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Kaveny's Bookshelf
Confessions of an Evangelical Book Peddler and Literary Critic.
Get out your tiny violins folks along with your super king size box of Kleenex extra-strength
tissue.
Because, I am about to tell about the saddest story you have ever heard. It's about person who is
about to retire on a very handsome pension. She is a baby boomer three or four years younger
than
myself, but a lot different in many, many ways. I am a war baby born in 1944 which puts me in the
trough right before the boomer wave starts to crest, I got to the retirement funds and just about
everything else just a little bit before the boomers -- while there is still something left in them.
Well in any case I was trying evangelize my friend about books. This is just part of my character
and
what I am. I do this with just about everybody I meet. As a matter of fact I once told a monk I
met
at Medieval Studies Conference in Michigan that when I meet St. Peter at the Pearly Gates I
would
probably try to sell him a book. This is how I operate. When I make a new friend I try to find out
something about their interests in order to suggest a book that might interest them, and then try to
get it for them if I can. Perhaps I am a bit like a "hands-on" shoe salesman. But she stonewalled
me
by saying the bookshelves in her house are full so she will never buy any more books, nor would
she
take any if they were ever given to her. I walked out of her office with a sense of sadness and
defeat,
which weighed heavily upon me. I knew I had met my match and I would not be back -- at least
for
a while.
To some of you, of course, that would not seem like a profoundly sad story, but to me it seemed
positively pathetic. Just think what it means to not have room in one's life for any more books. To
never own another book, to never read another book, to never read new book, to never hold a
booksale. Wow this seems almost Un-American!
Did you know that for example that Henry Knox was George Washington's youngest
Revolutionary
War General at age twenty-five. Knox was a self-educated Boston Bookseller, who according to
my
sources was also a Quaker who weighed nearly 300 pounds.
Did you know that late in his life when he was strapped for funds, Thomas Jefferson sold his
entire
library to the United States Congress -- only to use that same money to buy more books. For the
record of course we all know that it was Thomas Jefferson's personal library became the origins of
the Library of Congress. I must add that John F. Kennedy once proposed a toast at a White
House
Dinner his wife Jackie held for selecte members of the nation's intelligencia that went something
like
this. "Only once in the Nation's history have more brains been gathered in one room for a White
House Dinner. That was one hundred and sixty years ago when Thomas Jefferson dined
alone.
That was the point where I had a religious experience in which I defined what I am and what I
believe. My vocation is book reviewing; book writing; book searching; book finding; and, of
course,
book peddling. This vocation of mine also includes book giving to individuals, and book donating
to
organizations. What this means is that I think books are wonderful and meant to be shared. The
great ones should be celebrated; the pompous one brought to task, and the pernicious ones (Like
"Mein Kampf" by Adolf Hitler Hardcover: Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Co; (September 15, 1998)
ISBN: 0395951054 hardcover edition price $35.00 and available on Amazon), should stay in print
so that they may be brought out in the blazing noonday sun for democratic public scrutiny.
I will mention a few of them -- and note that all books I mention are in print and currently
available
on Amazon. You might find it strange that a small independent book peddler like myself would be
saying good things about Amazon. I think they are one of the best things that has happened to
book
selling in the last Century. Besides, our family motto has always been if you can't beat them, join
them. But I do digress.
When I find a really important book or writer I become evangelical in my approach to them. That
is
to say I want spread the word to everyone. Some books are so compelling that they force you to
re-align your mind, jump-start your brain, and reformat your stereotypes.
What follows are handful or so of books that forced me to change my way of thinking. For
example,
when I read Susan Browmiller's "Against Our Will: Men, Women and Rape" (Paperback: 472
pages
ISBN: 0449908208, Fawcett Books; Reprint edition (June 1993) copyright 1975 $10.50) in 1975,
I
was so moved by it that I did a community radio production on it. This in turn lead me to a
four-year
career in community radio-based book reviewing. The reason for this was that Susan Browmiller
had converted me(formerly a very resistant reader) to her major thesis through her painstaking
scholarship. I now believe that rape more than anything has been historically constructed as a
crime
against patriarchal property. Further, at least in the west by our judicial and political systems, rape
was often used as an instrument of patriarchal hegemonic control.
Fiction can have that same belief altering effect. For example When I read Sylvia Path's "The Bell
Jar" (Paperback: 288 pages ; Reprinted: Perennial, January 2000, ISBN: 0060930187, price
$10.36),
I did not expect to find myself feeling anything in common with her, but I was wrong. After I read
"The Bell Jar" I felt and still feel a kind of spiritual kinship with Sylvia Path which was truly
chilling.
Sylvia Plath has been getting a bad rap for the last forty years since her suicide. She is usually
characterized a talented but psychotic poet whose. I believe that her work has been too much
separated from the fascinating aspects of her life. I further believe that much of the terror in her
life
was a result of her been forced to live her life in search of the praise of others. Parts of "The Bell
Jar" in a strange and chilling way resonate with the experience of the majority of college and
professional athletes in the sense that Sylvia Plath's entire being was groomed to perform and
please
others.
"Soul On Ice" by Eldridge Cleaver (1968 Paperback - February 1999, Paperback: 224 pages,
Dimensions (in inches): 0.69 x 8.02 x 5.30, publisher: Delta, February 1999, reprint ISBN:
038533379X, price $11.16), was a terrifying book written by a black convict who created the
identity of the black "Super Masculine Menial", stereotype which defined many of the mid-20th
century White attitudes towards race issues.
Less you think that every important book in my life was read a third of a Century ago, let me at
least
mention another item I am working which may lead me into a fascinating area of scholarship. You
won't see the completed review for a couple of months but at least I want to mention, "Ordering
Women's Lives: Penitential and Nunnery Rules in the Early Medieval Westby" by Julie Ann Smith
(Hardcover: 246 pages Publisher: Ashgate Publishing Company; December 2001, ISBN:
1859282385, price $76.00). This book is a fascinating piece of painstakingly accurate scholarship.
Yet at the same time this is a very readable and accessible book well suited to the educated
non-specialist general reader. From a seemly narrow focus Julie Ann Smith address broad
questions
that span a 2000-year historical period. The thing that Smith does the best is she moves church
history from a series of philosophical abstractions to working system. A system which has effected
western life since the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine in the first third of the
Fourth
Century AD to Christianity right up to the present moment.
Okay, well I suppose some of my readers remembering the experience of some the
tele-evangelists
in the last few decades will say that I am in this just for the money. My answer to this is as
follows.
About a year ago at this time I was rooked out of a half million-dollar inheritance because I
refused
to shave my beard off for my beloved Aunt Cleo Sammis. So when she died at the age of 88, I got
her books rather than her house and money. Looking back at it things may have worked out for
the
best. Had I got the money I would have just expanded my level of book peddling until all her
money
(and mine) was gone.
Perhaps some of you who are reading this are depressed by the idea of the "death of the book". At
this point I turn to Mark Twain who said, "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." I
think that is the case with books also. I believe that books and people are alive and well as long as
people talk about them, and write about them. Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" is one of the best
books about books censorship and ideas. It was written in 1952. (Mass Market Paperback: 179
pages, Publisher: Ballantine Books; Reissue edition, February 1995, ISBN: 0345342968, Price
$6.99). It is about a near future world in which books are banned and is told from the viewpoint
of a
fireman whose job it is to burn books. He becomes converted to books and helps to save what he
set
out to destroy. He moves into a world in which people who love books become books by
memorizing them and passing them on to others orally
I am lucky enough to have a friend of a lifetime who has a great gift which he is not the least bit
self
conscious about. He becomes which he reads. When Bob finds something interesting that moves
him, he passes it on be it a poem, a passage, or an entire book. He passes it on as if it has become
a
part of himself. We don't always agree (strangely enough Bob is more of a formalist than myself),
and he would argue that I let far too much of my work out before it is truly finished.
His name is Robert E. Mckienan JR, and I have known him over forty-five years. Bob is 58 years
and is a father and grandfather. Bob and I spend about four hours a week on the telephone since
we
live about 250 miles from each other and have a lot to talk about. Bob is a Giant of a man, half
way
through a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in film. Bob is about to switch into an English program
after
a seventeen year hiatus from graduate school. As yet he just does not know it is about to happen,
but I know he is on his way. During the hiatus Bob spent almost ten years a caregiver for his late
wife, then back to bus driving for almost ten years. Bob drove bus on route which cut right
through
all of the class and ethnic boundaries in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from Shorewood and White Folks
Bay, all the way through the inner city communities. I rode with Bob around his bus route one
night
when I visited him fourteen months ago. As I rode the neighborhoods changed and Bob and I
became the only white people on the bus. Bob drove that route for several years and it gave him
knowledge of race relations and co-operation, which one could never get in a classroom.
A personal accident forced him to retire from bus driving last April. But Bob, practically against
all
odds, is recovering from it. Through all of this Bob gives others the gift of books by becoming
them
as he reads them to his dear friends including Allison, his Daughter Julie, his granddaughter,
myself ,
and many others. In a way I owe some of my status as a literary critic to Bob. Because, thirty
years
ago Bob turned me on to Kurt Vonnegut when he read sections of Vonneguts least understood
novel "The Sirens of Titan". (Dell 1959, Paperback, October 1998 reissue, Delta, October 1998,
ISBN: 0385333498, Price: $10.36). Thirty-three years later I review secondary works of
academic
criticism for a number of academic journals because I followed that yesteryear interest back to
graduate school. Bob has given me permission to publish some of his poems in the next few
months
in my column.
This business of being an Evangelical Book Peddler has its ups and downs, and it seems that for
everyone you lose, another one takes their place. For example, take Sonja, a young woman about
nineteen who has a really serious interest in the works of J.R.R Tolkien. Sonja found me
somehow
or other and came by my office. She is a wonderful person, hard working, waiting to go to college
after her mother and sister finish. In the meantime she is working a job and a half in the fast food
industry to keep body and soul together.
I liked what Sonja had to say as she compared J.R.R Tolkien to C.S Lewis in terms of Tolkien's
relatively deeper meaning -- which was achieved at the expense of some commercial smoothness.
As
a matter of fact Tolkien says this same thing in his letters. Tolkien does not talk down to children,
where C. S. Lewis does, to an extent, talk down to them. Sonja thinks she and her friends would
love to have a Tolkien and fantastic literature discussion group in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I will do
my best to help make it happen.
Philip Kaveny -- Literary Editor Midwest Book Review and proud of it. I would rather write my
column than watch the Super Bowl which I can hear in the background as I write this.
Laurel's Bookshelf
North of Nowhere
William Reid
Adventure Book Publishers - Durksen Enterprises Ltd.
www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks or 780-961-2213
ISBN 1-55313-076-6 e-book
ISBN: 1-55313-077-4 paperback
117 pages at $5.99 CDN/ $3.99 US (approx.) download
jewel-cased diskette is $8.99 CDN/ $5.99 US (approx.)
print $26.49 CDN / $17.59 US
North of Nowhere is a coming of age story with a twist. What distinguishes it from others of its
type
is the author's ability as writer. William Reid is a VERY good writer who tells a story in engaging
style.
Darren Freeman is 17 years old and heading down a destructive path. The product of an upper
middle class family, Darren is a "pot head" who doesn't seem to give a damn about anything but
smoking dope and defying or embarrassing his social climbing parents.
Carrie Spears is main "caretaker" of irresponsible, alcoholic parents. At 17, all she can remember
is
cleaning up vomit and the messes created by the adults in her world. Life has not been pretty or
easy
for Carrie, and she trusts no one but herself. Life at home and on the streets has hardened her to
everything and everyone.
As a last ditch effort to change their outlooks, Darren and Carrie's parents send them to the
Grizzly
Bear Adventure Outings in the Alaskan wilderness. Camp Counselor Gary Cornwall is a military
wannabe who uses shock tactics as a means of bringing rebellious teenagers to heel. He is not a
man
Darren and Carrie find easy to like or respect, and Cornwall soon finds he's bitten off more than
he
can chew with these two strong-willed teens. When Darren and Carrie escape the camp and strike
out on their own, Cornwall fails to track them down and they are left on their own to survive the
Alaskan wilderness.
The tale this author spins is an exciting one, about two fearless teens who work together as a
team
to survive and finally thrive as human beings. Their respect for each other's strengths and
weaknesses is touching and uplifting. Whatever nature throws at them - bears and freezing
blizzards,
near mortal wounds or icy rivers - these two young people take in stride and face together. Love
blooms, but is mutually put on hold because survival is their foremost common goal. From
Alaskan
natives who befriend them, they discover universal truths that give their lives fuller meaning:
1. Alaska and the world have become a zoo the white man left by accident.
2. The killing of animals is not glorious but a necessity to feed humans. It leaves the hunter sad
and
shaken.
How Darren and Carrie come to a richer understanding of themselves and the world over time is
the
beauty of this story. I highly recommend it to all ages.
Treason and Triumph
Bonnie Toews
1stBooks Library
ISBN 1-4033-4869-3 paperback
ISBN 1-4033-4868-5 e-book
$10.50 US - paperback and $4.95 US e-book
Through the thoughts and hearts of her characters, Bonnie Toews gives readers a realistic taste of
Europe during Hitler's reign. The eyes and skill of Marla Franklin, American journalist, give us
graphic renderings of Nazi inhumanity. Cristallnacht. The Final Solution. Butchery and deeds too
horrible to believe. In the innocence and vulnerability of piano virtuoso Lady Catherine
Rushmore,
we see what was perhaps Europe's finest hour. Courage amidst depravity. Determination to retain
humanity. Reverence for tradition. Marla and Catherine become friends and British operatives,
trusting in each other while everything around them falls apart. Each is courted by oddly disparate
lovers, without the assurance that these men are not gestapo double agents.
The male characters are equally strong. Christopher Tobin is an Irish patriot turned hard-honed
stoic
warrior. His years with the Sinn Fein taught him well to keep his silence and deliver shattering
reprisals. Joachim VanDaren - my personal favorite - is a German nobleman and aryan
wunderkind,
chiseled perfection in his Nazi SS uniform. Joachim hides his compassion and sorrow and does
what
he can to thwart Hitler and his minions. Ulo Rorvig is a Norsk freedom fighter who knows the
true
meaning of love and sacrifice.
All action and intrigue plays out against the backdrop of a shattered Europe. Treason and
Triumph
is a well written and exciting read, and Ms. Toews did a bang up job on research. If you want to
see
what WW 2 was really like, complete with glory and dishonor, read this book.
Eagles Watch
William Reid
Adventure Book Publishers - Durksen Enterprises Ltd.
ISBN 1-55313-194-0
142 pages at $6.49 Canadian or $4.33 US e-book
Jewel Case Diskette version $12.99 Canadian, $8.59 US
Trade paperback $28.59 Canadia, $18.99 US
Jack Rogers is professor of biology at a New Mexico university. Specifically, he is a desert
ecologist. His teaching style is casual, and popular with students. His relationship with Christy
Engstrom is cooking comfortably along. Jack's life is one of ordered disorder, more or less the
way
he wants it, until the fabric of his reality is ripped apart.
Jack is "called", according to his old friend the shaman, Frank Windsinger. An Indian woman
named
Fawn StarRising needs his help. She offers native healing via the Medicine Way, and that path is
leading her to danger. Skeptical at first, Jack sets out to help Fawn in whatever superficial way he
can, as a favor to his old friend. Before long, he is drawn into the Medicine Way and discovers
that
being Indian is a matter of brain, not blood. Jack Rogers, white man living happily in a white
man's
world, becomes Jack Two Leggings, a sometimes bewildered man whose spirit moves between
the
world of white and Indian with ease.
Fawn is in danger, both in the real and spirit realm. Her nemesis soon becomes Jack's. Dead Sage
is
a very modern Indian, a huge and powerful man who controls with money and influence from
behind
prison walls. Fawn, her daughters, Jack and Christy must fight with all the power at their disposal
to
defeat Dead Sage and escape with their lives intact.
Mr. Reid's writing style is spare but evocative. He chooses his words carefully and builds the story
in
short but effective bursts. "Dawn came a note at a time." Spare, but in that short line and the ones
that followed, this reader was transported into the desert southwest at dawn. Eagles Watch is well
written, thoroughly researched, and a fascinating story that I believe holds more truth than fiction.
I
liked it very much, and recommend it to those who appreciate Native lore and mystery woven into
good fiction by an excellent wordsmith.
Weapon in Heaven
David Bulley
Dandelion Books
ISBN 1-893302-28-8, $29.90, 91 pages
Don't let the length of this book fool you, or the subject matter give you pause. What you will find
between two covers is humorous, ironic, heartbreaking, and human. David Bulley tells his story in
third person - with panache - but with an intimacy that made me feel a part of everything.
Eddy Licklighter is a common man, soft hearted and humorous. Friends and acquaintances can't
help
but like the man. Eddy has simple hopes and dreams. Those dreams include a firm belief in God's
miracles and blessings. He's happy with his lot, and does his best to make the most of what he has.
He loves his wife and adores his little girl. Something breaks in Eddy when his wife and daughter
are
burned up in a house fire before his eyes. Friends can't believe that Eddy can still smile and share
his
sense of humor after such a loss. But behind that smile lives fiery rage, rage against the God who
allows all thing horrible and heart breaking to happen.
Eddy buys a bed and breakfast in the shadow of Mount Katahdin with his wife's insurance money.
He hires Melinda, a Native American straight off the Reservation to run it for him. In and out of
Eddy's life move his friends Dan and Chief of Police Bruce Telyawhig. Added into this odd mix
are
Paul, a Baptist minister, and Stephen, a young gay man in search of safety and acceptance. Paul
has
left his church in disgrace when he's discovered in a sexual situation with a teenage boy. Fate
brings
him to Eddy's bed and breakfast and enlightenment.
Eddy's plan is to destroy God fast and neat. The world, according to Eddy, would be a happier
simpler place without God in it. The more Eddy blasphemes and rages in the face of God, the
more
things go his way. He figures God is trying to win him over after stealing everything Eddy holds
dear. Still, everywhere he looks is death and poison in the world, awful misery that God allows to
happen. Eddy says a resounding no to such a God, no to every question God ever asked and
every
suggestion He'd ever made. His friends love Eddy, believe in him, including Paul. Paul learns
lessons
of "pleasurable destruction" from Eddy - smoking, drinking beer, giving God the finger both
literally
and figuratively. He buys into Eddy's wry philosophy: "Just when things get from horrible to
tolerable, just when you start to figure something out about life, God screws you over
again."
Eddy's master plan is to kill God and then kill himself. How this plan plays out is both funny and
heart rending. I don't want to give it all away. Let's just say that in the end, Eddy understands
truths
that humans this side of the veil cannot know and should not judge.
The premise is different than anything I ever read, and author Bulley masterful. Staunch Christians
may not see beyond the blasphemy.
The stark sexual and sometimes violent content are portrayed realistically, along with language
some
may find offensive. But the meat of the story itself is thought-provoking and sometimes beautiful.
If
you want something different, give Weapon in Heaven a try.
Desert Sunshine
Reece Daniel
PublishAmerica
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN 1-59286-128-8 $19.95 188 pages
Desert Sunshine was an unanticipated gift where reading experiences are concerned. Reece Daniel
tells this story almost tenderly, with a palpable respect for life and earth.
Ed Adair is a retired police chief who returns to his boyhood home in Arizona. Raised on the
reservation by his half Apache grandmother, Ed has nursed ill feelings all his life towards his
mixed
race heritage. His ice blue eyes earned him the nickname Blue Eyes, a name he considered
taunting
in childhood and finds derogatory as a man. It is clear from the outset that Ed may have the looks
of
a white man, but his spirit is Apache, through and through.
When Ed is dry gulched and left near death by a long distance shooter, modern technology can do
little to save him. Ed Adair the modern law officer lays comatose and dying in the present, while
the
Arizona Territory Ranger known as Blue Eyes wakes up in 1882.
Arizona of the 1880s is far different from the one Ed knew in the 21st century. Primeval White
Mountain forests still stand. Gone are the logged out rutted remnants Ed remembers from the
future.
Sweet nature scents blow in on desert winds to stir Ed's native spirit. Life is simple, full of
wonder.
Enemies are not disguised as friends in Arizona's past, and evil presents itself quite clearly. Men
live
and die by the gun without reprisal in the Arizona Territory. Ed fits right in, packing his .45 Colt
Peacemaker and a high powered Sharps rifle. His vision quest as Blue Eyes introduces Ed to his
Apache progenitors and ties past to future in unexpected and surrealistic ways.
What makes Desert Sunshine work is the tender and poignant way this author crafts his tale. Yes,
the story features a very masculine protagonist and macho action. Men are men and women are
women and both are well aware of the difference in the best John Wayne and Gary Cooper style.
But it is the heart and thoughts of the 1880s Blue Eyes, the half breed Apache finding truth and
love
that made this book stand out for me.
In Him I Am Able
Mellie Smith Smith
PublishAmerica
ISBN 1-59129-294-8, $19.95, 143 pages
Let me preface this review by saying that I personally knew Mellie Smith. I knew Mellie the
woman
and mission worker, the church secretary and fun-lover. Mellie the Christian, wife, mother, and
grandmother was my friend. The author died before this book was published. And I, along with
every other human being who had benefitted from her joy, wished that God had let her live. But
Mellie wanted to be with the Lord. That was our only comfort at the time, and then her book
came
out. A family-written addendum detailing Mellie's last few weeks of life had not yet been added
into
my review copy, but was a powerful epilogue.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That quote from Phillippians was
Mellie's
mantra and set the tone for everything she did. It's all here in this book. When Mellie was in
Africa,
braving human cruelty and killer bees, Christ was with her clearing out the way. And when evil
personified threatened her in Haiti, her Savior was riding shotgun. Humanity took on a finer
meaning
when Mellie shared her love in prisons, because she hated sin but loved the sinner, just as Jesus
wants us all to do. Every place she went, everything she did, Mellie Smith took Jesus with her.
She
spread her love and His around to make our sometimes dreary world a little brighter.
This book is only one small part of Mellie's legacy. What she was and all she did for Christ and
others remains as a testimony to her boundless faith. In Him I Am Able shares the author's zest
for
life, her strongly held beliefs. Her words are full of hope, the writing eloquent. Mellie Smith is still
a
bright example of what humans ought to be, sharing humor and a healthy shot of courage from
beyond the pale.
The Crystalline Rain
E.H. Mondich
PublishAmerica
ISBN 1-59129-901-2, 204 pages, $19.95, paperback
Well-crafted prose, technological and biological breakthroughs, and military skullduggery all play
a
part in this first book by E.H. Mondich. I can't even imagine the weeks of research that made this
premise work so well.
David Jenkins is an Air Force Captain, Professor of Physics, and a brilliant scientist. His gift to the
world is holographic memory. He's chosen by the U.S. government and the Pope to reveal long
held
secrets of the Shroud of Turin, the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. David is agnostic, a non-believer,
but
as pure as any man can be where his work is concerned. When the lab catches fire during testing,
and a Papal representative dies, David makes the perfect scapegoat. He creates a new life for
himself
outside the military, as a professor of physics at Rice University. Always simmering beneath the
surface is his anger at a betraying God, a God he flat refuses to believe in.
Mondich builds an intriguing tale of greedy politicians and military officers who are not above
using
anyone - including Jesus Christ - if that will suit their ends. Simpson Biotech International has
supposedly cloned Christ from the Shroud. The CEO of S.B.I. is David Jenkin's ex Commanding
Officer. Simpson's clone of Christ is dying, and nothing can save him except Jenkin's perfected
holographic technology. Simpson has surrounded himself with a mix of civilian and military bad
guys. Will Professor David Jenkins be a match for them?
The climax of this story is explosive, part excitement and part mystery. Does David Jenkins
survive
it? Is Simpson's clone truly Christ come back to earth in human form? And what is the amazing
phenomenon called The Crystalline Rain? I suggest you read the book to find out.
Interview with Claudia Turner VanLydegraf:
I wanted to interview Claudia Turner VanLydegraf because her book,
Notes from Nobody, was an honest documentary about why one woman decided to put her babies
up for adoption. This book offered an often painful and touching insight into the author's
reasoning
and caused me to consider adoption from a different perspective.
LJ for MBR: Initially, what prompted you to write your story?
Claudia: Well, Laurel, I found my boys, both of them within a two week period of time around
Labor Day 1998. At the time, I had not been searching for them for quite a while and really had
not
given much thought to finding them for a few years. So, I was totally at a loss about how to
handle
this new experience and what I should or should not do to have a good reunion with each of
them.
There were not many books about how to make this happen. So, I had to sort of wing it on my
own.
There were TV shows and stories, but I wanted to know things like what would my boys want
from
me and how much of the truth should I give them, that sort of thing. Basically, a primer. I bought
a
few books, Lost and Found, Journey of the Adopted Self and Birthright. These books were good,
but didn't tell me much. Most of the stories are in there and touching, but the real gut reactions
and
whys weren't. My oldest boy came to live with me for almost a year after he got out of prison.
Through that period of time, I started really knowing just how much giving him up affected his
life.
And talking to my other son really gave me clues into his nature and how he did his best to mask
all
that he grew up feeling and needing. Both of my boys were loved by their adopted parents, but
each
one of them handled it differently. Many of the ways that my oldest son handled his life
experiences
put him in the place that he was in for longer than 10 years. And many of those same experiences
made it intolerable for him to adjust and stay here with me. After I asked him to leave my home, I
sat down at the computer and started to write, all the time sobbing and in tears. Giving him up the
second time was more than hard on both of us. I just wanted to have him and my other son and
also
my daughter know why I had done all the things in my life that lead up to that point. It started out
as
a journal, and became a book. Someone told me that it should be published because there were
many
more like me out there that needed to have those thoughts and reactions to alidate what they felt.
It
didn't matter if the person was adopted, a birthparent or a parent trying to love someone that they
adopted. Or someone trying to love someone who was given up for adoption or had given up a
baby
to adoption. There are many things that a birthmother sabotages herself into to make up for the
loss
of a baby and thus she sabotages more of her future life and loves.
LJ for MBR: I get the sense from Notes that your life has not been easy. Has it gotten any easier
since your book was published?
Claudia: Somewhat, but not really. I don't have to hide from shadows anymore, I don't have to lie
to
protect myself or anyone else anymore. Now my life is out there for anyone to read and maybe
understand. My daughter doesn't understand it at all and thinks that I wrote Notes to make her
and
her father feel miserable and look like fools. She can't quite get the reality of what it was like in
that
much darker period of our bygone time when everyone was shamed to find themselves pregnant,
without a husband or father for the baby. It was hard fessing up to friends and family about my
past
life, and now I don't have to do that anymore. I just tell them to read the book.
LJ for MBR: Considering the subject matter, it had to be a difficult book to write. Before, during,
or
after the book, were you involved in support groups?
Claudia: No, I was not ever involved in any support groups. I didn't want to air my personal
problems for all the world to hear and worry over. Perhaps that was the birth of Notes. I never
even
knew that there may be support groups to help me, and no one was supposed to talk about this at
anyway. At least that was what they told us when we gave up our babies. "Go on with your life
like
this never happened and everything will be fine." "Don't think about this anymore." So, I never
even
looked for anyone to help me get through my life. I just made the best of what I had and tried to
build a life for me to live. I never considered that there might be answers for why my life was not
what I wanted it to be, except that I was unloveable or unloving.
LJ for MBR: Regarding your writing and publishing experience, is there anything you would do
differently today?
Claudia: Well about the publishing aspect of my book there are many things that I would do much
differently. First, I thought that I had a reputable agent that I found over the internet, and that she
would put my book in a company that would help promote it and get it out there for everyone to
read and be able to buy in any bookstore across the country. She found me a company that only
puts
things out on the internet. The company is good as far as it goes, but it needs to go further. My
book would have died a horrible death if it had been released to the general public and bookstores
when it initially got published because books that are gotten from publishing houses typically only
have a shelf life of about 60-90 days. My book "came out" a week or so before 9-11-01. Every
book
that was published during that time and for the next 6 months suffered greatly, because no one
wanted to buy books at all unless they were somehow related to that terrorist act. So, in that
respect, I am very happy that my book was with an internet company. It is still available and can
be
gotten. However, internet companies need to get the books into the bookstores somehow, so that
people who do not have access to computers or do not chose to use the computer to buy things
can
get the book. There is a "non-returnable" problem that prevents a typical bookstore from getting
Notes or any other book that is Print on Demand or many self published books onto the shelves.
There are many good-to-great books that are published by companies very similar to the one that
I
am with, however, not many people will ever know about them because of the "non-retunable"
aspect of the book ordering and buying from the stores. Then the other biggest part of the
problem
comes from the advertising and getting the book into the stores, and that needs to be helped along
by the publishers. Putting the availability into a catalogue and calling that the end of the exposure
is
not a very reasonable way to get the majority of those books into stores. One person, in onesmall
area cannot possibly get her/his book into the thousands of stores across the country by
her/himself.
She/he needs help financially and with advertising that simply cannot be done alone, and most
authors don't have the money to hire a publicist and managing company to do it for them. I would
have waited for a larger publisher if I had known then what I do now. I wanted to have my book
out
while it was timely and needed. It is out, but No One Knows It. I didn't know at the time that my
Agent only submitted my book to the one company. I paid her to submit it to at least 10
companies.
I know now, that you should never pay an agent, but I didn't know it then. I just wanted the book
to
be able to be read by the many people who need to read it. I would research better and more now,
but now, it is much too late for what if's.
LJ for MBR: What would your advice be to writers being published for the first time today?
Claudia: Never PAY an agent anything. Look at the contract closely for ambiguous wording, read
it
carefully and get an attorney to look it over for you also. Someone who is versed in Publishing
Law.
Carefully think over any offers and weigh them for what you want your book to become. In other
words, look to the future for the consequences.
LJ for MBR: I'd like to change our focus for the moment. I know you publish a newspaper in
your
vicinity. Tell us about that project, the process, and what you've learned from it.
Claudia: I published a small community paper for almost 5 years called Coyote News in Cold
Springs, NV., but had to give it up for health reasons this last winter. It was a neat thing and I
would
do it again if I had the resources to do it like the big boys and have someone deliver it for me. I
did
the stories, mostly community news type thing, the advertising sales and the writing and setup of
the
whole thing. Plus deliveries. I learned that there is a lot of work in doing that kind of a project,
especially when you are doing it alone. It was an adventure and a learning process as I had never
even thought about doing something like that before I actually started the first steps to getting it
going. I gathered as many advertisers as the community had and then decided that I would need to
charge a set price for the paper to subscribers. That may or may not have been a mistake. The
charging part. People don't want to pay for something as small as a little paper that they can read
while standing in line at the 7-11. It was only about 12 to 16 pages long and in a magazine format,
not like a regular newspaper, but because of printing costs, I decided to do it that way. Printers
don't
want to print anything under 1,200 copies and that cost is about $300 per week, which would
have
put Coyote News out of business the first week. As it was, I got some help financially in getting
my
first copier and started printing from my small office. It really was a fun thing, but very time
consuming. However, I stayed in business for over 4 years and ended it when I wanted to, not
because of a lack of readers or money. In fact, I was in the 7-11 in our valley the other day and
someone begged me to please put Coyote News out again.
LJ for MBR: Do you have another novel waiting in the wings? If so, will you tell us about it?
Claudia: I have some solid ideas and am working on a genealogical book that still needs to have
more facts to make it all a reality. It takes time to get a family tree all put together and I am about
2/3's there. I have a very interesting family tree that is traced on two sides all the way back to
before
Julius Caesar, Numerius. The title at this time is: From the Footprints of Kings. On both sides of
the
traced part of the families I have about 850 names now, and over 500 of those names are all the
royalty of middle age Europe from 1500 AD on back to 100 BC I wonder what they would have
thought about me, if they had even figured that in some distant future I would even be here and
know about them and their life and how they lived it. Putting this book together will be a very
hard
book to do, from the aspect of reality, I think, and that is most likely why I want to be certain of
all
the facts before I really start writing it. Part of my reason for writing it, again, has to do with my
past and the reason that Notes had to be written. We are all a part of what our ancestors were,
and
how we live our life shows in what we produce in offspring.
LJ for MBR: Is there any question you wish I had asked, or any bit of information you'd like to
share
with our readers?
Claudia: Not really, I think that I have probably rambled on enough here and you, as well as the
readers of this, are most likely getting bored. And I have a lot to say that takes up much space.
My
website address is: http://notesfromnobody.homestead.com/book.html I would like say a huge
thank
you for taking the time to have my thoughts centralized a bit and put into MBR for others to
ponder
a few minutes on.
LJ for MBR: Thanks for taking time to talk with me, Claudia, and good luck with
From the Footprints of Kings.
Interview with Vickie Adkins:
Vickie Adkins is a published author, with one book under her belt and another waiting in the
wings.
She is a transplanted Kentuckian, currently living in Indiana,
LJ for MBR: Tattered Pages, the light blue ribbon featured a mysterious discovery, surprising and
heart breaking family secrets, and love. The characters could have been people from my
childhood.
What gave you the idea for this book?
Vickie: The idea for this book came sort of by accident. I collect antique books, and one of the
first
things I do after purchasing an old book is leaf through its pages. Tucked in the middle of this
particular book, entitled, The Home Guide, was an obituary of a little boy who died in 1899 of
"unusual and unexplained circumstances." The obituary was fluently written, detailing the life of
this
little boy, where he lived, even his extracurricular activities. When I went to put the obituary back
in
its original spot, I noticed the pages were dealing with child abuse. I was instantly intrigued, and
began to research online to see if I could find any existing relatives, or more details not mentioned
in
the obituary. When I couldn't find one single bit of information, I began to write about Willie, and
what might possibly have happened to him.
LJ for MBR: Many of those who read your first book are eager for the sequel. When can we
expect
to see that sequel, what is the title and the premise?
Vickie: Tattered Pages, rewriting the past, is finished, and hopefully will be out by summer. It
continues with the lives of Verl, her antique bookstore, and the townspeople of Somerville.
Secrets
involving many of the townsfolk are unveiled when Verl discovers some historic documents in the
attic of the bookstore.
LJ for MBR: Do you mind sharing with prospective authors a bit about your publishing
experience?
Provide some words of wisdom from your point of view as an almost-twice published
author.
Vickie: I've written short stories and poetry as long as I can remember, but never actually
attempted
to have anything other than a magazine article published. When I finished TP, the light blue
ribbon, I
let my husband and sister read it. They loved it, and suggested that I look for a publisher. I had no
experience in this area, and since I depend on the Internet for most of my information, I began to
search for publishers that accept unsolicited manuscripts. I also listed my manuscript with First
Edition, a branch of ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association). For a fee, First Edition
allows you to present your book idea to interested Christian Publishers. In the mean time, I
queried a
publisher that was listed on the Internet. Within days, I heard back from them, asking to see my
entire manuscript. A week or so later, they offered me a contract. I really didn't know what to do,
being new to this industry. I prayed about it, and because I didn't have another offer, I took theirs.
Two weeks later, a very reputable publisher contacted me after reading part of my manuscript on
First Edition. Unfortunately, I had to tell them that I had already signed a contract. Hindsight is
definitely 20/20 in this incident, and looking back, I wish I'd been more patient. Being said, that's
the
"words of wisdom" I'd give any first-time writer. If you really believe in your work, and you want
to
see it published and possibly in to the hands of thousands, BE PATIENT! Wait for just the right
publisher, send out dozens of queries, do your research. I learned a lesson the hard way, and wish
I
could relive my decision.
LJ for MBR: You have many other irons in the fire in addition to writing. Tell us about
yourself.
Vickie: I've been married to a minister for over twenty-three years. We have three wonderful
children, aged 20, 18, and 14. My children are absolutely the light's of my life. They're funny,
challenging, uplifting, and a constant encouragement to me. They support me in absolutely
everything I've ever attempted. I love history, old books, cemeteries, and genealogies. My family
indulges me when I get off on one of my tangents. I also love people. People are God's
masterpieces. His artwork, branches off Himself. I find great joy in the many personalities and
attributes of people I meet and work with.
And, of course, I love writing. In addition to writing fiction, I have an online weekly devotional at
www.crosshome.com entitled Potpourri of Praise; a bimonthly column at www.myshelf.com
entitled
Behind the Fiction, and I'm also a reviewer for MyShelf.
LJ for MBR: If you could share one tidbit of advice about the writing process itself, what would it
be?
Vickie: Read! I can honestly say that every new book I read gives me a fresh idea about writing.
Authors are so unique. Each one has their own style and flair for descriptions. Sometimes I read a
great book and think, ~sure wish I'd written that!
LJ for MBR: If you could spend one day picking the brain of any writer on earth, who would you
choose and why?
Vickie: That's a hard question. I'd have to pick Patricia Cornwell. Although I usually black out the
inappropriate language in her novels, I love her Scarpetta series. The combination of forensics and
mysterious murders is very interesting to me. I'd like to question her on how she got started. I've
read that she received many rejection letters before an editor gave her the advice to dump her
main
character, who was a male, and focus on the female, ~Kay Scarpetta. I admire her talent, and
success and would love to interview her.
LJ for MBR: Is there any question you wish I had asked, or any further information you would
like
to share with our readers?
Vickie: An interesting epilogue to Tattered Pages, the light blue ribbon: After it was published, I
was contacted by a distant relative of the little boy whose obituary I found. He came across a
query
I'd posted on a genealogy website for the state where Willie lived. We emailed back and forth
several times, and I ended up sending him a copy of the book.
LJ for MBR: Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Vickie.
Interview with Kathleen Bosworth:
I wanted to interview author Kathleen Bosworth because, as I stated in the review, hers is a
stunning
book. Since I am a medical professional in addition to being author and reviewer, I found Ms.
Bosworth's book, Your Mother Has Suffered a Slight Stroke, to be particularly enlightening. I
firmly
believe that this book should be required reading for every medical student, nursing student,
physical
therapy student, and social work student in the first and last year of their training.
LJ for MBR: Writing this book was obviously a labor of love for you. Reading your honest
feelings
of outrage, frustration, and grief would surely be helpful to those who find themselves in the same
situation. Did detailing your family's experiences throughout your mother's illness help you
resolve
negative personal feelings and issues?
KB: Definitely! I found that I couldn't sleep at night. There were so many things whirling around
in
my head each night. There were many decisions to be made and I was in a foreign area with the
medical field. It was so frustrating to have questions and information being thrown at me on a
daily
basis and it began to affect my physical health. Writing became a therapeutic means to clear my
head
and face a new day. I never anticipated that the thoughts I kept writing would someday evolve
into a
book.
LJ for MBR: Your book has been out for over a year now, Kathy. In your estimation, has it
reached
the audience you hoped to enlighten when you wrote it? If not, why?
KB: I initially wrote the book with a specific target audience in mind. I wanted to reach the
baby-boomers, like myself, that have elderly parents. I thought the information that I had to share
was important. Not because it is my story, but because it could be anybody's story at any given
moment. I know that I never expected to be in the position I found myself in. Who thinks about a
stroke or other catastrophic event changing their life? It does happen though. People need to be
aware of so many things that we choose not to think about. Living wills, financial burdens of
long-term nursing care, insurance protection, getting our affairs in order, and sharing your end of
life
wishes with your loved ones are just a few. I think my book is beginning to reach it's target
audience, but it has been very slow. It still has a long way to go.
LJ for MBR: On the plus side for print on demand (POD) publishing is that the book is readily
available whenever orders are placed. Have you found that to be the case in your experience?
KB: A few years ago you could have fit all of the knowledge I had about publishing into a
thimble. I
have since learned that there are pros and cons to different types of publishing. POD (print on
demand) does make my book available when people order it from on-line sites, such as Amazon,
and
from bookstores. But it is not sitting on the shelves of most bookstores. A customer would have
to
order it. POD gives the book a longer life, but it is not as readily available as if it were on all
shelves.
It has made my part of the process harder because I must find ways to let people know that it
exists.
Many people do not shop on-line and that is where the problem lies. However, it will be available
longer than a book that is sent to all bookstores, doesn't do well immediately, and is sent back to
the
publisher. If there is a demand, it will be printed.
LJ for MBR: I know you did not write this book with a goal of fame and riches in mind, but to
help
other unfortunate people find their way through the maze of medical mysteries and insurance
nightmares involved with catastrophic illness. I also know you'd give your book away if you could
afford it. If you controlled placement of your book, where would you most like it to be
available?
KB: You are correct about my reasons for writing this book. I don't care if I make a dime or not.
I
just want it available for people that may find themselves in the same position that I was in. It is a
lonely, frustrating place to be. If I controlled the placement of my book, I would have it available
at
gift shops in hospitals and in all nursing homes. I would also like to see it in libraries for people
that
cannot afford to buy it but need the information or understanding from someone that has been
there.
While I was going through this experience, I kept looking in all of these places for a book to help
me. I could only find complicated medical books. I was searching for a personal story of how a
stroke affects the entire family. Since I couldn't find it, I like to say that I wrote the book I was
looking for.
LJ for MBR: Have you received interesting feedback from readers? If so, do you mind sharing
some
comments with us?
KB: Getting feedback from readers has been the most unexpected highlight of this entire venture.
I
have gotten emails from people that have read my book and told me that it touched or helped
them.
Some still email me to keep me updated on the status of their loved one in a nursing home. A few
months ago I received a telephone call from the State Senator of Connecticut, Edith Prague. She
read my book and called to tell me how much she liked it. She is a very outgoing advocate for the
elderly and most of her political career has been spent helping them. It was an honor to talk to her
and discuss all of the issues that I covered in my book. She had a person very close to her that
also
suffered a stroke and passed away in a nursing home. More than once, we found ourselves choked
up while talking. It is a phone call that I will cherish for a long, long time.
LJ for MBR: I can see where speaking publicly to hospitals, nursing homes, and community
groups
would be helpful in getting your information out. Sensible information, based on experience from
a
lay person's perspective would be helpful on many levels. Have you been asked to speak publicly,
or
to provide information to professional journals?
KB: I am always busy finding ways to promote my book to let people know that it exists. I have
given talks at Senior Centers and seminars regarding the issue of getting your affairs in order. I
was
recently asked to speak at a community college. I will be doing that next month. I am going to
talk
about my book as well as the process of getting published. I was invited to be the guest speaker
on a
radio talk show with a local DJ. He was interested in my story since his mother has been having
strokes and is now in a long-term care facility. My story was very familiar to him. It was a
thirty-minute program that turned into an hour and a half. Listeners were allowed to call in after
the
first half hour. I was floored by the amount of interest and feedback we received.
One of the issues that I talk about is one of the most important things I learned. I pass this
information on to anybody that will listen. Please be aware that your medical insurance, no matter
how good or expensive, will only cover 100 consecutive days in a nursing home. When the 100
days
are over, you will be responsible for paying for your long-term care. I have been quoted prices of
$5,000 - $9,000 per MONTH for nursing home care. 100 days is not a very long time when you
are
dealing with massive strokes, Alzheimer's, dementia or traumatic brain injuries. This was one of
the
unexpected surprises that I found and it has become the focal point of my talks.
I have submitted articles to various caregiver magazines and also to the American Stroke
Association. The articles I write are for the average person to understand. I try to make the
information as simple as possible because I know how muddled your thinking can be when dealing
with a situation like this. One article that I submitted to Today's Caregiver Magazine has been
accepted and will appear in a future issue. A friend of mine recently had the honor of meeting
Patricia Neal (actress and stroke survivor) at a social function. My friend told Ms Neal about my
book and she expressed interest in reading it. I sent her a copy last week. I am still in awe that my
little book is in the hands of Patricia Neal! It just doesn't get any better than this.
LJ for MBR: Your writing is focused, passionate, and personable. Is there another book in your
future, or have you reached your writing goals with this one book?
KB: Thank you for the compliment Laurel. This story was so personal to me that it was easy to be
passionate. Since writing was never a life-long dream of mine, I am still surprised that I am now a
published author. Writing one book was an unexpected event in my life. A few years ago I would
have said that once is enough, but I am finding that this is an exciting adventure and writing has
gotten into my system. I have been working on a children's book for about six months. I would
like
to do something a little lighter and happier. Whether something happens with my new book or
not, I
will always be grateful that Your Mother Has Suferred a Slight Stroke is in print. I honestly feel
that
there is a reason I wrote it. Wherever it is supposed to go, it will go. It has taken on a life of it's
own. I can almost see my mother smiling.....somewhere.
LJ for MBR: Is there any question you wish I had asked, or any other information you would like
to
share with our readers?
KB: For someone that bought a computer only two years ago, I have found the internet to be a
valuable source of information and contacts. I am thrilled each time my book is added to new sites
for people dealing with grief, strokes, and eldercare.
For anybody that needs help with any of these issues, please look into some of the many sites that
offer valuable insight, information, and help. My book is listed on www.the-bright-side.org which
offers help to all aspects of loss. It is also on these sites:
www.strokenetwork.org
www.caregiver-information.com
www.strokeinformationdirectory.com
http://www.authorsden.com/kathybosworth (my personal site)
LJ for MBR: Thanks for your time, Kathy, and best of luck in all you do.
Interview with Norm Harris:
Norm Harris is the author of Fruit of a Poisonous Tree. It consistently ranks in the top sellers with
his publisher, and maintains a respectable amazon.com sales rating.
LJ for MBR: Fruit of a Poisonous Tree is an action thriller, complete with legal, military, and
international gamesmanship elements. What gave you the original idea?
Norm: Fruit of a Poisonous Tree was inspired by a number of people, places, and events, Laurel.
The motion picture An Officer and a Gentleman was filmed at Fort Warden near where I live.
Because I had served our country in the military during the Vietnam War, many of the things that
happened to the main character, played by Richard Gere, happened to me. I identified with his
character.
Years later, when I decided to write Fruit of a Poisonous Tree, I recalled the movie and the
impact it
had on my life. I decided to write a story about Naval officers. At the time my son was having a
difficult time with his schooling. His poor reading skills were holding him back with his studies.
He
would not read as a result. I thought if I wrote something, that he might, in turn, read it. I began
what was to be a short story. The story grew and grew. In the end I had over 100,000 words. It
became a novel, rather than a short story.
Several people who had read Fruit of a Poisonous Tree told me that I should get it published. This
sounded like a good idea. I could use the income from the book to fund my son's college
education.
Little did I know how difficult it was to get a book published. It was about this time that I met
Ellen
Edwards, now Senior Editor at New American Library. She read my manuscript. Ellen was kind
enough to make notes on the strength and the weaknesses in the story. Her advice to me was to
start
over. I took her advice but rather than trash the entire story I only trashed the parts she did not
like.
I kept the parts she did like and rebuilt my story from there.
LJ for MBR: Your book has copyright dates of 1998, 2001, and 2002. Tell us a little about its
history.
Norm: I began Fruit of a Poisonous Tree in 1998. The book was published in 2001. The following
year Fruit of a Poisonous Tree was accepted by literary agent/manager Jeanette Lundgren of
Book-to-Screen-Management in Santa Monica. Jeanette asked if she could edit the book. There
was
a small amount of cleaning up to do. Her plan was to submit the book to her worldwide network
of
subrights agents. Jeanette will not allow any book that she represents to leave her office without it
being near perfect. I was elated, of course. When Jeanette and I finished editing the book I
resubmitted it for publication, hence the third copyright date.
LJ for MBR: Many very good writers are choosing 1stBooks as their publisher. Would you mind
sharing with our readers why you chose 1stBooks?
Norm: There are many Print On Demand publishers to choose from. My research revealed that
1stBooks had the most flexible and profitable program, in terms of royalties. They were also the
biggest and most well known publisher at the time. It is important to have flexibility in your
contract.
With 1stBooks an author can break the contract within 24 hours. This is important when the time
comes to sell your rights to a "traditional" publisher.
LJ for MBR: Are there any new developments with Fruit of a Poisonous Tree you'd be willing to
share with our readers?
Norm: Several things are going on, Laurel. Soon after my agent, Jeanette, took me on she sold
the
Japanese translation rights to Futami Shobo Publishing of Tokyo. One of Jeanette's strengths is
foreign rights. We expect many more sales to follow. Five feature film producers have expressed
interest in the property. Only one of those made an offer, but as per Jeanette, the offer was way
too
low. She explained to me that she had accepted higher offers from independent producers for
children's books; an inventment banker could surely afford to shell out her minimum, which this
producer did not offer to do. So we refused it, as crazy as that may sound to you. I am
represented
by Metropolitan Talent Agency via Jeanette's office. MTA is a "boutique agency" but ranks
together
with some fo the most respected agencies in Hollywood. I rely on MTA and Ms Lundgren at
Books-to-Screen-Management to get the job done. As I understand it, Fruit of a Poisonous Tree
is
currently being considered by several other producers and screenwriters. As with "traditional
publishing", film interest does not automatically equal a film deal. I feel proud that they are
looking
at my work.
