
Midwest Book Review

Cindy Penn's Bookshelf
Belle Of The Ball The Three Graces
Pam McCutcheon
Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821774565 Mass Market Paperback, 190 pages, $5.99

The Sullivan girls might have been named for The Three Graces, but none of the girls embodies the gift of the name she carries. Belle is rather homely, Grace is clumsy, and Charisma is blunt. Nevertheless, their mother strives to marry the girls into the upper reaches of society and raise her own status. Then the sisters overhear insults to their persons while escorted by three supposed gentlemen at the Garden of the Gods. The Three Graces hear their wishes, however, and decide to intervene and make their wishes come true. Of course the question remains if the wish to be granted is the spoken one, or the wish of the heart. Kit Stanhope misses England when his family banishes based on a false accusation. For a new businessman, reputation is everything, and Kit must pay blackmail to keep his name spotless, which makes it difficult to fulfill his father's charge of finding a sound investment. Now he feels guilty that Belle has overheard his unfortunate insult, and vows to make amends. When Belle asks him to teach her the ropes of society, he accepts the opportunity. He does not know that she intends revenge upon the "threescum" who spoke harshly of her and her sisters. Belle wants to be beautiful so she can make the three men fall for her, and then toss them aside as such scoundrels deserve. Author Pam McCutcheon kicks off the series The Three Graces with flair! With vivid characterizations and strong plotting, Belle Of The Ball demonstrates McCutcheon at her best. With a bit of help from above, Belle discovers her own beauty even as she learns the truisms that make plain women beautiful. With wounds that go equally as deep resulting from his family's rejection, Kit has his own lessons to learn about trust. The result is a surprising blend of comedy and romance that will have readers chuckling throughout. Belle Of The Ball once again demonstrates McCutcheon's gift for combining the unexpected with the enchanting in a unique voice that readers remember. Readers will eagerly anticipate the addition novels of the serie including A Touch Of Charm by Karen Fox and Fallen From Grace by Yvonne Jocks. Belle Of The Ball comes highly recommended.

A Bicycle Built For Two Meet Me At The Fair
Alice Duncan
Zebra Books/kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821772783 Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages, $5.99

Wealthy Alex English intends to make the World's Columbian Exposition Agricultural Forum a success. When a man almost strangles his daughter who works there, his sensibilities rebel. His attempts to dismiss Kate Finney are thwarted by his partners, who remind him that integrity and honor come in various packages. With her mother dying of consumption, Kate works two jobs to support her family. Alex's outrageous judgment offends her, and she finds his odd interest in her and her family unnerving. She has fought the image of a cheap slum girl all of her life, and she does not hesitate to use a strong offence for her defense. Indeed, her strong spirit dazzles Alex and manages to break through his looming fussiness and cold judgments. Alice Duncan's mesmerizing voice sparkles in A Bicycle Built For Two. Opposites clash as Kate and Alex struggle to overcome their mutual prejudices. Kate assumes Alex as born with a silver spoon his mouth, underestimating the incredible hard work he has devoted to rebuilding his family's fortunes. Alex assumes a workingwoman who engages in fortune telling and Egyptian dancing must be a harlot. Set during an exciting period of American history filled with new discoveries and inventions, Duncan infuses her novel with the strengths and the struggles of the era. A dramatic subplot tempers the novel with the tragedies that confront ordinary people, thereby balancing the amusing with the tragic. A Bicycle Built For Two comes highly recommended.

Fool Me Twice
Kate Donovan
Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821772740 Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages, $5.99

A disastrous engagement leaves Jack Ryerson determined to never again avail himself of the professional matchmaking services of Russell Braddock. Now Braddock seeks to match him with a different sort of proposal. Trinity Standish must find a businessman to save her inheritance and a husband to fulfill her grandfather's will or she will loose her ranch. With a household of women, sisters and a cousin he is raising, Jack has no desire to add another woman to the collection. However, the businessman side of him cannot help but be intrigued by the challenge of saving Trinity's ranch. Trinity expects an squinty-eyed accountant, not a bold cowboy covered in dust. She only wants to save her inheritance, and then earn enough profit to trace her father's footsteps the world over, seeing exotic locations described so many years ago in her father's letters. In contrast to Jack, she has no interest raising children, though she finds he acceptance of such responsibility admirable. Yet she suddenly finds the idea of temporary marriage exciting when she meets Jack. Too bad Jack seems incredibly determined to find a loophole out of marriage while still retaining possession of the ranch. Author Kate Donovan pens a lighthearted romp that conceals a surprising dark side in Fool Me Twice. With her characteristic flair, she creates a heroine with spirit and sass, and a hero who deserves such style. Trinity cannot help feeling intrigued by Jack despite his determination to maintain his distance. Jack does not realize that she slowly wears away his resistance with her undeniable passion. Their shared sensuality underlies every encounter, and their repartee and the intrinsic charm of the entire story will win reader's hearts. The secondary plot concerning Russell's cousin proves a powerful counterpoint to the novel. Indeed, Donovan's tale personifies the greatest strengths of the Zebra Ballad line with her marvelous characterizations and surprising plot. Readers will truly miss such talent next year with the demise of the Ballad line, ad can only hope such talent finds a voice in the Zebra Historical Romance line. FOOL ME TWICE comes highly recommended.

19 1/2 Revelations
F.G. Fox
iUniverse.com
5220 S 16th, Ste. 200, Lincoln, NE 68512
ISBN 595223583, May 2002, Paperback, 250 pages, $14.95

Moto arrives in New Orleans seeking his twin brother Abe, who had been born in a dumpster. Abe had come to New Orleans to apply for a job at the library. Unfortunately, they do not want to hire someone who likes to read, which is the problem they had with the last clerk. Moto finds his brother in children's section, about to be arrested due to a misunderstanding. Once they are escorted from the building, they try to find Moto's car, but he had parked it on a carnaval route and it has been towed. They eventually track the car to where it has been towed, but it has been vandalized and is no longer drivable. The next several days proceed with such discordant incidents, including beed chasing, Moto being jailed after saving a girl's life, an underwear ball at a department store. 19 1/2 Revelations mimics its carnvalistic background with a kalidoscope of odd incidents, happenstance, and revelations. As people continuously comment that these twin brothers look absolutely nothing alike, the reader becomes aware of their odd yet profound relationship. They seem to spend a lot of time losing each other, finding each other, and bailing one another out of trouble. Ultimately they become as finely defined as the detail within in the kalidoscope just before it shifts to form a new image. An unusual, yet compelling read, 19 1/2 Revelations comes recommended.

The Rogue
Claire Delacroix
Warner
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0446611107, October 2002, Mass Market Paperback, 366 pages, $6.99

A portent arrives in the form of a raven, and Ysabella of Kinfairlie is not surprised when her estranged husband appears. Their two week marriage ended when she fled after learning Merlyn peddles religious relics when she had believed his livelihood was in textiles. She could not live with his crimes. Five years have passed since those glorious two weeks, and now Ysabella brews ale to support her sister and brother. After an explosive encounter, he leaves, only for word to come the following day of his death. Ysabella inherits her husband's estate, Ravensmuir. During her first night in the keep, Ysabella dreams of making love with Meryln. When she awakens with proof of their passion, Ysabella seeks answers. Merlyn confesses to staging his demise because someone seeks to kill him. He hopes to flush out his aggressor by giving Ysabella his property. Merlyn demands her trust even while withholding all the information she demands. Somewhere within the keep lies a treasure men will kill for. Clair Delacroix pens an intriguing medieval romance with The Rougue. Delacroix demonstrates a remarkable creative flair with The Rogue as it vividly creates a marvelous fourteenth century tale. Her vividly realized characters create a fabulous world of fierce loyalty and dangerous betrayal. Ysabella's five years of struggle to provide for her family, thereby clinging to her moral and ethical values despite starvation and deprivation proves her a powerful heroine. Her common background and lack of education and breeding sharply contrasts the laird of Ravensmuir, even as they are spiritually matched. While the choice of a first person narrative distances readers from the roguish hero, it also adds a beguiling sense of immediacy. The Rogue comes highly recommended.

My Father's Ghost The Return Of My Old Man And Other Second Chances
Suzy McKee Charnas
J. P. Tarcher/Penguin Putnam Inc.
175 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014 October 2002,
ISBN 1585421855, Mass Market, Paperback, 306 pages, $16.77

Suzy McKee Charnas always had a difficult relationship with her father Robin McKee who walked out when she was eight. Robin left behind 40 black bound journals containing mostly left-wing political ranting and long discussions on painters and paint, along with an occasional wisecrack. From her few childhood memories, thoughts gleaned from the journals, and the time from when Robin was 63 until his death at 81, Charnas constructs a haunting memoir. My Father's Ghost becomes a reflective, honest, and at times painful account of the journey from aging to dying. Robin eked out a living in Greenwich Village maintaining sporadic contact with his children. He was a man of extraordinary intelligence who had lived in true Bohemian poverty. Indeed, Robin sacrificed all for his good taste and artistic talent even while his career was unsuccessful. Then one day during a phone call with Charnas, Robin indicates that he is going blind. His daughter encourages him to retire, moving him to Albuquerque, New Mexico to live in a nearby "in-law" cottage. It seemed like a golden opportunity to get her lost father back -- a second chance for a father-daughter relationship. Charnas weathers the difficulties of living close to an aging parent with grace. She struggles with meals, housekeeping, and personal hygiene, and she worries over health issues and finances. During the first half of the book, her father coexists nearby, but the second half of the book confronts the inevitable deteriorating health and nursing homes. Throughout the memoir, Charnas recounts challenges, the pain, and the guilt of coping with an aging parent. Surprisingly, Robin finds his own second chances when he moves into a nursing home, lending the conclusion unexpected beauty and hope. Having had my own difficult relationship with a father who absented himself early in life, I read Charnas with eagerness and sympathy as she confronts the inevitable challenges of piecing together a relationship built mostly of hope and a few bedraggled memories. The contradictions f Robin's personality can prove both incredibly aggravating and highly amusing. Charnas weaves together excerpts from her father's journals and their shared story with remarkable skill, resulting in an absorbing narrative that readers will find enthralling. My Father's Ghost comes very highly recommended.

Whatever It Takes
Winnie Griggs
Leisure Books/Dorchester Publishing Co, Inc.
276 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10001
ISBN 0843951389, Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages, $5.99

Maddy Potter will do whatever it takes to gain custody of seven-year-old Katie. Friends have long encouraged her to put away the widow's weeds she has worn for the last seven years, but Maddy has vowed to never marry again. So she hires a proper gentleman to court her and leave her at the altar. Such a plan will provide the necessary respectability to see her through the adoption hearing in four weeks. When he arrives, however, Clayton Kincaid is too handsome and too potent for her comfort, making her wonder if the citizens of Pepper Cloud will believe he is sincerely interested in her. Clay suspects that this honoring of a family debt is actually nothing more than another of his mother's matchmaking schemes. He arrives in Pepper Cloud a day early to catch Maddy unprepared. He finds her modeling a daring dress for a dressmaker, revealing her passionate nature. Clay agrees to court her for a few weeks, but refuses to allow her dictate every move he makes. Moreover, he has never met a woman so obviously immune to his charms. Furthermore, he worries that Barrows House might be an unfit place to raise a child. He certainly will not repay a debt of honor by compromising a child's future. Author Winnie Griggs pens an engaging historical romance in Whatever It Takes. Maddy's eccentricities make her character sparkle, from her poker playing to her unorthodox housemates. Further, Maddy has long worn her widow's weeds as a shield of protection, but Clay's arrival blows away her carefully built walls. Indeed, Maddy's proper appearance conceals a marvelously free-spirited heroine, who has touch the right of touch of hoyden to make her truly interesting. Clay longs to release the slightly naughty woman from her self-imposed strictures. He also conceals a weakness that makes this powerful hero all too human. His sincere concern for Katie's well-being likewise brings his character vibrantly alive. In addition, the fun secondary cast brings the background to life, especially the Pepper Cloud Propriety Police. Indeed, rich characerizations complete with endearing vulnerabilities and emotional depth, will inevitably capture reader's hearts. Light hearted and entertaining, Whatever It Takes comes highly recommended.

Housebreaking A Husband
Lori Soard
Five Star Books
27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331
ISBN 0786245786, Hardcover, $26.95, 1-800-223-1244

Spaghetti handprints on the wall and purple crayon marks on the walls prove that Trent Kasey is not equipped for instant fatherhood. His sister's death to cancer three months leaves him with the twenty-two-month-old twins. Their biological father only wants custody to gain control of their meager funds held in trust. Now Trent needs help caring for the twin tornados while he runs his construction business, and he needs a wife to keep the court at bay. The twins and a dog conspire for an unexpected meeting between Sarah Goldwyne and her neighbor Trent. Dogs are insufficient replacement for children, but Sarah has resigned herself to a childless existence. Trent's desperate situation quickly leads to Sarah playing nanny, however, increasingly her longing for a traditional family. As she falls in love with all three Kaseys, Sarah knows she is setting herself up for heartbreak, but she cannot walk away. While the plot will be familiar to romance lovers, Housebreaking A Husband still provides delightful reading. Author Lori Soard has a gift turning everyday happenstance into amusing mayhem. Internal struggles and outward created messes will keep readers delighted to the last page. While the biological father is painted with an entirely black brush, the main characters and the loveable twins are deftly realized. A past-paced, wonderfully entertaining read, Housebreaking A Husband comes highly recommended.

The Nanny Diaries: A Novel
Emma McLaughlin, Nicola Kraus
St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10010
ISBN 0312278586, Fiction Hardback, 352 pages, $17.47

A graduate student, Nanny seeks part time work so she can complete her thesis and graduate. When a chance encounter in the park leads to Mrs. X, Nanny thinks she has found the perfect position. Then she learns the truth hiding behind the Park Avenue facade. Mrs. X is too busy having her nails done and shopping to clean her own home or spend time with her own child. When the Xes marriage disintegrates, its their child who suffers. Mr. X's absences and affairs have profound effects. Mrs. X's anger and depression likewise damages her child, leaving Nanny to cope with the results. Certainly, she could find another job. But her heart belongs with her young charge. Late checks, long hours, and rude behavior take the back seat to a wonderful, needy four-year-old. Those of us with professional child care experience, especially in the private sector of the wealthy and privileged, will laugh, cry and sympathize with The Nanny Diaries. The authors admit to drawing upon their combined experiences to create fictional characters, yet every story echoes my own experience from the competitiveness of private education to the deprived pantries. Certainly exaggeration makes a good story better, but the nuggets of truth allow The Nanny Diaries touch the heart. Yes, I've walked out a client's home in tears after listen to arguments never intended for mine or the children's ears. Yes, I've been asked to do many duties that went way beyond the contract and pay of ten dollars an hour. Yes, many clients are gems. But the ones who are not live in one's memory forever -- and make a powerful story! Consequently, The Nanny Diaries comes very highly recommended.

The Perfect Victim
Linda Castillo
Jove
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014
ISBN 0515133701, Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages, $5.99

Addison Fox needs a private detective to help with her stalled inquiry into the identity of her birth parents. Her appointment leads to the office of Jack Talbot. But instead of Jack, she meets younger brother Randall who happens to be quite inebriated and suffering from a case of mistaken identity. Angered, she subsequently lodges a complaint with the Better Business Bureau against Talbot Investigations. An apology brings Randall to Addison's coffee shop three weeks later. Then when an invader breaks in through the back, Jack saves her life. While the police do not link the shooting to her biological mother's murder three weeks ago, Randall cannot help being suspicious. Later Addison finds her lawyer murdered, and Randall proves her adoptive parent's death was not an accident. Encumbered by their growing attraction and at a loss as the reason for the murders surrounding her, Addison and Jack must move quickly to find answers or they will not live long enough to explore their growing feelings. Author Linda Castillo first made a name for herself penning edgy romantic suspense for Harlequin. Now she leaps from series romance to her first single title release with The Perfect Victim, penning a riveting romantic suspense that promises grand things from this rising star. Addison's idealized upbringing does not prepare her for the harsh realities her investigation sets into motion, but she meets the challenges with courage and fortitude. Her inauspicious beginning with Randall sets up a complicated hero with a dark past. Consequently, the perfectly balanced mix of complex relationships, deadly secrets, and the ultimate treachery make The Perfect Victim perfectly addictive. Very highly recommended.

The Pinecroft Thoroughbreds
Selwyn Anne Grames
Zumaya Publications
P.O. Box 44062, Burnaby, B.C. V5B 4Y2, Canada
ISBN 1591090547, eBook/Multiple Formats, $6.00, Paperback $15.00, 375 pages,

In 1974, seventy-one year old Caitlin Cleary narrates her purported memoirs about living at Pine Barrens, or Pinelands, located in southern New Jersey. Her powerful narrative voice immediately establishes her as an eccentric, thoughtful, authoritative woman who promises to "tell it like it is." As a young girl, Caitlin dreamed of become a jockey, but the door of opportunity was not yet open to young women. So it seems only appropriate that Caitlin would marry wealthy American Charlie Kendall, thereby becoming a member of the "Horsey Set". She immigrates to America with her new husband, bringing her socially ambitious brother Eamonn with her to Pinecroft, Charlie's estate in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Just before her marriage, Caitlin's father expresses his single misgiving. Charlie refuses to discuss his family at any length. Upon her arrival in America, Caitlin will learn the dark secrets of Charlie's family, which will soon threaten to overshadow her own happiness. But the secrets of the past are only a part of the dreadful events that create chaos in the lives of the residents at Pinecroft. The Pinecroft Thoroughbreds is an intricately woven tapestry of finely created emotions. The novel is filled with fierce intensity and naked vulnerability, thickly wrapped with reflection, regret and possibility. The carefully measured prose maintains a cautious tension, keeping the weave even and intriguing even as events strip away a beautiful surface to reveal ugly secrets. Moreover, the background of the New Jersey Pinelands, together with the scent of sunlight and shadow, intertwine in a novel that entrances the reader. Secondary characters provide a varied and textured background, rich with conflict. An incredible and touching read, The Pinecroft Thoroughbreds by Selwyn Anne Grames comes very highly recommended.

The Hours
Michael Cunningham
Picador USA
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, MY 10010
ISBN 0312305060, Paperback, 230 pages, $10.40

The Hours begins with the gifted author, poet and visionary Virginia Woolf drowning herself rather than facing another period of madness. The subsequent text entwines three narrative paths: Virginia Woolf as she writes Mrs Dalloway during the 1920s; California housewife Mrs. Laura Brown whose favorite book is Mrs Dalloway during the 1940s; and book editor Mrs. Clarissa Vaughan, nicknamed "Mrs. Dalloway" in the 1950s. Three women, three different timeframes, all bound together in a shimmering conclusion that is destined to haunt the reader long after the last page is turned. Clarissa Vaughan plans a party for her friend Richard, who has just won a major literary award for his poetry. Housewife Laura Brown struggles to find more meaning to her life than a simple existence than just as a wife and as a mother. The text brilliantly exposes their psyches, capturing the subtle nuances and flavors with a graceful pen; thereby exploring the contradictions and compromises that create our existence; deftly detailing fluidity of time and existence. While mass-market readers may be a bit baffled by The Hours, literary scholars and classics lovers will adore it. Readers who bring a through knowledge of Virginia Woolf, a love of her novel Mrs Dalloway, and an appreciation of the poetry of language will discover an amazing gift of beauty within this finely woven novel. Indeed, Virginia Woolf scholars will recognize the influence of Orlando, The Waves and A Room Of One's Own, as well as Mrs Dalloway. In addition, admirers of the beauty of language will be stunned by Cunningham's ability to capture Woolf's voice and style in her sections, to flavor it with his own voice in the Clarissa Dalloway's sections, and then to exhibit his own unique voice and style in the Laura Brown's sections. A memorable novel to treasure.

Involuntary Separation
Rick Lacey
PublishAmerica
P.O. Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705
ISBN 1591295823, Paperback, 406 pages, $29.95

John McCall finds his boss murdered, still seated at his desk with a bullet through his head. The letters ISP have been carefully written in marker with the P around the bullet wound. ISP, involuntary separation seems to be a powerful motive, but with hundreds of past employees laid off and hundreds more potentially threatened, suspects abound. Oddly, the victim was not that heavily involved in the previous downsizing and would not have been involved in the next one either. John has already worked with the police on a previous case. Two years ago his wife Alicia and her best friend were brutally raped and murdered. While investigating Alicia's murder, police received so many calls from John's office phone late at night that they labeled him a workaholic with extreme dedication to Moon Oil. John is equally dedicated to ending corporate layoffs targeted to artificially inflate quarter reports. His dedication proves to be his downfall when Moon Oil uses his financial computer model to justify downsizing. With rumors flying regarding another downsizing, John intends to find a way to stop it. His long-term financial forecasting models predict dire consequences for the economy if corporations continue to downsize, but John has not as yet been able to predict short-term negative results. When a second board member is murdered and ISP is found be brutally slashed on his belly, every employee of Moon Oil, past and present, becomes suspect. Meanwhile, the chairman of the board assigns John to keep an eye on Beatrice Winter because she has "the eyes of a killer". Author Rick Lacey makes restitution for his own participation in a sever corporate downsizing at BP Oil by drawing upon his personal experiences as a Senior Financial Analyst in Involuntary Separation. Lacey admits that Involuntary Separation was written to start a national dialogue regarding corporate abuse in general and corporate downsizing in particular. The novel 's psychotic killer seek revenge even while exposing the dangerous power plays that occur behind ancy boardroom doors. While the primary murder plot will hold readers riveted, it is the exposure of big business that will make readers indignant and angry with the abuses corporations perpetrate on their employees. Indeed, corporate abuses abound with an eye only for the next quarter: never mind the devastation to America's families and workforce, not to mention to the long term health of the company. Consequently, the novel succeeds with a powerful tale that affects every citizen of America. In addition, Lacey's sophisticated prose will appeal to literature lovers who enjoy a touch of metafiction, irony, and satire. Note: Some discerning readers will be ethically challenged by John's evolving personal relationship with his psychiatrist. Involuntary Separation comes very highly recommended.

Athena And Eden: The Hidden Meaning Of The Parthenon's East Facade
Robert Bowie Johnson Jr.
Solving Light Books
727 Mount Alban Drive, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
ISBN 0970543816, Mass Market Paperback, 160 pages, $14.95

The focus of Greek civilization, the Parthenon captures viewers imaginations even as it conceals its true meaning. In his ground breaking work, Robert Bowie Johnson, Jr. author of Athena And Eden: The Hidden Meaning Of The Parthenon's East Facade demonstrates that when Athena is seen to be Eve, then Greek mythology becomes narrative art. Consequently, the marble sculptures on the east pediment of the Parthenon relate the story of the origin of mankind, matching the Genesis account in detail. Johnson asserts that scholars have previously been unsuccessful in identifying most of the figures in the east pediment because they have failed to connect Athena with Eve and the story of Eden in the Book of Genesis. Through careful research, Johnson demonstrates that we do have the literature and art to serve as a source of reconstruction. Painstaking comparison shows that the sculptures of the eastern pediment depict the Garden of Eden, the birth of Eve, the Great Flood. Furthermore, the goddess Athena, whom the Greeks worshipped as the one who brought the serpent's wisdom, is the same person the Book of Genesis calls Eve. Johnson, a West Point graduate, author, teacher and public speaker based his research on surviving sculptures, the ancient writings of Homer, Hesiod, Pindar and others, plus myths, vase art and the work of numerous experts. His controversial approach will certainly garner attention from all who are interested in the classics, religion, art, and mythology. Indeed, Johnson's unique perspective will provoke avid discussion among academics for years to come, yet is easily approachable by any who hold an interest in our origins.

Man With A Miracle: Superromance No 1093
Muriel Jensen
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710933, Mass Market Paperback, 296 pages, $5.25

A woman wielding a baseball bat surprises Evan Braga when he enters his office. Exhausted and overwhelmed from the previous sixteen hours, Beazie Deadham collapses after accusing Evan of murdering her boss. Before Evan came to Maple Hill and joined Whitcomb's Wonders, he had been a cop, and Beazie's startling appearance raises old intuition and training. As her boss lay dying in Beazie's arms he had entrusted her with a tape, warned her against cops, and told her to take the tape to Evans in Maple Hill. Beazie does not know if Evan is actually the man she is seeking, and she refuses to reveal the entire story until she is certain. Evan bears his own burdens, especially an overwhelming sense of responsibility for his brother's death. He resigned the force in Boston and came to Maple Hill for healing. Although his family rallied around him following the accident that took his brother's life and severely injured him, Evan's guilt keeps him from feeling comfortable with them. With murders pursuing Beazie, he refuses to turn Beazie out to seek answers alone. Instead, he persuades her to stay with him for a while, posing as an old girlfriend. Then they realize that Beazie had dated Evan's brother, and his brother was somehow connected to Beazie's tape. Purple hair and Christmas spirit combine in the delightful holiday romance Man With A Miracle. While the subplot of danger and intrigue adds a decided note of tension to the novel, it the developing relationship between Beazie and Evan that remains center stage. Bezie's resourcefulness and determination never flag as she struggles to reconcile the events of the past with an unexpected present that unfolds in Maple Hill. Evan's need for self-forgiveness becomes the perfect holiday story, enriched by the beauty of a small community that loves the joys of the holiday. Family complications, holiday cooking and favorite Maple Hill residents make their appearances, lending this holiday tale their individual flavors. A lovely holiday read, Man With A Miracle comes highly recommnded.

My Three Girls: Superromance No 1097
Susan Floyd
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710976, Mass Market Paperback, 297 pages,, $5.25

Five years ago Dana Ritchie virtually shut down her emotions after loosing a child. While he might not have been born of her body, the boy had been in her care long enough that he belonged in her heart. Dana left behind her teaching position to accept a new position in a remote town at a one-room school where she was both teacher and administrator. She learned to survive grief by ignoring it, working late hours until she falls into bed in exhaustion. Then one day a mother won't her accept refusal, leaving three young girls in Dana's care. When the call regarding three abandoned girls comes, Deputy Brady Moore takes it; they are his nieces, although he hasn't seen them in years. His brother's imprisonment and divorce resulted in hostility from the girls' mother, even if Brady regularly deposits a rather large portion of his salary in her account for the girls' care. Too bad the money was misused and the girls neglected. When he discovers the condition of the house and their mother's suicide, Brady proposes to Dana. They might have known one another only for a few hours, but they both want to keep the children from foster care. Together will have to decide if a marriage of convenience can last forever. Susan Floyd handles the difficult challenges and painful side of life with the finesse of a master in My Three Girls. From shopping at Wal-Mart and pierced ears to prison and suicide, Floyd lends her novel a strong sense of reality while maintaining the magic of love, whether it being a new romance, or reestablishing the connection between a parent and his child. Floyd's bold handling of the darker side of life lends a depth to the novel that is seldom glimpsed in series romance. Of all the marriage of convenience plots I have encountered, this is the most heart rendering and the most profound. A powerfully told tale that belongs on the keeper shelf.

Some Like It Sizzling: Harlequin Temptation No 911
Jamie Sobrato
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373691114, Mass Market Paperback, 218 pages, $4.25

Lucy fantasizes of handsome men, scandalous rendezvous and extravagant weekend-long dates, but her reality is far more sensible and safe. Then she finds a cowboy handcuffed to her bed, her bags packed, and a reservation at The Fantasy Ranch, an infamous adults-only resort several hours out in the desert. Tired of her boring existence, Lucy embraces the opportunity to turn herself into a sex kitten, eating sinful foods with hot men and seeking an opportunity for a wild, one night stand. Judd Walker takes the place of the resort's most popular employee in Lucy's bed to further his investigation. Someone seeks to sabotage his brother Mason's resort, so Judd goes undercover as an air-headed bimbo. Mason believes someone at Lucy's travel agency might be involved with the sabotage through a connection with his vengeful ex-girlfriend, which is how Judd finds himself dressed in a sleazy cowboy getup and handcuffed to Lucy's bed. Although Judd has had his share of wild women like Lucy, he has no intention of falling victim to red-hot lust again. Yet Lucy's contrasts intriguing him with her tempting innocence and sex kitten appearance. Debut author Jamie Sobrato pens a tantalizing escape with Some Like It Sizzling. Lucy's exploration of her wild side leads to steamy, sensual encounters that sizzle. Contrasts, contradictions, and deception, however threaten the erotic connection she makes with Judd as he conceals his identity behind a hottie exterior. The secondary plot between Lucy's boss and Mason's brother offers both heated amusement and a promise of a sequel. In Some Like It Sizzling, Sobrato proves her talent with a delicious story with great settings, appealing characters, and breathtaking love scenes. Readers will definitely want to watch for her second release, a Blaze entitled Pleasure For Pleasure. Some Like It Sizzling comes highly recommended.

The Sweetest Taboo: Harlequin Blaze No 68
Alison Kent
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790724, Mass Market Paperback, 248 pages, $4.50

Marvelous blend of romance and erotica -- Very highly recommended Inheriting her grandfather's bar gave Erin Thatcher endless hours of work but not satisfaction. Yet the bar is her legacy from the grandfather who gave up everything to care for her, and Erin intends it to succeed. Late hours and restlessness lead to imaginative interludes with the man in the apartment above hers. Elevator rides, chance encounters in the parking garage or mailroom make her long for more. Then Erin reads an article that motivates her to break all the rules and pursue her desire. She wants sex with a bad boy, a rake, a rapscallion with no guilt and no worries. Sebastian Gallo lives a very controlled life, allowing no one to come close emotionally. He buries his dark past and hidden pain in his fiction hero Ryder Falco, penning sinister, dark fiction, working out his angst by late night prowling and spending long hours in his opulently decadent shower. Sebastian's solitary existence is a design of his own making as opposed to the horrible years of his childhood. Long ago he vowed he would never look to someone else for security, substance or support. But then, he underestimated the needs of his heart. The Sweetest Taboo combines raw sexual energy with fierce emotional passion in a savvy blend of extremities certain to fulfill the most demanding lover of romance and erotica. Indeed, author Alison Kent has a gift for cutting to the very essence of modern woman's struggle to reconcile her needs and desires with the standards society sets. Sexual freedom does not give Erin the experience she imagines as she struggles to divorce extraordinary sex from its emotional ramifications. Sebastian likewise struggles with self-identity, rejecting his past by create a fictional character that bears the brunt of his dark side. Further, the pace of the novel maintains a gripping edge as both Erin and Sebastian struggle with their inner demons and deepest desires. A titillating read with gritty detail and fierce emotion, The Sweetest Taboo comes very hghly recommended.

Casey
Lori Foster
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 037383568X, Mass Market Paperback, 304 pages, $5.99

Emma Clark's notorious reputation can rival anyone's in Buckhorn, Kentucky. Unfortunately, what makes a man a stud makes a woman a whore, and, at seventeen, already Emma endures the gossip and the label. Her innate sensuality attracts every boy in school but one; the only one she truly wants. The late one night, her tense family situation escalates and she arrives, with a bruised cheek an outraged father, on the Hudson doorstep. She had told her family that she was pregnant. Casey Hudson will not let his plans get sidetracked regardless of his need for Emma. Indeed, Casey learned a lot from his family about how to treat women, but he never learned how to cope with Emma. When admits to not being pregnant, Emma stays the night with the Hudsons, before disappearing. A search does not turn up the teenager, and resources are quickly diverted to a more immediate problem. Still, Casey not forgot the girl who got away. When she suddenly returns to Buckhorn eight years later, Casey cannot stifle long-buried emotions and passions. Clashing family backgrounds and desperate need bring Casey and Emma together in Casey, before decisively dividing them once again. This second chance at forever can only come with blistering honesty and scorching need. Unfortunately, Emma guards secrets that threaten her chances for forever. Secondary characters, including favorites from the past and B.B. Emma's delightful dog result in a passionate, tension filled plot that is uniquely inventive. Such marvelous characterizations have made author Lori Foster one of the most dazzling authors in the industry, as she once again proves with her deft ability of balancing the wild side with strong integrity. Very highly recommended.

Christmas On Snowbird Mountain: Superromance No 1093
Fay Robinson
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710941, Mass Market Paperback, 296 pages, $5.25

Nine years of caring for her mother leaves Susannah Pelton longing to push the limits, to experience danger, to take life into her own hands. Unfortunately, the landing of her jump did not go very smoothly and now she wears a cast on her arm. Ironically, it is that cast and her flaming red hair that lets Ryan Whitepath know she is fulfillment of his grandmother's vision. His grandmother had said a redbird with a broken wing would bring healing to his wounded daughter. Six-year-old Nia suffers from Separation Disorder, brought about by her mother's death to pancreatic cancer. Although the child had never lived with her mother in London, only visiting a half dozen times, Nia fears losing her father the same way she has lost her mother. Anxiety attacks and depression have replaced her vibrant personality. Then she meets Susannah, a woman who also suffered tremendous loss. But Susannah only plans to stay until Christmas, and it is up to Ryan to transform the temporary that into forever. Author Fay Robinson's first Christmas book, Christmas On Snowbird Mountain with enthrall readers with her beauty and grace. Robinson displays rare qualities among series romance, where novels are often read and quickly, and just as quickly forgotten. She writes with the beauty of a poet, drawing the reader into a world of imagination bidding them to linger in entrancing possibilities. Susannah's life goals will charm readers, and provides the perfect introduction to Ryan. Robinson pays respective homage to the Indian customs and legends, lending the novel a rich background that proves mesmerizing. Christmas On Snowbird Mountain comes very highly recommended.

Simply Sexy: Temptation 905
Carly Phillips
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 037369105X, Mass Market Paperback, 218 pages, $4.25

Prodigal son Colin Lyons returns from an assignment in South America where sun drenched danger was only a bullet away to a different kind of risk. In his absence, his father placed stepmother Corinne in charge of the family paper. Corinne changes the paper's focus from hard news and strong advertising dollars to fluff and near-bankruptcy. Colin does not believe that sex will sell newspapers and plans to enlist columnist Rina Lowell's assistance, courting her friendship even as he plans returning the paper to hard news at the expense of her job. After her husband's death, guilt consumed Rina. Financially secure, Rina sought more than her old career and a New York City penthouse. Drawing on her writing and people skills, Rina comes to Ashford to make a new beginning writing a weekly column for the Times. When she arrives in town, Rina establishes her reputation as quiet, inconspicuous woman. Research completed, she is now ready to strut her stuff so she can share first-hand wisdom with her readers. Her journalistic debut will consequently mark her return to the social scene. Furthermore, while she is not ready for a long-term relationship, Rina finds the idea of a fling with Colin taking on real possibility. Author Carly Phillips pens an enticing, sensual romp in Simply Sexy. As Colin awakens passions Rina has never before experienced, their shared chemistry ignites. He does not mean to take advantage of her, but a simple kiss demonstrates how impossible of a position he creates for himself. Moreover, their unexpected connection adds heat, texture and intensity for which he is unprepared. Rina likewise finds it difficult to maintain emotional distance with such a profound connection between them, especially as she begins to enjoy her rediscovered sensuality. Secondary characters likewise sparkle as spunky Emma Montgomery's specialty of matchmaking adds a dynamic presence to the book. A delightful holiday romance with the joys, quirks, and uniqueness that readers have come to expect from Phillip's pen, Simply Sexy cmes very highly recommended.

