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MBR Bookwatch

Volume 5, Number 2 February 2006 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Donovan's Bookshelf Kaveny's Bookshelf Klausner's Bookshelf

Laurel's Bookshelf Lorraine's Bookshelf Shelley's Bookshelf

Shirley's Bookshelf

Donovan's Bookshelf
The Blaue Reiter Almanac
Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc, Eds.
MFA Publications
465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115
0878467009 $22.50 www.mfa.org

The Blau Reiter art movement began in 1911, founded by the same two young painters who here edit THE BLAUE REITER ALMANAC: it blended international culture with European avant-garde and THE BLAUE REITER ALMANAC provides essays long unavailable in English. This documentary edition is edited by Klaus Lankheit and blends art history and a survey of moments with black and white illustrations and Blaue Reiter philosophy. A 'must' for any who would understand the premises and foundation history of the Blaue Reiter movement.

Single Action Sixguns
John Taffin
Gun Digest/KP Books
700 E. State Street, Iola, WI 54990-0001
0873499530 $39.99 1-800-258-0929 www.fwpubs.com

From modern sixguns to antiques, the single-volume sourcebook SINGLE ACTION SIXGUNS: THE DEFINITIVE, FULLY ILLUSTRATED REFERENCE WORK covers everything in an illustrated guide and is a 'must' for gun collectors and hobbyists. Color photos appear on every page along with first- person insights on gun purchases, brands, gun tricks, production specs and more. The first-person comments throughout reflect author John Tafflin's in-depth knowledge of these guns and their history.

Online Therapy
Kathleen Derrig-Opalumbo
Foojan Zeine
W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
0393704521 $34.00 1-800-233-4830 www.wwnorton.com

Both practicing therapists and those seeking to expand or enter into the field will find ONLINE THERAPY: A THERAPIST'S GUIDE TO EXPANDING YOUR PRACTICE an invaluable, unique guide. The idea here is that therapists can be empowered by embracing the Net as a medium of communication with patients, learning web-based tools from message boards to chat rooms and video conferencing to reach new clients and add access channels for those already under treatment. Since most of these methods will already be familiar to a wide audience who uses them in everyday life, the transition will be easy, and the focus of implementation in ONLINE THERAPY, rather than theory alone, assures a realistic approach.

O'Reilly
1006 Gravenstein Hwy N., Sebastopol CA 95472
www.oreilly.com

Tyler Mitchell's WEB MAPPING ILLUSTRATED: USING OPEN SOURCE GIS TOOLKITS (0596008651, $39.95) provides an important illustrated guide to building interactive maps, from working with map data while cutting expenses with the new open source tools available, to gathering map data, storing and managing it, and generating web services to gather data from different sources. An outstanding, cost-effective toolkit of options for web mappers. Digital video enthusiasts will welcome the tips offered by Joshua Paul in DIGITAL VIDEO HACKS: TIPS AND TOOLS FOR SHOOTING, EDITING, AND SHARING (0596009461, $29.95). Film novices and experts have long used workarounds and tricks to improve conventional motion pictures, so there's no reason digital video users can't employ some of the same tricks to optimize projects. Chapters cover everything from troubleshooting common problems to creating effective and unusual visual effects, fooling audiences with audio tricks and editing audio for maximum results, and adding professional features. Simply an outstanding resource for digital video editors at all levels. Cheah Chu Yeow's FIREFOX SECRETS: A NEED-TO-KNOW GUIDE (0975240242, $29.95) provides a step-by-step workbook introduction to Firefox, the noted Web browser, covering both popular and lesser-known features. Use themes to customize Firefox, access its hidden features, and use the best practices to get the most from Firefox - plus, use the accompanying CD-ROM of Thunderbird extensions and themes to further enhance Firefox's capabilities. Dan Pilone and Neil Pitman's UML 2.0 IN A NUTSHELL: A DESKTOP QUICK REFERENCE (0596007957, $34.95) reviews the language and semantics of UML, covering the latest version of the language as chapters survey diagram types, symbols, and how tagged values and UML profiles work. Don't review UML 2.0 IN A NUTSHELL as a coursebook, but as a reference to the language, helping learns develop logical UML-based software projects. Schuyler Erle, Rich Gibson and Jo Walsh's MAPPING HACKS: TIPS & TOOLS FOR ELECTRONI CARTOGRAPHY (0596007035, $29.95) covers the new applications and potentials of cartographic mapping tools as they apply to GPS devices and new navigation sites online. From free map services and potentials in projecting cartographic statistics into various systems to building an in-car navigation system and taking advantage of free or inexpensive GIS programs to create maps, MAPPING HACKS packs in the reviews of a wide range of GIS programs and systems and applies them to projects and real-life applications.