LJ for MBR: I see by your website that you have a new book in the works. Please tell us about
this
new project.
Norm: Thanks for asking, Laurel. I have finished the sequel to Fruit of a Poisonous Tree, which is
titled Arid Sea: A Navy JAG Spider Green Mystery. Both book and manuscript are currently on
submission for traditional North American Volume rights and is being considered by a major New
York publisher. Two other sequels are in the works. In late winter or early spring I hope to travel
to
Moscow, Russia to begin my research for Three Murders in Three Hours and Russia Blood.
Russia
Blood will compete the Spider Green series.
LJ for MBR: "He who hesitates is lunch." greets those who access your website. Is this a
keystone
of your philosophy? If so, why?
Norm: That is my philosophy. He who hesitates is lunch is supposed to have been an observation
made by Charles Darwin. I believe it to be true. My dad told me there were three kinds of people.
Those that watch things happen. Those that make things happen. Those that wonder what
happened.
He often encouraged me to make things happen. The only way I know how to make something
happen is to get out there and do it. "Just do it." Nike, right? I always try to go to the edge. I
make
it a habit to keep on trying long after others have stopped trying. Seldom do I quit. I learn. I
grow. I
become discouraged, but I try again. I am patient to a fault.
I have been involved in a personal project, or quest, since August. Every day when I think about
what I am doing, it scares me. While my financial risk is somewhat high my emotional risks are
even
higher. Of late I have noticed that I am beginning to calm down somewhat. My agent knows. She
has been getting an almost blow by blow account of my quest. "Are you writing?" she asks. I tell
her, "A little." She patiently responds, "Don't forget to write."
LJ for MBR: In your writing, as well as on your website, you present a rather enigmatic persona,
like a man who plays life close to the vest. Tell us as much about Norm Harris the person and
writer
as you'd care to share.
Norm: As I alluded to in the previous response, I do have a "go for broke" attitude. I am a bit of
risk
taker. If I play the stock market I will usually buy the high risk, high yield stocks. If I drive a car it
will be the fastest car that my money can buy. I told my agent that every one of my characters is a
little piece of me. I am Faydra's stability and her intellect. I am J. Pearce's humor and her
pragmatic
outlook on life. I am Egan Fletcher's bravery, his kindness, his respect for those closest to him, his
resolve, and his love for family. I am Gifford Champion's sense of purpose and his raw nerve. I am
attracted to danger and to the unknown, yet not quite dumb enough to get involved in it. I might
have been an astronaut, but my strong sense of self preservation would never allow me to do so.
All
of my characters are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. They exhibit extreme respect
for
those individuals who impact their lives. That in turn is me.
My interest in writing developed when I was in my early teens. My grandparents owned a small
and
secluded home near the sea. One of their neighbors was Erle Stanley Gardner. We all know him as
Perry Mason from the lawyer character that Raymond Burr played so many years on TV. In my
mind, Erle had it made. All he had to do was to sit by the water, drink iced tea, and write. This
impressed me because someone was paying him for it. I thought this is what I should do. It took
me
a while to get there, but in the end my first book was written as I sat by that same water in that
same
place that Erle wrote his books. I will never forget the last thing that Erle said to me, "Hey kid!
Get
the heck out of here!"
And so I will, Laurel. Thank you for taking the time to find out a little bit about me and my
books.
LJ for MBR: Thanks for allowing me into your world for awhile. Our readers can learn more
about
Norm Harris and his writing by checking his website at www.normharris.com.
Interview with Bonnie Toews:
Bonnie Toews is a Canadian author whose first book, Treason and Triumph, is reviewed in the
February edition of Midwest Book Review. Bonnie is what I consider a "renaissance woman",
with
many and varied accomplishments.
LJ for MBR: Your book was especially interesting to me because of the era - World War Two -
and
the obvious research that went into it. What made you choose WW 2 and the Nazi influence in
Europe as a theme?
Bonnie: In my earliest memory, I recall my mother and babysitter talking about the rationing of
butter, and my favorite uncle was a fighter pilot. Two of my music teachers were also involved.
One
fought with the Dutch Resistance, and the other was an actual spy posing as a church organist in
Berlin throughout the war. They were such humble people it was difficult imagining them as
secret
operatives capable of killing anyone if they had to. Their stories are not depicted in my novel, but
the
use of music in the secret operations plays a big part as well as the essence of my teachers'
wonderful character and faith. At ages nine and ten, I loved reading the Cherry Ames books,
about
WWII combat nurses, and the Borneo books, about Second World War fighter and bomber pilots.
These books always solved mysteries. Why I gravitated to them more than any other, I don't
know,
but suspense and military thrillers are still my favorite reads and why I began writing in the genre.
In
fact, I wrote my first novel at age ten about an army nurse in the Pacfic. Years later, when I read
Leon Uris' "Mila 18," which describes the death camps in graphic detail, I felt such an affinity with
the Jewish soul and the horrors the Jews suffered through the Holocaust that I wondered if I had
once lived as one before my present life. In my twenties, I studied Jewish history, culture and
religion to try and discover why the Jewish people have been so persecuted and scapegoated over
the centuries. I did gain insights from my studies and a deep abiding respect for their religious
concepts.
I was equally fascinated with mob psychology and what drove the German people to embrace and
follow a mad man like Hitler with such blind faith. Studying history provided those answers, and it
alarms me today that our education systems do not emphasize the study of history. Without
knowing
our pasts, we are vulnerable to making the same mistakes again, and that's exactly what is
happening
now. Today's United Nations is making the same mistakes its predecessor, the League of Nations,
made in the 30s, and the results are frightening. If people don't understand history, they can't
undertstand the decisions their leaders make, and they can't respond with knowledge to those
decisions. The terrorists' attacks of 9/11 reignited our nations' patriotism, but we still have to
guard
against blind loyalty based on manipulative propaganda. An article by a savvy Toronto journalist
and
foreign correspondent can give Americans and Canadians the best reason for going to war with
Saddam Hussein that I've read in some time, but it still doesn't nullify the terrible loss of life and
suffering for both sides in an invasion of Iraq, either for the military of both sides or for their
civilian
victims.
LJ for MBR: I was particularly fascinated by your use of Churchill as an almost incidental player
in
the plot. Many writers would be hesitant to even try. Tell us your reasoning for utilizing Churchill
as
you did.
Bonnie: Churchill was part of what really happened in the true events related to the story. He did
sponsor such an operation. He did back the secret civilian agency called Special Operations
Executive (SOE) and his masterspy, "Intrepid," director of the British Security Coordination. He
was as ruthless as either Hitler or Stalin in his strategies to beat them, such as exposing villagers
and
citizens in Nazi-occupied territories to terrible reprisals just to unify the local people into secret
resistance. He believed the formation of a fifth column was absolutely necessary to winning
against
the Third Reich. I was also intrigued with his style of speech--the rhythm and choice of
words--which William L. Shirer notes in his "The Nightmare Years 1930-1940." Churchill rarely
came out and said directly what he wanted. He used words in euphenisms, similar to Hitler
actually,
like planted seeds for others to interpret. Perhaps the "buzz" words both men invented were to
allay
their guilt for the brutal and tragic orders they issued. I also wanted the reader to see the man
behind
the British hero so many admire. We may never be able to criticize that what he did he did
because it
was necessary to win the war against such a sadistic enemy, but we don't have to like it, or respect
it, or be mesmerized by his bulldog personna. He was a bully fighting bullies.
LJ for MBR: Your bio says you were a trained pilot. That explains the "in-the-scene" feel of of
your
story when airplanes and pilots were involved. Do you still fly?
Bonnie: No, I don't. You have to renew your licence every year, and I haven't kept up because
shortly after I turned 40, I had a major heart attack. It took me ten years before I could even drive
again, but I am completely healed and can do everything again that I always did. To regain my
licence, however, would be very expensive, and as we get older, we have to prioritize what's
important to us. Flying is something I loved to do, and I'm glad I did it. It represents my belief
that
women can do whatever they set their minds to achieve.
LJ for MBR: In addition to your other accomplishments, you have an editing and ghost writing
service. Tell us about that aspect of your work life.
Bonnie: Actually, I must remove that service from my web site because, late last year, I resolved
not
to edit any more book manuscripts or ghost write. Those two things were terribly time consuming
to
do them well and to give authors the attention they need to succeed for themselves. I am back to
writing articles for magazine editors I respect and doing routine edit jobs for business
publications.
Since I was a magazine writer and editor for many years, it's a professional routine I am
comfortable
with. More importantly, it allows me to juggle my time more sensibly so that I can stick to the
schedule I need to devote to writing my own novels.
LJ for MBR: You are currently working on another book. What is the title, a brief synopsis, and
when can we expect it to be released?
Bonnie: Yes, I am. The title is The Sun's Tears, and it is a sequel to Treason & Triumph featuring
Caitlin. It's another suspense story based on true events. Caitlin is now 48 years old, at the peak of
her broadcasting career, when she journeys to Central Africa in 1994 to report on the mass
slaughter
of Rwandans. There she discovers more than genocide: UN peacekeepers are being used as
guinea
pigs for an experimental antimalaria drug without their knowledge. In her zeal to find out who is
behind it, she suddenly stumbles upon government files that reveal that she isn't who she always
believed she is. Her parents are not her birth parents. Her mother was a war correspondent and
her
father was a war criminal. It all begins with murder at her dinner table, and one man's mission to
prevent another Holocaust.
I'm also having a little fun with Caitlin's character going through menapause at the same time as
she
reinvents herself. My goal is to complete the manuscript by yearend of 2003 and to have it in my
publisher's hands immediately. When it is released will depend on a number of factors. My fans
would prefer as soon as possible in 2004, but realistically, it may be 2005.
LJ for MBR: Writing a book can be daunting, and getting one published even more difficult than
the
writing itself. Are there any words of wisdom you can share with our readers on the subject of
writing and publishing?
Bonnie: Faith, patience, perseverence and skill. Learn to use the best writing techniques you can.
Never give up on your dream. There is no truly original story. What is unique is each author's way
of
putting a story together. In writing, there are no shortcuts. Writers who do not want to spend
time
authenticating details used in their imaginary plots cannot suspend their readers' disbelief. The first
"error" readers see turns them off and makes them suspect the rest of the story. If you read
through
reviews at amazon, for instance, this is the biggest complaint of readers and the most prominent
reason for giving a book a poor rating. It is also the most immediate reason to be rejected by
agents
and publishers, who are first and foremost the biggest fans of the authors they sign. Publishing?
There are many books written about it today, and writers do need to read them and understand
the
process before they can make a decision about how they want to approach getting published.
Some
self-publish or turn to print-on-demand publishers to establish a track record or deliver a
ready-made
market they can sell to an agent and/or commercial publisher. Others query agents looking for one
to represent them to the publishers in their networks. It can also depend on the fiction genre you
are
writing in as to the way you seek to be published. Writing non-fiction books works differently.
Many
"experts" make profits self-publishing their expertise. Their way of approaching agents is also
different. You take an idea and sell them on the niche your book fills with just one chapter written
to
provide an example of your writing style and marketing strategies for selling your book. With this
proposal and sample material, agents can find a publisher and negotiate an advance payment.
To help new writers, I have an authors' group online. We conduct free workshops on improving
our
writing techniques and share our publishing and marketing experiences. We have developed a very
reliable archive of resources that shortens new writers' how-to searches for such things as how to
write an enticing query letter, or effective press release. Subscription is free. Readers can join it at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/making_critical_choices.
We also have a group catalog of our books at
http://www3.sympatico.ca/bonnie.toews/books.html
LJ for MBR: Is there any question you wish I had asked, or any other information you would like
to
share with our readers?
Bonnie: Why did I choose two women as my protagonists? Originally, I believed I was writing
women's fiction, and I wanted to show how women respond in emergency situations they can't
control, such as war. I first dealt with the original character, Catherine, who represents the real
life
cousin of Britain's King George VI--a secret agent called Trudi who Churchill sent in to persuade
the Danish nuclear scientist, Neils Bohr, to defect to London. After she convinced Bohr to escape
to
England, the Gestapo found her, arrested her and tortured her. She never revealed who she was
or
the Nazis would have demanded a ransom for her safe return. Instead, at the end of the war,
British
Intelligence never found her body. What actually happened to her remains a mystery. In
fantasizing a
"what if she survived" scenario, I saw the need to develop a "sister-in-spirit" or a mirror of her
character--a woman totally different from an opposite background with one commonality that
becomes their bond, and through their association, they grow and change. In the end, they reflect
each other's character and looks. I wanted to portray the direct way women deal with problems.
What takes men all day to discuss to decide on a course of action takes women five minutes to
do.
Through their mental thoughts I wanted to show war through a woman's perception instead of
through a man's. What resulted was a story that men are equally enjoying, so It's not a women's
only
fiction. "Treason & Triumph" is mainstream historical fiction, and that's a bonus I didn't set out to
achieve. It's a result of going with the characters and their story, and their story has created its
own
audience.
There is one more thing. I not only tried to show humanity at its worst, I also wanted to show the
counterbalance of ordinary people at their best. It is the strange juxtaposition that war conditions
create, and so, against the scene of Marla being tortured at Gestapo headquarters, across the
street
in the convent chapel a young German soldier finds God's redemption in the face of a woman he
believes is a nun but who is actually Catherine in disguise.
LJ for MBR: I appreciate your time, Bonnie. Readers may read more about Bonnie Toews and
her
books at www.bonnietoews.com.
Bonnie: Thanks for this opportunity to speak to your readers, and for your insightful review and
questions. You actually pointed to the spiritual balance between ultimate evil and sacrificial love
in
your review, and I thank you for noticing that.
Laurel Johnson
Interviewer
Midwest Book Review
Shirley's Bookshelf
Prince of the Wind
Charlotte Boyette-Compo
Amber Quill Press
PO Box 50251, Bellevue, WA 98015
ISBN# 1-59279-006-2 Download: $ 5.50, http://www.amberquill.com
Who would ever quess that an obsessed woman could destroy a young man's life the way that
Suzanna did? It makes my skin crawl to think about it.
Prince of The Wind begins with the young Prince being rescued by the Zonelanders from a year
long
captivity on an enemy ship. Riain Cree was only 16 years old and had not tasted manhood yet.
The
young Prince contacted Labyrinthian fever and had to be nursed back to health by Prince Gunter
DeViennes daughter Suzanna, who was still unmarried and untouched at the age of 29.
Suzanna became infatuated with the young Prince and drugged him, causing his body to become
inflamed with desire for her. After their act of intimacy, Suzanna claimed the young Prince as her
own. Unfortunately for her, his mother and father had other ideas for him and whisked him away
back to his homeland.Even in this fictitious tale, my heart went out to Riain's mother, who would
stop at nothing to save her youngest son. But her attempts were in vain!
Suzanna was insane and cursed the young Prince and all those he loved or would love. Selling her
soul to a demon, she involved the powers of darkness to weave her web and claim him as her
own.
However, a sorceress named Maeve had fallen in love with the young prince and swore to save
his
life and be with him forever. Will her powers be strong enough or will Riain be lost forever in the
dark Abyss?
The story weaves in and out with fragments of the paranormal, mysticism, time travel, witches,
werewolves, vampires, and romance. Prince of The Wind is a tale of obsessive lust and undying
love. What force will win?
A good read, especially for those who like a tale that makes the hair stand up on the back of their
necks. This one may just give you a few nightmares!
BlackWind
Charlotte Boyett-Compo
AmberQuill Press
P.O. Box 50251 Bellevue, WA 98015
Download $5.50 ISBN# 1-59279-005-4 Paperback - ISBN# 1-59279-993-0 $19.49,
http://www.amberquill.com
Have you ever felt a breeze run across the nap of your neck but there was no wind? Have you
ever
seen something out of the corner of your eye, but no one was there? Perhaps it was the Nightwind
or one of the other creatures that share our world. Don't believe it? You may after you read
Charlotte Boyett-Compo's BlackWind.
The author takes you into the world of the supernatural in this outstanding adventure. Allowing
you
to share in the life of a little girl and a little boy who were destined to become one.The author
takes
you through their years of growth and you will see the joining of their souls. However dark forces
will never allow this unity to be complete, not in the way at first you hope it would be.
Bronwyn and Sean pledge their love to one another, but Bronwyn does not know that Sean is a
Reaper; nor does she know the part her heritage plays in drawing his enemy the Nightwind.
This marvelous novel weaves in and out using the paranormal, demonology and witchcraft. Her
description of the characters brings them to life before your eyes and at times you are routing for
them to win, even though they could only be described as monsters. It takes a very good writer to
achieve this goal.
I will not deceive you, this is not a short read, and it is one you will want to have time to truly
devour. To try and tell you the storyline would never bring justice to this work. Trust me, if you
like
the unusual mixed with mystery and seared with love, this is the novel for you. Good read! Well
worth your time!
The Adventures of Travel Tiger
Derek Kittle, author, Brandy Hinnen & Karen Kahn, illustrators
Synergebooks
ISBN #1-931540-85-3, $5.00 Download $8.99 CD Rom, 21 pages,
http://www.synergebooks.com
Travel Tiger lives with a little girl named Karen. Karen's daddy travels alot and takes Karen with
him. Travel Tiger gets to go too and in this happy story he shares his adventures.
This is a tale of a little girls life as seen through the eyes of her stuffed tiger. How does he
preceive
the different characters and places that they encounter as they travel? What job does he see
himself
doing for Karen? And how does Karen feel about him?
It's a light and happy tale that I think might just be what a child would think her Tiger was feeling,
doing and saying, if we could walk into the world of this little character, Travel Tiger.
A fun read that your child will enjoy!
Santa Was A Trucker
Pepper Raines, author, Jon Baxley, illustrator, Pepper Raines, photography
Synergebooks
ISBN #0-7443-0280-3, $4.00 Download $8.99 CD Rom, page 27,
http://www.synergebooks.com
Do you believe in miracles? Could they really happen in our society today? I believe you will after
you read the delightful story of little Shawn and his Christmas blessing.
Shawn's mom is a truck driver, and the story begins as mom is given an assignment to take a trip
to
Seattle during the Christmas Season, much to the dismay of little Shawn, who feels Santa will
never
know where he is.
The author allows you to feel the emotions of this distraught child and the heart of mom as she is
torn between her job and her child's Christmas desires.
Circumstances grow worse as during their trip, they are trapped in a rest stop due to a blizzard.
Shawn's heart drops knowing for sure, Santa will never find him now , and mom's plans to set up
a
tree and place her son's presents underneath it in a warm motel room are halted.
Your heart feels heavy, as you wait to see how this miracle will unfold. I will not tell you the
wonderful miracle that happens, but I will tell you this......you will believe in miracles after reading
this story. Highly recommended!
Legend of Otherland
Chuck Kelly
Synergebooks
ISBN#0-7443-0204-8, Download $5.00, 103 pages, http://www.synergebooks.com
Do you like stories of Kings and Queens, a young Prince and an evil aunt? If you do this is the
story
for you. Set in the Kingdom of Otherland, this is a delightful tale that is sure to entertain both old
and young alike.
Thirteen year old Bunker Charles is the young Prince of Otherland who feels life is passing him
by.He is tired of being kept a prisoner for his own protection. He is however, about to take an
adventure that he won't soon forget.
The story beings when Evil Pencinell, his aunt, invades their Kingdom and young Prince Bunker is
told the story of his mother's twin sister who turned to evil and resides on the other side of their
Kingdom.
Evil Pencinell has come to steal a person and turn them into evil just like her. Prince Bunker and
his
father watched from the Castle as the Evil Pencinell set her sights on a young girl and quickly
whisked her away. Prince Bunker saw his opportunity for adventure and against his father's
wishes
takes off to rescue the young maiden.
The story then takes you to the dark evil side of their Kingdom where Pencinell lives. The young
Prince and the young girl Gittel battle to escape the clutches of the Evil Pencinell. They battle sea
monsters and evil little creatures. Delightful!
This is a wonderful read for children and adults alike. Adventurous with just a tad of the 'scary'
added in for flavor. A really fun read that I would highly recommend for everyone. I really
enjoyed
this story and know you will too.
Manitou
Emmet Willard
Adventure Book Publishers
Adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1-55313-112-6 , $5.99 Download, 175 pages,
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
Set in the Oregon Territory in the 1800's this novel is perfect for those who love stories of early
Army days and Indian happenings.
Angus or Red Elk, is the son of a Scottish father and an Indian mother. At the age of 15 he is
enlisted and begins his career as a scout and interpreter for the First Army Regiment in the west.
He
is perfect for the job, as he has understanding of both the white man's world and the Indian
world.
The story takes you along the life of young Red Elk as he grows to manhood and travels through
the
territories of his forefathers.
I felt it was interesting as the author weaves within the story the heart of the tribes during that
time,
giving the reader a taste of the past. Letting them feel their hearts, their fears and their courage.
Manitou was also a spiritual read, as the author brings into the story-line the gods of the earth as
they touch the life of Red Elk in a very tender way. Perhaps changing him forever.
I feel Manitou is a good read for those who love the feel of the old west, want to read about
Indian
adventures and army activities, and have a taste of spirituality for a side dish.
From Coast To Coast
Shannon Lizon
Adventure Book Publishers
Adventures@puzzlesbyshar.com
$5.99 Download ISBN# 1-555313-044-8 17 pages,
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventuresbooks/
What a delightful, educational read! Brad and Sara are bored, sitting in their living room they talk
of
their friends who are taking exciting trips to places such as Disney Land. Depressed, the children
resent being stuck in a Country that has nothing to offer, but wait!
The learning adventure begins as Beezoo, an alien lands in their living room and offers to take
them
on an exciting trip across their Country, Canada. It seems the aliens are on their own adventure,
studying different Countries.
Brad and Sara jump at the chance and are taken, via space ship of course, across their magnificent
Country. They learn of the wonders that Canada has to offer, from beautiful mountains,
spectacular
beaches to exciting wild life. Brad and Sara are thrilled to know they live in such a wonderful
Country.
This is a great adventure book for all children. Teaching them about Canada in a fun way and
showing them that in our own back yards we have many things to discover, if we will only look!
Recommended!
The Nectar Deceptions
Murray J.D. Leeder
Adventure Book Publishers
Adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1-55313-098-7, 166 pages, Download $6.49,
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
Did you ever want to know what goes on in the personal world of an assassin? Did you ever ask
yourself why they do what they do, how they feel when they do it? Perhaps you will have your
chance to know as you read this excellent novel by Mr. Leeder " The Nectar Deceptions."
Assassin, The Nightstriker, is quite a celebrity as he continues to elude police in his high profile
hits,
but he is about to be hired for a job that will change his life.
Mysterious from the onset, this great read takes you into a semi sci-fi adventure, adding mystery,
love and intrigue, along with immortal beings that if left undefeated will change the human race
forever. The Nightstriker is thrust into an assignment where all previous tricks of his trade must
be
thrown out the window as he battles with forces he has never known. He must draw upon
resources
within himself to win this battle, resources he never knew he had.
"The Nectar Deceptions" is a fast paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you
wait to see what fate awaits mankind. Would you like our destiny put in the hands of an assassin,
in
this novel the choice has already been made!
An excellent read, highly recommended, one you do not want to miss.
Peter's Red Bike
Carol Wells
Adventure Book Publishers
Adventures@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN #1-55313-012-X 14 pages, $5.99 Download
http://puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
Oh no! Peter's late for school and his new red bike is missing! What will he do? What will his
Father
say when he gets home? After all, it is Peter's responsibility to make sure his toys are put away.
"Peter's Red Bike" is a learning read for all children about the responsibility of caring for their
personal property.
The illustrations are colorful and bring the story to life and the lesson is taught in a way children
can
understand. A simple read, but one that will help a parent teach their child responsibility.
Entertaining as well!
The Summer of the Loon
Jeanette MacDonald Dillon
Adventure Books
adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1-55313-200-9 $5.99 Download, 160 pages,
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
Things happen in this world we live in. Tragedy, sorrow, pain, heartache are a part of all of our
lives. "The Summer of the Loon" is a story of the tragedy that touched the life of Chuckie, a
young
boy of 12. Chuckie's mother is killed in a car accident and his father is thrown into a world of
grief,
depression and alcohol abuse, leaving Chuckie alone to face the horror within.
The author does a wonderful job of allowing you to feel the trauma in this young boy's life over
the
loss of his Mom physically and the loss of his Dad emotionally.
The adventure begins however, when dad realizes he needs help for his abuse and checks himself
into a Vermont clinic. Chuckie is taken to his maternal Grandmother's home in Canada and
immediately a bond is felt between the two.
It is during the first summer that Chuckie is with Gram that strange visions and sightings of
people
and times gone by appear to Chuckie. Chuckie is afraid, thinking perhaps the emotional strain of
the
past few months is causing him to have a break down. This is not so.
Chuckie's Gram has a broken heart of her own that Chuckie knows nothing about. What are the
shadows of the past trying to tell Chuckie and how will it help to free Gram of the grief she has
carried for so many years?
This is an outstanding read. The author shows the cry of tragedy, but also brings to light the
importance of our need one for another. She does this through a tale that keeps you reading,
wanting to find out what is happening in the life of this young boy, and how it involves his Gram;
but she gently weaves around the stability that an older person can bring to the life of a young
one.
It is an emotional read, yet it is a mysterious read. Very good mix!
I recommend this read. I truly enjoyed it and know you will too.
Sammy Star Mt Marshmallow
Kim Nasr
Adventure Books Publishers
adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1-55313-184-3 33pages, Download $3.49m
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
Sammy is at it again, but this time he is taking nine of his friends on his new adventure, climbing
Mt.
Marshmallow.
Sammy looks at the big mountain before him, made up of white couch pillows and cushions. This
really will be an adventure for Sammy and his friends, as they battle the elements, of storm and
winds to reach the top.
Oh no! Fat-cat has fallen! Will he survive? Is he all right? Those were the questions my little
listener
asked me as we read this adventurous story together.
Sammy Star Mt. Marshmallow is a delightful story of taking an adventure and facing the obstacles
that one may encounter. Your little one will cheer as they work their way closer and closer to the
top of Mt. Marshmallow.
Another good read by author Kim Nasr, one you and your little one will enjoy together.
Crazy Crooks: Over 700 Anecdotes of Crooks
Loren W. Christensen
Adventure Books
adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1-55313-188-6, Download $5.99, 193 pages,
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
I knew I was going to enjoy this book before I even started to read it, and I was right on the
money.
"Crazy Crooks" is a book that will make you laugh out loud and shake your head in unbelief.
Written by a retired police office, this tasty book is chuck full of mishap crimes. Take the two men
who stole some TV's and returned because they forgot the remotes. What? How stupid is
that?
Mr. Christensen breaks down his book into different chapters. My favorite one is "So Stupid
There's
No Category", and he named it perfectly. Let me give you one example, if I may. A bride stole her
wedding dress from a local shop and sent pictures to the local paper of her wedding! Hello!
Perhaps
she didn't realize a Bridal Shoppe would look at bride photo's!
I think you get the picture of what this laugh out loud book is about. I shared many of these
chuckles with my husband and we both decided maybe it's good these people are behind bars.
Lord
knows they need somebody to watch out for them!
Good read Mr. Christensen! Thanks for the laughs and for allowing me to feel a little "wiser" than
I
probably am!
Where The Heart Leads
Ginny McBlain
Awe-Struck Ebooks
ISBN# 1-58749-365-9, Download $4.75 Diskette $8.95, http://www.awe-struck.net
Ashley Lanning is a widow, alone with an infant son to raise, she is not looking to complicate her
life. Major Kit Garrett is a career officer in the Army. Thrust unwillingly into being a single parent
and harboring some resentfulness towards strong willed women, he is certainly not looking for
any
commitment. Why then do these two have an instant attraction for each other?
"Where The Heart Leads" is a perfect title for Ms. McBlain's tender novel of lost and found love.
Living in the times we are now, nothing maybe the same tomorrow. The author brings this fact
out
in both the characters lives and shows that we cannot close our hearts to any happiness, even if it
only lasts a moment.
A love story that is timely and forever at the same time. A story that will touch your hearts and
perhaps let you reach for that star before the night fades away, and one with a happy ending. My
favorite kind of read. Good job Ms. McBlain.
A very good read.
Manhunt
Brian T. Seifrit
Rose Dog Books
634 Smithfield St. Pittsburg, PA 15222
ISBN #0-8059-0216-2, 15 Chapters, $19.00 paperback, 1-800-788-7654,
http://www.rosedog.com
O'Brien is back with his buddies, Hal, Rory and Thom in book two of Mr. Seifrit's series, "The
O'Brien Series". You will also be introduced to a a couple of new pals that he acquires at his new
location at Henderson Detective Agency in Ridgeville. O'Brien has hit the big one ,being
promoted
to Lieutenant , he moves his family to a great new home and he takes on the responsibility of
heading Henderson's Detective Agency in Ridgeville. O'Brien will soon work for his added level in
life however, as he battles with his old enemy from book one ,the evil Anvil Brentwood.
That's right, O'Brien has moved up the ladder but his past haunts him in this second book of the
O'Brien Series by Brian T. Seifrit.
The evil Anvil Brentwood, whom all of us, who read book one ,assumed would be put away for
good, has surfaced. Escaping from a mental institution, Anvil decides that he will seek out his
revenge on O'Brien for his capture and imprisonment. This is the story-line.
Mr. Seifrit does a good job bringing his characters to life in this novel. He includes different cases
that each are working on,bringing you more into the life of a detective; and includes more about
the
family life of O'Brien himself. I found that enjoyable.
The main thrust of the story however is the hunt to apprehend, yet another time, the evil Anvil
Brentwood. You travel with O'Brien as Anvil takes them from one point to another in their
relentless search to recapture him. You share in the investigating and you wonder if Anvil will
harm
either O'Brien, his co-workers or his family, as Anvil leaves a trail of bodies for them to follow.
Not
a well man!
Again,as with book one, this novel has the flavor of the old TV programs, like Dragnet. It is good
cop finding bad guy story, and all that goes with it.
Not faced paced, but a steady read. Detective story lovers would enjoy this one. The downside, in
my opinion of this novel ,would be some of the language. I did not feel that so many 'off color'
words had to be incorporated in the language of the characters, and felt this took away from the
read. Perhaps to others it would not matter.
If you want a laid back Detective story, even paced with likeable characters, this one is for you.
Good to cuddle up with on these cold winter nights.
A Deadly Agent
Susan R. Sweet
Wings-ePress Books
PO Box 38, Richmond, KY 40476-0038
ISBN# 1-59088-140-0 222 pages, Download $6.00 Trade paperback $10.95,
http://www.wings-press.com
I have to say right from the start that this was an excellent read. Ms. Sweet does an outstanding
job
of drawing you immediately into the heart of the main character Penny. A young woman, who has
lost both father and mother and is now clinging to the one family member she has left, her aunt .
Or
so she thought. In a wonderful twist of storyline, Penny is made aware that an entire family line
exists in Australia. This is where the story begins.
Mystery ravels itself around your mind as you wonder why she was never told of her uncles and
cousins that were halfway around the world. What family secret is being whispered and why are
family members dying? Will Penny be next? The suspense increases as Penny and her aunt travel
to
Australia and the adventure that awaits them.
There are so many wonderful twists and turns in this novel that I could never do justice trying to
shorten them in a review.
It has been a long time since I have read such a wonderful interwoven story of love, intrigue,
murder, suspense and mystery. This one kept me guessing wondering what was going on and who
the villian was, and also added a tasteful morsel of love and romance. A surprise ending that you
would never guess awaits your pleasure.
This is a must read. Very highly recommended! Great job Ms. Sweet! I hope to see more of your
work soon!
Interview with Susan Sweet:
After I read "A Deadly Agent" I just had to interview Sue. The book was outstanding and I
wanted
to give Sue as much exposure as possible. I really like her, she is a great writer and a very nice
person. Let's begin!
Q: I truly enjoyed reading and reviewing your novel "A Deadly Agent" would you please tell us
how
you came up with the story line for your novel? Sue: I love a good mystery. I also wanted to write
a
book that I wouldn't be afraid of my children or grandchildren reading. I've always wanted to go
to
Australia, thus the setting and I am very interested in hard to treat diseases.
Q: Did you fashion the characters in your book after people that you know? Sue: I have to admit,
Penny has a lot of myself in her character. Aunt Les, I fashioned after my older sister. Aunt
Martha
has a lot of the characteristics of my very good friend, Martha (although, my friend does not have
Aunt Martha's girth!). The rest of the characters were figments of my imagination.
Q: What about the location. You seem to describe Australia very well. Have you ever been there?
Sue: As I said earlier, I've always wanted to visit Australia, so the research was a lot of fun for
me.
Hopefully one day I will see it first hand.
Q: How long did it take you to complete this work? Sue: It took one year to write, another year
for
me to edit and as a result rewrite.
Q: Is this your first published work, and if not please tell us what is. Sue: Yes, this is my first
published work. I have several other's in the works.
Q: Do you feel that you will be writing anymore experiences for Penny and her family in another
book? Sue: Yes I have, although I have a couple other books I would like to get published
first.
Q: Did you find it difficult to find a publisher for your work? Sue: I have enough rejection letters
to
wallpaper my little office. But, I'm not a quitter.
I think I could wallpaper my entire house with mine! You are right though, we must never
quit!
Q: You say you have other works going, would you tell us something about them? How long
before
they will be ready for publication and will you go with the same publisher? Sue: I'm currently
working on a mystery/suspense titled "ADRIFT". The main character, Nichelle, is found severely
beaten and unconscious, aboard a rubber lifeboat in the Gulf of Mexico. When she awakens, the
only
thing she remembers is her name. The story takes place in the U.S., within three states, Florida,
Louisiana and Mississippi. I am also working on another mystery and of course A Deadly Agent's
sequel. ADRIFT should be ready for publication by February, the other hopefully by the end of
2003, and hopefully have them also published with Wings ePress.
They really sound inviting! I look forward to reviewing those titles Sue!
Q: Can you give us a little hint what will be happening to Penny and her family in the future? Sue:
The sequel of A Deadly Agent, "A Deadly Deception" will start with Penny and Devin married
and
the parents of twins. That's all I can tell you at this time, sorry.
Twins? How great is that? I really look forward to this book!
Q: How long have you been writing? Sue: Off and on, about ten years. I've worked for many
years
and this was my way of getting rid of tension, my hobby. I was in a car accident in 1995, and
while
recuperating at home, finally finished my first full length novel, A Deadly Agent.
Q: How many hours a day do you spend writing? Sue: My worst trait is disciplining my time. I
hate
to admit it, but I write in spurts. I will work 12-15 hours a day for a week, then not touch the
keys
for a month. I've recently purchased an AlphaSmart 3000, which has helped me tremendously in
my
writing. I have back and neck problems, so sitting in front of my computer for long periods of
time
is not possible.
Q: When you were writing "A Deadly Agent" did it flow freely from you or were there times you
were stuck, so to speak, in a certain part of your story? Sue: This is easy to answer but maybe not
so
easy to understand. I have a lot of faith in God. When I was hurt in the accident, it did a number
on
my neck. I thought, "A perfect opportunity to finish this book". I also knew I couldn't sit for long
periods, so I said a prayer each time I entered my small office(spare bedroom) and when I sat at
the
keyboard the words flowed. God is good.
Indeed "God is good!"
Q: Who is your favorite character in your novel and why? Sue: Penny is fashioned a lot after my
younger self, so I guess I identify more with her journey into adulthood, but I had a lot of fun with
Aunt Martha. All that cooking! Another love of mine.
Q: What was the hardest part of your book to write? Sue: Thoughts and feelings, most definitely.
I
am prone to keeping these things inside. It is hard for me to even put into writing some
emotions.
Well, let me say this. You did an outstanding job in your novel! Outstanding!
Q: What advice would you give to other authors that are seeking publication and are totally
discouraged? Sue: DON'T GIVE UP!!!. As I said earlier, I had a lot of rejections. You have to
take
them with a grain of salt and keep trying. If you quit, what will become of all your hard
work?
Good advice!
I ask the following question to every author I interview. I am hoping against hope that the
publishers
will take note one of these days!
Q: If you could speak to publishers on behalf of new authors what would you like to tell them?
Sue:
In today's world of publishing, there are so many writers seeking an opportunity to show their
work.
If your schedule is such that looking at an unknown author's book is not fathomable, hire
someone
to read this source of work. There are a lot of good writers out there that would become GREAT
authors if just given a chance.
Q: Do you have to promote your work and if so how do you go about doing this? Sue: Yes I do.
My name is not a well-known one, so without sending the book to be reviewed, as in this case,
calling bookstores, talking to friends, relatives, acquaintances, anyone that will listen, it won't sell.
You might also look in other places for booksignings such as your local hairdressers, gift shop,
restaurant, etc.. You will have to sell yourself or all your hard work will go unnoticed.
I agree, but won't it be nice to just sit back and write and not worry about promoting! Ah! A
dream!
Q: Just curious, is your book being promoted in Australia? If not maybe it should be! Sue: Wings
ePress is on the Internet and therefore is available all around the world. I know several other
authors
that live in Australia, so yes, in a small measure it has been promoted in that area.
Q: Where would you like to see your writing career in 5 years and what, if anything, are you
doing
to achieve that dream? Sue: Of course I think every author's dream is to be a well known writer,
but
I know that happens to very few of us. I would like to have name recognition. To accomplish this
goal, I continue to write as often as I can, and promote, promote, promote my book.
Q: Your other works are also mystery/suspense, do you feel you will expand and write in any
other
genre in the future? Sue: I would like to write some inspirational mystery/suspense. I won an
award
last year for a short inspirational piece I submitted.
I look forward to reading that one day Sue!
Q: Do you have family/friends support in your writing endeavors and if so how important do you
feel this is to an author? Sue: I belong to a writing group, 2 of which are also published. This is
very
important. They keep you focused toward reaching your goals, plus give the encouragement
needed
on a daily basis. I honestly don't think I would do as much writing without their support.
Q: Do you have a favorite book/author and if so would you share that with us. Sue: It may sound
odd, but my favorite book is the Bible. I read it through on a yearly basis. It's amazing how many
genres there are in this wonderful classic. Romance/mystery/suspense, you name it, you'll find it in
this book.
Ah! That is so true. I just finished reviewing a book, "A Writer's Roadmap" by Wendell Wellman,
and he uses the Bible and the wonderful examples of writing in it in his book. Interesting!
Q: Do you read a lot and if so do you feel reading other's work help you in your own writing?
Sue: I
read on an average 4-6 books a month and know without a doubt that reading other people's
works,
helps me in my writing.
I feel this is true also. I believe reading widens a writers scope on things.
Q: Do you have an Agent? If not, do you plan to have one in the future? Sue: No, I don't have an
agent right now, but do hope to have one in the future.
Q: Overall how would you rate the way publishers have treated you as a new author presenting
your
work to them?
Sue: Most of the big name publishers are going for big name authors. Your celebrities, established
authors, etc.. I feel that most new authors are facing more and more the possibility of never being
published by the well known publisher. E-publishing however is a whole new world. The books
I've
read on my e-reader are just as well written if not more so than a lot of the hard-book volumes.
This
new world of publishing provides hope to the thousands of good writers trying to get their works
published.
I agree with you Sue. I have read and reviewed many such books and think the 'big' publishers
need
to sit up and take notice. Let's hope they listen and perhaps read interviews like this one.
Please use this space for anything you would like to leave with our readers, about yourself, your
works or writing in general: Sue: I'm 53, wife, mother and grandmother. What I'm getting at is
that
it is never too late to pursue your dream. Go for it and you'll reap the wonderful reward of
attaining
your goal. God Bless you all. Sue I want to thank Susan Sweet for allowing me this interview.
Sometimes you meet someone who you know right off needs to have her star shine. Sue is such a
person as this. I pray that her future is a bright one, and I believe it will be because she is one
talented lady. Shine brightly Susan Sweet, the best is yet to come for you!
Contact Information: Email: srsweet@bellsouth.net URL: www.susanrsweet.com. Wings ePress:
http://www.wings-press.com
Beyond The Cliffs of Kerry
Amanda Hughes
Adventure Books
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
ISBN 1-55313-166-5 259 pages Download $5.50
Outstanding! Excellent! Those are the two words I would have to use to begin this review on Ms.
Hughe's novel Beyond The Cliffs of Kerry.
My heart immediately became one with the main character of this novel ,Darcey McBride. Losing
all
her family, except for her brother, in the famine of 1700's in the Country of Ireland, her pain and
hopelessness weaved it's way into my heart. Struggling from her early childhood to survive, she
has
become a Beacon for the smugglings of her small village, as they trade wares with the French.
The
penality from the British for this would be death!
These strong Catholic people, were not allowed to practice their faith, and one day they smuggled
in
a Jesuit Priest named Father Etienne, this man would change Darceys life forever.
Befriending her, Father Etienne teaches Darcey to read, something not many at that time were
privileged to learn. Unfortunately Darcey and her smuggling group were turned into the British by
none other than her finance. How many blows can this poor woman endure?
Father Etienne and many others die and Darcey is sold into indentured service and is sent to the
American Colonies. There she is bought by a Colonel Nathan Lawrence and becomes his mistress.
It
is here that Darcey meets and falls in love with a surveyor for the Crown, Jean Michael Lupe'.
What
you find out about this man will totally shock you! What a wonderful twist this added to the story.
It
gave me goose bumps, I loved it!
I thought my heart would burst when Darcey finally found true love, but again she is torn away
from
her hope of happiness. Will she ever be free to pursue her own life?
The author does an excellent job of drawing you into the very soul of her characters. I found
myself
being drawn back to reading this novel during my day, wondering what was the next step for
Darcey
and if she would ever be united with Jean Michael.
This is not just some simple love story, but one that takes this strong and courageous woman on
one
adventure to another as she struggles to maintain her identity. Imagine being stripped from all
your
privileges as a human being, being told what to say, what to do and being lead as an animal far
away
from all you know and love. Could you survive with as much dignity and strength as Darcey
does?
This is one novel you do not want to miss reading. I promise you, you will remember this story
long
after you finish this book. It is one of those rare jewels that somehow inscribe their words on your
heart.
Interview with Amanda Hughes:
I chose to interview Amanda because of the impact her outstanding novel had on me. It isn't often
that I am so honored to read the work of such a talented writer. I wanted to know more about
Amanda and was interested in what her future writing plans and dreams were.
Amanda's book is called: "Beyond the Cliffs of Kerry," by Amanda Hughes - Adventure Book
Publishers www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/index.html
Amanda, as I have stated I was very impressed with your outstanding novel. Please tell us what
inspired you to write "Beyond The Cliffs of Kerry"
Amanda: At a young age I would light tapers, decorate the basement with my mother's pewter
and
act out elaborate adventures with my imaginary playmates. To this day the characters in my
novels
are shadows whispering their stories to me. Writing is just a grown-up documentation of my
childhood fantasies.
SPJ: Your fantasies certainly created a wonderful novel!
Q: Were the characters in your novel fashioned after people you know?
Amanda: Most of my characters were not fashioned after people I know although I did find it
helpful
to "cast" certain Hollywood actors in the roles of my characters to help me with description.
Darcy's
love of literature and her tendency to dream are my traits as well as her desire for adventure. The
kind and gentle Moses Tinker is based on my father and Bran Moynihan is a combination of
several
selfish, ambitious men I have known.
SPJ: I believe we have all known both types of men!
Q: What form of research did you have to do for this work?
Amanda: My research has been life long. My passion for Ireland and Colonial America merged in
"Beyond the Cliffs of Kerry". I have traveled throughout Ireland and New England seeking
inspiration but by far the best, most satisfying research for me is done through books.
SPJ: How blessed you have been to have traveled to Ireland. I will say this, wherever you
received
your inspiration, it certainly was felt in your novel.
Q: May I ask how long it too you to complete this work?
Amanda: The novel took about five years to complete. The first year was spent walking in the
woods of Northern Minnesota where I developed my storyline.
Q: Did you experience writers block at anytime while writing your novel? Is so what did you do
to
remedy this?
Amanda: Yes, but not often. I would walk in the woods and listen to soundtracks, particularly
"Last
of the Mohicans".
Q: Finding a publisher can be heartbreaking for new authors. How long did it take you to find a
publisher?
Amanda: It took three painful years.
SPJ: I believe we all know the pain you are talking about Amanda!
Q: Is "Beyond the Cliffs of Kerry" your first published work?
Amanda: It is my first published novel. I published poetry many years ago.
Q: Amanda, how long have you been writing and how many hours a day do you write?
Amanda: I have written for the past seven years and manage to write only about an hour a day
because I am raising three children. Reading, although, has been my lifelong obsession and, of
course, indulging in, "Walter Mitty" like behavior.
SPJ: Your writing is excellent Amanda. I can only imagine what you will turn out once you have
more time.
Q: What other works do you have in progress?
Amanda: I am currently working on another novel entitled, "The Pride of the King." It too is the
adventure of a young woman in Colonial America. Lauren, the main character, is a somewhat
more
selfish and impulsive character than Darcy but nevertheless extremely engaging.
Q: Amanda, do you feel you will ever do a sequel to "Cliffs of Kerry?"
Amanda: No, other readers have asked me the same question. I believe Darcy and Jean Michel
live
happily ever after and the story is complete. I would rather follow some other character on her
adventures and escapades, like Lauren DeBeauville, in "The Pride of the King".
SPJ: I like that, I want to believe Darcy and Jean Michel will forever be happy!
Q: Do you feel you will ever span out to writing in other genres, and if so, what might that
be?
Amanda: No, I don't believe I would ever be happy writing in any other genres. I cannot pass
abandoned homes without wondering what stories they hold, or study headstones without trying
to
guess what desires and dreams those buried there experienced. I feel so connected with the past
that
historical romances are the only kind of novel I care to ever write
Q: Do you have a set form in your writing? What I mean by that is do you spend a certain amount
of
time before your computer each day, or is it when the mood strikes you?
Amanda: I wish that I had time to write each and every day. It seems to be that I write whenever I
can fit it into my schedule and lately that has been seldom. I feel the pull to continue with my new
novel though and my characters are growing impatient.
SPJ: As are your fans Amanda.
Q: What was the hardest part of your novel to write and why?
Amanda: I find transitions to be the hardest part to write in a novel. For example, in "Beyond the
Cliffs of Kerry" I grew anxious to transport Darcy to the Colonies long before my words were
complete. I find that I have to slow myself down because my story flies faster than my fingers. I
also
think that it is tedious to create clothing and landscapes for novels. When I write my next book I
will
employ my daughters to design the clothing and I will simply describe it.
Q: Who is your favorite character in your novel and why?
Amanda: Well of course I am secretly in love with Jean Michel but aside from that my favorite
character is the dear, unassuming Raoul LaRoche. He was so incredibly pure of heart. He
endeared
himself to me when he chastised himself for keeping Darcy by his side until his death, knowing
that
she loved another.
Q: What advice would you give to other authors who are seeking publication and feel they never
will achieve it?
Amanda: I understand how painful it is to be unpublished but keep in mind that a book should be
read. Let everyone you know read your book. Keep your characters alive through the eyes of
others.
Even if the book in not on the Barnes and Noble bookshelves, it needs to be read by
someone.
SPJ: Very good advice!
Q: Where would you like to see yourself in your writing career in the next 3 to 5 years and what
are
you doing to achieve this goal?
Amanda: I would love to be writing novels full time and doing research for my books. Right now
though, I continue to work on my newest novel and find ways to creatively promote, "Beyond the
Cliffs of Kerry."
Q: Do you feel writing this novel has changed you in anyway?
Amanda: I will never be the same. I am like Darcy when she was learning to read and Father
Etienne
said, "I fear that I have opened Pandora's box." There will always be the obsession to continue
writing now that "Pandora's Box" is open and I can never fully divorce myself from my characters
who have become old friends to me.
Q: Do you want your readers to just have pure enjoyment in reading "The Cliffs of Kerry", or is
there more you would like them to take with them after reading this work?
Amanda: I hope that first and foremost my readers have fun reading my work. It is meant to be a
fast paced romantic adventure and anytime a reader reports that they cannot put my book down, I
feel that I have accomplished everything I set out to do. If along the way they happen to gain a
deeper insight into the suffering endured by the Irish, then my job is completely done.
Q: Please use this space for anything else you would like to leave with our readers, about
yourself,
your works, or any publishing tips you may wish to pass along.