Dreamless: Superromance No 1091
Darlene Graham
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710917, Mass Market Paperback, 297 pages, $5.25

Cassie McClean dreams of building beautiful, quality luxurious homes, but her new housing division seems plagued with disaster, contributed to by her neighbor, Jake Coffey. Road restrictions, restraining orders, threats of court all contribute to her frustration. But when Jake comes up the hill to complain to her in person, Cassie's life is transformed. Horses are Jake's life, and the horrendous construction noise threatens to send value mares into labor much too soon. His and Cassie's peevish telephone skirmishes quickly escalate to all out war. Surprisingly, after meeting they do establish compromises and quickly fall into a dating routine. Unfortunately, vandals strike at both of their properties, endangering their livelihoods and eventually their lives. Author Darlene Gardner pours on the romance while never backing away from the painful events of the past in Dreamless. Cassie and Jake begin as enemies who make an immediate connection when tragedy draws them together. Then they do something seldom acknowledged in the romantic genre: they date and truly enjoy their growing relationship: movies, a favorite restaurant, hearts and flowers, oh my! Of course, they also meet with incredible personal challenges that put their beliefs and their love to the test. But once established, their feelings for one another never waiver. Cassie's father and Jake's ex-wife provide important subplots that teach important lesson in love and forgiveness. A beautifully told tale that will hold readers riveted, Dreamless comes highly recommended.

A Place To Belong: Superromance No 1088
Kathryn Shay
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710887, Mass Market Paperback, 296 pages, $5.25

Fifteen years ago, Darcy's mother left her at Serenity House, a home for wayward girls. A promise of two months turned into four, and eventually seven. Despite the painful experience, Darcy maintained her free spirited lifestyle through boyfriends, marriage, two children, and divorce. When she could no longer support her girls without help, Darcy transformed herself into an image of her mother. She moved back to her hometown of Hyde Point, New York and began working in her mother's daycare, taking over management while her mother went on vacation. But in weaker moments, Darcy admits that she misses her old style, finding her current boyfriend dull and her life boring. Then the town's bad boy moves back. Hunter Sloan swore he would never return, but then he came to realize he would do anything for the son he has never known. When his ex-wife temporarily gives him the opportunity to get to know Braden, Hunter returns to his grandparents' for the extra help they can provide. His son suffers from ADHD and needs more than his mother has thus far provided. Hunter enrolls Braden in the town's daycare, where Darcy promises special help. Unfortunately, Hunter has no inkling as to the trouble Darcy was in her youth, assuming a town reject like himself could never measure up. Besides, once Braden's mother reclaims him, Hunter is headed back to Florida and life where folks judge him fairly. Author Kathryn Shay boldly tackles difficult life challenges in A Place To Belong. Both Darcy and Hunter have struggled with failed marriages and bad reputations. Both struggle with self-images in ways that will endear them to readers. They also both love their children, who are sparkling additions to the tale. The greatest strength of the novel lies in Hunter's challenge with his son's ADHD and his realization that he also has it even as an adult. A Place To Belong comes highly recommended.

The Sheriff Of Shelter Valley: Superromance No 1087
Tara Taylor Quinn
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710879, Mass Market Paperback, 296 pages, $5.25

The piercing cry of a child wakes a woman in a hotel in Snowflake, Arizona. With no identification and no memory of her past, she must construct a life for herself and her son. Using the name she checked in under, Beth Allen evaluates the bruises on her body and the two thousand dollars in a duffle bag and surmises that she and Ryan are on the run. But from what and to where? An article describing the sanctuary a battered wife discovered in Shelter Valley leads Beth there. She begins a cleaning business and leads a reclusive life. But the sheriff Greg Richards finds the draw of this enigmatic woman fascinating. Meanwhile, Greg has his own struggles with his past as current carjackings seem to tie to cold cases of ten years ago that took his father's life. Author Tara Taylor Quinn uses amnesia to great effect in The Sheriff Of Shelter Valley. Rather than encouraging dependence, however, amnesia forces self-reliance and extreme independence for Beth. The secondary plot, however, threatens to overbalance the tale as Greg struggles to solve the carjackings. Nevertheless, the use of a cult in the novel provides a chilling motivation for Beth's flight, and her desperate need to protect her child. While the novel feels a bit uneven, it's fast pace and riveting action will keep the reader glued to its pages,. Recommended.

The Puzzle Bark Tree
Stephanie Gertler
E P Dutton
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
ISBN 1894869389, Hardcover, 336 pages, $16.77

Since childhood, a dream has haunted Grace Hammond Barnett. Only after her parent's suicide does Grace realize that her dream is actually a repressed memory and a key to forgotten past. She and her sister Melanie had always know their parents were different than other parents -- little more than vague shadows that passed through their lives restricting music and laughter with their dark presence. Only the housekeeper Jemma filled the girl's need for fun and frivolity, for hugs and unquestionable love. The free spirited Grace grows up to marry a man as emotionally barren as her parents. Over the years, her bohemian skirts and long silver earrings cease to suit this highly respected cardiac surgeon. Ironic really, that a man who heals hearts refuses to touch the emotions of his own or another. Even with the death of Grace's parents, Adam refuses to accompany her to the scene when the call comes. But his absence leaves room for extraordinary change when Grace learns of the clues that lead to the answer of her parent's silence and the secrets that will forever redefine her life. Author Stephanie Gertler displays a dazzling skill for charting the transformations of the heart in The Puzzle Bark Tree. Grace's parents become a powerful presence in the novel, ironically through their absences and odd restraint. Gertler skillfully captures Grace's mother's devastated psyche with powerful imagery and gentle understanding, never excusing her withdrawal yet treating it with compassion. Indeed, the women of the novel sparkle with a shimmering passion and presence, though the men are so strongly juxtaposed as to become stereotypes. Nevertheless, Gertler's flowing narrative weaves a mesmerizing tale of sorrow, transformation and healing. Moreover, Gertler's distinctive rich voice speaks with incredible sensitivity and wisdom. A beautifully realized puzzle comprised of the past and the future, of grief and of joy, The Puzzle Tree comes highly recommended.

Jacob And The Polar Bears
Janet Graber, Sandra Salzillo-Shields (Illustrator)
Moon Mountain Publishing
80 Peachtree Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852
ISBN 1931659001, Hardback, $11.17, Ages 4-8, 1-800-893-9673

One day, Jacob and his mother choose polar bear pajamas at a second-hand shop. The shop owner cautions Jacob of the naughtiness of his polar bears, and gives him a stuffed polar bear who will help keep them in line. That night, itching, tickling sensations awaken Jacob and he sees a bed full of tiny polar bears. Rather than coming to sleep on his pajamas, however, the playful polar bears want to go for a swim in the creek. Now Jacob and King, his stuffed polar pear, must get the 172 naughty polar bears back on his pajamas. Young readers will love Jacob And The Polar Bear! My two-year-old audience, much younger than the recommended ages of four to eight, sat still for the entire story, mesmerized by the mischievous 172 polar bears. Indeed, my audience has asked for this story repeatedly since the first reading! A whimsical, amusing story with beautiful illustrations in which young Jacob learns the challenges of obedience.

Toko Of Coco Oko
Andrew J. Shoup
TokoBooks, LLC
PO Box 292192, Kettering, OH 45429
All Ages October 1, 2002, ISBN 0972043608 Hardback 32 pages, $16.95

On the tiny island of Coco Oko each inhabitant peruses the work they love the most. But one resident, Toko, doesn't know what he does best. So he goes to the god called The Great Coconut, to ask to be the best fisherman in all the village. But instead of accolades, Toko only gains laughter at his efforts. The same thing happens when he tries to build a boat or gather bananas. All the while, Toko writes about his experiences in his journal. The journey to discover one's self, whether young or old, comes alive with Andrew Shoup's Toko Of Coco Oko. A remarkable tale in its simplicity, this illustrated book contains a vital lesson perfect for all ages. My youngest audience, age two, thought Toko very silly and asks for the story again and again. My oldest audience, thirty-something, likewise enjoyed the story even as they appreciated the message of finding the one thing that brings joy and doing it well. With terrific illustrations and a wonderful story all audiences will love.

Always Faithful
Catherine Snodgrass & Bryndis Rubin
Amber Quill Press
P.O. Box 50251, Bellevue, WA 98015
Electronic ISBN 1592790046, $5.50, Paperback ISBN 1592799922, $14.49, 192 pages,

Framed for murder, Staff Sergeant Rowan McKinley asks for the best to defend her. She has not seen Captain Phillip Stuart in nine years, and he does not know that she has kept a secret from him: they share an eight-year-old son. But none of that matters now. Rowan knew someone was stealing government propriety at the Marine base at Twentynine Palms, CA. She had reported her suspicions to anyone and everyone who would listen. Finally fellow marine Charlie Kemp agreed to accompany her while she investigated. Rowan wakes in jail, accused of murder. Phillip might still find Rowan wildly attractive, but their previous relationship occurred prior to enlistment. Now he is an officer and Rowan is enlisted -- and the military has strict fraternization laws. Despite his instinct to stay away, "Always Faithful" is more than just the Marine motto; it is a guiding principle in Phillip's life. He cannot just ignore Rowan's plea for representation even if she once broke his heart. Authors Catherine Snodgrass and Bryndis Rubin pen an intriguing romantic suspense in Always Faithful. Rowan and Phillip's ethical dilemmas maintain the tension between them even as they fight to control their old attraction. Phillip's reaction to learning of his son is commendable in the way he immediately immerses himself in fatherhood even while he deeply resents Rowan's secret keeping. Current conspiracies soon come to mirror conspiracies of the past as they discover previous manipulations. A strong romantic suspense with the dazzling characterizations readers expect, Always Faithful comes highly recommended.

The Craving
T.K. Sheils
LTDBooks
200 North Service Rd W., Unit 1, Suite 301,Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6M 2Y1
ISBN Disk 1-55316-112-2 $5.00, ISBN Rocket 1-55316-887-9 $6.00, e-Book/Multiple Formats

They stalk the night, draining their victims and leaving behind a shriveled husk, and Sabrina Osterling has drawn their attention. Her proposed book on shape-shifters meets with tampered emails that nearly derail the project. When she tries to contact the editor regarding a face-to-face meeting, he disappears. In need of help, she arranges to meet Jackson Rutledge at a hotel. A woman claiming Sabrina's identity intercepts Jackson. Her calculated seduction makes him suspicious, and Jackson escapes just in time. When he finds the real Sabrina Osterling in the hotel restaurant, Jackson feels stunned. They check out the room where he had been with the imposter, but they find nothing. Then a terrified scream in the night leads to a shriveled husk and the scent of damp moss in the air. Their subsequent investigation uncovers horror beyond imagination. Author Terry Sheils proves his deft storytelling ability with The Butterfly House, and Nobody Told The Wind, continuing the series with The Craving. With a voice that mesmerizes, Sheils weaves a tale of abject horror, challenging the lines of friendship and love with deadly precision. Sabrina and Jackson share a complicated and unorthodox relationship, denying their attraction even while acknowledging their need for one another. Consequently, they provide the novel with an intriguing underlying tension which only escalates as they confront breathless terror in the glare of yellow eyes. Sheils' once again demonstrates a wildly imaginative, delightfully diabolical talent readers will find incredibly haunting. The Craving comes very highly recommended.

Gabriel's Ghost
Megan Sybil Baker
LTDBooks
200 North Service Rd W., Unit 1, Suite 301, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6M 2Y1
ISBN Disk 1-55316-081-9 ISBN Rocket 1-55316-923-9
eBook/Multiple Formats Download $5.00 Disk $6.00 Trade Paperback, $16.99

A carefully framed court martial gives Imperial patrolship Captain Chasidah Bergren a life sentence without parole on the harsh prison planet of Moabar. When smuggler Gabriel Ross Sullivan arrives to rescue her, Chaz almost believes that she has seen a ghost after his reported death two years ago. However, Sully has changed. He is no longer just the irreverent smuggler she chased across the galaxy and once shared searing, forbidden kisses with. Sully professes to need a detailed oriented insider who knows how to ask questions and key in Empire passwords. The Empire is breeding jukors again, after publicly announcing the deadly bio-engineered animals had been exterminated. Suddenly Chaz's reason for leaving Moabar shift from proving her innocence to stopping the gen-labs. Furthermore, Chaz will soon discover that Sully is indeed a ghost with frightening, dark secret. The man she comes to love with challenge her deepest beliefs. Readers have come to expect the extraordinary from author Megan Sybil Baker, but Gabriel's Ghost still exceeds all expectations! With the vision and texture of a poet, the heart of warrior, and the skill of a master, Baker creates a world of psychic gifts and shape shifters, of dangers beyond imagination and love beyond question. Chaz must rethink her beliefs, her morals, and her desires when betrayal leaves her stranded on a desolate, dangerous world. Gabriel must risk his deepest secrets and trust almost beyond capacity for this woman who challenges him, infuriates him, and makes him long for redemption from his private hell. Their mutual tangles of fears and desires, anger and faith leave them both reeling even as they work together to stop the breeding of jukors. Furthermore, I confess to a growing weakness for mature heroines who can present themselves as total equals, matching strengths and vulnerabilities to men with likewise believable and endearing characterizations. And Baker succeeds with pizzazz. Together this court-martialed captain and this ghost create a tale so entrancing, s mesmerizing that readers will be absolutely blown away by their fabulous tale, and will eagerly anticipate the next book of the series, Chasidah's Choice to be released in 2003.

Sealed In Blood
Margaret L. Carter
RFI
West #431 5515 N 7th Street, Suite 5, Phoenix AZ 85014
ISBN 1586973282, Dark Romantic Fantasy, (c) 2001, e-Book/Multiple Formats, 163 pages,

Rumors that a second rate reporter has obtained authentic pictures of a demon draws professor Nigel Jameson to a science fiction convention. Nigel convinces another convention guest, Sherri Hudson, to aid in his plan to steal the pictures and negatives before they become public. Unfortunately, someone else wants those pictures as well. After Nigel successful obtains them and learns the "demon" is his vampire sister, someone else slips into the reporter's room and leaves him dead. Several days after the convention, Sherri receives a threatening phone call demanding the pictures. Soon she finds herself swept away on a supernatural adventure to find Nigel's sister Laura. While Nigel protests the possibility of a long-term relationship, neither can resist their shared allure, plunging them into a passionate affair. Margaret Carter maintains the seductive allure of vampire legend yet lends vampires their own unique heritage in Sealed In Blood. Vampires in Carter's world have their own evolutionarily and cultural background coexisting with humanity. One is born a vampire, rather than transformed, as the bitterly disappointed antagonist learns. Vampires earn livings and live among humans, though they maintain a mild sensitivity to the sun. In addition, Carter's understanding fandom and cons lends the novel an authentic background complete with filk music and fanaticism. An intricately woven novel that blends romance, adventure, suspense and the supernatural, Sealed In Blood comes highly recommended.

Silver Rain
Staci Stallings

Available Free for subscribers to Staci Stalling's newsletter (2 chapters available each month; new subscribers can receive all previously released chapers) for more information: www.stacistallings.com

Struggling with her own inner demons, Leigh Chandler's mother sends her to visit her California relatives. A two-week visit extends, and extends yet again until Leigh winds up graduating with her cousin Kari Garnet. When Kari chooses to follow boyfriend Jamie Wakefield to college in Texas, some 2000 miles away, Leigh likewise follows. Unfortunately, Kari's ill concealed jealousy and resentment soon destroys whatever friendship they once shared. Rejected by her mother, orphaned from her father, and now rejected by her cousin, Leigh Chandler struggles to reconcile her emotions. On the one hand, pain makes her reject the overtures of friendship around her. She becomes determined to go it alone, refusing to share her life or her feelings. On the other hand, she quickly realizes that she cannot live completely apart from others, either. Complicating issues even further, Leigh and Jamie grow closer, despite his relationship with her cousin. Author Staci Stallings pens an endearing college romance in Silver Rain. She deftly captures the complications of a bitter family and the emotional entanglements that result from tragedy. Leigh's need for her mother, and her mother's subsequent rejection, provide profound reason for her to refuse to allow others closer. Ironically, it's also her mother who proves the value of allowing others close. The friendship that blossoms between Leigh and Jamie is delightful as they struggle to acknowledge their growing feelings. A tender romance rich with hope and promise, Silver Rain comes highly recommended.

Cindy Penn
Senior Reviewer & eBook Specialist

Klausner's Bookshelf
Dead Man Riding
Gillian Linscott
Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press
Dec 2002, $24.95, 320 pp., ISBN: 0312308248

At the turn of the twentieth century, Nell Bray attends Somerville College at Oxford University with her best friends Imogen and Midge. The three female pals are also close to Alan, Nathan and Kit. So when Alan invites them to his uncle's home near Skiddow during the summer break, they gratefully accept. Also, going on the trip is Oxford Don Michael Meredith, a brilliant scholar who wants to take part in the group's planned philosophy discussions. The villagers openly detest Alan's uncle with some believing he is a murderer because he shot at a mob on his property and one of the participants Arthur Mowbry turned up missing. One night when Nell takes a walk, she stumbles upon Alan's uncle's body, which is tied to his horse. Nell desperately wants to believe it was suicide or that someone she doesn't know killed him but she cannot close her mind to the possibility that one of the people she calls a friend is a murderer. Dead Man Riding is more than just a mystery; it is a story about the friendship and the lives that bind people together. At the same time the background is at a point in history when women realize that they are the equals of men and deserve the same rights. The heroine is the most intellectual of the group because she is determined to obtain answers despite the fact that she might not like them. Gillian Linscott is a talented storyteller who writes outside the sub-genre box.

Dead Alone
Gay Longworth
St. Martin's Press
Jan 2003, $24.95, 336 pp. ISBN 0312310617

A female rowing team practicing on the Thames reports the bones they seen. Detective Inspector Jessie Driver is assigned the case of investigating the headless skeleton as a wasted time punishment from a peer. However, rather than ignore the bones or just do a cursory evaluation though she knows her colleague set her up out of spite, Jessie feels something is not right about the decomposition. She brings together a team and soon learns acid was used on the bones of actress Verity Shore, wife of music legend P.J. Dean. Jessie and her team begin looking into the homicide even as the media presses for more information. As Jessie conducts herself in an exemplary manner showing strong leadership ability, she and the prime suspect P.J. find themselves attracted to one another. If Jessie is not careful more than just her heart and impartiality will vanish, her credibility and reputation will go too. Dead Alone is a strong British police procedural that really goes into high gear once the investigation on the banks of Thames starts. Readers will enjoy Jessie as she thwarts a nasty rival through step by step clue gathering including "jellyfish" analysis to identify the skeletal remains. A sidebar involving a paroled murderer and the victim's survivor is also interesting, but slows down the prime plot of Jessie seeking a reason to kill while trying to avoid the one person she must suspect has the means, opportunity and motive.

Lying Wonders
Susan Rogers Cooper
St. Martin's Press
Jan 2003, $22.95, 224 pp. ISBN: 031229056X

His former lover Laura Marshall hysterically demands that Prophesy County, Oklahoma Sheriff save her teenage son Trent from the Seven Trumpets religious community that she swears kidnapped him. Though he prefers distance from Laura, Milt reluctantly follows up on her complaint and quickly learns that Trent's girlfriend Amanda Nederwald has failed to come home either. Milt visits the Seven Trumpets estate, but before he sees anyone, he finds the corpse of a young female that is later verified is Amanda. Trent remains missing. Milt visits the church where he notices that most of the flock consists of pregnant women. His interview with the founder Brother Grigsby goes well, but also leaves Milt feeling a bit creepy. He returns with his wife, psychiatrist Dr. Jean McDonnell, so she can provide him with a quick assessment of Grigsby. As Milt and his department investigate the homicide and missing boyfriend, his niece becomes a recruitment target of the Seven Trumpets. Lying Wonders is an exciting police procedural that readers will enjoy due to the clever interweaving of the overflow of Milt's past personal life into the murder investigation. The story line never slows down even when the hero's sister and niece go at it. Milt is a strong character that makes the rest of the cast seems real because he comes across as a person with complex relationships. Though his sarcastic behavior in his second encounter with Grigsby seems out of character for the calm sheriff, Susan Rogers Cooper provides a delightful who-done-it.

Amendment Of Life
Catherine Ard
St. Martin's Press
Jan 2003, $22.95, 240 pp. ISBN: 0312290802

The elderly owner of Aumerle Court wheelchair bound Daphne Pedlinge sees the corpse in the center of the estate's Tudor maze from her observation perch in the long gallery section of the manor house. Her staff calls the police and County of Calleshire Detective Inspector C.D. Sloan arrives to investigate. He notices that the estate steward Captain Jeremy Prosser reacts quite peculiar upon seeing the dead person through binoculars as if he knows something about the victim. With Daphne's direction, C.D. reaches the female corpse laid out like a sacrifice at the foot of the statue of the Minotaur. While C.D. questions the staff at Aumerle Court, David Collins reports his wife is missing. The police quickly realize that she is the victim found dead in the maze. However, C.D. cannot determine any motive or opportunity for someone to kill the mother of a hospitalized child that expected her to be with him. Fans of a British police procedural will want to read the cleverly drawn Amendment Of Life. The tale uses as a backdrop an intriguing look at the changes to the aristocracy in recent years. Though the secondary cast is an interesting group that strengthens the fascinating story line, this novel belongs to the" seedy" lead investigator. Catherine Ard writes a pleasurable tale that the audience will enjoy even as identifying the killer is as difficult to achieve as completing the maze that contained the deceased.

Camelback Falls
Jon Talton
St. Martin's Press
Jan 2003, $22.95, 224 pp. ISBN 0312304048

When he was twenty-three, David Mapstone was a rookie working in the Maricopa County Sheriff's office while attending college at night. After four years on the force, he accepts a position of assistant professor at a midwestern college but when he fails to attain tenure he returns to Arizona. He accepts a job with the sheriff's office as a Historian, receiving a set fee for each cold case he solved. Nobody could be happier than David is when his old partner Mike Peralta is elected sheriff of Maricopa County. However, minutes after Peralta is sworn in, someone shoots the new sheriff who is rushed to the hospital where he lays in a coma. David is selected as acting sheriff because he has no interest in the position permanently. His immediate concern is the murder of former sheriff Dick Nixon who many claim was dirty, and an escaped con probably gunning for David and Peralta. When evidence surfaces that officers, including Peralta, were on the take in the 1970's, David, trusting in the honesty of his friend, concludes that somebody is manipulating events. David investigates the situation, trying to flush the killer out but almost winds up another victim. Jon Talton is a superb storyteller who is a fresh new voice in police procedurals. His hero is likable and realistic, a person not interested in petty politics or getting ahead professionally. He's more involved in the past than the present but in Camelback Falls he is forced to work on a current crime because of his friendship. Mr. Talton writes with a discerning eye and a subtle sense of irony that readers will appreciate.

Deep Freeze
Patricia Hall
St. Martin's Press
Jan 2003, $23.95, 256 pp. ISBN 0312281125

Deputy Chief inspector Michael Thackeray has finally taken the first stops towards making a new life with his lover Laura Ackroyd. He has filed for divorce from a wife who is confined to a mental institution with no hope of recovery, and he and Laura have moved in to a flat together. Although Laura would like a child with Michael, she dare not bring the subject up since he has never recovered from the tragic death of his own son. When a thirteen year old girl is shot and killed on the steps of the May Anderson hospital after receiving an abortion, Michael and Laura both work the case albeit from different perspectives. When a nurse who works at the hospital is also killed, the police know there's a link because the same gun killed the two victims. Using their own resources, Laura and Michael come to the same conclusion about who the killer might be, but proving it to the point of an arrest remains difficult. Patricia Hall writes some of the best British police procedurals on the market today. Her two protagonist are very independent individuals trying to make a life together while trying to cope with the baggage of their past. The who-done-it it is intricately complex with so many blind allies that readers will want to finish the book in one sitting to learn the identity of the perpetrator.

Murder On The Cariona
Conrad Allen
St. Martin's Press
Jan 2002, $24.95, 336 pp. ISBN: 0312280912

In 1908, the Cariona's purser informs Cunard Line detectives Genevieve Masefield and George Dillman that rumors of illegal drug smuggling exist. Also two Scotland Yard police officers escort two murderers on board to return them to England. Outside of that, George and Genevieve need to do their usual observations to insure no cons or stealing occur. This is a simple task for the two undercover sleuths as there are only two thousand plus passengers sailing from New York to Liverpool. As Genevieve and George "patrol" separately except at night when they share a cabin, someone steals jewelry from a passenger. They begin to investigate the theft, when someone murders one of the British coppers. Meanwhile Genevieve tries to get the female prisoner Carrie Peterson to confess that she poisoned the wife of her lover and the duo tries to stop drug smugglers tainting the reputation of this glorious liner. As when they sailed on the Lusitania, Mauretania, and Minnesota, Genevieve and George work several cases at the same time to insure the safety of the law-abiding people traveling by sea. The fourth sea voyage starring Dillman and Masefield is a delightful historical mystery that showcases the period as much as the lead detectives are. The era comes across in full detail, but the load of data is cleverly interwoven into taut story line even with several subplots on going at the same time that smoothly merges into a taut tale that readers will want to go on this sea cruise.

Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon
Donna Andrews
St. Martin's Press
Jan 2003, $23.95, 320 pp. ISBN 0312277318

A blacksmith cannot work with only one hand so when Rob Langslow asks his sister to take on the job as office manager, Meg can't think of a reason to refuse although she wishes she could. Being office manager at Mutant Wizards is a cross between being a den mother at a college dorm or perhaps an older sister to a pack of brilliant eccentric adult children. Rob thinks something is wrong at the company and he wants Meg to find out what it is. With all the craziness going on at the company Meg doesn't have a clue what is going on until someone is murdered on the automated mail cart and everyone in the company has a reason to want to see him dead. Meg finds a list showing the victim is trying to blackmail many of the workers at the company and once she breaks the code she's sure she will find the perpetrator. Unfortunately, the killer doesn't give Meg time to decipher the data before the culprit makes another move. One of the reasons this series is so successful is that Donna Andrews keeps moving the heroine into a different environment with each new novel. This ensures the story line remains fresh and original as Meg leaps into new arenas. Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon is a humorous amateur sleuth novel that will have the audience chuckling out loud at some of the events that take place in various portions of the novel especially in the office space. The support cast is so loony that they manage to make the lead champion look like a levelheaded, down-to-earth changeling sort of like Marilyn Munster.

Witness In Bishop Hill
Sara Hoskinson Frommer
St. Martin's Press
Nov 2002, $23.95, 256 pp. ISBN: 0312302436

Married for three months, Oliver, Indiana Detective Lieutenant Fred Lundquist and his second wife Joan, mother of two grown children and director of a senior center, head to his hometown of Bishop Hill so she can meet his parents for the first time. As they travel to Northern Illinois, Fred's mother Helga, suffering from Alzheimer's, strays away from her home right into the homicide of a neighbor's son. Fred, Joan, and her college-age son Andrew are shocked by how poor Helga's short term memory is which includes not knowing where she lives or how ends up in various locales. The culprit begins harassing Helga to starting with threats over the phone. As the hamlet gets ready for Christmas, fearing for her mother-in-law more from a killer who drifts in and out of Helga's memory than Alzheimer's, Joan struggles to identify the culprit before he harms her or anyone else. Witness In Bishop Hill is a strong Joan entry though her identification of the killer seems somewhat miraculous. The story line contains an engaging blend of elements of an amateur sleuth and to a lesser degree police procedural with Swedish Yuletide trimming to brighten up the fare. However, Sara Hoskinson Frommer's latest cozy belongs to Helga, who is handled with compassion so that Alzheimer's victims and their families (including this reviewer's beloved late mother-in-law know how much Ms. Frommer cares).

A Detective In Love
H.R. F. Keating
St. Martin's Press
Dec, 2002 $23.95, 251 pp. ISBN 0312291434

Barbara "Bubbles" Xingara is the media darling of the tennis world and is expected to win at Wimbledon, but she never gets the chance because somebody murders her on her own estate. Detective Superintendent Harriet Martens is known in the media as The Hard Detective because of her tough stance on criminals and because she never gives up until she catches the perpetrator she is after. The Leven Vale police chief specifically requests that Harriet is assigned as the lead in the case. When she arrives on the crime scene she meets Detective Inspector Anselm Brent and immediately falls into lust. Harriet fights her feelings for the man while she is working on the case with him. This turns into a difficult scenario even for as gifted a person as The Hard Detective. The use of the first person narrative allows the reader to feel the protagonist's emotions and this leads to readers empathizing with her struggle to be faithful to her husband. The who-done-it is solved by good old-fashioned police work but the heart of this tale lies with the internal battle Harriet wages to do what is right.

Cause For Concern
Margaret Yorke
St. Martin's Press
Nov 2002, $24.95, 330 pp. ISBN: 0312307462

The pace in the village of Bishop St. Leon may be a bit slower, but the townsfolk have their share of dark secrets that are not as concealed as the holder would prefer. For instance, Martin Trent has returned from the continent to do what he does best physically and mentally abuse his mother Susan, who in turn tries to hide her fear and bruises though everyone can see both. Others have their own nasties to torture their soul. Into this pleasant mix arrives enigmatic Adam Wilson, who lifts a few everyday at the pub as he gathers information about the locals. No one including his flatmate, DI Roger Morris, suspect that Adam pays full attention to what is going on around him as he learns much about the townsfolk. However, soon Adam will have what he needs to accomplish his arcane quest. If the reader seeks non-stop action they need to go elsewhere. However, those fans of slowly simmering psychological suspense will gain much pleasure from Cause For Concern. The story line portrays an overall negative outlook from the villagers, as dysfunctional relationships seem everywhere. The depressing perspective turns darker as Adam aided by nature uncovers an interred secret that will send the unhealthy over the edge. Though deliberate in development, Margaret Yorke provides a cerebral look at crime that readers of a more leisurely paced thriller will enjoy.

Jackpot Bay
Martin Hegwood
St. Martin's Press
Nov, 2002, $23.95, 272 pp. ISBN: 0312280963

Casino employee Johnnie Koscko leaves Vegas with enough of a stake to return home to Biloxi, Mississippi to buy the Jackpot Bay Casino. Johnnie envisions the area becoming part of the European high roller jet set. In fact his first plane load of the Monte Carlo crowd is coming to Biloxi in a few days to gamble at Johnnie's casino and to listen to the rock sound of the very popular Snow Mountain. However, as usual for Johnny just when he seems paused for success he rolls craps. The casino insurance carrier is concerned over missing revenue. They send private investigator Jack Delmas to force Johnny to hire security auditor Tara Stocklin. Even with Jack and Tara involved, Johnny seems to be holding the "Deadman's Hand" as murder and robbery follow. Readers who try a Jack Delmas novel will believe they hit the jackpot, as he is a strong character who consistently provides the audience with a quiet intelligent outlook as he tries to do the right thing though not always successful. However, the rest of the key cast members such as Johnny and Tara, etc. come across as worthless sharks with nothing much to redeem them so that they appear more a caricatures than people. Still the exciting story line of Jackpot Bay is an engaging look behind the scene at the Gulf Coast gambling spots. For those who don't know Jack, he is worth the time to read about even in this novel, but especially in his previous appearances like Massacre Island.

Meditations On Middle Earth
Karen Haber, editor
St. Martin's Press
Oct 2002, $13.95, 256 pp. ISBN: 0312302908

Meditations On Middle Earth is a collection of essays focusing on J.R.R. Tolkien's works, especially the Middle Earth saga. Some of the more renowned fantasy authors of today evaluate the series that made fantasy a household name. Surprisingly, though everyone agrees that Professor Tolkien opened up the genre to the middle class, not all of the contributors are fans of the actual novels. Insightful and entertaining, each essay is well written with the writer's particular spin. However, this anthology will be loved by those readers analyzing the various cultures in a way that cultural anthropologists would envy or by those fans who cherish Beowulf, which Tolkien felt is the forefather of the genre.

Windy City Dying
Eleanor Taylor Bland
St. Martin's Press
Dec 2002, $24.95, 320 pp. ISBN 0312300980

Prairie Hills homicide detective Marti MacAlister doesn't pay any attention to the notice saying that Adrian Quinn is being released on parole because she doesn't know the felon as it was her dead husband Johnny who was one of the arresting officers. Johnny never spoke about the case to her. Marti has made a very big mistake not paying any attention to that notice because Adrian plans to take revenge on everyone responsible for being incarcerated. His diabolical plan begins when he breaks into his defense attorney's home killing a person he assumes is one of his children, but instead murdered a foster child. The other foster child is blamed for the killing. Marti and her partner work the case not realizing that this murder has nothing to do with the girl who was killed. Their investigation takes them down many false trails while Adrian kills or severely injures many people, including two Chicago police officers. Marti doesn't realize until it is almost too late that she is scheduled to be his last victim before he takes off for Mexico. After reading Windy City Dying, every reader will understand what a police officer has to put up with and the fear they feel every day they go out on the streets not just to themselves but too their loved ones as well. Part of the story is told from the killer's warped "logical" point of view. Adrian feels no guilt or remorse for what he is doing, including killing innocents who had nothing to do with his being sent to prison, because he believes this is his divine right.

The Riddle Of The Deplorable Dandy
Patricia Veryan
St. Martin's Press
Dec 2002, $24.95, 320 pp. ISBN 0312290977

The two times that Elspeth Clayton and Gervaise Valerian meet, they exchange heated words. The Georgian miss thinks he is nothing but a dandy who is interested in fine clothes and society gossip. She is more absorbed in finding a way to save her brother Vance who is arrested in France while work for Madame la Pompadour, the king's mistress. The lord holding Vance demands he hand over the incriminating letter that, if revealed, will force the king to break off with his mistress. Elspeth appeals to a childhood friend for help and he arranges for a certain gentleman of quality to help them. On the night they are to leave for France, Elspeth arranges to meet her champion only to shockingly learn it is Gervaise. He is smuggling his father out of England before he is arrested as a Jacobite sympathizer and if she helps him, Gervaise swears he will free her brother. While in France their lives are constantly threatened and the danger comes from a third partly neither Elspeth nor Gervaise knows about. Patricia Veryan is the queen of romantic intrigue and her latest Riddle book is jam packed with just that wrapped inside plenty of action. The heroine refuses to let society's conventions interfere with saving her brother. The hero is a complex individual on the order of the Pimpernel as he is quite adept at hiding his inner self from a world that judges only on appearances. He and the heroine make a perfect match.

A Deadly Bouquet
Janis Harrison
St. Martin's Press
Dec 2002, $23.95, 256 pp. ISBN 0312284225

It is going to be a wedding extravagance and the mother of the bride is driving florist Bretta Solomon crazy with all weird endless string of ideas. Other River City, Missouri merchants are also going certifiable trying to satisfy a woman whose plans keep changing and turning more complicated and stranger by the second. Days before the wedding, Evelyn Montgomery calls for a meeting to include Sonya the event coordinator, Dana the caterer, and Claire the hair stylist. Before Evelyn can ever speak, Oliver dies from a heart attack while staring at the other merchants.. Late that same day, Bretta visits Claire's Hair Salon because the stylist hinted she knows something about Oliver' death. Bretta arrives at the beauty shop too late because Claire is dead, the victim of a murderer. A few days later one of Claire's clients is killed in a gas explosion and Bretta thinks all the deaths are linked. Unable to keep her curiosity in check, Bretta decides to investigate not realizing that somebody will go to any lengths to stop her. This is the fourth Solomon mystery and it is the best by far. The characters are all likable, even the pesky mother of the bride, so readers won't want any person in A Deadly Bouquet to be the villain. The climax is shocking, and nobody will be able to figure out what is really going on until Janis Harrison reveals the perpetrator in her cerebral puzzler that is nothing short of genius.