Diane C. Donovan
West Coast Editor

Kaveny's Bookshelf
Hi everybody, I am back with another iteration of Kaveny's Bookshelf, with promises of a lot more to come in the next few months. But first I want give my readers an update of what I have been doing for the last several months which is to say just like Rodney Dangerfield have been am back in school for the last several semesters. In the process I would like to make a few comments about my love hate relationship to the academic world which I have strong reason to believe is reciprocal

Elsewhere I have stated that I have about the same relationship to the academic world as a problem patron does to his favorite neighbor tavern. That is to say I make trouble, get warnings, I am asked to leave, stomp out swearing to now do something really interesting. As I start to do this something interesting I again realize that the academic world has something I need to continue and find myself back in the game so to speak. In way Universities are to me like banks were to reformed bank robber Willy Horton. When asked why he robbed banks he simply answered. "That's where the money is" For me if I would say the same thing about ideas, but most important collegial with others who share my interest. I would also want to this that I have a lifetime serious vocational interest in religious studies, and I am in the process of getting an intellectual and vocational retooling to pursue this interest. One my Biblical Literalist colleagues said it would help if I knew the number of books in the Christian and Hebrew Bibles. Well of course the questions depends on which of the hundreds of versions and editions ones means.

I would add that Ideas and particularly literary, social, and even (much to my dismay) Freudian theories have a kind of life of there own That is to if the are solid and based on something more than mere conjecture. Then they can help us to understand thing which exists in the real world of lived experience in the built environment. I will give a few examples from some books I have read across my lifetime with purchase information so you can easily find them, and perhaps next month summarize a couple of papers and long reviews I have written, which I think are of general interest.

Like everything else with me it starts with a story actually two stories which are woven together across thirty six years of my lifetime. In 1967 I left the University of Wisconsin Madison graduate school of education writing the F word on several of my final exams because the was a war going on and I found that I could not love justice and my country at the same time and left with all my bridges burning behind me. I was twenty three years old and under the mistaken and rather self important assumption that my melodramatic and self destructive gestures were something that the world cared about. When I teach as I plan to I well have an entire section in my courses on the futility of melodramatic and self destructive gestures, since I have almost in spite of myself lived through more than I can count, but not so many recently.

Enter Jean Paul Sartre. And back to my story.

I stayed in Madison Wisconsin because that was my home and for the next couple of years I drank hundreds of pitchers of beer and played chess and engaged in metaphysical speculation with Doctoral Candidates in a theoretical branch of mathematics called topology, but I must add my life has always been drug free. I would add that perhaps the most profound thing anybody has said about the late 1960's was that we the protestors were dead right about the war, and dead wrong about drugs.

But in any case I met two coeds named Cathy in 1969 both of whom I tried to impress in different way since neither was impressed by my ability to play chess, talk metaphysics or chug beer. I took the first Cathy to French Film by Jean-Luc Goddard, the most influential of the French New Wave directors. Called La Chinoise (1967). Since she had to pay for us both, and I took her to the film in my friends 1951 Chevy with rotted out floor boards, she was not impressed. Several later months, in order to impress the second Cathy, I read Jean Paul Sartre's

Nausea
Jean-Paul Sartre
Lloyd Alexander (Translator)
New Directions
ISBN: 0811201880, $12.95

and she was impressed with me and I was impressed with Sartre. I would add that neither Cathy was my soul mate. That is who is my present wife of nearly twenty years and soul mate for twelve before that, but both Cathy's were in there way very kind to me, though I did not know this until a while later because in a sense brought me back into the world, and perhaps helped me to meet my soul mate.