If you haven't read, "Beyond the Cliffs of Kerry," please go to Adventure Book Publishers and
pick
up a copy. If you have any comments please forward they to me via the site. I welcome your
comments!
Thank you Amanda for a wonderful interview. Please see the review of Amanda's outstanding
book,
"Beyond the Cliff of Kerry." in this column. I encourage you to get a copy and plunge into pure
reading enjoyment. The best of luck to Amanda in the future in everything she does.
Interview with Charlotte Boyett-Compo:
I chose to interview Charlotte because her novels to me were above the norm, different, and
interesting. I think you will enjoy meeting this talented lady. Charlotte, I have read and reviewed
several of your novels, and may I say enjoyed them. Although I had to leave the lights on a few
nights! And at my age! *smile*..... Let's get to our interview!
Q: Charlotte, please tell us what gave you the idea to write in your specific genre?
A: I have always been interested in the paranormal. When I was a child, my mother and I would
watch the local Shock Theatre every Saturday night and I sat spellbound by the old Karloff and
Lugosi movies. When I was a little older, I would faithfully buy Famous Monster magazine every
month. I knew all the casts of the old movies and understood how the fantastic creations like the
Creature from the Black Lagoon, the werewolf, etc. were crafted. I felt great sympathy for the
character of Larry Talbot as played by Lon Chaney Jr. He made the werewolf so tragic and
tortured.
The same with the Karloff creations of the Frankenstein monster and the mummy. By the time I
was
a teenager, I was half in love with Christopher Lee's version of Dracula. When I began writing, it
was only natural to draw from what I loved and enjoyed the most and that was paranormal,
horror,
and fantasy movies. SPJ: Wow Charlotte, that was interesting!
Q: Please tell us if you fashion any of the characters from people you know or even events you
have
heard about? I hope not. at least not the 'strange' things! *smile*
A: Christopher Lee is the basis for my ongoing character of Occultus Noire in the WindLegends
Saga series of sword & sorcery novels. Eric McCormack of Will & Grace fame is Syntian Cree;
Adrian Paul is Kamerone Cree. Every character I create is generally a compliment to an actor or
actress whose work I have admired over the years. Some of the things that happen in my books
do
have a basis in fact. They say write what you know and a few of the rather bizarre things that have
occurred usually wind up in my books in one way or another.
Q: I have read several of your novels and they can be quite 'dark and deep'. Do you ever get
somewhat 'creeped' out writing these works? I have to admit, I did, even though I enjoyed
them.
A: Nope, nothing I write has ever bothered me. I believe I exorcise my own demons when I write;
but I'll tell what happened to me recently that 'creeped' me out: I was ill and restricted to bed for
several days. Bored, I started flipping channels on the new satellite dish that is my hubby's latest
toy.:) I happened upon a Discovery channel segment called A Haunting in Connecticut (I believe
that was the title). It was supposedly a true account of a family of six who rent a house that is
infested with evil. It was very unsettling and as the events unfolded, I became edgy and several
times
was tempted to change the channel. But like a road accident, I felt compelled to watch the entire
thing even though it was disturbing.
Eventually, the family is able to get the Catholic church to exorcise the place and the evil departs.
What bothered me was the fact that I am the parish secretary of our Catholic church and was
privy
to the beginnings of an exorcism that was very similar to the one in Connecticut. Had I not known
the Church actually took this incident of demonic possession seriously and sent an exorcist to
intervene, that TV show would just have been another piece of entertainment. As it was, it
bothered
me bad enough that I slept with the light on in the bathroom the next couple of nights. Even now,
several days later, I don't feel comfortable in the dark. SPJ: Believe me, I know what you are
talking
about; but we won't go there!
Q: Do you look at your work as pure fiction or do you some where perhaps think 'people' like the
characters in your novels could possibly exist?
A: Man, I hope they don't exist! I'm sure the modern day characters of the crime families I
portrayed
in In the Teeth of the Wind and In the Heart of the Wind exist in some fashion or another and I
would not be surprised that they have done some of the things I wrote about but if that's the case,
I
hope I never meet them! As for the fantasy characters, they exist only in my mind...like the
Reapers
and Nightwinds that are strangely-enough gathering fans of their own! I get letters from fans
asking
questions of Kamerone Cree or Syntian Cree. I realized that these two have developed a
sexually-charged following and if they do exist, I hope their loyal fans will encounter them in their
gentler personas one day. I know I'd like to! ;)) SPJ: I hope so too Charlotte!
Q: What was your first work and how long did it take you to complete it?
A: The first 'book' I ever wrote was Western Flame and it was a western. I was all of 12 when I
wrote that one. It took me about 4 months and it filled up a spiral bound notebook. The first real
novel I wrote was The Keeper of the Wind and it took me three years to finish but that was in its
first form. That was later turned into six novels that begin the WindLegends Saga series which
started with Windkeeper. It usually takes me about 4-6 months to write a novel but BlackWind
only
took 3 months. It was a labor of love.
Q: Let me ask you the age old question. Did you find it difficult to find a publishers for your
works?
A: Not since I discovered the Internet. Before my first book was purchased, I went through the
usual form rejections from every well-known New York house and then some. My first publisher
was a subsidy publisher but that allowed me to get my foot in the door. I had a product people
could
read; it was selling at Amazon; I was able to let webmasters know I existed by suggesting they
review the book or interview me. I offered to write articles for their websites. After that...and a
year
of actively promoting myself on the 'Net...I began having publishers contact me about my work.
When I recently changed publishers, I received six invitations from publishers to submit my work
for
re-release. I was very honored that they thought my work worthy of being published through their
company and exceedingly grateful to my fellow authors who suggested me to their publishers.
They
will never know how good that made me feel to know they supported me. Q: Tell us do you have
other works in motion right now, and if so, can you tell us a little about them? I just turned in the
first book in a new trilogy to Awe-Struck Books. The title of the series is ShadowWind and the
first
book is Book One: The Shadowlord. Extremely talented graphics artist Trace Edward Zaber has
done the covers and they will knock your socks off!
Shadowlord is due out mid-2004. The second book is Book Two: The Amazeen but I'm not sure
when that one will be scheduled. Also, I am working on another new Reaper novel called
WindBorn. This is the last book in the WindTales Trilogy which includes WindFall and
WindChance. This book will be going to Twilight Times Books where WF and WC already are. I
am
also beginning notes on a new paranormal--WindWitch--which will be going to Amber Quill
Press.
Q: How many hours a day do you spend writing?
A: Since I work a full 40 hour week as our church's parish secretary, I can only write in the
evenings
and on the weekends. Week nights, I usually spend 2-3 hours and on the weekends, 8-10
hours...depending on the Museman!
Q: Do you ever have 'writer's block'? If you do how do you remedy it?
A: I am a firm believer that there is no such monster as 'writer's block'. What causes a writer not
to
be able to create is distraction. It might be a barking dog next door; a ringing phone or doorbell;
the
drip of a faucet; the whine of a significant other wanting to be fed or a child demanding attention;
heat-cold-draft...whatever. If you eliminate the distractions, you will eliminate the writer's block.
If
your mind is absorbed with financial or relationship or work problems, your creative juices don't
flow correctly. Being interrupted when you are 'in the groove' can make you lose your train of
thought and who's to say what you were writing might not have been absolute genius! When
distractions occur, you have the choice to either allow them to intrude or to push them aside. In
the
writing business, being able to concentrate on the task at hand is vital. If your mind is torn,
besieged,
you just don't have a good handle on the situation.
Q: Just curious, when you told your children bedtime stories, were they like the novels you now
write?
A: No, the bedtime stories my husband and I told our boys were the traditional Southern stories
that
had been handed down to me by my mother, my grandfather, and our maid. Of course, they were
embellished from time to time to keep them entertaining. Even though my sons never had bad
dreams, never woke up crying in the night, I wouldn't have told them the tales I now write; that
would have been a bit mature even for my offspring! :). Occasionally, I made up a tale or two but
they were innocuous little things that had the boys laughing but taught a moral lesson as well.
Q: Does the rest of your family also enjoy this genre? Are there any following your
footsteps?
A: My husband is a devoted sports watcher and doesn't read. If he does pick up a book, it is likely
to
be something from George Carlin! My sons love to read sci-fi and the occasional mystery/thriller.
They loved Tolkein long before he became a Hollywood sensation. They are both Star Trek
afficinados.They are keen on research and will seek out books like The Celestine Prophecy or the
Prophecies of Nostradomas. Both work with computers and that research is a daily thing I would
imagine. When they were growing up, we sat and watched the old horror movies together and so
they developed a keen love for good paranormal entertainment. When a new movie comes out,
we
will discuss it ad nauseum. Unfortunately, neither is a writer.
Q: It sounds like you have a good 'handle' on the publishing side of writing. What advice could
you
give to other authors that might encourage them?
A: Please don't let your family stand in the way of you getting published. The biggest road block
you
will have will be family, friends, and co-workers who--in the guise of not wanting to see you get
hurt--will caution you that the odds of getting published are so high it will never happen for you.
Some of that is true concern for you but some of it is also jealousy because you are doing what
they
either can't or don't have the courage to try. If I had listened to my well-meaning friends, I
wouldn't
be answering these questions right now. Stick to your own inner schedule; try every avenue into
the
publishing world; don't give up.
If it is meant to happen, it will. It might take a while; it might be a long and arduous trip; but just
remember that nothing worth having has ever been gained easily. Be patient. Be patient. Be
patient.
It isn't going to happen overnight and the sooner you learn patience, the better you will be able to
enjoy the trek into the world of publishing. One word of caution, though:
This world is fraught with dangers. There are unscrupulous publishers out there who are only in it
for the money. Most of these are vanity and subsidy publishers who will take your money then
disappear. Be very careful with whom you enter into a business arrangement. Check that publisher
out at Predators and Editors. Check him/her out with the Better Business Bureau to see if any
complaints have been filed against them. Be wary of the publisher who promises you the sky only
after you've paid him a whopping amount of money! SPJ: Very good advice. Thank you!
Q: Let me ask you this, where do you see your writing career in 5 years and how do you plan to
achieve that goal?
A: Slowly advancing, I would imagine. My work is too avant-garde for tranditional New York
publishers. They want cookie-cutter stories that are the same old/same old claptrap that has been
around for decades. Anything new, modern and innovative seems to scare the hell out of them
even
though readers will tell you they are looking for fresh, new storylines. I see myself having books
for
sale indefinitely at the e-book publisher with whom I am contracted. I see my fan base steadily
growing--as it has every year since 1996. I will keep on writing what I like and creating characters
the readers enjoy reading about. I'll tell my tales and put them out there to be read.
Q: Is there any one 'stumbling block' that you would warn other authors to avoid in their walk to
being published?
A: Stay away from vanity/subsidy publishers! There are a great many good, substantial publishers
who do NOT charge for you to be published. Likewise, keep as far away from websites who want
to
put your work up 'for free' for the world to read. If you are as good as you believe you are, why
give
your work away?
Q: If there anything you would like to tell our readers about yourself/your books/ writing in
general,
that I have not asked in this interview? If so please use this space for that, or for any final words
you
would like to leave with our readers.
A: I would like to wish those who have decided to try for a career in writing heart-felt
encouragement. It can be a very rewarding way to live your life. Being able to create fanciful tales
that will entertainment, chase away boredom, and soothe the frayed nerves of overworked
readers,
is a talent that should never be wasted. Work hard at your craft; learn all there is to know about
the
genre in which you've chosen to write; strive to keep your ideas fresh and innovative and try not
to
write pregnant cowboy stories or endings where the hero and heroine ride off into the perfectly
windless, 72 degree evening on a pristine white horse who never poops. Put some bite into your
tale;
make it interesting; give it your own unique 'voice'. When you learn to give readers something
they
can't get elsewhere, they will always come back to you. That is a wonderful feeling.
May the Wind be always at your back, Charlee
Thank you Charlee for a wonderful interview and for opening your heart to our readers. I wish
you
the best of luck in your writing career. You are already on your way, may the wind be always at
your back as well...
A Writer's Road Map
Wendell Wellman
1stBooks Library
http://www.1stbooks.com
ISBN# 1-403387524 $11.50 Paperback $4.95 Ebook
As a writer I was immediately interested in Mr. Wellman's informative book, "A Writers
Roadmap."
Although it is geared toward screenwriters, those of us who are involved in any form of writing
will
find invaluable information packed inside these pages.
Coming from a man with the experience and background of Mr. Wellman only adds to the
encouragement that this reviewer would give to other writers to make it a point to read this book.
He shares freely not only his triumphs in writing, but also his mistakes. This puts you at ease
knowing that no one is perfect and that writing is a learning experience and a road we are all
traveling together. He takes you by the hand and gives you example after example of many
different
aspects to make your screenplay, or in my case, my novel all that it can be.
His words of knowledge will help those who are being held down by the sneaky 'writer's block'
that
we all experience from time to time. He shows how to draw from our own experiences in life, our
friends, our enemies, ourselves and use that to help create the work that is within us. He explains
clearly the different levels that any good work should have within it and helps you to achieve that
goal.
Mr. Wellman writes in a way that is simple to understand and apply. He does not talk down to
you,
but encourages you to reach out and become all that you can be as a writer.
I highly recommend that every person who is serious about their writing, be it screenplay writing,
novel, short story or whatever area they are pursuing, to grab a copy of this excellent book and
keep
it by your side.
It is a wealth of information, ideas, suggestions, and encouragement that you will turn to time and
time again. I thank you Mr.Wellman for allowing me to review your book and believe me I will
incorporate your suggestions in everything that I write.
A must read for all writers!
Interview with Wendell Wellman:
I chose to interview Mr. Wellman because I was very impressed with his work, "A Writer's Road
Map." It has a wealth of information, suggestions and ideas for any serious writer. He has great
knowledge and experience in the world that we are walking in, down that long road towards
publication and being recognized. I wanted to know a little more about Mr. Wellman and I believe
you will find this interview quite interesting!
Q: Mr. Wellman, will you please tell our readers why you decided to write " A Writer's Road
Map"?
A: For the past few years I have been asked to speak at writing classes and seminars quite often. I
have always discussed writing from the perspective of my own struggles, my own wins and losses.
Invariably, people have asked me to put some of my ideas down in book form. But this is only
part
of the reason. As a writer, I also wanted to create a kind of a handbook for my own use. I have
become, by necessity, a student of film structure and of storytelling structure in general. The
language of film keeps changing, the structure of storytelling keeps changing. Ultimately, I needed
a
record of these changes for me. Because, when you are writing a story, you have a tendency to
get
lost in the middle. You become exhausted, your mind entertains too many possibilities, or no
possibilities, and this is when you need a coach. I needed a little book that I could refer to in these
painful moments, a coach so to speak, to get me back on track.
Q: Would you please tell us how long it took you to write this work.
A: About six months.
Q: In reading your work, I was impressed by your qualifications and your great knowledge. I
knew
you were writing from experience and because of that I feel I received the information more
readily.
Tell me, what do you hope this book will do for it's readers?
A: Encourage people to get their mojo workin'. We all have stories in us. What most of us lack is
a
technique to bring that story across. What I'm attempting here is to offer people some simple
techniques that they can try.
Q: For the readers information, is this your first published book? If not please tell us what other
works you have published.
A: A WRITER'S ROADMAP is my first published book. In the past, I have written plays and
screenplays. However, I am currently contributing several short stories to a new short story
anthology, and functioning as co-editor of that same anthology. This has been a blast! Storytelling
is
storytelling. The fun for me has been the discovery that I am using the same techniques and
devices
to tell a short story that I would use in writing a story for the stage or screen.
Q: Let me ask you this, do you feel writers pull out their stories from the depths of their souls? In
this I mean, their joys, hurts, hopes, dreams, fears? all the emotions, memories that are stored
within
each of us! What their eyes have seen, what their ears have heard, what their hearts have felt?
A: The extremely talented writers do. The most experienced writers do. I have found, though,
that
younger writers and writers in the early parts of their career tend to tell bigger, more narrative
driven stories that are outside of themselves. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Hollywood
depends
on bigger than life narrative driven fare. As writers begin to mature they begin to work from their
inner life more often. Interestingly enough, I have found that young female writers are more likely
to
write material that is deeply personal than male writers.
Q: All authors have hopes and dreams concerning their works. Would you share with us what
yours
are?
A: It has been a dream of mine to find a small forum in the literary publishing scene. My total
writing
background has been film, and theater, which is necessarily restrictive. In other words, you have
to
create characters, and conflict situations that are hyper-dramatic. But the real drama for me at this
point in my life is the inner drama that I'm experiencing in terms of my emotions, my perspective
of
what's important, my mortality, and what's left in terms of hope. As a writer I would prefer to
write
from this inner theatrical setting which I think you can do more easily in a book.
Q: Do you feel that publishers will look at an authors story for the points that you have given in
your
book? Do you feel they do this knowingly or by instinct?
A: Instinct. Because of the media explosion, because we are becoming a society of observers as
opposed to doers, everybody is developing a shared narrative sense. However, it is my experience
that only the working writers become versed in these technical story points. The publishers share
the
collective narrative sense. In other words, they may not recognize that your story lacks a "death
sequence" at the end of act two. They will just recognize that your story begins to lose
momentum
or that your protagonist doesn't effectively arc. They will give you notes, something along the
lines
that you "have a good idea, but it needs focus, it needs more development."
Q: I ask this question to all that I interview. On behalf of authors what would you like to tell a
publisher if you had the chance to sit and talk with one, face to face.
A: There is a lot of talent out there that is undiscovered. The publishing world seems to be a
closed
shop, even more so than the movie business. At least in the movie business, the studios have a
cadre
of readers whose primary job is to read new material. I would recommend to a publisher that they
create a department with readers to read, seriously, unpublished writers, not just agented "names"
including the Danielle Steel's and the Stephen King's of the world. I would also add that the
obsession with celebrities being allowed to publish anything they feel like simply because they are
famous is degrading to the rest of us. I realize, of course, that this would strictly be me venting.
The
publisher would smile and tell me he agrees, and still go out and publish Monica Lewinsky's first
novel.
SPJ: I love that answer and it is so true! Thank you!
Q: What would be your advice to an author in this situation. They know what they have written is
good, it's a work from their heart, but a publisher is wanting to change and rearrange their work.
In
doing so, they would be published, but they would never have a peace about it. This would be
their
first published work and a dream come true for them. What should they do?
A: My recommendation here is to bend. We are talking about a hostile gate-keeper essentially. If
your work must be compromised to some degree simply to get through the gate, my advice would
be to get through the gate. Once you have standing within the castle, you will be able to publish
whatever you want. Remind yourself that you are the outsider. You have one goal, you must
storm
the castle.
SPJ: Yes, sometimes you have to compromise just a bit! Small steps can take you into a very
large
castle with that bright star shinning down on you!
Q: How important do you feel it is for an author to have an agent? A publicist?
A: Really important. I am talking about having an agent. Publicists are not of much value until
you
already have a property in the marketplace with momentum. However, for those of you who don't
have agents, do not be discouraged, there are many many success stories of artists who simply put
their work out on the street, and allowed an audience to find them. The analogy I like to use here
is
of the garage rock band. Sometimes you can just put together your garage band, keep playing
wherever anyone will listen. Eventually your music gets better and better. You advance from
fraternity parties to a gig at the Whisky. You become a local celebrity at the Whisky. You are
asked
back numerous times, and one evening the president of Sony Records is there.
SPJ: I agree totally with you on this. Having an agent takes alot of pressure off a writer. A good
agent is a God-sent! However readers, again I agree with Wendell, it's really what is working for
you! It's your decision and your future!
Q: A small personal question please! Do you have a special place where you go to be inspired in
your writing?
A: I know this sounds weird, but I do my best, most creative work lying on my stomach on my
bed
with material on the floor. Don't ask me why. It has always been that way. When I'm stuck, this is
the cave that I need to enter. It just goes to show that every writer needs to discover his or her
own
private place. I might also add that I generate some of my ideas while taking my morning walk. I
always take a morning walk before writing. It seems to channel me. And by the way, this is not an
attempt to imitate Ernest Hemingway, who also took morning walks with his dog before
writing.
SPJ: Thank you, that is really interesting and not at all strange. We should be ourselves and feel
content in whatever releases that creative spark within us!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 3 to 5 years and what are you doing to achieve this goal?
A: Hopefully doing a world tour. I am saying this with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek. I
have
spent way too much time in Los Angeles attempting to write screenplays. I have watched my
youthful years slip away without seeing the world. The world is where it's at for an artist. I think
I've
short changed myself. For example, what is happening in Israel and the Middle East is both
prophetic and profound. I've never been to these regions. You ask what I will do to achieve this
goal? Sell my work! (Agent Note - he looked at ME when he said that!)
Q: You say you are co-authoring a book. To you, is it harder to write with another author?
Would
you tell us a little about this?
A: I know the book you're referring to. It is an anthology of short stories set in Hollywood. I am
co-editing the book with my agent, Jeanette Lundgren. Having a co-editor is great. We basically
see
eye-to-eye on the various pieces and we share the load of working with writers who naturally
don't
want one word edited.
I have also co-authored two short stories for the book. Writing with someone else is more
difficult. I
began my screenwriting career in a partnership with Alex Lasker. We worked well together and
had
a measure of success. However, as we matured we both became more headstrong about the way a
sentence should be structured, for example. This is not to say that I haven't enjoyed co-authoring
these two short stories with my friend, Dennis Woods. I like these stories and I think they have
some
potential. It is just more difficult for me now to marry my narrative style with someone elses. I
would also like to add that this process is difficult for Dennis. I convinced him to cut some of
what
he considered to be his best stuff. He has been much more congenial about the whole affair than I
think I would be. God bless him.
Q: In writing this book, what have you learned about yourself?
A: Everything I write teaches me something more about myself. You need to be digging into your
own suffering, your own neurosis, your own brokenness, if you ever hope to write something that
is
universal, that really touches people. I realize that this sounds pretentious, but I really think
wisdom
comes from the pain in your life and how you still find victory.
SPJ: Yes, I agree with you completely! Thank you Wendell!
Q: Please use this space for anything you might like our readers to know about yourself/ your
book/
your future book/s, or anything I may not have asked you that you wish I had.
A: You write because you have to, not because you want to. If you don't have to write, please
don't.
Even in A WRITER'S ROADMAP, which is a little "how-to" book on craft, I peppered my
discussion with personal anecdotes. I couldn't stop myself. The two short stories that I co-wrote
for
the new anthology are both generated from a personal experience. You ask what readers can
expect
from me in the future? That is difficult to answer. I will give this fair warning. Whatever it is, it
will
be increasingly personal, not because I think I'm so interesting but because I can't stop myself. I'd
like to close with a rumored conversation that Anton Chekhov, the great Russian playwright had
with a young writer. The writer asked Chekhov how he could make his work more universal.
Chekhov's rumored reply was, "write about your own hometown." DONE!
Contact Information:
Please contact me in care of my agent, Jeanette Lundgren, at
jlundgren@book-to-screen-management.com. My book can be found on the 1stBooks Library site
as follows: http://www.1stbooks.com/cgi-bin/1st?partner~1st|type~6|Data1~13519.
Thank you Mr. Wellman for a wonderful read and a great interview. Again, I would like to
encourage all writers to look into Mr. Wellman's resourceful book. I believe it will help you along
your road as a writer. Much success to you Mr. Wellman! God's speed and blessings! WW:
Thanks
Shirley for a great interview and all of your kind words.
Interview with Stacey Miller, Publicist:
I chose to interview Stacey Miller because I would like our readers to know the benefits of hiring
a
publicist. I felt Stacey could supply some needed and useful information and indeed she has.
Thank
you Stacey!
Q: Stacey, please tell us how long you have been in this profession.
Stacey: I've been a book promotion specialist for about 15 years. My job has changed with the
times.
Long ago, a colleague told me that publicists are a liaison between authors and publishers. That
was
true, back then. One of my most important responsibilities as a book publicist was to advocate for
authors with their publishers. I'd supplement a publisher's in-house publicity efforts with my own,
and I'd always coax publishers to do more for their authors. I always wanted more books, more
money for travel, more media kits...more of everything!
That was then.
Now many of my clients are self-published authors, and I've had to rethink my role. Authors are
still
my priority, but the money we're spending is usually theirs, so I've become more respectful of it.
"More is always better" has been replaced in my world view by "how can we be more effective,
get
better results, and give authors and publishers the biggest bang for their publicity dollars?" That's
led
to major changes in the way I do business. In the old days, I'd create traditional media kits, stuff
envelopes, send them out, and follow-up with the media. The more books I sent out, the more
bookings I scored, and the happier we all were. But money and time are just too precious now for
that type of thinking. So I've had to work harder, and smarter, to move forward.
For example, I now work with a firm that creates digital, multi-purpose presentations that
function
as media kits and sales tools for authors. That helps me package key messages for authors to get
media interviews, attract clients, interest organizations who need speakers, and inform or entertain
the public. In other words, everything that I do has to be an integral part of helping authors and
publishers meet their short- and long-term goals. My work isn't just about gaining media visibility,
at
all costs, anymore. Everything I do, and every dollar and every moment I encourage authors to
spend on publicity, has to make sense as part of the overall picture. I won't send anyone on a
book
tour just for the sake of saying "hey, I booked 100 interviews in 20 cities" when nearly all those
interviews can just as easily be done by telephone. Times have changed, and I think they've
changed
for the better. Who knows what's ahead? I'm eager to find out.
MBR: That was very interesting! Thank you!
Q: I'm curious, why did you chose this profession?
Stacey: I love books. Also, I have a profound respect for the media and enjoy working with
journalists and producers. My educational background was in mass communication, and this is my
dream job. It's a privilege to work with authors and to be a part of the publishing world. I truly
enjoy
going to work every day.
Q: I have heard so many pro's and con's concerning authors hiring a publicist. Tell me, why do
you
think an author needs a publicist?
Stacey: With so many books published each season -- now more than ever before, when you
factor
in all the self-published books on top of the mainstream publishers' books -- you have to let your
audience know about your work and how it stands out from the competition. Otherwise, your
book
will languish in obscurity and never stand a chance of finding an audience. Advertising and direct
mail campaigns may help you spread the word about your book, but garnering media attention is
the
most cost-effective -- and just plain the most effective -- way to get out the word about your
book.
A book promotion specialist can help. The added value of a publicist is in being able to identify
key
messages that will resonate with the media and in selecting the appropriate media outlets to
contact.
There's no magic to book promotion. Given the time and resources, most authors could build a
relationship with the media and pitch his or her story to them with some success. Publicists simply
have done it before, so they don't have to reinvent the wheel. And they have proven track records
with the media.
MBR: Thank you Stacey for giving an honest answer to our readers. I know they appreciate
it.
Q: Let me ask you this now, if I am not being too personal. How do you decide what to charge an
author for your services?
Stacey: My fees are based on the scope and duration of the campaign. Also, there are costs built
into
the campaign. For example, you'll need to send review copies of books out to the media. How
many
you send is up to you. In that way, you can control your spending on publicity. PR is an
investment.
How much you invest is your choice.
There's risk involved. No publicist can ever say: "For every x number of publicity dollars you
spend,
you'll get y number of sales dollars in return."
Publicity is a numbers game. As a general rule; the more media you approach, the more "hits"
you'll
get. Once I let authors know that, then they determine their budget.
Q: I suppose the main issue is, letting the public know your book is out there. I'm interested to
know, are there ever any books/authors that you turn down. If so, for what reasons?
Stacey: There's a screening process that I use. First, I want to see a copy of the book (or, if that's
unavailable, at least the Table of Contents and a couple of sample chapters). Then I want to see an
author's biography. I have to be enthusiastic about a book, understand how it stands apart from
the
competition, and feel comfortable with the author's credentials, before I get involved in a
project.
I want to see a media hook in the book, even if it's fiction. There must be something to interest
the
media. Sure, I have media contacts, but there has to be more...some reason for my letting them
know about the story.
Also, I want to know that there's a book distribution process in place. In other words, if I arrange
media coverage for a book, I want to know that potential readers can buy the book.
Finally, I always make sure that authors have realistic expectations about what we can achieve
together. If an author understands there are no guarantees in publicity, and that no publicist
knows
in advance of contacting them which media outlets will be interested in any given book project --
and the investment represents an acceptable risk to an author -- then we can proceed.
Q: Do you find that more authors are turning to publicists more now then they did in the past and
if
so why?
Stacey: The tight economy has had a paradoxical effect on my business. On the one hand, more
authors see their book projects as potential money-makers, and more authors, in general, want to
maximize the investment they've already made in writing (and perhaps publishing) their books. On
the other hand, those mutual funds and stocks aren't looking promising, and few authors want to
risk
more money on publicity than they can afford to lose. So I think I'm seeing more authors who
would
love to promote their books now, and I'm seeing fewer authors who will actually do so.
What I've done is adapted my services to fill a need that I perceive. I'm currently emphasizing
digital
media campaigns over more traditional approaches to publicity. This maximizes the efficiency of
our
efforts while minimizing the costs. I'm not eliminating my traditional services; but I'm taking
advantage of all that cutting-edge technology offers to give authors the biggest bang for their
bucks.
Q: Once an author obtains your services, what is required of them? Stacey: Authors are the
experts
on their topics. We work together on finding, and refining, the media messages in their work.
They
give me their prioritized media "wish list," and I turn that into an action plan. In other words, if an
author's top-level goal is to get into the Wall Street Journal, then I'm clear about where to focus
my
energies and what needs to be done. In turn, I provide the expertise to help authors realize, and
make the most of, their publicity benchmarks.
Q: Tell me about the publishers, are they glad when an author hires a publicists and do they work
well with you?
Stacey: Publishers who want to sell as many books as possible are tickled when authors hire
publicists. Those publishers often offer to help by providing complementary copies of books,
postage, and so forth. Most importantly, they tell their sales team about our PR accomplishments
as
they occur so that we become an organized team of professionals who are all focused on a book's
success.
There have been a couple of authors I've turned away over the years because their publishers are
doing everything, in-house, that I could ever imagine doing. I've advised these authors to see how
successful their in-house publicity campaign is before asking an outside publicist to supplement
that
which might stand just fine on its own. These authors are luckier, and rarer, than Powerball
winners!
Q: We have all heard that more and more the promoting of a book is falling on the shoulders of
the
author, even with the big houses. Do you feel this is true and if so why?
Stacey: Big houses have always published more books than they necessarily need to be successful.
So A-list books don't get the same share of the publicity budget as other books on big houses'
lists.
That's the way it's been for as long as I've worked in publishing, and it will probably never change.
The Stephen Kings of this world don't have to hire their own publicists; the other 99.9% of
authors
who are published by major houses probably do.
There's a certain amount of token attention that big houses will pay to "less important" books.
They'll do mass mailings to the media with no follow-up, or perhaps they'll place an ad in a
publication that goes out to producers and editors. In other words, they'll spend a few dollars on
passive publicity efforts. This approach to publicity, as a standalone campaign, has never been
optimal. With more books competing for air time and print space, it's become even less effective.
To
that extent, authors at big houses now have more incentive than they did before to supplement
their
publishers' publicity efforts.
But self-published authors or those who have published with smaller presses have always known
that
book promotion is their responsibility. So there are no surprises there.
Q: I have read and reviewed quite a number of ebooks and many of them are outstanding. Do you
deal at all with ebook authors? How do you feel about ebooks and do you think they will increase
in
popularity in the future or fade out? How do you feel the reading world in general is receiving
ebooks?
Stacey: I'm personally excited about eBooks and have been following the industry's increasing
support, and the public's growing acceptance, of the technology. I don't own an eBook reader yet,
but I trust that most of us will in the not-so-distant future. I'm not trading my cloth books and
paperbacks in for eBooks, but I do think eBooks will become a separate and distinct medium of
communication. It will be a privilege to represent such a project when the opportunity comes my
way.
MBR: Thank you Stacey, that is really good to know. I also enjoy ebooks and hope they have a
long
future ahead of them.
Q: Tell me this, are you a published author? And if so what is the name of your book, what genre
is
it in, and where may we find it?
Stacey: Yes, and thank you for asking. I coauthored a career book called Career Bounce-Back
which gave me an opportunity to experience book promotion from the "other side of the desk,"
too.
It was a great experience. Also, I'm currently penning on a book promotion question-and-answer
book that, I hope, will serve as a roadmap to authors who are seeking media attention. I plan to
publish the as-yet-untitled book in the coming months as a print-on-demand book. P.O.D., too, is
part of our Brave New World, and I want to learn about it from the inside. What better way than
to
help authors at the same time?
Q: That sounds great. Now let me ask you this, where do you see yourself and your company in 3
to
5 years?
Stacey: The publishing industry specifically -- and the media, in general -- changes so quickly.
Like
all media consumers, I look forward to seeing the new "Oprah" and working with the
communicators of the future. Every day brings new opportunities for us all. I look forward to
evolving, as a book publicist, to meet the evolving needs of publishers, authors, and the
media.
Q: Stacey, is there a question that I have not asked that you wish I had? Some information you
would like to tell our readers, either about yourself or the world of a publicist? Or perhaps
anything
that would be helpful to them in their writing career?
Stacey: Some people resist positioning themselves as "experts," and others fundamentally feel
intimidated by interviewers. Many authors know that media exposure is a necessary part of
bookselling, but they dread it. That's unfortunate, because publicity really is an author's reward for
writing a book. I'd encourage authors to enjoy those 15 minutes of fame. Focus on your messages
and your audience. Then relax, and enjoy the opportunities that come your way.
Great advice, thank you Stacey!
I want to thank Stacey for a wonderful interview, chock full of information for you, the reader. I
wish her the best in the future.
Interview with Victoria Strauss:
Author of numerous novels and published articles on writing in Writer's Digest and elsewhere,
reviewer for the online journal SF Site and the print magazine Black Gate, and Vice-Chair of the
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America's Writing Scams Committee. She also maintains
the
popular website Writer Beware!
Victoria, I am very honored to be able to do this interview with you. You have been a blessing to
me
several times, answering my questions and concerns about different publishers and agents.I know
that you are highly respected among all writers who know of your hard work on their behalf. For
them and myself, I wish to publicly thank you!
Let's begin the interview. Readers, I believe you will really enjoy this one!
Please tell us how long you have been a published author...
Since 1982...30 years. That's scary! Unfortunately, I'm not prolific--I'm a very slow-paced
writer.
Q: Victoria, I know our readers would like to know some things about Writer Beware, but first
let
me ask you some questions about being a published author.
You have been playing this 'game' a long time, what advice would you give to upcoming writers
that
you feel would really make a difference in their writing career?
Victoria: Be persistent. Talent is important, and so, to some degree, is luck--being in the right
place
at the right time. But one of the things that characterizes working writers is persistence. They
keep
writing, they keep submitting, even in the face of rejection. It's easy to say this, of course, and not
so
easy to do it--rejection is very hard to deal with (and I'm here to tell you it doesn't get all that
much
easier even when you have lots of practice at it!). But you have to keep going, no matter what the
setbacks and frustrations--and remember, every successful writer at one point went through what
you're going through.
Educate yourself. Find books about the publishing industry. Read Publishers Weekly (much of its
content is available online). The more you know, the more effective you'll be at submitting your
work, and the less likely it is that you'll be taken in by dishonest or incompetent people.
Do your research ahead of time. Never query an agent without first ascertaining that s/he's
legitimate. Never submit to a publisher without being sure it can actually market and distribute
your
books. Never use a freelance editor unless you're certain s/he is professionally qualified.
And remember, there are no shortcuts!
SPJ: Advice well noted! Thank you!
Q: How long did it take you to find a publisher for your first work and have the 'rules' changed
since
then?
Victoria: I wrote my first novel when I was 17, during a year off between high school and college.
I
then began, in a haphazard way, to submit it. I really knew nothing about the publishing industry,
and I don't think I was very effective. But things were different then--for instance, it was relatively
easy to get manuscripts in "over the transom"--and I was able to get readings at most of the
publishers I queried (even with what I now realize was a truly awful query letter).
No one was interested, though. Then, as luck would have it, I submitted to a publisher that was
going out of business, and the editor on whose desk my ms. landed, who was in the process of
preparing to go out on her own as an agent, made me an offer of representation. She began to
send
my book round (having decided to market it as a young adult book, not as an adult book as I'd
been
trying to market it). It got lots of nice comments, but no takers. After a while she'd sent it to
everyone appropriate, and there was nowhere else to go. She put the ms. on the shelf, and I put
my
dreams on the shelf, deciding I'd been an idiot to think I could be a writer (thus totally violating
the
advice about persistence I gave above--I still kick myself for being so spineless).
Several years later, my agent (who by then had become very successful) called me out of the blue
to
tell me my book had sold. She'd never forgotten it, and sent it out every time there was a change
in
staff at a publisher, or a new imprint came into being. I did an extensive rewrite under the
guidance
of a very wise and perceptive editor, and about a year later the book was published in
hardcover--ten
years after I'd written it.
Have the rules changed? Absolutely. If you want to submit adult fiction to a large commercial
publisher, a good agent is pretty much a requirement these days--that wasn't true when I started
out.
There are also more books being published now than ever before, making it a lot harder for any
individual author to find an audience (this is one reason I'm grateful to be in genre fiction, where
the
market is smaller but also more defined). Huge amounts are spent by publishers on advances and
book promotion--but only for certain authors, making it necessary for those who don't receive the
push of tours and national advertising to make efforts to market themselves (when I was first
published, in the early 1980's, all you had to do was write the book; self-promotion was not the
norm).
Most of all, while I don't think it's any more difficult to break in nowadays than it's ever been, it's
far
harder to sustain a career. Publishers are much less willing to nurture a writer to success, or to
carry
her through a series of unsuccessful books in hopes that the next might be the breakout work.
Midlist authors work from book to book, and must prove themselves all over again with every
one.
SPJ: Thank you Victoria for that wealth of information.
Q: What do you think of the ebook trend? In your opinion, is it here to stay? Do you feel ebooks
will become more and more accepted in time?
Victoria: Yes, e-books absolutely are here to stay. There's a faithful audience for e-books, and
many
independent e-book publishers have established themselves successfully. The large commercial
houses--at least the ones that went about creating their e-book programs in a sensible way--all
report
steadily rising sales. A lot of publicity was given to the high-profile failures last year of Random
House's e-book imprint and Time Warner's iPublish--but what failed there wasn't e-books, but the
publishers' absurd notions of leveraging print-size audiences for them. Right now, the e-book
audience is a niche audience, and these publishers didn't recognize that.
I do believe the popularity of e-books will continue to grow, especially in non-trade
markets--reference, educational, academic. However, in trade fiction and nonfiction, I think it's
unlikely that e-books will replace or supersede print, at least for the foreseeable future. I think
they'll
remain an alternate format, like audio books. E-books offer an array of functions and
conveniences
that are unique to the electronic format, and that appeal to a specialized audience--but as a
general
reading experience I don't think they provide any compelling functional advantage over print.
Plus,
many people don't like reading from computer screens and/or don't want to pay extra for a
reading
device, whether a PDA or a dedicated e-book reader.
I think the growth of the e-book market is currently hampered by a number of things. One is the
lack
of standardization. The plethora of competing formats is bewildering for a lot of people. There's
also
a (relative) lack of content. While lots of original fiction is being put out by the independent
e-publishers, the bulk of it is genre; non-genre readers who'd prefer e-editions of commercial
print-published books can't reliably obtain them, because commercial publishers are quite
inconsistent about what they do and don't put out in e-format. Then there are the high prices the
commercial publishers often want to charge--it's just ridiculous to price an e-book like a
hardcover.
The indies do a lot better in that regard.
SPJ: I personally enjoy reading ebooks, especially as I age and my eyes age with me. I hope they
are
around forever!
Q: How do you feel about self-publishing and do you think it can hurt a writer's career to
self-publish?
Victoria: Self-publishing can be a good choice for writers with specific types of projects--for
instance, someone who is writing for a niche market to which s/he has access, or someone who
tours
or lectures extensively and can sell books at those occasions. Some writers who publish this way
can
do much better than they would with traditional publishing. By and large, though, if you
self-publish,
you must be prepared to invest a lot of time and money in promoting yourself, and to learn how
to
do it in a really professional way (which involves much more than just arranging a few local book
signings or newspaper interviews).
There's been a good deal of buzz lately about self-publishers being picked up by commercial
publishers. I have two comments about this. First, it's not a new trend--commercial publishing has
a
long history of acquiring successful self-published books. Second, while all these authors
vigorously
and resourcefully promoted their books to the public, if you look closely you'll see that there's
nearly
always an additional special circumstance. Perhaps the writer had media or other connections s/he
was able to exploit, or a professional background in marketing, or was writing to a newly hungry
market (for instance, Knopf just picked up a self-published YA fantasy trilogy for a sizeable
advance. YA fantasy is big business these days; before Harry Potter, this is not something that
would
have happened). Sometimes the writer was just plain unstoppably dogged.
Whatever the circumstances, it has to be remembered that these success stories represent a tiny,
tiny
fraction of the thousands of books self-published every year. Assuming you have a good,
well-edited, marketable book (which is not typical of self-published books) the odds of finding
success through self-publishing are far smaller than the odds of finding success through
commercial
publishing--and given the market changes discussed above, those odds are tough enough.
Can it hurt a writer's career to self-publish? I think it depends. If you can show sales of
5,000-10,000
within the first six months to a year of publication, you'll likely be able to snag an agent's or
editor's
interest. If you've only sold a few hundred copies, however, or if you've published through one of
the fee-based POD services--which are commonly regarded by people in the industry as vanity
publishers--an editor or agent may assume you couldn't do any better. I know this sounds harsh,
but
I've heard it said many times. In that case, your best bet might be not to try and sell the
self-published book, but to write another and market that one.
Q: Let me ask you something about your novels. What made you decide to write fantasy novels,
did
it just come natural to you and do you think you will ever write in another genre?
Victoria: As a child, my favorite reading was myths, fairy tales and historical novels. My first
novel
was a historical novel with fantastic elements. It just seemed natural, after that, to gravitate
toward
fantasy--which actually is a lot like historical writing, in that the author has to set the action in a
world s/he can't directly experience, and build a setting through research and imagination rather
than
through real-life observation.
I love working with a fantasy setting because it allows my imagination full rein (at least in the
process of creating the setting--a good fantasy setting generates its own rules, and you have to
honor those in the writing). I also like fantasy because it allows me to create settings that reflect
themes and issues that interest me.
I think if I did write in another genre, I'd probably return to historical writing. But I can't imagine
writing a novel without at least some speculative elements.
Q: When you begin a work how does the idea come to you? How long does it usually take you to
complete that work? Do you ever experience 'writer's block', and if so what do you do to remedy
it?
Victoria: Usually a book begins for me with a "what if". For instance, I recently read a fantasy
novel
in which a sacred rite, which had to be completed by a certain time or else the world would fall
into
chaos, was sabotaged and had to be desperately salvaged through a last-minute rescue. One of my
major interests is the relativity of belief systems, and I thought: what if the rescuers failed and the
rite wasn't completed, but the chaos didn't come? What would follow--social upheaval? A
cover-up?
How would the believers rationalize the failure of a central tenet of their faith? (I'm working on
something else right now, but I definitely plan to come back to this idea and turn it into a
novel.)
I then mull over the idea, thinking about possibilities, characters, and storylines. Gradually a rough
plot takes shape in my head. This usually takes several weeks (and lots of patience from my poor
husband, who is my plot sounding board). When I feel it's complete enough, I write it down as a
detailed synopsis, fleshing out the ideas and characters, resolving inconsistencies, making it all fit
together into a logical narrative.
The synopsis includes all the major characters and plot points, as well as some basic information
about the setting. I don't use it as a road map, however--it's intended more to fix the story in my
mind. Once I've finished the synopsis, I put it away and write from memory. This gives me enough
structure so that I don't go seriously off track, but allows me enough flexibility that the sense of
creative process is preserved. As a result, the finished book often differs quite a bit from the
synopsis, though the beginning, the ending, and the basic storyline in between don't change
much.
After the synopsis is complete, I do whatever research I need to do, and spend some time creating
character sketches, building up the setting, mapping things, and so on. I don't go overboard on
this--I don't, for instance, "interview" my characters or flesh them out with peripheral details like
their favorite color or the name of their childhood pet. If those details are important for the plot,
I'll
work them out, but otherwise I don't feel they add anything.
The synopsizing and research can take up to six months. It then takes me at least two years to
actually write the book (not a good thing, if you're working in a commercial genre, where to build
a
following you need to publish frequently). They are big books--my most recent was just over
200,000 words--but the truth is that I'm a slow writer, and spend a lot of time revising as I go.
New
writers are often told not to do this--to write straight through from start to finish and only then go
back and revise--but this doesn't work for everyone, and it has never worked for me. I need to
feel
clear and comfortable with what I've done before I can proceed. The one advantage of working
this
way--apart from the fact that it feels natural to me--is that I produce what's essentially a final
draft.
Once I'm finished, not much revision is needed.
I don't experience writer's block in the sense of a complete dearth of ideas and motivation (knock
wood), but I do get stuck a lot. Often it's because I'm not completely clear on a character's
emotion
or motivation. Sometimes it's because I've made a wrong choice or taken a wrong turning.
Sometimes it's just because. Writing isn't easy for me, and some days the creativity isn't there. I
may
take a day or two off and do something completely different, but mostly I just sit down in front of
the part that isn't working out, and pound at it till it comes right.
Q: It is said that writers often fashion characters in their books after people in their own lives. Do
you feel this is true in your works?
Victoria: I think every writer steals bits and pieces from people they know, or are acquainted
with,
or just see walking down the street, to build their characters. But while I may use a characteristic
from someone I know (for instance, my dad has rheumatoid arthritis, and I used that for one
character in my forthcoming book), I don't try and model my characters on any specific person.
This
is good--my family and friends read my books!
Q: Do you feel it is a pipe dream in this day and time for a writer to feel they can make an
adequate
living with their work?
Victoria: Well, maybe not a pipe dream, but certainly not something you should count on if you
are
a book writer (journalists, by contrast, can make a good living). I remember seeing a survey some
years back that estimated that the typical book writer made about $4,000 per year--and that's an
average that includes huge moneymakers like Stephen King. I think many writers make much less
even than that depressing $4,000.
Most book writers I know have a day job, or a spouse who is willing to support them. I do know
book writers who make their living from writing--but they are very prolific (producing one or
more
books a year) and nearly all supplement their book writing income with other writing
activities--nonfiction articles, columns, short fiction, etc. They have to keep pretty busy to make
ends meet. I'm also friends with one genuine NY Times best-selling author--and she has to work
very hard to keep the income stream going (plus, the fact that your last book was a bestseller is no
guarantee that the next one will be).
I often hear from aspiring writers who have unrealistic expectations about what they can earn by
writing. In part, I think this is because of the hype that accompanies big advances. But it's
important
to remember that these advances are hyped precisely because they're not the norm. Also, while the
upper end of the advance spectrum has bloated beyond anyone's wildest imaginings, the average
advance for a first novel isn't any different now from when I first started publishing. How many
professions are there where someone today earns the same as she would have earned in
1982?
My advice to aspiring book writers is to put financial ambition out of the picture right from the
start.
I'm not saying give your work away for free: if you're serious about a writing career, you're best
off
seeking an advance-paying publisher. But when you dream, don't dream of being rich or of giving
up
your day job. There are enough uncertainties, pitfalls, and disappointments in this business; you
can
spare yourself a lot of heartache by not pinning your hopes on cash.
Q: Are there any little 'tips' you would like to give to our readers that may help them in their quest
for a publisher?
Victoria: Do your research. Query only publishers or agents who are appropriate for your work.
This may sound obvious, but you'd be surprised at the number of writers who send out queries
scattershot to everyone whose address they can gather, on the chance that a few will respond.
This
is just a waste of postage and photocopying.
Only approach legitimate people. Again, this sounds obvious, but a lot of writers don't try hard
enough to do it. Many aspiring writers believe they must limit themselves to marginal agents and
amateur publishers because the big boys (and girls) aren't interested in first-timers. Not so!
Besides,
choosing an unsuccessful agent, or a publisher without the ability to market and distribute your
work, is a losing proposition--the first won't be able to bring your manuscript to the attention of
editors, and the second won't be able to bring your book to the attention of readers. Set your
sights
high. Anything less is a waste of your time.