Blood Lake
K.J.A. Wishnia
St. Martin's Press
Dec. 2002, $23.95, 272 pp. ISBN 0312281862

Filomena grew up in a very poor region in Ecuador before she immigrated to the United States where she became a citizen, gave birth to a daughter, and obtained her private investigator license. She and her thirteen-year-old daughter return to Ecuador to see their extended family and to take a vacation in the mountain region where she grew up. When she has a chance, she visits Father Campus, the priest responsible for saving her life and getting her out of the country. When the politically active priest is murdered, Filomena vows to bring his killer to justice. She starts her own investigation and winds up being framed for a murder that has the earmarks of an assassination. Forced to go on the run, a desperate Filomena returns to the area where she was once well known as a freedom fighter, hoping to get the answers that will clear her name. K.J.A. Wishnia gives the reader an up close and personal look into a third world country where life is poor and people will kill to for food. The heroine is a brave person who is willing to take on a corrupt government to see that justice occurs. Blood Lake is a very complex tale with several sub-plots that seamlessly blend into the main story line leading to a lasting impression on the minds of the audience.

Gettin' Merry
Francis Ray, Beverly Jenkins, Monica Jackson, and Geri Guillaume
St. Martin's Press
Nov 2002, $6.00, 368 pp. ISBN: 0312982194

"The Wish" by Francis Ray. Hospital administrator Nicholas teases his visiting brother by wishing for a wife for his sibling. The elderly Mrs. Augusta overhears him and says his wish is granted. He ignores her rumblings in spite of the staff's beliefs in Mrs. Augusta until he meets her niece. "Homecoming" by Beverly Jenkins. In 1883 Lydia travels from Chicago to her home, but stops at a Detroit boarding house where she meets Gray, the man she loved as a teen. The next day they travel together towards their hometown with each in denial that their respective hearts still believe they belong together forever. "The Way Back Home" by Monica Jackson. Graduate student Anne has never fit in anywhere even as an orphan raised by her deceased white mother's family. She has never met her black father's kin. Author Trey encourages her to search for her roots so Anne seeks her African-American heritage, but she also wants her professor's love. "The Seventh Principal" by Geri Guillaume. Mississippi high school principal Paul struggles with teen problems and racial trouble caused by the debate over celebrating Kwanzaa. As he tries to do the right thing yet adhere to the rules, Paul dreams of his beloved, former counselor Kirby. When she returns home, Paul tries to persuade her that they belong together even as the racial controversy nears the explosion point. This quartet of African-American holiday romances are all stalwart stories with anyone of them capable of being a feature length novel due to the hearty characterizations that provide a Happy Kwanzaa and a Merry Christmas to all.

Death Of Riley
Rhys Bowen
St. Martin's Press
Dec 2002, $24.95, 320 pp. ISBN 0312984979

In 1901 New York, Irish immigrant Molly Murphy is not having any success in her search for a job that interests her. Her beau, police captain Daniel Sullivan, wants her to take a job as a companion to a wealthy woman, which she agrees to try. While working, she notices a man lurking around the woman's home in a furtive manner and is told by Daniel that he is Paddy Riley, a private detective. Molly nags Paddy until he agrees to hire her as a clerk. One day she finds her employer murdered. Someone has gone through his files and a few days later, someone sets fire to the office, destroying everything inside. Molly has the notebook he always carried around while on a case and she notices that he was very upset about a conversation he overheard in a bar. Molly successfully tracks down one of the people and through him she is able to locate the person he met with that night. Headless of the danger to herself, Molly continues to investigate and brings herself to the attention of a murderer who has every intention of killing again. Rhys Bowen gives her audience a very accurate picture of what New York City was like for an immigrant in 1901. The heroine is a very spunky and likable woman who acts on her convictions even when it puts her in danger. Death Of Riley is a delightful historical cozy starring characters that are eccentric, bohemian, and believable. The ending will come as a shock to the audience because the author cleverly disguises the direction she is moving the story line along.

Knock Me Off My Feet
Susan Donovan
St. Martin's Press
Dec 2002 ISBN: 0312983743

Autumn "Audie" Adams inherited the Homey Helen persona from her mother, who was the Martha Stewart of Chicago. However, Audie and her staff become alarmed when she begins receiving threatening notes from her top fan as well sick presents like dead roses. Violet Crimes Detective Stacey Quinn and his partner Stanley Oleskiewicz are assigned to investigate. Stacy initially believes that Audie made the whole incident up as an excuse to escape the Homey Helen job that she loathes. However, after a tirade, he begins to believe her. As the two cops investigate every aspect of Audie's life, they conclude the stalker is someone close to Audie because of how much the unknown assailant knows. As the danger mounts, Audie and Stacey fall in love, but first her shadow must be stopped. Knock Me Off My Feet is an amusing contemporary romance that contains the ultimate star-crossed lovers: a White Sox fan and a Cub rooter. Readers will enjoy the sparks between the lead couple whether they are in her car, the ballpark, or her office, etc. Both swing the bat hoping this time they hit a home run and not another emotional strike out. The police procedural takes a back seat to the romance so that the increasingly nasty actions of the stalker never quite attain the suspense it should have reached. Still Susan Donovan provides a fun Windy City tale.

True Witness
Jo Bannister
St. Martin's Press
Dec 2002, $23.95, 304 pp. ISBN 0312308175

Ten years ago in the English town of Dimmock, three teens were raped and killed. Their murderer is never brought to justice. Though the police knew who the killer was, but they lacked solid evidence to link him to the crimes. In the present, Daniel Hood sees two men running on Dimmock Pier when he witnesses one of the men hit the other before throwing his body in the water. Daniel jumps into the water to rescue the teenager but the young man is dead. The police believe the killer is the same person who murdered the three young men a decade ago, but when they bring the suspect in Daniel tells him he wasn't the killer. When a second boy is killed, the town blames Daniel and burns his house down. Daniel is now second-guessing himself and goes to confront the suspect by himself, a dangerous move but one that leads him and the police to the true killer. True Witness is as much a character study as it is a mystery. The protagonist is a loner, a peson of strong moral fiber. He endures much in the pursuit of the truth and the reward for his efforts is that he gets beaten up, ridiculed, and thrown out of his house that is burned down. Jo Bannister is a talented writer who gives equal weight to plot and characterizations so that the audience receives an engagingly balanced crime thriller.

The Bridemaker
Rexanne Becnel
St. Martin's Press
Nov 2002, $6.50, 352 pp. ISBN: 0312983115

Mothers of young ladies, who did not take during their first season turn to The Bridemaker, widow Hester Poitvant to perform miracles. Hester always seems to succeed regardless of the physical, emotional, or mental handicap of her client though sometimes the overbearing parent can be cause for alarm. Her current class includes reticent and overweight Dulcie Bennett, whose mother and brother are obnoxious. Dulcie finds American businessman Adrian Hawke quite attractive, but her family snubs him as being born on the wrong side of the sheets. Hester knows he is using Dulcie to get at her brother and begs Adrian to not hurt her student who she cares for way beyond a fee. Adrian misinterprets Hester's pleading, feeling she thinks he is beneath her. As he tries to uncover the secrets of Hester, Adrian falls in love. However she cannot afford love with anyone as her mother has a reputation that makes Hester beneath Adrian. The Bridemaker is a warm Regency romance starring two delightful lead characters who "inherit" baggage way beyond their years. The story line is loaded with joy as Adrian begins to peel the rose. Each time he thinks he has completed his mission, a new petal needs unwrapping including the identity of the late husband who know one recalls meeting. Dulcie is a fine person who proves that nature protects the kindhearted from the nasty though her mother and brother are more caricature snobs than family. Rexanne Becnel makes reading fun with this tale and her other pleasant "Maker" novels.

Making A Killing
Iain McDowall
St. Martin's Press
Sep 2002, $23.95, 276 pp. ISBN: 0312278489

Just back from his vacation, Crowley DCI Frank Jacobsen uses every excuse to avoid the paperwork that has piled up while he was away. So though he loathes that the Crowley Crawler has been paroled and returning to the town where he raped numerous women, Frank uses Robert Johnson as a legitimate pretext to escape his office work. Led by Frank, the police place Robert under surveillance not only to keep their women safe, but also to insure the victims or their families do not enact vengeance. A second event occurs when the postal carrier discovers the corpse of Jenny Mortimer, who was leaving her husband Gus for her lover. The police think Gus killed his spouse, but soon revise that theory when they find him dead too. When Johnson eludes his tail, most townsfolk including the police conclude he killed the Mortimers, but Frank thinks otherwise. He believes the two cases are separate with an unknown killer to methodically uncover and to decide which victim or family member abducted Johnson. The second DCI Jacobsen police procedural, Making A Killing, is an intriguing Scottish investigative tale that provides readers with a discerning look into the department coping with two high publicity cases that may interconnect. The story line is gritty due to the homicides and the reputation of the Crawler, but it is Frank who turns the novel into a powerhouse as he carries out the plot. The secondary cast rounds out the edges, but the strong lead protagonist endears the reader from the moment he sneaks out the back door for a pint.

The Secret Plot To Rescue The Tsar
Shay McNeal
William Morrow
Oct 2002, $25.95, 368 pp. ISBN: 0688169988

In 1995, United States and Russian scientists tested DNA obtained from the brother of Tsar Nicholas II and that of the alleged Tsar; they reported an inclusive match putting to rest what happened back in July 1918. Obviously the Bolsheviks executed the Tsar and his family in Siberia. Shay McNeal disagrees with that assessment as a historical sleuth tracking down leads and dispatching fake clues and red herrings starting with the DNA evidence that is not quite as tight a match as reported. Ms. McNeal makes a strong case that the remains declared by experts, as that of the Romonovs may not actually be the Russian royal family. The author offers alternate possibilities to their fate though the writer also admits that her theories are just as plausible that of the Bolsheviks having killed them. In spite of her conjecture and use of inductive reasoning to support her argument's hypothesis, Shay McNeal leaves the mystery unsolved for a future Anastasia to appear. Still the author's enthusiasm and meticulous research results in a tremendous well-written account. Historical, alternate history, and conspiracy buffs will gain much pleasure as the fabulous "plot" of The Secret Plot To Rescue The Tsar will not remain a secret much longer.

Dark End Of The Street
Ace Atkins
Willim Morrow
Oct 2002, $23.95 ISBN: 0060004606

Former professional football star Nick Travers teaches blues history at Tulane University. When his friend Loretta asks him to search for her lost brother, former blues singer Clyde James, Nick agrees though he suspects the man is dead after vanishing over two decades ago. Nick travels from New Orleans to Memphis to begng his quest. However, Nick quickly realizes that several other soulless folks seek the missing Clyde too. These individuals and groups will stop at nothing including murder to find the former great blues singer. As Nick competes with amoral folks, clues send him scurrying to Mississippi where the final chord could be a coda of death. Though some twists require acceptance, readers will enjoy Dark End Of The Street, the follow-up to Crossroad Blues. The story line contains a wild ride throughout the Deep South due an eccentric cast of characters ranging from Dixie mobsters, Klan-like Sons of the South and a sleazy gubernatorial candidate. Nick remains a strong lead character who can carry a novel and a series like a lead singer of a quartet. Mr. Adams dealt an ace to the audience with readers singing the blues only to a climatic sting operation.

Prisoner Of My Desire
Johanna Lindsey
William Morrow
Dec 2002, $19.95, 352 pp. ISBN: 0060509325

In 1152 England, her odious stepbrother Gilbert D'Ambray forces Rowena Belleme to marry the elderly Godwynne Lyons because her sibling wants to use his new in-law's vast estate to fight a tough enemy. To force her to bend to his wishes, he threatens Rowena's mother Anne with brutal punishment. However, on their wedding night, her new spouse, old enough to be her grandfather, dies. To produce an heir, her stepbrother kidnaps Warrick deChaville. For the next three nights, Rowena has her way with her prisoner, who tries not to cooperate, but cannot stop his desires. Though Rowena frees Warrick, he thirsts for vengeance for his humiliation. He abducts Rowena to give her a taste of her own medicine. For the next three nights he has his way with her, but instead of freeing Rowena he makes her his servant. However, as she teaches him to enjoy life, Rowena and Warrick fall in love, but her stepbrother like a serpent in Eden has other plans for this couple. This reprint of a decade old medieval romance is entertaining due to the numerous period piece tidbits cleverly interwoven into the plot so that the audience feels as if they are actually in the mid twelfth century. The story line is well written but contains soft bondage (oxymoron?) and also implies rape though both participants act willingly in the heat of the moment. Fans of historical romances with plenty of lust, and a bit of chains and ropes will delight in Johanna Lindsey's tale of love ruining a perfect case of revenge.

The Ice Maiden
Edna Buchanan
William Morrow
Oct 2002, $23.95, 289 pp. ISBN: 0380973324

Miami News crime reporter Britt Montero is at the morgue where the body of a criminal lies after the felon was electrocuted while breaking into a home. That corpse would not be much more newsworthy then perhaps a line or two, but the Miami Police Cold Case Squad see a link between the dead lawbreaker and an unsolved fourteen year old homicide. Someone had abducted two teens murdering Richard Chance while leaving Sunny Hartley to die. Somehow she survived to tell her harrowing tale, but the culprits were never apprehended. Sunny has ignored her near death experience by withdrawing from society as much as possible. However, the police reopen her nightmare and the media, led by Britt take no prisoners, go into a feeding frenzy. The original assault team prefers this case remain silent even if it means killing the one that got away fourteen years ago. The Britt Montero investigations are always wonderful novels, but The Ice Maiden is the best to date. This is a powerful story that is more than just an inquiry into a reopened cold case. Instead the reader observes that side as a delightful, cleverly designed subplot. However, what makes this novel a great crime thriller besides the realistic serpentine twisting climax is Sunny, a victim then and a victim now as she is a front page target of the media, the police, and the killers. Edna Buchanan is sure to receive nominations from several of the major awards for this terrific tale.

Secrets: Volume 8
Jeanie Cesarini, Mary Janice Davidson, Alice Gaines, and Liz Maverick
Red Sage
Dec 2002 ISBN: 0964894289

"Taming Kate" by Jeanie Cesarini. New Yorker Kathryn Roman inherits a legal brothel in Love, Nevada. She rejects the lifestyle change, but the townsfolk send hunk Trey Holiday to persuade her to relocate as the Madame to the local cash crop. "Jared's Wolf" by Mary Janice Davidson. Jared Rocke lives for one thing only to revenge the death of his sister from werewolves. To his personal disgrace, Jared desires Moira, protector of the werewolf pack. Soon these sworn enemies will need to unite to stop a killer even as love flares between them. "My Champion, My Love" by Alice Gaines. In 1888 Upstate New York Celeste wants the same sexual and other freedoms granted to males, but denied her gender. She seeks a hero and thinks she has found him in Robert, a mayor, but love makes both redefine her quest. "Kiss or Kill" by Liz Maverick. In 2043 DC, the world has dramatically changed and not for the better. Military officer Camille must decide between destroying or allowing Meat the Robo to live based on whether her target can prove he is human. Though he makes her feel good about being a woman, she has doubts whether he is a man or a machine. All four tales are well written and fun to read because even the sexiest scenes are not written for shock value, but interwoven into the plots. This quartet contains strong plots and solid lead characters, but then again what else would one expect from the no longer Secrets anthologies.

The Ghost Of Carnal Cove
Evelyn Rogers
Leisure
Dec 2002, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 084395115X

With the death of her mother, Makenna Lindsay is vulnerable, as she feels alone in the world though she is engaged. Still Makenna believes she loves her fianc� and they make love prior to their marriage. To her shock, the rat dumps her. Among her mother's possessions, Makenna finds the deed to a small house on Carnal Cove on the Isle of Wight. Needing time to heal from the two blows she just received, Makenna decides the isolated isle is the ideal spot to recuperate. Her widow neighbor Captain Nicholas Saintjohn disrupts her serenity when he persuades a reluctant Makenna to tutor his son in the fine arts. Even more disturbing, a not so friendly ghost appears and Makenna hears the sound of a weeping child while she falls in love with her neighbor. Gothic and paranormal romance readers will enjoy The Ghost Of Carnal Cove. The story line combines elements from both sub-genres as the isolated house and the brooding captain with an innocent woman provide Gothic elements while the ghost represents the paranormal. Though the plot takes a bit long to decide on which path serves as the prime theme, Makenna turns the tale into a fine novel as she struggles with otherworldly essences and a grim neighbor who has her heart.

Perils Of The Heart
Jennifer Ashley
Leisure
Nov 2002, $5.99 ISBN: 0843951338

In 1789 on a cross-oceanic voyage of the merchant ship Aurora, Anne a fellow passenger, forces Evangeline Clemens to cause a distraction so she can commandeer the ship. The blackmailer uses Evangeline's brother as a hostage to insure cooperation. Evangeline tries everything including innocent seduction to occupy Captain Austin Blackwell's mind though she gets the body too. Anne succeeds even as Austin thinks Evangeline must be a spy. In spite of mistrusting her and regaining control of his ship, Austin begins to fall in love with Evangeline who knows he has had her heart from the moment she first saw her captain. However, the adventures are just beginning for this duo sailing in perilous waters. Perils Of The Heart is a fun diversion as the Georgian romance reads like the serials as the Pauline heroine lands in one predicament after another. The story line is so jammed with action mindful of Groucho's room on the ship in Night at the Opera that the audience never fully meets any of the cast including the lead couple and the villains, though her motives are explained. Still Jennifer Ashley shows such a flare for high adventure that those Georgian romance readers who prefer 200 proof activity need to use a seat belt as they feast on this ultra non-stopper.

Lionheart
Connie Mason
Leisure
Nov 2002, $6.99 ISBN: 0843950633

In the middle thirteenth century, Lionheart, as a good loyal soldier, follows orders to lead his men on an assault of the Welsh stronghold Cragdon Castle. Leading the opposition is a slim young warrior who looks too young to shave, but shows courage, skill, and audacious before realizing the impossibility of the task at defending the keep. Lionheart plans to capture the White Knight, but as he and his men rush into the castle, his elusive foe is gone. Instead of a warrior ready to duel to the death, the beautiful Vanora greets Lionheart. It is unbelievable to this warrior who has conquered many an enemy on the battlefield that he loses his renowned calm and wants Vanora in his bed. To have her means to marry her, which both reluctantly accept. However, he may be under her spell, but using his brain he knows she hides something from him. The theme of the beastly male who knows not of love and the intrepid female willing to take up arms for a worthy cause has starred as the theme of many a romance novel. Connie Mason uses that motif to provide her myriad of fans with a delightfully battle of wits, loyalty, and ardor through two cherished lead protagonists. The medieval era story line never slows down as Lionheart and Vanora struggle between an attraction loyalty growing into love and conflicting patriotism.

The Willing Wife
Claudia Dain
Leisure
Oct 2002, $5.99, 371 pp. ISBN: 0843951117

In 1155 England, King Henry II provides a gift of land accompanied by a wife to Rowland the Dark of Aquitaine though the recipient wants neither an estate nor a spouse. The bride, Nicolaa of Cheneteberie accepts her fate as she has been widowed four times before and realizes that she might as well cooperate because she has no rights or even a nay say to these arranged marriages. Though he preferred to remain single, Rowland knows no one lives to reject a regal present so he wants to make the marriage work. He goes out of his way to earn Nicolaa's trust. He begins his campaign to gain her love when he first concludes that she sees him as a passing nuisance because he plans to stay by her side if he can overcome the nightmares of his past. Medieval romance fans will enjoy The Willing Wife due to the interesting lead characters whose basic understanding of survival makes it possible for the reader to absorb quite a sense of the era. The story line engages the audience because of the attitudes of Nicolaa and Rowland, but also on the other hand makes for insignificant disputes between them. With this novel and books like The Marriage Bed, readers will deign this author as one of the sub-genre's aristocracy.

White Dusk
Susan Edwards
Leisure
Nov 2002, $5.99, 368 pp. ISBN: 0843950943

In 1808 Dakota Territory, half-breed Chief Swift Foot refuses to shirk his responsibility towards his tribe the Hunkpapa Sioux as his father did. Thus Swift Foot gives up his love for a white woman and agrees to wed Small Bird of the Miniconjou tribe. He hopes his marriage ends hostilities caused by his father marrying for love rather than duty of as a member of the Miniconjou tribe. Small Bird's sense of duty reluctantly propels her to agree to the marriage too though she regrets that it will be a relationship of unrequited love. Small Bird has loved Swift Foot ever since he saved her life years ago. However, she knows his heart belongs to someone else even though her visions show that she and her beloved share a destiny together. The romance between Swift Foot and Small Bird is a beautiful story. The belligerence between the tribes is well written, but takes away from the lovely prime story line of the changing feelings and subsequently relationship between the lead couple. Known for her Indian historical romances, Susan Edwards has provided her myriad of fans with a delightful tale of love.

Chase The Wind
Cindy Holby
Leisure
Oct 2002, $5.99, 385 pp. ISBN: 0843951141

In 1838 in the western part of Virginia, Ian Duncan returns home to claim Faith Taylor as a wife. However, Faith is expected to wed into the wealthiest most influential family in the area, the Masons. Unable to live without his beloved, Ian persuades Faith to live up to her name and take a chance on him and their love. He and Faith marry and flee west to set up a homestead in the Iowa Territory. Fifteen years later, Ian and Faith remain happily in love and blessed with two children until her jilted Virginia fianc� Randolph Mason arrives and kills the adults. The chidlren, Jamie and Jenny go to an orphanage where she is sold to a man traveling through. Jamie and his friend Chase The Wind follow in order to rescue Jenny. Sub-genre readers will relish the epic nineteenth century Americana saga, Chase The Wind as the story line traverses several decades and the Continental United States. Fans will feel euphoria when Faith and Ian escape, but sadness with the tragic ending of their lives. The fate and search for Jenny also invokes emotion from the audience. However, the plot contains too much angst and would have been better off being divided into two tales albeit one ending tragically while the other turning into a deep love story for the second generation. Based on the strength of her cast, Cindy Holby proves she is quite talented with an enjoyable saga that fans will relish, but would gain much more pleasure to read the "Parts" as separate prequel and sequel novels.

Knight On The Texas Plains
Linda Broday
Leisure
Oct 2002 ISBN: 0843951206

In 1880 in Cactus Springs, Texas Duel McClain believes he has nothing to live ever since his loved ones died. However, he still almost has cardiac arrest when he draws the Deadman's Hand in a poker game and nearly suffers a stroke when a nasty player raises the ante by tossing a female infant Marley Rose into the pot. Duel wins and decides to take Marley to his sister in hope she and her husband will adopt the child. A badly battered bloodied Jessie Foltry wanders into Duel's camp. The blood is not hers, but the bruises testify that someone beat her up and branded her shoulder with a diamond J. Jessie and Duel reach an agreement to keep Marley safe. On the trail they begin to fall in love, but when they reach his home, his brother a Texas Ranger arrests Jessie for killing her husband. Duel stands with the woman who has brought him back among the living as she stands trial. Knight On The Texas Plain is a graphically vivid western romance that focuses on spousal abuse and to a lesser degree child abandonment. The story line is at its strongest when a bewildered Duel "consults" his horse on what to do with his new dependents as this tells so much about the hero. Jessie is a wonderful protagonist but her inner strength that enables her to easily overcome her traumas contradicts her remaining in an abusive relationship for years. Linda Broday shows her talent with her ability to paint a three dimensional picture of life in post Reconstruction Era Texas.

The Falcon And The Dove
Bonnie Vanak
Leisure
Nov 2002, $5.99 ISBN: 084395132X

In 1892, American Elizabeth Summers accompanies her uncle on his archaeological dig in Egypt to find a special artifact, the Almha. Though Elizabeth wants to be at the excavation site, as a woman she is only capable of cataloguing the findings. As his ancestors have done, Sheik Jabari and his desert warriors pledged to keep the Almha safe from infidels. They monitor the progress of the outsiders. Jabari is shocked to see a beautiful, blond woman among the diggers and he goes undercover pretending to be a worker. When Elizabeth realizes where the artifact is hidden, Jabari abducts her so that his charge remains hidden. Stunningly, Elizabeth and Jabari are attracted to one another. When he sees a dove shaped birthmark on her, he believes that she is the reincarnation of Queen Kiya, whom the ancient prophecy claims that one day she and the chief of her guards will return as lovers. Fans of paranormal historical romance will want to read The Falcon And The Dove, a fast-paced tale that hooks the audience from the moment Jabari sees Elizabeth among the excavators. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action yet has time to develop a love subplot between the lead characters. Though the reincarnation angle adds suspense and an otherworldly feel to the novel, it also detours around a strong bi-cultural romance that makes for a riveting novel that glues the audience to their seat until the final page is read.

Reckless Embrace
Madeline Baker
Leisure
Oct 2002, $6.99, 368 pp. ISBN: 0843950803

In 1905, Black Owl went east to formally study veterinary medicine. Three years later, to the elation of his family, especially his mother, he has graduated and has returned to his home in Bear Valley to set up his practice. Blackie rents a facility from Joey McBride and begins offering his services though some of the Anglos reject him because of his Indian heritage. Soon Joey and Blackie begin to fall in love. His family supports Blackie marrying Joey. By example like their parents did much earlier, his two older siblings have recently established mixed marriages. However, her side led by her grandmother and her brother remember the Little Big Horn; they prefer to run the Indian out of town. Madeline Baker continues her strong early historical romance series with the engaging tale of the third child Blackie, who has adopted much of white heritage. The story line is loaded with Native American life that enables the audience to feel a period of major transition. Though the characters behave very typical of the sub-genre, including books by Ms. Baker, fans will fully embrace this warm exciting star-crossed romance while looking forward to the Daniel Blue Hawk's novel set in another decade or two.

Ravyn's Flight
Patti O'Shea
Love Spell
Nov 2002, $5.99, 320 pp. ISBN: 050552516X

For the past eight months the Colonization Assessment Team has been studying the planet Jarvid Nine in great depth. Unbeknownst to the CAT is that Special Operations is about hold a training exercise on the other side of the same orb. However, an unknown foe attacks the CAT killing everyone except communications expert Ravyn Verdier. Only the intervention of Spec Ops Damon Brody saves her life, but while he interrogates her, the deadly foe kills all his mates. The duo flees towards an old ghost city where they hope to find answers that will stopp their lethal opponent. As Ravyn and Damon struggle to survive, they fall in love. His new feelings change his need from vengeance for the death of his squad to keeping his beloved safe from a killing machine. Ravyn's Flight is a strong military science fiction romance that once the plot goes into gear never leaves hyperspeed until the final page are finished. The story line is exciting as the lead couple struggles to endure against an unknown evil. However, the villain is too malevolent with no redeeming quality or moral cause for the wanton slaughter that occurs. In spite of the feral rogue, sub-genre fans will savor Patti O'Shea's wonderful other world futuristic romance.

Call of the Moon
Ronda Thompson
Love Spell
Nov 2002, $5.99 400pp ISBN: 0505525151

All Jason Donavon wants is for him and his brother Rick to be free of the curse of the werewolf that bit them three years ago. He searches for the evil one that placed this odious spell on him for Jason knows he must kill it if he wants to escape the darkness. In Canada while still on his quest, Tala Soaringbird saves Jason from certain death from a werewolf. Tala and her people hunt werewolves, which means Jason must die, but instead she senses his honor and courage to fight and control the rage. Jason and Tala also feel an animalistic-like attraction for one another even as she seems to contain the power to reign in the beast that resides inside Jason. Though he desires her with every ounce of his soul, Jason doubts whether he can trust her. He wonders when the full moon arises will she kill him as she has been trained to do since birth? Call Of The Moon is an exhilarating werewolf romance that will have supernatural lovers howling at the sun and moon for more work from Ronda Thompson. The lead couple is a charming duo, but it's the realm that the author creates that hooks the reader. The darkness engulfs the audience with twists and turns that make sense only after you turn the corner. Fans of a powerful yet entertaining paranormal romance need look no further than this page-turner that must not be read during a full moon.

Contact
Susan Grant
Love Spell
Oct 2002, $5.99, 369 pp. ISBN: 0505524996

United Airlines Flight 58 is making its normal run from Honolulu to San Francisco when the plane's blip suddenly vanishes from the traffic control radar system. The follow-up search proves worthless since no wreckage, debris, or bodies are found. The government concludes that the Pacific swallowed up the entire crashed jet. The family of flight crew First Officer Jordan Cady mourns their loss except for her daughter Boo who believes her mother still lives somewhere in air. The Alliance starship "Savior" patrols their territory perimeter on alert for Talagar invaders. Savior "swallowed" the 747, but not before a global catastrophe occurred. The starship commander dispatches his adopted son, K�o Vantaar-Morey, to meet with the plane's survivors. The commander hopes that interfacing with the frightened earthlings will lift K�o spirits from being a Talagar POW for two years and having suffered the worst defeat in the Alliance's war with the Talagar Empire. Though she feels he abducted her and he believes they rescued her, K�o and Jordan begin to fall in love. However, neither knows the truth that will soon test their loyalties to their respective people. Contact is a superb military science fiction romance loaded with action that will persuade the reader that a real interstellar war is ongoing. Talk about star-crossed romances, the attraction between the vulnerable lead duet is smoothly facilitated though his demons and her mourning for Boo should have hindered their love from growing. Still Ms. Grant provides a strong tale that cross genre fans will rank as a star fleet commander.

Whispers In The Stars
Patricia Waddell
Love Spell
Oct 2002, $5.99, 305 pp. ISBN: 0505525224

Queen Zara of Nubria wants peace for her agrarian people, but the other worlds that make up the members of the Union Council demand more from the only female ruler in the galaxy. Though neutral in the civil war, the empathic Zara refuses to provide the council with the location of rebel forces that crashed onto her planet because of a pledge she made to the leader. The other planetary representatives decide to gain her cooperation by forcing her to marry one of them or face dire consequences. While Zara worries what this warrior will do to her culture, Logan and his Galactic Guard retinue approach Nubria. Zara "reads" his mind revealing an honest person with no evil aura, but an expectation to find the rebel leader, who has weakened the Union to the point of vulnerability from the Pharmon Empire. As he falls in love with his Queen and she loves her military husband too, Zara seeks to explain that the rebels are no longer a threat without breaking her vow. By trusting in love Zara believes she can reach Logan to do likewise. Whispers In The Stars is a strong science fiction romance that stars two delightful protagonists agonizing between love and a cultural light year gap. The story line provides the audience a deep look at the highly ethical Nubria society and a lesser glimpse at the Galactic Guard regimen. Though the author overwhelming defends the virtues of agricultural worlds as superior to more advanced technological realms, science fiction and romance readers will enjoy Patricia Waddell's deep galaxy tale.

The Trelayne Inheritance
Colleen Shannon
Love Spell
Nov 2002, $6.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0505524937

In 1880 Angelina Blythe Corbett needs to learn what drove her mother to leave England for America and subsequently kill herself. She travels to Oxford where her uncle employs her as his lab assistant. However, Angelina is stunned when she learns that someone is killing women by draining their blood apparently from two pinprick teeth marks on the victim's necks, hinting of vampires. The Earl of Trelayne, Maximillian Britton continues his family quest to destroy the undead. He will use whatever it takes including becoming a vampiric mole to infiltrate them until he eliminates the deadliest one of all, The Beefsteak Killer. However, Angelina has given him a new problem to ponder, as his desires for her seem inhuman even to Maximillian. Though she has some doubts as evidence points towards Maximillian as the killer, Angelina also knows that he is her true love and that she could never cherish a murderer. Yet to convince him they belong together will prove nearly impossible because he cannot allow his beloved to join him as a damned creature fighting the bloodsuckers of the night. Fans of vampire romances and gothic tales will delight in Colleen Shannon's The Trelayne Inheritance. The story line grips the audience from the opening scene when Maximillian does what he does best. The lead couple appears like classic gothic types as she is an innocent and he is a brooding individual with a secret. The strong support cast includes the return of characters from The Wolf Of Haskell Hall. Throw in a twist or two on the classic gothic/vampire romance leads to the audience enjoying a delightful bite.

Bait And Switch
Darlene Gardner
Love Spell
Oct 2002, $5.99, 368 pp. ISBN: 0505525216

In the middle of the night, Cary Mitchell flees Charleston to obtain help from his twin brother Grant better known as "Mitch". Cary owes bookie Flash Gorman twenty grand that if he does not pay now will lead to broken kneecaps. Cary also mentions that he has stolen from the till of a bar filled with dirty money to pay off some of the debt. What he fails to tell his sibling, an Atlanta cop, is that the reason he fled town is that Flash expects Cary to pay his tab by breaking the kneecaps of other clients behind in their remittance. Mitch decides that the best course of action is to hand Flash over to the police so when Cary refuses to play, Mitch offers to go undercover as Cary in a Bait And Switch operation. The first problem surfaces when Cary's girlfriend Peyton McDowell, daughter of a DA, arrives yelling at the switched Mitch. Others surface, but as he tries to solve his brother's problems, nothing goes right especially when it comes to Peyton because he begins falling in love with his sibling's girlfriend. Siblings switching places is a theme that is as old as the Old Testament yet Darlene Gardner keeps her story line fresh by enabling the readers to distinguish between the twins because their personalities remain in tact. This especially occurs with Peyton confused by Mitch's change in behavior and attitude. Thus amusing situations arise, as nothing is smooth as expected with a long-term identity exchange. The Bait And Switch of Mitch and Cary leads to a fun frolic for readers.

The Sea Hunters II
Clive Cussler and Craig Dirgo
Putnam
Dec 2002, $27.95, 464 pp. ISBN: 0399149252

Sea adventure novelist Clive Cussler is as highly regarded for his efforts to hunt and find real shipwrecks (see The Sea Hunters) as he is for his exciting NUMA books that are far from the Pitts. Mr. Cussler and Craig Dirgo provide a new account of their search for shipwrecks (and air-wrecks) around the world. Each description provides fascinating historical background data that includes information about the vessel, where it allegedly sunk and why, and the team search of records and other related evidence before finally conducting an on-site investigation. Bottom line is that The Sea Hunters II is an absorbing account that confirms or denies the "authoritative" locale. Though a fictional account of what the crew might have said as the ship sank might turn off historical purists, The Sea Hunters II is an engaging look at predominately nautical history through the disasters that typically shocked those individuals aware at that time.

The Cat Who Brought Down The House
Lillian Jackson Brain
Putnam
Jan 2003, $23.95, 240 pp. ISBN 0399149422

In Moose County, the residents of the small town of Pickax like to think of themselves as four hundred miles north of everywhere. The town is made up of colorful characters including Jim Qwilleran, the richest man in the northeast central United States. Jim has donated much of his money to a foundation so that it could be put it to good use. He also writes a humor column twice a week for the Moose County Something and contentedly lives with his two Siamese cats Koko and Yum-Yum. When Thelma Thackery returns home after a fifty-five year absence, Qwill welcomes her back. Koko, who spot villains and knows when a death occurs, takes an instant dislike to Thelma's nephew Dick. Thelma opens a cabaret movie theater starring old movies and she puts Dick in charge, hoping he'll finally make something of himself. When she catches him in wrong doing, she knows he'll never account for anything so she takes the law into her own hands. This is the twenty-fifth life in the Cat Who series and it is every bit as good as the other twenty-four lives. Quill still collects anecdotes for the book he is writing Short & Tall Tales, which by the way is available now at the local bookstores in all the towns four hundred miles south and further south of Moose County. His loving relationship with his Siamese cats is only one of the reasons that explain why readers truly love him. Lilian Jackson Braun's fan base rightfully grows with every book she writes.