Okay by now my reader you are thinking well Philip that all very interesting but after all this is a book review column and not your autobiography. Well last night I was privileged to attend the first session of existentialism course from the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire from world class scholar Dr. Ned Beach who teaches with natural and intensity, and clarity which make the equal of great names I have taken courses from at the University of Wisconsin Madison, or I have heard on the BBC, or watched perform at over the one hundred academic conference I have participated in the last twenty five years, when I presented my first paper in a graduate student comparative literature at University of Wisconsin Madison in 1984. Six years later I returned to earn two more advanced degree.

Well in any case Ned opened to a class of about thirty of us by asking if any of us knew anything about existentialism I was able to quote Sartre's on words from the introduction to Nausea where he clearly states that "existence precedes essence" Thus, Sartre re-directed three two and a half Millenniums of philosophical inquiry. So what does that mean to Me. Well it meant that I was in the world and it mattered more than anything else. In it meant in Feb 2 1971 I quit drinking booze never to drink again, and that mattered. It means we are what we do and the moral choices we make matter. And finally it means that to matters whether we act in good or bad faith. Here I am going to introduce some work I did one Albert Speer for my Holocaust studies course last semester to show how I think Sartre thinks things matter.

I have some academic work to share with you in which I make uses of Sartre's concepts of Good and Bad faith but that will have to wait until next month because. I am running on empty and starting to fade.

Philip Kaveny
Senior Reviewer

Klausner's Bookshelf
Cybernetica
Michael J. Cavallaro
Arcanum
ISBN: 0977453324, $15.95, 468 pp.

Thirty-five years have passed since the destruction caused by the Encryption Wars devastated much of society. In direct reaction, the computer based subliminal animation, known as sublimation was created to regulate actions. All humans living in Cybernetica were expected to undergo the surgical implant of a chip to control the behavior of the law abiding citizens. However, there exist those outside the domination of the implants. These are lumped together as criminals and hunted down by the leaders of the corporatism that rule the city. That in turn has led to some banding together of the fringe element. One particular group, the Drifters, plans to tear down sublimation and return civilization to its roots of freedom, but this revolt will be fought mostly in cyberspace, which is owned and controlled by the Cybernetica corporatism. However, no one is prepared for the spark, an assassination attempt of an actress or the results of the hiring from shadows of two con artists to investigate the murder. CYBERNETICA is an intriguing science fiction cautionary thriller that brings 1984 into the cyber age by depicting a society in which computers do the thinking for people. The story line moves forward on several fronts including the who-done-it, but deftly comes together with a battle to determine the future of mankind; one side wants programmed cattle while the other prefers free will. Orwellian fans and anyone who appreciate a well written exhilarating warning tale about the government-industrial-media complex telling us when to go to the bathroom will want to read this dark futuristic thriller.

Murder in Montmartre
Cara Black
Soho
ISBN: 1569474109, $23.00

In January 1995 in the working class neighborhood of Montmartre in Paris, the police arrest fellow officer Laure Rousseau for killing her partner, Jacques. She swears she is innocent as she explains to her childhood friend private investigator Aimee Leduc that Jacques was meeting an informer with her as his backup when he was killed; she was arrested because her gun was fired and residue was on her hands. She persuades Aimee of her innocence and to take on her case. Aimee knows she will find the truth somewhere in the dingiest sections of Montmartre. There she immediately meets a boy who swears he witnessed the killing; she believes him, but also knows he will not be credible with the police or the courts. Other clues lead to danger from street hooligans and a Corsican separatist group that wants Aimee to leave the neighborhood. Instead the intrepid sleuth keeps digging, but soon finds the investigation takes a side tangent involving her deceased father and buried under the soot of police indiscretions, scandals, and illegalities that seem to touch her not so clean friend. In her sixth French mystery, the Aimee Leduc tales are some of the best private investigative novels on the market over the past half a decade or so. MURDER IN MONTMARTRE is a bit darker than usual, but sill retains that powerful story line that grips the audience form the moment that the two long time friends discuss the murder. Fans will want to go with Aimee as she goes home to find clues to what went wrong in order to exonerate her buddy, but the mean streets of Montmartre are even gloomier and grittier than her nightmares. Cara Black is at her best with her latest murder in France thriller.