Be professional. Check submission requirements, and send only what's asked for. Avoid
"extras"--colored paper, fancy fonts, press kits in impressive binders, photos of you; publishers
and
agents don't want to see those things, and they will mark you immediately as an amateur. And yes,
most agents and commercial publishers do still want to see paper submissions. This is a subject of
frequent moaning by writers who think it's unreasonable that e-submissions aren't more widely
accepted. Well, it may be unreasonable or it may not be (for instance, the insistence on paper
submissions does help to stem a little the tidal wave of queries that agents and editors have to deal
with), but the bottom line is that it's a buyer's market, and the buyer gets to set the terms.
Complaining about how unfair it is isn't going to change anything.
And I know I've already said this, but--be persistent! Given a marketable work, it's often this--the
determination to keep going even in the face of rejection--that makes the difference between a
published writer and an unpublished one. If you have talent, the odds are more in your favor than
you realize. Much is made of the fact that though thousands of manuscripts are written every
year,
only a tiny percentage ever find commercial publication. But the truth (as anyone who has ever
looked at a publisher's slush pile will know) is that maybe 10% of those thousands of manuscripts
even approach publishability (many people would say even fewer). Again, given a marketable
work,
you're not in competition with every other writer seeking publication, but only with that
publishable
10%.
Q: I know that you maintain the site 'Writer Beware', which is a site full of resources on literary
scams and the like. Would you please tell us when you started this site and why? I would like to
give
you full liberty here to talk about this outstanding site that is a God send for authors. I could ask a
lot of questions, but I feel it would be best for you to just freely write the in's and out's of this
great
resource site. Would you do that for us please?
Victoria: People who find out about Writer Beware often ask me if I do this work because I was
scammed at some point. The answer is no. I've had only good experiences with publishers and
agents
Naively, I thought my experience was the norm. When I first began exploring the Internet in the
mid-1990's, and began to connect with other writers online, I was shocked to discover that in fact
there was a huge shadow-industry of fee-charging agents and dishonest book doctors and
unscrupulous vanity publishers preying on new writers. I became fascinated by this phenomenon,
which I'd had no idea even existed, and began to collect information. By coincidence, the Science
Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, which I'd just joined, was looking for someone to add a
literary fraud warning section to the SFWA website. It seemed like just the right project for me,
and
so I volunteered. That's how Writer Beware came to be.
Around the same time, Ann Crispin, then SFWA's Vice-President, was putting together a Writing
Scams Committee. Neither of us knew about the other's efforts until someone introduced us. It
seemed natural to join forces. Ann is Chair of the Committee, and I'm Vice-Chair, and Writer
Beware is the Committee's public face, providing the latest information and warnings based on
our
ongoing behind-the-scenes research into literary fraud.
Writer Beware (http://www.sfwa.org/beware/) has grown a lot since early 1997, when it first
went
online. It now includes sections on literary agents, book doctors, contests and vanity anthologies,
copyright, electronic publishing, electronic rights, print on demand, and subsidy/vanity publishers.
These sections provide information not only on common frauds and how to recognize them, but
on
legitimate practice (it's easiest to protect yourself if you know how things should be done). There
are also extensive lists of links, so that writers can access useful online resources. We keep these
sections up to date (they're updated at least once a quarter), and try and gear them not only to
aspiring writers just learning about the industry, but to established writers needing to increase
their
knowledge. We also try to make our information relevant regardless of writers' nationality--most
of
our traffic comes from the US (where literary fraud is by far the biggest problem), but we also get
a
lot of visitors from the UK, and also from Australia, New Zealand, and even South Africa.
Additionally, there's a section of Writer Beware devoted to detailed case studies of literary frauds
that have been exposed (such as the notorious book doctoring service Edit Ink), and a page of
alerts
on current frauds and pitfalls to be avoided. Last but definitely not least, there's a section on legal
recourse: what to do and where to report if you feel you've been defrauded.
As important as what's visible on the website is what we do behind the scenes. Our agent- and
publisher-tracking activities have enabled us to build an extensive archive of complaints and
documentation--right now, this includes more than 300 questionable agents and over 100
questionable publishers in the US, UK, and Australia, as well as a number of freelance editors and
assorted writers' services. It's the largest and most complete database of its kind in the world, and
is
constantly growing as more and more writers contact us with complaints. We find out about a
new
questionable agent or publisher at least every couple of weeks.
We've shared information from our database with various law enforcement officials (though,
sadly,
law enforcement doesn't take a great deal of interest in literary fraud). More important, we share
the
information with writers. If you'd like to know about a specific agent or publisher, you can write
to
us (beware@sfwa.org), and we'll search our files and let you know what we find. We receive
anywhere between 40 and 60 inquiries a week.
For those (and there are some) who think that Writer Beware is much ado about very little, here
are
a few facts, pertaining just to literary agents in the USA:
- Of the perhaps 1,000 literary agents now operating in the US, maybe 400-450 can be considered
legitimate (approximately 350 members of the Association of Authors' Representatives, and
maybe
50-100 more who don't choose to join). That leaves 550-600 who are amateur, marginal,
incompetent, or outright dishonest. Writer Beware has identified close to 300 of these, which
sounds
like a lot until you realize that it leaves nearly as many unaccounted for.
- If each of these questionable agents had just 50 clients (many have hundreds more) and charged
just $150 in upfront fees (many charge as much as $750, or offer "adjunct" services costing
thousands of dollars) for a one-year contract (many use six-month contracts, which means their
clients must pay twice a year), it'd generate over $4 million annually. This is an absolute
rock-bottom estimate; in fact, it's probably triple or quadruple that.
- Assuming the figures above, the minimum number of writers roped in by questionable agents
every
year approaches 28,000. Given the large client lists maintained by many questionable agents, and
the
high turnover (some of these agents turn their lists over twice a year), I'd suspect it's closer to
75,000.
One final thing I'd like to emphasize: of the literary agents in our database, not all are dishonest
con
artists. Many are just amateur or incompetent. Agents like this may be entirely well-intentioned,
but
they simply don't have the specialized skills and inside industry contacts a successful agent needs.
It's
unlikely they'll even be able to target a manuscript appropriately, let alone get an editor to look at
it;
and they're overwhelmingly likely to charge upfront fees in order to support themselves (for many,
this is the only income their business generates). As personable and well-meaning as these people
may be, hooking up with one of them isn't much different from hooking up with a con artist,
because
the end result is the same: your wallet will be lighter, and your book will not be sold.
Q: Victoria, are there any final thoughts you would like to leave with our readers?
Just to say thanks for letting me have this "conversation" with you. I've enjoyed it!
SPJ: I would like to thank Victoria again for allowing me to interview her. I don't know about
you
readers, but I have learned much from her words of wisdom. We all need to be very thankful to
have
someone like Victoria on our side. I pray that life is a real blessing for her in her future.
Victoria, please give us information about your books--the names of your books/publishers etc.
Also
any other personal information you would like to share.
I've written six fantasy novels altogether--three for young adults ("The Lady of Rhuddesmere",
Frederick Warne, 1982; "Worldstone", Four Winds Press/Macmillan, 1985; "Guardian of the
Hills",
Greenwillow/William Morrow, 1995) and three for adults ("The Arm of the Stone", 1998; "The
Garden of the Stone", 1999; and a novel forthcoming in 2004 which doesn't yet have a final title,
with a sequel to follow--all from HarperCollins Eos). I also review science fiction and fantasy
novels
for the online journal SF Site and the print magazine Black Gate, and have published articles on
writing in Writer s Digest and elsewhere. I'm an active member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy
Writers of America, where I serve as Vice-Chair of the very busy Writing Scams Committee, and
maintain Writer Beware, the Internet's premier resource on literary scams, schemes, frauds, and
pitfalls.
Contact Information:
Personal website: http://www.victoriastrauss.com/
E-mail: vstrauss@attbi.com
Writer Beware: http://www.sfwa.org/beware/
E-mail: beware@sfwa.org
Shirley Johnson
Interviewer
Midwest Book Review
Shelley's Bookshelf
Raptor
Judith Van Gieson
University of New Mexico Press
1720 Lomas Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131-1591
ISBN: 0-8263-2974-8 $13.95
In this Neil Hamel mystery, the death of Neil's distant aunt leaves Neil with a diary and a plane
ticket
to observe an environmental miracle, the white Arctic falcon. But instead of seeing the glorious
falcon, Neil and her birding party see a body flying off a cliff. Little does Neil realize that the trip
she
decides to take to Montana to see this bird will turn out to be a search for a murderer:
"'It wasn't a falconer, I'm tellin' you. There are plenty of other people around who hated
Pederson's
guts. The man had it comin' and goin'.' He climbed down from the fence. 'You give my best to
March. Goodness is a rough trail, especially where he is. And don't forget to say hello to that
girlfriend of his, Kate.' He grinned. 'Now there's a woman with spirit. She can park her boots
under
my bed anytime she wants to.'"
Van Giesen moves Neil and her mysterious love, the Kid, from Albuquerque: where if the hot
sauce
isn't burning your throat it has no taste; to the dangerous regions of Montana, where the greatest
danger can be anything from a snowstorm that catches the birders unaware; to the horrible traps
used on beautiful, unsuspecting, and diminishing animals for profit; to the people themselves,
whose
motives are hidden by the wide-open skies and mountains. Neil tries to adjust as she sleuths for
March, the wrongfully accused ranger. Van Giesen's characters drive the suspense-driven plot; at
the
same time throwing in quirks of Neil's which make her all the more human. Neil is a lovable
neurotic: from her smoking and drinking habits, to her "inappropriate" relationship to the Kid, to
her
turning her nose up at anything that remotely resembles food. The reader pictures an Ally McBeal
galloping around the hillsides with heart and clothes flapping. But somewhere she finds the
strength
to get the job done, before she resumes her nonconformist lifestyle. Raptor is a delight, and Neil
does it her own way.
A very popular mystery writer from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Judith Van Gieson is an author
who
has a plethora of information on the web, and enough name recognition so that her author bio
simply
includes the names of some of the catalog of mysteries she has written, including: North Of The
Border, Confidence Woman, and Vanishing Point. Van Gieson is
The Unlikely Victims
Alvin Abram
AMA Graphics Incorporated
c/o Darlene Montgomery, Lifedreams Communications
lifedreams@idirect.com/416-696-1684
ISBN: 0-9692398-6-6 $19.95 US $29.50 CAN
Gabe Garshowitz is a veteran cop with thirty years of experience; a deceased wife; and an
alienated
daughter. He occasionally thinks of retirement, until he is partnered with spunky Iris Forester, his
now supervisor's niece. Iris has a mean kick; an attitude readers will love; and a soft spot for
Gabe.
Together, they take on six cases which nets Gabe a new dog, Iris the benefit of Gabe's
considerable
insight, and between them, the tracking down of a crooked cop who gets Iris shot:
"I shone my flashlight on her and saw the blood on her shoulder. I pulled her off the ledge, ripped
the velcro from her bullet-proof vest and exposed her collar. A bullet had grazed her neck. I
cradled
her head in my lap and pressed my fingers directly on the wound to stop the flow of blood. Her
eyes
closed and her head fell lifelessly to one side."
Abram injects his Detective Garshowitz with the right amount of droll wit; subjective guilt over
his
wife's death; and loyalty towards those he cares about. Garshowitz has bad knees and is lonely,
but
he is still a wonderful partner who cares about justice and getting the bad guy...especially when
his
daughter becomes an innocent victim. It's just this balance of innate gruffness that endears him to
the
beautiful and talented Iris. Together they take on the bad guys...and in particular Simon Munz,
who
they are sure is on the take.
The Unlikely Victims is a gritty portrayal of what a grind police work really is. The differing
personalities can either mesh or badly conflict in stressful situations, resulting in nasty accidents.
Abram's prose is humorous; tragic; and witty. Gabe Garshowitz is an unwilling hero who only
tries
to do what is right, but with more intelligence than most. And any story with a dog at the center is
sure to please.
Alvin Abram has been a professional writer since 1995. His books include: Why Zaida?, The Light
After The Dark and The Light After The Dark II. His credits include publication in several
journals.
Escapades On Third Street
Gregory E. Rutledge
PublishAmerica, Inc.
ISBN: 1893162672 $24.95, www.publishamerica.com www.amazon.com
Written as a dialogue/dispute to Mark Twain's "The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn", Escapades
On Third Street begins in the same cultural environment, although in the 1970's. At the start of
the
summer of 1971, Benjamin Thomas, thought only of playing with his eleven year old friends on
the
streets of Bradentown. That is, until he is approached by Vincent Solomon, an African-American
student of such intelligence and presence that Ben is swept up in his cause. Together they perform
odd jobs for the residents of Bradentown, and their fame quickly grows, except for one Mrs.
Traxton, known as Tyrannosaurus Trax, for her power politics in St. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist
Church, whose congregants are often possessed of the Holy Spirit during church services:
"'OHHHH, Lawdy, Lawdy, thank ya Lawdy. . . OHHH BLESSED SAV-IOR, thank ya!'
Suddenly
shouted the woman in the red dress as she abruptly bolted to her feet, arms flapping as she bucked
up and down and rocked violently forward and backward in the narrow space between two
pews."
Just as Vincent Solomon is setting the foundations for his quest to change the community of
Bradentown, he is wrongfully accused of rape. The White community reacts with lynch mob
mentality; the Black community scurries to evict Vincent from their midst just as he stands alone.
Only the Thomas family stands by him timidly; at their peril. Sadly for Vincent, he learns that his
ideas are a generation ahead of his peers, not to mention the White community.
Rutledge presents a passionate novel that chronicles the injustices of the South as Vincent's
situation
turns into a maelstrom which threatens to engulf the region. Centered around a community who
take
solace in their faith; their music; and their culture, Escapades is an attempt to show the world just
what problems remain in race relations. Although the plot lags a little at the beginning, the second
half is worth the effort. Escapades is a definitive work and adds to the growing body of
Afro-American literature.
Gregory Rutledge is a native of Bradenton, Florida, which constitutes the Deep South in terms of
race relations. Growing up on Third Street, Rutledge had the opportunity to observe what he
writes
about...the evolution of African-American relations. Greg is a graduate of Emory University in
English Literature and Philosophy; holds a Law Degree from the University of Florida; and is
presently working towards his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he also
earned
a M.A. in Afro-American Studies.
Domo17
Donald Neal McKay
Nonetheless Press
20332 W. 98th St., Lenexa, KS 66220-2650
ISBN: 1932053034, $12.95 US/$19.95 CAN, www.nonethelesspress.com
Dr. Alexander Jamazi is a Hercule Poirot of sorts, combined with a little James Bond, and
seasoned
with the teachings of Buddha. His friends cannot figure out why he is so knowledgeable about the
finer points of history, but our author hints that Dr. Jamazi doesn't age because he is super-human
or
immortal. When he and his sidekicks, Max and Robyn, set out to help a client named Tara
Duchenes, they uncover a plot by a higher-up in the security section of the Russian government to
take over the government, assassinate the president, and throw Russia into war. Jamazi offers his
services to General Drago:
"'Casimir, if you do not mind, I would like to offer your good offices the services of myself, Max
and Robyn in getting to the bottom of this affair.' The Doctor was never one to outwardly betray
his
inner feelings with telegraphic expressions or gestures, but in all truthfulness, he badly wanted to
be
in on this situation. 'And,' Jamazi added, 'along the way, we might even cross paths with our
disappearing client, Mlle Romanov.'"
Domo17 is a brilliantly written first novel! McKay could compete with any of the existing giants
of
political intrigue novels today. McKay's intensive knowledge of Russian affairs and history takes
the
reader right to Red Square. His analysis of current political and economical conditions in Russia
makes for a very savvy interpretation of "what ifs" in the telling of his tale. He lays out a scenario
that is not only possible (with the number of nut heads in the world) but is chilling in
contemplation.
McKay's characters are lovable and well thought out. Jamazi is perfect in his role of "super-human
equalizer." Although the scenario is grim, we as readers cheer on Jamazi and his team and know
that
they will prevail in the end.
Domo17 is a four-star read from an up-and-comer. Thanks for Mr. McKay for sharing his
imagination and historical brilliance in the form of such a wonderful read. Dance with the Pony
Larry
Rochelle Zumaya Publications www.zumayapublications.com ISBN: 1-894869-18-4
Larry Rochelle hails from Kansas City, and is a mystery writer by trade. He is also interested in
blues
and jazz, tennis, and photography. Dance with the Pony is his fourth mystery.
Palmer Morel is a 6'3" tennis pro with a penchant for making bad decisions in his love life. He has
recently had a messy breakup with his wife, who hangs out at his club with a bi-sexual woman
known for her nastiness. Palmer, in the meantime, has been frequenting an exotic dance
establishment known as "The Stage Door." He has had relationships with one or two of the
dancers,
but at the moment he is head-over-heels in love with a 5'4" number named Pony, who is quite a
package. When one of Pony's bosses, Jim Norris, has just been murdered. Palmer's Walter Mitty
life
is further turned upside down:
"Pausing on the last step, Morel sprinted the ten paces to his door. His fingers felt intense heat on
the doorframe and his loud, dramatic tennis coach's voice screamed, FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!' Across
the
hall, he pounded on the Frenzels' door, hoping they were home, hoping they could dial 9-1-1 and
carry out some of their valuables. He knew, almost by instinct, but really because of seeing the
film
Backdraft' the other night on TV, not to open the door, fearing a huge burst of flame, almost an
explosion, that might greet him."
Dance with the Pony is definitely a XX-pulp detective story, except that it is told via the
point-of-view of the victim rather than the detective. Still, Rochelle manages to capture the
grittiness
of the big city with the vulnerability of a lonely man who is just trying to capture some love in his
life. The juxtaposition of rich, country club clients versus the seedy world of exotic dancing
illustrates just how blurred these lines can get. Rochelle creates wonderful characters and action
that
is non-stop in this naughty but fascinating tale.
Palmer Morel is a hero who seems to entangle himself into big messes every time he turns around.
As readers, we worry whether he is even going to have a change of clothing as the bad guys burn
his
possessions' try to smear his good name so he will lose his job; land him in the hospital with
gunshot
wounds and various and sundry other injuries; and try to set him up as the killer.
Donald Neal McKay is an admitted tale spinner. In 1952 he began his studies of Russia, including
Lenin, the old Soviet Union, Bolshevism, and Russian history including the czars and royals.
McKay
is a native of South Carolina.
Detroit Lakes Murder
Leslie Belmonti
Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1401025005, $20.99 www.Xlibris.com www.amazon.com
Elin is a retiring novelist who lives on property which has been in her family since they emigrated
from Sweden. A freak accident by the oil company blew up her house, and she has rebuilt a
modern
and comfortable abode. But when she returns from a trip to the Twin Cities, she finds her
neighbor
and former boyfriend, Neil, has been viciously murdered in his home next door:
"The sliding glass door to the whirlpool was open. She could hear the gurgling outside. The body
was lying face down, partially covered with a white robe. Neil's body was completely still. The
gash
in his scalp was ringed with bone poking through the hair. The blood made a tiny hissing sound as
it
leaked from the wound, pushing pieces of brain out. As she looked at him, the stain around his
head
spread."
Erin finds herself working with a new homicide detective in town, Dean Nelson, and as Dean
protects Erin from herself and all the evil which surrounds her, they find themselves falling in love.
But Erin's search for the murderer of her friend reveals betrayals by the people whom she
considered
to be the closest in her world.
Ms. Belmonti has written a very promising first mystery. Her plot is well thought out; characters
are
compelling; and Erin's journey towards maturity and holding some of her demons at bay is a
central
thread which captures the reader's fancy. Ms. Belmonti is an obvious talent with oodles of
sensitivity. Her tale is a bittersweet analogy to most of our lives.
Erin is a warmhearted heroine, whose blind trust in the people around her almost results in her
own
downfall. But she has wisdom beyond her years, and the tale which Ms. Belmonti crafts around
her
holds lessons both for Erin and for us all. Detroit Lakes Murder is a fine story, which introduces
us
to a new author who can only get better after serving up a very credible and entertaining first
story.
Her prediction of her books stocked in restaurants and bait shops could indeed become a reality.
An
excellent read!
Leslie Belmonti is a native of Minnesota. She developed her aspiration to become a writer while
vacationing in the Detroit Lakes area with her family.
Blood Pearls
Pat Booth-Lynch
Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1401000762, $22.99 www.Xlibris.com www.amazon.com
Madelyn Duval is an interesting mix: she is an ex-CIA agent; she is an expert in jewelry designing;
and she took on the difficult task of step mothering for a dying friend. She is caught in a barren
marriage with a schizophrenic son. And she is about to meet the man of her dreams, but in almost
insurmountable circumstances. She goes on a introductory trip to China and becomes involved
with
her new man:
"For an instance the words didn't register. When they did, she looked away. I know he's right. I
shouldn't be here with him. This hadn't been in her plans. The trip was too important to sacrifice
for
a fling. Or was it a fling? All of a sudden, she couldn't think."
Pat Booth-Lynch writes a compelling story, which includes two facets that are irresistible to the
reader: the Orient (China) and pearls. Her knowledge of both sets the framework for a thriller that
is
as romantic as the reader could wish for. Cheng Gao is a dashing man caught in the middle of a
place that could undo the best, and it is Madelyn's resourcefulness which eventually saves the day.
Booth-Lynch keeps her plot moving along fast enough to engage the reader, and her evil
characters
fairly leap off the page with fire spurting out of their mouths.
Blood Pearls is a West meets East, escapist thriller written in the very best "read a novel on the
beach" vein. Booth-Lynches' characters are larger-than-life; her action is nonstop; her
predicaments
are seemingly inescapable; and her denouement is hair-raising. The reader can't help but be
engaged
in the world which Pat Booth-Lynch creates. Her characters leave the reader wanting an
immediate
sequel.
Booth-Lynch is a talented writer with a vivid imagination and the expertise to draw the reader
into
her world. This is an excellent offering from an experienced author.
Pat Booth-Lynch is a corporate businesswoman who runs an apparel company and writes thrillers
with lots of romance and visions of faraway places in her spare time. She currently lives in Florida
with her husband. She has also written Tales To Tease The Senses.
Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer
Cindy Penn's Bookshelf
Alias Smith And Jones: Intimate Moments 1198
Kylie Brant
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373272669 248 pages $4.75
Acting as a courier gives Analiese Tremaine's life a bit of a thrill, but nothing like the dangerous
missions her brothers pursue. But when brother Sam goes missing, Analiese assumes a new
identity,
Ann Smith, and follows a name in her brother's files to a reclusive man known only as Jones.
Unfortunately, painful memory and betrayal has driven Jones into a self appointed life of
seclusion,
and he does not welcome Ann's intrusion. For five years Jones has been out of the business,
making
a living running charters and finding sex in the arms of women who expect nor more than he does.
Ann's attempt to charter his boat irritates him, especially when she manipulates a booking into
going
someone else. Soon he finds his good sense overridden by a need to protect her from peril that
send
them into plunging into a jungle adventure that promises life-threatening danger. Author Kylie
Brant
once again proves her ability to create an intriguing romance filled with extreme intensity in Alias
Smith And Jones. These finally realized characters come vividly alive as Ann refuses to allow
Jones '
difficult nature to thwart her self-appointed mission to find her brother. Indeed, years of dodging
her
over protective brothers prepare her well for the irascible Jones. Further, Ann's powder puff
surface
conceals of woman of surprising depth and resiliency; something Jones will learn the hard way. A
fast paced plot guaranteed to keep the blood pounded and tension on high, Alias Smith And Jones
comes very highly recommended.
Under Siege: Intimate Moments 1198
Catherine Mann
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373272685 248 pages $4.75
His ex-wife's departure did not break Lieutenant Colonel Zach Dawson's heart, but he did resent
her
abandonment of their daughters when she ran off with her cooking instructor boyfriend. Shelby, a
rebellious teen, feeds her mother's international food offerings to their increasingly overweight
dog
while eight-year-old optimist Ivy eats every confection in hopes that it means her mother will
somehow be with them. Only Julia's help with the girls has kept his family together. But his
responsibility to her deceased husband Lance Sinclair overshadows any friendship they might
share.
Raised in a commune, Julia found the life as a reserve Air Force pilot stifling. She had fought a
loosing battle to salvage her marriage with Lance, only to loose him anyway. Eight months later
she
bore his son, a child afflicted with Down syndrome. Overwhelmed by the responsibility and needs
of
her young son, she accepts Zach's sudden proposal so that she might quit work for a year to care
for
her child. In return, Zach needs Julia's help with his daughters. Unfortunately, both have
underestimated the damage such an arrangement might inflict upon the heart. Author Catherine
Mann pens a lively, entrancing read in Under Seige, deftly capturing life's challenges with finesse
and
grace. Mann's characters sparkle, including newborn Patrick whose Down syndrome neatly
balances
the challenges presented by Zach's daughters, especially the troublesome Shelby. Julia's free spirit
radically defies Zach's military perfection, yet together they balance in a heart-stopping story
readers
will find impossible to forget. In addition, Mann boldly captures the heart stopping challenges a
pilot's wife faces, including the dreadful fear of the knock on the door with the announcement that
a
pilot will not be returning home. A remarkable read that belongs on the keeper shelf.
A Kiss In The Dark: Intimate Moments No 1199
Jenna Mills
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373272693 251 pages $4.75
As impossible as it seems, controlled and iron willed Bethany St. Croix stands accused of a crime
of
passion. Police find Bethany in her apartment with the blood of her ex-husband on her hands and
with her fingerprints on the murder weapon. P.I. Dylan St. Croix heard the call on his scanner,
arriving at Bethany's address expecting to find her dead, and not much relieved to realize it was
his
cousin Lance lying in a pool of blood. Dylan and Lance had always had a complicated
relationship.
Orphaned and raised by their grandfather, they never achieved the brotherhood their grandfather
expected. Worse, they both had come to love the same woman, but it was Dylan's intensity that
drove Bethany into his cousin's arms. Tragedy and silence tore them apart, and it will take a
miracle
to bring them together again. Nevertheless, impossibility promises to yield to new beginnings.
Jenna
Mills evocative style presents a tale drenched with passion in A Kiss In The Dark. Lines like,
"Don't
know why people have to complicate a good divorce with murder" reveal Mills at her scintillating
best. Bethany is a difficult heroine to like with her icy control, yet as her tale unfolds her painful
past
makes it easy to understand her refusal to yield to passion. Conversely, Dylan thrives on passion
making him the substance of wild fantasy, proving everything can change with a kiss in the dark.
Further, the carefully rendered complexities of the plot move the story along quickly, with enough
surprises to keep the reader guessing to the end. Indeed, Mills once again produces an intense,
fast-paced and clever tale that appeals to readers who like their romance on the dangerous side. A
Kiss In The Dark comes highly recommended.
First Love, Second Chance: Superromance No 1100
K. N. Casper
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 037371100X 298 pages $5.25
A horrible accident sends his wife careening over a mountainside, leaving grief stricken Michael
First
charged with murder. Someone tampered with the brakes, and all evidence points to him. Family
joins rank to support Michael and his four grieving children as he attempts to balance his defense
with caring for his family and the ranch. When he seeks legal counsel, however, his lawyer
introduces Michael to his partner, Lara Stovall. Michael and Lara had been high school
sweethearts
until college brought about change. Michael took one look at Clare and fell head over heals in
love,
eventually marrying her and creating a life together. If he had not met and married Clare, there
was a
good chance Michael and Lara might have created a life together. Now after twenty years and
profound change, any personal relationship they once shared must take a backseat to a murder
charge. With First Love, Second Chance, author K.N. Casper provides a strong finish to The First
Family of Texas series. The complexities and flaws that make these characters memorable and
unique have deeply touched readers who have followed this powerful series. First Love, Second
Chance follows its predecessors with a vivid setting, potent conflict, and scintillating dialogue.
These
mature characters face the ethical dilemmas and family concerns that make Casper's novels
memorable. Readers will eagerly await future offerings from this talented author. First Love,
Second
Chance, comes highly recommended.
Lady Lyte's Little Secret
Deborah Hale
Harlequin Historical
300E 42nd Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017
ISBN 0373292392 297 pages $5.25
When she learns of her pregnancy, Lady Felicity Lyte immediately ends her affair with Thorn
Greenwood. Many years of chastisement by her husband for not bearing him an heir, while his
offspring proliferated even under her nose, convinced Felicity that she was to blame. Now
widowed
and believing herself barren, she has embarked upon a bold affair with Thorn, only to end it rather
than reveal her condition. Unfortunately, her nephew seems to have eloped with Thorn's sister
Ivy,
leaving it to Felicity and Thorn to stop their hasty marriage before they spend a lifetime of
repentance. Conservative Thorn reveled in his affair with Felicity, exhilarated by his own
scandalous
behavior. While he did not bore Felicity, he had failed to truly excite her either, until his
impromptu
visit following Ivy's elopement. Suddenly his bold determination elicits regret in Felicity for ending
their affair before the Season ended. Moreover, they soon find themselves joining forces to find
their
wayward kin and fighting their ever-growing attraction. Author Deborah Hale creates an
unexpected
treat with Lady Lyte's Little Secret. Her unorthodox characterizations that take advantage of the
loopholes created by a society provide a delightfully fresh heroine and an unexpectedly fun hero.
Felicity is an admittedly selfish woman who develops into something more. Especially likeable
because of her maturity and boldness, Felicity propositions the man of her desire, expecting to be
able to be able to neatly control the situation. On the other hand, Thorn recognizes the fact that he
is
not the type of man who would ordinarily capture the attention of such an intrepid woman. As a
result, this lighthearted romp will keep readers decidedly amused even as they revel in Hale's
absorbing style. Lady Lyte's Little Secret comes highly recommended.
All A Man Can Ask: Intimate Moments No 1197
Virginia Kantra
Harlequin Inc.
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373272677 250 pages $4.50
Danger, intrigue and sizzle! Wounded after intervening in a student's life, Faye Harper retreats to
a
childhood haunt to find respite. Rather than the expected peace, however, she quickly finds
herself in
the midst of a criminal investigation. Detective Aleksy Denko, also from Chicago, unofficially
seeks
answers in arms deal gone wrong that left a former partner dead. Aleksy underestimates Faye's
resilience, viewing her as a cream puff. Cute like Faye is not his type, although she can make him
understand its appeal. What he really needs is a cover, and Faye can provide it. Unfortunately,
Faye
has to get involved with anything that involves risk. Too bad her own actions have already put her
in
danger. A faced paced, heart pounding read, All A Man Can Ask provides unexpected twists that
makes author Virginia Kantra's novels a must read. Unexpected courage and surprising
compassion
bring these characters vividly alive, even as drug addicted teens, stretchy bras, and romantic
entanglement also intriguing elements that prove these character's all too human flaws. Indeed, the
fast paced plot and the strong characterizations are nicely balanced, resulting in a tale that is at
once
deadly yet richly balanced by powerful emotions and physical attraction. All A Man Can Ask
comes
very highly recommended.
Duets 91: Wedding For One/Tattoo For Two
Dawn Atkins
Harlequin Inc.
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373441576 379 pages $5.99
Girls with attitude! "Rebel Girls Forever" becomes Mariah Moroe and Nikki Winfield's battle cry.
While other girls are primping and cliquing, they agree "conformity bites." Clothing becomes their
outward display of inward differences, comprised of weird fabrics and funky homemade jewelry.
Mariah and Nikki share disappointed parents and free spirits, fleeing town at seventeen with
Mariah
still decked out in a wedding dress vowing to get GEDs and tattoos. Together they create the
rebel
girl's philosophy on relationships: men only last two months then out the door they go before
familiarity breeds boredom and bad manners. Wedding For One is Mariah's story, beginning
moments before her aborted wedding, when she flees the church with her mother's words ringing
in
her ears: "Don't run away, Mariah For once in your life, stick to something." Eight years later her
mother's pleas inspire her to return to convince former groom Nathan Goodman to stick around
the
family business Cactus Confections. Nathan has become her father's right hand man, the son he
never had, exhibiting the stable qualities Mariah never mastered. She strikes a deal with Nathan.
In
exchange for his participation in the Mariah Monroe Institute for Self-Discovery for one, she will
assist him at the factory. They both get a lot more than they bargained for. Tatoo For Two picks
up
two years later with Nikki's story. A class reunion and her sister's desperate phone call regarding
her
father's health forces Nikki to confront the past. Her conservative parents do not know she owns
True to You Tattoo, a tattoo parlor that combines metaphysics and art. She has told them she
owns
a boutique and eloped with a doctor named Warren. When Hollister Marx shows up on her
doorstop, she knows she has met the perfect man to stand-in for her fictional husband. Now Nikki
has only to convince the very conservative Hollister to along with a fictional name and life history
for a week. Author Dawn Atkins demonstrates the deft skill of a master as she intricately weaves
these to fabulous tales. Bad girls Mariah and Nikki each find their own eccentric path to love with
joy, mistakes, and laughter with men who idealize conservatism. These are not the usual prissy
heroines, but women with heart, GEDs, and attitude. Told with the liveliness and verve fans have
come to expect from this marvelous author, Wedding For One and Tatoo For Two belongs on the
keeper shelf, coming very highly recommended.
The Sex Files: Blaze No 67
Jule McBride
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790716 248 pages $4.50
Sizzling! Very highly recommended. A bullet almost claims Peggy Fox's life when she surprises
her
FBI fiance and bank robber Susan Jones in bed. As soon as she opened the door, Susan had rolled
over, retrieved Miles' revolver and fired off a shot, but not before Peggy saw the suitcase full of
money nearby. Now she is on the run, and criminal profiler Oliver Vargo, author and FBI expert,
is
her only hope. But circumstances spiral out of control, and she finds herself in a steamy encounter
even before she can enlist his aid. A reporter publicly challenges Oliver to take the information
from
the Sex Files-the facts of the most erotic behavior in North America-and run through the new
profile
software used by the FBI. The result would be the likeness of the sexiest men and women of
America. The female result is a woman that captures Oliver's imagination with the fictional name
of
Cameron. She titillates his fantasies, and shocks him when he glimpses her in real life.
Unfortunately,
she disappears after an erotic encounter that rocks his world. Author Jule McBride pens a fast
paced
romp of betrayal and exploration in The Sex Files. Mistaken identity leads Oliver and Peggy
through
a mesmerizing cat and mouse game rich with sensual pleasure and rife with desperate secrets.
Peggy
inadvertent concealing of her identity allows for out of character impetuousness even as she
desperately needs Oliver's help. Oliver's blend of fantasy and reality adds an element of playful
confusion as he follows over Manhattan, determined to track her down even as FBI profiling adds
an
unexpected twist to the tale. A sizzling read, The Sex Files comes very highly recommended.
Someone To Watch Over Me: Superromance No 1108
Roz Denny Fox
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711085 298 pages $5.25
Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence Following a bitter divorce, Isabelle Navarro
returns home after work, opens the garage door, and finds her children dead of carbon monoxide
poisoning in the back seat of her ex-husband's car. He survived. Isabella makes it her life mission
to
seek legal retribution for her children's deaths. She believes his actions to be deliberately planned,
but even the media implies that her ex-husband acted from insanity. Even most people who know
Isabella do not speak to her now, because they cannot find the words around the knowledge of
her
tragedy. But Gabe Paston does not back away so easily. From the moment he sees Isabella
catering
his buddy's wedding, Gabe needs to know Isabella. So he buys a nearby sheep farm and plans a
career change. But Isabella's nerves are stretched tight by the upcoming trial. Author Roz Denny
fox
has a remarkable gift for creating heart-rending tales based on news articles she changes across.
Someone To Watch Over Me will stun readers with its thoughtful account of a mother's worst
nightmare. Isabella's grief and rage are expertly portrayed, and Gabe comes through as a
believable,
memorable hero as he gently pursues the wounded Isabella. Once again Fox pens a compelling
story
that haunt readers long after the last page is turned, proving her reputation for penning some of
the
best contemporary romances on the market today.
The Prize In The Game
Jo Walton
Tor Books
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
ISBN 0765302632 253 pages $25.95
A moment of carelessness leads to tragedy when a warhorse dies. In retaliation for the animal's
death, Rhiannon, the Goddess of Horse and other Beasts, curses the kingdoms of the island of Tir
Isarnagiri. This cursed, four friends, Conal, Emer, Darag, and Ferdia, prepare for kingship. Soon
they are subsequently forced into conflict as their countries move toward war. The narrative
voices
shift between Conal, Elenn, Emer, and Ferdia. Emer and Conal fall in love, although she is
expected
to wed Darag. They dream of disappearing together, but a lifetime of preparation for duty does
not
allow Conal to abandon responsibility. Conal and Darag are rivals for the kingship; the plot
follows
their attempts to win the throne and the deteriorating relationship between them. The Prize In The
Game is set in the same world as The King's Peace and The King's Name. Told from four shifting
points of view, this Arthurian style unfolds in a world of magic and fantasy. Heroic challenges of
battle and loyalty combine for a slow heat that reaches a roiling boil as the climax prepares the
reader for another sequel. Richly realized characterizations, and a rich historic tapestry overlaid
with
glisten strands of magic, make The Prize In The Game an exceptional read coming highly
recommended.
Sisters Three
Jessica Stirling
St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010
ISBN 0312305230 448 pages $18.87
As 1930 draws to a close and war looms on the horizon, Lizzie Peabody's daughters each face the
challenges that love brings to their lives. Like their indomitable mother, the three girls each
display
strength of spirit and zeal for living that makes them irrepressible yet delightful. Polly's husband
Dominic was born and educated in Scotland, but pays homage to his mobster father in America.
Polly lives in fear that one day the forces of law and order will descend upon them to exact their
price for her high living and his mistakes. In the meantime, she embarks upon a dangerous affair
with
Dominic's right hand man Tony, playing fast and loose with boredom and daring until Dominic
sends
Tony away to protect a secret project. Babs lives the typical suburban life of her time, dividing her
time between demanding children and an equally demanding husband. The perfect housewife with
meals on the tables and children bathed gives way to fear, however, as inquires build regarding her
husband's business and his relationship to his brother-in-law. Indeed, as suspicion and deceit
escalate
around Dominic, his downfall promises ruin for her family as well. Deaf since a toddler, Roseland
works in the book trade in Glasgow, more comfortable among old manuscripts than in the
company
of others. When an attractive man continues to show up in the shop, the owner teases her about
her
"young man." But his questions about an old prayer book soon lead to suspicions the result in the
confession that he is a cop investigating her brother-in-law. Nevertheless, that does not seem
important as they fall in love. Sisters Three by Jessica Stirling provides an unusual glimpse into
the
underworld where crime provides high profits and high risk. This powerful relationship drama
brings
a family together on a collision course that promises to rock their worlds. Richly textured
characterizations and a vividly realized background combine in a novel impossible to put down.
Indeed, Stirling delves deeply into her characters' hearts and motivations to touh our own.
Dynamic
and intriguing, Sisters Three comes very highly recommended.
An Exaltation of Larks
Megan Hart
Wings ePress, Inc.
403 Wallace Court Richmond, KY 40475
ISBN 1590889282 eBook $6.00 Paperback $11.95 327 pages
A quest for love -- Very highly recommended. Powder and paint, false friends and required
marriage
hold little allure for Queen Perion Marrett of Canticle. A nightmarish year of hand kissing and
flattery has left Perion longing for true love. But she cannot afford the luxury of love when
Canticle
law degrees that she be wed within a year of coronation at age twenty. To defy law means she
would loose her crown, her power, her throne and her home. On the eve of selecting a
bridegroom,
Perion follows tradition and dances with each of her suitors. When she overhears cruel words, she
flees to the quiet of a balcony where she meets someone new. Sir Barrett Llewellyn intoxicates
the
young queen, quickly stealing her heart. The following day her godmother interrupts an argument
between her advisor and Barrett over the queen, resulting in magic sending Barrett to Cimmerian,
a
neighboring land ruled by a sorcerer. As a result, Perion embarks upon a long and complicated
quest
to rescue Barrett and prove her love. Author Megan Hart pens a refreshingly original tale of love,
chivalry, and magic in An Exaltation Of Larks. Her charming voice lures the reader into a world
wonderfully simple and yet deliciously complicated as Perion walks the path to true love. The tale
maintains an even and eloquent tone, weaving magic and love into a mesmerizing tale that readers
will cherish. A richly developed novel of surprising depth and marvelous twists, An Exalatation Of
Larks comes very highly recommended.
Nuworld
Lorie O'Clare
Amber Quill Press
P.O. Box 50251, Bellevue, WA 98015
e-Book/Multiple Formats electronic
ISBN 1592790356 $5.50 paperback ISBN 1592799612 $13.95 418 pages
Having reached the age of searching, Tara wants to learn about the other races of her world. All
her
life, she has moved with her clan, traveling from one territory to another, learning warrior skills
and
racing her motorcycle with the other children. Runner and Gothman enmity intrigues her, so she
searches out the Gothman to see what kind of warriors they really are. She craftily evades capture
even as she knows Gothman only teach their men to fight whereas Runners view their men and
women as equal. Eventually evading capture, she seeks refuge with Reena, a Gothman woman
with
surprising independence. Tara decides to remain with the Gothman woman to learn their ways.
She
vows to be submissive and domestic-she could not have chosen a lifestyle more foreign to her.
Women in the Gothman world live a life of domesticity, completely oblivious to anything outside
their regular routine. They grow up anxious to be claimed, and then fall into a life of servitude and
gossip. It does not take long, however, for her draw the attention of Darius, ruler of the
Gothman,
and win his claim. But he has a lot to learn about Runner women, and the independence they
preserve, especially when Darius makes a mistakes that endangers not only his love with Tara, but
their two nations. Author Lorie O'Clare pens an intriguing dark romance in Nuworld. Male and
female roles are challenged, explored, and exploited in a way that will leave readers questioning
the
complexities and compromises of their own lives. O'Clare creates a memorable cast of characters:
Tara is a powerful warrior woman determined to maintain her independence even as Darius is
determined to control her. In addition, extended relationships provide marvelous secondary
characters, especially Tara's parents. With a fast paced plot, ruthless bids for power and invasion
reveal a dangerous world where life and death are closely linked. Indeed, issues of relationships,
equality and war lend powerful depth to the novel, resulting in a read impossible to put down.
Nuworld comes highl recommended.
The Book Of Love
Andrew M. Greeley and Mary G. Durkin
Forge Books
#431 5515 N 7th Street, Suite 5, Phoenix AZ 85014
ISBN 031287183X 544 pages $25.95
he Book Of Love examines the possibilities and challenges of love, inviting the reader to enter the
imaginations of others who have examined this greatest of all virtues. Images of love give wing to
imagination and the lifting of our spirits as the words through the centuries and from across the
world inspire reflection. Some sections give obvious answers to love's meaning even as others
present the troubling aspects of love that can confound us all. Authors Andrew M. Greeley, a
Catholic priest and best-selling author, and his sister Mary G. Durkin, a pastoral theologian and
author, co-edit this collection on love. Drawing from poetry, folklore, sayings, music, stories and
autobiographical reflections, these experts from around the world examine the question of love's
meaning. More than just sentimental mush, in the hands of these editors, love unfolds as defining
virtue that bonds us each to the other and to the divine. The Book Of Love comes very highly
recommended.
Paper Roses
Joyce and Jim Lavene
Southern Charm Press
PO Box 726, Lusk WY 82225
0971483213 Paperback 274 pages $19.95
A brutal rape that left her hands crushed devastates Jennifer Maxwell's life. After a year, her
fiance
Peter is ready to get on with life while Jennifer still remains entrapped in the horror that plagues
her
sleep with nightmares and denies her waking hours the fulfillment she once experienced in the
operating room. Now she's afraid for Peter to touch her. So when she meets Doctor Ryan
Thomas,
her reactions to him leave her shocked by her own responses. Jennifer left her family and her
neighborhood behind when she became a resident at the hospital. Ten years have passed, but
when
she returns one afternoon, they cheerfully welcome her back. Ryan needs Jennifer's skills for the
clinic he has started in her old neighborhood, but Jennifer has spent her career in an operating
room,
not caring for patients in a clinic setting. When the police close her case for lack of evidence,
Jennifer seeks a private investigator to find the men who raped her. Their efforts fail, but Riley
offers
his brother's investigative services in return for her assistance in his clinic. Once again authors
Joyce
and Jim Lavene demonstrate their gift for combining chilling psychological elements with romance
in
Paper Roses. Jennifer was a woman driven to succeed until her brutal rape destroys her hands and
her career. Her struggle to redefine her life reveals the darkness of character that is inevitable in
such
circumstances, including self-pity and bitterness. Her transformation through the course of the
book
reveals not only the selfish decisions that cut her family out of her life, but her tremendous
growth.
Riley reveals a heart of gold in his devotion to the clinic and his growing love for Jennifer.
Authors
Lavene maintain a strong underlying tension that provides psychological depth and brooding
danger.
Paper Roses comes highly recommended.
Cindy Penn
Senior Reviewer
Midwest Book Review
Klausner's Bookshelf
Born In Sin
Kinley MacGregor
Avon
ISBN: 038081790X $5.99, 384 pp.
King Henry II asks his most loyal friend Lord Sin to marry a Scottish hostage in order to uncover
the identity of the Raider causing trouble between the two countries. Sin prefers to decline
because
he loathes his Scottish heritage having been sold into slavery in the Holy Land by a knight. He
also
knows his background excludes him from ever marrying. However, he agrees to do just that only
for
his friend Henry. Sin's bride Callie MacNeely agrees to a marriage in order to protect her
youngest
brother. Surprisingly with his reputation Callie observes kind deeds performed by her spouse as
they
journey to her keep in Scotland where her people treat Sin with scorn, but he handles each threat
with disdain and superior fighting skills. When he rescues townsfolk from a raging bull, the locals
accept him as befitting a hero. However, the unimagined has happened as he loves Callie, but has
no
idea how to deal with this as no one has come close to his soul in years. Soon he must choose
between his friend the king and his cherished wife. Though, the solution to Sin's dilemma is too
easily resolved, this remains a strong period piece that fans of Scottish historical romances will
enjoy. The story line contains plenty of action and enough tidbits to showcase a bygone era yet
insures the audience is able to see inside the souls of the lead couple, especially that of Sin. As
with
Claiming The Highlander, Kinley MacGregor releases a delightful tale that the audience will rate
highly.
Innocent Passions
Brenda Hiatt
Avon
ISBN: 0060507586 $5.99, 384 pp.
In 1816 country mouse Rowena Riverstone visits London to meet William Corbett, editor of the
Political Register. Rowena has submitted several controversial articles under the alias MRR to the
Register. Bow St. Runner Noel Paxton is the current Robin Hood "Saint of Seven Dials" robbing
the
rich to help the poor. He hopes the guise will enable him to uncover a spy that he believes is
connected to Rowena based on her articles. Noel "courts" Rowena expecting to find the
connection,
but instead discovers that his heart connects to that of the bumpkin. Even as Noel revises his
secret
agenda to keep his cherished Rowena safe, he may prove too late as his previous efforts to
identify
and capture the deadly agent through her places his beloved in danger. Fans of the exciting "Saint
of
Seven Dials" will enjoy the latest reincarnation of the hero who changes when the previous player
falls in love. Even with a hidden agenda, Noel is typical of the champions as he cares what
happens
to those around him and when he loves he does so with all his soul. Innocent Passions is a fine
entry
that displays why Regency romance readers revere Brenda Hiatt.
Perfect Lover
Stephanie Laurens
Avon
ISBN: 0060505710 $22.95, 384 pp.
In 1835 though he is wealthy, belongs to a very prominent family, and can score with just about
any
female he chooses, Simon Frederick Cynster believes it is time to marry. He has no one in mind,
but
Simon feels that the right loving wife would fill the hole in his soul. However, he also knows he
must not announce his intentions to the Ton or he will face an unending queue of wannabe wives.
Simon stealthily begins his quest at a house party, but is amazed to find childhood friend Portia
Ashford as the best candidate. He becomes further convinced when they share a kiss that stirs his
blood. He had never seen Portia in that light, but now all he must do is persuade her that marriage
to
him will not destroy her vaunted independence. He begins his campaign to win her love while she
surprises herself by coveting more of his kisses. However, a murder occurs with the evidence
pointing towards Portia probably being the next victim unless Simon can work the Cynster magic
and keep his beloved safe. Fans of the Cynster series will appreciate the tenth tale starring a
charming couple. The story line contains much of the magic of the previous novels, but that is a
two
edged sword. The plot is exciting with plenty of intrigue and a fine lead duo, but also tends to
leave
long time readers having trouble delineating Simon from previous heroes such as Lucifer (see All
About Love). Still Stephanie Laurens continues to rock readers with her newest strong Regency
romance, The Perfect Lover.
Stuck On You
Patti Berg
Avon
ISBN: 0380820056 $5.99, 384 pp.