Portrait Of A Killer: Jack The Ripper Case Closed
Patricia Cornwell
Putnam
Nov 2002, $27.95, 387 pp. ISBN: 0399149325

When this reviewer realized that Patricia Cornwell had written a nonfiction work focused on solving the cold case of the Ripper, the initial thought was "just what the world needs, another solve the Ripper Case'. Immediately after that idea came the thought that if anyone could do it Patricia Cornwell can and started reading the book only to find out it is impossible to put down. She and her team applied modern day forensic techniques and crime scene methodology, and historical sleuthing to determine whom Jack the Ripper was. Several tons of documents and other physical evidence such as fingerprints, photographs, museum paintings, fine arts accouterments, and even DNA, etc. were evaluated. Using the assumption that Jack remained free and still operated after his several month killing spree in 1888, Ms. Cornwell follows the paths of the prime suspects and looks at police blotters near where they lived. This concerted effort led to Ms. Cornwell to declare unequivocally that Jack the Ripper is none other than: read the book. Portrait Of A Killer: Jack The Ripper Case Closed is a fascinating version of the Ripper case and the chronicle of how Ms. Cornwell and her team step by step drew their conclusion. The key to this true crime account is not the final claim though that is appealing, but the powerfully interesting nonfiction elucidation that hooks the reader to follow along as if Dr. Scarpetta was working the crime scene. Ms. Cornwell shows she could rule the true crime genre if she permanently switched fields perhaps to try to uncover the identity of Deep Throat next.

Light In Shadow
Jayne Ann Krentz
Putnam
Jan 2003, $24.95, 384 pp. ISBN 0399149384

She is an interior designer who incorporates the principles of feng shui and other New Age ideas when she redesigns a house. Zoe Luce is so popular in Whispering Springs that the wealthy Davis Mason hires her to redo his home. When she walks into the master bedroom she senses that somebody very recently was murdered there and she thinks it was Davis' missing wife. Not wanting to work for a killer, Zoe hires private investigator Ethan Truax to discover what happened to her client's wife. It doesn't take long For Ethan to discover that Davis did indeed murder his wife and he offers to protect Zoe before Davis kills her too. He gets there in time to incapacitate Davis. Zoe and Ethan's relationship is far from over. Somebody knows that Zoe escaped from Candles Lake Manor after being wrongfully committed there by her dead husband's family. Zoe knows that she will somehow flush out the killer who destroyed her life and bring him to justice if Ethan can protect her from the blackmailers and those who will harm her. Jayne Ann Krentz can always be counted on to write an excellent work of romantic suspense and she doesn't disappoint her audience in Light In Shadow. The heroine and hero bumble along into a relationship that neither wants to let go of but one in which both are afraid to admit their true feelings. This endears them to the audience who will find them very likable and unpredictable as they jump from the frying pan into the fire as there are two distinct subplots linked by this attractive duo.

Plague
Gary Birken, M.D.
Berkley
Dec 2002, $6.99, 752 pp. ISBN 0425187071

Dr. Annick Clement is a third year resident in pediatrics and the first resident to participate in a French-American exchange program. One day while she is working in the Emergency Room, she is treating a very sick little boy and she isn't sure what is wrong with him. Tests discover that he has botulism but they don't know how he got it or why. Soon after, Annick treats a little girl, who after extensive testing, is found out to have the pneumonic plague. She begins to believe that somebody in the hospital is deliberately making these children sick. The administration of Franklin Children's Hospital doesn't want to believe there is a bio-terrorist on the loose and tries to muzzle Annick who refuses to give up seeking possible links. When three children come down with cholera, Annick's theory proves deadly correct and she is even able to point the FBI in the direction of the perpetrator. What she doesn't know is her suspect is only a puppet and somebody very close to her is pulling the strings. Fans of Robin Cook, Patricia Cromwell and Kathy Reichs are going to want to put Plague on his or her must read list. The heroine is spunky, intelligent and intuitive, a combination that makes her an excellent medical detective. This hopefully is the first installment in a medical thrilling series because the heroine would make a great recurring character.

Dig Deep For Murder
Kate Kingsbury
Berkley
Dec 2002, $5.99, 208 pp. ISBN 0425188868

World War II is raging and the residents of the small hamlet of Sitting Marsh are looking to the lady of the manor Lady Elizabeth for guidance during those perilous times. They don't know that the owner of the manor house is cash poor due to her ex-husband's gambling debts. Lady Elizabeth keeps up the appearance of a wealthy titled landowner so she can be a comfort to the villagers and an example of inspiration due to her contributions to the war effort. She has donated a half-acre of her land to the villagers for a Victory Garden so they can grow fruits and vegetables to add variety to their rationed diets. When her assistant Polly takes over one of the plots of a recently deceased villager, she unearths the body of a man whose face is all smashed up. Feeling responsible for all her tenants, even those deceased, Lady Elizabeth embarks on her own investigation, one that almost gets her killed. Dig Deep For Murder is a delightfully refreshing cozy that sheds some light on how the small English towns coped during the war years. The interaction of the heroine with her house staff and some of the more colorful villagers are quite humorous and helps defuse the action when it gets too intense. The mystery is well constructed and the heroine's investigation follows a logical path, which makes for a very believable plot appreciated by the audience.

Poseidon's Kiss
Gail Crease
Berkley
Dec 2002, $5.99, 304 pp. ISBN: 0515134163

In 1863 Rebecca Lynn Mallory sees the ship sailing away from her and thinks that she is going to drown here in the Irish Sea without ever seeing her beloved again. She prays for a miracle not expecting one even as she wonders how that sudden wave washed her off the deck. Thoughts that her unborn child would die too angers Rebecca as she begins to sink into the sea when suddenly The Radiant One saves her life. Poseidon informs his son Nikodemus and Rebecca that due to his son's interference, in another time and place her descendent must marry Nikodemus. A hundred years later, Rebecca's descendent Chelsea Porter recovers from a disastrous relationship, vowing to put men on hold. However, her pledge is quickly shredded when Chelsea meets artist Nicolas Demitry. Nicolas knows he has waited forever or since he saved Rebecca for a chance at love, but will his beloved survive the test of his realm? Poseidon's Kiss is an exciting refreshing fantasy romance that is at its best when Gail Crease introduces readers to Poseidon's under the sea world. The story line succeeds because the fantasy realm seems authentic as if the author had been there outside her dreams and the lead couple feels darlingly real. Fantasy purists as well as those who delight in a romantic undercoating will relish Ms. Crease's creative novel and demand more trips to the undersea realm.

Body Of Intuition
Claire Daniels
Berkley
Dec 2002, $6.99, 304 pp. ISBN 0425187403

Cally Lazar is a recovering lawyer who joined a twelve-step recovery program to make sure she doesn't fall back into practicing jurisprudence. After she quit the legal profession, she became a masseuse. With some of her patients, she sees auras that enable her to know what is wrong and how to heal the patient. Cally works with Tricia Snell, whose deceased husband insists he did not commit suicide but was murdered. Tricia convinces Cally to attend an intimacy workshop at the Inn at Fiebre where the same attendees will be present. She agrees to go and her friends Warren Kapp and Dee Dee Lee accompany her. When they arrive and start questioning people, it seems everyone disliked Seager Snell and had a reason to kill him, but the murderer intends to make Cally the next victim if she doesn't stop snooping around. Claire Daniels has written a creative New Age psychic mystery staring a heroine that it is impossible not to like. The author writes in a breezy easy going and humorous manner so that readers don't feel overwhelmed from the complex plot with numerous viable suspects. This is the first installment in what looks to be a unique hit series. Let's hope in the next book, the author clues the reader in to why the protagonist quit practicing law though perhaps Cally was simply ahead of her time and just frustrated by judges Determining No to Aura-ology as supporting evidence.

A Grave At Glorieta
Michael Kilian
Berkley
Jan 2003, $22.95, 364 pp. ISBN 0425188099

He is a son of the South, part of a rich Tidewater, Virginia family who embraces the concept of slavery so wholeheartedly that they fight for the confederacy. Harrison sees slavery as an evil institution and severed his ties to his family. He became an agent for the secret service under Pinkerton's command. Having been involved in two battles in the East, Pinkerton sends Harrison and "Boston" Leahy out west to determine whether these states will join the Confederacy. Harrison and Leahy are to make contact with Federal supporter Don Luis Almaden y Cortes but instead they journey into Santa Fe during the battle of the Glorieta Pass. The Federal troops, with the help of locals, win, ending the South's hope to make the west part of their new nation. Don Luis is killed after the battle is won and Harrison, who is infatuated with the deceased's daughter, vows to bring the killers to justice if the killer doesn't murder him first. Each book in the Harrison Raines Civil War mysteries revolves around a key battle that is interwoven into the story line. Michael Kilian does meticulous research so readers are receiving an education while being entertained. A Grave At Glorieta is an interesting tale focusing on the Western states during the Civil War, but presenting all sides fairly so that readers can understand all the undercurrents pulling people in numerous directions. Critical to this theme is that war is not glorified, but presented closer to the lines of All's Quiet on the Western Front. This book and this series are highly recommended.

The Bastard's Tale
Margaret Frazer
Berkley
Jan 2003, $22.95, 320 pp. ISBN 0425186490

In 1447 England, King Henry VI sits upon the throne but is unduly influenced by his closest councilor the Marquis of Suffolk. The Marquis has seen to it that the king's heir, his uncle the Duke of Gloucester, is looked upon with distrust and suspicion. At Bury St. Edmonds, the king, his lords and the parliament attend a council meeting. An invitation is sent to Gloucester hinting that if he attends his wife will be released from prison. Suffolk's wife Alice is a cousin and close friend to Dame Frevisse who is very happy to live in St. Frideswide's Nunnery away from the worldly cares of corrupt men. When Frevisse is asked to go to Bury St. Edmonds to spy for Bishop Beaufort of Winchester she accepts because she wants the priory to have the property the Bishop is willing to give in return for her services. When she arrives at the site of the gathering, she becomes so involved in political affairs of the realm that she lies and perjures herself to save the live of Gloucester's illegitimate son and four of his trusted companions. The heroine of The Bastard's Tale makes a life long enemy of her cousin's husband the Marquis of Suffolk and risks an estrangement with her cousin Alice in order to prevent the death of innocents. It is obvious that Margaret Frazer has done meticulous research on the events that take place in this book so that the readers have a feel the era and an understanding of how such injustices can occur. Fans of medieval mysteries will relish the latest entry in this Edgar nominated series.

The Princeton Murders
Ann Waldron
Berkley
Jan 2003, $5.99, 272 pp. ISBN 0425188205

Tallahassee reporter McLeod Delaney of the Star of Florida newspaper is still in shock after receiving notification that she won the Pulitzer Prize for a series of reports on welfare families. Jut when she thinks nothing can surprise her anymore she is invited to apply for a lectureship on non- fiction writing at Princeton University. She immediately applies for the position and is quickly accepted. Once she arrives there the faculty makes her feel at home by inviting her to their homes for dinner. She becomes friendly with a friend of her late husband Professor Archie Alexander, gets along with her department head Dexter Kincaid who is noted for drinking cosmopolitans at every social function, and thinks all her students have a bright future ahead of them. At a faculty party, Archie drinks a cosmopolitan and dies. At a luncheon, somebody makes a cosmopolitan for Dexter and he dies a few days later. McLeod and her students conclude the two deaths are linked but the only person who can tell them who mixed the cosmopolitans is strangled in his own office. They tell their theory to the police who think there is no links between the three deaths but McLeod continues her investigation and almost becomes victim number four. The theme of The Princeton Murders is very creative but the pacing is very slow, which means action readers will tend to lose interest very quickly. McLeod and her students are very likable and interesting characters but the rest of the support cast seen two-dimensional. The mystery itself is well designed and the perpetrator will come as a shock to those readers who stay the entire semester.

Fifth Life Of The Catwoman
Kathleen Dexter
Berkley
Nov 2002, $13.00 ISBN: 0425186180

Half cat, Kat the Catwoman lives her fifth life amidst fifty felines. She avoids human contact as she has long memories of prejudice, poverty, and death at the hands of her so called superior side. Instead, Kat lives in a self-made haven secure from the feral mentality of humanity. However, her Eden ends when a half cat male Angelo accidentally blunders into her mirage. Headmaster of a nearby communal high school, Angelo persuades Kat to return to reality by teaching the true history as she knows it, not that heroic rah-rah bunk found in textbooks. As she adapts to being welcomed and even popular, an incident shatters her mirage bringing back the true perspective of mankind when a child is stoned to death by his peers. The Fifth Life Of The Catwoman is a powerful allegory that looks at the dark side of humanity as prejudice and hatred defeats Utopia and love in everybody's life. The message cleverly implies that nine lives may not be enough to overcome the ferocious animosity that serves as man's basic reaction to anyone outside the "norm". Kathleen Dexter provides a potent indictment of intolerance and the need to emphasize the positive virtues of difference so that consensus leads to harmony.

The Forest Lord
Susan Krinard
Berkley
Nov 2002, $6.99, 400 pp. ISBN: 0425186865

In England, the Earl of Bradwell, Cyrus Fleming breaks the pact his ancestors have had with the Fane by trespassing into the magical fairy forest. For punishment, the Forest Lord Hern demands that Cyrus hand over his beautiful teenage daughter Eden so he can sire an heir. Cyrus agrees, but demands that Hern appears as a mortal and courts Eden. Not long afterward Cornelius Fleming arrives, courts Eden and makes love to her, which leaves her pregnant. He plans to marry her, but she learns the truth about his heritage. She flees, marries someone else, while he goes into a deep sleep after learning that their child died. Six years later and Hern awakens to learn that Eden has returned home and their son lives. Hern plans to abduct the lad he thought was dead from the widow who he feels betrayed him twice. Masquerading as a mortal servant, Hern soon realizes his foe did not know their child lived until she came home. He also finds he wants to put the lost smile back on Eden's face, but years of spousal abuse and betrayal by her father and Cornelius leaves her filled with distrust. The Forest Lord is a pleasant Regency romantic fantasy that reads more like a second chance at love between two distrusting souls than a star crossed specie reverie. The audience will appreciate the lead characters, especially Hern, who occasionally displays otherworldly talents. Readers will desire more Fane tales that contain a wee bit more fairy dust especially a two decade into the future sequel starring the son Donal.

Christmas Revels
Mary Jo Putney
Berkley
Nov 2002, $13.00, 304 pp. ISBN: 0425186210

"A Holiday Fling". British actress Jenny Lyme tries to save the "Tithe Barn Community Center" by producing a Christmas show for TV. She asks her former lover cinematographer Greg Marino to help. Both fondly remember about the other and want a second chance together. "The Christmas Cuckoo". Major Jack Howard heads to his aunt for Christmas, but instead ends up slightly drunk at public coach's inn. Meg Lambert goes to the inn to meet her brother's buddy, Captain Jack Howard, only to find him inebriated. The next morning Jack realizes the mistake, but soberly finds he desires Meg. "Sunshine for Christmas". Randolph Lennox goes to Italy to escape the loneliness of Britain. However, Naples remains as cold as his heart until he meets Elizabeth Walker whose fluent Italian helps him with a problem. As they tour together, they fall in love, but what happens after Italy? "The Christmas Tart". Her employer accuses seamstress Nicole Chambord of robbery and fires her. Sir Philip Selbourne settles his late father's estate. His friends decide Nicole could cheer him up but he believes this innocent gift is worth more than just a one-night stand. "The Black Beast of Belleterre." Baron James Markland wears a cloak to hide his hideous visage. He visits Sir Edwin Hawthorne, whose estate is in ruin due to gambling debts. Sir Edwin plans to sell his daughter Ariel to a lecher, but James buys her instead, promising a marriage in name only. However, Ariel wants a real relationship with her cloaked spouse. Four reprints and one new story, Christmas Revels is a wonderfully warm holiday collection that displays the gift of Mary Jo Putney.

Shades Of Earl Grey
Laura Childs
Berkley
Jan 2003, $5.99, 256 pp. ISBN 0425188213

In Charleston's historic district, the Indigo Tea Shop is doing so well that they have added lunch and delectable pastries to the menu. The owner Theodosia Browning has also catered many society events including those held at The Lady Goodwood Inn. Now she is taking a holiday and is a guest at the engagement party of Camilla Cantroux and Marine Captain Corey Buchanan at the inn. The roof of the room where dinner is to be served caves in. The groom dies and the $70,000 wedding ring disappears. When Theo and her friends go looking for it, it is nowhere to be found so the tea shop entrepreneur thinks cat burglar. She is sure that the events are linked. When more items disappear, Theo and her friends set a trap for the stealthy felon, one that could lead to new flavor of tea named for a intrepid perhaps foolish amateur sleuth served at a funeral. Readers should not read this book when they are hungry or thirsty because the mouth watering recipes will just aggravate the condition. The heroine is a likable person who goes out of her way to get involved with a criminal investigation and though it may seem odd, that's Theo. Her need to see justice done and enjoin in the process as a participant is just one the reasons that she endears herself to the audience. There is a surplus of suspects with means and opportunity so readers will want to finish the book in one sitting to see who the perpetrator is in this delicious cozy.

Scam And Eggs
Janet Dawson
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $25.95, 213 pp. ISBN: 0786248386

Scam And Eggs is a fine mystery anthology that contains mostly contemporary contributions, but also has two enjoyable historicals including a spin on First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln that will open readers' minds to this intriguing much maligned figure. The book also contains three well written Jeri Howard tales, which by itself would be a winner especially since the retired Seville couple is also in attendance (these awesome novels include Kindred Crimes and Nobody's Child among the eight or so books in the series). The remaining tales include a military mystery and a modern day updating of a fairy tale relocated from Europe to San Francisco. Finally, this delightful ten-story collection includes three never before printed tales. Fans of short but suspenseful mysteries will gain much pleasure with Janet Dawson's strong aggregate.

The Hard Luck Klub
Doug Allyn
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $25.95, 222 pp. ISBN: 0786243325

This anthology runs the gamut between taut thriller and several mystery sub- genres to include Native American, psychological suspense, and the entertainment industry entries, etc. The eight fictional accounts are cleverly conceived and filled with surprising twists and non-stop action whether they occur in a modern day setting or the Civil War. Though this octet has appeared previously in other publications spread over fifteen years, the stories have never been in one handy book before. The key to the gratification of fans resides with the delightful lead characters typically confronting overwhelming situations often brought on by their actions or attitudes. Fans who relish a buffet of powerful tales that never slows down until the end of each entry will want to read this collection and Doug Allyn's other books: All Creatures Dark And Dangerous, and Black Water.

Star Song And Other Stories
Timothy Zahn
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $24.95 ISBN: 0786246960

"Point Man". Travis has one talent that of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As the only person with military experience, he leads the counterattack on the hive people who destroyed the human base. "Hitmen See Murderers". Radley receives the yellow pages that include lists of murderers, embezzlers, and prostitutes. The list change as events happen, but Radley struggles to use this tool. "Broccoli Factor". Tom has attained the age of two for his AI and Billy has failed with fusion. Billy borrows Tom's machine to use with his experiment leading to strange results. "The Art of War". Teenage earthling Stane meets Tawni on Quibsh where her people give him a sculpture that shakes up his people as they insist it is a weapon. Stane plans to see Tawni again regardless of how the authorities feel. "The Play's the Thing". The Futzhtian loves Earth entertainment. Through a rebus puzzle he asks to attend a Broadway play, the government arranges it. However, a slight misinterpretation leads to an upset Futzhtian who wants a more active role. "Star Song". Scholar Andula Kulasawa hires Captain Jake Smith to take her to the long lost "Freedom Peace" colony-space ship. However, her real agenda places Jake in jeopardy of losing his life. This science fiction anthology contains a strong novella and five delightful short stories that grip the reader with simple twists and delightful characters. When it comes to making other worlds seem real, Timothy Zahn would be near the front of the writer's queue.

The Scent Of Spiced Oranges And Other Stories
Les Roberts
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $25.95 ISBN: 0786243317

This ten-story anthology provides several tales with unique spins on crime, criminals, and the opposition trying to solve cases or stop the felons. Each account is different seemingly running the gamut of the mystery genre from feline sleuths (how can a reader except for canine lovers not like a catnapping tale?) to a private detective Saxon tale to even an Elvis finding. Not for readers who are faithful to one sub-genre, but intended for fans who relish delightfully divergent themes. This collection ultimately displays the talents of Les Roberts (author of the Jacovich novels whose fans obviously selected Cleveland over Los Angeles) to run the mystery table.

In The Distance, And Ahead In Time
George Zebrowski
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $23.95, 293 pp. ISBN: 0786246871

This futuristic, often gloomy, look at humanity is divided into three sections. The near futures consist of five tales; the middle distance contains three stories; and the far futures include two entries. Each of the ten tales is well designed so that the audience believes in the possibility (and in some cases the probability) that the setting could one day exist though short stories typically do not by their nature lend itself enough time for the background. This is the key to George Zebrowski's collection as the audience believes that the paths the author chose, whether it is relatively short run, somewhat into the future, or way out in time seem feasible based on present reality. This is Mr. Zebrowski's talent as the stories go back to the 1960s, but stand the test of time, which is the critical litmus indicator for works over three decades old, especially within a book that prides itself with the title chosen. Readers will be surprised to realize that though some of the tales are more than four decades old, they have a timeless quality about them, as if the author had a vision and set it down on paper. This anthology is highly reccomended.

The Bennie Arnoldo File
John Russo
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $24.95, 202 pp. ISBN: 0786243295

In 1983, Alison Grant is transferring data from microfilm to computer as part of her job at the Justice Department's Information Processing Division. However, Alison finds a glitch when The Bennie Arnoldo File turns up empty except for a name code. She informs her supervisor Samuel Goldman who checks with the log keeper Eleanor Harrison to see if she knows what happened. Eleanor promises to investigate, but turns around and informs Deputy Attorney general Charles Barfield, whom immediately works to hide the case that he does not want anyone to know about. Sam gives the archival back-up file to Alison, who prints a copy of the Arnoldo document. However, before she loads the data, Sam takes back the file and tells her to work around the case as his superior Charles is allegedly evaluating what happened to prevent future mistakes. Unable to resist, plus being the recipient of a threatening birthday card, Alison decides to discover if an illegal action has occurred. Treasury Department Special Investigator Mark Ferris is her only hope to learn the truth and to stay alive. This is an exciting historical mystery (unbelievable that twenty years feels historical due to quantum changes in IT). The story line moves faster than a modern day processor as Alison serves as a shining example of a solid bureaucrat who cares. Though why Charles' associate threatened Alison as he did provides little logic, John Russo furbishes a delightful thriller.

Found Dead In Texas
Jan Grape
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $25.95, 219 pp. ISBN: 0786248416

This crime anthology consists of nine tales, of which five star the wonderful female investigative partners C.J. Gunn and Jenny Gordon. The G&G quintet are all quite good and in some ways overwhelm the remaining four contributions though they are also entertaining tales. Still the key to this book is that the prime players in this anthology are all strong cast members for the most part performing reasonable sleuthing tasks. However it is the G&G duo that stands out but not because they are starring in over half the stories. They are the most developed of the characters and could easily be transferred into a novel as lead protagonists (not so subtle of a hint that hopefully the author hears through the grapevine). Each of the stories are creative and refreshingly plotted but they are not clones of one another. They are unique in their own right and even the non-G&G stories can be expanded into a good novel. Readers will find the G&G so unbelievably good that they will be enthralled by each story and wish that there were more of them to read in this surprisingly good anthology. Found Dead In Texas is a wonderful collection that showcases the talent of Jan Grape who relates appealing crime dramas to the mystery crowd. Fans of cosies and amateur sleuth tales must read this work.

The Lady Godiva Murder
Laurie Moore
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $25.95 ISBN: 0786248270

The Fort Worth police arrest detective Roby Tyson for the murder of rookie cop Carri Crane, as the circumstantial evidence at the boarded up rooming house is overwhelming. Roby swears to his partner Cezanne Martin that he is innocent, but admits he had sex with the victim the night before. He pleads with Cezanne to defend him as her first client since she just passed the bar. Reluctantly she agrees though she feels way over her head besides which her current supervisor, chief of homicide, is the father of the victim. Using blackmail techniques that would have made Machiavelli proud, Cezanne gets herself officially assigned to the Crane murder case. As she begins digging for information from several sources and questions witnesses, Cezanne begins to notice a wider pattern than just the Crane homicide. However, she misinterprets the data enough to place her life at risk from a killer who prefers that Roby take the injection. The Lady Godiva Murder is an exciting police procedural that sub-genre readers will enjoy because of the engaging investigation that includes plenty of office politics. The lead protagonist is a delightful star as she tries to prove her best friend and partner is innocent. The return of Jinx Porter (see Constable Run) and his database adds a sense of homecoming to the plot. Anyone who reads this wonderful tale will believe that Laurie Moore is quite a talent.

Second Advent
Tony Perona
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $24.95, 263 pp. ISBN: 0786243279

Nick Bertetto quit his job as an investigative reporter when an assignment led to the abduction of his wife Joan. As she still tentatively recovers from her harrowing experience, Nick receives an offer to investigate the recent death of Clinton, Indiana town patriarch Signor Gregorio Iavello which was ruled a suicide by the police. His granddaughter Martha and local priest Father Skip think otherwise. Though he believes he should reject the offer, Nick could use the fee and deep inside his heart he likes this type of work albeit he feels some guilt. Nick begins his inquiries, but fumbles his first interrogation of Martha's brother Tom. Still with the encouragement of his former mentor, he quickly returns to the groove especially questioning the motives of his clients. When former con artist Anna Veloche claims that she receives messages from Mother Mary warning of the Second Coming with the support of Father Skip and Martha, Nick wonders what he has gotten into, particularly when the danger mounts. Though Nick carries too much baggage from his personal life with his taking care of his three-year-old daughter and the mental troubles of his wife, fans will like him as he seems so everyday people. The story line moves briskly forward as Nick works the case while the religious fanatics work him. To learn whether murder or suicide occurred or whether Anna is pulling a con or actually talks with Mary read the book; it is worth the time as Second Advent is an entreating private investigative tale.

Death And The Librarian And Other Stories
Esther Friesner
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $23.95 ISBN: 0786246820

The twelve stories that make up Death And The Librarian And Other Stories are, for the most part, either ironic or satirical or both, but with one exception, always amusing fantasies. Esther Friesner is at her irreverent best skewing the universe with classic short stores like "How To Make Unicorn Pie", "In the Realm of Dragons", and "Jesus at the Bat", etc. The only new story "Illion" is atypical of Ms. Friesner as this takes a more somber tone than usual as the author provides her perspective to 9/11. The uniqueness of this collection is the writer's ability to wink at the genre for its excessive rigid formulaic characters and themes yet also parody modern society in the same story. With the well written reverent "Illion" aside, fans who relish humorous skewing of fantasy stereotypes that also encourage the audience to "thine own self be true" will delight in this swift reading anthology. Just because the woks are a parody, one must not think for a moment that the author does not take her work seriously. Each story is finely crafted and appeals to something primal in the reader. This is a great introduction for someone not familiar with the works of Esther Friesner.

The Education Of Ruby Loonfoot
Paxton Riddle
Five Star Books
Oct 2002, $25.95, 340 pp. ISBN: 0786244372

By 1957, Indian elders worry about what is happening to their traditions and customs. The "second generation" is so Americanized that even the elders wonder if they are really their offspring. Cecilia Pitwoniqut frets over how she went wrong with her daughter Theresa who attended boarding schools that washed out the paganism and replaced it with consumed Catholicism. Now her granddaughter Ruby Loonfoot attends the "Robe's School and Cecilia vows never again. Cecilia wants Ruby to rejoice in her culture. However, the St. Nicholas School believes that the worthless Indian pagan religion must be stamped out and be replaced by the embracing of Jesus. Not only is Ruby's heritage demeaned, she is also physically abused for challenging the Robes. Now Cecilia and Theresa are at war over Ruby's education, as her grandmother wants her to be proud of being an Indian while her mother believes Jesus comes first. Readers will want to believe that this novel is purely the imagination of Paxton Riddle, but apparently the horrors that that author describes actually occurred. The story line engages the audience with the heated generation gap while the assimilation process erodes much of the tradition. Even more enlightening is the treatment at the Catholic School that will shake up even the most faithful. This is a powerful, well written novel that will shock most readers with its deep evocative spotlight on a systematic brainwashing that is truly The Education of Readers.

Got Mick?
Amy Sandrin
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $26.95 ISBN: 0786244607

Andrea Chatfield has been in love with Mick Adams since she was twelve years old and dreamed of marrying him. Almost two decades later, Andrea has not made any progress in achieving her goal because Mick thinks of her as his best friend's younger sister and besides is too preoccupied with his construction company. Mick tries to persuade Andrea's brother that he does not want his former girlfriend Stacy and the field is open for Brian to pursue the woman he loves. Brian, who once hurt Mick by prematurely stealing a girl from him, refuses to believe that Stacy can be his for he will not betray his buddy. To get Brian to act, Mick tells him he loves Andrea and manages to get her to help him with his plan. As things spin out of control, Mick and Andrea marry to continue with their pretense, but though she has obtained what she thought she most desired in life, she realizes she still does not have his heart. The plot my seem a stretch especially when the lead couple marry, however, readers will say who cares as the story line is a fun frolic. Mick is too good a dream come true, but the story line belongs to Andrea who learns that sometimes you get what you wished for, but that often turns up short of what you really want. Amy Sandrin provides fans with a delightful contemporary that will remind the audience of When Harry Met Sally.

Housebreaking A Husband
Lori Soard
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $26.95 ISBN: 0786245786

Following the death of his sister from cancer, Trent Kasey struggles with raising his nephew and niece, twenty-two month old twins, while also managing his construction company. When his nephew Kyle vanishes out the house, Trent gives chase only to see the lad hanging with his neighbor Sarah Goldwyne and her dog Nightfire. Sarah helps Trent with caring for the twins and even watches them while he goes out on a job prospect. When the biological father of the twins claims he wants them, Trent's lawyer suggests he find a wife. He looks towards his neighbor with the long beautiful legs. Sarah finds caring for her neighbor's wards quite satisfying, as she can not have children ever since she miscarried. As she hangs with the Kasey trio, she falls in love with all three of them, but fears her heart will break if the custody goes wrong plus Trent holds back out of dread of losing another loved one. Though not providing new ground, Housebreaking A Husband engages contemporary romance readers due to the two scarred individuals ably supported by the spaghetti-tossing twins. The story line focuses more on the love plot buoyed by a nurturing need, but handicapped by internal demons. Though the Saving Isaiah like subplot could have been stronger, readers will attain much pleasure from Lori Soard's pleasant novel.

The Matchmaker
Susan Furman
Five Star Books
Dec 2002, $26.95 ISBN: 0786244518

In Beverly Hills, Jill Sands is considered the best matchmaker at Exclusively Ivana where she helps set up marriages for life. However, Jill becomes shook up when the police visit her to question her on what she knows about a former client, Lisa Donnelly. Apparently, Lisa's husband, a US senator running for president, reported her missing. Jill offers nothing to the two detectives questioning her. Jill feels guilty over her silence because Lisa's father, former South Viet Nam General Nguyen Tai Tong, asked for her help. When Jill learns that Lisa died in what appeared to be an accident, she has doubts. Jill turns to Detective Tony Rosetti with her theory even though he attempts to steal her file or silence the matchmaker in order to keep her out of danger. As he tries to keep her safe, Tony and Jill fall in love in spite of her professional expertise saying they are incompatico. The Matchmaker is an exciting romantic suspense work that starts a bit slow, but once the plot picks up steam it never slows down. Jill is an intrepid heroine who always tries to do the right thing whether it is in her work or her personal life. She is an idealist so why she would ever stay with her boyfriend Brent (pre Tony) who thinks nothing of deserting her at night in an isolated cabin in Big Sur seems strange. Tony has demons of his own so that the permanency of anything with Jill remains in doubt though he loves her. Susan Furman provides readers with a spellbinding tale that never slows down until Lisa's death is resolved.

The Cross-Legged Knight
Candace Robb
Mysterious Press
Jan 2003, $23.95, 304 pp. ISBN 0892967722

In England in 1371, the Bishop of Winchester, William of Wykeham, wants to regain his position of lord chancellor of the realm if he can avoid the plots against him led by John of Gault, Duke of Lancaster. William and his entourage travel to the palace of the Archbishop hoping to make peace with the Pagnell family who blame him for their father's death in a French prison. The family believes the Bishop stole some of the ransom money, which led to the French king's refusal to release his prisoner. While the bishop looks at a church that is being rebuilt, a piece of the roof falls off and nearly kills him. He believes it is a Lancastrian plot to murder him and becomes further convinced when his York property burns to the ground, killing a herbalist and severely wounding a tenant's servants. The Archbishop charges his steward and captain of his guard to find out who is responsible for these events, a job made easier in resolving but more difficult on Owen Archer's gut by his wife's insisting she help him. The events of this book take place during the period the Duke of Lancaster tries to establish his influence over his nephew who will one day be King Richard II. Knowing the time frame help the reader understand the political undertones of the story line that serves as a reference point to the behavior of the characters. Owen Archer is a heroic figure who worries so much about his wife that he endears himself to the audience. The Cross-Legged Knight is a fascinating historical mystery.

The Sniper's Wife
Archer Mayor
Mysterious Press
Oct 2002, $23.95, 312 pp. ISBN: 0892967676

The NYPD informs Vermont Bureau of Investigation Detective Willy Kunkle that his ex-wife Mary died from an overdose of heroin in Manhattan. Willy drops everything to go to New York City to identify the body. However, instead of agreeing that an accident occurred, Willy concludes someone murdered his former spouse and persuades Detective Ward Ogden of his belief. Willy investigates Mary's Manhattan life by starting with a visit to the old neighborhood where he grew up too. He thinks back on his time working as a cop for NYPD and his estranged relationship with his family while causing havoc with his inquiries. His lover Detective Sammie Martens and his boss Joe Gunther travel down from the Green Mountain State to help in the investigation that seemingly supports Kunkle's belief that Mary was murdered Willy intends to dispatch his own personal brand of justice. The Sniper's Wife is a powerful police procedural not so much because of the three seemingly separate parallel investigations, but on account of the deep insight into what makes Willy what he is today. The story line places Willy in New York neighborhoods that never grace a novel yet they provide fathoms and intensity to the key protagonist so that the audience feels the beat of the locale grasping what Willy remembers from his days residing there. The murder mystery is well done with the investigations taking the audience from NYC to New Hampshire, but this strong novel belongs to Willy and the Big Apple as Archer Mayor shows his comfort level stretches way beyond the green hills of Vermont into the urban forest of the City.

Castles In The Mist
Josie Litton
Bantam
Nov 2002, $6.50, 368 pp. ISBN: 0553583913

The Vanax of Akora visits England to ostensibly meet with the Prince Regent and to see his siblings, their wives and children. However, deep in his heart Atreus knows he really has come to call on Brianna, an orphan who grew up on his island kingdom. Atreus knows that one day she will be his beloved wife if he can persuade her that they belong together as he has seen in his ritual dream. Brianna is in England trying to learn more about her salad days before an Akoran couple adopted her. She vows never to return to Akora until she learns more about her parents, who died at sea. Atreus knows much about what happened to her parents on that fateful day and wonders if their love could survive if he tells her the truth. The final novel in the Akoran trilogy is a strong Regency romance with a twist of insight into a different island kingdom. The use of real personage like Prime Minister Liverpool adds a feel of authenticity through the diplomatic activities of the two nations. The return of the support cast from the previous two books makes the novel feel like a homecoming, but clearly belongs to the delightful duo, Atreus and Brianna. Though Akora remains too utopian (still not sure why there are rebels who want modernization), fans of Josie Litton will relish this engaging closeout entry that leaves the door open for the next generation stories.