The mystery club members discuss the latest Jayne Mansfield-Smythe novel and the newcomer
Logan Wolfe while meeting at A Study in Scarlett Mystery Book & Tea Shoppe in Plentiful,
Wyoming. Though they think Jayne is an idiot they enjoy her antics and at times try to emulate
their
heroine. On the other hand, the three elderly female members think that Logan is out for no good.
The shoppe owner Scarlett O'Malley and Logan are extremely attracted to one another from the
first
moment he notices her belly button ring. She distrusts men after the lessons of her mother and
though she wants him, Scarlett keeps pulling away from Logan, driving him crazy. He already
knows her reputation for eccentricity, but still wants her. The former Vegas cop becomes even
more
wary as Scarlett continues her several years quest to prove the Chief of Police, her stepfather,
drove
her mother crazy ultimately causing her death. Fans of romantic suspense starring an offbeat Miss
Marple wannabe will gain much enjoyment from Patti Berg's latest intrigue. The story line is at its
stratospheric pinnacle during the scenes in which the two lead protagonists are together or the
three
geriatric amateur sleuths abet Scarlett on her inquiries. Though the woody climax seems abruptly
out of kilter, readers will appreciate this delightful story and anxiously await the next Plentiful
novel
starring the author of the Jayne books.
Worth Any Price
Lisa Kleypas
Avon
ISBN: 0380811073 $7.50, 400 pp.
Because he has heard of the man's highly regarded reputation and skill as a thief-taker that has
made
him wealthy, controlling Lord Radnor hires Nick Gentry to find his missing fiancee. The trail is
difficult because Charlotte Howard vanished two years ago even though Radnor already bought
her
from her parents. She disappeared because she realized how dominating her future spouse is and
what he would do to her. Two months later Nick believes he has found Charlotte masquerading as
a
companion to an elderly woman. Through his connected in-law, Nick, disguised as a spoiled Lord
Sydney, obtains an invitation to visit Lord Westcliff's estate where he believes Charlotte resides as
Lottie Miller. However, once Nick meets Lottie, he finds he likes her very much and cannot just
give
her over to his odious client. Westcliff points out that her only way to avoid running and Radnor
is
to marry someone else, preferably him. However, Charlotte declines his kind offer, but agrees to
marry Nick, who says he will protect her and her parents while she only has to sleep with him. As
they become better acquainted they fall in love, but Radnor believes she is his possession and
plans
to gain ownership. This historical romance will provide much pleasure to fans of the sub-genre
due
to the charming lead protagonists. The story line is at its strongest when this duo takes center
stage.
The villain is so sociopathic, he does not seem like a character. Nevertheless Lisa Kleypas purveys
a
story that caters to the tastes of the early Victorian readers.
See Jane Score
Rachel Gibson
Avon
ISBN: 0060009241 $6.99, 384 pp.
When the ice hockey reporter needs a leave of absence for health reasons, the Seattle Times
assigns
Jane Alcott to temporarily cover the local NHL franchise, the Chinooks. Jane figures a puck is a
character from Shakespeare, so knows she has little time to learn hockey to avoid the team exiling
her to the penalty box. When Jane arrives in the locker room, the players give her the special
treatment of rookie initiation (harassment?) but no feedback on the sport. Still she preservers
especially with veteran goalie Luc "Lucky" Martineau, who is the key to a Stanley Cup run.
Lucky
thinks Jane is out of his league in sports and sex. She agrees though he is unaware that she is the
author of the pornographic Honey Pie serial. Still the heart does strange things and soon Jane and
Lucky see the other as the most valuable person in their life. Hockey is clearly in among romance
writers as several contemporaries of late focus on that sport. See Jane Score is contains a
descriptive
story line that ranges from the Impaler's paraphernalia to a toad on the road starring two
delightful
lead characters and teammates who seem real. This reviewer is biased as anyone who can
reference
Gump Worsley is either a great researcher or has sit in the top row of MSG in the early 1960s
when
the maskless goalie was target practice for a much smaller NHL. Rachel Gibson provides sports
romance readers with a winning overtime goal even if she had not mention the real Gump.
The Ring On Her Finger
Elizabeth Bevarly
Avon
ISBN: 0380819619 $6.99, 400 pp.
Bored at the Wemberly Masque even with four police cars entering the driveway, Lucinda
Hollander
searches for her beau Archie Conlon. To her surprise, Archie, in his Bozo the Clown wardrobe
places a ring on Lucinda's finger. Before she can regain her equilibrium and remove the too small
ring, Archie jumps through a window. The police arrest Lucinda for the murder of George Jacobs,
though she insists she has never heard of the man. Rather than do the rationale thing and go with
the
cops, Lucinda jumps through the same window that her fiance used as his exit. Lucinda who has
never worked in her life disguises herself as Lucy French, obtaining employment as a housekeeper
to
a wealthy Kentucky family. However, if her poor work habits don't unmask her, her growing
feelings for Max "car guy" Hogan will for she is falling in love with the racing car driver. Readers
who enjoy a wild contemporary romantic suspense with the emphasis on laughter will clearly want
to read The Ring On Her Finger. The story line never takes itself serious even when Lucy finds
herself in trouble and on the lam. The secondary characters provide the fullness that enable fans to
appreciate the antics of the lead female character and the bewilderment of the prime male hunk
who
feels as if he was hit by a vehicle at a 100 MPH upon meeting Lucy. Though their relationship
takes
a secondary seat to humor and the murder subplot, Elizabeth Bevarly provides a fun frolic for fans
of the sub-genre.
Then Comes Marriage
Christine Ridgeway
Avon
ISBN: 0380818965 $6.99, 384 pp.
America's wealthiest heiress Honor Witherspoon marries its most famous security recluse Bram
Bennett. Last year, Honor was a kidnap victim; Bram makes the security devices that keep
"Celebs"
safe. Many skeptics figure this is a business deal brokered by her daddy to provide affluence to
Bram
and security to Honor. The cynics think that Daddy Witherspoon brokered the deal, blackmailing
and forcing Bram into marrying his daughter with the real threat to destroy his hometown of Hot
Springs, California. Bram still mourns for his deceased wife, but Honor wants her marriage to
work
and not as a convenient deal sponsored by her dad. As Bram struggles to keep Honor safe and she
still recovers from her harrowing experience, the impossible happen and they fall in love.
However,
can this couple turns their marriage of convenience brokered by an interested third party into a
lifetime of happiness with he carrying eight years and she one year of baggage? The device seems
to
have been used, as many times as there are stars. The baggage seems to have been used as many
pieces of sand. Put together, Then Comes Marriages should be a trite disaster, but in the hands of
a
magician readers receive a warm uplifting contemporary romance. The story line overcomes the
banal almost corny mechanisms through the delightful lead couple, each unknowingly seeking
someone to believe in even while they deny their love for one another. The townsfolk add a
feeling
of homecoming and a bit of wackiness, but Christine Ridgeway's latest Hot Springs' novel resides
with the couple avoiding that elusive butterfly.
The Chocolate Ship
Marissa Monteilh
Avon
ISBN: 0060011483 $13.95, 352 pp.
Perhaps as successful as any of the 100 Black men of America, billionaire businessman Delmonte
Harrison sees his ultimate dream constructed when the Chocolate Ship, a love boat for
African-Americans is ready for its maiden voyage. Delmonte feels he is sending a positive
message
with this ship that Black people in deed go on sea cruises as pampered guests not just as workers
or
in the past as cargo. Two of the passengers are Mia White and Miles Lewis, who have been
seeing
each other for three years. Mia wants a commitment from Miles, but for whatever reason he
cannot
take their relationship to the next level. She wants to enjoy the cruise, but Mia plans to confront
her
boyfriend also. However, Delmonte sees Mia and decides she is his perfect companion for the
Caribbean trek and perhaps more, leaving Miles with a bad case of jealousy, but will he grow up
in
time to see that the we could become an I. Fans of warm contemporary relationship dramas will
want to read The Chocolate Ship. The story line is at its finest when Delmonte takes center stage,
as
the audience fully understands what motivates him. Though Miles behaves immaturely at times,
once
again fans grasp his fears though many will want to slap him to wake him up. However, Mia who
seems to have everything going for her is never explained why she clings to Miles so that readers
miss a critical element that would turn an enjoyable tale into a perceptive passionate
powerhouse.
Into Temptation
Kathryn Smith
Avon
ISBN: 0060008121 $5.99, 384 pp.
In 1819 Earl Julian Rexley learns his sister Letitia is at the home of Lady Sophia Morelle, a
woman
he hates. Seven years ago he believed that she lured him into her bed to compromise him into
marriage because she wanted his money. He refused to wed her and the scandal was disastrous.
Sophia married someone else a month later, but has since been widowed. Not long after that he
wrote a poem to Sophia that launched his career as a leading poet. Sophia knows Julian still hates
her like she once did him, but she now only feels he betrayed her. Julian arrives insisting that
Letitia
leave with him, but she refuses. Letitia insists she will only go with him to London if Sophia
comes
too. Julian invites Sophia, but she declines until her odious brother-in-law forces himself on her.
As
Julian realizes she was frightened of Charles and was not his lover as he previously thought, he
wonders what else he misinterpreted seven years ago in light of her living in near poverty. His
musings lead to his concluding that he still loves her. Sophia never stopped loving him. Though a
by
the book Regency tale, the story line is fun to follow due to the lead characters, who are the
epitome
of a love hate relationship. The secondary characters, especially Charles and Letitia, help propel
the
plot forward by their impact on the relationship between the main duo. Fans of a delightful 200
proof Regency will want to read Kathryn Smith's latest tale.
The Warrior's Game
Denise Hampton
Avon
ISBN: 0060509104 $5.99, 384 pp.
King John accepts the request of Sir Enguerran d'Oilly to marry one of his Highness' wards, Lady
Amica de la Beres. Ami wants nothing to do with her odious hedonistic neighbor, but knows that
she must obey the order of her guardian, yet refuses the king's request. The lass believes that
Enguerran wants to use her to climb the social ladder and would gladly allow King John to treat
her
as his personal whore. Ami needs a plan and when she notices the chilly brute guarding the wards,
she wonders if she could obtain the aid of Michel de Martigny. Michel has desired Ami from the
moment he first saw her, but knows a lowlife foreigner like himself is beneath the King's ward.
Still
he finds it extremely difficult to allow the abominable Enguerran to possess the feisty Ami. He
needs
a plan to save the woman he now loves. Though there is a romantic theme throughout the tale,
The
Warrior's Game reads more like a historical fiction than a medieval romance. The story line
provides
a deep look at the court of King John, but that turns into a double-edged sword. Readers obtain
much insight into the era than usually found in a novel in which John plays a key secondary role.
However, all that acumen makes the romance between the lead couple seem pale as the starring
duo
feels evanescent rather than fulfilling. Still Denise Hampton paints quite a portrait of thirteenth
century England.
Captured Innocence
Susan Sizemore
Avon
ISBN: 0060082895 $5.99, 384 pp.
In 1854, though young, he was a thief until a female household caught him. The matriarch Hannah
Gale took the lad into her home and heart raising him into being a solid citizen. Now twenty-six
years later, Kit Fox is one of England's top spies. Kit's latest assignment is to infiltrate the retinue
accompanying visiting VIP King Gregory of Bororavia, who simply wants to conquer the world.
The English leadership fears that Gregory has brought into their country anarchists to cause
trouble.
Lily and Kit meet when he asks her to dance at a gala. Lily sees Kit as the avenue to escape
marriage
to her odious cousin Gregory. Kit sees Lily as the avenue to gain entrance to the inner sanctuary
of
her odious cousin Gregory. As they work together, Kit and Lily fall in love, but danger is
everywhere Gregory goes as the visiting monarch will direct his minions to kill even those
allegedly
close to his heart. Victorian romance readers will take great delight in Captured Innocence, a
heated
historical intrigue. The lead characters will become fan favorites as they willingly walk through
land
mines for love, freedom, and honor. This intrepid duo makes the plot excitingly move forward.
Gregory is too hedonistically dumb and egocentric to be taken serious as the next Napoleon. Still
sub-genre fans will feel entertainingly satiated by sizzling Susan Sizemore's sensational story.
Absolute Pleasure
Cheryl Holt
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312984596, $6.50, 384 pp.
Over the years her widowed father made it clear that Lady Elizabeth Harcourt first responsibility
was to him. However, in 1812 when she was twenty-seven years old her father marries seventeen
year old Charlotte. The teen, befitting the role of wife, takes over the running or perhaps the
destroying of the household as her childish ways drive off the servants that is when she does not
fire
them. Bored, lonely, and feeling a bit betrayed, Elizabeth feels pretty good about the outrageous
behavior of artist Gabriel Cristofore. He insists he needs to paint her portrait, as she is a beauty.
While she ponders accepting his offer that blatantly hints at much more, he discusses with his
womanizing father that Elizabeth is his next mark as he believes she is a chip off the old block.
However, this time the amoral philandering Gabriel falls in love, but her father loathes his dad as
her
mother was a notch on his father's belt. Because of the shared attitude towards women by the
male
protagonist and his sire (that will turn off some readers), Absolute Pleasure is not your typical
Regency tale. Though her father is over done as a disloyal buffoon, the story line will engage the
reader as the other two males learn that Absolute Pleasure only occurs with love.
With A Vengeance
Eileen Dreyer
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312265778, $24.95, 384 pp.
The city of St. Louis and its County join forces to form a first rate SWAT Team that services the
region. The only person on the group who doesn't carry a gun is the medic Maggie O' Brien.
Maggie
and her team are called in to break up a hostage situation with the victim being Maggie's
boyfriend
Sean Delaney and the perpetrator is a paranoid schizophrenic Montana Bob, a former FBI agent.
She talks Montana Bob down but he suddenly dies in the hospital. Maggie wonders if somebody
killed him after he told her the names of three other people. When she seeks the trio, she learns
that
the two gangbangers and the pediophile also died in her hospital where she works as a trauma
nurse.
Maggie starts collecting evidence involving a silent conspiracy between people she knows in the
hospital and the police department. She just has to figure out where to deliver her information to
before she is killed or framed for murder. It has been too many years since a crime thriller from
Eileen Dreyer was released, but With A Vengeance is well worth the wait. The heroine is an
admirable person with a subtle sense of humor who lives in perpetual crisis mode that would
break
many people, but she thrives on it. Her decision to root out the perpetrators knowing she will be
shunned by her peers or killed is courageous but she still willingly pays the price. This is a first
rate
action packed medical thriller on a par with Robin Cook.
Payback
Alan Dunn
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312310994 $24.95, 320 pp.
Sly Rogers invites his friend private investigator Billy Oliphant and daughter Kirsty to spend a
pleasant wintry weekend at Forestcrag Moorland Holiday Village. The trek to the remote North
England resort is not fun, but Bill expects a luxurious relaxing few days spent with his daughter.
However, director David Morland wants to hire Billy to quietly investigate the recent poisoning
of
employees. Billy says no wanting to just R&R with Kirsty and not impact his work waiting for his
return home. A nasty storm strands the occupants of Forestcrag. When the corpse of payroll
manager Eric Salkeld is found hanging, Billy calls the local police, who cannot easily get to the
death
scene. Though it appears a simple suicide, the locals ask Billy as a former cop to conduct a
preliminary investigation and to contain the scene until they arrive. He also receives a warning
from
the police that someone he once arrested has escaped and is in the area. Meanwhile Billy notices
marks on the body making him conclude the so-called suicide is a cover up of a murder. Fans of
suspense laden investigation thrillers will feel they gained much Payback from Alan Dunn's novel
that reads somewhat like a police procedural once the first of several murders occur. The story
line
is very exciting so much so that the well-written climax seems weak by comparison. Still, Billy is a
delightful lead character and those close to him accentuate the audience's ability to understand the
hero's preference of non-involvement. When all is said and done, readers will appreciate Payback
and look for more novels from this British author.
GermLine
Nelson Erlick
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 076530094X, $27.95, 416 pp.
In California, Dr. Kevin Kincaid accompanied by his wife Helen and their twin children visit his
Uncle Dermot, an eccentric scientist. Dermot asks Kevin to work with him on a special DNA
project. Before the nephew can understand what is being offered, he receives an emergency call
from the San Francisco hospital he practices medicine in. When he returns to his uncle's estate, he
sees fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. Worse he sees two children baby bags as his twins
and
his uncle died in a fire and though her body was not found so had his spouse. A decade later,
Kevin
is the leading researcher into "GermLine" gene therapy and he is close to a major breakthrough
after
years of experiment and failure. He believes he now has the needed vector to enable the
introduction
of new genes into the germ cells of an unborn that will eliminate genetic disease. However,
different
groups compete to control who benefits from Kincaid's findings or want the research ended. All
the
rivals are ruthless and willing to kill to achieve their objective. This cerebral medical thriller is so
cutting edge, the story line reads more like a complex intellectual science fiction. The plot requires
deep concentration to understand the nuances of germline DNA research, but author Dr. Nelson
Erlick cleverly interweaves explanations inside the plot, i.e., news conference. Though the latter
half
of the novel turns into more of an action conspiracy thriller as competitors skirmish over control,
fans of a sharp future state of the art tale will want to peruse this keen novel.
The Bridge Of Sighs
Olen Steinhauer
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312302452, $23.95, 288 pp.
In 1948, the aftermath of WW II remains on every street in this tiny eastern bloc nation shrouded
behind an Iron Curtain. Though Communist and Russian controlled, murder remains a crime so
twenty-two years old Emil Brod is proud when the State selects him to become a rookie homicide
inspector. However his comrades, his chief comrade, and the security inspector treat him like a
pariah because he safely "hid" in Finland rather than fighting the Nazis. After a few days of the
silent
treatment with only filing for work, Emil's boss Chief Moska assigns him to investigate the murder
of state songwriter Janos Crowder. Excited, Emil looks around the crime scene and interviews the
apartment supervisor Tudor who found the body. Emil realizes the case has top-level connections
so
Moska assigned it to him to get rid of the newcomer. Later, Moska informs him that Tudor has
also
been killed. Now partnered with a veteran cop, who punched him in the testicles on his first day,
Emil continues to make inquiries knowing that this could be his last investigation. The Bridge Of
Sighs is a robust historical police procedural that vividly brings to life Eastern Europe in the early
Soviet days. The story line contains a strong investigation that alone will hook the audience, but
the
ensemble cast especially the detectives turn this mystery into a triumph that fans will want to read.
Readers will anticipate Olen Steinhauer's second novel in what appears will prove to be one of the
better cop series of this decade.
The Thorne Maze
Karen Harper
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312301766, $23.95, 288 pp.
With plague in London, Queen Elizabeth I and her retinue move to Hampton Court one of her
favorite residences. There is a maze on the property that everyone admires especially Sir William
Cecil's mentor Templar Sutton. One night after a play is performed; the queen sneaks away to the
opening of the maze where she has arranged to meet her admirer Robert Dudley. Before that
rendezvous can take place, someone lays hands on the queen, a treasonous offense touching the
monarch, but worse still tries to strangle her highness before escaping into the maze. When the
maze
is searched, nobody is there and Robert tells her he received a note stating she changed their
meeting
place to the stables. Determined to get to the bottom of this she reconvenes the Privy Plot Council
consisting of trusted servants and Sir Cecil. When Templar Sutton is found in the maze, the
obvious
victim of a murderer, Elizabeth is determined to find the killer. When the plague moves towards
Hampton Court, the queen and her court retires to Hatfield Manor where she intends to bait a
killer
with a trap he can't resist. The Thorne Maze gives an insightful look into the mindset of Queen
Elizabeth I during the sixth year during of her reign. History comes alive in this book as historical
personages act true to character in their relationship to their queen. The mystery is interestingly
plotted with so many suspects that readers will have a jolly good time trying to figure out the
identity of the villain. Karen Harper is the grandmistress of the Elizabethan mystery.
Killer Dust
Sarah Andrews
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312301960 $24.95, 320 pp.
All her life Lucy wanted to go into space and now at forty her goal is days away from happening.
It's
too bad she can't anticipate the pleasure for she fears for her life. An ex-lover stalks her and means
to destroy her and her dream. In desperation Lucy calls up the one man who will be able to help
her.
He will be motivated by the secret that she kept from him these years. Forensic geologist Em
Hansen
is happier than she has been in quite a long time as she has finally made love with the new man in
her
life FBI Agent Jack Sampler. She's convinced he's the one she's been looking for all her life. The
morning after, Jack receives a phone call that abruptly has him leaving without telling her where
he
is going. Through mutual friends, Em is able to track Jack to Florida where he has to stop Lucy's
ex-lover from committing an act of terrorism against the space shuttle. Em finds herself in the
middle
of the action surrounded by terrorists with biological weapons of mass destruction. Killer Dust
stars
Em Hansen who is connected to Jack who is linked to Lucy who is tied to the killer but there are
no
degrees to Kevin Bacon. How these links were formed and the actions taken because of these ties
are just as important as the who-done-it. The heroine has some tough choices to make in future
stories but in this one she plays a vital role in stopping terrorists before they can perpetrate
another
despicable act on American soil. Sarah Andrews keep getting better with every book she
writes.
Octopus Alibi
Tom Corcoran
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312291277, $24.95, 304 pp.
He lives in Key West and makes his living in advertising and magazine articles. His heart is in
photography and he sometimes shoots crime scenes when nobody else is available. He is called in
to
photograph the area of Mayor Steve Gomez's death, which the police are ruling is a suicide.
There's
something about the scene that makes Steve think it wasn't a suicide. Hours later, Naomi Douglas
is
found dead and the medical examiner rules it death by natural causes. Alex finds a strong link
between Steve and Naomi, including the fact they both came from the same Indiana hometown.
After pleading, cajoling and begging, Alex gets the medical examiner to do an autopsy on Naomi
and they discover a massive dose of oxcodone in her bloodstream. Now Alex has to find out what
these two people knew that would make somebody want to kill them and then bring that
somebody
to justice. Octopus Alibi is a very clever character study as well as a well-written amateur sleuth
novel. The protagonist has all the makings of a good police officer because once he catches the
scent, he never stops hunting his prey. Tom Corcoran has written an intricately woven mystery
that
sub-genre fans will take delight in as they go crazy trying to figure out who the perpetrator
is.
Ungrateful Daughters
Maureen Waller
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 031230711X, $35.00, 480 pp.
Maureen Waller's contention is that the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688 occurred due to religious
differences that came to a head due to royal pregnancy. King James II was a Catholic and his two
daughters were Protestant. When James' Catholic wife became pregnant, leading Protestants
including James' oldest daughter Mary, married to the King's nephew Prince William of Orange,
encouraged her spouse to take the crown from her father. When James II turned to the military to
defend him, he found the army and navy deserted him. His other daughter, Anne, a Protestant,
supported William and Mary. Ironically, Anne became the last Stuart ruler as neither she nor her
sibling had children so the throne passed down the Hanoverian line after her. Ungrateful
Daughters
is a terrific telling of one of the key events and its aftermath (approximately a quarter of a century)
in
English history. Based on a tremendous assortment of documents, especially secondary sources,
readers obtain a close look at the period and why the change occurred in an entertaining manner.
Historical fans obtain a close look at James II whose pompousness never enabled him to
understand
the opposition until he was exiled to France. The book also looks deeply at what motivated his
daughters, his replacement as king, and later his exiled son. However, purists need to realize that
Maureen Waller juxtaposes modern day values on late seventeenth England, which is difficult to
accept because religious choices of that era were much more dramatic and eternally painful than
today. Still this is a wonderful biography that British historical buffs will enjoy and learn
from.
The Deepest Edge
Jessica Hall
Signet
ISBN: 0451207963 $6.99, 352 pp.
New Orleans Museum of Art and Antiquities Junior Curator Val St. Charles is excited to learn
that
Jian-Shan owns an Asian White Tiger Swords collection. Val informs her boss Scribner that she
wants to go to Paris to see if she can borrow the collection for display. Instead of supporting her
even with her previous success with a Swedish collection, Scribner tells her if she wants to go
shopping do it with her money and if she fails to obtain the collection enjoy Paris on an
unemployment check. His staff thwarts Val's efforts to see Jian so she sneaks into the trunk of his
limo. She manages to sneak onto his secret complex, but assassins working for his Chinese Tong
chief father traced him through her. Val risks her life to save Jian and his daughter, but soon they
are
on the run with government agents and assassins wanting to kill the two women and capture him.
Though the ending seems rushed, readers will enjoy this taut romantic suspense thriller. The story
line grips the audience from the moment Val slips into the trunk until the final scene, but the
characters make the tale hum. The audience will admire Val's bravery, Jian's willingness to risk his
life for those he loves, and hiss at his father so nasty as to justify the estrangement with his son.
The
audience will appreciate The Deepest Edge.
Living Large
Rochelle Alers, Donna Hill, Brenda Jackson, and Francis Ray
Signet
ISBN: 0451207653 $6.99, 374 pp.
"Reunion" by Rochelle Alers. After over two decades of marriage, her husband Dwight left her
for a
younger much thinner model. Though Dwight is just about the only man she ever seen having
dated
him in high school, real estate mogul Elaine feels surprisingly free especially after seeing scientist
Ruben, home for the high school reunion. "Surprise" by Donna Hill. She is fifty. Her husband of
thirty years is fifty-five. They raised two children, both adopted. She has a grandchild. So how
will
the family cope with her being pregnant when she struggles with acceptance of this miracle? "Bare
Essentials" by Brenda Jackson. Dominique and the hunk first see one another while both jogged at
o'dark in Simon Park. Each is attracted to the other, but he practices law at the court in which she
sits on the bench as a judge. "Strictly Business" by Francis Ray. Garret watches Monica dump her
cheating boyfriend while wishing she were his. He gets a chance when her father assigns her to
work
with him on a project, but Monica demands their relationship remain strictly business. All four
tales
in this delightful collection star strong protagonists who make for an entertaining anthology. Fans
of
contemporary romances except Twiggy clones will enjoy each contribution in which the road to
love
is filled with detours especially when the full size female characters fear the hunks will philander
with
thinner women.
Serpent's Dance
Larry Brooks
Signet
ISBN: 0451207955 $6.99, 451 pp.
Sisters Bernie and Peggy Kane remain very close in spite of distance and that Peggy married a
loser.
Thus, when Peggy's father-in-law calls to inform Bernie that her younger sister committed suicide
she cannot believe it, Bernie knows that her sibling seemed happy with an upcoming divorce and
an
affair with computer CEO Wesley and his airplane. When the police decide it is suicide due to a
broken love affair as the cause of death, Bernie asks childhood friend Eric Killen to help her learn
why Peggy jumped from the hotel window. Eric obtains information on Peggy's lover Wesley
Edwards of Oar Research in Scottsdale, Arizona that enables Bernie to gains work as a contractor
for the firm. She begins a sexual game of cat and mouse with Wesley. Initially thinking that she is
the
predator seeking vengeance, Bernie soon realizes she is the rodent caught in a deadly trap in
which
survival is all she can hope to achieve. Few writers of passionate suspense thrillers can provide the
complexities of plot that Larry Brooks achieves. Serpent's Death is an exciting tale of seductive
vengeance that quickly turns into a deadlier affair. Bernie is a great heroine, but do not let her
spot
your weights for you while Wesley is an enigmatic charismatic opponent, not aware that he is the
enemy. The support cast enables the audience to understand Bernie's demons and propels the
story
line forward. Most intriguing is the Sacramento chapters that at first seem as if they provide only
shock value and are out of place, but ultimately contribute the full scope to an invigorating dark
tale.
St. Raven
Jo Beverly
Signet
ISBN: 0451208072 $6.99, 384 pp.
In 1816, notorious highwayman "Le Corbeau" stops the coach of depraved Lord Crofton as the
aristocrat journeys to his recently won (in cards) Stokely Manor accompanied by Cressida
Mandeville. Le Corbeau demands a kiss from Cressida, but when their lips lock he realizes she is
an
innocent. Unable to leave her at the mercy of a nasty decadent like Crofton, Le Corbeau abducts
Cressida and takes her to his estate. Le Corbeau turns out to be Tristan Tregallows, the Duke of
St.
Raven. Though he risks his scheme to free the real Le Corbeau from incarceration, Tris learns the
truth why Cressida accompanied Crofton. He honorably agrees to help her retrieve an Indian
statue
containing jewels from her family's former estate Stokely Manor. However, to do so they must
attend a debauched masquerade in hell hosted by the devilish Crofton. Regency romance readers
will
relish the rousing St. Raven though the three prime characters are very typical of the sub-genre.
Crofton is so over the edge as a lecher, he is stand up comic hosting an orgy, but the lead couple
more than make up for the villain's shortcomings. Tris is typical of the sub-genre as he safeguards
a
female stranger who he quickly admires and then loves. Cressida is also typical as the feisty
independent willing to venture into hell for her heavenly cause. Any author who can weave a
reference to noted medieval writer John Mandeville into her plot has to be good, but Jo Beverly is
even better as she provides the audience with this pleasurable somewhat fervent historical
romance.
Wisdom Of The Bones
Christopher Hyde
Signet
ISBN: 0451410653 $7.50, 416 pp.
In November 1963 in Dallas, homicide detective Ray Duval has received a death sentence from
his
doctor. In a year or maybe two, if he's lucky, he will die of congestive heart failure. The only thing
that is important to Ray is his job and he knows that he will never be able to pass the annual
physical
exam that he is due to take in a week. On November 20th, Ray is called to the scene where a man
is
found in the city dump, sliced up, skinned, and decapitated and stuffed into an old icebox. He
wants
to solve this case before he is forced to retire but the victim had many enemies in both his
personal
and professional life. He gets a lucky break when he stumbles on the fact that over two decades
ago,
at least twelve children, most of them black died in the same way as the victim of Ray's current
case.
When two more black children disappear in Dallas, Ray is sure that the deaths are all linked
together
and he intends to solve the case before dying. Wisdom Of The Bones gives the readers a sense of
place during the Kennedy assassination especially with Jack Ruby threaded throughout the story
line,
being questioned by the protagonist about the case and ignoring his other activities. The
who-done-it
is well plotted and is solved by good old- fashioned police work that includes a lot of legwork.
Christopher Hyde shows his ingenious ability to provide an atmospheric thriller inside a powerful
police procedural.
Land Of Burning Heat
Judith Van Gieson
Signet
ISBN: 0451208005 $5.99, 272 pp.
Archivist Claire Reynier works at the Center for Southwest Research at the University of New
Mexico in Albuquerque. One day Isabel Santos informs Claire that she tripped over a loose brick
on
the floor but when she investigated it she found a wooden cross with a note hidden in it. Isabel
made
a copy of the document and shows it to Claire who believes it was the last note written by a
Jewish
mystic before he was killed in the Mexican Inquisition. The document should be placed
somewhere
safe but when Claire tries to convince Isabel to give it to the university, she tells the archivist she
has
to think about it. The very next day Isabel is murdered in her home and the document is missing
but
the cross is found On a hunch, Claire asks the police to dig around the area where the cross was
buried and they unearth a skeleton over four centuries old. The police think Isabel was murdered
in a
robbery gone bad, but Claire thinks the modern day homicide, the document, and the skeleton are
all
linked together and she intends to prove it or die trying. The protagonist is an independent thinker
who does not allow herself to be sidetracked when she thinks she is right. She is a woman of the
new millennium one to be admired and emulated. Judith Van Gieson tells a creative and
fascinating
story intermingling the past with the present and educating the reader in a period not widely
studied.
The who-done-it is fascinating but it is the mystery of the past that holds the reader's
attention.
The Fall
Simon Mawer
Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316097802 $24.95, 370 pp.
Rob Dewar is driving home to his family when he hears on the radio about the death of his friend
Jamie Matthewson from a mountain climbing fall. Though he and Jamie had not spoken in years,
Rob heads to Wales to learn what went wrong and to provide comfort to his buddy's widow Ruth.
Rob begins learning about his deceased friend, the man's family, and his own parents, more than
he
probably wants to know. He finds out that Jamie's father Guy and Diana Sheridan fell in love and
shared a night together in 1940. However, while Guy is a conscientious objector married to a
German wife, Diana heads to London to work as a nurse. She ends their affair and aborts the
fetus.
She marries, but that relationship fails as Guy has her love. After World War II ends, Guy and
Diana
meet, but though she is free he is now married to Meg. Still they share one last night of love. The
historical tidbits bring alive the 1940s and 1960s. The characters are three-dimensional and are
very
complex. The story line is richly textured as readers observe how star-crossed lovers survive
though
not with one another. With all that going and Simon Mawer's usual strong prose, the novel falls a
bit
short because the secret once revealed seems insignificant in the scheme of life. Still though not
quite
a Mendel's Dwarf, The Fall displays the talent of Mr. Mawer to tell a tale that will provide much
pleasure to fans of complex relationship dramas.
Sweet Hush
Deborah Smith
Little, Brown.
ISBN: 0316806501 $23.95, 336 pp
Fifth generation apple grower, Hush McGillen is proud of her Georgia mountain roots and being
100% American, but she never expected to be spending any time at the White House. She had not
even contemplated visiting as a tourist. However, not only is she in DC and inside the
Pennsylvania
Avenue barriers, Hush is at war with the First Lady on the enemy's turf. The war of the women
began when Hush's son Davis brings to the orchard his pregnant Harvard girlfriend, "Eddie"
Jacobs.
Now Eddie is no ordinary student as she is the First Daughter and she and Davis have slipped
away
from the Secret Service. Surprisingly, Hush turning deep purple when she begins to find the First
Nephew quite attractive, but there still remains a war of the ladies to resolve as the vultures from
the
media begin turning over the red clay. The romance seems unlikely, but once the reader accepts
that
Eddie and Davis are an entry, the audience will appreciate the richness of the story line. The key
to
the tale is when Hush provides her fist person observations of the past, present, and the future.
When the nephew takes center stage, he behaves more like Edward G. Robinson in a flick than a
relative of the first family. Still, fans of Deborah Smith will delight in her latest contemporary tale
that sheds a deep light on rural Georgia.
Tropical Getaway
Roxanne St. Clair
Pocket Books
ISBN: 0743462769 $6.99
For five years Ava Santori and her famous family of chefs awaited to hear from her estrange
brother
Marco, but nary a word came until now. They learn that Marco died as a Second Mate on the
ill-fated Paradisio passenger ship that went down when it sailed into Hurricane Carlos. The
grieving
family wants to move past the incident. However, lawyer Grayson Boyd persuades Ana to come
to
the Caribbean Island of St. Bart to sue the ship's owner Dane Erikson who stands to make
millions
on the disaster. Ana believes the avaricious Dane caused Marco's death. Dane believes Ana failed
to
act like a sister to his best friend. Both wants to hate the other, but neither can ignore the growing
love towards one another even while danger mounts from an illegal operation. Though the
continual
misunderstanding between the lead protagonists seems difficult to accept especially midway into
the
novel, readers will enjoy this romantic suspense. The action focuses on the lead couple's
misconceptions before twisting into an intrigue. The plot is at its finest when Dane and Ana argue
over Marco while falling in love. The intrigue adds excitement, but detours the story line from its
roots. Still the audience will appreciate Roxanne St. Claire's tale.
The Last Bride In Ballymuir
Dorien Kelly
Pocket Books
ISBN: 0743464583 $6.99
After spending the last fourteen years in prison as a terrorist convicted of killing children and a
garda, an amnesty program frees Michael Kilbride from his incarceration. With no place to go as
his
parents want nothing to do with Michael the convicted terrorist, he moves in with his sister Vi, an
artist to Ballymuir, Ireland. Michael takes a walk and sees a woman lifting rocks. He joins her
learning that Kylie O'Shea is a schoolteacher at the local Irish elementary school. Unable to resist,
Michael kisses Kylie goodbye. Vi informs him that Kylie is the daughter of a con artist spending
time
in prison. Michael and Kylie begin seeing each other, but she cannot deal with his pariah status
until
he is accused of murder. Knowing she loves him, Kylie risks all she has worked to achieve in
Ballymuir for the sake of her beloved. Though the subplot focused on a terrorist from Michael's
past
seems weak; the tale provides an interesting look at the controversy that has torn Ireland and
Northern Ireland apart. Readers see deeply into the distrusts of everyone towards one another
through the efforts of two people simply seeking a place together. Michael and Kylie are a
delightful
duo and Vi makes a thundering secondary character deserving of her own novel. Readers will not
believe that THE Last Bride In Ballymuir is Dorien Kelly's debut novel and will be looking
forward
to more novels from this series of contemporary romances featuring foreign locations.
Magnolia Moon
JoAnn Ross
Pocket Books
ISBN: 0743457439 $6.99, 400 pp.
Nate Callahan, Mayor of Blue Bayou, Louisiana, makes his living from remodeling homes. As he
cleans away old files in the sheriff's office, Nate comes across a folder from thirty-one years ago
that
includes valuable stock. The owner was Linda Dale who apparently committed suicide. Linda's
sister
took her infant niece with her to Los Angeles. That niece, Linda's daughter, has quite an
inheritance
awaiting her if she can be found. Nate's brother locates LA Homicide Detective Regan Hart, who
is
shocked to learn that the woman she thought was her mother is her aunt. Regan comes to Blue
Bayou to learn the truth about her biological mother and the rest of her roots, but the twists of
reality make the DNA helix seem quite simple especially when some folks want the past kept
quiet.
Adding to her confusion is Regan and the mayor have fallen in love. Because of the twists on
twists,
readers will expect Rod Serling to explain that this is Bayou Country in the Twilight Zone. The
story
line is action packed whether it occurs on the West Coast or the Gulf Coast as readers see deep
into
psyche of the heroine and to a lesser degree Nate. JoAnn Ross will gain new readers with her
magnificent Magnolia Moon even if it takes one more spin than is necessary.
Wither's Rain
John Passarella
Pocket Books
ISBN: 0671024825 $6.99, 343 pp.
Every century Wither and her coven come back on the anniversary of their death to commit
murder
and mayhem on the Massachusetts town of Windale. In 1999, Wither needed a new vessel and
tried
to take over the body of Wiccan witch Wendy Ward but as untested as the teenage was, she still
was
able to defeat the evil witch. Wendy thought that she destroyed her but will soon learn that the
essence of Wither lives on in the body of eighteen year-old Gina Thorne. Gradually, Wither's
essence
spreads throughout Gina's body, allowing the teen to access the witch's powers. She plans to start
a
new coven but knows that to succeed, she must destroy Wendy. Thanks to the Crone, Wendy
realizes that she will battle Wither once again and this time she must learn how to control and use
her powers if she wants to destroy her adversary permanently. Wither's Rain is one of the best
horror books of the new millennium. John Passarella has an uncanny knack of tapping into our
hidden fears on the pages of his books, especially this one. His talent is on a par with Stephen
King,
Dean Koontz and Bentley Little. Gina/Wither is the epitome of evil and the allies she converts to
her
cause makes her even more dangerous to the heroine who like in High Noon needs to fight by
herself.
Buried Secrets
Evelyn Vaughn
Silhouette
ISBN: 0373272758 $4.75, 251 pp.
Chicago police officer Zack Lorenzo is stunned with the apparent heart attack suffered by his
twenty
something wife, which lead to her fatal drowning in the bathtub. Three days after Gabriella is
buried,
Zack waits in hiding for her family to leave the cemetery so he can visit alone. Urban archeology
major Cecil Taylor, not realizing whom Zack is, mentions that no one is buried in Gabriella's
coffin.
Using electronic equipment he proves his case to a shocked Zack. Four years later, Zack is a
private
detective working mostly typical cases, but also handling the paranormal with Cecil as his
technical
partner. Zack investigates a disappearance case in West Texas starting with questioning Sheriff Jo
James about a New Mexico mining accident seven years ago in which she claimed zombies
existed.
As Jo and Zack partner up, they make the rounds of various practitioners of the paranormal with
almost every visit leading to the person strongly recommending they need to work together to
survive and perhaps win against a powerful seemingly immortal enemy. Fans of paranormal
private
investigative romances will take immense delight with Evelyn Vaughn's Buried Secrets. The story
line will remind readers of the X Files as Zack and Jo make the rounds of many of the West Texas
practitioners of the "arts". Though the villain fails to live up to the reputation garnered by the
inquiries, the lead characters and a couple of their helpers are fun to watch, the Paranormal 101
trip
a delight, and the investigation enjoyable as the audience receives an engaging weird tale.
Wedding Of The Century
Patricia McLinn
Silhouette Special Edition
ISBN: 0373245238 $4.75, 250 pp.
At the First Church of Tobias in Tobias, Wisconsin, Steve Corbett and Annette Trevetti are at the
alter getting married when a pregnant Lily Wilbanks interrupts the ceremony. The intruder claims
that Steve is the father of her unborn. When Steve fails to respond, a stunned Annette leaves the
church, the town, and her beloved behind. Seven and a half years later, Annette returns home to
help
her beloved brother who broke his wrist though she has no plan to remain in her hometown once
her
sibling heals. When Annette and Steve see each other, sparks still fly, but she nevertheless feels
betrayed and he furthermore credits her lack of trust to their break up. His elderly relative
"arranges"
for Annette and his seven-year-old daughter Nell to meet; the incident first panics then stuns
Steve
as he observes the two important women in his life behaving like buddies. As Annette and Steve
realize they remain in love, he wonders if he should risk all by telling "Every Detail" about Nell.
The
second chance at love theme of Wedding Of The Century showcases Patricia McLinn's ability to
tell
a compelling story starring a strong cast of characters. The delightful lead protagonists belong
together and the mostly charming (except for his snobbish mother) secondary cast provides deep
insight into the respective personalities of Annette and Steve. Though a final twist seems inane
especially when the hero remained stoically silent at the church and subsequently blames Annette
for
their break up, fans will enjoy this novel and want sequels starring a friend and a brother or
two.
Song Of Her Heart
Irene Brand
Harlequin
ISBN: 0373872070 $4.75, 256 pp.
When her father and her disabled brother die, forty-two year old Norah Williamson needs change
though she feels she is too uneducated to serve as a missionary as she deeply desires. Over the
objections of her siblings whom she raised when their mother died, Norah plans to sell the house
she
inherited in Springfield, Missouri. Instead of baby-sitting her nephews and nieces, she accepts a
job
as a summer cook on a Wyoming Ranch where she will serve meals to special education children
under the auspices of the Horse and Healing Christian program. Norah meets rancher Mason King
who hired her over the Internet and will live nearby. Norah and Mason are attracted to one
another,
especially as both have placed their hands in the hands of the Lord. They fall in love, but he fears a
permanent relationship following the death of his first wife in childbirth, but she tries to persuade
him that God brought them together for a purpose. Inspirational romance readers will cherish
Irene
Brand's latest tale that stars two deeply religious and caring middle aged people who deserve love
with one another. The story line focuses mostly on the pious Norah. The subplots centering on the
children and her selfish family provide more insight into the lead duo but especially. Though not
for
every contemporary reader, this novel is for fans that relish an inspiring romance starring
individuals
with prayers in their hearts for everyone's soul.
Taking The Heat
Brenda Novak
Harlequin
ISBN: 0373835701 $6.50, 384 pp.
Gabrielle Hadley relocates with her baby Allie to Florence, Arizona to start work as a prison
guard
at the state facility. She also hopes to find closure by meeting her biological mother who lives
nearby
and left her for adoption when Gabrielle was an infant. At the prison, Gabrielle intercedes in a
fight
between convicted wife killer Randall Tucker and four other convicts that was sanctioned by her
superior. Her whistleblowing to the warden leads to Randall's transfer to the Alta Vista facility
and
the ostracizing of Gabrielle. Guard Eckland and Gabrielle escort Tucker, but the car crashes.
Gabrielle's actions enable Tucker to escape into the desert. She follows. As he tries to find
evidence
that he never killed his wife so he can regain custody of their son, he receives help from Gabrielle.
Soon they fall in love, but the state wants him behind bars and will do whatever it takes to insure
that occurs rather quickly. This novel is Richard Kimble inside a romance. The story line is very
exciting though readers will doubt that a prisoner with a broken hand even caused by the actions
of
the guards would not receive medical treatment. Still, fans will relish the non-stop action as
Randall
aided by a person who should be his enemy not his beloved struggles to prove the state convicted
the wrong person. Brenda Novak provides a wonderful romantic Fugitive.
Michael's Father
Melinda Curtis
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711093 $5.25, 297 pp.
The family patriarch Salvatore Messina demands his pregnant granddaughter name the father of
her
child so that he will either marry her or be ruined. Cori refuses so Salvatore gives her an
ultimatum
because he will not fund the raising of a bastard on his Sonoma, Northern California winery. Cori
informs the octogenarian that she has obtained work in Los Angeles and will raise the child alone
as
she cannot betray the man she loves Blake Austin. Several years later, Cori accompanied by her
son
Michael returns to the family estate to help her mother cope with her pending death from cancer.
She also believes she must inform Blake he sired a child when they shared that one night of bliss.
However, she is disappointed that he fails to recognize the boy is his when they first meet. As
Cori
realizes she still loves Blake and wants to be with her family, she also must consider what will
happen to Michael if his father rejects her or his son. The theme of Michael's Father has been used
quite often in contemporary romance novels, but contains a degree of freshness due to the soap
opera like angst of the Messina family. However, the extended family's emotional woes also weigh
heavily on the audience as everyone carries baggage. The lead couple follows the typical script,
but
readers still will empathize with them especially with Cori. Though Melinda Curtis includes too
many troubles for the audience to cope with, fans of deep emotional conflict plots will want to
read
her fine novel, but turn to a comedy immediately afterward.
The Man Upstairs
Pamela Bauer
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711069 $5.25, 296 pp.
In Minnesota, though she would prefer to just give money, graphic designer Dena Bailey
reluctantly
agrees to donate something to an auction to raise funds for children. Her brother persuades Dena
to
visit her upstairs neighbor and ask local NHL hero Quinn Sterling for an autographed hockey
stick.
When Dena and Quinn meet in the apartment building, he realizes she is the woman he found in
the
men's room at his best friend's wedding. Both are attracted to one another and Quinn gets Dena to
start seeing him, not an easy task as the woman hides in her work to avoid relationships ever since
her mom deserted her as a child. When Quinn becomes guardian to two preadolescent siblings
whose parents just died, Dena cannot cope, fearing she will be a chip off the old block. Quinn's
goal
is to persuade the woman he loves that they and the two children belong together as a family.
Though he knows this will prove harder than a defenseman scoring the hat trick, he also realizes
the
prize is greater than Lord Stanley's Cup. The Man Upstairs is an enjoyable sports romance that
shows the positive side of a person who happens to be a headline making defenseman. Quinn
saves
the novel as he is a fabulous hunk on and off the ice even when Dena checks his heart. However,
Dena starts off as a delight with demons, but readers will tire of her psychological baggage though
she ironically will remain a sympathetic character. Category readers will feel Pamela Bauer scored
the winning overtime goal with this pleasing tale.
The Healer
Jean Brasher
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711050 $5.25, 296 pp.
At Mercy Hospital in Dallas, Caroline Malone is the finest surgeon because she always does her
best
for her patients and expects nothing less from the team. Escaping her beloved work for a needed
rest, Caroline rides her steed Star King. However a jackrabbit spooks her horse leading to
Caroline
injuring her hand and unable to perform cardiac surgery. A depressed Caroline leaves Dallas for
the
West Texas Davis Mountain to begin what she hopes is the healing process. In Davis Mountain,
Diego Montalvo battles with demons from his military medic days by providing homeopathic
treatments to those in need. When Diego and Caroline meet, the clash is between modern medical
science and local healing arts, but underneath is a growing love for one another. Diego wonders
how
he will survive the loss of Caroline when he heals her hand and she returns to Dallas. Caroline
wonders how her heart will recover once he heals her hand and she returns to Dallas. The Healer
is
an engaging thought provoking romance that enables the audience to see the best and somewhat
the
worst of two approaches to healing. The ploy succeeds because the audience believes that
Caroline
and Diego have no doubts that their way is the best way even while they debate the merits of both
methods. Thus the growing love between them becomes a joy and an albatross, but sheer pleasure
for the audience. Readers will seek the first novel in "Deep in the Heart" series, What The Heart
Wants (starring Caroline's sister Ivy) and anxiously wait missing sibling Chloe's story.
Baby, Be Mine
Emily McKay
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691122 $4.25, 218 pp.
When morning radio show co-host Tabitha Talbot informs her boyfriend of two years Bob that
she
is pregnant, he immediately ends the relationship. She is shocked as she thought they would just
marry. Her station boss Marty decides that finding a boyfriend for the heart broken Tabitha would
be the perfect publicity stunt. Tabitha, even with the help of her on the air partner Sam Stevens,
fails
to persuade Marty to leave well enough alone. Though Sam is a confirmed bachelor, he felt
protective towards Tabitha, but now his need to keep her safe has gone into the stratosphere.
Tabitha blames her desire for Sam on the raging hormones of her pregnancy. When they make
passionate love, Sam realizes that he wants his Tabby by his side afternoon and night not just in
the
AM, but she was already dumped once and cannot believe commitment phobic Sam is talking
family
affair. Baby, Be Mine is an amusing relationship drama that will surprise readers to elarn that this
is
author Emily McKay's debut. The story line is fun due to the seesaw romance between the lead
couple and the antics of the support cast, especially at the station. Though Bob's fleeing his
responsibility is never adequately explained, the audience will take great delight with this "He Said
She Said" style romance.
Some Like It Sizzling
Jamie Sobrato
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691114 $4.25
When Lucy Connors comes home from work, she learns what her best friend has given her for her
birthday: a stud handcuffed to her bed. She informs the stunned but delighted Lucy that he is her
escort for a week of fun, pampering, and hopefully some passionate sex at Fantasy Ranch. Ready
to
reject the gift as being too way out for a prim lady like her, Lucy shocks herself by going off with
the hunk. Private Investigator Judd Walker hates playing the role of beef. However, he promised
his
brother, the Fantasy Ranch owner, that he would work undercover to learn whom if anyone from
Lucy's travel agency is vandalizing his ranch. Judd quickly decides Lucy is not the vandal though
he
wonders if he drew that conclusion because he is prejudiced and simply in love with her. Jamie
Sobrato's debut novel is an engaging romantic suspense that is at its strongest when the lead
couple
plays sex games especially acting out her fantasy as a hot kitten playing coy with her as heated
lover.
The undercover (sleuth not blanket) work is cleverly designed to provide a bit of mystery and
intrigue, but also distracts from the delightful contemporary tale. Fans will gain pleasure from this
lighthearted yet often sweltering frolic.
Against The Odds
Donna Kauffman
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373790732 $4.50, 251 pp.
Canyon Springs, New Mexico Fire Marshal Tucker Greywolf is in Vegas attending forensic
seminars. Popular author Misty Fortune is in Vegas too seeking to overcome her writer's block
that
she thinks is caused by a lack of orgasms, which is depressing for an author known for her heated
under the covers scenes. However, murder occurs at Blackstone Resort, temporarily placing the
sexual fantasy resort off limits as a crime scene. Through a mutual acquaintance, Detective Miguel
of LVPD takes Tucker under his wings, enabling the visiting student to work on the homicide
investigation. At Blackstone, Tucker meets Misty and both of them are attracted to one another.
Soon they heat the sheets hotter than a building inferno, but he is small town southwest America
and
she is big city (in England). Though doubtful that the police allow an "inexperienced" outsider,
even
with Tucker's investigative background, to join in on the case, the who-done-it romance is fun to
read. The novel facilely consolidates a strong romance with torrid settings with a police
procedural.
Tucker and Misty prove that opposites do attract and though Against The Odds can forge a
relationship if the loving bond is strong enough to glue their souls. Fans of hot romantic suspense
will take delight with this charmer due to the fascinating lead protagonists.
Heat Of The Moment
Lori Herter
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373790740 $4.50, 249 pp.
Someone loosened the overpass structure that Frameworks Systems had constructed causing a
terrible accident. Though no one was killed, CEO Peter Brennan was left in a wheelchair. He fears
that the industrial espionage incident could lead to a follow-up with him dying on try number two
so
he actually fakes his inability to walk in an effort to uncover the assailant. Peter wonders how far
his
rival Lansdowne of Earthwaves would go to cripple Frameworks. Research seismologist Josie
Gray
quits her job at Earthwaves due to the Brennan incident that she believes her firm purposely
caused.
Still not feeling right and propelled by a lingering guilt, Josie visits Peter to apologize. Instead he
shocks her and himself by hiring her as he suspects she might be a plant for further sabotage. As
they
begin to fall in love, his distrust grows geometrically proportional simply because Peter refuses to
believe Josie is an innocent pussycat. Heat Of The Moment is an engaging romantic suspense that
places strong emphasis on the intrigue and the accompanying doubts of the hero even in love. The
problem is that Josie holds more mental wounds than Peter, a divorcee recovering from a near
death
experience, but her anguish never fully develops so that the audience feels little towards her.
Additionally a key secondary player has way too much influence. Still Peter is quite a hunk that
readers will adore which makes Lori Herter's novel fun especially how he uses his wheelchair to
manipulate the woman he loves but distrusts.
High Meadow
Joan Wolf
Warner
ISBN: 0446610437 $5.99, 400 pp.
In Glendale, Connecticut, when her sister Colleen died, Kate Foley became the mother to her
nephew Ben. Having no idea whom was Ben's father, Kate and her mother tell the lad that his dad
died too. At the same time, Kate works hard to turn around the family horse farm. A former boy
friend of Colleen, Marty Lockwood visits the Foley residence when he recognizes Ben as the son
of
NY Yankee pitching great Daniel Montero. Marty tries to blackmail Daniel, who tells the odious
man to get lost or face jail time because he plans to recognize his son if the lad proves to be his.
Two years ago, Daniel suffered from the mumps leaving him unable to sire children so he feels
Ben
is a miracle. Daniel visits Ben and Kate, but though she is hostile towards his arrival, he falls in
love
with her. He wonders how he will persuade her that they belong together raising Ben as a family.
Fans of contemporary romance will enjoy Joan Wolf's delightful tale. Colleen and Daniel are
superb
lead characters who work hard to do the right thing for loved ones. Some readers will relish their
efforts while others will feel they are too perfect. However, it is in their nurturing lies the dilemma
as
both want to be full time in Ben's life yet not hurt the lad. Ms. Wolf provides a charmer for her
myriad of fans.
The Miracles Of Santo Fico
D. L. Smith
Warner
ISBN: 0446531030 $22.95, 356 pp.
When his relationship with Marta Fortino ended with her marrying someone else, Leo Pizzola left
for Chicago to make his fortune and find many women. Leo has no real ties in America after two
decades of living there. When Leo inherits the family farm, he returns to his hometown of Santo
Fico
in Tuscany to make his fortune and find one woman, the widow Marta. However, not only has the
town remained extremely poor, the townsfolk are depressed also. Santo Fico is dying unless a
miracle occurs and not the type used to "con" tourists into visiting the religious fresco depicting
the
miracles of St. Thomas. Leo tries to reconnect with Marta, but she rejects him. Desperate to win
his
beloved's heart and respect and to help his town, Leo decides not to wait for a celestial miracle.
He
plans to perform a more mundane one that hopefully will increase the "volunteer" tourist traffic,
not
just those caught on a one-way no turn around road into the town. The characters are interesting
in
an offbeat manner that will endear them to the reader. However, though the theme of revitalizing
life
as an individual or as a town clearly rings throughout the tale, The Miracles Of Santo Fico lacks a
strong centrist story line to anchor the plot. Thus, instead of a modern day A Bell For Adano, the
audience receives an intriguing three hundred plus page "long" short story that still grips the
audience because of the caring nature of the cast.
The Kingmaker
Brian Haig
Warner
ISBN: 0446530557 $22.95, 391 pp.
US Army Brigadier General William T. Morrison is accused of treason having helped the former
Soviet Union when he served in Moscow as a military attache. In Fort Leavenworth awaiting trial,
William surprisingly asks that his former buddy Judge Advocate General lawyer Major Sean
Drummond represent him. Beside the fact that this case will probably end his career, Sean hates
William for stealing his college girl friend, Mary Steele Morrison (aside any relation to Harry?).
Instead of begging off due to a conflict of interest, he takes the case because Sean remains an
idealist. The prosecution assigns Major Eddie Golden who brutalizes opponents during the trial
and
afterward provides a memento baseball bat to his losing opponents including two to Sean. Though
William appears overwhelmingly guilty, Bulldog Drummond investigates the case in the two Cold
War capitals, but finds no counter evidence. Convinced his client is guilty, Drummond changes his
mind when someone tries to kill him. With renewed vigor, Sean begins unraveling a deep
conspiracy
with the goal leave Eddie with a Babe Ruth bat. Though very exciting, The Kingmaker is not
quite
at the level of Drummond's first two novels (see Secret Sanction and Mortal Allies) as he turns
more
into a super physical specimen than the cerebral giant. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with
action, but follows the conspiracy thriller prescription with no variation to the specs. Drummond
retains his attitude of combining cynical idealism with amusing one-liners that the audience will
enjoy. Brian Haig has written a delightful tale that his fans and the conspiratorial buffs will enjoy
just
not quite attaining the Drummond quality level.
Almost A Princess
Elizabeth Thornton
Bantam
ISBN: 0553584898 $6.50, 368 pp.
In 1816 England, Special Branch enlists the help of Lord Caspar "Case" Devere to capture a
clever
killer. The clues lead Case to the Ladies' Library women's rights group whose objectives is to
change
the marriage and property laws. Case asks member Jane Mayberry to take him to see her friend
Letitia Gray better known among this circle as Letty Piers. Jane is as uncooperative as she is
intelligent, which means Case has quite an obstacle to overcome. Case persuades Jane to help
him.
Working together, they begin to fall in love. However, she harbors a secret that she knows will
destroy their relationship even as he realizes the murderer is someone he loathes from the war in
the
Peninsular. Almost A Princess is as much a historical mystery as it is a Regency romance. The
investigation is cleverly designed so that the audience follows Case and his sidekick as they begin
to
solve the homicides until the plot twists into a cat and mouse game with the lead male protagonist
as
the rodent and his beloved partner as the cheese. The romance is a delight also especially as the
women's movement appears to be an intriguing obstacle. Perhaps the only default is Elizabeth
Thornton's penchant to use princess in her titles when this novel is obviously higher ranked.
The Braided World
Kay Kenyon
Bantam
ISBN: 0553583794 $6.99, 416 pp.
Between the deaths caused by the Black Cloud and the resulting demises caused by runaway
plagues, Earth is dying. It no longer has a sufficient gene pool capable of creating a viable
population. Humanity's only hope lies in a message from a planet thirty light years away stating
Earth can reclaim what it has lost. Billionaire Bailey Shaw funds a ship, the Restoration, which
takes
people to this orb, but what they find there shocks them. The native Dassa look human-like, but
do
not reproduce the same way. Women that can breed get their tongues cut out and become slaves
called hoda. The Dassa is not the ones who sent the message but their creators the Quads did.
Nobody alive on the planet knows where the genetic markers that earth desperately needs can be
found. Unless someone uncovers the puzzle, the human race will die out. The two races that look
almost identical on the surface have very different thought processes and ways of reproducing.
Both
distrust one another when they first meet. The punishment the Dassa mete out to childbearing
women is horrific but the Terrans can do nothing to help them. If the hoda want freedom they
must
fight for it on their own because the people from earth must concentrate on their prime mission of
saving the species. The audience will feel that Dassa society exists and author Kay Kenyon has
visited the realm she has written about in her novel The Braided World, which enable the audience
to experience second hand this alien but fascinating orb.
The Secret Hour
Luanne Rice
Bantam
ISBN: 0553802240 $22.95, 319 pp.
In Connecticut, defense attorney John O'Rourke struggles with his moral dilemma of defending
some of society's worse monsters to insure they have a fair trail and the requirements of a single
dad
raising two youngsters by himself. The townsfolk treat John like a pariah especially with his
current
case, defending Greg Merrill, the Breakwater Killer. The latest incident is a brick tossed threw his
kitchen window that two cops blithely write it off as if John was the criminal. Immediately
following
the brick incident, Kate Harris arrives at the O'Rourke residence. She wants John to ascertain
whether his infamous client killed her sister, who vanished without the body recovered. As Kate
helps the O'Rourkes heal from the loss of their mother, she falls in love with the trio. The kids
welcome her into their lives, but John is reluctant as he feels guilt over his spouse's cheating while
he
overly worked on defending the dregs. The Secret Hour is a powerful legal romantic thriller that
is
at its best when John, living up to the Dershowitz credo that a "good lawyer should want to take
the
hardest cases, the most unpopular defendants", must defend himself and his children from his
neighbors. Readers will feel his strength from the start when John thinks back on an incident at an
ice cream parlor with his young daughter involving the condemnation by a senior citizen. The
story
line is fast-paced yet obvious, but romantic suspense fans and legal thriller buffs will want to read
this close look at the toll of defending death row convicts on the personal lives of an attorney and
his
family.
Kissed By Shadows
Jane Feather
Bantam
ISBN: 0553583085 421 pp.
In 1554, Queen Mary openly displays her disdain towards Lady Pippa Nielson for the latter
voluntarily staying in the Tower with Elizabeth. Since the half sister Princess has been freed Pippa
is
back with her spouse of seven months, Stuart, but wonders why he only makes love to her when
she
sleeps. She also questions why he has become so especially enamored towards the Spaniards,
attending Mary's new husband, Phillip. Worse she is attracted to Phillip's English advisor Lionel
Ashton. Stuart takes full culpability for the mess he has caused for himself and Pippa, who he
loves
in a brotherly manner. He wonders if suicide would free her of the fiasco for he cannot think of
any
other means of escaping the blackmail of Simon Renard who knows that Stuart is gay. As Simon
and Lionel manipulate Stuart, Pippa is also caught in a web of deception that has ramifications
involving two thrones. Yet Lionel and Pippa cannot resist an affair of the heart that could only
end
disastrously without royal intervention, but regal impediment could also prove calamitous. Kissed
By Shadows is an exciting sixteenth century romance that focuses on the intrigue of Queen Mary's
court and its impact on innocent dupes. Pippa is courageous showing her loyalty that makes her a
victim of royal contempt. Lionel is more complex so subsequently adds depth to the plotting.
Stuart
is an intriguing individual whose anguish will gain him empathy from the audience. Though the
machinations slowly surface, Jane Feather insures her audience knows what motivates the key cast
members. Once the novel attains full acceleration it never slows down until the climax.
Whispers At Midnight
Karen Robards
Atria
ISBN: 0743453468, $25.00, 384 pp.
Following the divorce from her philandering husband, Carly Linton returns to her hometown of
Benton, Georgia to open up a bed and breakfast. Her first view of her new home is the buns of
her
high school sweetheart Scraven County sheriff Matt Converse crawling under her porch. Matt is
looking into the disappearance of Marsha Hughes, whose boyfriend suffers from "raid rage"
caused
by steroids. The neighbors inform Matt that Marsha and Kevin had a fight, but did she just leave
or
did he kill her? Fearing for Carly when someone threatens her, Matt vows to keep her safe. As he
carries a gun in his hand and a cocked pistol inside his underwear, Matt and Carly share sex and
fall
in love. However, she begins to recall her depressed memories of rape and sodomy as a child,
while
an unknown villain gives her the choice of leaving town alive or dying. Readers who enjoy a
romantic suspense thriller in which the hero either just shoots his wad or is in a three-legged state
will want to read Karen Robards' latest tale. The story line contains tons of sex, though when
Matt
slept is a question as he either is investigating, protecting or lovemaking. When Matt and Carly
are
on stage, the plot is fun as the two argue, fuss, and share sex. However, the "Ding Dong the
Donkeyman" villain requires quite a stretch to accept. Still fans of a heated southern romance with
an accent on the boudoir rather than the police procedural will take pleasure in Ms. Robards'
latest
caper.
Late Bloomer
Fern Michaels
Atria
ISBN: 0743457781, Feb 2003, $24.00, 352 pp.
In 1981 Indigo Valley, Pennsylvania, on a dare from her friends, ten years old Cady Jordan sets
off
on her bike to do a stunt, but just before she begins, teenage bully Jeff King jumps on for the ride.
However, someone slung cable across their path so when the bike hits the taut obstacle, the two
kids
fly through the air. Cady suffers a head injury leading to a loss of memory. Jeff dies from an
apparent
rock thrown at him. Two decades later, a mentally messed up Cady resides in California while still
unable to recall what happened on that fatal day. When her ailing grandmother asks her to come
for
a visit to her Pennsylvania mansion, Cady travels east. Her childhood pals from the deadly
incident
feel guilty for allowing Cady to shoulder the entire blame. They and Cady, along with Boomer
Maxwell, who was also there, try to figure out what really went down even while a reporter
begins
an investigation too. Though the story line seems obvious and all the kids except Cady and Jeff
who
were at the incident remain in town as adults, fans of Fern Michaels will enjoy this engaging
romantic suspense. The story line moves forward rather quickly once Cady returns to her
hometown. The key cast members will gain empathy from the audience as Ms. Michaels does
what
she does best, insuring her readers feel the angst of several protagonists. Late Bloomer is an
entertaining action-packed yarn that is fun to read.
The Devil's Bed
William Kent Krueger
Atria
ISBN: 0743445848, $24.00, 370 pp.
President Daniel Clay Dixon is running for reelection but his opponent leads in all the polls even
those sanctioned by the incumbent. Daniel's wife Kate feels estranged from him because he's being
influenced more and more by his father Senator William Dixon and the men associated with him.
When Kate's father, the former vice-president is hurt in what looks like an accident on his farm,
she
rushes to his bedside leaving the president in Washington. Secret Service agent Bo Thorsen is in
charge of protecting the First Lady when she's in Minnesota and his instincts tell him her life is in
danger as is that of her father. He finds proof that the ex-vice-president was deliberately injured
and
the person who is after the duo has a long time grudge against them. Bo is able to foil the first
assassination attempt but the next effort has tentacles that reach into the highest levels of
government making it nearly impossible to stop it in time. The Devil's Bed is an exciting thriller
that
starts off at light speed and never slows down. The president, his wife and the cabal members are
three- dimensional characters who seem real with plausible actions on each of their parts. The
hero is
the kind of man one wants in office because he is honorable, patriotic and most importantly,
trustworthy. William Kent Krueger, the author of the Cork O'Connor mystery series, has written
his
best work yet.
The Dwelling
Susie Moloney
Atria
ISBN: 0743456628 Feb 2003, $25.00, 416 pp.
It's a beautiful home and should be easy for realtor Glenn Darnley to sell, but the people that she
shows 362 Belisle to feel as if it is haunted. She finally sells it to Dan and Rebecca Mason who
think
it is their dream house. It turns into a nightmare as they hear strange noises and Dan finds himself
having sex with a ghost who sometimes assumes human form. Rebecca puts the house on the
market. Glenn sells it to Barbara Parkins, an angry and pain-filled divorcee, and her son Petey, a
young child who is so overweight he becomes the school freak. It is different at home because the
ghost children like him, play with him, and want Petey and his mother to join them. After Rebecca
and Petey disappear, the house is again put on the market. Glenn sells it to Richie Branley, an
alcoholic suffering from writer's block. At first he thinks the words on his computer, the strange
noises and the visions of his father and an older man are part of his alcoholic haze. However he
learns soon enough that the house is alive and doesn't want him as a tenant as it has somebody
else
picked out. The Dwelling is a delightful haunted house story that effects the people who live in it
in
destructive ways. The tale reads as a series of three novellas connected by the realtor.
Fascinatingly,
the house take center stage while the characters play important support roles. Susie Moloney's
novel
will appeal to fans that like the works of Peter Staub and Stephen King.
Scott Free
John Gilstrap
Atria
ISBN: 0671786865 $25.00, 368 pp.
She is a practicing psychologist well known for her lectures, seminars and "how to" books but she
wants to reconnect with her teen-age son Scott. Her ex-husband has custody of their son but
Sherry
Carrigan O'Toole thinks that a trip at the luxurious ski resort Sky Top Village will give them a
chance to bond. One night when they were supposed to have dinner together, he skips out
without
telling her. He and a friend who owns a plane fly to Salt Lake City to see a rock concert but the
plane crashes in bad weather and Scott is the only survivor. He's able to last in the wilderness for
a
few days thanks to survival skills he was taught and when he comes to a cottage inhabited by a
middle aged man, he thinks his problems are over. He realizes they are just beginning when he
realizes his roommate is a hitman who has a tendency to leave no witnesses to identify him. John
Gilstrap has written another crime thriller starring a protagonist who is truly a hero. Even though
he
is a teenager, he has more daring and courage than most adults and he proves it many times over
though a bit irresponsible. Scott's disappearance diffuses the war between his parents who finally
reach a cease-fire after almost losing their son. Scott Free is one action scene after another, as the
pace never slows down for an instant.
Kiss River
Diane Chamberlain
Mira
ISBN: 1551666642, $23.95, 384 pp.
The Kiss River lighthouse off the North Carolina Outer Banks has deteriorated to the point that
the
Fresnel lens lies beneath the water. Outsider Gina Higgins wants to raise the lens over the
objections
of most of the locals. However, siblings Lacey and Clay O'Neill support Gina in her endeavor.
The
disturbed Lacey, an artist, takes Gina into her home, the former lighthouse keeper's residence,
hoping that the enthusiast visitor will awaken the grieving Clay, a widower mourning his wife, out
of
his stupor. As Gina pursues her quest, she digs into the history of the small town that links to her
family's past. The second Lighthouse novel, Kiss River, is a well-written contemporary romance
that
uses an American heritage as a focal point for the tale. When the tale stays in the present, the
audience receives a strong plot as debate ensues over the merit of raising the lens along with a
delightful romance between two deserving individuals. When a subplot that occurred during WW
II
takes center stage, this tale seems diverging from a powerful robust story in which either subplot
could have stood on its own but not together. Still Diane Chamberlain furbishes an intriguing
novel
that will send the audience seeking the debut story (see Keeper Of The Light).
His Touch
Mary Lynn Baxter
Mira
ISBN: 1551666863, $6.50, 384 pp.
Mayor Jessica Kincaid of Dallas still misses her late spouse though he died four years ago. She
especially feels her loss since she began receiving obscene calls and email, and nasty packages.
She
has not told the police because she wonders if the two cops she suspended or the chief she fired
are
behind the incidents. Her best friend Veronica Nash has her husband Thurman, owner of a
security
firm, arrange protection. Thurman visits his old Secret Service buddy, Brant Harding, hiding as a
recluse in Arkansas. Brant says no though he wants to go to Dallas to become part of the life of
his
teenage son Elliot. Thurman blackmails Brant into taking the job by reminding him he owes him.
Reluctantly, Brant travels to Dallas and interrogates Jessica on the police suspensions, the
hostility
of council members, and a controversial land deal. As Brant struggles with making head way with
an
angry Elliot, he works hard to keep Jessica safe from an unknown assailant. While living and
working in proximity, they fall in love, but the mayor of a large city and a wilderness hermit
apparently has no chance for a permanent relationship. His Touch is an action-packed fun to read
romantic suspense starring two intriguing characters. However, both of the two lead characters
carry heavy burdens that would wear out Job and some readers who will find too many distracting
subplots. Still, Mary Lynn Baxter's fans will take immense pleasure in this loaded thriller.
Deadly Remedy
Gwen Hunter
Mira
ISBN: 1551666693 $6.50, 384 pp.
Dr. Rhea-Rhea Lynch works the emergency room of South Carolina's rural Dawkins County
Hospital. Though most big city folks would expect the ER to remain quiet, Rhea knows that her
hospital can get really hopping. For instance tonight, she saved the life of Venetia Gordon, a
quadriplegic teen who lost the use of her limbs and her hope several months ago. Immediately
after
that a vehicle crashes in the parking lot with two females inside. One requires Rhea to perform a
Mash-like amputation to save her life. Both act weird having suffered physical abuse, torture and
even amputation. Not long afterward, healer DaraDevinna Faith arrives to help the less fortunate.
Rhea's faith is in modern medicine, but though "seeing is believing", she has trouble reconciling
that
Venetia suddenly lifts her arms to the Lord after seeing the healer. Only her friend Miss Essie has
an
explanation that black magic is in the air between the healer and the two female accident victims
and
death will follow. Deadly Remedy, the third Dr. Lynch novel (see Prescribed Danger and Delayed
Diagnosis) is an engaging romantic medical thriller that takes a weirder turn than the previous
novels. The story line is exciting and never slows down as the plot smoothly moves forward. Rhea
remains a delightful, caring, yet harried individual and the recurring support cast provides either
depth to the plot or enables the audience to better understand the heroine. About the only
shortcoming of this strong thriller is that the torture of the two females is based on a true incident
showing that art imitates even the negativity of real life.
Secrets Of The Heart
Candace Camp
Mira
ISBN: 155166657X, $6.99, 416 pp.
Seven years ago, her father arranged for her to marry an Earl, Michael Trent, but she loved
another.
So Rachel Aincourt eloped with her beloved Anthony Birkshaw, but Michael and her father catch
up
the duo before she is compromised. Michael marries a heartbroken Rachel. Michael loves his
spouse
when he married her and still does, but he hides his feelings because he knows she still cherishes
another. He also hides from her his work as a Bow St. runner behind the face of a quiet
aristocratic
gentleman. Starting with her carriage being stopped by a highwayman who acts like a friend of her
husband to being led by Anthony into the London slums, Rachel enters her husband's other life.
When they meet with him in disguise, Rachel finds herself attracted not knowing that the stranger
is
her spouse. While she works through her feelings, someone else has other plans for her and the
men
in her life. Secrets Of The Heart is an exciting Regency romance that hooks the audience from the
moment Rachel's coach is stopped. The story line is fast-paced and readers will fully appreciate
Michael, a sort of Scarlet Pimpernel though not a dandy, and wonder about Rachel's immaturity,
mindful of Marguerite though no Citizen Chauvelin pressure. Fans of an electrifying historical
romantic suspense will want to read Candace Camp's pleasant thriller.
The Other Twin
Katherine Stone
Mira
ISBN: 1551666553, $24.95, 304 pp.
Thirty-one years ago in the Bay area, Dr. Alan Forrester is deeply in love with hippie jeweler
Claire
MacKenzie who reciprocates his feelings. Though his elitist mother objects to this relationship and
her Oregonian family does not care what happens to her, Alan marries Claire. Not long afterward,
as
her father-in-law drives the two generations of couples to a vacation lodge, a deer causes Gavin
to
swerve, but he misses the animal and stays on the road that is until the second fawn arrives. The
subsequent crash leaves Claire as the only survivor giving birth at the site in the midst of chaos.
Over
three decades later, Claire's daughter Paige has become a successful oncologist. To hide a terrible
facial birthmark, Gwen St. James becomes so adept that she is the make-up artist for TV news
anchors. They meet over a cancer patient of Paige's when Gwen provides make-up to give
confidence to the senior citizen as she goes home to see her grandchildren. As Paige and Gwen
become better acquainted, secrets from that car crash that killed the doctor's father are revealed
leading to close ties between two women who feel deeply connected, but not sure why. The why
seems a stretch yet readers will allow Katherine Stone the lead way because The Other Twin is an
exciting relationship romantic intrigue focusing on the connection between the two females. The
story line grips the audience, as the reader wants to know more because the characters make the
incident seem real. Though an overabundance of medical terminology is provided, fans will take
much pleasure from Ms. Stone's engaging novel.
Evolution
Stephen Baxter
Del Rey
ISBN: 034545782X, $25.95, 595 pp.
In 2031, the latest save the earth ecology conference is ironically being held in Darwin, Australia.
The global climatic destruction threatens Homo Sapiens' domination of the planet and the nearby
orbs. While forests burn out of control and pollution holds sway, the enormous Rabaul Volcano
erupts. Mankind's reign seems nearly through while the Martian robots have now replicated
themselves. Terrorists attack the conference as attendees discuss the battles for supremacy
through
the ages with the victors goes the spoils until primates evolve during the Tertiary Period.
Ultimately
apes leave the trees for life on the ground until they build high rises. Now in the year 2031, Earth
is
on the brink with the volcano being the final straw to end humanity's dominion. Mars appears as
the
next evolutionary step as machines that replicate establish colonies throughout the galaxy. This
book
reads more like short story vignettes than a novel, but fans of Stephen Baxter and anyone who
relishes a deep look at evolution and devolution will want to read this epic. Mr. Baxter is at his
best
when he describes prehistorical winners and losers and speculates on the future devolution of the
primate on earth. Though another form of evolutionary supremacy, the robot revolution seems to
belong in a more science fiction realm than the speculative fiction employed throughout
Evolution.
Another triumph for Mr. Baxter who has evolved into best-selling specie that Darwin would have
enjoyed reading the author's works.
Drowning World
Alan Dean Foster
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345450353, $23.95, 304 pp.
Because it seems to never stop raining, the planet Fluva has been nicknamed The Drowning
World
from members of the Commonwealth. On Fluva, the wettest spot is probably Viisiiviisii Jungle
where the combination of constant torrents with extreme humidity has led to one of the
Commonwealth's greatest natural treasures. Exotic flora and strange animal life abound here and
not
anywhere else. When bioprospector Shadrach Hasselemoga disappears while on a biological
expedition on Fluva, an irritated Commonwealth Chief Administrator Lauren Mathias puts
together
a team to rescue the missing fool lost somewhere in the jungle. Though the right species make up
the squad to include an ape- like native and a Deyzara, the rescuers vanish too. At about the same
time of the second disappearance, the Sakuntala make a play for power with one goal being the
genocide of the Deyzara leadership. As Deyzara refugees flee in terror, Lauren wonders whether
the
Sakuntala are involved in the vanishing or is her paranoia justified that the enemy reptilian empire
is
causing the disturbances? Move the 1950s and 60s confrontations through third world nations
between the US and the USSR into outer space and one will understand the premise of the
Commonwealth series. The alien races appear real and fully developed. Few writers make other
species seem so authentic as Alan Dean Foster does. The exciting story line will delight fans of the
series that will enjoy the latest strife between empires through surrogates.
The Maltese Manuscript
Joanne Dobson
Poisoned Pen Press
ISBN: 1590580397, $24.95, 266 pp.
She was brought up in a rough and tough neighborhood, got the valedictorian award taken away
from her because she became pregnant but didn't let her past influence her future. Karen Pelletier
went on to become an assistant English professor at ritzy Enfield College in Massachusetts. In the
spring, she is going to give a talk at the mystery conference sponsored by the women studies
group.
She is asked and reluctantly accepts hosting the guest of honor, best- selling author Sunnye
Hardcastle and her Doberman Trouble. It is difficult for her to write the paper as the reference
books were stolen from the library, as were many other valuable works. When the body of Bob
Tooey is found in the stack Sunnye comes under suspicion because she was the last person who
was
seen talking to him but Karen, who by now thinks of the author as a friend, is convinced she is
innocent. Karen and Sunnye sneak into the stacks one night after the library closes looking for
clues
and almost gets themselves killed. Whoever thinks academics are peaceful gentle souls have not
read
one of Joanne Dobson's exciting academic mysteries. The protagonists is a very independent
woman
who will not be dissuaded once she decides on a course of action. The Maltese Manuscript is the
best work in this series because there are many smaller who-done-its that have to be solved so
that
the bigger mystery can be cracked open.
Four For A Boy
Mary Reads & Eric Mayer
Poisoned Pen Press
ISBN: 1590580311, $24.95
Constantinople in the winter of 525 AD is so cold that the chariot races are postponed. The Blue
faction is getting into trouble and causing riots while the green faction is so intimidated they don't
wear uniforms in public. John the slave eunuch is normally assigned to the palace, but is on loan
to
Senator Opimius and his daughter Lady Anna who he tutors occasionally. One day while
escorting
Lady Anna, they pass the Great Church where Hypatius, who donated a beautiful marble statue of
Christ's Crucifixion, is murdered. Shortly after that John ends up fighting with some other
Eunuchs
and gets tossed in the dungeon. He is freed by the emperor's heir Justinius to discover the
murderer,
to see if the crime is tied to a plot to block him from becoming Emperor, and to spy on the
Senator
to see where his loyalties lie. He is teamed up with Felix, a palace guard loyal to the emperor who
thinks working with a slave beneath him. John is miserable with his station in life but he is only a
slave who must obey orders or die. The hero of this tale doesn't realize that his first job for the
heir
apparent is the first step on his way to becoming Lord Chamberlin. Four For A Boy is a prequel
to
the three previous books in the series and for the first time readers feel they understand how John
hates being a slave and a eunuch. Mary Reed and Eric Mayer have written a colorful and exotic
historical mystery filled with all the plots and intrigues that took place in Constantinople.
Prairie Gothic
J.M. Haves
Poisoned Pen Press
ISBN: 1590580508, $24.95, 276 pp.
Early one morning, Sheriff English of Buffalo Springs in Benteen County, Kansas is called to the
local nursing home because one of its residents Tommie Frons is missing. It turns out that
Tommie
died in the middle of the night and Mad Dog, a born again Cheyenne (and the sheriff's
half-brother),
spirited him away with the help of some of the residents of the home. The dead man wanted a
Choctaw burial and Mad Dog is determined to honor his wishes. Once that is cleared up, another
person reports that a resident has a dead baby in her room. The Sheriff finds a stillborn in the
room,
but has no idea of the identity of the mother. In the meantime, Tommie's relatives are looking for
his
ring and they are using very physical methods of persuasion to find it. The Sheriff's daughters are
being held at the Irons/ Hornbaker farm where they find a woman caged in her bedroom. Mad
Dog
finds a small skull, some adult bones, and a faded ID for a living county supervisor. All these
events
tie together but unless the sheriff can find the common denominator, the puzzle will never be
solved.
Prairie Gothic occurs in less than twenty-four hours, which is why the action is plentiful and
fast-paced. The story also takes place during one of the worst winter storms of the year, which
enhances the gothic feel to the whole tale. Anyone who enjoys an off beat, left of center mystery
starring eccentric characters who behave in an unusual fashion will want to read J.M. Hayes
sequel
to Mad Dog And Englishmen.
Dark Symphony
Christine Feehan
Berkley
ISBN: 0515135216, $6.99, 352 pp.
Though he has traveled the globe hunting vampires, Carpathian Byron Justicano feels compelled
to
follow the music to its source although he has already bought several CDs by the artist. His
"obsessive" quest leads Byron to Italy's Palazzo della Morte better known as Scarletti Palazzo.
Playing the piano that lures Byron is blind concert pianist Antonietta Scarletti, heiress to a fortune
and one-day is expected to manage the family shipping business. Antonietta is quite courageous
not
allowing the explosion that stole her eyesight and killed her parents to keep her from living life to
the
fullest. However, someone wants her dead and attempts on her life have occurred. Byron knows
she
is his lifemate. Like all male Carpathians, he will risk everything including his own life to keep
Antonietta safe. Fans of Christine Feehan's Carpathian novels will enjoy her latest appealing tale
that
freshens up the series by bringing in a descendant of The Scarletti Curse family. The suspense
laden
story line reads at times more like a thriller than a paranormal romance as the enthralling lead
couple
strives to survive assaults on their lives while also trying to ferret out the identity of their
assailant(s). Some amusing scenes lighten the taut intrigue; together they blend into a supreme
symphony.
Portrait In Death
J.D. Robb
Berkley
ISBN: 0425189031, $7.99, 368 pp.
The summer of 2059 in New York City is brutally hot but Eve Dallas, a lieutenant in the New
York
Police and Security Department, is ecstatically happy. Her butler Summerset is taking a
three-week
vacation, which is expected to feel like a bit of R&R to Eve. Her joy quickly dissipates when
Roarke's friend and majordomo trips over the cat and breaks his leg and shatters his shoulder. Her
day gets even worse when she's called out on a brutal homicide and the victim is an innocent
angelic
girl who does not have an enemy in the world. Eve's husband Roarke learns news about his family
and is distracted enough to withdraw from his wife and friend. Much to Eve's surprise she misses
her
husband's help especially when a second victim is found and it is obviously the work of the same
perpetrator. Just before a third homicide occurs, Roarke goes to Ireland to get some answers and
Eve follows him. When they return, they work together to bring the killer to justice. However,
before they can find him, he grabs one of their own. J.D. Robb has written her usual superb
romantic
police procedural but Portrait In Death varies from the other works in the series in two important
ways. Roarke is given news that devastates his usual high level of confidence making him
vulnerable.
Eve finally has the hang of being a wife and gives him the emotional support he needs though at
the
cost of the investigation. The who-done-it is exciting of course though the culprit is someone to
be
pitied (as long as the victims are not from your family).
The Sentinel
Gerald Petievich
Berkley
ISBN: 0425188795, $7.50, 384 pp.
President Jordan is elated that his second term in office is winding down though he knows he will
miss the illusion of power. He is tired of the terrorists who have blown up five public buildings in
the
past eighteen months and looks forward to divorcing his First Lady and marrying his top security
advisor. However even in the final laps, the deadly Aryan Disciples provide a direct threat to
Jordan
starting with the killing of a Secret Service agent. Now head of the First Lady protection unit,
Agent
Pete Garrison has a credible threat to Jordan through a reliable (at least in the past) but extremely
nervous and somewhat shaky informer. However, Pete has his own problems as someone has
photos
of he and the First Lady making love. As Pete concludes that his opponent is deep inside the
concentric circles surrounding the President, he works closely with Agent Breckinridge on
stopping
the clear and present danger to the head of the United States as well as keeping himself clean.
Though at times the tale seems a stretch, fans will relish this strong look at the Secret Service.
The
story line is fast-paced and filled with much irony and characters one cares deeply about. The
actual
attempt on the President seems incredulous though the audience is warned to "trust no one". Still,
readers will immensely enjoy the look at the agency's operations through the eyes of the key
characters. The Sentinel is an action packed thriller that keeps the heart pumping and the
adrenaline
flowing.
Trust In Me
Kathryn Shay
Berkley
ISBN: 0425188841, $6.99, 400 pp.
In Glen Oaks, New York, retired racing car champ Tucker "Menace" Quaid comes to town to try
to
revive the flailing track. He accepted the invitation of the town leaders because he feels guilty that
ten years ago his driving caused the death of a local rival Danny Donovan. Danny's teenage son
Ron
hates Tucker and slashes the visitor's vehicle. The police arrest Ron for the vandalism, but his
mom
Beth and his Uncle Linc Grayson intercede. When Tucker learns who the teen is he wants to let
him
go because he blames himself for the lad's troubles. Shockingly, neither Beth nor Linc accuse him
of
negligence. Tucker's presence leads to Ron spinning further out of control. Adding to his woes is
that his mother and his father's killer are falling in love. The members of the Outlaws, a former
gang
of disenfranchised teens in the early 1980s, are divided with what Tucker did to one of them and
the
support he receives from their former leader Linc and his sister Beth. This contemporary romance
provides the audience with a strong psychological look at the surviving five members of the
Outlaws, Ron, and Tucker. Each one of these seven characters carries tons of baggage with their
ability to cope and adapt varying. That makes for a deep read, but the complexity of so much
mental
stress is difficult to follow. Readers will trust in Kathryn Shay to provide a thought-provoking
novel
that focuses on how nurturing makes the adult complete.
The Fifth Ring
Mitchell Graham
Eos
ISBN: 0060506512, $7.50, 576 pp.
Over three thousand years ago, the powerful ancients gave every citizen a rose gold ring when
they
turned twenty. However, scientists realized the error and tried to rectify the mistake by destroying
all but an octet of rings. Their desperate effort proved futile and civilization shattered. In modern
times, egomaniac King Karas of Alor-Satar stumbles across the rings and learns how to harness
the
power. He begins plans to rule the world. However, one ring escapes his notice. Through a series
of
events the Fifth Ring ends up on the finger of teenage fencing expert Mathew Lewin. Mathew
quickly realizes that the ring contains powers that he slowly learns to use though he fears the
jewelry. Between his rings and allies like the Orlocks, Karas starts his war with the only hope of
his
foes being an eighteen-year-old lad with no ancient text to guide him. Title aside to Professor
Tolkien, this novel is quite different than the Hobbit. The keys to this exciting futuristic fantasy
reside in the prime characters seeming real and the alliances forged between nations feels
authentic
(similar to pre World War I). As detestable as Karas is he behaves like some twentieth century
despots who lost no sleep over genocide. As heroic as Mathew seems, he will remind readers of
people they know whom always care what happens to those around them. With a powerful story
line
that never allows the audience a moment to rest even for a pit stop, fans will demand that Mitchell
Graham provide a sequel or two rather quickly.
Acorna's Rebels
Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
Eos
ISBN: 0380978997, $24.95, 320 pp.
Acorna listens to any information that would lead to her finding her missing mate Aari who
vanished
in Acorna's Search. However, no clues have surfaced leaving the Linyari concerned with worry
that
reflects in her brow even with the unicorn horn in the middle of her forehead. Captain Becker,
CEO
of Becker Interplanetary Recycling and Salvage Enterprises, persuades Acorna to accompany him
on his ship Condor leaving the terraforming of her planet Vhiliinyar for Makahomia, home to First
Mate RK. On Makahomia, the crew finds a deadly plague killing RK's peers, the sacred Temple
cats.
Acorna uses the healing prowess of her horn to stop the deadly disease before devastation occurs.
However, Acorna and her allies soon discover a malevolent collusion of epic proportions that
stretch
time and space and could lead to Aari or death for herself, her friends, and multitudes of sentient
beings crossing various species. Acorna's Rebels will provide two things to fans of the series.
First,
readers will relish the heroine's latest action-packed adventures. Second it appears that the
reunion is
several tomes into the future. The story line is fun though simplistic even with a interstellar
conspiracy to propel it forward. Acorna remains a troubled brave lead character and the support
cast
add depth. However, this tale provides little new except perhaps some insight into the world of
RK
and is mostly for long time fans of the series or either author.
Have You Seen Dawn?
Steven Saylor
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743213661, $24.00, 256 pp.
Amethyst, Texas might no longer be home for Rue Dunwitty but going back to the small town
makes her feel nostalgic. It is a peaceful place unlike San Francisco where she now lives. When
she
spots a poster asking if anyone has seen Dawn who has gone missing on the way to the Amethyst
supermarket, she's shocked because things like that don't happen in her hometown. Rue is staying
at
her grandmother's home. One night when she has trouble sleeping, she sees a light across the field
on
her father's property. The next day she explores the run down area and finds Dawn's naked body
in
an empty cistern, burn marks on her arms and legs. Rue calls the sheriff to come over but by the
time
he arrives, the body is missing. Rue starts asking questions and comes to the attention of a killer
who would like to make her victim number four. Have You Seen Dawn? is a gothic melodrama
complete with an innocent maiden, a brooding hero and a surplus of likely suspects. This is a very
atmospheric tale, one in which the tension slowly but steadily amplifies until the audience is ready
to
jump out of their skin. The killer of three innocent teens will come as a shock to the audience
because he is the last person anyone would suspect. Steven Saylor is one author who consistently
tells a mesmerizing story.
Hindsight
Barbara Rogan
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743205995, $24.00, 321 pp.
On the night of their graduation in June of 1972, a group of students, nine in all, watch the
proceedings from their hangout in Beacon hill. The tenth member of their group is the
valedictorian.
After the ceremonies the group vows to have a reunion twenty years from that date. In January of
1992, Willa is in Manhattan doing a book signing when she sees Patrick for the first time in
twenty
years. He's a professor at NYU and wants to help her find the old gang for the promised reunion.
They search out and find seven members of the group but nobody has seen or heard from Angel
since the decade they graduated. Will hires a detective to track her down but it's as if she
disappeared off the face of the earth. At the reunion, there's an undercurrent of tension in when
one
of the guests winds of dead. The police think it is linked to Angela's disappearance two decades
ago.
Hindsight is a masterful work of suspense filled with characters that are very different than the
way
Willa remembered them. Far different from The Big Chill, the protagonist's growing fears clue the
audience that one of the old gang is a killer. Barbara Rogan is a talented storyteller who keeps the
tension at a high level and leaves the audience wondering what is really going on.
Fat Ollie's Book
Ed McBain
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743202708 $25.00, 288 pp.
Known for his dissing every race and religion, Detective Fat Ollie Weeks is proud of his first
police
procedural, "Report to the Commissioner. However, the 88th Precinct cop finds official business
interfering with the more important matters of authorship as he is assigned to investigate the
assassination of City Councilman Lester Henderson, the leading candidate for mayor. Ironically at
least in Ollie's feeble brain, the murder occurs while the victim was preparing for a major political
rally inside the Martin Luther King Memorial Hall. Ollie has a second more important case to
solve
when someone steals his manuscript from his car as he wasted time looking at the Henderson
crime
scene. Transvestite prostitute "Emmy" believes he has found an authentic report by Officer Olivia
Wesley Watts. Emmy plans to locate the diamonds mentioned in the report while Ollie aided by
Officer Patricia Gomez seeks to recover his novel. Fat Ollie's Book is a fantastic police procedural
that focuses on two investigations and contains hilarious excerpts from the "bad" book. The story
line satirizes the police procedural sub-genre leaves no one standing and especially skinned is Ed
McBain. The 87th precinct cops play key roles and the introduction of Officer Gomez actually
takes
Ollie a few steps away from his normal range of bigotry, but not totally. In the fifty-second 87th
precinct novel (think alphabet two times), Mr. McBain shows his wit with one of the series best
novels ever and surely will be recognized as one of the year's finest sub-genre entries.
The Vanished Man
Jeffery Deaver
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743222008, $25.95, 413 pp.
He is the Conjurer, a master illusionist and magician who makes Houdini seem like an amateur.
He
no longer performs publicly because a fire left him with horrible burn scars on his face and neck
and
lung damage so he can no longer interact with an audience. Instead of public performances, he
kills
people with his first victim murdered in an odd and vicious way, performing for an audience that
exists in his own mind. Quadriplegic criminologist Lincoln Rhyme and New York Police Officer
Amelia Sachs, his partner both in work and in their personal lives struggle to catch the Conjurer
but
he is a master escape artist who successfully eludes his captors many times. His misdirection is so
brilliant that he even fools the brilliant Rhyme as to what his ultimate goal is. If Lincoln fails to
figure it out soon, many more innocents will die. Anyone who likes a great police procedural or
enjoys learning about a magician's tricks will want to read The Vanished Man. There are so many
twists and red herrings in the story line that the audience will feel as bewildered as Lincoln is by
the
clever sleight of the hand plotting of Jeffrey Deaver. The brilliant writer tells a strong tale that
includes a beautiful relationship and love story between the hero and his assistant.
Wondrous Beginnings
Steven H. Silver and Martin H. Greenberg, editors
Daw Books
ISBN: 07656400988, $6.99, 320 pp.
This seventeen-story anthology displays the opening or a very early entry of some of the great
speculative fiction authors of the twentieth century. Each tale contains an introduction written by
the
author or posthumously by someone close to the writer. Using the perfection of hindsight, readers
will quickly understand why writers like de Camp. Clarke, McCaffrey, etc. became household
names
at least in those homes that relish a delightful science fiction anthology. Each tale is well written,
but
also intriguing is the intro. Genre fans will gain immense pleasure from seeing the Wondrous
Beginnings of a virtual who's who, but newcomers will relish this book also because the collection
provides an overture to some of the suprstars of the genre.
Stranger Inside
Steven Krane
Daw Books
ISBN: 0756401283 $6.99, 512 pp.
Spontaneous combustion is happening to teens all over America, burning from the inside out. The
government has a special black ops unit called Cold Blue that is studying the problem but they
have
no idea how to stop it from happening. All the government knows is that teens combust on or
around their fifteenth birthday. Jimmy Somerset is a seventeen-year-old who has been in and out
of
foster homes all his life. His latest home is good for him and he has a job he loves. However, high
school bullies won't leave him alone. One day they go too far and Jimmy causes permanent
physical
damage on his tormentor. He is given the option of going into the government-sponsored
program
TRACE or Juvenile hall. He picks TRACE not knowing he will be placed in a unit mentored by
Code Blue who thinks he is the key to getting the answers to dead teens. This is one novel where
the
government does not behave like an impersonal robot but as a group of caring individuals that
deal
with a complex problem of epic and international proportions. The children in TRACE are cared
for
and getting the treatment they need even if they don't know what is really going on around them.
Stranger Inside is a science fiction novel that keeps readers guessing until the very last
paragraph.
Between Darkness And Light
Lisanne Norman
Daw Books
ISBN: 0756400155, $6.99, 752 pp.
The triad of Kusac, Carrie, and Kaid know that the unrest on Shola will keep them very busy.