A Puzzle In A Fear
Parnell Hall
Bantam
Dec 2002, $23.95, 352 pp. ISBN 0553802429

Everyone in the town of Bakerhaven is caught up in the holiday season from the people taking part in the Christmas pageant to the folks posing in the live nativity. One of the highlights of the pagent is the humorous take on The Twelve Days of Christmas directed by Broadway producer, Rupert Winston. Cora Felton, known to the whole town as the puzzle lady, is one of the maids a milking if she survives the rehearsals without throttling the odious director. Cora's niece Sherry is one of the women starring as the Virgin Mary. She receives quite a jolt when the actress playing the role before her is murdered. The girl that was killed was a high school teen who had every privilege and was one of the most popular students in her school. The father of Dorrie's best friend is visiting while on vacation from Scotland Yard and takes an active role in the investigation. All the circumstantial evidence leads him to Sherry as the perpetrator. Cora is not about to let her niece be tried for murder so she goes into sleuth mode to ferret out the murder. Parnell Hall has written another excellent amateur sleuth novel starring his recurring character the Puzzle Lady. Cora is a natural comedienne who lightens the plot up when the action becomes very intense. This is a very convoluted mystery with so many twists and turns, dead ends, and viable suspects that readers will want to finish the book in one sitting so they can puzzle out who did what to whom.

Unhinged
Sarah Graves
Bantam
Jan 2003, $24.95, 272 pp. ISBN 0583802291

Jacobse "Jake" Tiptree lives on the small island of Eastport off the coast of Maine in a home that needs serious renovation otherwise it will soon crumble into nothingness. Not being a millionaire, Jake does as much of the repairs as possible but when she discovers the foundation needs replacing, she advertises for a stone mason. Lian Ash answers the advertisement and Jake hires him on the spot because his rates appear reasonable. At about the same time Jake hires Lian, the town's most despised gossip, Harriet Hollingsworth, disappears and Harry Markle, a retired NYPD detective, buys the house. Strange things begin to happen on the island like Jake's son getting hurt in a car accident because the brake hose was cut and Jake's husband being injured by a bullet made to explode. Harry thinks it is the work of the serial killer that murdered his wife and girlfriend as well as other police officer's relatives. Jake and her friend Ellie don't buy into that theory and start their own investigation, a move, which brings them and their families closer to death. Unhinged is a riveting amateur sleuth mystery filled with enough red herrings to keep the reader totally befuddled until the author chooses to identify the killer. After reading this novel, those fans interested in buying a house will want to purchase something new so they don't have the aggravating repairs the heroine is forced to deal with, sometimes with hilarious results. Sarah Grave imbues her work with a subtle sense of humor so that the tension level of the story line never rises to an unbearable level.

Fires Of The Faithful
Naomi Kritzer
Bantam
Oct 2002, $6.99, 400 pp. ISBN 0553585177

The only thing sixteen-year-old Eliana is looking forward to is graduating the Verdiano Rural Conservatory and performing at the Imperial Court. She doesn't question the religion of the Lord and the Lady, or the magery that most people love or use or the Fedeli who eradicate all traces of heresy. The war and famine in the world doesn't touch the budding musicians who are insulated from anything that unpleasant. Eliana's views change when the Fedeli come and kill one of her closest friends and kidnap her roommate. She leaves the conservatory, rejects the Circle of mages and the official religion, and turns to the Old Ways. She discovers that the famine is caused by the Mage's use of sorcery and ends up in a refugee camp where she becomes the rallying point of a people that desperately need a leader that will fix their world. Fires Of The Faithful is an enthralling fantasy saga very reminiscent of the Joan of Arc story. Readers get so caught up in the heroine's world that they actually feel they are a camp follower. Naomi Kritzer is an expert at characterizations and plotting, so much so that the audience will want to finish it in one sitting and put it on the keeper shelf.

When Dragons Rage
Michael A. Stackpole
Bantam
Dec 2002, $14.95, 450 pp. ISBN 0553379208

The evil sorceress Chytrine rules the frozen lands of the North with a cruelty that rivals nothing the world has ever seen before, but also lusts after more as she obsesses with becoming the Empress of the South. To accomplish her quest, Chytrine searches for the seven broken parts of the Dragon Crow's because that artifact will enable her to control dragons and subsequently the world. Quite formidable without the dragons, Chytrine's army is conquering the southern nations. Her opponents seem less menacing to the Sorceress than they did when they defeated her a quarter of a century ago. Backed by the heroic but battle veteran Crow and rookie sorcerer Kerrigan, Princess Alexia of Orkennell leads an army struggling to defeat Chytrine. While her foes organize and southern kings plan on a conference to stop her, Chytrine hunts Will Norrington of the Prophecy, because she believes he, or one of his bloodline, is the only individual who could destroy her. Life seems bleakest for Alexia and her allies for Chytrine's forces appear invincible even without the dragons. Michael A. Stackpole's latest epic fantasy is a classic good vs. evil tale that will thrill genre fans due to an action-packed story line and strong heroes risking their lives to stop an ostensibly insurmountable malfeasance. Though they hurt and love, each one knows the stakes if they lose. They make mistakes, suffer setbacks, and know pain yet keep rising up as if they are the greatest generation through courage, cunning, camaraderie, and caring that hooks the reader to learn what happens When Dragons Rage.

Hearts Are Wild
Laura Wright
Silhouette Desire
Oct 2002, $4.25, ISBN: 0373764693

In Santa Flora, California, matchmaker Maggie Connor decides to use the inherited talent that all her female ancestors have to make a living. Maggie, like her grandma, is fantastic at matchmaking for anyone except for herself as the Connor Curse insures that these females never succeed in finding the right mate. Needing a strong opening act for PR purposes, Maggie blackmails Nick Kaplan into performing the deed by threatening to renege on her grandmother's deal to rent a room to him for six months while he works on a construction project. Reluctantly the motorcycle-riding hunk agrees to Maggie's terms. As they work on his makeover and his dates flop one after another, they fall in love. However, she dreads the curse and he is not in the market for anything permanent. Still there is the intervention of a meddling but 100 percent successful matchmaking granny. Hearts Are Wild is an amusing contemporary romance starring two protagonists who want to believe in love, but fear commitments do not last. The story line engages the reader from the moment Nick parks his bike due to a strong cast. The lead couple is charmers though their nagging doubts slow down the pace of the tale. The secondary characters to include granny and some outrageous dating companions make this a delightful time for the audience. This is one author that displays the right stuff with a fun frolic.

What A Woman Wants
Tori Carrington
Silhouette Special Edition
Nov 2002, $4.75, 250 pp. ISBN: 037324505X

Erick Conrad died heroically as a firefighter in a tragic blaze. He left behind a wife Darby and twin six-year-old daughters. Nine months after his death, Darby and Erick's best friend Old Orchard County, Ohio Sheriff John Sparks share one night of passion as both sought solace in the other's arms due to mourning their loss. Afterward and feeling guilty, John and Darby agree to cool their romance. Three months later, Darby informs John that she is pregnant. Initially taken aback, John wants to do the right thing for Darby, the two girls, and their unborn child. He proposes marriage, but Darby retains feelings of betraying Erick. Besides she knows marriage needs more than his willingness to take culpability and his feelings of responsibility to hold it together. However, John always desired Darby, but hid his feelings when his buddy pursued her. He loves her and Erick's kids, but can she really hear his heart when she believes she was unfaithful to Erick and must force herself to ignore her own love for the sheriff? What A Woman Wants is a deep romantic triangle in which the third participant is the convergent memories of a loved one. The story line has been used before, but feels fresh because Tori Carrington does not demean any of the three key players to make a second chance at love easier to attain. John and Darby seem human with strengths and frailties and their memories of Erick paint a picture of a caring individual. Readers will delight in this warm contemporary romance from Team Carrington who seem to consistently know what a the audience wants.

The Italian
Elaine Cofffman
Mira
Nov 2002, $6.99, 448 pp. ISBN: 1551669463

With the fall of Napoleon, Europe is carved up by the superpowers. Especially winning at the peace is the Austrian Empire, which includes the Italian peninsular as part of its vast holdings. By 1829 Italy is a hotbed of revolutionary activity led by the Carbonari whose goal is a free united country. The members must be extremely careful to avoid exposure as Austrian spies and their Italian supporters abound everywhere. Years ago Angelo Bartolini and Beatrice Fairweather fell in love, but she returned to England. Now Beatrice, an artist, lives in Tuscany while Angelo is a key player in the Carbonari movement. When these former lovers meet again, the sparks are even greater, but the coming revolution and betrayal will make it impossible for a relationship to flourish between them, but then again love has attained the impossible before. The Italian is a strong historical romance filled with vivid descriptions of Italy in the decade following the Congress of Vienna of 1815. As a backdrop to a wonderful star-crossed love story, readers obtain a taste for the fine arts, the political intrigue and espionage that seeps into every niche and cranny, and a close up look at life in an increasingly fervent era where danger is everywhere. The lead couple is a delight as they struggle between love and mistrust. Though fans who prefer blood and guts action need to go elsewhere, those readers who take pleasure in a warm picturesque cozy will want to peruse Elaine Coffman's leisurely look at this period.

An Honorable Man
Rosemary Rogers
Mira
Dec 2002, $7.50, 400 pp. ISBN: 1551669536

As southern states succeed from the Union like dominos both sides of the conflict wonder what position will highly regarded Senator David Campbell take. Two presidents court the Mississippi representative, but David accepts Lincoln's offer of advisor on the war council. Before he leaves for DC, David decides to free his slaves as a symbolic gesture. Though his daughter Cameron bursts with pride over her father's courageous actions, his son Grant detests the destruction of his privileged life. In a drunken ire, he kills his father, but persuades authorities that an accident occurred. Grant denies Cameron's insistence that their father was freeing the slaves because he intends to sell them. However, Grant fails to recognize his sister's passion for honoring her father's wishes and see the slaves to safety and freedom. She persuades Lincoln's escort envoy Jackson Logan, undercover as a merchant, to help her even though he broke her heart several years ago. As they journey together, their love flourishes while they struggle to survive one harrowing experience after another. Most readers realize that a visit to Rosemary Rogers' neighborhood is always a sure shot for finding a powerfully enjoyable novel. Her latest tale, An Honorable Man, may be her best as this Civil War tale contains a terrific plot, a feel for the era, two delightful lead protagonists, a nasty villain, and a tremendous support cast. Fans of historical romance will gain much satisfaction with this superior Americana story.

Behind The Mask
Metsy Hingle
Mira
Dec 2002 ISBN: 1551669269

Though several years have passed, former Houston police officer Michael Sullivan still feels guilt over the death of his partner. Mike goes out of his way to help Pete's family. When Adam Webster offers a million dollars to find his missing wife and son, Mike accepts the offer though he finds his client distasteful. Mike sees the payoff as a means of assisting Pete's family. Mike tracks Adam's wife to New Orleans where she works as a waitress at a diner. Lily Tremont claims to be a widow raising her son. She fled her spouse Adam not because of his treatment of her as a trophy wife sex kitten, but when she realized he will one day kill their child. Following the call back to Miami, Mike realizes he made an error and now tries to keep Lily and her son safe. However, as Mike and Lily fall in love, he wonders if he survives the evil chasing them how will he live with knowing he is Judas to a nice boy and the woman he cherishes. Though the plot is exciting as so many romantic suspense novels are, Metsy Hingle freshens up the story line further through a strong cast. The lead couple is a wonderful pair and the secondary characters provide depth so that the audience understands the motives of Lily and Mike. Readers will wonder why Mike could not wait to learn why Lily gave up wealth for a diner even with the ticking clock and his obsession. This is a very powerful tale that will gain Ms. Hingle a lot of new readers.

The Bad Witness
Laura Van Wormer
Mira
Nov 2002, $23.95, 352 pp. ISBN: 1551669528

NY TV news reporter Sally Harrington is in Santa Monica to testify as a defense witness in the "Mafia Boss Murder Trial". Hollywood producer Jonathan Small stands trial for killing mobster Nick Arlenetta. While the prosecutor screams murder one, the defense team insists self-defense as they claim that Jonathan shot Nick before the mobster could kill his sister. Sally who has done a documentary on the East Coast mob families plans to testify that Nick tried to kill her also. Following attempts on Sally's life, her boss and mentor at DBS News Alexandra Waring coaxes the police to provide her reporter with protection around the clock. Officer Paul Fitzwilliam and Sally feel an immediate attraction, but her safety comes first especially when she is hurt in a hit and run incident. As Sally becomes the news rather than reporting it, the trial takes center stage, but will she live long enough to provide her "expert" opinion? Though shifted to the West Coats, the fourth Harrington novel reads similar to the previous three tales as she once again makes for a good novel when Sally is in center stage. The problem is the trial that goes on and on and on, etc. while keeping Sally on the sidelines for the most part as a mere observer. Not as powerful as tales like Trouble Becomes Her, He Bad Witness contains enough of Sally's brand of shtick to satisfy her fans.

Along Came Trouble
Sherryl Woods
Mira
Dec 2002, $6.50, 400 pp. ISBN: 1551669552

In Trinity Harbor, Virginia everyone knows that Tucker Spencer is the most honest, honorable, and helpful person in town as he abides fully by the law. Perhaps the only error in judgment he ever made that taints his perfect image is Mary Elizabeth Swan who broke his heart several years ago when she dropped him and married politician Lawrence Chandler. Though he still dreams of her even after six years, Tucker knows that his once beloved is no longer a Swan. To Tucker's shock, he comes home to find Mary Elizabeth sleeping naked in his bed. She explains that she desperately needs his help as someone killed her spouse with the circumstantial evidence pointing towards her. Though he has avoided Mary Elizabeth, Tucker still loves her and believes her plea of innocence. Wondering if he is a fool too blind to see the truth, Tucker takes a leave of absence and begins an investigation, but no one else trusts Mary Elizabeth after she hurt their sheriff so badly once before. Still as Tucker and Mary Elizabeth work closely together, they begin to fall in love, but he mistrusts her with his heart. Along Came Trouble is an exhilarating romantic suspense starring two delightful lead characters. Readers will question, just like his family did, why Tucker willingly risks everything to help the person who let him down most in the world. Still the police procedural subplot and the romance blend cleverly together so that the audience receives a powerful story line that will enhance Sherryl Wood's reputation for quality novels.

Dark Water
Sharon Sala
Mira
Nov 2002, $6.50 ISBN: 1551669390

Over two decades ago in Marmet, Maine, local bank vice president Frank Whitman vanished along with one million dollars. The townsfolk ostracized Frank's wife and daughter Sarah. Unable to cope, Frank's spouse committed suicide and most of the locals sighed with relief when a family friend took Sarah to New Orleans to raise her. In the present, an armored truck robber tries to escape the police by driving his getaway car into Flagstaff Lake. Divers searching for the robber find a foot locker on the bottom of the lake that contains Frank's body. Most of the townsfolk including the Sheriff's office prefers the theory that Frank's accomplice killed him, but Sarah, feeling guilty about how she thought of her father over the years, believes her father is innocent. She arrives in town to prove her case. Knowing that Frank helped him straighten out his life nightclub owner Tony "Silk" DeMarco returns home from Chicago to assist Sarah. As Silk and Sarah fall in love in front of a hostile community who wants sleeping dogs kept quiet, someone goes one step further trying to silence Sarah permanently. Dark Water is an exciting romantic suspense with the accent on the tension though the romance is not ignored. The exhilarating story line moves rather quickly forward propelled by the lead couple, especially Sarah, seeking to clear her daddy's name. Sharon Sala is in top form in this town without pity powerful tale.

Rafferty's Bride
Mary Burton
Harlequin Historical
Nov 2002, $5.25, ISBN: 0373292325

He joined the army in the forties as a teen, but the military never trained Captain Travis Rafferty on life as a prisoner of war languishing in a Confederate Prison. He is shocked that Meredith Carter, though niece to Dr. Castleman, brings a poultice to help an ailing POW. When the fevered soldier reveals to Meredith that the prisoners are escaping through a tunnel, Rafferty reluctantly allows her to leave. When the escape fails, Rafferty blames Meredith for revealing their plan to his enemy and vows vengeance. Two years later, Travis catches up with Meredith and accuses her of treason. She swears her innocence, but the evidence is quite convincing. Riders arrive to murder Meredith. Travis kills the attackers, but is wounded in the battle. When he collapses, she stops his bleeding and remains behind to heal him. A believer, Travis works even harder than previously to uncover the real culprit who sent the men to death yet implicated his beloved. Fans of Reconstruction Era romances will take immense pleasure in Rafferty's Bride, a strong historical that provides insight into the early post Civil War years. The lead couple is a charming duo though fans will feel the obsessive intensity of Travis that not even an editor would dare cross him. The dedicated Meredith risks everything during and after the hostilities to do what she believes is the right thing for her patients. Mary Burton provides her audience with a powerful look at the aftermath of the Civil War on those who still endure the torment though the guns are relatively silent.

Christmas Gold
Cheryl St. John, Elizabeth Lane, & Mary Burton
Harlequin Historical
Nov 2002, $5.25, 298 pp. ISBN: 0373292279

"Colorado Wife" by Cheryl St. John. In 1875 Needle Point, Colorado, Rosalyne Emery decides that local businessman Sam Calhoun needs to take on the obligation of caring for the two preadolescent orphans she found freezing outside her restaurant. Instead Rosalyne and Sam end up in a pretend engagement that is heated by their true feelings for one another. Will the mogul realize how vacuous his vision for the town and himself is by accepting the Yuletide present of three people who dearly love him and want him to love them? "Jubal's Gift" by Elizabeth Lane. It took Jubal Trask almost a decade to find Thomas Curry who deserted him at Sharpsburg during the great war. However, now in 1873 in the Arizona Territory trading post, Jubal has caught up with the man he wants to kill. Instead of finding his intended victim who is away obtaining supplies, Jubal meets Thomas' sister Tess, who he knew from before the war, and his enemy's two young children, Lucy and Beau. However, it is hard to kill even a man you despsie when you love his sister. "Until Christmas" by Mary Burton. In 1882 Timberline, Colorado, a depressed owner Laura Butler wants to sell her silver mine following the tragic death of six workers as she knew each of the deceased personally and sewed alongside their wives. Laura jut wants to go east, but her mine manager Roman Maddox wants to comfort her forever, but has only a couple months to persuade his beloved to be his wife. These three late nineteenth century Americana romances are well written, warm holiday treats that fans of the sub-genre will take immense pleasure form reading. The stories contain delightful lead couples and strong supporting players that enable the audience to enjoy the Christmas holidays in the old west.

Naturally Naughty
Leslie Kelly
Harlequin Blaze
Nov 2002, $4.50, 251 pp. ISBN: 037379066X

Successful Chicago business owner, Kate Jones returns to Pleasantville, Ohio to sell her mother's house. Kate's hates the place perhaps as much or more than her cousin Cassie (see Naughty But Nice) loathes their hometown. Kate learns that her mother had an affair with the now deceased Mayor Winfield, who kept her mom hidden from his constituents since he was married and she was white trash. Kate vows vengeance targeting the son John, Jr. as fair game. Jack Winfield comes home to clean up the mess his father left behind when he died. Jack sees Kate, knows he wants her, acts out of character by following her and when they meet he cannot resist a kiss that she also thoroughly enjoys. However, when she learns her Jack is John, Jr. she rejects him as if he carried the plague though their sparks could provide the Christmas lighting for the Windy City. Jack needs to overcome her rejection as he loves her and is encouraged by the belief that Kate loves him too. Leslie Kelly spins a wonderful contemporary romance that sort of reads like a second chance at love albeit the first time for the next generation. The story line engages the audience from the moment a reluctant Kate comes home and never loses the reader until the final time Jack kisses his kissable Kate. Fans of a torrid tale with terrific characters will want to read the noteworthy Naturally Naughty.

Next To Nothing
Barbara Dunlop
Harlequin Temptation
Nov 2002, $4.25, 217 pp. ISBN: 0373691017

Four months ago Jenna McBride ended her engagement to Brandon Rice. To provide a bit of elbow room since they traveled similar circles, Jenna left Boston for Seattle where she joined her best friend Candice Hammond in a partnership, Canna Interior. However, Brandon refuses to accept no. The IPS Detective Agency is flat broke due to one of the partners Reggie Sandhill defrauding the firm and several clients. Tyler Reeve is left cleaning up the mess as he believes his reputation and more is at stake. He refuses to turn to his family, owners of the Reeves-DuCartier International. Brandon hires Tyler to determine whether his fiancee Jenna is cheating on him. The job is relatively easy because his older brother purposely hires Canna Interior to decorate the Quayside Hotel. However, Jenna and Tyler are attracted to one another from the start of his surveillance and soon fall in love, but he knows how precarious their relationship is once she learns whom their matchmaker is. Readers who enjoy a lighthearted contemporary romance will gain much pleasure from Next To Nothing. The story line is relatively simplistic yet fun to follow as Tyler struggles between work ethics and his growing desire for Jenna. Though Brandon is a caricature of a control freak (a nose job read the book), fans will Barbara Dunlop's warm tale due to the delightful lead couple and a strong supporting cast (her friend and his family).

At Your Service, Jack
Brenda Hammond
Harlequin Temptation
Nov 2002, $4.25, 217 pp. ISBN: 0373691033

Though his father founded Quaxel Corporation, if metallurgist Jack Carlisle is to move up the corporate ladder and sell his new bonding technique he needs to polish his rough edges. Thus, his sister, owner of a buttling business, persuades Jack to hire a butler to teach him the basic social graces that somehow skipped him. Tabitha also persuaded Freddi to accept the job. However, in Jack's wildest imagination he never expected Freddi Elliot to knock on the door of his Toronto house because she is the wrong gender for a butler, legal implications aside. As Freddi provides Jack with social tips and improvement, they fall in love. However he soon learns that she is the former fiancee of his greatest rival, his cousin Simon leading to his conclusion that she is a spy for his foe. At Your Service, Jack is an amusing contemporary romantic romp based on the over used premise of a misunderstanding causing distrust between the perfect couple. As she instructs the delightful bumbling genius, he teaches her a thing or two about lovemaking. Though Simon pales as a rival (even Uncle Avery believes that), readers will relish Brenda Hammond's delectable debut.

Naughty But Nice
Jill Salvis
Harlequin Blaze
Nov 2002 ISBN: 0373790678

Being the daughter of the Pleasantville slut, everyone assumes Cassie Tremaine Montgomery is a chip off the old block actively going down to whoever wants it. It is not surprising that her prom night date disrespects her, seeking sex that Cassie rejects. She needs help to conol him, but even Sheriff Richard Taggart tries to score with the seventeen-year-old. Over the next decade, Cassie becomes an internationally famous model. She returns to the unpleasant memories of Pleasantville to flaunt hr success at those who mistreated her and to hide from a stalker. Sheriff Sean Taggart, son of the pig who accosted her on prom night, stops Cassie on a driving violation when she first speeds into town. He finds he desires Cassie, and senses a vulnerability and hurt beneath her disagreeable armor. Cassie opens a shop filled with sexual toys as a stub your nose venture at all those whom rejected her as trailer trash, making her even less ideal to become Sean's spouse. So why does he only dream of wakening up to breakfast in bed with Cassie? Naughty But Nice is an engaging contemporary romance that provides the audience with a wonderful heroine struggling with more demons than Dante could have ever described. Sean is a wonderful law enforcement official struggling with the conflicting desires of his personal life. An unnecessary stalking subplot adds suspense, but this tale belongs to the sexual tension between the lead protagonists that is so palpable in and out of her shop that it carries the novel without extra help. Readers will also want to read the companion novel, Naturally Naughty, starring Cassie's cousin.

A Captain's Honor
Elizabeth Ashtree
Harlequin SuperRomance
Oct 2002, $5.25 ISBN: 0373710895

After consulting with his brother, a Criminal Investigation Division major, Army Captain Nathan Fordham decides it is time to stop the sexual harassment by Major General Walter Cornelius Donner. Nathan, as the military aide to the Two-Star General, knows how odious Donner is towards women. He believes the new personal assistant may have the right stuff to end the predatory career of Donner for it will take an intrepid woman not afraid of retaliation towards herself or her family. Chief Warrant Officer Rachel Southwell would prefer to avoid the land mines described by Nathan. However, she has no options because of the needs of her son. Rachel agrees to trap the General knowing failure means her career. As Rachel with Nathan's support does her best to stop Donner, a stalker begins intimidating her and her family. Nathan knows that is not part of the MO of his superior officer so is at a loss as to whom is threatening Rachel. He also knows that he loves her, but realizes he must do nothing to hurt the case. Nathan wonders whether either of them will survive the wrath of General Officer club that prefers protecting all members even one violating the Army value code. A Captain's Honor is an exciting military sexual harassment case that readers will enjoy as Donner acts more like a sheik running a fiefdom with a harem. The stalking subplot adds tension, but takes away from the powerful look at a superior abusing power to take advantage of an employee. Fans will salute Elizabeth Ashtree for this strong military romance.

Sheriff Of Shelter Valley
Tara Taylor Quinn
Harlequin SuperRomance
Oct 2002, $5.25 ISBN: 0373710879

The wail of an infant wakes up Beth Allen in a Snowflake, Arizona motel with bruises on her body especially her head and a loss of memory. Beth knows her name because that is the identity she registered with to obtain a room. She concludes based on where she is and the contusions that she is on the run, but has no idea from whom or where. When she reads an article in a magazine about a battered spouse welcomed to safety in nearby Shelter Valley, she decides to go there with the child she assumes is her son. Months later, Beth still suffers from amnesia and remains in hiding for fear that her unknown enemy will find her. Sheriff Greg Richards asks her out as he is attracted to her, but though she likes the lawman, she rejects him because she doesn't want him probing into her past even innocently on a date. As he works to stop deadly carjackings that is reminiscent of a cold case, her past is closing in on her and only Greg can keep her and her son safe. Fans of the series will delight in the latest entry as characters return from previous novels and Greg finds his true love. The story line uses a police procedural as a secondary subplot, but mostly focuses on Beth's dilemmas. Though amnesia is an overused gimmick, the audience will want Greg to stop whoever seeks to harm the heroine. Romantic suspense readers will enjoy this tale though the villain's reason for chasing Beth seems stretched, but then again perhaps cult insanity makes it reasonable.

A Place To Belong
Kathryn Shay
Harlequin SuperRomance
Oct 2002, $5.25, 296 pp. ISBN: 0373710887

In 1987 Hyde Point, New York, Mrs. Mason dumps her daughter Darcy at the Serenity Home for troubled girls as suggested by law enforcement officials. Darcy pleads for her mother to give her one last chance, but she walks away leaving her child there for seven months. Fifteen years later, Darcy is so well behaved she has no fun. She raises her two precocious preadolescents by herself and runs Tender Time Day Care. Hunter Sloan has just moved back to his hometown in order to have his grandparents help him with his frightened, "handful" five-year-old son Braden just dumped on him last month by his ex-wife. As Hunter tries to be a good father for the first time, he receives help from several townsfolk. He also falls in love with Darcy who reciprocates. Though they have that and spousal abandonment in common, Darcy and Hunter have demons from their respective first marriages and their time as "bad" children to overcome if they are to make it together. A Place To Belong is an intriguing contemporary relationship drama that also includes an engaging romantic subplot. The story line focuses on the two adults and three children, with only Meli not seeming to have any deep problems. Though solutions seem simplistic, sometimes reaching out is all that is needed as many caring people offer a hug to Braden and his dad and Hunter gets through to shy Claire by naming her his statistician for the soccer team. Readers will appreciate this upbeat tale in which love begins to heal the wounded.

The Girl With The Persian Shawl
Elizabeth Mansfield
Jove
Dec 2002, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0515134149

Any smart aristocratic female knows to abide by the unwritten rules of the Ton if she wants to catch a suitable husband. Thus most debutantes know when to smile, laugh, and speak. Most also realize not to show any bluestocking-leanings such as handicaps caused by intelligence, a head for business, or obstinacy. Kate Kendell is in the minority of as she does not care about the Regency regimen. Instead she will rip skin off business managers and suitors so that is why she is considered on the shelf with no prospects on the geriatric age of twenty-four. Lord Ainsworth, Harry Girard, visits Kate and her family to admire the highly regarded painting, The Girl With The Persian Shawl. Kate is beyond rude towards Harry who is stunned by her attitude since he had not done anything amiss towards her. Still, he delights in her pounding him so he returns. He even begins to question whether love turned him into a masochist. The Girl With The Persian Shawl is a charming Regency romance that sub-genre fans will enjoy especially the antics of the stubborn but brilliant Kate. Harry is an ideal lead protagonist who wants to simply kiss the kissable Kate, but spends much time fending off her barbs and the love declarations of another woman. Readers will enjoy this witty relationship romp though at times Kate seems to collect too many pelts.

Heather And The Heaven
Elizabeth Holcombe
Jove
Nov 2002, $5.99, 277 pp. ISBN: 0515134023

In 1561, Mary returns home to become Queen of the Scots. Among those traveling with Her Highness is Sabine de Sainte Montagne, whose father recently died. Emotionally, her sire's death means nothing to Sabine, as he was never there for her being too busy womanizing. However, his request of his Queen is to see his daughter married. So against her will, Sabine is engaged to Lord John Campbell. Niall MacGregor and his clan have been declared outlaws. With his father and brother already murdered, Niall knows the only hope to avoid a massacre of his kin is pleading his clan's innocence with Mary. He decides that his enemy's betrothed is the avenue to gain entrance with his Queen. Niall steals Sabine's sac containing gold and other personal values. Desperate to get it back so she can escape to France before she is wedded, Sabine assists the "Scottish sauvage" in seeing the Queen. Soon Niall and Sabine fall in love, but his deadly foe is highly ranked among the Queen's retinue and happens to be her fianc�. The plot of Heather And The Heaven is a typical Scottish historical romance (duh it is a Highland Fling novel), the sophisticated Sabine showers freshness with her outlook on the Scots. She and Niall turn the tale into an action packed story while Mary anchors the era though John with no redeeming qualities appears more like a cartoon villain. Still Elizabeth Holcombe furbishes a wonderful tale that provides much pleasure to those readers who enjoy a delightful sixteenth century Highland romance.

Once Upon A Kiss
Nora Roberts, Jill Gregory, Ruth Ryan Langan, and Marianne Willman
Jove
Oct 2002, $7.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0515133868

"A World Apart" by Nora Roberts. Kadra the Demon Slayer has vowed to destroy the devils that threaten her world. When the demon warriors and their king flee through a portal to a strange orb, Kadra follows. However New York City in the twenty-first century is eerily bizarre so Kadra coaxes private investigator Harper Doyle to help her battle her demons even while love blossoms between them. Nora Roberts provides a strong fantasy romance. "Impossible" by Jill Gregory. Her family has always sheltered Princess Erinn of Marlbury from the ravages of the hundred-year war. Still their enemy Tynon of Bordmoor kidnaps her. Tynon believes that Erinn is a witch, who has enchanted his land and soon afterward his heart. Jill Gregory paints a wonderful fantasy romance. "Sealed with a Kiss" by Ruth Ryan Langan. Her father promised powerful Highland chieftain Duncan MacLean his daughter Arianna Douglas in marriage in exchange for protection against invaders. When Duncan's warriors come to escort Arianna, his nephew Lachlan steals her heart. This is an entertaining tale that although the key characters are never developed. "Kiss Me, Kate" by Marianne Willman. Kate Singleton inherits a manor with a resident enchanted prince. However, her heart belongs to her new neighbor, Michael Bellamy. With a wee bit of help, Kate might save the prince and gain heart's desire too. This is a fun fairy tale that the audience will enjoy yet feel the American, the Englishman, and the frog needed further development perhaps in a novella. The fifth "Once Upon a ..." is a delightful fantasy romance anthology.

Wicked Lies
Laura Renken
Jove
Nov 2002, $5.99, 320 pp. ISBN: 0515134031

In 1772 Virginia British Sea Captain Julian Lambert learns that someone murdered his half brother Patrick. As he admires the gravestone carved from expensive marble, Julian knows that an unknown person paid a lot of money for this "tribute". He orders his solicitor to find him a name even if it means spending the money earned selling his cargo of muskets. Julian tells the solicitor to toss around the name Merlin. Julian works a double life as an English sea caption who actually spies for the Sons of Liberty. Someone betrays Julian and his contact Catherine Bellmay leading to their capture by the British, but Julian liberates both of them. As they fall in love, Julian seeks to uncover the identity of the individual who betrayed him to the English, but hopes to have a bit more success than he has had with obtaining the name of Patrick's killer beyond a deadly game of chess. Wicked Lies is an exhilarating pre-Revolutionary War espionage romance that is loaded with so many twists and turns, the audience will read the novel in one sitting to see where Laura Renken guides them next. Julian, resembling Harry Birch of James Fenimore Cooper's classic The Spy, risks everything for love, honor, and duty while Catherine is an intrepid heroine. 1770s tidbits provide the extra spice to a strong tale that proves Ms. Renken, though obviously comfortable with the sea, is a fine landlubber of an author as well.

A Dash Of Scandal
Amelia Grey
Jove
Nov 2002, $5.99, 304 pp. ISBN: 0515134015

When Lady Beatrice Talbott tripped over her dog and suffered severe injuries, she sends for her niece Millicent Blair, but not to nurse her back to health. Instead Beatrice assigns Millicent to continue her Lord Truefitt's gossip column in the London Daily Reader. Though she loathes spreading gossip, Millicent would do anything including writing this column for her aunt. Millicent reports that the Mad Ton Thief stole a priceless golden raven from the collection of the Earl of Dunraven, Charles Preswick, while the aristocrat hosted a social event. Charles meets Millicent and is very attracted to her wit and intelligence, more so perhaps than her understated beauty. Charles, frustrated by the poor performance of Bow St., begins his own investigation into the identity of the Mad Ton Thief with Millicent helping him sift through the clues. Working in close proximity and courting too, Charles and Millicent fall in love, but she worries what will happen to her beloved aunt if he learns who Truefitt is. Fans of Regency romantic romp will relish this amusing tale highlighted by Lord Truefitt's commentaries that borrow from classic literature to describe individual members of the Ton. Even with a semblance of an amateur sleuth investigation, the story line never takes itself seriously, but except for the column never quite attains a sense of irony or powerful suspense. Instead the audience receives a delightfully cheerful "All's well that ends well" tale starring two engaging protagonists.

Murder And Mayhem
Doug Lyle, M.D.
Thomas Dunne
Jan 2003, $23.95, 288 pp. ISBN: 0312309457

This book provides readers and writers with answers to "medical and forensic questions". The Q & A come from Dr. Lyle's column "The Doctor Is In" found in the newsletters of the Southern California and Southwestern chapters of the MWA. The first thing this reviewer did was scan the titles to insure that the good doctor had no Letterman type list of ten best ways to kill a critic. Once the book passed that critical test, I read the intriguing Q & A over a week's time. The questions are quite fascinating surely leading to the psychiatrists of America having a field day wondering just who comes up with these thoughts outside the asylum. Dr. Lyle's responses are often humorous, but always informative. Murder And Mayhem is a delightful book that readers desiring entertainment (and hopefully nothing further) as much as writers seeking information will enjoy as a pick up put down reference broken into ten prime classifications and an odds and ends category catching those Qs that slip between the cracks. Words of warning: Do not attempt to use this book to bump off that insignificant other because the legal equivalent has not been written to provide the justifiable homicide defense.