However, suddenly everything changes when Kusac does the unthinkable and leaves the planet
without a word to his two partners. They even wonder if he has turned traitor. Instead the ruling
Brotherhood has assigned Kusac the mission to rescue a Sholan cub held hostage by Valtegan
General Kezule. However, instead of success in rescuing the cub, Kusac is captured and his link
to
his triad partners severed. This makes his people except for loyal Carrie believe he has switched
sides but Kusac makes a pact with his deadliest enemy Kezule in an attempt to buy time so he can
save his life and that of the child. For behind the scenes orchestrating all the species are the
Watchers who do more than idly observe. The seventh Sholan Alliance tale, Between Darkness
And
Light, is an exciting thriller that never slows down yet insures the audience believes in the various
species populating these novels. The story line is action-packed yet provides deep insight into
Kusac
and Kezule. Especially intriguing is the loyalty of Carrie, who in spite of overwhelming evidence
believes that her triad mate will one day reveal a greater truth. Series fans will have a field day (or
two) reading this delightful, but complex tale with multiple subplots that ultimately tie back to the
main theme. Newcomers can read this as a satisfying stand alone, but will find it even better if
they
start at the beginning with book one (see Turning Point).
Big Foot Stole My Wife! And Other Stories
Joan Hess
Five Star Books
ISBN: 078624318X, $25.95, 202 pp.
This eleven-collection mystery anthology showcases Joan Hess at her for the most part amusing
best. Two of the tales star Claire Malloy and two others Arkansas Sheriff Arly Hanks (the
Maggody
novels). Those four tales alone would make the short story collection worth reading, but the other
seven tales are also well written with six containing the author's renowned humor with a wink.
Surprisingly, the final contribution seems out of place, as it is more of a psychological suspense
thriller than Ms. Hess's typical satirical biting social barb that leaves no one standing. Besides the
writer's fans and towns with populations under 800, anyone who appreciates a strong anthology
will
want to read Big Foot Stole My Wife! And Other Stories. Additionally, Ms. Hess' readership will
also enjoy her previous collection, Death Of A Romance Writer And Other Stories.
Colorado Sunrise
Tess Pendergrass
Five Star Books
ISBN: 0786245158, $26.95, 373 pp.
In 1878 Harriet Jackson has been in love with Elijah Kelly forever, but he married Jordan
Braddock.
Stunned and dismayed, Harriet becomes engaged to Colorado's number one bachelor, wealthy
Ash
Brady. Her doubts about her future relationship rise as the ceremony gets closer. She wonders
whether the groom will ever love the real Harriet or is he fulfilling an obligation with a societal
trophy especially since he openly condemns her family? Elizabeth "Lissy" Woodfin arrives in the
Wyoming Territory seeking Elijah and his brother former Captain Malachi Kelly of the Seventh
Cavalry to help her. Malachi wants nothing to do with the only woman he ever loved, but cannot
resist helping her especially when "Harry" also comes to enlist his aid. As they share an adventure,
Malachi wonders why he thought of Harriet as his pal Harry because he is falling in love with the
woman who once worshipped his sibling. Americana romance readers will relish Colorado
Sunrise, a
tale that emphasizes loyalty especially to loved one and friends even when the individual risks all
they cherish to help. The characters make the plot as the key players come across fully developed,
pushing the romance into a backseat yet turning the growing love between Malachi and Harriet
into
a beautiful realistic story line. Tess Pendergrass provides a delightful charmer with the third
Colorado trilogy novel.
Nash, Rambler
Frank Sennett
Five Star Books
ISBN: 0786250348, $25.95, 211 pp.
Northwestern University journalist major Nashua Hansen obtains an internship at the San
Bernardino Ledger. At the beginning of his drive west at the Evanston on ramp, he provides a ride
to biker Homer, whose bike went up in flames. In San Bernardino, Nash meets waitress Wendy at
a
Denny's. They go to a drive in movie where Nash happens upon his first story, a bear trap near the
concession stand ripping into the foot of a teenage patron. Nash sells a follow-up on the posh new
drive-in theatres, but angers his editor Lydia Sorenson when he does. Nash visits the Star Time
Theater when the manager Mr. Snipes assaults him breaking his wrist. Later, he interviews
business
mogul Evan Carr, who owns these drive-ins. As he digs deeper, Nash finds himself in trouble with
his boss, the police, and a survivalist cult that reaches into the highest levels of the state
government
all who want him silent and residing in Illinois. Nash, Rambler is an exciting investigative tale that
reads somewhat like an amateur sleuth story because the hero is a rookie still learning his trade
outside the classroom. The story line emphasizes the craziness of Southern California through the
myopic eyes of a beleaguered Midwesterner. Elmore Leonard fans need to make room for another
wacky book similar in many ways to Get Shorty.
Munday
Hugh Zachary
Five Star Books
ISBN: 0786243236, $25.95, 282 pp.
In Fortier Beach, North Carolina, Chief of Police Dan Munday investigates a call from two boys
who found a sneaker containing the remains of a human foot. That later turns out to be that of a
male between 15 and 20 years old. Not long after that, Dan begins investigating the apparent
suicide
of a high school student, Hillary Aycock. This particular death hits the forty-five year old Dan
harder
than usual because his teenage daughter that he raises by himself attends the same school and
knew
Hillary. At about the same time Claredon County Deputy Sheriff Clare Thomas is assigned to stop
the violence in the local high school. Soon she finds herself working with Dan looking for two
missing teens. Already secretly sweet on one another, working in close proximity begins to
blossom
into a romance if Dan can ignore that the woman he desires is two decades younger than he is.
This
is an exciting police procedural that works extremely well when the two lead law enforcement
officials either are on an investigation or their personal lives are displayed. When best-selling
author
Hugh Zachary pontificates about the current state of the school systems, the story line feels
disrupted. Sub-genre readers will want Dan and Clare to make future appearances, but without
the
fuzzy math.
Into The Inferno
Earl Emerson
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345445919, $23.95, 352 pp.
On I-90 near North bend, Washington, two trucks collide on the icy road. Rescue workers arrive
to
help the injured. Afterward, six of the locals including Jim Swope help one of the drivers, Holly
Riggs clean up the mess inside her vehicle. Holly and Jim saw each other for awhile, but that
relationship ended. When Holly tries to commit suicide, her sister Stephanie, a doctor, blames Jim
and harasses him. Three others from that rescue team of six have either died or become a
vegetable
and a fourth knows he is on a seven-day countdown to either kill himself or turn mindless. Jim
persuades Stephanie to believe him as his countdown begins. As he seeks the truth and a cure to
whatever contaminated him and the others, he worries what will happen to his two little girls if he
fails. Into The Inferno is an exciting suspense thriller that never slows down as Jim counts down
the
days until he either is a vegetable or dead. The fast- paced story line keeps the reader on the edge
of
their seat wondering if Jim will find the remedy in time. Though his two daughters are too adult in
attitude, Earl Emerson has spun a powerful thriller that will garner him new converts.
Seven Dials
Anne Perry
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345440072, $25.95, 352 pp.
After exposing the workings of the Inner Circle, Thomas Pitt was fired as superintendent of Bow
Street. For his and his family's sake he went to work for Special Branch, a top secret agency
charged
with keeping Great Britain safe from its' enemies. His latest case involves an Egyptian woman,
Ayesha Zakhari, the mistress of cabinet minister Saville Ryerson. The police believe that Ayesha
shot and killed minor diplomat Edwin Lovatt, her lover when he was stationed in Egypt over a
decade ago. Ryerson and Ayesha were disposing the body when the police caught them. The
government doesn't want Ryerson implicated in a scandal and he doesn't want his mistress who he
loves very much to hang for murder. Pitt's boss sends him to Egypt in the hope of discovering
more
about the players and if anyone else had a reason to kill Lovatt. Anne Perry has written another
fascinating Victorian mystery and this one is better than most (and that is saying something)
because
the reader receives an intriguing look at Egypt through the filtered eyes of a veteran foreign police
officer. The audience also gain the perspective of how many Egyptians feel towards their British
masters. History aside, in Seven Dials, the hero's wife is working on a missing person case that
has
to do with Pitt's homicide investigation. Watching these two cases intersect is mesmerizing and
realistic if one has faith in coincidence.
The Eagle's Shadow
Mark Hertsgaard
Farrar, Straus, Giroux
ISBN: 0374103836, $23.00, 246 pp.
In the 1990s, Mark Hertsgaard visited 23 nations on five continents. He followed that up in 2001
with visits to fifteen countries on three continents. He interviewed numerous people in these
varying
nations and drew conclusions on why "America Fascinates and Infuriates the World". The book is
well written making for fun reading as the audience follows Mr. Hertsgaard's anecdotal thesis to
include quotes from those interviewed and other references highlighted by footnotes. Though
fascinating in a vignette mode, the conclusions are not drawn from any scientific sampling.
Additionally, the author focuses on reactions to America, failing to note the corollary question as
to
why do people infuriate other people enough to commit genocide? Still, this is an entertaining
look
at how some people throughout world perceive America and Americans.
Pakistan In The Shadow Of Jihad And Afghanistan
Mary Anne Weaver
Farrar, Straus, Giroux
ISBN: 0374228949, $24.00, 284 pp.
Pakistan In The Shadow Of Jihad And Afghanistan is a frightening series of essays written by
New
Yorker foreign corespondent Mary Anne Weaver over a country that she has covered for the past
two decades. Ms. Weaver makes a power case that the United States and the world need to pay
attention to this nation that the author says could easily disintegrate into Yugoslavia with nuclear
weapons. Though some of the writings seem to ramble, for the most part readers obtain an
in-depth
look at a potentially troubled country including the American role in building up the region's Jihad
philosophy in the 1980s and now. The writings also provide a deep look at past leaders and the
recently headlined president (that is the most interesting inclusions). Bottom line is that Ms.
Weaver
shouts the alarms as she concludes that if the Islamic extremists defeat General Musharraf,
President
Bush's war on terrorism turns nearly impossible to win. This easy to read pick up and put down
glimpse of a nation that could push the world one step beyond the brink.
Heavenly Detour
Joanne Meyer
Kensington
ISBN: 0758202661 $23.00, 272 pp.
Anne Dowd makes a decent living working for Royal Roosts, a real estate firm dealing in uptown
Manhattan rentals and sub leases. The whole office is invited to spend July 4th at the owner
Agnes
Spurgeon's country estate in Sand Point, Long Island. When Annie arrives she meets Michael
Rheims, a gorgeous Brit, who puts the moves on her. Anne isn't unhappy with this development
but
before she gets to enjoy it for very long, she winds up floating dead in the swimming pool. Annie's
ghost lingers on Earth watching the crime scene unfold, observing her family grieve for her, and
seeing her ex-husband come home to help the police find out who murdered her. She is able to
communicate with only one person, a female detective assigned to her case who takes Annie's
presence as an additional aid in solving the case. Everyone, including Annie, comes to the
conclusion
that the person who killed her is someone she knew and probably trusted. This is not a dark,
foreboding or depressing mystery but a comedic who-done- it along the lines of Topper. The
heroine
has a tongue in check attitude about her own death so the reader doesn't feel morbid because an
innocent person was killed. Joanne Meyer's debut novel is exceedingly well written with brilliant
characterizations.
Death Tidies Up
Barbara Colley
Kensington
ISBN: 1575668750, $22.00, 204 pp.
In New Orleans, though she fears her upcoming sixtieth birthday because that sounds old,
Charlotte
LaRue feels quite good about her cleaning company, Maid for a Day. Her small firm won a
contract
from realtor Marian Hebert to clean the renovated Devilier Apartments before the tenants take
residency. However, the cleaning crew finds a dead body in a closet in one of the rooms. The
police
led by Charlotte's niece and her tenant arrive to investigate. The corpse turns out to be Drew
Bergerson, who allegedly died two years ago in a plane crash into the Gulf of Mexico. Though
told
to stay out, Charlotte wonders if this death is connected to the supposed accidental explosion nine
months ago that killed Marian's husband as she tries to sweep clean the homicide in her own
unique
manner. Death Tidies Up is an attractive amateur sleuth-police procedural that reader will relish
because the engaging staff, especially the charming star, makes for fun reading. The cozy style
who-done-it will hook the audience because of the warm cast though the answers to the murder
mystery seem strange. Barbara Colley provides an entertaining cozy that will send the audience
seeking the first LaRue novel, Maid For Murder, which is being re- released as a paperback in
January.
Vixens
Bertrice Small
Kensington
ISBN: 1575668564, $15.00, 448 pp.
"The King's Fancy" (1667-68). Frances "Fancy" Devers thought she had everything when Parker
Randolph, a son of one of Virginia's leading families married her. When she was suspected of
murdering her husband, she was sent to stay at the English home of her grandmother Jasmine
Leslie.
Through her family connections, she meets King Charles II, which eventually ends in a friendship
in
spite of His Highness playing matchmaker to find a husband for his former mistress over her
objections. "Sweet Siren" (1667-68). Diana "Siren" Leslie falls in love with the Roxley twins,
Damien and Darius Esmund. However, she cannot decide which one is right for her so Siren
decides
to test the siblings to ascertain which one loves her above her wealth and prestige.
"Cyn and Wickedness" (1669-70). Cynara "Cyn" Stuart loves Harry "Wickeness" Summers.
However, though he dreams of her all the time, and she pulls out all the stops to gain his
attention,
his ugly childhood caused by his parents make marriage impossible for him. However, when Cyn
makes up her mind even the most wicked will find her hard to resist. After a dozen novels and
what
seems like 98% of the English-Scottish sixteenth and seventeenth century populace, Bertrice
Small
says Vixens is her final O'Malley novel. The book consists of three novellas each starring a
descendent from Skye who are cousins, but the trio appears in each story. All three contributions
are
well written but very typical of the O'Malley universe so those fans of the mythos will read the
entire
book in one sitting while newcomers will probably take three days.
Strong Spirits
Alice Duncan
Kensington
ISBN: 0821775170, $5.99, 320 pp.
Seventeen years old Daisy Gumm marries Bill Majesty just before the latter goes off to fight in the
Great War. In France, the Kaiser's troops gas Billy before shooting him. Billy returns home not as
a
World War One hero, but as an invalid with bad lungs and legs. Daisy must bring in money for the
family to live on if they are to survive. She applies her only talent, conducting seances, a skill she
has
developed since she turned ten. Much of her repeat clientele consists of the wealthy living in the
Pasadena, California area. Daisy's best customer is Mrs. Kincaid, wife of a banker. When Mrs.
Kincaid hysterically calls her, Daisy arrives to provide solace to her client. Apparently, someone
stole several thousand dollars worth of bearer bonds from her husband's bank. Detective Sam
Rotondo believes either the wheelchair bound Kincaid or cashier Del Farrington committed the
crime. Sam demands Daisy work undercover finding relevant information about the Kincaids on
her
visits. Fans of 1920s mysteries will gain much pleasure from Alice Duncan's strong period piece
police procedural. The story line provides a feel for the era as tidbits are treated as a matter of fact
so that readers will feel they entered a time warp. Daisy who tells much of the tale is the nucleus
that
keeps the plot together as the rest of the cast interact through her though some of her humorous
Twain-like soliloquies can distract a reader from the investigation. Fans will enjoy the strong
spirited
debut of Daisy Gumm and want more works like this one from Alice Duncan, an author who has
taken over the early twentieth century bailiwick.
Wed And Buried
Toni L.P. Kelner
Kensington
ISBN: 1575668408, $22.00, 269 pp.
It has been seven months since Richard and Laura have given birth to their daughter Alice but
they
are still basking in the afterglow and are acting like typical doting parents. Laura has no intention
of
leaving her Boston home and going to visit her relatives in her hometown of Byerly. However,
when
she gets a call saying that Aunt Margie eloped with the town's wealthiest citizen Big Bill Walters,
The Flemings hightail it to Byerly as fast as they can. When they arrive in the Carolinas, Maggie
tells
them that there have been three attempts made on her husband's life so they married so she can
legitimately watch his back. Laura and Richard, who have solved many a murder case in Byerly,
immediately tells them will find out who wants Maggie's husband dead. Over the years, Bill has
made many enemies but nobody seemingly with a strong enough motive to kill him so Laura and
the
local police decide to bait a trap and see what they catch. Laura has so many relatives living in
Byerly that they are each taking turns watching Alice while her parents investigates a crime. Lice
steals the show without saying a word. Byerly is a small southern town located in North Carolina
with an ambiance of genteel civility and welcome. Toni L.P. Kelner has written another
delightfully
adorable amateur sleuth tale. Wed And Buried is a quirky, quaint, and refreshing novel.
Taken By Surprise
Susan Johnson, Thea Devine, and Katherine O'Neal
Kensington
ISBN: 1575668165, $15.00, 352 pp.
"From Russia With Love" by Susan Johnson. In 1570 Russia, Prince Shuisky exiles his wife
Tatiana
for failing to provide a male heir. The princess meets and makes love with her neighbor Stavr. If
Shuisky learns about Stavr he will kill her paramour. The engaging intrigue of the court of Ivan
the
Terrible and the Russian countryside battle for supremacy with sex scenes that could melt the
Siberian ice. "Her Lord and Master" by Thea Devine. In 1810 the bored Earl of Wick fears that
the
required wife will make his ennui worse. He establishes a game of bedding virgins with one
eventually becoming Lady Wick. Jenise enters his game to enact vengeance for Wick's treatment
of
her sister, but never expected the passion between them. This not a by the book Regency because
it
employs sexual encounters that could keep Napoleon's army heated. "Erotic Deja vu" by
Katherine
O'Neal. By 1888, the sun never sets on those who have read a Celia Wybourne erotic novel. On
Gibraltar, she sees the stranger that she has recently seen in several other locales. She confronts
psychic Royce Tyler who insists they are soul mates. He teaches her the art of love making until
his
enemy captures them and turns her into Scheherazade with a sexy tale. Though the trysts feel like
deja vu, this Victorian romance could defrost the polar icecaps. These historicals contain
unnecessary shock value profanity and copious fornication frolics, but the authors are known for
their erotic romances so that no one should be Taken By Surprise.
The Ranger
Holly Harte
Zebra Books
ISBN: 0821773674, $5.99
In 1886 Austin, a desperate Delana Wyatt quietly asks for help from Texas Ranger Sergeant Blu
Cahill. She explains that she needs a safe escort so that she can leave town before her stepfather
Henry Lawton marries her off to geriatric Cyrus Townsend. Though he wonders if he wears a
sandwich sign advertising "Easy Mark for the Helpless", Blu decides he can use the feisty female
when he goes undercover while accomplishing her goal. They pose as a married couple and
journey
to Brownwood where Blu plans to learn who is rustling cattle by cutting wire. As they live in
close
proximity they fall in love over her stove, but not only is he on assignment and pledged to also
protect her, but he has a past that he must let go of if he is to attain a future with his beloved. This
is
an entertaining often amusing Texas Ranger romance. The lead couple is an adorable pair though
the
intrepid heroine acts more like an anachronism with her independent nature and her willingness to
escape her planned future via a stranger. Fans of western romance will hunger for more Holly
Hart
historicals like this tale and her Apache novels.
After Sundown
Amanda Ashley
Zebra Books
ISBN: 0821775286, $6.50, 384 pp.
After teaming up with his enemy, Grigori Chiavari to kill a rogue vampire, hunter Edward Ramsey
is
now one of the undead complements of his former ally for saving his life. Ramseys for centuries
have
hunted vampires so Edward has deep psychological problems with the change and prefers death.
Still, he saves the life of a mortal, Kelly Anderson who jumped into the river because she has
nothing
to live for. Meanwhile the oldest known living vampire Khira arrives in the Los Angeles area
seeking
her former lover Grigori for the first time in two centuries. When Grigori saw Khira sucking the
blood of a child, he left her. Now Khira plans to dominate the region with only Grigori and
Edward
powerful enough, if they can team up again, to stop her. For stop her they must as Khira plans to
eliminate the beloved two mortals that Grigori and Edward now respectively love above their own
lives. The sequel to Shades Of Gray is an arousing vampire romance that readers who enjoy a bite
in
their novels will want to read. Though the story line seems somewhat repetitive with Edward's
constant whining that he wants to die, he is a powerful character struggling between his heritage
and
his dark future until he realizes how much he love Kelly. Grigori and his wife Marisa retain their
cherished relationship that is being challenged by the villainess Khira while the audience wonders
will she or will she not. Amanda Ashley provides an enjoyable supernatural romance that those
who
enjoy the After Sundown nightlife will want to peruse.
The Lion In Glory
Shannon Drake
Zebra Books
ISBN: 0821772872, $6.99, 560 pp.
In July 1307 the mighty King Edward I died just prior to leading his Army against the upstart
Scots.
His son Edward the Second did not carry out his sire's wishes having to deal with civil war with
his
barons. The Scottish rebels led by King Robert the Bruce interprets the non-attack of Edward II
as
an opportunity to regain occupied land back from the English. Under the Scottish reclamation
program, Jamie Graham takes Hamstead Heath, but has to deal with the chatelaine, Christina
Steel
who will do everything including selling herself to keep her brother Steven safe. The English
monarch believes Steven allied with the seditious nobles so Christina throws her lot in with Jamie
offering to become his hostage. Jamie has no use for a hostage, but the intrepid Englishwoman
intrigues him as he tries to learn why she is so willing to do his bidding. As they fall in love, he
wonders if she will prove traitorous, but against which side. The Lion In Glory is as much an
interpretive historical tale as it is a medieval romance. The story line is loaded with historical
tidbits
and historiographic explications that paint Robert the Bruce as an incredible leader and Edward II
as
a hedonistic individual who does not have nearly the strength of his father or his Scottish
counterpart. Sort of like Khrushchev may not have been Stalin, but without his courage there is
no
Gorbachav (this reviewer's explanation for the tumbling of the curtain). Still that aside, readers
obtain a deep star-crossed historical romance that displays Shannon Drake's talent with the latest
glorious Graham gala.
She Loves Me Not
Wendy Corsi Staub
Pinnacle
ISBN: 0786014247, $6.99, 368 pp.
It has not been a very good year for Rose Larrabee whose husband was electrocuted fourteen
months ago while fixing light bulbs outside their Laurel Bay, Long Island home. Rose had a heart
transplant two years ago and the medicine she needs is very expensive as is raising two young
children on a bookseller's salary. Her sister-in-law helps her as much as she can but the lonely
nights
take a toll on Rose. Life gets even worse when she receives a heart in the mail with no return
address. Somebody leaves box of chocolates in her car with no card, a gift box mysteriously turns
up
on her pillow, and inside is a gold heart engraved to Angela. Rose begins to feel like she is being
stalked and when her boss is found murdered in front of her house, the police begin to take the
threat seriously. However, her stalker manages to find her when she is alone and vulnerable and it
will take a miracle to save her now. Wendy Corsi Staub has written an exciting suspense thriller
that
will keep readers turning the pages until they find out whom the killer is. The various sub-plots
seamlessly tie back to the fast-paced and intricately drawn (with subtle gothic elements) prime
story
line. The heroine is a woman who endears herself to the audience who hopes she will not become
the murderer's third victim.
The Confessor
Daniel Silva
Putnam
ISBN: 0399149724, $25.95, 400 pp.
At one time Gabriel Allon and Benjamin Stern were operatives in the Israeli security branch
known
as The Office. Now Gabriel, working as the great art restorer Mario Delvechio, is working on a
Bellini masterpiece in a church in Venice. Ben is taking time off as a professor at the Ludwig
Maximillian University in Munich to write a book about the relationship between the church and
the
Nazi regime. When Ben is murdered, Gabriel is asked to investigate and he knows from the
beginning that his friend died at the hands of a professional assassin. There is no evidence of a
manuscript, notes or even a computer in Ben's apartment. Determined to find justice for his friend,
Gabriel follows the trail into the very heart of the Vatican where he finds surprising allies and even
more astonishing enemies. Daniel Silva's protagonist can turn from an artist to a killer in the blink
of
an eye yet the readers will find their hearts go out to this complex man who has known much pain
and suffering. The inner workings of the Vatican are presented as a microcosm of any city in the
world. With a strong story line to encase Gabriel and the Vatican, The Confessor will have a
widespread appeal to anyone who likes a very good reading experience.
Clean Cut
Theresa Monsour
Putnam
ISBN: 0399149686, $23.95, 304 pp.
He is one of the most esteemed plastic surgeons in the Twin Cities and is connected, through his
relatives, to the people in power of St. Paul. Dr. A. Romann Michaels is married to a high society
woman and has two beautiful daughters. After having a fight with his wife, he leaves his country
cabin and returns to the city. He does what he does best when the buzzing in his head becomes
too
loud: find a longhaired prostitute to rape, kill and cut off her hair as his trophy. St. Paul homicide
detective Paris Murphy doesn't realize at first that she is dealing with a serial rapist killer when she
is
assigned the case of the murdered prostitute. The case doesn't begin to take shape for her until a
Catholic priest is almost murdered in the confession booth, holding the prostitute's cross in his
hand.
As the death toll mounts, Paris and Michaels are involved in a cat and mouse game that will only
end
when one of them is dead. This is Theresa Monsour's debut novel but nobody reading this exciting
police procedural would ever believes it. The characters are well developed to the point where the
reader ever understands even the killer's motivation. Clean Cut is fast-paced and the plot is
believable but the heroine is the star of this work. She is determined to find a way to bring the
antagonist in so justice can be served even if it means putting her life on the line. She is
courageous
and spunky.
Man Eater
Ray Shannon
Putnam
ISBN: 0399149767, $23.95, 320 pp.
Velocity Pictures executive Ronnie "Raw" Deal seems on the fast track to a vice presidency when
a
sleazy rival hurts her effort to sign Brad Pitts to perform in "Trouble Town". Upset, Ronnie goes
to
the Tiki Shack Bar to obtain a drink where Hitman Neon Polk beats up Denise "Antsy" Carruth
over
stolen drug money. Instead of ignoring the thrashing, Ronnie knocks out Neon with a bottle while
Antsy flees the premises. A few days later, Neon learns who his attacker is and cleverly enters her
secure abode. Instead of killing her, he decides to extort cash from the wealthy bitch, but first
rapes
Ronnie and then gives her five days or he will kill her. Desperate, Ronnie remembers a gritty
crime
script from an ex-convict, Ellis Langford. She thinks he might be her only answer to Neon
because
she refuses to pay this pig in a poke. Though he has problems with two thugs who he battered for
attacking him while delivering pizza and a former spouse who hates him, he decides to help
Ronnie
because she is his ticket out of the no future delivery work. In spite of the lights of Hollywood,
Man
Eater is a dark gritty urban noir that contains a strong cast whose personalities are made quite
clear
from the start. The action is loaded as the story line never pauses for a breath yet enables the
audience to understand the underlying motives of the three key characters even when its seems
their
behavior is crazy. This powerful suspense novel will make Ray Shannon as famous as his award
winning not revealed real name.
Flashback
Nevada Barr
Putnam
ISBN: 0399149759, $24.95, 400 pp.
Forty eight hours after receiving a proposal from Sheriff Paul Davidson in Natchez, Mississippi,
Anna accepts a temporary posting as a temporary Supervisory Ranger in the National Parks
Service.
Her assignment is for eight to twelve weeks in the Dry Tortugas National Park on Gardenn Key,
as
far south as one can go and still remain in the United States. On the surface, the place seems like
paradise but there is an evil undercurrent running beneath the surface that Anna taps into. Anna's
predecessor has gone insane and is currently undergoing treatment. His girlfriend Theresa
mysteriously vanishes but what really arouses Anna's suspicion is the mysterious boat that
explodes,
killing two people with one of the victims wearing a smuggler's tattoo. Anna believes somebody is
putting a drug in her bottled water. When she finally figures out what is going on, Anna has to act
fast to prevent a massacre from occurring. Nevada Barr intertwines the story of Anna's ancestors
who lived on Tortugas right after the Civil War with what is happening to the heroine in the
present
day. Both stories are fascinating and keeps the reader's attention until the last page is turned.
Anna
has been in some very dangerous situations but this is her best adventure to date. It just doesn't
get
any better than Flashback.
Wolf Pass
Steve Thayer
Putnam
ISBN: 0399149910, $24.95, 304 pp.
In 1963, residents of Kickapoo County, Wisconsin are shocked when someone assassinates train
engineer Frank Prager while waiting in the yards. The bullet was fired from a hillside six hundred
yards away from the target. Townsfolk know that only Deputy Sheriff Pliny Pennington could hit
a
mark from a distance equivalent to six football fields. Pliny has two reasons to solve the case.
First
he must clear his name since he is running for the position of county sheriff and no spin control
short
of catching the real killer will work. Second, he suspects that the murder is the calling card from a
World War II enemy, Nazi officer "Wolf" Stangl. When Frank's wife Lisa, who was having an
"affair" with Pliny, is killed next, the deputy has no doubts as to the culprit. However, no one else
believes a former Nazi butcher is hiding in Wisconsin seeking a personal final solution that is until
a
revenge seeking Scotland Yard operative arrives in town. Wolf Pass is an exciting historical police
procedural that features the return of Pliny in a strong tale. Besides an engaging investigative tale,
the story line provides the audience with a deep look at what the Great War cost Pliny physically
and
mentally. There are plenty of twists, not all needed to prime the pump, but ultimately the plot
peels
down to Pliny must prove his theory correct or lose more than just an election. Sub-genre readers
will applaud this novel and seek Steve Thayer's previous Pliny work (see Wheat Field).
Love Me Forever
Donna Fletcher
Jove
ISBN: 0515134643, $6.99, 352 pp.
Early in sixteenth century Scotland, her husband Arran once tried to kill her brother, but failed.
Now
with Arran dead, Brianna Cameron feels free of his blight and wants to help villagers by teaching
what she has learned from her wise sister-in-law. However, the coach she rides in topples off the
road killing her two escorts and leaving Brianna badly battered. Fierce warrior Royce is healing
from
recent battle wounds nearby when he stumbles across the accident. He takes Brianna to his
cottage
so she can begin healing under his nurturing. As they remain in close proximity while mending
from
their respective wounds, they fall in love, but someone from her past plans to kill her unless her
beloved can keep her safe. Fans of historical romance will gain much pleasure from this delightful
tale of two individuals nurturing one another back to health following harrowing incidents. The
lead
protagonists are a charming duet who hooks the reader with caring gentle yet intrepid natures.
With
Love Me Forever and novels like Isle Of Lies, Donna Fletcher is gaining a deserved reputation as
one of the top authors of Scottish historical romances.
Body Check
Deidre Martin
Jove
ISBN: 0515134899, $6.99, 336 pp.
Kidco bought the defending Stanley Cup champions, but the corporation is very concerned with
the
image of a team that plays hard off the ice. After winning the trophy, the team players paraded the
cup in headlining tours of strip joints. Rumors also surfaced, though not confirmed, that the
champs
snorted cocaine from the cup. To improve the image of their new acquisition, public relations boss
Lou Capesi hires expert Janna McNeil. Janna finds the team captain Ty Gallagher as the toughest
person to persuade in helping improve the image. Ty believes that the ice is all that counts and not
fattening the wallets of the corporation. Most of the team follows his lead. As Janna and Ty
mentally
check one another, they begin to fall in love. However, he knows that the two times he mixed
romance during the season, he lost his concentration and his team lost too. In spite of her success
as
a PR specialist, surprisingly Janna suffers form low self-esteem. Thus, this is one relationship that
appears to have not chance of lasting through even a seven game first round series. Body Check is
an engaging contemporary sports romance that will score a hat trick with readers due to the lead
couple, a fine supporting cast, and hockey. The story line is fun though Ty's attitude, as a firm
believer in team camaraderie, seems contradictory as he is hurting the team members from scoring
contracts with sponsors. Still fans will they won the Stanley Cup with this delightful tale.
The Bliss
Jacqueline Navin
Jove
ISBN: 051513466X, $6.50, 352 pp.
At one time, many snobbish grubbing mothers and their simpering daughters considered Morgan
Gage, as one of the prime catches of the Ton as he is wealthy and handsome. Morgan learns how
fast first grade meat can spoil when he falls from grace as the pariah of the Ton with no entrance
to
any door of the Polite Society. Everyone including family and friends firmly believe Morgan
murdered his father. Though he could not care less what the aristocracy thought of him, Morgan
wants to clear his name as the "Wicked Earl of Waring" by catching the real killer, but he needs a
ticket back into society. Morgan finds his key when he meets Leah Brodie, a former top gun who
also fell from grace (just not as far) because of her temper. Morgan offers a business courtship
with
Leah, who accepts expecting to regain her advantage with the Ton. As she curses and he sleuths,
they fall in love, but first Morgan must uncover the identity of the culprit if he is to share a
lifetime
with Leah. The amateur sleuth investigation conducted by Leah and Morgan enhances what
would
have been a typical Regency convenience tale. The who-done-it is cleverly designed to enable the
audience to observe the positive qualities of the protagonists and a few not so nice traits while
watching the pair bungle at finding clues. The love subplot remains the prime theme, but the
mystery
makes Jacqueline Navin's novel pure Bliss.
The Penwyth Curse
Catherine Coulter
Jove
ISBN: 0515134368, $7.99, 352 pp.
In 1278 England, Dienwald de Fortenberry, son-in-law to King Edward I, bestows knighthood on
Sir Bishop of Lythe for rescuing his wife, Philippa. The English monarch also reward Bishop for
rescuing his favorite daughter born out of wedlock by naming him the latest spouse of eighteen
year-old Merryn de Gay, a four time widow and mistress of Penwyth Castle. His Highness
believes
that Bishop might just be the person who can end the curse allegedly placed by witches or Druids
that any male who takes Penwyth Castle by force or assaults its mistress will die as some of the
King's men have. Bishop thinks humans have done the murders so he concocts a plan in which he
will arrive as the King's Wizard sent to solve The Penwyth Curse. That he figures should provide
him the time and cover to learn what is truly going on in this Cornwell keep. Merrlyn thinks he is
a
lying brute, perhaps a bit more clever than the others. As she sees he is a lot more different than
the
previous men because he cares about people, the couple begins to fall in love. In a bygone era a
wizard also seeks the love of an elusive butterfly. Catherine Coulter is at her best with this
historical
romance that tells the stories of parallel loves. The story line moves back and forth between the
two
periods. This technique displays the author's talent as both subplots enhance one another. The
four
prime players and the secondary cast make for quite a wonderful time for fans of the sub-genre
who
desire a fantasy twist to a strong novel.
The Tower On The Rift
Ian Irvine
Aspect
ISBN: 0446609854, $7.50, 657 pp.
Tensor of the Aachim blames the other three human species for the woes suffered by his people
actually caused by his leadership. His desire is pandemic destruction at a level never seen in
known
history. His scheme gels when Yggur the Sorcerer destroys Thurkad, forcing the Great Conclave
attendees to flee for their safety. Tensor abducts Lilan the Chronicler and steals the magical
Mirror
of Aachan that a millennium ago belonged to his race and reflects all it has seen. Through the
Twisted Mirror, Tensor plans to eradicate all he loathes. Karan borders on lunacy without Lilan to
anchor her, but only she can find Tensor, Lilan, and the mirror, that is if her mind remains sane
long
enough to hold a rationale thought. She and the likes of Yggor and Shand the hermit magician
will
meet in a desperate gathering of the magic at a bastion long lost to time in the midst of the Dry
Sea
Desert with the fate of Santhenar and probably the other two orbs at stake. The Tower On The
Rift,
volume two of the "View From the Mirror", is a powerful epic fantasy loaded with numerous
threads and sidebars that ultimately merge into a complex cohesive story line. An introductory
synopsis of the first novel (see A Shadow On The Glass) helps provide perspective, but reading
the
debut volume would enhance perusing this extremely complicated book. Ian Irvine's vividly
descriptive universe should go to the head of the reading lists of the sub-genre audience because
the
characters are multiple-dimensional, the worlds and its species feel real, and the outstanding plots
majestic in scope.
The Skrayling Tree
Michael Moorcock
Aspect
ISBN: 0446531049, $24.95, 326 pp.
The multiverse consists of multiple realms each linked in such a way that an impact on any world
affects all in some manner. Oona was a person a person who walked through the realms until she
met Baron von Bek and decided to stay in his world where they marry and have children. One day
on vacation her husband is kidnapped by Native Americans and taken to their realm Kakatanawa,
a
pyramid of gold, which lies on a lake of ice. Elric, sorcerer and emperor of Melnibone must find
his
magical sword Stormbringer or he, his friend Moonglum and perhaps Melnibone will be
destroyed.
He enters a dream, which is another person's reality where he learns that his sword is in
Kakatanawa.
He temporarily joins forces with the Pukawathers (pygmy) tribe who claim the sword is theirs
stolen
by White Crow. He enters the realm just as Oona has turned into a magical Buffalo who must
fight
one of the elementals. Ulric von Bek is brought by the people of Nihrain (they made
Stormbringer)
because they desperately need his help. The Nihrain tend the tree of the multiverse and they want
Ulric to deliver a certain sword to Elric. All three warriors are working to keeping the tree of the
multiverse healthy and free of poison so the multiverse doesn't perish. Michael Moorcock has
never
written a book this reviewer doesn't like. His point of view of the multiverse, the interconnection
of
the worlds within it, the people who travel between the realms performing daring feats of bravery
make his novels totally enthralling. In The Skrayling Tree, the connection between von Bek and
Elric, who are both linked through Oona, makes for a fascinating tale.
The Truest Power
Rebecca Neason
Aspect
ISBN: 0446611336, $6.99, 462 pp.
Lysandra the Seer, her companion Cloud Dancer the Wolf and Renan the Priest have stopped
Baron
Giraldus and his sorcerer Aurya in their effort to have the Baron named as the High King. Perhaps
more critical they have found the heir to the throne of Aghamore, Selia. However, proof of her
ascendancy remains limited to the prophecy of the Thirteenth Scroll of Tambryn naming the Font
of
Wisdom. Since she does not know how to use her powers being inexperienced in magic and
politics,
many especially the barons do not agree to the naive lass sitting on the throne left unoccupied
since
King Anri died without a child. Still, if Selia persuades the Archbishop of her right as the next
monarch, she will fulfill her destiny. However, devious Bishop-ordinary Elon Gallivan assisted by
his
lackeys Giraldus and Aurya control the Archbishop through forbidden evil beings. At the same
time,
the barons and an invading army say otherwise. Fans of epic fantasy battles between good and evil
will want to read The Truest Power, a delightful sequel to the wonderful The Thirteenth Scroll.
Though the book stands alone, as with many series in this genre, it is better to peruse the first
novel
before devouring this tale as the prequel sets the stage for book two. Still the story line is filled
with
adventure, much of the magical in nature. The key good guys seem authentic even those yielding
non-human powers while the malevolence is as nasty as they get. If the first two books are any
indicators Rebecca Neason will beguile are enslaved audience with her next tale.
The Reluctant Witch
Susan Grace
LTD
ISBN: 1553165772, $14.99
Aunt Nora and her niece Meredith Albright argue the merits of using magic. Nora is a major
practitioner while Meredith prefers a more mundane lifestyle even knowing that if her deceased
mother used her magic skills she probably would still be alive. However, Merry wants what her
mother had, the love of a man, even a mortal. Pediatric Oncologist Dr. Bryan Aldwyn enters
Merry's
Magic Emporium and Costume Shop to purchase items for a magic show he plans for a
Halloween
bash with his young patients at the Hopewell Hospital. However, he finds himself a bit clumsy and
distracted as he wants to spend time with Merry. She feels the same way. However she fears how
he
will react if he meets her weird family members like Aunt Nora or Merry's biological father.
Merry's
sire has been around lately a lot more than he ever appeared in her twenty- six years of life as he
has
made her his chosen successor as the Grand Wizard. THE RELUCTANT WITCH is a fun
paranormal romance that though the plot never takes itself too seriously, the tale gracefully leads
the
audience into believing magic is real. Merry is a great protagonist as she deals with no men in her
life
ever since her stepfather died along side her mother to suddenly being a hunk magnet. Everyone
wants to manipulate her to do his or her (mostly his) bidding. Fans of offbeat whimsical tales will
want to be magically transported by THE RELUCTANT WITCH into her amusing world of Bell,
Book, and Candle.
Another Chance, Another Time
Catherine Snodgrass
LTD
ISBN: 1553164865, $14.99
Driving on a Los Angeles freeway, Dr. Alec Edwards is fortunate to avoid a nasty accident, but
others are unlucky. One person is dead and another barely survives. Alec provides medical
attention
to the injured woman when she suddenly opens her eyes and looks deep into his with a
recognition
that rips into his soul before she returns to a comatose state. Alec knows he has never met the
victim
yet somehow his gut says otherwise that the two of them are connected. At a nearby hospital,
Alec
performs surgery on the accident victim. Unconscious Dani Morgan dreams about losing her child
and husband when she awakens to see Alec staring at her. Both feel the connection in their heart
and
soul, but as she heals and they fall in love, evil has ripped this duo asunder time after time. Not
knowing what they truly battle to achieve a forever love, Alec and Dani apparently have no
chance
to defeat what seems like their eternal fate. ANOTHER CHANCE, ANOTHER TIME is a
complex
reincarnation romance that sub- genre fans will fully enjoy as the delightful lead couple research
their
past (via hypnosis), confront their present, and pray for their future together. Though the
flashbacks
are cleverly interwoven into he plot to give substance to the eerie multiple life, some readers
might
find that disruptive. Still with a powerful story line starring two giving individuals (past and
present),
the paranormal audience will want to read this tale and seek future works by Catherine
Snodgrass.
The Craving
T. K. Sheils
LTD
ISBN: 1553168879 $TBA
Part time Toronto Star sport reporter Jackson Rutledge never expected an email from Sabrina
Osterling, a woman who has no need of male help, pleading with him to meet her at the Valhalla
Inn
in Mississauga. Having had some harrowing adventures with Sabrina, Jackson's curiosity propels
him to go to the meeting. Sabrina begins an out of character seduction that Jackson likes but does
not believe in after some of those incidents he has seen with her. Jackson escapes an impostor
Sabrina. Jackson and the real Sabrina meet and compare notes. They realize creatures are draining
everything from humans leaving behind withered rind. Now these creatures seek Sabrina who has
proposed a book on shape-shifters. Jackson agrees to help Sabrina with her investigation into the
stalking horrors of the night. Anyone who reads this enticing horror tale will have a craving like
this
reviewer for other works by author T.K Sheils. The story line grips the reader tighter than a
creature
draining a human as the audience shares the terror felt by the lead couple. The return of Sabrina
and
Jackson (see BUTTERFLY HOUSE) will delight fans as this neat unique pairing augments the
plot
by their ability to work as a team even as they clearly care or perhaps love one another, but
remain
in denial as to how much they need the other. Their relationship provides an earthly counterpoint
to
a powerful novel that showcases a talent that genre fans will want to read.
Small Magick
Liddy Midnight
LTD
ISBN: 1553160576
Though she provides SMALL MAGICK through logical deductions, Drey envies the mage
abilities
of her family. Everyone, but her can perform tremendous feats. Her solace lies with her pipes,
Mousie the mousebane tabby, and the great outdoors. Following Mousie and aided by the wind
revealing a path she has never seen before, Drey climbs a mountain. Drey feels different inside the
circle on a hillside. Elated with the belief she can perform magic here, she toots her pipes and
casts a
spell that binds a wind sprit in mortal dress to her. Cyrus expects that she summoned him to give
her
sexual pleasure and provides such as only a wind spirit could. However, when it is time for him to
return to his normal form, she cannot release him because does not know how or even how she
captured him. As Drey falls in love with her spirit, she decides to sell herself in bondage to a mage
who can liberate her beloved Cyrus. The second tale in Liddy Midnight's Dark Ages Erotic
Fantasy
series, SMALL MAGICK, is an enchanting story that casts a spell on the audience. The story line
bewitches the reader into believing that sexy spirits can be summoned. Drey is an ambrosial
darling
who tries to do the right thing even at personal sacrifice. Cyrus may be a wind spirit, but he sure
knows how to heat the pages of a novel. Fans into something delectably different will want to
read
this novel and its predecessor FIRE AND ICE because the works of the majestic Ms. Midnight
magically moves readers into a mystical realm.
Close To Home
Peter Robinson
Morrow
ISBN: 0060198788, $24.95, 400 pp.
Though he is vacationing in Greece to get away from the griminess of police work, English
Detective Inspector Alan Banks follows the news reports from home. He is stunned when he
learns
that an excavator has dug up the skeletal remains of a teenage boy near his hometown of
Petersborough. He knows the victim is his childhood friend Graham Marshal missing since 1965.
Just before the disappearance, Alan feels guilty because a stranger assaulted him, but he escaped
and
never reported the incident to his family or the police. Alan cannot ignore the investigation so he
returns home. There he learns that fifteen-year-old Luke Armitage is missing and his former
girlfriend Annie Cabbot is working the case. Fearing the worst for Luke and feeling he owes
Graham, Alan dives into both inquiries in an attempt to relieve some of the remorse he has carried
for too many years. Close To Home is an exhilarating police procedural that plays out on several
levels besides the obvious dual investigations. Alan is a complex character who seemed on the
verge
of burn out until his conscience makes him cut short his R&R. The rest of the cast provides depth
whether they played chess with the protagonist in Greece or are involved in the inquiries in
England.
With novels like this character driven compelling who-done-it and Aftermath, fans will appreciate
the skills of Peter Robinson, who is bound to become regarded on both sides of the Atlantic.
Patrick
Stephen R. Lawhead
Morrow
ISBN: 0060012811, $25.95, 464 pp.
In the year 400 AD Succat is having a fine time in the poor country of Wales because his father is
a
highborn noble. He and his friends are interested in wine, women and song until the raiders from
Eire attack and take him back to their country as a slave. Now something more important to
Succat
other than women and wine is freedom. Three times he tries to escape with his last attempt he
almost killing him, but thanks to the healing powers of the Druids he lives. The Druids take him
into
their home and when his master dies. Succat finally manages to escape, leaving the woman he
loves
behind. When he returns to his homeland, the place is deserted as the Roman legions have gone.
With no home to stay in Succat returns to the road once more but through all his travels he comes
to
realize his true place is in Eire and that he has an important mission to accomplish there. Readers
will recognize that the protagonist plays a vital role in the history of Ireland for he known to today
as Patrick, a visionary of his time and Ireland's first saint. Stephen R. Lawhead is a grand
storyteller
and he is at is finest in this work. Readers will become immersed in this novel to the exclusion of
everything else so give everyone a hug and set aside time to immerse one's self in a vividly
enticing
biographical historical fiction.
Deadly Legacy
Robin Burcell
Morrow
ISBN: 0061057878, $6.99, 304 pp.
In San Francisco, Homicide Detectives Kate Gillespie and Rocky Markowski investigate what
appears is a murder suicide with two corpse inside a car. When Kate sees the female victim, she
realizes she was her estranged best friend Eve Tremayne. Kate cut off her relationship with Eve
because the latter was into kinky S&M. Kate and Rocky explores Eve's residence where they find
a
sex room including adult toys and an album containing pictures of the deceased's clients. Kate
sees a
picture of her dead father and absconds with it. On the other hand she leaves behind inside the
album
the picture of her ex-spouse. As Rocky takes over the lead with another cop, Kate is relegated to
providing support. The SFPD digs into a violent underworld filled with treachery, duplicity and
selfish cover-ups by individuals who will not lose a minute of sleep if three cops must die. Fans of
police procedurals will want to read Deadly Legacy, an exciting tale starring a strong cast of
characters. Kate is an ethical lead protagonist whose conscience reminds her that she tampered
with
evidence when she removed the photo. Though everyone insists that Eve was a highly ethical
person, Kate knows first hand otherwise. Rocky provides a steady balance and an internal affairs
cop
adds a romantic angle. The who-done-it is complex as the so-called loving relatives of the victims
do
everything to avoid exposure. As she did with Every Move She Makes and Fatal Truth, Robin
Burcell provides the audience with a strong mystery.
This Time Love
Elizabeth Lowell
Morrow
ISBN: 0060087358, $19.95, 352 pp.
Though in his early twenties, reporter Gabriel Venture knows what he wants and that is to
become
an international journalist visiting the globe. Currently, Gabriel is involved in a report on the Lost
River Cave in New Mexico. His guide is a local teen Joy Anderson. The pair fall in love before
Gabe
moves on to explore and report on the Orinoco River mysteries. Six years, eleven months, and
twenty-nine days later, Harry Larkin informs Joy that they received a break with their grant
running
out soon. The great Gabriel Venture is coming to New Mexico to do an article on the Lost River
Cave. Joy, now Dr. Anderson, is not thrilled by Gabe's return because six years ago she gave birth
to
his daughter that he does not know exists. How will he react to that news and how will she react
to
seeing the only man she ever loved are questions that disturb and concern Dr. Anderson. This
Time
Love is a rewriting of a 1980s Elizabeth Lowell tale that tightens the plot line so that the audience
receives a passionate romance. Though the story line has been the major theme of many genre
novels, the driven lead couple and their precocious daughter Kati along with the intertwining of
speleology make the tale feel new. Warning to readers: do not to take their significant other to a
cave unless it is their bedroom or one of you is a speleological expert.