Street Money
Bill Kent
Thomas Dunne
Oct 2002, $23.95, 304 pp. ISBN: 031228585X

Upon graduating from the U of Penn with a journalism degree, former basketball star Andrea "Andy" Cosicki tries to obtain work with local newspapers, but is ignored until her father Benjamin "Benny Lunch" gets her a position with the tabloid Philadelphia Press. Her boss makes it clear that he does not want her, but has no choice as obviously the owners owed Benny Lunch for fixing something. So he assigns Andy the impossible column of Mr. Action problem solver for readers and to assist Shep Ladderbook the obit writer. Almost immediately following her employment, the police find the body of Benny Lunch in the basement of the burned out Straight Up club. No one knows why he went there, but the death is ruled an accident. When thugs invade her home looking for something that Benny Lunch possessed, Andy wonders if someone killed him over a deal he arranged or that item not found so far. With the help of Ladderbook, who provides newspaper cover and leads, she begins to investigate. Street Money is an entertaining read that combines elements of an amateur sleuth with a professional investigation. The story line focuses on Andy, as a rookie just starting out so that her actions feel like an amateur sleuth yet because of Ladderbook providing guidance her effort is also professional. Andy makes the tale work as a modern woman not ashamed of being over six feet tall and towering over many of her colleagues. That self-positive attitude makes Bill Kent's novel a joy to read as she digs into her father's death to learn the truth of Benny Lunch.

M And M
John A. Peak
Thomas Dunne
Nov 2002, $24.95, 320 pp. ISBN: 0312276745

Only a few months old, Charlotte Sanderson is at Gunnison Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, the victim of traumatic brain injury most likely caused by severe shaking or banging. Dr. Vicki Shea, as a pediatrician and former medical malpractice attorney, concludes that someone almost killed the baby though the mother Julia claims an accident happened. Vicki discounts Julia's assertion and reports the battering to the authorities. San Francisco Psych Police Officer Tim Murphy handles the abuse case. As the child heals, Julia evidently commits suicide. SFPD closes the book based on the note at the scene, the victim using heroin and her depression over the baby's health and her arrest for probable cause. Vicki disagrees with the conclusion. With the help of Tim, she begins her own inquiries that will lead her into an illegal immigration smuggling ring with a bunch of new kids and more then just threats on her life as the mobsters running the train will kill to keep the business going. M And M is an exciting medical thriller that is at its peak when Julia, her medical associates, and other interested parties from related fields deal with the Charlotte case. The varying perspectives are seen up close as the audience observes the medical, criminal, social, and family angles to a baby-battering situation. When the story line spins into illegal immigrants, it takes quite a detour, but though well written and cleverly linked to the original theme, this subplot seems distant from Charlotte. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this exciting thriller in which the caring lead protagonist feels so devotedly human.

Thief Of Souls
Ann Benson
Delacorte
Dec 2002, $23.95, 496 pp. ISBN 0385335024

In 1440 Nantes, the abbess Guillemette le Drappiere, assistant and companion to Bishop of Nantes, learns that a child has gone missing. After talking to the mother of the abducted child, she starts an investigation and discovers that many similar children have vanished over the years. Guillemette and the bishop slowly come to the conclusion that the boy she nursed, the powerful Baron Gilles de Rais, is the guilty party but he is untouchable until he commits a crime of unspeakable horror against a churchman. Over five and a half centuries later in Los Angles, Lany Dunbar is working on a case study eerily similar to the one that Guillemette investigated. Several young males, almost feminine in looks, have been abducted and their bodies never found. Each victim visited a certain popular exhibit at the La Brea Tar pits, leading Lany to the conclusion that the perpetrator is somebody connected to the exhibit who is very wealthy and has time to play out his or her fantasies. She intends to unearth and arrest this person even though the culprit knows that Lany is on the prowl. Crime and depravity doesn't change very much over the centuries as the actions of the villains in Thief Of Souls prove. In both cases, a very strong woman in a position of power brings down a seemingly untouchable person. This is a long juicy novel that takes place ten years after Joan of Arc won the battle of Orleans as well as in the present. The crimes show that the more things change the more things remain the same.

Beat Until Stiff
Claire M. Johnson
Poisoned Pen Press
Dec 2002, $24.95, 214 pp. ISBN 1590580400

Pastry chef Mary Ryan graduated from the Ecole d'Epicure cooking school and found a great job working at American Fare, the top restaurant on the west coast and considered by gourmands to be one of the top three restaurants in the country. She should be very happy since she loves to cook but her divorce turned her into an acrimonious, emotionally upset person. Her attitude goes downhill when she arrives early for work only to find the corpse of pastry assistant Carlos Perez stuffed in a laundry bag. Besides the shock of discovery, Mary has no clue why anyone would kill him. When the owner of the restaurant also turns up dead, the victim of a homicide, Mary starts asking questions to see if the two deaths are connected and almost winds up as victim number three. Beat Until Stiff is a delicious culinary mystery that shouldn't be eaten on an empty stomach because the food descriptions will make the reader ravenously hungry. Despite being upset about her divorce, the audience will take the heroine into their hearts because she is really vulnerable and in "kneed" of kindness. Though why she turned sleuth chef even to insure her own safety seems questionable, Claire M. Johnson shows a lot of writing talent as she bakes a mystery epicure's delight.

At Risk
Kit Ehrman
Poisoned Pen Press
Oct 2002, $24.95, 299 pp. ISBN: 1590580362

Deciding not to follow in the footsteps of his dad, Steve Cline drops out of college and accepts a job at Maryland's Foxdale Farm. Though he works hard, Steve feels good about his decision as he feels his future with thoroughbreds has jut begun as Foxdale trains and boards jumpers. Steve nurses an ailing horse that he visits at night to see how the steed is doing. However, this evening, he walks in on a horse rustling and he is fortunate to escape with his life as the thugs try to abduct him too. Fearing they will return to insure he cannot identify them, Steve begins his own sleuthing over the objections and dire warning of the police. Though the villains are too nasty for this tale, readers will risk anything to peruse Kit Ehrman's entertaining amateur sleuth story. At Risk gallops at a fast pace while providing insight into the thoroughbred business that will please fans of Dick Francis. However, the novel works because the "jockeys", especially those at Foxdale who propel the plot forward seem genuine and heroic. Readers will root for Steve Cline to reach the finish line before his foes and want him to perform in future "jumping races".

Flash Flood
Susan Slater
Poisoned Pen Press
Dec 2002, $4.95, 308 pp. ISBN 1590580478

Bill Roland Eklund, the owner of the Double Horseshoe Ranch in Tatum, New Mexico lost three heads of cattle over a three-month period. He has filed claims worth over $600,000 with United Life and Casualty but before they remit such a huge some of money, they want to make sure there is no fraud involved so they dispatch Dan Mahoney to find out what is going on at the reach. Before he reaches the ranch, Dan witnesses a double homicide. When one of the victims, Eric Linden turns up alive, he contacts Dan to tell him that he took the fall for Billy a drug charge and expected two million dollars waiting for him when he got out of prison. Now Eric wants revenge and he intends to find the evidence to give to Dan that will send his former employer to jail for life. Dan has a lot of problems with this scenario including the fact that he likes Billy and is in love with Eric's wife who is divorcing him. The hero doesn't realize why he is out in the field after years behind a desk, but that doesn't stop him from solving the case in a very unique manner, helping the FBI find the real drug dealer and falling for his sister's best friend. Though relationships make solving the case harder on Dan's conscience, the story line is exciting and action packed. Susan Slater's new series is compelling and will lead the audience to want to read the next installment as soon as possible.

Witch's Journey
Karen McCullough
ImaJinn Books
Nov 20002,231pp ISBN: 1893896900

Fearful for her life because she knows the villagers will brutally kill a Calavarian Witch, Jinissa hide her innate skills. Still, when she sees a child in trouble, Jinissa ignoring her elemental flame acts to rescue the lad using witchcraft. The villagers react by shunning Jinissa except for jailing her. At her trail, everyone including the child's father testifies that Jinissa used witchcraft. She is found guilty and sentenced to die. Before they kill her, the local magistrate pronounces that Jinissa will be lashed so that everyone will know the mark of a witch. However, just when they begin the whipping, Lord Stephen arrives with the King's orders to bring Jinissa to the royal court. As they travel together, the reticent Stephen and the timorous Jinissa fall in love. However, he loathes the Calavarians and firmly believes in total loyalty to His Highness who apparently has plans for Jinissa. Witch's Journey is an enchanting paranormal romance that is fun to read because Karen McCullough makes witchcraft seem genuine. She turns her tale into a medieval historical romance between two wonderful star-crossed lovers with witchcraft being the cross they bear. This is one of this reviewer's favorite paranormal romances.

Heart Of The Hero
Rickey R. Mallory
ImaJinn Books
Dec 2002, $14.50, 350 ISBN: 1893896331

Daniel T. White is a spoiled rich brat, who will do anything to avoid the mandatory public service. Even bribes, temper tantrums, and wealthy fathers cannot stop an individual from being drafted to serve society. To dodge space patrol, a desperate Daniel marries an employee of his family's aircraft manufacturing company with the intent of impregnating her, the only legal exception to the required public service. When she fails to take his seed, Daniel tosses Kee out of his home and goes off into space to perform his public duty. Five years later, Daniel returns home a hero, who lost most of his memories in a space station accident. As he learns more about his previous life, Daniel loathes what he once was. He despises himself even more when he stares at the looks of unmitigated fear that his spouse gives him whenever he nears her. Now he must somehow make Kee realize that the spoiled brat he was has been replaced forever by a compassionate man, who loves her and wants to protect her for eternity. Heart Of The Hero is an interesting futuristic romance with the emphasis on the romance. The transformation of Daniel from a brat to a real man is brilliantly explored by Rickey R. Mallory. The futuristic elements add a unique depth to the overall story line, which helps explain motives while it provides a colorful background. Ms. Mallory is a friend and co-reviewer, but, despite my personal feelings, this reviewer believes that fans of the sub-genre will enjoy this futuristic love story of redemption, a work that rivals the works of Kathleen Morgan and Marilyn Campbell. If any reader can believe it, this newly revised and expanded edition is even better than the original.

Wild Thorn
William Hoffman
Harper Collins
Dec 2002, $24.95, 304 pp. ISBN 0060197986

Charley LeBlanc comes from a rich and powerful Tidewater, Virginia family, but that doesn't mean he had an easy life. His father was a drunken abusive person so Charley left home to join the army and served in Vietnam. He was dishonorably discharged and did hard time in Leavenworth. He finally has his act together living with his lover Mildred "Blackie' Spurlock in an isolated area of Montana. He and Blackie return to Cliffside in Shawnee County, West Virginia to check up on Aunt Jessie Arbuckle, a woman who befriended him when many others turned their backs on him. He arrives to find Aunt Jessie dead and Esmeralda, a homeless woman who depended on the charity of Shawnee County to feed and clothe her, charged with her murder. Charley knows through the ties that bind him to Esmeralda that the wrong person is locked away and he intends to find the real perpetrator. William Hoffman uses words to convey colorful images in the mind's eye so that the reader senses the environment that the flawed protagonist struggles to adapt to so he can have a peaceful life. Charley is an anti-hero who makes very serious mistakes but is likable because of the tenderness he shows to those few people that he cares about. The story line is beautiful in its simplicity but the author writes about complex people who are put in difficult situations and that makes this novel a fabulous read.

A Pawn For A Queen
Fiona Buckley
Scribner
Dec 2002, $24.00, 288 pp. ISBN 0743202651

In 1565, Ursula Blanchard mourns the death of her husband Matthew de la Roche at her English estate Withyshem given to her by Queen Elizabeth I for her services to the crown. Ursula is ready to retire from her life as a secret agent when her relatives the Faldenes ask her to find their son, her cousin Edward, who is traveling to Scotland to give a list of English sympathizers to Mary, Queen of Scots. Even though she has little love for the Faldenes, Ursula doesn't want to see her cousin hang for treason nor does she want the list to fall into Mary's hands. Ursula and her tirewoman Fran Dale and her manservant Roger Brockley travel into Scotland only to find Edward dead, the victim of an assassin's blade. Instead of going home, Ursula chooses to stay in Scotland to track down the list and find out who killed her cousin. This decision will cost her dearly. The heroine of this tale acts like a modern day woman with her independence, decisiveness and willingness to go after what she wants.. Her sense of loyalty to family and her queen is admirable even though by going to Scotland without royal permission she knows she could be accused of treason. Fiona Buckley is a gifted storyteller who recreates with accuracy an era long gone but quite vivid in the minds of readers. Fans of this series will be delighted to know that the sixth Ursula Blanchard mystery has a startling revelation as well as a wedding to attend.

The Bone Vault
Linda Fairstein
Scribner
Jan 2003, $25.00, 384 pp. ISBN: 0743223543

At the reception for a controversial show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Director Pierre Thibodaux speaks with guest attendee Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Alex Cooper. Pierre informs Coop, the head of Sex Crimes Division, that the corpse of a modern day female rather than the mummified remains of an Egyptian princess was found in a sarcophagus during a routine customs inspection. Coop brings in her "team" of NYPD detectives, Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace, to investigate the homicide. The threesome quickly learns the identity of the deceased Katrina Gooten, a worker at the Cloisters, Manhattan's monastery. The trio digs deeper into the museum, that of the Cloisters, and the Museum of Natural History as the trail takes them on a tour seemingly all over Manhattan in an attempt to find the killer. This police procedural story line is well designed and fun to read especially with the charged sexual relationship that both Coop and Mike react to by competing in cerebral contests that keeps the flesh from any lusty formations. When Linda Fairstein goes into her prosecutor's role on sidebars such as ancient funeral rites, the subplot provides well-written interesting information, but also slows down the prime theme. Still Coop is a great character starring in a strong investigative tale that sub-genre fans will welcome as long as the audience avoids betting on Jeopardy.

Hornet Flight
Ken Follet
Dutton
Dec 2002, $26.96, 432 pp. ISBN 0525946896

In 1941, Winston Churchill is very worried that his country may lose the war especially when England intelligence intercepts a memo that indicates that Germany may have developed and refined a better system of radar than the one that the allies uses. They need to find this system and have someone send pictures to them so they know what they are up against. Hermia Mount, an agent who works for M-16, mounts a daring mission and discovers that the radar installation is located on the small Danish island Sandee. Hermia secretly travels into Denmark and meets with her fianc� Arnie Olufsen, whose family lives on Sandee. He agrees to obtain the pictures of the radar installation and give them to her but his younger brother, Harald who has already been inside the edifice persuades him to led him undertake the mission. When a tragedy befalls Arnie, it is up to Harald and his beautiful compatriot Karen who must deliver the pictures to the English. Hornet Flight is chock full of action, suspense and seat of your pants adventure. Readers will see that though Denmark surrendered twenty-four hours after Nazi Germany invaded, her people became the backbone for a strong underground resistance movement. Though coincidence facilitated the beginning of the strong plot, Word War II buffs will want a sequel because the secondary characters deserve to have their story told. Ken Follet proves once again that he is the master of intrigue.

Malice Downstream
Graham Thomas
Fawcett
Dec 2002, $6.99, 244 pp. ISBN 04900709X

At the present time Chief Superintendent Erskine Powell of the Metropolitan Police Force of New Scotland Yard is recovering at home from a leg injury while pursuing a murderer. Bored and lonely he decides to take his college roommate up on his offer to do some fishing in the picaresque Hampshire village of Houghton Bridge. While there, Erskine catches some excellent trout and gets acquainted with many of the townsfolk. A few days after his arrival, one of the nominees for the Mayfly Fishing Club, Richard Garrett, is found murdered. Even though he is completely out of his jurisdiction, Erskine can't help but do some independent investigating and learns that the villagers think the victim got what he deserved. It is generally believed that Richard got a local girl pregnant and abandoned her. Erskine concludes that Maggie didn't commit suicide as is commonly believed but was murdered by the same person who killed Richard. Now he must figure out who acted so maliciously from a plethora of suspects. Fans of British police procedurals and fishing enthusiasts will really enjoy reading Malice Downstream. The tone and mood of the book is very dark and gothic with the brooding protagonist behaving more like Heathcliffe. The story line flows as smoothly as the waters of the River Test where much of the action takes place and the support cast adds local color to the plot. Graham Thomas is a talented writer who deserves kudos for his portrayal of a driven individual.

The Eighth Day
John Case
Ballantine
Dec 2002, $25.95, 384 pp. ISBN: 0345433092

In his mid twenties, Danny Cray cringes at the image of the starving artist as he has chosen to supplement his meager earnings as a sculptor with sleuthing. His latest customer, charismatic and wealthy attorney Jude Belzer hires Danny to do some research into whom and why someone has been attacking the reputation of a client. Danny easily succeeds and in return receives a nice fee. Jude asks Danny to dig deeper so the part time detective flies to the Vatican to conduct more research as lure of the first class accommodations are too impossible to resist. However, Danny uncovers a lot more than he was supposed to and he now knows the deadly game his benefactor plays. His discovery leads to Belzer sending his thugs to dispose of Danny, who now flees for his life. When it comes to an action-packed thriller, the writing team of John Case is as sure a bet as fans will find out. The latest tale, The Eighth Day, never eases off the throttle as readers follow Danny walk deeper into trouble one step at a time. Though this theme of relative innocence deluded by glamour into a deadly scenario is as old as the bible, readers will root for Danny to defeat his much more powerful foe even if it takes unrealistic spins for him to have a slim chance. The case on this book and previous novels by this writing duo (see The Syndrome and The Genesis Code) is that the story line always goes at hyperspeed driven by a likable hero in over their head against a clever villain.

Hotspur
Rita Mae Brown
Ballantine
Dec 2002, 24.95, 352 pp. ISBN 0345428226

There is a small little town in Virginia that is quite quaint and magical, a place where the animals understand and speak to one another. The most influential people in town belong to the Jefferson Hunt Club, an organization where humans, horses and hounds combine to flush out the foxes. One day while walking the horses and hounds, the hound master "Sister" Jane Arnold sees an old horse that died in his sleep on After All farm. Sister organizes the horse's burial but before it can be put in the ground, the body of a woman wearing a sapphire ring is dug up. The body is that of Nola, the daughter of Tedi and Edward Bancroft. The young woman disappeared one day in 1981. Also vanishing at the same time as Nola was Guy Ramy, her boyfriend and the sheriff's son. his body as shortly found later. Sister, with the help of some friends, both human and animal, are able to solve the decades old murders and bring peace to two grieving families. Fans of the Mrs. Murphy series are going to love Hotspur, an enchanting tale where the animals delight the reader with their ready wit, common sense and love for their humans. Sister is a memorable heroine who knows how to guide the members of the Jefferson Hunt Club in the direction she wants them to go. Reader will want to finish this book in one sitting so they can find out who the killer is and what the motive was.

The Murder Book
Jonathan Kellerman
Ballantine
Oct 2002, $26.95 ISBN: 0345452534

Los Angeles psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware is stunned to receive the binder containing grisly police photographs of crime scenes with an outside logo, "The Murder Book". He shows his "gift" to his friend, long term police veteran Detective Milo Sturgis, who is equally shocked by the book, but one particular picture haunts him. The book includes the picture of one of his first cases, the mutilated body of Hollywood High student Janie Ingalls, killed two decades ago. Milo remembers that as a rookie he was teamed with veteran Pierce Schwinn, but as they began to put the case together, they were removed. Milo believs his first detective partner sent the book in order to tease the duo into investigating the cold case. Milo and Alex follow a trail that takes back to high society, a place where Schwinn reached twenty years ago before they were yanked off the investigation, but the trail remains frozen though the duo methodically progress one slow clue at a time. The Murder Book is a powerful police procedural that is the best Delaware tale in several years. The story line absorbs the audience with the systematic scrutiny of the evidence one ugly step at a time. The support cast is abundant and overwhelming at times, but the lead sleuthing couple keeps things in perspective and provides the bonus of seeing Milo as a tyro. Jonathan Kellerman, who has a mantelpiece filled with deserving awards, may have his SHAMUS this time.

Point Last Seen
Hannah Nyala
Pocket Books
Oct 2002, $12.00, 168 pp. ISBN: 0743457552

Point Last Seen is a fascinating autobiography not because it provides an insightful look at a female tracker rising above an abusive relationship, but because the nonfiction book lacks the polished skills of a professional co-author sanitizing any feelings out of the account. Instead this time the reader obtains the heart-felt inner soul of an individual seeking to better herself and her children through a skill learned from her grandmother that brings the author in harmony with herself, her family (except the ex) and nature. Hannah Nyala describes the duality of her life. Her anecdotes of locating individuals lost in the wilds are incredible, as these stories read more like strong fiction similar in a sense to her wonderful novel, Leave No Trace. She also describes her personal life starting as a Mississippi dropout to becoming a teenage battered spouse with two children to her escape to freedom and finally to tracking her abducted children when her husband and his goons kidnap them. Though lacking a professional sheen, biography fans will want to track down this strong account of a woman survivor.

High Country Bride
Linda Lael Miller
Pocket Books
Dec 2002, $7.99, 448 pp. ISBN: 0743422732

In 1884 Indian Rock, Arizona Territory, Angus McKettrick is irate with his three adult children as none of them remember his birthday. Hurt, he tells his three sons that the first to marry and have a child will inherit the ranch. The oldest son Rafe sends for a mail order bride. In Kansas City, Emmeline Harding lives with her Aunt Becky in the latter's boarding house that is really a whorehouse. Emmeline normally stays away from the customers, but meets a Texan, gets drunk, and has sex for the first time. An upset Becky throws Emmeline out of the house. Emmeline answers an ad and marries Rafe by proxy. She informs Becky that she is leaving to join her husband. Emmeline travels to Indian Rock but she keeps secret from Rafe that she grew up in a brothel and had sex once like a whore. When his half-brother arrives, she realizes he is the man she had sex with. Emmeline falls in love with Rafe and tells him the truth about her background. Rafe angrily leaves so Emmeline moves off the ranch leaving little hope for this couple to find happiness together High Country Bride is an entertaining western historical romance that is superb when the story line focuses on the lead couple. However, the introduction of sidebars that seem to predominantly introduce other characters for future books slows down the strong prime theme. Still readers will delight with the antics of the lead couple and look forward to Linda Lael Miller telling the tales of Rafe's brothers, Kade, and Jeb.

Lighthouse Cove
Kimberly Cates
Pocket Books
Nov 2002, $6.99, 352 pp. ISBN: 0743418875

Jacqueline "Jack" Murphy promised her photojournalistic teammate that she would complete his book on the Mermaid Lost Lighthouse in Maine just before her partner died. Jack still grieves her partner's death and feels guilty for causing it. As she struggles with taking the Lighthouse pictures, she feels lonely and begins reminiscing back to her only love affair. Nine years ago Jack almost married Tom Brownlow, but he wed someone else. Suddenly Tom arrives at the lighthouse with his daughter Lucy, whom he promised to take her anywhere she wanted to go because she is losing her sight. Lucy selected this lighthouse because her mother is writing a book about it and the child has an early manuscript. Lucy hopes to find a way to see her mother who she has not seen since she was a baby before her sight goes. Tom told Lucy that Laura is writing a book, but her mother is in prison for vehicular homicide while driving under the influence. As Jack and Tom battle demons including the fact they still love one another, Lucy steals her heart. Lucy tries to bring these two deserving, but stubborn souls together. Though a coincidence on the location gets the novel rolling, Lighthouse Cove is a warm heart wrenching contemporary romance. The audience cannot help, but care what happens to the appealing key characters. Kim Cates' latest contemporary romance should include a box of tissues for fans are going to turn emotional from observing the courage of Lucy, who steals the show from the adults. That is not an easy task as Jack and Tom are wonderful protagonists.

Chasing a Rogue
Victoria Malvey
Pocket Books
Nov 2002, $6.99, 352 pp. ISBN: 0743418859

In 1817, Harriet Nash decides she wants Steven Morris as her husband so she decides to go after him treating him like a dog chasing after her, the fox. Steven wants Harriet also, but he needs money to climb out of severe debt caused by his mother when she met with a series of "accidents" while traveling the continent. Steven knows he needs an heiress. Harriet persuades Steven to teach her how to "flirt" so she can go after a rake. In their tryst, both get carried away and they make love. He plans to marry her as more than just the honorable thing to do but even his best friend Royce is unable to help with the debt because his money has been challenged in court and frozen by a MacWilliams. This is the same person who bought up all of Steven's promissory notes and may have caused his mother's accidents. If he is to wed for love, Steven must learn why MacWilliams wants to destroy him. Chasing A Rogue is an enjoyable Regency romance that actually explains why the hero needs to wed an heiress as opposed to marrying for love. Though the reason behind the accidents seems very weak, sub-genre readers will delight in the antics of the lead couple, especially Harriet's campaign tactics. The return of characters from A Merry Chase will send the audience seeking that novel and other works by Victoria Malvey.

Leaving Ireland
Ann Moore
NAL
Nov 2002, $13.95, 378 pp. ISBN: 0451207076

In the 1840s, Gracelin O'Malley realizes she must flee her homeland Ireland after killing a Brit. With her husband dead, Gracelin accompanied by her daughter sails for New York and her brother Sean with her only regret that she is forced to leave her infant son behind. The oceanic voyage is a nightmare with many of her fellow passengers dying from the subhuman conditions. American Captain Reinders helps Gracelin survive the ordeal, but she still incurs the ire of several individuals who are now enemies. The ship's steward loathes the Irish, seeing her as a pushy representative of an inferior race. Dr. Draper detests her for demanding he care for the ailing travelers. Both declare that they will destroy Gracelin once she disembarks from the ship and the safety of the captain. In New York, she moves in with Sean, but is also stalked by the angry steward. Gracelin also befriends a runaway slave Lily. Struggling to survive while fighting injustice, Gracelin finds she is once again at the crossroads with her choices being accompanying her brother west or remaining with her Captain Reinders Leaving Ireland is a deep action-packed historical novel that leaves the audience with a full five senses feeling for the 1840s, indirectly in Ireland and directly in Liverpool, the immigrant ocean voyage, and New York. The story line is a two-sided sword as the tale teems with so much action, it feels at times to be overburdened with subplots at the cost of the key character development. Readers who prefer an action packed look at a bygone era will want to read Ann Moore's tale that leaves threads for a sequel.

Santa's Gift: True Stories Of Courage, Humor, Hope And Love
Jeffrey W. Comment
John Wiley & Sons
Oct 2002, $15.95, 207 pp. ISBN: 0471225150

Every Christmas Helzberg Diamonds CEO Jeffrey Comment dons a Santa costume to provide gifts to children in several hospitals across the United States. Mr. Comment has found that by giving time and energy to a worthy cause, he gains much more back. This book includes encouraging comments from famous individuals advocating that good deeds is as important as donating money, but the Samaritan obtains much more with the activity than the targeted audience does ever gains. Some of the anecdotal true stories will leave the reader sad yet uplifted as this gift lives up to its subtitle of True Stories of Courage, Humor, Hope and Love. In the back is a list of nonprofit organizations that try to make a difference, but most significant is the inspirational message that if everyone one of us stopped being couch potatoes and becoming involved, we will make a difference.

Killer Looks
Laura Young
Silver Dagger
Dec 2002, $23.95, 201 pp. ISBN 15707220X

After finishing her assignment in Indiana, Kate Kelly decides to take a mini-vacation and visit her family in Williamsburg, Va. After renting a car in Richmond, she is driving towards home when someone hits her from behind and she runs into a tree. She wakes up in the hospital and is questioned by the Sheriff who wants to know why she was carrying so much money in the trunk of her car. Kate knows nothing about it After doing some investigating, the sheriff tells Kate that an identical car was rented at the same location to a Karen Kelly. Karen worked part time at the estate of a very rich and powerful local family, the Merrimans. After visiting a local antique store, Kate finds evidence that Karen and a male companion were selling valuable curios obtained from the Merimmann's house. Using her reporter's credentials, she persuades the matriarch of the family to do an interview with her and while at their home she discovers that at least two of the Merrimans had reasons to want Karen dead. Killer Looks is a very entertaining amateur sleuth tale starring a protagonist who will go to any lengths to uncover a clue that will lead her to a killer. The heroine is very likable and her romance with her doctor has the reader hoping he is not the actual killer. Laura Young is a fresh new star in the mystery galaxy.

Night Blooming
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Warner
Oct 2002, $24.95, 429 pp. ISBN: 0446529818

In 796 Gaul, Karl-lo-Magne (Charlemagne) has summoned Europe's finest minds to attend him in an attempt to resurrect the Roman Empire. Karl-lo-Magne discusses rare maps with one of the scholars, Rakoczy, whose vast knowledge and strange practices makes His Highness question what the Count is, but he still bestows favors and property on the "foreigner". Nearby at about the same time, albino Gynethe Mehaut visits a convent seeking help with her constant bleeding palms. The local church is divided between her representing divine benediction and the Antichrist. Proving his leadership ability by placing the monkey on someone else's shoulders, Karl- lo-Magne dispatches Rakoczy to escort Gynethe to the Vatican so Pope Leo III will have to deal with the problem. As the duo travels south avoiding sunlight for different reasons, they form a deep passion for one another, but to save her life, Rakoczy must defy the two most powerful mortals in the world: the monarch and the pope. As expected with a Count Rakoczy novel, the astute historical background provides a powerful opportunity for the audience to luxuriate in a bygone era. The story line is typical of the long running series yet grips the audience with the feel of the battle for supremacy between the monarch and the pope mostly through the perceptions of the traveling couple. Fans of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro and those newcomers who delight in a historical compassionate vampire tale will want to read Night Blooming, a robust end of the Dark Ages tale that showcases Rakoczy in top form because his companion brings out the best in him.

Susannah Morrow
Megan Chance
Warner
Oct 2002, $24.95, 402 pp. ISBN: 0446529532

1691 Salem, Massachusetts, fifteen-year-old Charity Fowler watches her mother grow weaker as she gives birth. Charity's puritanical and pious father Lucas is meeting his sister-in-law Susannah Morrow, who just arrived from England on a visit, at the docks. Lucas and Susannah return to his home in time to see his wife give birth and die. A troubled Charity soon believes that Susannah is evil incarnate as a disciple of the Devil. Lucas begins to worry about his daughter whose behavior seems weirder everyday. He reads from the bible to soothe her soul, but that seems to upset Charity more. Worse, Lucas is very attracted to Susannah though the memory of his wife fresh in the ground lingers. As hysteria turns a town into an avenging mob seeking anything remotely different, the former London stage performer Susannah is an ideal target. She is accused of witchcraft and incarcerated followed by the jailing of Lucas as a mad frenzy takes charge of the townsfolk. Susannah Morrow has plenty going for it as a powerfully vivid look at the Salem witch trials. The story line is loaded with historical information that enhances the novel by bringing to life this odd period (though some might disagree insisting that we still conduct witch-hunts today). The three key characters seem fully developed and genuine, yet the tale never fully takes off as the plot overuses suppressed sexual reactions inside of Hawthorne's circles so that the first person narration in three parts never quite hooks the audience. Megan Chance is a talented author who remarkably radiates a light on the late seventeenth century in New England that historical novel fans will feel is worth the chance of reading.

Nights In Rodanthe
Nicholas Sparks
Warner
Sep 2002, $22.95, 224 pp. ISBN: 0446531332

With her daughter unable to move on from the sudden death of her husband, sixty-year-old Adrienne Willis decides to tell her a true story about how she rebounded from losing her spouse. Fifteen years ago, Adrienne felt her world ended when her husband and father of their three children deserted her for a younger woman. Adrienne knew life was over for a washed up old maid with nothing to offer like she was and wondered what she would do with no one to care for as she always had too much responsibility for nurturing others at the cost of herself. Adrienne explains that in Rodanthe, North Carolina she met Dr. Paul Flanner, a surgeon with no time for his wife and son as work was everything to him. His world collapsed when a patient died. Paul and Adrienne found solace with one another. Though their love affair healed both of them, they realized that it must be a beautiful memory once they leave this coastal North Carolina town and go back to join the living. Nights In Rodanthe is a strong relationship drama starring two likable protagonists who could have been cast as the lead characters in several other Nicholas Sparks' novels. The story line is fun for new fans, but will lose some spark for long time readers, as everything seems inevitable. Why Mr. Sparks used the "flashback" technique to tell his story is never explained, but he still provides a warm tale that readers will appreciate.

Chasing The Dime
Michael Connelly
Little, Brown
Oct 2002, $25.95, 371 pp. ISBN: 0316153915

Henry Pierce obtains a new phone number that the scientist quickly sends out to his business contacts and scientific peers. However, he soon receives calls from individuals asking for Lilly and her escort service. He concludes that Lilly is a high priced call girl peddling her wares through her number placed in cyberspace except those phone digits now belong to Henry. From his molecular research work, Henry is used to doing things so he seeks out Lilly to get her to remove the number from her homepage. However, Lilly apparently has vanished, which reminds Henry of his sister who turned hooker before being murdered. Unable to resist, Henry begins a search for Lilly that leads to the police and some nasty individuals chasing after him. As he applies deductive and inductive reasoning to his situation, Henry realizes his paranoia proves valid not to trust anyone. Hitchcock fans will enjoy this contemporary updating of the classic North by Northwest due to the action and clever twists and turns. Henry makes a wonderful Roger Thornhill as he struggles with the truth that never seems to be out there. Readers will briefly wonder why a brilliantly logical person like Henry failed to just obtain a new number even if he knows it's a pain to inform his associates of the change and feels guilty over his sister's death. Still, fans will gloss over that as the delightful thriller stars an intelligent nerd landing in one predicament after another using sound reasoning to stay alive for the moment.

Tapestries
Kien Nguyen
Little, Brown
Oct 2002, $24.95, 310 pp. ISBN: 0316284416

In 1916 Viet Nam, twenty-four years old Ven is shocked to learn that her new husband Dan Nguyen is only seven years old. She quickly learns why his father agreed to her joining his family as a "daughter". She is now an unpaid servant (perhaps slave is more descriptive) to her three mothers-in- law as expected by society. Still she tries to do what is best for her husband as their relationship is more mother to child than a married couple. However, when the town's mayor has Dan's parents killed, Ven protects her spouse. When she becomes ill she sells Dan into slavery into the safest place she knows, the home of the mayor. Years later Dan and Tai May, granddaughter of the mayor, fall in love. However, another suitor destroys their happiness by revealing Dan's preadolescent marriage, forcing Dan to flee for his life. The Tapestries is a tremendous early twentieth century Viet Namese historical tale that is at an incredible level of excellence up to the point that Dan runs away after being exposed. Though the plot meanders after that, the insightful story line provides an intriguing glimpse at a time and place. Along with the resplendent light on the past, the three dimensional cast turns Kien Nguyen's novel into a must read for sub-genre fans who will also want to obtain the author's biography The Unwanted as this is a talented writer worth following.

Death's Door
Michael Slade
Onyx
Dec 2002, $6.99, 419 pp. ISBN 0451410602

Lord and Lady Ridding in England had a bit of a financial setback so he arranges to have his mummy Sleeping Beauty sold to the highest bidder. Before that can happen, Stopwatch, a master criminal hired to steal the mummy, puts his plan in motion to get it in his hands. Six guards die but the mummy in the coffin is safe and on a plane to Richmond Columbia where it is picked up by an albino looking man known as the Undertaker. The Undertaker kills two custom officials and takes the mummy to its new owner, The Director. Sleeping Beauty is perfectly preserved, flesh and body parts are as new today as when the mummy was alive years ago. The Director thinks that Sleeping Beauty, with the help of the Doctor, can help him unlock the secrets of aging and the patients they chose to experiment on don't have any say in the matter. It will be up to Chief Superintendent Robert De Clerq and his team to get some answers before even more bodies are found. This is a very gory tale detailing cruel acts done to people by psychopaths who love different kinds of torture. Do not read this book on a full stomach or if you easily turn squeamish especially if you can't handle the ugly results of torture. Death's Door is a fascinating excursion into the sick and psychopathic mind and the audience will feel sorry for the police who have to deal with this trash as the novel makes Norman Bates look like a choirboy.