Hannah's Half-Breed
Heidi Betts
Leisure
ISBN: 0843950730, $5.99, 352 pp.
He knew he needed help or he would die, so half-breed David Walker forces himself to reach
Hannah, his friend from the orphanage. In spite of the wound, David survives the arduous trek to
Purgatory, Texas where he knows the schoolteacher will nurse him back to health. Hannah cannot
believe the boy who kept her safe and provided solace to her as a little frightened child, now
seems
more Indian than white. David seems to have vanished replaced by Spirit Walker. However, to
Hannah a rose is a rose especially when that flower is David or as he calls himself now Spirit
Walker. Hannah knows she loves him and has always ever since he soothed her years ago. She
willingly risks her life when his deadly enemy comes to town to finish the job. The road to
Purgatory, Texas means entertaining reading for fans of western romances so with Heidi Betts
returning there with Hannah's Half-Breed, fans knows this novel will be just fine. The lead couple
is
a delightful duo sharing in common love and a willingness to give up everything for their beloved.
The arrival of the Purgatory horde (see the other alliteration novels - Callie's Convict and Walker's
Widow) will please fans of the author and help entice readers to seek other books like this
one.
Savage Destiny
Cassie Edwards
Leisure
ISBN: 084395051X, $6.99, 368 pp.
In 1821 Jamestown, Louisiana, Chitamacha Princess Soft Flower now known as Jewel Ratcliffe
gives birth to a son Larry. Though she loves her half-breed newborn, her ten month old other son
Troy is her soul. The older boy known as Red Feather in her heart comes from her Indian
marriage
making him a full blood while the new infant comes from her abduction by the Louisiana planter
Jon
who married her under Christian law. Twenty-five years later, Larry seems to have only one goal
in
life to defeat his older sibling at everything though Troy always wins. This time it is cards and
Troy
wins everything including Larry's mail order bride Angela Dawn. When Red Feather and Soft
Flower
return to their people accompanied by Angela, Jon goes ballistic vowing vengeance and an
acrimonious Larry sees the opportunity to defeat his hated sibling. With over thirty "Savage"
novels,
award winning Cassie Edwards is one of the all time leaders of Indian romances. Her latest tale,
Savage Destiny, is a chip off the old block, which will please the author's appreciative readers.
Though typical of Ms. Edwards' standardized story line of good vs. evil in an Indian or old west
setting, nevertheless the plot engages the audience. Several strong characters besides the lead
couple
make for a fine time for sub-genre fans that don't mind the paint by numbers plot, albeit Ms.
Edwards created the numbering.
Dr. Yes
Lisa Cach
Leisure
ISBN: 0505525186, $6.99, 384 pp.
In Katmandu, Nepal, native Nepalese Betl and American Harrison Wiles of B.L.I.S.S. ask
expatriate
American tour guide Rachel Calais to help them on a dangerous mission. They need Rachel to
lead a
trek in search of the legendary city of Yonam where beautiful women allegedly catered to male
desires. Harrison believes that a drug causes the obedience that is worse than even date rape
drugs
as the victim remains lucid while participating in their own depravity. B.L.I.S.S. fears that
American
Dr. Alan Archer seeks the elixir to take back to the west with him. They want Rachel to serve as
his
guide and insure he returns with none of the odious elixir that he would synthesize in his lab.
Rachel
and Harrison work together to stop Dr. Archer from becoming Dr. Yes with any woman he
meets.
The duo also tries to ignore their own attraction to one another, but neither can say no to the
other
even without the aid of a drug. They fall in love, but both know they must first stop Archer and
his
ploy to control women. The second B.L.I.S.S. espionage romance is an entertaining high
adventure
that like its delightful predecessor (see From Boardwalk With Love) spoofs the macho spy crowd.
The amusing story line will remind readers of the Flint movies. The dynamic duo struggles with
magnetic heat that can melt the snow of the Himalayas if they are not careful while the villain
seems
more out of the Maxwell Smart rogue gallery than that of Bond. Still readers of humorous
satirical
romantic intrigues will say yes to Lisa Cach's latest thriller.
Danelaw
Susan Squires
Leisure
ISBN: 0843951249, $6.99, 384 pp.
Epona knows that the times are turning darker at least to followers of the Goddess as Christianity
begins to sweep away the old religion that she still practices. She also realizes that her "gift" is
beginning to fade and she must quickly mate with the right man to pass on her gift to her daughter
just like her mother did to her. However, Pony as she is known, fears she will evanesce just like
her
mom so has delayed the inevitable for a decade, but the catastrophe her mother predicted seems
imminent and time has run out for Pony. When Pony meets Saxon King Alfred she thinks this
noble
liege must be the one, but then she encounters Viking Valgar the Beast and wonders if he is the
chosen. As Pony struggles to make up her mind by choosing one and leaving the other behind, her
selection will impact England. She knows that even with her full of loving for one of the men, her
choice must be what is best for her people and not necessarily her heart. Fans of Dark Ages
mystical
romances will appreciate Susan Squires' latest magical tale. The key to the exhilarating plot is the
lead female character that seems so believable whether she talks with the animals or struggles with
her fears, doubts, and uncertainties. As the author did with the delightful Danegeld, Ms. Squires
provides a strong historical romance that adds to her growing reputation for enchanting, unique
stories.
Princess Charming
Beth Petrillo
Leisure
ISBN: 0843951419, $5.99, 308 pp.
In 1819, Crown Prince of Santadorra Nicholas St. Germain works as a gardener as payment of a
bet
he lost to his friend Lord Crispin Wellstone. Nick curses his canine companion Wellington for
costing him the wager of not performing a heroic deed for twenty-four hours as he had to rescue
the
dog. When Wellington takes a leak on his shoes, an irate Nick gives chase. However, instead of
catching his canine enemy, Nick runs face first into a door being opened by a maid. However,
Lucinda Charming is not a servant as she is the daughter of the late Duke of Nottingham and
stepdaughter to a nasty social climber. Lucy does not want Nick's involvement in her troubles, but
he cannot help but intercede when two thugs accost her. Crispin sees the whole thing from his
hiding
place and realizes that neither aristocrat knows that the other is also part of the nobility. Unable to
resist matchmaking, Crispin decides the hero and lady needing rescue are perfect for his
machinations. This adult Regency version of Cinderella is an amusing historical due to the antics
of
the cast including a precocious pug. The humorous plot employs an undertone of serious issues
debated between Lucy (women's suffrage) and Nick (the Locke monarchy contract). Beth Petrillo
debuts with a wild, wacky, witty winner that hopefully will have a follow-up perhaps in 1850
Santadorra where women vote and the son of the this lead couple is a thirtyish prince.
Forever Autumn
Bobbi Smith
Leisure
ISBN: 0843950870, $6.99
Autumn Thomas is stunned when she learns that she just inherited a ranch from her father, a
person
she thought died years ago. Deciding to learn more about her patriarchal roots and to see what
was
bequeathed to her, she and her fiance journey to Sagebrush, Texas. Sheriff Cord Randolph's quest
is
catch the Martin gang who killed his best friend. He feels euphoric when he arrests a gang
member
Grace Thomas, as he feels he is finally on his way to achieving his life ambition. However, his
gorgeous prisoner insists her name is Autumn not Grace. Cord and Autumn soon conclude that
not
only did she not know her father was alive all these years, but that she has a twin sister. As Cord
and
Autumn fall in love, she does everything she knows to keep her sibling out of jail while he
attempts
to ignore his heart so he can lock the outlaw sibling up. Though mistaken identity caused by twins
is
an old theme, Bobbi Smith provides fans of western romances with a brisk, action packed tale.
The
fast paced story line will hold the audience's attention from start to finish because the characters
make the plot both believable and double the fun.
From Boardwalk With Love
Nina Bangs
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525062, $6.99, 369 pp.
B.L.I.S.S. learns that L.O.V.E.R. plans to kill the world's richest person Owen Sitall, owner of
much
of the free world and a good chunk of the semi- free crowd too. The earth's deadliest assassin Zed
of
the League of Violent Economic Revolutionaries will take action before Owen attends the World
Economic Summit in Paris in thirteen days. Knowing the repercussions on the global economy,
B.L.I.S.S. assigns new recruit Camryn O'Brien better known as Agent 36-DD to protect Owen.
Agent 36-DD was chosen because she knows Monopoly is as American as apple pie; that
particular
game Owen, a perpetual loser with board games outside of the boardroom, has installed
island-wide
at his home base. Almost as soon as Camryn and her B.L.I.S.S. teammates reach Owen's island to
play Monopoly, she sees Jace Sentori. He is mysterious and SEXY, which stands for hunk.
Camryn
is not sure whether she should ignore her over- beating heart because he may be Zed in disguise
as
Jace obviously has a secret and an agenda for visiting Owen's Boardwalk. Take Get Smart and
place
the show in the twenty-first century, but have Agent 99 as the star and the reader has the basic
concept of From Boardwalk With Love, the first B.L.I.S.S. tale. Camryn is a delightfully smart
"Jane Bond" while the audience will have to read the novel to learn if Jace goes to jail or passes
go
and obtains a Monopoly on Camryn's heart. . This Bond in Oz tale never takes itself seriously as
Nina Bangs skewers the macho espionage hunk leaving no prisoners (except for a renegade agent
or
two).
Keeper Of The Light
Janeen O'Kerry
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525283, $5.99, 320 pp.
In 400 CE Ireland, The King's Champion Donail accompanied by his soldiers visits the standing
circle where the healer Rioghan allegedly lives. Donail wants Rioghan to help an ailing woman. At
first she wants to refuse him because men are avaricious and would seek to steal the treasure of
the
Sidhe, the Little People of ancient Eire that she lives near and protects. However, Donail seems
honorable. Donail wants Rioghan and begins a courtship to win her trust. However, a spell is cast
on
Donail that places Rioghan in a bind. If she intercedes she must do so with dark forbidden magic
to
save her beloved, but if she does not, he will remain lost to her and to himself forever inside the
enchantment. Her friends the Sidhe plead with Rioghan to trust in the cleanest purest magic of
them
all love rather than giving up as The Keeper Of The Light for the dark side. This enjoyable
paranormal historical romance acts like a roller coaster going slowly up the first incline before
picking up speed. This enables the audience to better understand the heroine who is much more
comfortable with Little People than she is with her own people. Donail's courting of Rioghan is
fun
to observe, but he fails to show the fire of a warrior when his beloved is threatened. Still fans of
Janeen O'Kerry or the sub-genre will rate highly The Keeper Of The Light .
Gentleman Caller
Bobby Hutchinson
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525003, $6.99, 376 pp.
To support herself and her baby Graham, Maxine Bleckner provides phone sex to her clients
under
the name India McBride. She needs eight to ten customers every day talking to her over her 900
number for at least twenty minutes to buy diapers and baby food. In spite of walking her infant
while
on the phone with paying studs, her business has become so successful; she has hired an
employee.
However, Maxine worries about the future once Graham becomes of an age where he
understands
how she puts food on the table. Vancouver Star assigns reporter Harry Watson, single father of a
three year old daughter, to investigate phone sex. Though he has no experience in this safe sex,
Harry calls Maxine, but he cannot bring himself to discuss his libido. Instead he wants to just talk
to
an adult. As Maxine and Harry begin to fall in love over her 900 number (and the Star's business
account), both worry that if they are to meet, they will see the child in each one's life ending the
relationship before it began in person. GENTLEMAN CALLER is a funny creative romance that
is
at its best when Maxine fakes heat as she changes a diaper. The story line works amusingly well
when the couple talks over the phone while tending to their respective child though a sidebar
involving another couple with intriguing commitment problems takes away from the prime tale.
Still
Bobby Hutchinson furnishes a wild romantic romp that sasses modern sexual not in the flesh
encounters at two cents a page.
Cupid.Com
Karen Lee
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505524821, $5.99, 305 pp.
Psyche is disappointed in the track record of her husband stupid Cupid as divorce rates are
climbing
to record levels, couples live together without marital vows, and numerous claim they are not in
love. She blames the mess on her spouse still living in the world of the ancients. He needs to
modernize his methods to confront technology's interference in the game of love for people who
no
longer believe that all they need is love. Their father's will is quite specific. Chloe Phillips is to run
Creative Investments while her brother Oz will manage the rest of the firm. Oz worries that his
sister
will ignore the fiscal perspective and hurt their company. He hires consultant A.J. Lockhart to
keep
Creative Investments out of the red. Chloe obtains a new software program, e-Cupid that reveals
a
person's true love. Formerly accepting that the elusive butterfly will never visit her, Chloe learns
from her program that A.J. is the stud that lights her fire. As she stands in the shadows of love,
she
finds love hurts because she knows he is her sibling's stooge. Worse e-cupid has every male who
meets Chloe falling in love with her. Fans in need of an uplifting amusing All I Need Is Love
romance that brings Cupid into the technology information age will enjoy CUPID.COM. The tale
is
funny fluff as Karen Lee plays it totally for laughs. Chloe and A.J. make a charming couple who
comes together over the fiasco caused by e-Cupid. Readers needing escape from the holidays will
cherish a moment's pleasure with this whimsical treasure.
Lord Of The Dark Sun
Stobie Piel
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525054, $5.99, 358 pp.
To celebrate graduation from the Intersystem Academy, Princess Ariana persuades her friends to
journey to the outpost of the Border Territory. However, instead of fun at the infamous Lodder
Vale, Automons, using a strange gas, capture Princess Ariana and her shipmates. Ariana knows
her
father will come after her with every force the Intersystem can muster even as she is transported
to
Mining Colony Fifteen. At the slave camp, the men seem identically beaten souls except for one
colonist who displays dignity and honor. Ariana begins to fall in love with this slave and together
they escape, but he is recaptured. A decade later, Ariana knows she loves her former slave mate
and
returns to find him though she believes the colony was destroyed. The nameless slave now using
the
moniker Damen escaped and has become a pirate. He captures Ariana, but the passion they shared
ten years explodes into a deep love. Howeverowever, each keeps secrets that if revealed will
probably end their relationship before it can flourish. Lord Of The Dark Sun is a terrific,
action-packed romantic science fiction romance that fans of the author will enjoy while turning on
new readers to the talent of Stobie Piel. The story line will appeal to both the romance and alien
world audience because the non-earthly environs and species seem real and the star-crossed lovers
strengthens that authenticity. Though the pirate spin seems unnecessary with all the outer space
adventure already packed in the novel, Ms. Piel spins a solar heated tale that shows she is one of
the
top cross-genre authors under the White Sun.
Atlantis Endgame
Andre Norton and Sherwood Smith
Tor Books
ISBN: 0312859228, $23.95, 256 pp.
At a dig on the Mediterranean island of Thera, archeologist Linnea Edel finds a modern day
earring
buried amidst the ruins of artifacts from 1600 BC. Not knowing how the jewelry could be among
these ruins, Linnea shows her anachronistic finding to her old friend Dr. Gordon Ashe, who is
stunned by what she shows him. Gordon shows the earring to his Time Patrol associates. Each
reacts similarly that someone, probably the alien "Baldies," went back in time and disrupted the
continuum. The team knows they must travel to Ancient Greece to Plato's Atlantis to ascertain
whether the aliens are changing history by destroying a key link in the advancement of
technology.
Atlantis Endgame is an exciting action adventure tale that never slows down for even a
nanosecond.
Andre Norton and Sherwood Smith cleverly use Atlantis as the latest base of operations of the
Baldies that forces the chronology patrol squad to try to correct a seemingly minor anachronism
that
could snowball into the end of technology before it can begin on Planet Earth. Fans of the Time
Traders series adventure (see Echoes In Time) will want to travel along with Andre Norton and
Sherwood Smith on this delightful trek in time.
The Sea Lark's Song
Diana Marcellas
Tor Books
ISBN: 0312874839, $27.95, 528 pp.
Her ancestors the Sh'ari were once highly welcomed in peace by the Allemani for their healing
skills,
but eventually fell out of grace and slaughtered by the same people they helped. Brierly Mefell has
lived in a cave to remain safe in a world that would kill her if anyone learned she is the last of the
Sh'ari. Following her saving the wife of the Earl of Melfallen, whose position includes a vow to
destroy the Sh'ari witches, Brierly is exposed. Forced out of her cave, at the palace Brierly meets
Megan, another descendent of the Sh'ari. Now she has a goal to find the scattered remnants of her
people. To accomplish her quest, Sh'ari depends on her new benefactor the Earl to somehow end
the
witch-hunts. Though she saved his wife's life, she wonders if can she trust a noble whose job
includes the killing of the Sh'ari for she fears she could be leading those she finds into death.
Though
somewhat typical of the sub-genre, The Sea Lark's Song, the sequel to Mother Ocean, Daughter
Sea, is an exciting female fantasy tale that grips the reader from start to finish because the heroine
is
an extraordinary individual who both genders will admire. The story line never slows down as the
audience tastes the dilemma that frightens Brierly, but does not deter her from ending the
genocide
and restoring her people to the place of honor they once held. New readers will appreciate this
novel
that can stand alone, but would gain much more by first reading Diana Marcellas' debut
book.
Voyage Of The Shadowmoon
Sean McMullen
Tor Books
ISBN: 0312877404, $27.95, 496 pp.
Led by Captain Ferran, the bizarre crew of the Shadowmoon seems like weird cargo handlers
sailing
the seas. Though they actually trade the goods kept in the hold of their schooner, the mission of
the
Shadowmoon is to sail the ports of the continent Torea seeking information as the crew serves as
an
undercover espionage unit. The orb changes for Ferran and friends when they see the horrifying
total
annihilation of Torea. Apparently the Emperor Warsovran became impatient with the siege of
Larmentel. He obviously found the long buried Silverdeath, an awesome weapon of mass
destruction interred centuries ago out of fear of its misuse. He used the weapon leaving only the
off
shore crew of the Ferran alive as eyewitnesses to total death. The planet's aristocracy clamber to
take advantage of the void with several of them wanting possession of Silverdeath already in the
hands of a genocide megalomaniac. Only the fearless crew of this seemingly minnow of a vessel
stand in the way of some lunatic unleashing the final wave of annihilation. Voyage Of The
Shadowmoon is simply great, as readers will obtain one of the top epic fantasy tales of 2002 in
time
for the holidays. Even with vampires and sorcery, the world seems so real before and after the
destruction of Torea. The large key cast members are easily distinguishable between them because
each one is fully developed yet done within the context of the action-packed story line. The
fantasy
realm has a winner with science fiction guru (see the Greatwinter trilogy) Sean McMullen who
unbelievably makes the impossible seem authentic.
Liberty Or Death
Kate Flora
Forge
ISBN: 0312877919, $24.95, 368 pp.
Pregnant Thea Kozak stands at the altar waiting for the arrival of the groom, her beloved State
Trooper Andre Lemieux, to exchange I do. However, instead of her beau, Thea learns that a
domestic terrorist cell the Katahdin Constitutional Militia has kidnapped her future spouse. The
group demands a trade for an incarcerated member, Jed Harding, who went berserk when the VA
rejected his medical claim for his ailing son. Though Andre's boss and peers prefer Thea stay out
of
the mess, she has dealt with murder and death before so she insists on participating in the rescue.
Andre's supervisor Jack Leonard provides Thea with the cover of a battered runaway spouse
Dora
McCusick. Thea travels to Merchantville, Maine where she obtains employment as a waitress at
Mother Theresa's restaurant. As Thea does what she is not supposed to do (investigate) she
begins
to learn why Jed prefers jail than the militia as paranoia runs rampant in this part of Maine. Thea is
a
powerful lead protagonist who propels the story line forward with her unwelcome involvement
yet
ironically her soliloquies disrupt the action.. Fans of the series will appreciate the lead character
that
just cannot sit idly by and take notes. Newcomers will need to adjust to this feisty in your face
female especially when she provides asides. If given the chance, the tyro will soon gain new fans,
as
Liberty Or Death is a fabulous amateur sleuth-police procedural combo that highlights Kate
Flora's
abilities to entertain the troops.
Conquistador
S.M. Stirling
Roc
ISBN: 0451459083, $23.95, 448 pp.
After receiving a battle-related injury during World War II, John Rolfe recuperates in Oakland,
California. John works with a short wave radio when an explosion occurs that opens an entrance
into an alternate earth. In this world Europeans never traveled to the equivalent of North
America.
Thus the continent remains environmentally clean and loaded with natural recourses unlike his
birth
world. Over the years, John and his descendants selects twenty-nine other families to work with
him
on exporting the riches of "New Virginia" without destroying the beauty of the place. In 2009,
law
enforcement officials raid a First Side (this world) warehouse in Los Angeles. The company
worries
that someone smuggled items through the gate, which if not stopped could lead to the industrial
and
governmental complex learning of New Virginia and raping its pristine landscape. John's
granddaughter Adrienne tries to uncover the identity of the traitor while Department of Fish and
Game Agent Tom Christiansen works a case that brings him into her sphere. Tom and Adrienne
are
attracted to one another, but neither trusts the other though they need to team up to stop the
destruction of New Virginia. Fans of alternate history will appreciate the depth that S. M. Stirling
imbues in his delightful new novel. The rich story line makes readers believers that other
dimensions
containing different earths exist because the key cast members come across as authentic in their
dealings on both planets. Adding fun is that Tom and Adrienne love one another and share so
much
in common including mistrust and a need to find the Judas-like betrayer before Eden is
wrecked.
Children Of The Shaman
Jessica Rydill
Roc
ISBN: 0451459113, $6.50, 368 pp.
It has been over five hundred years since the Great Cold has descended on the land, isolating the
North from the South. Now with the Thaw arriving, the Railway People are constructing a
railroad
under the Aldemar Forest but the project is not going smoothly. People disappear and are never
seen
again; the Soul Men, insane shamans whose minds work in a gestalt fashion, kill others. Yuda, a
very powerful Shaman, along with his two children Annat and Malchik, is assigned to work
undercover as a doctor in the town of Gard Aldemar to figure out what is going on. Both Yuda
and
Annat feel the power of the woods. When Malchik disappears, they determine that he has been
spirited away to the shaman dimension of La Souterraine. They are able to ride the train into La
Souterraine, gathering allies as they hope to free a city and rescue Malchik without any of their
party
falling prey to the Cold One. Children Of The Shaman takes place in a world similar to ours when
Jews were ostracized and those in power refused to let them have good jobs unless they
converted.
Annat and Yuda are adventurous characters who deserve their own series. It is hard to believe
this is
a debut novel because the author has such a refined sense of place and is able to create an
imaginary
world subtly different Earth but one we can understand.
Hyperthought
M. M. Buckner
Ace Books
ISBN: 0441010237, $5.99, 200 pp.
In the year 2125 most of the Earth is uninhabitable except at the North and South Poles. Most of
the
human race lives in domed cities, underground, or under the sea. The land is buffeted by waves of
heat, hurricane force winds, and radioactive air. The Coms rule the Northern areas while the
masses
are indentured servants. The South Pole area is the last bastion of human freedom. Jolie runs a
tour
service to the top of the planet and though she is a worker her clients are wealthy Coms. On one
of
her trips she meets Jin, the son of a Com, who is aware that the workers in the north are treated
horribly. He volunteers for brain surgery in the hopes of finding a way to defeat his father but
when
Jolie thinks he's in danger she crosses the world and puts her own life in jeopardy to save him. She
also becomes the rallying point for the insurrection of the masses against the Com. M.M. Buckner
paints a picture bleaker than Zager and Evans of the earth in the not too distant future unless we
clean up our environmental act. The heroine is a revolutionary in the purest sense of the term and
the
courage of her convictions may prove strong enough to change the geo-political structure of
Earth.
Hyperthought is a cutting edge science fiction that will appeal to fans of plenty of action.
Death Of A Village
M.C. Beaton
Mysterious Press
ISBN: 0892966777 $23.95, 256 pp.
Police constable Hamish Macbeth loves living in the small Scottish Highland village of Lochdubh
because he knows and likes most of the residents who in turn trusts him. He's regarded as a
maverick at headquarters and his superiors would like to get him transferred to a bigger place
where
his talents could be better utilized. Hamish is very comfortable being a constable and does not
want
to rise in the ranks. When he cracks an insurance fraud scheme, he becomes a media darling and
the
brass has every attention of transferring him whether he wants to go or not. He uses a bit of
subterfuge to stay in Lochdubh but he soon breaks open another case involving a nursing home
killing their patients for profit. Before he can talk to headquarters again, he is knee deep in an
investigation in the hamlet of Stoyre where the villagers are acting very peculiar and nobody is
willing to talk to him. Hamish is determined to find out what is going on there even if it means
endangering his life. This is the eighteenth Hamish Macbeth mystery and it is as refreshing and
enjoyable as the previous seventeen books in this long running and delightful series. M.C. Beaton
has created a hero it is impossible to dislike, as he is an honest non-ambitious man who is very
happy
with his place in the universe. If Hamish shows as much brilliance in future books, he is going to
be
hard pressed to refuse a promotion.
Prey
Michael Crichton
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0066214122 $26.95, 352 pp.
Having lost his job at a high tech firm, forty year-old Jack Foreman has become a househusband
while his wife is now the breadwinner, working on a top secret Defense Department project. Jack
raises their three children, while wondering how everything could collapse so fast. He even
believes
that his wife is having an affair while working an experimental design nanotechnology project at
the
Xymos Corporation in the Nevada desert. Suddenly, their baby becomes extremely ill, but just as
abruptly the infant recovers. Jack is stunned by both related events that have no explanation.
However, before he can ponder what occurred, Xymos hires Jack as a consultant on his spouse's
project that has problems leading to the Pentagon ready to shut the funding. Something goes
wrong
leaving Jack and a few others trapped in a war of survival against a highly evolved deadly
nanotechnical swarm that he believes his wife released. Perhaps the leading modern day
cautionary
tale author, Michael Crichton provides readers with his latest alarm that focuses on nanotechnical
research. The story line is standard Crichton lamenting runaway science conducting experiments
in
areas in which consequences are ignored as funding only is considered. As usual, work occurs
inside
an isolated facility that leads to individuals heroically struggling to survive humanity's latest
blunder.
Fans of the author or just solid science fiction readers centering on a modern day controversy will
appreciate Mr. Crichton who is at his masterly, but formulaic (at least its his own DNA) best.
Suspicion Of Madness
Barbara Parker
Dutton
ISBN: 0525946810, $24.95, 372 pp.
Miami lawyers Gail Connor and Anthony Quintana plan to marry in June. They are going to a
small
island in the Florida Keys to do a little work and relax at the island's luxurious resort the
Buttonwood Inn. Before they even get on the boat that will take them there, Anthony learns that
his
client nineteen-year-old Billy Fadden confessed to killing Sandy McCoy and subsequently tried to
commit suicide. When he regains consciousness Billy doesn't remember calling the police or trying
to commit suicide but he does remember seeing big black dogs and a mermaid. Without a
confession
and due to his mental state, the police can't arrest him but they are looking at him as their number
are suspect. Anthony and Gail's stay at the inn becomes more work than play when they try to
unravel the secrets being kept on Lindenan Key if they hope to keep Billy out of jail. Barbara
Parker
has written an exciting romantic mystery that has a distinctive feel of a gothic novel. The
chemistry
between Gail and Anthony sizzles even hotter than usual and yet there is a more serene air about
them, so they aren't defensive with each other anymore. The mystery is so complex that the
audience
will never guess who the killer is until the author choose to reveal his identity. The title is the
biggest
clue to the killer's identity and yet once the killer is revealed, it feels right and logical.
A Good Soldier
Jeffrey Marks
Silver Dagger
ISBN: 1570722153 $23.95
The Civil War has been over for six months but General Ulysses S. Grant remains the hero who
won
the war and preserved the nation. Everyone agrees that Andrew Johnson is a one-term president
and
that General Grant will in all probability be the next president. Grant tours the county,
campaigning
to win the presidency if he chooses to run. On his way to Cincinnati, he stops at the small Ohio
town
of Bethel where five of his childhood friends reside. All five of the men spent time in
Andersonville,
a horrible prison where federal inmates lived in horrific conditions. Grant attends one friend's
funeral
and before long two other pals are dead. His son finds gold coins in the home of the widow and it
isn't long before one of the two remaining friends tell him they returned with gold that was part of
the confederate treasury. The two survivors don't know where the booty is hidden and somebody
else knows about the loot and will kill to keep the others from having it. In A Good Soldier,
readers
observe Ulysses S. Grant, as a person who has known the horrors of war and still grieves for the
men that were killed and the nation that remains divided in principle. The audience also sees an
individual who adores his wife and youngsters. The audience also sees glimpses of the general
who
once committed to a cause sees it through to the bitter end. Though a strong historical mystery,
the
key character enables the author to make his mark as a gifted storyteller who makes history come
alive.
The Getaway Man
Andrew Vachss
Vintage
ISBN: 1400031192 $11.00, 188 pp.
As a youngster Eddie finds cars quite fascinating. He teaches himself how to drive by stealing
cars,
which leads to time in youth detention facilities where he begins to understand the workings of
society, at least his segment that is. Grand theft auto sounds like music to Eddie's ears as opposed
to
kiddy joyrides. Eddie begins stealing cars for Mr. Clanton, which leads to his becoming the
Getaway
Man for two brothers, Virgil and Tim. A bank robbery goes bad when a vice president tries to be
a
hero. Virgil and the Veep are dead with Tim and Eddie in jail. Tim testifies taking the heat
because
Eddie stayed though fleeing would have been easy and smart. Eddie receives a reduced sentence.
In
prison, Eddie meets big shot J.C. Upon their mutual releases, Eddie begins driving for J.C.
However, his boss' girlfriend looks great and wants Eddie to help her when J.C. goes for the big
score. The Getaway Man is an exciting insightful autobiographical crime fiction that will open the
eyes of readers to how a young felon thinks. The story line is a first person character study that
enables the audience to comprehend Eddie's world as he sees it. The "hard on crime when the
vote
counts" politicians and the social do-gooders whom neither stop to understand the specimen they
place so eloquently under the microscope should read this discerning tale. Andrew Vachss is at his
noir best with this homage to the pulp fiction of the 1930s while jabbing the elite of the right and
the
left.
Fallam's Secret
Denise Giardina
W.W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 0393052060 $24.95, 356 pp.
In 1948 in Fallam Mountain, West Virginia, a fire destroys the home of the Falcone family, but
only
the remains of the mother are found in the ashes. The father and the youngest of six children
survive.
What happened to the other five siblings is unknown. When her father is incapable of raising
Lydde,
her Uncle John and his wife do. Five decades later, Lydde who has spent much of her life in the
English theater comes home following her uncle's death. She enters an exhibition John built. She
falls
through a wormhole and ends up in 1657 England where someone wearing a blue devil Duke
University sweatshirt can be accused of witchcraft. Though in her fifties in the year 2001, going
back in time leaves Lydde looking like a twenty-year-old. Disguised as a boy, she falls in love with
the rebel Raven even as Cromwell's Lieutenant Major General Noah Fallam suspects "him" of
hiding
secrets though the official hides a couple too. Fallam Secret is an intriguing time travel tale that is
at
its best when Lydde goes into the past and showcases English society during the Cromwell
period.
The story line is fast-paced and provides an interesting look at the time continuum through a cast
who will make believers of the audience. Lydde is a delightful lead character struggling between
her
twenty-century female independence and seventeenth century stereotypes of others. Denise
Giardina
furbishes the audience with a powerful time travel tale that would please H.G. Wells.
Not So Innocent
Laura Lee Guhrke
Sonnet
ISBN: 0671023691, $6.99, 369 pp.
In 1897 Scotland Yard detective Inspector Mick Dunbar feels ancient on his thirty-sixth birthday.
However, just because he thinks he is old it has nothing to do with him handling a case. When
Miss
Sophie Haversham informs him that she has seen a murder while lying in bed Mick figures she
suffered a nightmare, a birthday gaga gift, or is just a lunatic. Sophie realizes she does not need
her
power to forecast the future to see he disbelieves her. After she explains and he stops laughing out
loud, Mick asks who is this unfortunate future victim? Sophia responds "you" and warns him to
stay
away from Victoria Embankment Gardens. Mick changes his mind somewhat when an unknown
assailant takes a shot at him while he crosses the Victoria Embankment Gardens. He blames
Sophie
for the attempt and begins to investigate her including her Aunt Violet whose house is where she
lives. However, as Mick makes inquiries his skepticism begins to change into a belief that the
woman
he now loves has psychic powers even as he fears for her safety Not So Innocent is a delightful
late
Victorian paranormal police procedural romance that readers from both genres will enjoy. The
story
line absorbs the full attention of the audience as the doubting Mick and the sexy seer make a
dynamic team. The investigation into a cop's murder is cleverly designed to entertain mystery fans
while furthering the relationship between the lead couple. Hopefully Laura Lee Guhrke provides
sequels starring Mick the private investigator and his wife Sophie the psychic assistant.
Hot Pursuit
Christina Skye
Dell Books
ISBN: 0440237599, $6.99, 448 pp.
In Marin County, California suspense thriller author Taylor O'Toole almost dies when her rock
climbing equipment fails. Taylor wonders if married scientist Harris Raines, the boyfriend of her
guide Candace, sabotaged the bolts, especially when the pro checked it the night before. Over the
smell of lasagna, Taylor meets her new neighbor, Jack Broussard. Taylor furtively follows Harris
as
the scientist meets with nasty looking individuals. Unbeknownst to Taylor, Jack, an undercover
Navy SEAL, trails her. When an incident occurs in a market, Jack intercedes to save Taylor's life.
As
Taylor realizes she is being stalked, she turns to Jack, her only hope to remain alive though he
captures her heart. However, he is working a covert operation to rescue a missing scientist and to
stop Harris from doing something odious. Hot Pursuit, the sequel to My Spy, is an engaging
romantic suspense that will thrill readers with its non-stop action and exhilarating intrepid lead
characters. Taylor, the sister to the female star of the first novel, is courageous yet somewhat
foolish. Her antics make the tale soar though the audience will question why she shadowed Harris
in
the first place. Still, this is romantic suspense at its finest as the readers plenty of thrills inside a
wonderful story of love.
Puppet Child
Talia Carner Mecox
Hudson
ISBN: 1930252986 $13.95, 259 pp.
Though she works hard at her career, Rachel Belmore enjoys her job, but especially loves her
two-year old baby Ellie and her highly regarded surgeon husband Wes. However, her idyllic life in
Nassau County New York ends when she sees Wes "coaxing his penis into the baby's mouth" for
what she now knows is not the first time. However, Wes is a pro at the game of illusion and
quickly
has the child welfare and legal system participants believing he is an innocent victim of a maniac
whom never recovered from giving birth. As Ellie's behavior worsens, Rachel turns desperate to
keep her baby safe from a pediophile who makes Machiavelli look like an amateur especially with
Judge McGillian leaning towards giving full custody of Ellie to her publicly smooth father in
Belmore vs. Belmore. This work is simplistic in terms of the characters as Wes is a predator
manipulating the public relations process and the child welfare and legal systems while Rachel is
an
emotional wreck making errors as she learns the needed game to protect Ellie. The impact of the
abuse and the court case are described on several levels, but especially the aftermath on the child
as
seen through the distraught filter of the mother. Puppet Child is a powerful modern day social tale
that pulls no punches as Talia Carner wastes no words to describe the pediophile and his clever
machinations and the desperation of a lioness to keep her cub safe from a jungle of knowing do-
gooders. This book is a powerhouse that opens ones eyes to the evil around them.
A Touch Of Fire
Barbara Clark
Amber Quill
ISBN: 1592799698, 238 pp.
In California, psychic sculptress Summer Starr "sees" the magnetic lines that pulse beneath the
earth's mantle and has the uncanny ability to "calm" down the earth. Her brother-in-law worries
about her safety from an individual accusing her of being a witch. Summer's in-law hires Michael
Forest to protect Summer from this avenging person who blames her for causing the death of his
brother. Michael and Summer are attracted to one another, but she knows she must ignore her
feelings, as she believes she must marry someone with psychic abilities to pass on her gift. Michael
shares her feelings, but carries baggage that makes him believe he is her inferior and not deserving
of
someone as magnificent and caring as his client. He also has to consider his beloved's safety as
two
international thugs want him dead. Michael and Summer try to keep the relationship on a
protective
level only, but the heart does not always listen to the brain. A Touch Of Fire is a one sitting
paranormal romantic suspense novel that never slows down whether the plot focuses on the
romance, the suspense, or the paranormal, or a concurrent combo. The story line moves at a rapid
rate yet enables the audience to understand the motives of the lead couple whom insists they're
not
in love. Though the South American and African thugs provide intrigue, they do not add depth to
an
already powerful third book in the highly recommended Sons of Earth and Wind paranormal
Series
(see Tears Of The Hawk and A Breath Of Heather) for fans will appreciate a touch of Barbara
Clark.
T'ongil: The Thirst For Love
J. Winter
Stillmind
ISBN: 0971598118, $19.95
His grandfather taught him the ways of his Native American heritage. Thus, Ainsley Revere is
proud
of his blood, but also feels out of place in the white civilization where he works. In fact it is his
job
at the zoo that keeps him anchored, as he loves the big cats. He especially feels connected to
Nicte
the tiger he shares a special bond with. Oonce the Big Cat's helped in rescuing a girl trapped in a
cage with other tigers ready to dine. At a brothel Ainsley meets hooker Changmi, sold from an
orphanage into prostitution slavery. He surprises her as he behaves respectfully towards her unlike
most of her clients. Strange to the woman, he seeks to know the real Changmi, not the pleasures
of
Rose as she is known amidst the trade. She cannot comprehend his motives nor does she trust any
patron. Ainsley cannot understand why he cares what happens to Changmi, but since he does he
knows he must act on it. However, what to do? T'ongil: The Thirst For Love is an intriguing
relationship drama that is quite different than the norm due to the setting, the lead couple, and the
big cats. The story line grips the audience as readers see inside Ainsley, Changmi, and even
several
animals as to what makes them what they are. The t'ongil (Korean word for connection) between
Ainsley and Changmi, and between Ainsley and three particular cats slowly develop so that
readers
receive a weird, well written yet complex charmer that character study fans and romance
aficionados
will want to peruse.
Harriet Klausner
Senior Reviewer
Midwest Book Review
Donovan's Bookshelf
Shakespeare's Tales
Beverley Birch
Hodder Children's/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0340797258 $22.95 1-800-423-4525
It's hard to peg the age range for this retelling of Shakespearean drama: Stephen Lambert's color
drawings break up the text and Birch's modern retellings makes it accessible for a younger
audience
than the traditional stories would; but much print makes it an unlikely picturebook choice. Parents
will want to consider Shakespeare's Tales for read-aloud to kids beyond the picturebook age:
Shakespeare's Tales brings the Shakespeare concepts to life with modern tellings and accessible
plots.
An Audience With An Elephant
Byron Rogers
Aurum Press/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1854107860 $19.95 1-800-423-4525
An Audience With An Elephant blends travel and nature in the finest of methods and traditions,
probing the variety and comedy of encounters with animals around the world and lending a chatty,
adventure-filled tone which should particularly appeal to fans of Eric Newby. Both a travelogue
and
a nature title, An Audience With An Elephant covers encounters with both.
Cold Streets
P.N. Elrod
Ace Books
c/o The Berkley Publishing Group
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
0441010091 $22.95 1-800-847-5515
This latest adventure of vampire-turned-P.I. Jake requires no familiarity with its predecessors in
order to prove immediately riveting and involving. Winter in Chicago brings no slow-down in
action
for Jake, who finds his swank new nightclub the focal point for an embroiled series of conflicts.
Fine
action and drama make for an excellent, different mystery.
Ace Books
c/o The Berkley Publishing Group
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
1-800-847-5515 www.amazon.com
Three powerful new titles are highly recommended picks for discriminating science fiction
followers
seeking depth to their plots and characters. Joe Haldeman's Guardian (0441009778, $22.95) tells
of
Rosa, who flees an abusive husband to journey to remote Alaska to begin a new life. Here her
luck
changes as an encounter with an alien entity promises her new revelations and exciting
opportunities.
The unusual use of the first person emphasizes strong characters and believable action. Louise
Marley's Masquisarde (044100976X, $23.95) tells of a future world in which a content Parisian
family is changed by terrorist murder. Ebriel along survives her family's death, and becomes a
resistance fighter against her own government in the process. Nina Kiriki Hoffman's A Fistful Of
Sky
(0441009751, $23.95) has themes common to Hoffman's surrealistic imagery and descriptions of
magic, but is a step above some of her previous works in providing accessible to newcomers to
her
magic. Gypsum is seemingly to old to uncover her magical talents: they've affected the rest of her
family at an early age, but have passed her by. She's learned to live with being an ordinary outsider
in
her own family, until a startling transformation brings with it a future quite different than those of
other family members. The in-depth characterization makes this plot moving and memorable.
Berkley Publishing
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
1-800-847-5515 www.amazon.com
Susan Witting Albert's Indigo Dying (0425188280, $22.95) tells of a once-thriving Texas town
experiencing a revival and an introduction to murder. A longtime resident determined to sell his
profitable mining rights turns up dead, and China Bayles finds her investigative skills challenged as
she probes the town's underlying secrets. Anne Perry edits Much Ado About Murder
(0425186504,
$23.95), which features new Shakespeare inspired mystery stories by Perry, Jeffrey Deaver,
Simon
Brett and other mystery notables. These masters of their genre produce powerful, original stories
for
this fine mystery gathering.
Perseus Publishing
Eleven Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
1-800-242-7737 www.amazon.com
Edward Teller, Wendy Teller and Wilson Talley's Conversations On The Dark Secrets Of Physics
(0738207659, $16.00) provides a more personal touch to physics instruction, revealing the
author's
fascination with how the universe works. His explanations of physics go beyond scientific fact to
draw important links between physics and daily living, making this far more accessible than most.
Jeffrey Zygmont's Microchip (0738205613, $25.00) uses a blend of research and interviews with
engineers to trace the history of the computer chip through four decades of invention and
evolution.
From the manufacture of smaller, faster circuitry which dictated an integration of circuit parts
inside
a solid chip to the creations of visionaries who improved upon the idea, this is packed with
revealing
insights.
MetroBooks
c/o Friedman/Fairfax Publishers
230 Fifth Avenue, #700, NY, NY 10001
1-800-367-9692 www.amazon.com
A.Saladini and P. Szymezak's Harley Davidson (158663769X) is just the sort of flashy, beautiful
coffee-table book an avid motorcyclist would want for Christmas. It celebrates 100 years of
Harley
Davidson history and legend, revealing the motorbike's evolution, its founders, and how it
operates,
and pairing all with an oversized presentation which include large color photos on each page. An
exceptional, beautiful guide which easily rivals other less detailed titles on the topic. Frank
Moriarty's Dynasties (1586631802, $12.98) follows the families involved in stock car racing and
NASCAR, celebrating generations of drivers who have made their impact on motorsports history.
Black and white and color photos made this a winner for any stock car fan. Classic Brain Teasers
(1586636820, $6.98) by Karen Richards, Alan Stillson and Bernardo Santos, et.al. provides a
fascinating set of visual brain games which present sets of puzzles and tricks to test intellect. From
word puzzles and visual challenges to geometric puzzles, this is packed with intriguing
challenges.
Problems Of Plenty
R. Douglas Hurt
Ivan R. Dee/NBN, dist.
1332 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622-2694
156663463-6 $24.95 1-800-462-6420
This survey of the problems of the American farmer in the 20th century exposes how rapid
technological and scientific change brought both prosperity and new challenges to the farming
community. Problems Of Plenty focuses on farmers' dependence on the federal government, the
special challenges of increased productivity, and how the government handled the growing
problems
of surplus. An intriguing discussion.
Hospital
Stephen Feldman & Karine Douplitzk7
Ivan R. Dee/NBN, dist.
1332 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622-2694
1566634784 $40.00 1-800-462-6420
Hospital provides a lavish photographic essay along with an unusual international perspective in
recording the issues and realities beyond the modern hospital. From the lives of patients and staff
within the hospital system to professional and public dialogues, this blends text and black and
white
photos charting the experience of both being a patient and working on patients, saving lives.
That Old-Time Religion In Modern America
D.G. Hart
Ivan R. Dee/NBN, dist.
1332 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622-2694
1566634601 $24.95 1-800-462-6420
In That Old-Time Religion In Modern America, religious historian Hart tackles the history and
concepts of evangelicalism, tracing its development over the 20th century in America from its
roots
in Protestant faiths and agencies to its more modern insertion into politics and culture. An
excellent
survey which provides much focus on 20th century evangelical effects on modern society.
Are Cops Racist?
Heather MacDonald
Ivan R. Dee/NBN, dist.
1332 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622-2694
156663489X $22.50 1-800-462-6420
Heather MacDonald's Are Cops Racist? maintains that opposition to racial profiling threatens to
erode crime-fighting gains of the last decade. Chapters show how this profiling has led to
increased
insights on the demographics of crime and criminals and chapters consider how anti-profiling
lobbying produces harmful results for blacks and all peoples. An intriguing discussion.
Rise Of The Celts
Henri Hubert
Dover Publications, Inc.
31 East 2nd Street, Mineola, NY 11501
0486422658 $14.95 1-800-223-3130
French scholar Hubert's classic history, Rise Of The Celts, traces the rise of the Celts and their
influence on Indo-European peoples. Archaeological evidence support Hubert's investigation into
the migration of Celtics into Europe and the British Isles, with black and white drawings and maps
peppering a classic account recommended for high school levels on up.
Oriental Armour
H. Russell Robinson
Dover Publications
31 East 2nd Street, Mineola, NY 11501
0486418189 $16.95 1-800-223-3130
Students of early arms and armour and Oriental history in general will find Oriental Armour to be
a
fascinating guide which gathers together scattered data to present a coverage of early Oriental
helmets, shields, and armor. Oriental Armour republishes a work that originally appeared in 1967,
lending new life and audiences to the topic.
Dover Publications
31 E. 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501
1-800-223-3130 www.amazon.com
Two fine guides provide wide-ranging histories students of Egyptian history and spiritual will find
intriguing. Margaret Murray's Egyptian Temples (0486422550, $13.95) republishes a 1931
classic,
including over 120 black and white photos and diagrams which depict exteriors, interiors, and
plans
for various Eguptian temples. Architectural styles, history and religion blend. E.A. Wallis Budge's
Egyptian Tales And Legends (0486422356, $14.95) provides a survey of pagan, Christian and
Muslim legends, gathering tales from ancient Egypt as an introduction, then charting the literary
revolution which was sparked by Egyptian embracing of Christianity during the first century. Both
will intrigue students of Egyptian history, culture and religion.
Dover Publishing
31 E. 2nd Street, Mineola, NY 11501
1-800-223-3130 www.amazon.com
Two excellent titles provide fine historical overviews. Jacob Burckhardt's classic History Of
Greek
Culture (0486420965, $18.95) examines the city-state, Greek democratic processes, and the fine
arts of the Greeks from music to art. This republishes the 1963 edition which represents a logical
progression of ideas on Greek history and cultural developments. Jack Coggins' Ships And
Seamen
Of The American Revolution (0486420728, $17.95) presents an excellent panorama of the ships,
guns and men who helped win the revolution. Most histories focus on battles fought on land: this
focus allows naval historians and history enthusiasts to understand what happened on the
seas.
Who Owns Life?
David Magnus, et.al., Eds.
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228
1573929867 $26.00 1-800-421-0351
The cutting edge of ethics and biomedical research is revealed in Who Owns Life?, a study which
considers how gene sequencing may constitute inventions of life subject to patents and profits.
Important connections between the motive for profit and the creation and manipulation of life are
revealed in chapters which consider some eye-opening issues of generic research.
Prometheus Books
59 John Glen Dr., Amherst, NY 14228-2197
1-800-421-0351 www.amazon.com
Marie Curie's Radioactive Substances (1573929573) provides an intriguing description and first
hand account of the lab research which led to her discovery of radium and her eventual death.
Curie's own words, charts, and calculations tells of her work with radium and the advance of a
scientific wonder. Cathy Cobb's Magick, Mayhem And Mavericks (157392976X, $29.00)
provides a
lively history of physical chemistry, starting with the ancient Greeks' discoveries of basic chemical
properties and following physical chemistry's evolution and discoveries to modern times. Images,
history, and analogies to daily life keep this a lively read most accessible to non-scientists.
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
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