Avenging Angel
Justine Dare
Onyx
Dec 2002, $6.99, 352 pp. ISBN: 0451410629

In Vista Shores, California, the Avenger has killed three abusive spouses. Each one of the "victims" had badly battered their wives. All of the females were residents of Rachel's House, a woman's shelter. The manager Regan Keller informs her benefactor Lillian Court, who sends her son Alex to work undercover and keep everyone safe. Police Detectives Garrison and Durwin work the murder investigation. While the female Garrison is sympathetic, the male Durwin blames the females for their plight. He is positive the killer is Regan as she has the information on whom to kill and has potent motives. As Alex, working as a roofer at the shelter, and Regan fall in love, a serial killer seeking revenge for abused females continues to eliminate the nasty vermin while the police suspicions about Regan grows to the point an arrest may be imminent. Though there are some tiny anomalies like how a small town police chief does not recognize immediately a fellow cop killed in the line of duty even from fifteen years ago, fans will relish this powerful romance focused on a social issue. The story line is at its greatest with the plight of abused women as the author dares to go inside the heads of the repeat victims so that the audience reacts just like the lead couple in disbelief and empathy. The characters are drawn to entertain fans into guessing at whom the Avenger is (though most will select the right culprit) but more to shine a deep light on domestic violence. Avenging Angel accomplishes that with a powerful look at the dark side of society.

Next Victim
Michael Prescott
Onyx
Dec 2002, $6.99, 384 pp. ISBN 045120753X

A little over three years ago, a serial killer nicknamed Mobius killed four women in the Denver area. FBI agent Tess McCallum, assigned to the Denver bureau, was working the case when Mobius decided to take her out. He got into her apartment but instead of killing Tess who wasn't there, he killed her lover and partner. Two years have passed and Mobius has resurfaced in Las Angeles by killing three women using the same modus operandi that he did in Denver. Tess is brought into the case but this time the stakes are even higher. The fourth victim was carrying a chemical nerve weapon and Mobius not only knows what it is, he plans to use it. By bypassing rules, regulations and the chain of command, Tess intends to stop him any way she can. Next Victim is a chilling thriller about a weapon of mass destruction in the hands of a psychopathic madman with a score to settle. The story itself focuses on that maniacs do not have to be heads of state to obtain deadly arms. The heroine, far from destroyed by her first engagement with Mobius, is ready to do whatever needs to be done to take him down and out. She is a human being to be admired because she puts the needs of others first. Michael Prescott scores again with this exciting suspense thriller.

The Disappearance Of Sherlock Holmes
Larry Millet
Viking Press
Oct 2002, $23.95, 352 pp. ISBN: 0670031402

In 1900 London the great Sherlock Holmes receives a message written in code that leads the detective to deduce that murdering mobster Abe Slaney survived his harrowing escape from prison rather than drowned as reported. Having barely stopped Abe before, Holmes knows the rematch will prove even more difficult and he also thinks someone else is playing him and his sidekick Watson like puppets on a strings. Elsie Cubitt has vanished after withdrawing 5,000 pounds from her bank and Slaney is the most likely culprit. Holmes starts his quest by visiting a spiritualist, a confidant of Elsie. However, soon after Holmes leaves, the spiritualist vanishes too. The trail turns murky when a Holmes impersonator seems to be just in front of the London duo, leaving behind fallacious clues to throw Sherlock off and crime victims wanting retribution. The dynamic duo journeys to New York City where Homes also vanishes, leaving Watson and bartender buddy Shadwell Rafferty in Chicago in search of the great sleuth and Elsie. Though a solid homage to Doyle and Holmes, The Disappearance Of Sherlock Holmes never quite grips the audience as one would expect with Holmes missing and apparently a prisoner of a devious enemy. Instead, the reader sees an insightful look at the late Victorian era on both sides of the Atlantic and the ho hum of another case as related by Watson. Though the candid insight by Elsie, Holmes, and others adds depth, this tribute is more for the Baker Street crowd revering along with Larry Millet one of the notables.

Body Wave
Nancy J. Cohen
Kensington
Dec 2002, $22.00, 240 pp. ISBN 0758200682

Stanley Kauffman comes down to breakfast only to see his trophy wife lying on the floor, bleeding from a wound to her chest. When the police arrive, they declare her dead and arrest him. He calls his ex-wife, hairdresser Marla Shore, to meet him at the jail and asks her help in clearing him of the charges. He promises her that if she will, he will sell his share of the property they jointly own at a decent price. Marla agrees because she wants the property and because she believes Stanley would never physically harm a woman. Marla goes undercover at the compound of Stanley's in-laws by becoming a nurse's aid to the matriarch of the family. She discovers that almost everyone in the household had a motive to murder Stanley's wife and further investigation with her boyfriend Detective Dalton Vail turns up even-more suspects. If Marla isn't careful, the perpetrator will try to kill her to stop her from revealing what she figured out about her ex-husband's wife's death. Anyone who reads Body Wave will come away thinking it is an upbeat amateur sleuth mystery populated by a host of eccentric characters. The heroine is a bold strong woman who is not afraid to get in a person's face when she thinks she is right. Nancy J. Cohen is a talented writer who is famous for her complex plots and characterizations as this tale substantiates.

Fashion Victim
Chloe Green
Kensington
Dec 2002, $22.00, 288 pp. ISBN 1575667150

Fashion stylist Dallas O'Connor is in Paris when she gets a call from her agent with an assignment in Bimini in the Caribbean. If she accept the job, which is very high paying, she will be the stylist for a five women rock band, Fate of Paradise, who is going to cut their first video. Dallas accepts the plum job and she has unlimited funds to dress the girls and is delighted they are all going to be staying at a palace. When she arrives, the islanders tell her she is wearing Death on her face. She laughs it off, enjoying the rich food, the tropical beach and tries to ignore the sexy chef who wants to get to know her. What she can't ignore is the dead body she finds on the beach but when she convinces the members of the group to take a look the body is gone. As time passes, Dallas finds a clue that leads her to believe the others are lying to her but if they are, she doesn't have a clue why. The heroine of Fashion Victim is well known in her field and is not owned by the rich and famous who are her clients. She is adorable and endearing, someone the readers will like to get to know in further novels in the series. Chloe Green has constructed a who-done-it that is so complicated readers won't be able to guess what roles all the characters are really playing.

The Price Of Moonlight
Sylvia McDaniel
Kensington
Dec 2002, $5.99, 336 pp. ISBN: 0821773224

In 1895, Nicole Cuvier finds out that someone murdered her husband. She also learns that he was a bigamist with three wives of which she was number two and legally entitled to nothing from his estate. She owns Rosewood, a failing sugarcane plantation, and desperately needs a spouse so her unborn child will not be horrifyingly labeled illegitimate. From the day he was born, Maxim Viel received one message that he lives only to recover his ancestral home Rosewood regardless of personal cost. However, the current owner, Nicole, refuses to sell the place. Max disguises himself as a drifter in order to find a way to force Nicole into selling. She likes him so she asks Max to marry her so her unborn has a name. She will pay him with half the harvest before he drifts on. At any cost includes the price of bachelorhood so Max agrees to wed Nicole, but will never divorce her as he has completed his life's quest. However, his quest soon changes as he now wants his wife's heart. He loves Nicole, but fears once he reveals his perfidy she will loath him. Though there are unnecessary subplots that add intrigue such as the arrival of his out of wedlock son, The Price Of Moonlight is an exciting historical romance. Readers will relish the tale because of the lead couple, each with a past and an obsession until love threatens everything they cherished. This Cuvier widow sequel is a strong stand alone novel that will send the audience seeking the previous book (Sunlight On Josephine Street) and anxiously awaiting Layla's story.

Lord St. Leger's Find
Jennifer Malin
Zebra Books
Dec 2002, $4.99, 224 pp. ISBN: 082177459X

Archeologist Miles Kennestone looks forward to returning to the dig at England's best preserved roman villa, Lowery Park. However, after dueling with his host's two oldest daughters, he warily detects that the youngest chit will participate. Melpomene Lowery loves antiquities, but her father limits her working the field because she is first, and most important, a lady. She debuts in London in two weeks though her preference is to remain at the dig. When Miles and Mellie meet, sparks fly but not all the fireworks occur because of the obvious attraction between them. He wants her away from the dig while she wants to prove she is as good as an archeologist as smart as any male including this arrogant Lord St. Leger. As they work in close proximity, the fearful of commitment Miles and the ambitious scientist Mellie fall in love. However, he insists she go to London as all good debutantes do though she believes she has made a major find in the field. Jennifer Malin provides readers with a charming Regency romance starring two lead protagonists who besides love are quite compatible, but both refuse to acknowledge that. Thus, the audience observes a bit of irony as the duo shares their love of the ancient world yet cannot see the love they have for one another. Fans of a warm entertaining historical will find Lord St. Leger's Find fascinating as the archeologist learns what the true treasure is.

Good Bad Woman
Elizabeth Woodcraft
Kensington
Sept 2002, $22.00, 342 pp. ISBN 075820258X

Frankie Richmond is a working class London barrister who is very loyal to her friends so when Saskia asks her to represent her in court on a drunk and disorderly charge, she agrees. When the hearing is over, a seedy-looking individual asks Frankie for her client's name and her own but she refuses to tell. When she goes to a local Italian restaurant she spots the same mangy man who was at the court. Angry at being followed, she turns the tables on him by following him by car. He knocks out her vehicle's rear end forcing Frankie to stop. When she does, he hits her, giving her a black eye. Not long afterward, the police question Frankie in the murder of Kevin Latimer. When they search her apartment they find his credit card and down at the jail they inform her that her car's license plate was on the body. Frankie goes looking for Saskia for some answers but she proves hard to find, but locate her she must if she wants to clear her name and have the charges dropped. Good Bad Woman is a funky urban noir crime thriller. The who-done-it is very cleverly constructed and multi-layered with many interconnecting paths. The protagonist is a likable character desperately trying to figure out why she is being framed and who is behind it. Along the way, there are several times she comes close to losing her life, which makes her think that the perpetrator is becoming desperate. Elizabeth Woodcraft is a talented writer who uses humor to defuse tense situations of a strong mystery thriller.

Don't Tell A Soul
S.K. McClafferty,
Zebra Books
Jan 2003, $5.99, 352 pp. ISBN: 0821772996

Child advocate lawyer Claire Sumner believes her father Jimmy did not kill her best friend Jean Broussard ten years ago even if the evidence and his confession overwhelmingly prove otherwise. With about a month left before the state executes Jimmy, Claire finds new hope to prove his innocence. Someone murdered a young teen in Acadia Parish, Louisiana with what seems to be the same modus operendi used in the Broussard homicide, but this time Jimmy has an airtight alibi as a death row inmate. Claire returns to Acadia Parish seeking the truth. Most of the locals see the execution as closure and want Claire to leave. Desperate, Claire asks former reporter and now investigator Fegan Broussard to help her though it is his sister who her father was convicted of murdering. Initially refusing, Fegan begins to change his mind that the killer sits on death row. As he and Claire fall in love while making inquiries, someone tries to kill both of them. S.K. McClafferty provides an exciting modern day Cajun West Side Story romantic suspense starring two likable lead characters with a shared burden that makes them an unlikely couple. The story line hooks the audience as they wonder why Claire believes her father is innocent when Jimmy admits he killed her friend and if he did not commit the murder why did he say he did? These questions keep fans in suspense and continue to read until the audience learns the truth about what happened in Arcadia Parish, Louisiana a decade ago.

On Edge
Barbara Fister
Dell
Dec 2002, $6.50, 288 pp. ISBN 0440231513

Konstantin Slovo just had to get away from the mess his life has become. A Chicago police detective, he and his partner were setup in a trap with Robin getting killed and Konstantin very badly injured. To make matters worse, Slovo's gun was missing from the scene of the crime and he is being investigated to see if it was his gun that killed his partner. Without asking permission, he leaves Chicago for Maine where he becomes involved in another brutal investigation. Three young girls over the last few months in Brimsport, Maine were abducted, sexually abused, and murdered. Slovo, through a strange set of circumstances, finds the latest body and immediately becomes under suspicion from a town that is on the verge of hysterical erupting. Vigilantes break into Konstantin's room and try to beat a confession out of him, making Slovo all the more determined to find the perpetrator before another child is killed. On Edge is a dark gritty noir novel that is graphic in violence and profanity. One has to feel sorry for the protagonist, a beleaguered honest police officer who has to defend himself from those who want to take him down, which seems to be everyone. The perpetrator is the last person anyone would suspect; thus makings this book better than most police procedural novels.

Whirlwind Affair
Jacquie D'Alessandro
Dell
Nov 2002, $5.99, 368 pp. ISBN: 0440237130

A destitute American widow, Alberta Brown sails on the Seaward Lady to England to rectify some of the misdeeds caused by her late scandalous husband to include the return of a ring to its rightful owner. On the sea voyage, several accidents occur to Alberta that makes her wonder if someone wants her dead. Only luck and her reactions save her life as unbeknownst to her someone hired Lester Redfern to kill her. At the English dock, Lord Robert Jamison awaits Alberta's arrival, having promised their mutual friend Lady Elizabeth that he would escort the American widow to her country home. As the attempts to kill Alberta continue, Robert saves her life several times. They begin to fall in love, but she has been burned once in marriage and vowed never again. He knows that he first must uncover the identity of her enemy, not just the thug carrying out orders, to keep her safe before he can plead his loving appeal that they belong together forever. Whirlwind Affair is an exhilarating historical romance starring two delightful lead characters. The story line is typical of the Anglo-oceanic romance, but freshens that theme through several character revealing traits to include the immediate identity of the hit man and the twist that the male aristocrat seeks marriage and not to beget an heir. Though Alberta seems dumb at times as she ignores danger from a wannabe killer and a wannabe lover, readers will admire her all the more for her ethics as she stars in a strong tale that the audience will appreciate.

Domino
Ross King
Walker & Company
Nov 2002, $26.00, 448 pp. ISBN: 0802733786

Almost seventy and needing a walking stick to stay erect, artist George Cautley finds the attention of the eighteen year old boy he dubs Ganymede quite interesting even when the lad is more astonished at the portrait of Lady Beauclair. George tells the lad that the beauty was also dubbed "monstrous crime". Ganymede needs to hear her story so an amused George agrees to tell all he knows about the lovely lady he painted several decades ago. George explains that his fortune dramatically improved when he painted a portrait of sophisticated Lady Beauclair, who remits payment by telling him the tragic story of Tristano, who performed years earlier as a member of the Handel Opera Company. As Cautley meets others through his acquaintance with Lady Beauclair, he hears their stories. As he learns about the secret world of the Milan opera houses, George realizes that he might be the modern Tristano as his life begins to parallel that of the singer. Fans of eighteenth century European historicals will fully relish the depth of detail provided by Ross King in Domino. The plot loosely ties together the stories narrated by several characters while providing strong look at high society following the "South Sea Bubble" financial scandal that destroyed many fortunes. Though quite revealing of a world filled with duplicity and well written the over packed story line feels at times like standing room only at a Milan opera house or sardines in a can as there is no breathing room. Still sub-genre fans will appreciate this powerful period piece that makes the latter half of the eighteenth century come vividly alive.

Heresy
Sharan Newman
Forge
Dec 2002, $24.95, 352 pp. ISBN 765302462

Twelfth century France is feeling the affects of all the wars that wipe out trading. Edgar and his partner Solomon travel to Spain to pick up trade goods, leaving Catherine and the children to stay in their Paris home. When illness plagues the city Catherine and her family travel to the convent of Paraclate, run by her old friend Heloise who was once the wife of the heretic Abelard. Instead of having a relaxing time visiting an old friend, Heloise prevails upon Catherine to help her son Astrolobe who is being framed for a murder he didn't commit. Since Catherine considers Heloise's son a good friend, she agrees to do all she can to find out who Astrolobe's enemies actually are and expose them for the liars they are. In the course of her investigation, Catherine discovers that Astrolobe is going to be tried before the pope and the council of Reims who are trying to weed out heretics. Twelfth century France comes alive between the pages of Heresy, the latest installment in the Catherine Le Vendeur mysteries. Although Catherine is in her second trimester of pregnancy, she doesn't allow her condition to stop her from trying to find evidence that would clear her friend's son. The mystery itself is complex and mesmerizing but the look into the relationship between religion and politics is totally enthralling.

Warrior In The Shadow
Marcus Wynne
Forge
Sep 2002, $24.95, 352 pp. ISBN: 0765304430

Alfie Woodward combines the skills that he learned as an Australian Special Air Forces soldier with his Aboriginal spiritual beliefs to form an incredibly successful killing machine. He leaves behind quite a crime scene starring his latest victim, Minneapolis banker Madison Simmons as Alfie not only paints an Aboriginal painting using his victim's blood, he also strips meat and organs from the corpse, fries them, and eats them. Police Sergeant Bobby Lee Martaine heads the murder investigation that includes his military buddy Charley Payne as a civilian contract forensic photographer. Charley takes his copies of the weird photos to his artist girlfriend Mara Steinway who introduces him to Aboriginal art expert Kativa Patel. She explains the murder ritual of killing with a blunt object and eating the deceased to reduce their afterlife prowess, and concludes the portrait is the signature of the killer. When Bobby, his wife, and eight year old child is murdered, Charley knows that he has his own ritual to perform on the Aboriginal killer. Warrior in the Shadow is an exciting police procedural that grabs the audience with its opening salvo about Madison being eaten and never lets go until the final confrontation to include Kativa in the Outback. The superb story line is a police procedural thriller that enables the audience to observe a different much greater depth side than Crocodile Dundee provided. Marcus Wynne lives up to his surname with a winner that genre fans will devour, but not with bacon.

Gray Matter
Gary Braver
Forge
Sep 2002, $25.95, 400 pp. ISBN: 0312876130

In Hawthorne, Massachusetts Rachel and Martin Whitman live good lives as expected of a successful CEO. They are the "Jones" that the John and Jane Does try to emulate with one exception, their son Dylan suffers from learning disabilities that make tasks most people take for granted quite difficult to accomplish. Rachel feels guilt for her child's condition because in college she used an LSD-like substance that obviously damaged her offspring. Like most parents, Rachel will do anything to improve her son's lifestyle though Dylan is a contented boy. When her neighbor implies that an experimental procedure could probably enhance Dylan's intelligence capacity, Rachel desperately leaps at this hope. As Rachel uncovers information about the process, she becomes concerned with the "brains" she meets as they seem unhappy and lack passion though filled with Solomon like intelligence. She faces the moral dilemma between intelligence vs. happiness even as Detective Greg Zakarian investigates the disappearances of several children that intersect with Rachel's path. As the mother of a learning disability child, this reviewer fully appreciates how Rachel feels about her son. The fast-paced novel will fascinate and frighten the audience, as fans will empathize with Rachel's dilemma that turns the tale into more than just another chiller; this story line will hit the gut. Gary Braver offers no easy elixir, but fans of medical thrillers will want to read what may prove to be the sub-genre's top book of the year. However, be aware that if you have a situation similar to Rachel, consider whether you really want to start this novel because Gray Matter will haunt you afterward as few books will.

Second Sunrise
David and Aimee Thurlo
Forge
Nov 2002, $24.95, 384 pp. ISBN 0765304411

During World War II in the Four-Corner region of New Mexico, state policeman Lee Nez got involved in a shoot-out with German spies intent on stealing plutonium. Lee was able to get the plutonium and bury it, but a German going by the name of Hans Gruber is intent of retrieving the stolen goods. When Lee refuses to hand it over, he kills Lee and then revives the cop as a vampire. Lee still refuses to give up what he buried and eventually Hans disappear. Lee visits a shaman who uses magic to turn him into a half vampire so that with sun block he can walk outside in daylight. During the next fifty years, Lee tries to find Hans while fighting skinwalkers, Navaho witches who can assume the shape of an animal. They want his blood to gain immortality. Finally, Lee locates the former Nazi, using the name Major Wolfgang Muller who is assigned with other NATO officers at Ft. Wingate. Teaming up with a beautiful FBI agent, Lee intends to go after the major and make sure he kills him in a way that he won't rise again. Aimee and David Thurlo are well known for their mystery novels but fans of the authors should try Second Sunrise because they write horror tales that are as good as their police procedurals. Likewise horror aficionados should read the mysteries as well. The hero gains instant sympathy for his plight and the audience will adore him because he tries so hard to be a good person. Based on actual Navaho legends, horror fans will be very pleased with this refreshingly unique work and hope there are future novels starring Lee.

The Kill Zone
David Hagberg
Forge
Oct 2002, $24.95, 352 pp. ISBN: 0312873344

After spending a quarter of the century spying in various hot spots, Kirk "Mac" McGarvey looks forward to spending the rest of his life in the arms of his wife and child. However, the President nominated Mac to replace recently retired CIA Director Roland Murphy, the dream culmination of a dedicated career man. Still Mac wonders if he wants the aggravation as teaching Voltaire seems more appropriate right now. Still Mac accepts the offer and his senate confirmation hearings will convene shortly, but in the interim he is the acting director. The nomination triggers a brainwashed assassin to rise from sleep with the object to kill Mac. As someone stalks Mac and his family, the acting director begins his own inquiry. He concludes that an inner circle associate is obsessed with his death, but whom? Unbeknownst to Mac is that his deadliest Cold War foe General Baranov has left behind a legacy from his grave, an executioner who silently awaited the trigger to kill Mac. When it comes to exciting Cold War and Post Cold War dramas, no one provides a more exhilarating and horrifying fiction than David Hagberg renders. His latest espionage thriller has been used before (Manchurian Candidate), but rarely at the level of gripping suspense as The Kill Zone contains. The story line is fast-paced while seizing the full attention of the audience because Mac, his wife and their daughter are a warm family that no one wants harmed except for an awakening sleeper agent and a dead Russian. This is a triumph for the Cold War espionage crowd.

Underland
Mick Farren
Tor
Dec 2002, $27.95, 496 pp., ISBN: 0765303213

The Paranormal Operations and Research Branch of the National Security Agency needs inhuman help so agents abduct Nosferatu Victor Renquist. They take their guest to a special locale buried deep in the Paranormal Warfare Facility to insure no outside interference as they coerce Victor into cooperating via a laser beam ready to turn his eyeball and brain into a fried egg. The century old director Herbert "Old Man" Grael demands Victor assist the agency with infiltrating the Nazi Underland facility. Though he would prefer to tell the American undercover government agency to stick it where the sun does not shine, Victor puts together a team consisting of his most loyal friend, an NSA operative, and a darklost in betweener originally intended as a snack. However, greeting the small squad is a lot more than just the Nazi survivors. For beneath the surface mantle resides a thriving planet-wide civilization that worships the Dhrakuh Central Mind tied to visitors from outer space. Underland is simply mixing Jules Verne, H.G. and Orson Wells, and Bram Stoker into the world of Lovecraft, something only the insane or the superconfident would dream let alone dare doing. Yet Mick Farren accomplishes this seemingly impossible feat with a wild blending of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical into an exhilarating modern day thriller. Though the story line contains a bit too many sidebars for us mortals to fully follow, fans of each genre will appreciate this strong third vampire entry that features the extraordinary imagination and talent of Mr. Farren.

A Coldness In The Blood
Fred Saberhagen
Tor
Oct 2002, $25.95, 378 pp. ISBN 0765300451

He has lived for over five centuries by keeping up with technology so Vlad Tepes better known as Dracula and AKA Matthew Maule asks Andy Keogh to help him design a website. Andy, descended from the bloodline of Mina Harker, agrees to help his "Uncle Matt", whom he thinks is human. While at Uncle Matt's apartment, a nosferatu named Dickon, along with a human, ask for Vlad to help in their quest for learning alchemy. Someone puts a spell over everyone in the apartment and when Dracula awakens, Dickon is gone, the human is dead, Andy is dazed and an Egyptian statue is smashed. The next day Sobeck, a being once worshipped by the Egyptians as a God, confronts Matthew Maule. He wants the Philosopher's Stone, a magical artifact hidden in one of six small statues smuggled into the country. Dracula declines to help but Andy becomes involved when Dickon asks his dead partner's granddaughter Dolly to assist him. Andy's father and Uncle Matt search for the Philosopher's Stone while trying to keep Andy and Dolly out of danger. Thy also hope to send Sobeck back where he belongs. It's been six long years since Fred Saberhagen has written a Dracula book but the wait was well worth it. His eighth installment in this series is imaginative, colorful and sometimes even quirky. Dickon is comic relief as a millennium old vampire afraid of his own shadow. The race for the Philosopher's Stone is filled with action and adventure as the protagonists keep running head long into villains coveting the same artifact.

Elvenborn
Andre Norton & Mercedes Lackey
Tor
August 2002, $24.95, 382 pp. ISBN 0312864566

In Evelon, a civil war amongst the Elves led to the losing side escaping through the Gate into another world where they promptly conquered the land and enslaved the native humans. Each Elvenlord has his own estate with human slaves bound to him by a magical collar and spell. However, the world is in a state of chaos because the Elvenbane, a female wizard was able to get the half bloods to revolt. The Young Lords, the second and third sons of the Great Lords, are in open revolt of their sires, wanting power of their own. Kyrtian, an elven lord who lives on a backwater estate, is different than his depraved brethren. He cares about the humans on his estate and treats them like servants. Their slave collars are only decoration and their loyalty to him makes them an army to be reckoned with. His military knowledge gets him the position of the commander of the army, his mission to put down the rebellion. On the alert for betrayal, Kyrtian also searches for the Gate in hopes of learning what happened to his missing father who sought the Great Portal. When Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey, two of the premier fantasy writers in existence, collaborate on a work, the readers can expect an excellent tale. Elvenborn is an exciting fantasy novel filled with action and adventure, a stand-alone work even though it is part of the half blood chronicles. Elven society and culture is so intricately detailed that one would think that the authors visited the place.

The Apocalypse Door
James D. MacDonald
Tor
Nov 2002, $22.95, 224 pp. ISBN: 0312869886

Contrary to the popular belief of history, King Philip the Fair failed to dissolve the Knights of the Templar. The religious sect survived and continued, albeit with less publicity, to fight evil. The mission whether it is in Canada or Newark remains the same today as that of the fourteenth century. The warrior monks protect holy places, travelers, and relics from malevolent beings. Peter Crossman, one of the inner thirty-three Templar priests receives the task of training the new Knight Simon while they break and enter into a Newark warehouse linked to the kidnapping in Jerusalem of UN peacekeepers. The case turns weird when mushrooms flinch at the sign of the cross, and Peter and his partners traverse the mighty Hudson several times in pursuit of an idol that in the wrong hands could begin the Apocalypse now. His team also competes with the Teutonic Knights, the CIA, and a few free lancers seeking the same icon. Using paradox, puns, and parody, James B. Macdonald provides a powerful satire that seemingly jabs "modern" institutions to include the CIA, history books, Hemingway, the Rosetta Stone like Revelation interpreters, and several other targets. The novel never takes itself seriously, but ironically provides a fully developed lead protagonist who serves as the needed center to the delightful story line. The Apocalypse Door is one of the juiciest satires to come along in years as the plot swiftly disses many of society's untouchable giants.

A College Of Magics
Caroline Stevermer
Tor
Nov 2002, $5.99, 468 pp. ISBN: 0765342456

Her Uncle Brinker rules Galazon as regent since he asserted that his niece Faris Nallaneen is too young to reign. As Faris gets closer to leading her duchy, Brinker sends her to Greenlaw College. Her aptitude seems poor as she is not much of a student especially of magic, but the dean claims that Faris is one of the four guardians being the warden of the north. Faris believes no one is less magical than she is, as she displays no talent until she confronts and defeats fellow student Prince Menary in a "war" of magic. Brinker dispatches Faris to Aravill as an ambassador, but his plan is to have his niece wed King Julian, Menary's dad. Menary tries to kill Faris but fails, ending up in the rift. Still with her uncle and her enemy Julian plotting, Faris' future as the ruler of Galazon looks bleak. This Harry Potter like tale, but initially published before J.K. Rowling's Potter mania, stars an engaging heroine who has more than just the weight of adult responsibility on her shoulders as she must also protect the world and defeat her Machiavellian uncle and a deadly rival. The story line is loaded with action and a feel that early twentieth century Europe is in deed a hot bed for magic. However, the tale also contains several subplots that seem critical to the basic theme, but vanish without resolution as if a magician performed a stunt. Still, this is a fun fantasy that adults and teens will relish while also seeking other works from master mage Caroline Stevermer.

Tides Of Darkness
Judith Tarr
Tor
Oct 2002, $25.95, 412 pp. ISBN: 0312876157

A hedonist of the worst order, Indaros Karelios seeks a good time whether he is wenching of drinking. Nothing else really matters to the member of the aristocratic house of Han-Gilen. Daros actually has talent, but chooses to hide his abilities so he could avoid having to attend Mage School. He fears that would cramp his style. When Daros gets in deep trouble and has to appear before the current Lady of the Gates, the Golden Emperor Merian sees inside to the very soul of Daros. She concludes that the wastrel is a strong but untrained mage. She decides he will be allowed to live but he must be punished. Lady Merian exiles Daros by sending him to her grandfather to receive the training he needs to control his power. Now a student disciple of the mighty Emperor Estarion, Daros soon is alone battling against the growing darkness of demons destroying his world one land at a time. His mentor has been dispatched by the evil one to a more mundane orb called earth. Tides Of Darkness, the latest Avaryan Chronicles, is a tremendous epic fantasy that will send genre readers in search of the previous novels, all wonderful entries. The story line makes the fantastic seem authentic as if Judith Tarr has visited this magical plane in her real life. The growing terror adds to the belief that this realm exists outside of the fertile imagination of the author. Daros, Merian, and Estarion are strong characters inside a powerful plot and that leads to another terrific Tarr tale.

A Crown Disowned
Andre Norton and Sasha Miller
Tor
Oct 2002, $25.95, 416 pp. ISBN: 0312873387

The human, inhuman and ice dragon armies of the Great One march south causing havoc to an already besieged Rendelsham and the other southern lands already struggling with hostile frozen precipitation. To survive the onslaught, the four great houses of the south must unite in an alliance against the seemingly invincible Great One. However, a key player, dowager Queen Ysa, appears in denial as she continues to divide rather than unite by pushing the rivalries between the houses. However, even Ysa ultimately realizes the danger though it may prove to late when the Ice Dragons begin spewing out frozen waste at its southern targets. Rohan and his Sea Rovers with their ships try to unite with the Nodors and the Bog-folk in an uneasy alliance. Unbeknownst to the desperate southern alliance is the Great One's most loyal servant is a sorceress who has seduced Rendelsham's High Marshal into leading Rohan and his allies into a trap. If they escape, they still must find a way to defeat the Great One's superior armies, unconquerable ice dragons, and ultimately yield magic that none seem to possess to crush the Great One. The third Cycle of Oak, Yew, Ash, and Rowan novel, A Crown Disowned is an exciting sword and sorcery tale though the story line provides little new from the previous two novels of this entertaining series. The fantasy contains numerous subplots focusing on war, intrigue, and betrayal, albeit the typical fare for an S&S novel. Still the cast engages the reader especially the enchanting magic gathering the myriad of fans of Andre Norton and Sasha Miller into the fold of a fine finale.

Legacies
L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
Tor
Nov 2002, $27.95, 560 pp. ISBN: 0765305615

On a remote sheep farm in Corus, herder Alucius grows up in relative isolation as his mother and grandparents do not want the ruling bodies to use the lad's Talent. Instead he learns to hide his skills, using them only to augur any danger to his family or the sheep. Alucius' pastoral life ends when the Militia drafts him. Not wanting to repeat what happened to his father who died fighting for the Militia, Alucius serendipitously uses his Talent to study auras in order to stay alive. However, in spite of his skill, the enemy invaders from Madrien capture him and place him bondage. Though somewhat muted in his environs, Alucius applies the Talent to survive. The introductory novel to the latest epic fantasy from L.E. Modesitt, Jr. is a great start to what looks like will be a tremendous series. This book is not a throw away though the inviting story line provides a strong look at the cast, especially Alucius while containing weird creatures and a world that seems very mystical yet genuine. It is the global environment that makes Legacies a triumphant opening gamut that will send fans of the author and new readers into a frenzy for the next novel. With the Talent of Mr. Modesitt, Jr. fans will anticipate even greater insight yet filled with non- stop action and excitement as the audience explores the intricacies of the Corean Chronicles.

The Warrior Bride
Lois Greiman
Avon
Nov 2002, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0060092181

In 1535 during a battle between Scottish clans, the mysterious warrior Hunter saves the life of an unconscious Lachlan "Rouge Fox" MacGowan. Lachlan's brothers tease him as how tenderly Hunter carried him from the battlefield to the safety of Evermyst as if they were lovers. Even though he resents owing anyone anything, Lachlan, vowing to pay his debt, wants to thank the warrior who probably saved his life. In 1536 Lachlan still owes the Hunter, who rejects everything the Rogue Fox offers. Lachlan has become intrigued with the warrior and swears he will learn the secret of this great fighter. When he does uncover the secret he is shocked beyond belief, but beginning to understand his fascination with the Hunter while he observes the warrior talking with an enemy while evil stalks Evermyst. The Warrior Bride my be the strongest of Lois Greiman's Scottish romances as the cast makes for quite an exciting tale. The Hunter is a wonderful warrior with secrets that will surprise the audience. Lachlan is obsessive to make remittance to his savior until he uncovers the secret and changes his obsession. The secondary characters add depth to a tale that will provide much satisfaction to readers of sixteenth century romances.

His Bride
Gayle Callen
Avon
Nov 2002, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0380821109

In 1591 England, the parents of his deceased wife summon Sir Edmund Blackwell to see them. Edmund's father-in-law Lord Langston offers to buy back Castle Wintering, the estate he gave as part of his daughter's dowry. Edmund refuses, but Lady Langston points out his lack of funds to run the estate. She offers a different deal. Edmund marries Langston cousin Gwyneth Hall and receive a large dowry too. The only clause in the marriage contract that gives Edmund pause is that if he dies without a male heir, Castle Wintering returns to Langston. Needing money badly after his spouse's excesses, Edmund accepts though he feels he deals with the devil. Edmund does not trust his second Langston bride though Gwyneth works hard to quickly gain the support of his people. Edmund begins falling in love with his wife and wants to believe her behavior is genuine, but wonders what her role is in whatever nefarious scheme Langston has concocted. Still love blossoms between the Blackwell couple, but trust is a more difficult feeling to attain. Though the overused theme of a marriage pawn is the underlying concept of His Bride, Gayle Callen keeps the story line moving through the wonderfully caring Gwyneth, albeit even if she acts too perfect while trying to prove to Edmund that she has no deceit. The Langstons are too avariciously villainous while the lead couple is a delight as Gwyneth wins over everyone but her skeptical husband. Fans of Ms. Callen's "His" tales will enjoy this novel made pleasant by the lead "Her".

Once A Dreamer
Candice Hern
Avon
Jan 2003, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0060505621

In 1801 London, teenager Belinda Chadwick informs her Aunt Eleanor Tennant that she loves Geoffrey Barkwith, a notorious rake. Eleanor tries to persuade Belinda to forget Geoffrey, but the niece quotes popular advice columnist Busybody to go after love. Eleanor confronts Busybody, but is stunned that the columnist is a man. Eleanor blackmails Simon Westover to talk with her niece as he fears her revealing his identity plus she shows him the stupidity of concentrating on only love and not the relationship. The couple finds a note that says Belinda eloped with Geoffrey. Eleanor forces Simon to accompany her to rescue Belinda from a man she believes will ruin her niece. As they ride in his coach in pursuit of the eloping pair, they debate whether love exists. Though Simon believes that his companion needs a hero he works on an ode to her kissable lips. As they chase after the runaways and now argue the role of women in society, they fall in love, but when he turns swashbuckling he angers Eleanor who demands pragmatism not romanticism in her ideal relationship. Though the plot repeats itself several times as Simon the romantic and Eleanor the pragmatic debate life while chasing after Belinda, the story is an enjoyable gender bending Regency that sub-genre fans will relish. The key to the tale is how opposite the lead couple appear yet somehow the audience feels that opposites not only attract but also belong together. Candice Hern writes a wonderful charmer that focuses on a witty debate that leads to not compromise but consensus between the dueling duet.

Untie My Heart
Judith Ivory
Avon
Nov 2002, $6.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0380812975

In 1892, English expatriate Stuart Aysgarth is living in Russia when he belatedly received the telegram informing him that his father died and he was now a viscount with a wealthy estate. The next telegram stated that his Uncle Leonard insisted Stuart was dead, claiming the estates as his, and raided them. Stuart worries mostly about a statue. When he arrives his fears prove real, as all he sees is the empty niche in the wall. Stuart driving his coach at breakneck speed runs over a lamb belonging to Emma Hitchhikes. She demands remittance, but he refuses so she moves his money from his account to hers, but he catches her. Stuart blackmails Emma into helping him regain some of the items, especially that statue that his uncle stole. As they work a sting together, Stuart and Emma fall in love, but though quite avaricious, Leonard is not going to go away quietly. The key to the strong Victorian romance, Untie My Heart, is the ability of Judith Ivory to persuade readers of a relationship between the aristocratic Stuart and the sheep farmer Emma at a time where social classes still ran in different circles. The story line is amusing, sensual, but filled with suspense on two levels. Will Stuart and Emma untie each other's heart and will the sting succeed. Though Leonard is too greedy to take seriously, fans will take pleasure from this astonishingly good late nineteenth century historical.

When It's Perfect
Adele Ashworth
Avon
Nov 2002, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0380818078

In 1855 after years searching for antiquities in Egypt, English Earl Marcus Longfellow returns home following the tragic sudden death of his eighteen year old sister Christine. Stunned and feeling guilty for not being there for Christine, Marcus vows to learn the truth while he ponders the note he received from her last year announcing her betrothal to a viscount. Marcus starts his inquiries with the person who found the corpse, lacy confectioner Mary Marsh. Marcus quickly realizes that Christine confided much more than she should have in the working class lass. However, Marcus obtains Mary's cooperation to assist him in learning what really happened to his sister as he realizes the lingerie maker cared for Christine. As the Earl and the undergarment clothier work together, they fall in love, but she harbors a secret that added to their obvious class differences, and his obsession with his sibling's death that makes it impossible for anything permanent. The sequel to Someone Irresistible stars the sister of the first novel's heroine. The story line of When It's Perfect parallels that of the prequel, but includes an amateur sleuth investigation containing a twist that adds fun to the tale. The story line is enjoyable due to the antics of the lead couple though the all's well ending that both claims seems stretched when a beloved lies still underground. Still fans will relish Adele Ashworth's wonderful Victorian romance that provides a second look at the mid nineteenth century dinosaur craze.

The Mackenzies: Cole
Ana Leigh
Avon
Dec 2002, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0380820099

After prospecting in Alaska for a few years together, Cole Mackenzie says goodbye to his gold prospecting partner Pop O'Shea and the man's teenage daughter Maggie in a stop at Seattle. Cole heads to San Francisco while Pops and Maggie travel to Lawford, New Mexico. Two years later in 1898 Cole receives a telegram from Pops, pleading with his former partner to come quickly, as he needs help. Cole would do anything for Pop so he packs his bags immediately and hit the trail for New Mexico. He arrives in time to attend Pop's funeral. Apparently, Pop who ran a stageline broke his neck in a mining accident. Cole decides to stay in town to insure Maggie's safety and to learn more about Pop's death that just does not feel right to him. As accidents pile up with the stageline, Cole falls in love with Maggie, who has loved him since she was a tomboy prospecting in Alaska, but both feel they must uncover the identity of the person sabotaging the business and perhaps killed Pop too. As with the stories of other Mackenzies, Cole's tale is an exciting Americana romantic suspense that fans of the series and sub-genre readers in general will attain much pleasure from the antics of the lead couple. Cole and Maggie are strong and intrepid, but much of their relationship is humorous relieving a bit of the tension that Ana Leigh spins with this book. The twists and turns add perplexity and uncertainty even to the obvious lead romance as Ms. Leigh provides the audience with a winning entry.

Getting Her Man
Michele Albert
Avon
Oct 2002, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0380820552

Through an intermediary, antiquities collector Steven Carmichael hires New Orleans-based private investigator Diana Belmaine to recover a stolen Egyptian Eighteenth Dynasty artifact. The object is an alabaster box with Nefertiti's name on it containing a lock of hair that Carmichael believes belonged to the legendary Queen. Diana wonders about the legitimacy of ownership. However with the high fee and the potential for her sleuthing reputation being praised, Diana is persuaded to accept the case. Since the purloined item was probably stolen during a party thrown by Carmichael, Diana uses the attendees' list as a starting point. This leads her to Tulane University where she meets Mayan expert Dr. Jack Austin, a beneficiary of grants from Carmichael's Ancient Americas Preservation Society. Diana quickly believes the renowned professor (People Magazine, Discovery channel) is the thief, but cannot fathom why he would steal from the hand that feeds him. As Diana and Jack duel in a game of wits, their initial attraction blossoms into something stronger, but though they share a passion for Cocoa Krispies and one another, she repudiates her love for the handsome probable felon. This is an exciting romantic suspense that grips the reader due to the delectable relationship between the lead characters that grips the audience from the moment Diana visits Jack in his college office. The story line focuses on the game of chess played on several levels between the professor and the sleuth. Though why Diana concluded that Jack was as a good a thief as an archeologist seems stretched, fans of an exciting intrigue will gain pleasure with Michele Albert's terrific Getting Her Man that will surely get her new readers.

I've Got You Babe
Karen Kendall
Avon
Nov 2002, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0060502320

Seymour College Professor of Art History Dr. Vanessa Tower drives up the Massachusetts mountain to talk with Christopher "Crash" Dunmoor at the request of his grandmother, whom she met while studying the paintings of his late grandfather. Crash refuses to speak with his unwanted visitor, but she follows him to the rooftop of his house. As the last Dunmoor, grandma wants Crash to take responsibility for his grandfather's works valued at 2.6 million. He rejects everything she says until Vanessa tells him his grandma has colon cancer. His grandma wants the estrangement between her and Crash ended before she dies and sees the staid Vanessa as the tool. She informs her grandson and Seymour College that his grandfather's works will go to him only if he attends Vanessa's art history class and aces the course. Not going, any lower grade or dropping out means the college obtains the collection. With pressure from her boss to see that her newest student crashes, Vanessa finds she wants him to inherit while willing to skydive and join him on all his other reverie of kicks. Fans of amusing yet serious relationship dramas will delight in Karen Kendall's I've Got You Babe. The story line uses light moments notably when prim Vanessa joins Crash on his stunts to reduce the tension from the conflict between the lead male protagonist and his family. That technique turns into a two-edge sword, as readers will chuckle at Vanessa's discomfit, but also takes away from the estrangement subplot. Still this is a strong tale that the audience will enjoy.

Her Scandalous Intentions
Sari Robins
Avon
Dec 2002, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0380821036

In 1814, Charlotte Hastings attends a party in Southbridge, England though she would prefer to continue her work at the veterans' hospital in London. While by herself sketching, she observes the Duke of Girard James Morgan meeting with a frightened person. Unable to resist she draws the encounter, but James comes over and takes the picture from her. James believes that Charlotte is the future fiancee of his odious cousin Mortimer Blanton, who stole property that probably is being used to finance Napoleon's return to France. When thugs assault Charlotte in her room, James rescues her. However, the other guests catch them so he claims she is his fiancee. He takes her "prisoner" because he realizes that she has a document he needs, but where she hid it he does not know. As Charlotte and James become acquainted with one another, they fall in love, but both mistrust the other believing that their beloved is a Napoleonic agent. Fans of Regency romantic suspense will take great delight with Sari Robin's wonderful debut novel, Her Scandalous Intentions. The story line is brimming with action as the innocent Charlotte lands in the middle of an espionage mess while the tainted James tries to figure out her role in the fiasco. Though it takes a bit too long for the reader to receive that critical dramatic irony of knowing why before the hero does, sub-genre fans will rejoice while looking forward for more works from an obviously talented author.

Risky Business
Suzanne Macpherson
Avon
Dec 2002, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 038050353X

In order to stay employed, her Manhattan-based agency sends klutzy supermodel Marla Meyers to Granite Insurance in order to safeguard her face. Agent Tom Riley tentatively accepts the three million-dollar policy even after Marla explains her black eye was caused by an encounter with a dress dummy. However, the Home Office in Minnesota demands Tom shadow Marla over the next thirty days before they provide final approval of the account because they categorize her as an accidental risk. Tom figures this is one assignment he will enjoy, as Marla is beautiful. As he begins to hang around the model agency he begins to fall in love with his charge. Marla, who also secretly authors the popular Mike Mason mysteries that Tom enjoys, finds she also loves her protector even when he looks at the early AM starts like something the cat devoured before bringing home. However, will both of these individuals take the Risky Business of forging a permanent relationship now that love is everywhere they go? Risky Business is an amusing contemporary romantic romp that skews stereotypes in the modeling industry leaving no prisoners. The lead couple is a delightful duo swimming in a pool of zany secondary characters that bring much of the humor to the tale. Though how the home office expected Tom to keep Marla safe is not clear, Suzanne Macpherson provides a droll comedy that will keep them laughing even as the audience will want more works as jocular as this one from this new author

Duchess In Love
Eloisa James
Avon
Dec 2002, $6.99, 400 pp. ISBN: 0060508108

In 1802 England, his father forced Cam to marry his childhood friend Gina when both were still "children". Rather than consummate the marriage with the woman he thought up to the ceremony was his first cousin, Cam Serrard fled through the window fifteen minutes after saying "I do". He went to the continent and remained overseas for the next dozen years. Gina asks her spouse to annul their vows so she can marry someone else. Her husband in name only, the Duke of Girard, comes home to annul his marriage so Gina can move on with her life. His plan is to return immediately to his studio in Greece. However, when Cam meets his wife as an adult for the first time, her beauty, charm, and grace stun him. Shockingly, he finds himself falling in love with Gina just as she too surprises herself by being a Duchess In Love with her husband when she thought her heart belonged to Sebastian. Though the basic theme has been used too often in Regency novels, fans of the sub-genre will enjoy Eloisa James' latest tale, Duchess In Love. The key to the delightful read is the cast from the strong bewildered lead couple to secondary characters who cause havoc on the married couple's relationship and enable the audience to understand the motives of the Duke and Duchess. The audience will kick back their shoes, relax, and bask in the fun of this well written historical romance.

The Irresistible MacRae
Karen Ranney
Avon
Dec 2002, $5.99, 384 pp. ISBN: 0380821052

In 1778 Scotland, Harold McDougal tricks Riona McKinsey into entering the gardens by informing the heiress that her sister was there weeping. When she goes into the gardens, she quickly realizes her sibling is not there. Harold follows Riona and insures everyone sees them together so that she is compromised and must marry him. Though she prefers to reject this odious money grabber, a scandal would destroy her sister's chances for happiness so a reluctant and irate Riona agrees to wed Harold in a month. Riona's mother Susanna wants her daughters happy but cannot see Riona with this smiling con artist. She asks for help from her friend Fergus, but he is getting married so he sends his nephew James MacRae to assist Susannah. When he gets ready to go home, Susanna concocts a ploy to keep him here because she has a bigger plan that centers on James and Riona, whose passion for each other makes it easier to accomplish. However, Riona is betrothed and someone wants James dead making the permanency that Susanna envisions vey unlikely to occur. Though the third Highlands Lord book reads somewhat like the previous two and has too easy solutions to Riona's dilemma, readers will relish this Scottish romance because the lead couple makes for a delightful pair that the audience will cherish. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with the intrigue of the late eighteenth century. Still the cast owns the novel especially Riona, James and that wile coyote Harold, who for the most part is, as clever villain readers will find in a historical.

All I Want Is Forever
Lynn Emery
Avon
Nov 2002, $6.50, 384 pp. ISBN: 0060089288

Political consultant Talia Marchand has come along way from her poverty stricken childhood as she hobnobs with US senators. Talia's prime ambition is to never go back to the Louisiana Parish that she despairingly once called home. The only positive thing from her school days was her friendship with Derrick Guillory, but she fled him as much as she did her hometown of Rougon the first chance she could. Derrick arrives in DC and using his investigative skills easily finds Talia. Though he still desires the woman who was his first love, he knows she will never reveal that she wants him too because he represents her dark past. Still Derrick persuades her to come home in order to take care of personal responsibilities even as he has a secret agenda to convince her that they belong together. All I Want Forever is an engaging ethnic romance filled with a strong love story supported by subplots involving murder and drugs. The story line retains a serious undertow, but insures that the romance remains pivotal, taking the front and center position throughout the tale. Though Derrick is an intriguing hunk, perhaps a bit too perfect, and the support cast adds depth especially to the subplots, this novel is owned in every sense by the complex Talia. Her negative feelings about her heritage has propelled her into making a success out of her professional life, but distrusting anything personal including Derrick. Lynn Emery provides a strong tale that focuses on the theme that a person has no choice but to go home because the adult is the result of the child.

Guardian
Joe Haldeman
Ace
Dec 2002, $22.95, 240 pp. ISBN 0441009778

She was only a child when the civil war started but her parents were wise enough to send her up North to relatives when it looked like the south would lose. She stayed at a boarding school until she went to Wellestey College where she met and later married Edward Tolliver, a rich and powerful man. The marriage wasn't a happy one but when Rosa saw her husband sodomize their son Daniel, she knew it was time to leave. Rosa and Daniel traveled to Dodge City where they had many happy year together until a Pinkerton agent hired by Edward arrived on the scene to take Daniel back to his father. Daniel conked the agent over the head, allowing them to escape and they decide to see if they could get rich in Alaska. While Daniel is in the field panning for gold, a drunken miner kills him and Rosa decides to kill herself until a spirit guide named Raven takes her around the universe. When Rosa returns, her actions change the course of history and save millions of lives. Award winning author Joe Haldeman has written a very simple story about a woman's fight to survive and triumph. What is not so simple is the way the protagonist has to learn those lessons but what would defeat another person doesn't even phase Rose. She takes what she learns and applies it to her everyday life and in doing so makes the world a better place.

The Queen's Gambit
Deborah Chester
Ace
Dec 2002, $7.99, 464 pp. ISBN 0441009972

By drinking from the sacred Chalice, Pheresa saves her life. Unfortunately her betrothed, the heir to the Kingdom of Mandria died because the dark side of sorcery he wanted to master consumed him. Pheresa expects to be the next monarch, but first must trick the church that wants her as an icon of the holy Chalice. After succeeding at that endeavor, Pheresa manages to get through to King Verence still in a fog while mourning the death of his son. He names her Princess of the Realm, but she must marry her cousin Lervan to inherit the throne. To keep his heir safe, the king designates Sir Talmor to guard Pheresa. When King Verence suddenly dies, Pheresa and Talmor flee the city as enemies attack. As they struggle to survive, they prepare for the day when she returns for her crown even as they fall in love with one another. The Queen's Gambit is a powerful romantic sword and sorcery tale that readers will gain tremendous pleasure from perusing due to the lead couple. Pheresa almost obsesses over her belief that her destiny is to be queen. Talmor will die to keep his beloved safe and he also provides the pin that keeps Pheresa from going over the edge with her contention. Fans of S&S will relish this delightful tale especially when the beleaguered heroes try to defeat their foes within the regal court and from outside the capital. Deborah Chester has written a fantastic fantasy that behooves the need of more novels in Mandria to satiate the certain clamor and demands of readers.

Johnny Blade
Phillip Tomasso III
Barclay Books
Sept 2002, $15.95, 299 pp. ISBN 1931402

Martin Wringer punched his supervisor in the face and lost his job, but he doesn't fault himself, he blames his boss. He has sex with a prostitute and contacts venereal disease, but he doesn't impute himself, he accuses the hooker. When his wife finds out and throws him out of the house, he goes to Jack's Joint where the hooker hangs out and kills her. He finds he likes killing prostitutes so much that he keeps going to the area round Jack's Joint where the whores hang out and stars killing them one by one. Michael Buzzelli works for the Rochester Chronicle writing obituaries and doing research but he wants to scribe some juicy stories so he takes a job at Jack' joint as a bartender hoping to write a human-interest story about the dead prostitute. As he gets to know the people on the fringe who hang out at Jack's Joint, he begins to like them especially Felicia who seems to reciprocate his feelings. As the killer dubbed Johnny Blade by the press keeps on killing prostitutes, Michael is determined to be first on the scene to get the scoop or die trying. Almost every person who hangs out at Jack's Joint has an interesting story to tell and readers will find themselves wanting to hear it. The two lead police officers on the case are fascinating characters and should be featured in future books by Phillip Tomasso III. The villain is three dimensional, totally believable and pure evil. The romance between the reporter and the prostitute is sweet and charming. On a scale of one to ten, the plot scores an eleven.

Storm Rider
Cassie Edwards
Signet
Dec 200, $6.99, 352 pp. ISBN: 04512007556

In 1837 William and Mildred Daniel accompanied by their five-year old child Tabitha sail on the paddleboat heading to St. Louis on the Missouri River. However, fire breaks out and the adult Daniels die with Tabtiha rescued by the Crow. River Song and Chief Blue Thunder rename Tabitha Talking Rain and raise her with love as if she was from their seed. Thirteen years later, Assiniboine Chief Storm Rider visits Blue Thunder on a quest for peace between the two tribes. Storm Rider knows of the fierce warrior reputation of Talking Rain, but that pales to the real person. When Talking Rain tries to steal Storm Rider's horse, he captures her. While he keeps her his prisoner, an attraction between them surfaces. However, a snake in the grass plans to destroy the fragile peace wrecking havoc on these two tribes whose unity is symbolized by the love between Talking Rain and Storm Rider. Though Storm Rider contains the typical Cassie Edwards background, the theme is somewhat different, as this is not a novel of star-crossed lovers, but more of the prisoner-warden variety. The story line is filled with a feel for the era through mostly the eyes of the Native American tribes as Ms. Edwards does what she is so good at providing insight into a culture interwoven into her plot. Ms. Edwards' innumerable fans will enjoy her latest nineteenth century Indian romance as she once again gives sub-genre readers what they want and more.

Mrs. Mallory And Death By Water
Water Hazel Holt
Signet
Jan 2003, $5.99, 256 pp. ISBN 0451208098

Leonora Stavely was one of the first female journalist who became known by taking daring chances in all the hot spots of the world. Now, nearing eighty she has retired to a small cottage living the life of an eccentric recluse. She doesn't see very many people and is more than happy living with her animals for companionship. One of the few people who she stays in touch with her is Sheila Mallory who she has known since she was a child. When Lenora dies, E. Coli is found in her bloodstream and the Environmental Agency said that there was something that got into the water supply. When Sheila looks closely at the stream that is allegedly the source of the contamination she sees no dead animals or vegetation. Knowing that her friend was getting ready to write her memoirs, Sheila strongly believes her friend was murdered. She just has to find a way to find out who and then try to prove it, no easy task since Leonora had plenty of enemies who would have benefited from her death. Fans of British cozies will definitely want to read Mrs. Mallory And Death By Water. The latest installment in this long running series is full of surprising twists and shocking turns. In trying to solve the who-done-it, Sheila gives the reader some fascinating insights into village life in England. Hazel Holt always has a fascinating story to tell and she does it very well.

Who Left That Body In The Rain?
Patricia Sprinkle
Signet
Dec 2002, $5.99, 304 pp. ISBN 0451207580

The quiet town of Hopemore, Georgia is the home of local Court magistrate Judge MacLaren Yarbrough, part owner of Yarbrough's Feed, Seed and Nursery. She counts her blessings especially when it comes to her husband Joe Riddley who is recovering nicely from a head wound that almost killed him. Her next door neighbor Maynard is getting married soon and he has bought himself a BMW, one that he intends to keep no matter that Skell Macdonald is offering him a fantastic deal to buy it back. Shortly after Maynard and his bride go on their honeymoon, Skell disappears. At the same time, Skell's father Sky, a popular civic-minded town leader is run over by his own car. While the family grieves, the honeymooners are arrested in Orlando for transporting drugs. The police chief and MacLaren feel Skell knows something about this but the magistrate doesn't believe the missing man could have killed his father. She starts her own investigation and almost gets killed by a murderer who has nothing left to lose. Who Left That Body In The Rain? is an amateur sleuth cozy in which all the violence takes place outside of the pages of the book. There is no blood and gore but there is plenty of thrills and excitement as the sixty- something sleuth uncovers a host of buried secrets and a surplus of suspects. Readers who are fans of Carolyn Hart and Kate Kingsbury will want to buy Patricia Sprinkle's latest and that will lead to desiring the author's previous mysteries.

A Cat On The Bus
Lydia Adamson
Signet
Dec 2002, $5.99, 205 pp. ISBN 0451207599

For once, everything seems to be going Alice Nestleton's way. She has a good role in a television series that looks like it is going to be picked up by the network and she has a new beau who is also starring in the same series. She is on a bus taking her to her favorite department store when a non-descript lady holding a shopping bag and a cat starts firing at everyone. People are killed but the woman escapes. Shortly after Alice gives her testimony to the police. RETRO, the Cold Case Division of NYPD, offer Alice a six week lucrative contract to investigate a possible link between the bus shooting and a similar incident that happened three years ago. Try as she might she can't uncover a connection but she must be doing something right because Tony Basillio gets knifed in her darkened apartment. More affected by Tony's pain than she expected, Alice puts a plan in motion to flush out the killer. A Cat On The Bus is a delightful cozy that stars an intrepid heroine who likes adversity better than peace and harmony. Though why RETRO hired Alice is questionable, her bumbling investigation leads to connections that make the plot more credible. For the first time Alice does some soul searching to decide what she really wants and then goes after it. Lydia Adamson scores again with this winning mystery.

Magic Time: Angel Fire
Marc Scott Zicree and Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff
Eos
Dec 2002, $25.95, 384 pp. ISBN 0061050695

A group of scientists were working on a top secret project known to them as the Source but what they let loose changed the face of America. Technology has ground to a halt and is about the level that existed during the Middle Ages in Europe. It also changed the DNA of some of the population, turning some humans into creatures like Flairs, elf like beings that the Source uses as a power supplement. New York Lawyer Cal Griffin raised his little sister Trina, but when she changed and disappeared, he vowed to find her and stop the Source from using and harming her. He gathers together a small group of traveling companions including the mystical homeless man Herman Golding, Russian Doctor Lysenko who used to run a hot dog stand, and Colleen, an ordinary woman. During their travels, they meet another group of people who can help them in their quest if they risk helping them out on a very dangerous situation. Some of the questions left hanging in the prequel are answered yet there remains many questions that should be answered in the next book in this series. Readers observe more of the revisions and modifications brought about by The Source to include geographical alterations executed by this perverted energy and more enlightening to the reader the changes happening to Cal and his friends. The authors have written a work that is reminiscent of Stephen King's The Stand.

Kill And Tell
Linda Howard
Atria
Nov 2002, $18.00, 310 pp. ISBN: 0743453921

Former Viet Nam vet Dexter Whitlaw kept a book filled with secrets that he mails to his wife and daughter abandoned by him two decades ago. His daughter Karen, mourning the death of her mother, receives the package from her father, a person she prefers to forget exists. Rather than deal with him now, she buries the package amidst other possessions of her mother. Meanwhile in New Orleans, someone kills Dexter and CIA agent Rick Medina who trailed after him. Police Detective Marc Chastain investigates the homicide of the John Doe street looking individual that he quickly learns is Dexter with a family living in Ohio. Upon learning that she is now officially an orphan, Karen goes to New Orleans to see to the remains of her father. However, his past written in the notebook contained in that package he sent to her leads from the Nam jungle to the congressional jungle with an unknown assailant trying to kill Karen. Only Marc keeps her alive though safe is another story as they uncover the truth of political power and love. Already a highly regarded author, Linda Howard has written her best book to date with the incredibly exciting Kill And Tell. The story line is fast-paced, filled with action, and very plausible due to a dynamite lead couple and a reliable believable support cast. Twists and turns aided by red herrings and cleverly drawn and placed clues lead to a wonderful reading experience. Suspense and romantic suspense fans will relish this powerful tale.

A Hidden Place
Robert Charter Wilson
Orb
Sept 2002, $12.95, 2002 ISBN 0765302616

After his mother dies, Travis Fisher travels to the Midwest town of Haute Montagne to live with his Aunt Liza Burack and her husband Creath. It is the Great Depression and jobs are hard to come by so Travis works for Creath at his ice plant. The Baracks have a strange but beautiful boarder named Anna living in their attic and Travis is attracted to her even though she sleeps with Creath. Travis starts dating Nancy Wilcox who wants to help Anna escape from Creath. Anna begs Travis to take Anna to a safe place before she starts changing. With Nancy's help he succeeds, but also glimpses Anna in her other form and knows she is not human. He leaves and Nancy watches over Anna until she completes the change. Anna is also waiting for her other half before she can return to her home world, but Haute Montagne is on the verge of exploding and Travis, Nancy, Anna and her other half could get caught in the middle of vigilante justice. A Hidden Place is a fascinating work of fantasy starring two misfits who see themselves through an alien's myopic eyes. Nancy's easy acceptance of Anna's origins and Travis's rejection of her is a reflection of the lives they lived up to this point. Anna is a complex character who can see the beauty in humanity, which is the reason Nancy is so willing to help her. Travis is also a complicated person running from a past he can't accept and a future he doesn't believe in unless he makes peace with the mother he both loved and hated.

The Briar And The Rose
Laura Mills-Alcott
LTD Books
April 2003, $16.99 ISBN: 1553165802

In 1827 Devan feels consumed with grief and guilt because he failed to save his beloved Katherine from the fire. Drink fails to help so unable to cope, Devan flees London for his Irish home. When he arrives in Ireland, Devan sees a ghost as he observes an urchin uncannily resembling Katherine. Devan brings Raven into his home though her tale is peculiar as she suffers from amnesia. In exchange for room and board, Devan asks Raven to tell him if she recalls any of her lost memories. As he watches his guest act, he wonders if he might be the victim of a clever con or the recipient of a second chance at love. Raven dreams of a life, but it is not her nineteenth century existence. Instead she relives the seventeenth century life of Mairead, the secret lover of aristocrat Seamus. Mairead believed he betrayed their love, so she cursed him, but once she learned the truth failed to free their souls before they died. How their tragedy connects to Raven and Devan requires reading the novel. The Briar And The Rose is a strong historical paranormal romance that brilliantly uses nineteenth century tidbits (and to a lesser degree from the 1600s) to anchor the otherworldly elements into a warm tale that readers of both sub-genres will relish. Devan and Raven make a delightful couple and through her dreams the audience will see what happened to the secret love between Mairead and Seamus without slowing down the plot. Laura Mills-Alcott provides fans with a memorable story that will make its audience demand more haunting love stories like this one.

Harriet Klausner
Senior Reviewer
Midwest Book Review

Donovan's Bookshelf
Paranoid's Ultimate Survival Guide
Patricia Barnes-Svarney & Thomas Svarney
Prometheus Books
599 John Glenn Dr., Amherst, NY 14228
1573929719 $18.00 1-800-421-0351

Blending humor with authentic hazards, this tells how to cope with feelings of terror over everything from dust mites and meteorites to solar flares and poisoning. These are everyday hazards for the most part: the authors assess the severity of these threats and offer suggestions for overcoming them.

Prometheus Books
599 John Glenn Dr., Amherst, NY 14228
1-800-421-0351

Why does the definition of sex appeal change over time, and why do women prefer emotional ties to men, while men always seem more interested in sex? Many traits have chemical and evolutionary roots, and Nigel Barber's Science Of Romance (1573929700, $26.00) traces back modern behavior patterns to the reproductive history of our species. A scientific explanation of sexual conduct today. Susan Beerman and Judith Rappaport-Musson's Eldercare 911 (157392014X, $24.00) provides a caregiver's manual for decision-making; from knowing when a parent needs help and increased care to coping with Alzheimer's and identifying care options. Checklists accompany such concrete tips as identifying substance abuse in the elderly, knowing when hospitalization is needed, and keeping track of medications.

Reader's Encyclopedia Of World Drama
John Gassner & Edward Quinn
Dover Publications
31 East 2nd Street, Mineola, NY 11501
0486420647 $39.95 1-800-223-3130

College-level and reference collections with strong drama sections will want to include this resource in their libraries: Reader's Encyclopedia Of World Drama reprints a 1969 classic, with entries on national drama, playwrights, plays and genres providing country listings and historical surveys alike. Complete coverage of major dramatic genres and many minor styles are included in this comprehensive work.

Dover Publishers
31 E. 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501
1-800-223-3130

Isaac Husik's History Of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy (0486422372, $18.95) reprints a classic work which originally appeared in 1940, providing a complete history of medieval Jewish philosophy. Spirituality blends with philosophy and ethics in a title which condenses and explains the philosophers' main arguments, going beyond summary to establish links to contemporary events. Shigeki Kaizuka's Confucius: His Life And Thought (0486421392, $8.95) returns a 1956 biography/philosophy to modern times, examining the birth and ideas of Confucius. Both are excellent titles.

Theatergoer's Guide To Shakespeare's Themes
Robert Thomas Fallon
Ivan R. Dee, Inc. Publisher
1332 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60622-2632
1566634571 $26.00 1-800-462-6420

This survey of the major themes in Shakespeare's plays is meant not for a literary audience so much as for a theater audience of playgoers who seek to enjoy these performances. As such, chapters chronicle Shakespeare's most pervasive themes and how these patterns hold changing meaning to past and present viewers.

New Killing Fields
Nicolaus Mills & Kira Brunner, Eds.
Basic Books
387 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10016
0465008038 $26.00 1-800-242-7737

Essays written by eyewitnesses to foreign terror are packed into The New Killing Fields: Massacre and the Politics of Intervention, a powerful, revealing title, which considers massacre, and the politics involved in its intervention around the world. Lessons gained from Asian and European massacre experiences, issues of justice and responsibility, and those involved in military and social issues on all sides are revealed in a set of striking scholarly analyses.

Courage To Be Catholic
George Weigel
Basic Books
387 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10016
0465092608 $22.00 1-800-242-7737

The Catholic Church is in a state of crisis how can it turn this crisis into new opportunities? In Courage To Be Catholic, Theologian Weigel argues the path to Catholic reforms lie in a renewed commitment to living the Catholic faith. From the current crisis of sexual abuses by leaders to the promise of Vatican II, Courage To Be Catholic exposes patterns of dissent and deception within the church and offers some solutions.

The Drift
John Ridley
Alfred A. Knopf
299 Park Avenue, New York NY 10171
0375411828 $24.00 1-800-726-0600

Charlie has been asked to find the teen niece of a man who taught him how to survive the rails a girl lost somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. His search leads him to the underworlds of many states and ultimately to a confrontation with his own future in The Drift, a highly recommended and action-packed novel.

Alfred A. Knopf
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
1-800-726-0600

Two outstanding new titles are highly recommended picks. Anne Rice's Blackwood FARM (0375411992, $26.95) provides a satisfying blend of two of her major themes: vampires and witches. The Farm of title is the home of a brilliant young man haunted by a spirit from a dreamworld. When Quinn becomes a vampire, his double becomes an even more terrifying force in his life. Packed with solid characterization and unpredictable twists of plot. Sandra Cisneros' Caramelo (0375435549, $24.00) provides a multi-generational novel of a Mexican-American family. Lala's grandmother is descended from a family of famous shawl makers, and at novel's beginning the family is leaving Chicago for their annual trip to Mexico City. Lala hears family stories of other worlds and generations, and must find her own meaning in her divided world in this engrossing story of two cultures.

Ost Subs
Spencer Dunmore
Da Capo Press
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
0306814405 $35.00 1-800-242-7737

Ost Subs is a survey which will interest anyone who enjoy accounts of treasure hunts and underwater scavenging: it tells of attempts to locate the greatest submarines ever sunk, and includes over 200 color images along with archival photos and drawings throughout. From a history of the submarine to chapters and sidebars detailing those lost - and still missing Ost Subs will make a special holiday gift for that hard-to-please reader.

Vikings: Battle At The End Of Time
Tony Allan
Baird/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1903296625 $19.95 1-800-423-4525

Vikings: Battle At The End Of Time is a richly illustrated introduction to the culture and history of the Vikings, using artifacts and wonders to reveal the themes and symbols of the Viking world. Color photos abound in a presentation which lends a strong visual impact to early Viking history.

A Good Likeness
Paul Arnott
Abacus/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0349113289 $13.95 1-800-423-4525

This memoir of adoption is more than an autobiography: A Good Likeness tells of an adult who only comes to terms with his past when his own child is born. His journey to find his own biological parents touches on social and psychological issues alike.

Valentino: First Superstar
Noel Botham
Metro Brooks/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1843580136 $24.95 1-800-423-4525

Valentino: First Superstar is the story of the Latin lover who became the silver screen's first and greatest sex symbol represents more than twenty years of research and travel on the part of author Botham, who reveals missing answers about the star's brief but memorable life. Interviews with some of the costars and personalities of Valentino's time makes for a well-rounded biography.

The Mandolin Manual
John Troughton
Crowood Press/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1861264968 $35.00 1-800-423-4525

The mandolin is not a widely utilized instrument compared with its relatives the guitar and violin, and even less has been written on its construction. Enter Troughton's guide, which covers the making of the mandolin in all its details. While no prior knowledge of woodworking is assumed, readers should be interested in both the instrument itself and woodworking in general in order to gain the most from this survey.

Ship In The Wilderness
Jim Snyder & Keith Shackleton
Gaia/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1856751929 $35.00 1-800-423-4525

Ship In The Wilderness is a presentation of the voyages of the MS Explorer through the last wild places on Earth blends a travelogue with a nature diary and an account of expedition cruising. Snyder's wildlife and landscape photography enhances Shackleton's text and log-book drawings to make for a very different kind of natural history title. Wildlife photos abound.

Garden Of England From The Air
Jason Hawkes
Ebury Press/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0091879078 $35.00 1-800-423-4525

The English counties of Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire hold some of the most beautiful buildings and landscape in England, and Garden Of England From The Air presents memorable aerial views of these and other historic wonders will please any with a special affection for England. Armchair readers will relish the commentary provided by the captions, as well as the detailed history.

Metrobooks/Friedman Fairfax
230 5th Avenue, #700, NY, NY 10001
1-800-367-9692

Two outstanding titles provide in-depth and photo-filled coverages of history. Wonders Of The World (158663751-7, $12.98) provides a chronological arrangement of selected locations of human masterworks which span over 10,000 years of civilization. The inclusion of maps along with history makes this an especially valuable title for students interested in the great monuments of the world and how they came to be. Ancient Rome by Anna Maria Liberati and Fabio Bourbon (15866337673, $29.98) is especially recommended for high schools studying roman history. There have been many similar-sounding books on the market but none so lavish in photographic embellishment and oversized presentation, providing a rich history of Rome's eleven centuries of rule and packing in charts, maps, and tables. Both are terrific, highly recommended acquisitions.

Diane C. Donovan
West Coast Editor
Midwest Book Review

James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com

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