Olympic Wandering
David Lundberg
Zante
ISBN: 0976324644, $19.95

Part One. Troy remains the only challenger to the Greek domination of the seas. However, most believe that the city-state is starting to show flab and the time to end their control of the Hellespont that links the Aegean to the Black Sea is soon. When Trojan Prince Paris allegedly abducts the beautiful Helen, Greek ruler Menelaus has his excuse to take the city. Ulysses agrees to help though he believes that Helen went willingly with her lover. Thus the lengthy Trojan War has begun *(short blip in this book). This is a terrific retelling of Ulysses' Odyssey that Homer and mythological fans would appreciate, as readers tour the islands with the great champion, on his quest, as a guide. Part Two. Author David Lundberg follows much of Ulysses'' travelogue to see how much of the spirit of the great king and his peers still live in modern day Greece. Readers will enjoy the insightful tour that could stand on its own as a fine guide to the Greek islands. OLYMPIC WANDERING is an entertaining unique look at the Greek culture that will elate readers with its use of Ulysses to tell about the glorious past and tracking his trek to relate a deep look at modern Greece. Imitation being the greatest form of flatter; this reviewer expects to see similar combos of tale and a travelogue as the pairing at least by a talented writer like Mr. Lundberg makes sense while educating and entertaining.

Bridge of the Separator
Harry Turtledove
Baen
ISBN: 1416509186, $24.00

Rhavas is an honorable pious person trying to do the right thing in accordance with his beliefs in the heavenly God Phos and avoid falling into the traps of the evil God Skotos. Though cousin to the Empire of Videssos Avtokrator Maleinos II, Rhavas serves as the prelate in remote Skopentzana; of course remote was how he felt when he first was "exiled" there, but since finds he enjoys the place. Still, he hopes to one day to return to his hometown as the ecumenical patriarch of Videssos the capital city even as he wishes no ill will towards the present priest Kameniates who remains in good health. When civil war suddenly erupts, the Avtokrator recalls troops protecting the borders to defend his reign. However, the withdrawal of the border guard enables the nomadic Khamorth warriors to invade causing the residents of Skopentzana to flee. In his haste to leave, Rhavas learns he contains a lethal power to curse someone to their death, which he uses while struggling to survive amidst the chaos of the outside invaders, the rebel forces, and those loyal to the Avtokrator. As he wanders the countryside, Rhavas observes that evil seems to have triumphed over good; he logically concludes that Skotos is the more powerful of the dueling Gods. Using religious themes like the BRIDGE OF THE SEPARATOR and a "war" between heaven and hell, Harry Turtledove provides an intriguing fresh Videssos tale. Rhavas is a fascinating soul who has converted to the side of the evil one based on his observations of hellish chaos that has engulfed Videssos. Though action-packed with plenty of adventure that will grip fans of the series, it is the religious philosophical debate that rages inside the lead protagonist that makes for a strong entry as Rhavas logically argues that to the victors go the religious texts and related dogma.

Conrad's Lady
Leo Frankowski
Baen
ISBN: 1416509194, $25.00

"The Flying Warlord". Since coming from twentieth-century Poland, Conrad Stargard has been planning for the Mongol invasion that will occur based on the history books he has studied in 1241. In his nine years in thirteenth century Poland he has brought twentieth century transportation, communication and weapons; Conrad pushed the rights of women and the poor. Now, the gazillion horde blitzkrieg begins while the Time Lords are upset with his thirteenth century reengineering. Book four in the series is a strong close out to the three previous tales that set up the Mongol Horde invasion of Poland. "Lord Conrad's Lady". Lord Conrad's wife Lady Francine is an upset woman. It is not the barbarians being defeated at the gates or that Cracow burns, or even a serial killer (another of those twentieth century oddities). It is the hotties flirting with Conrad, who acts like a rock star even as the Time Lords consider intervention. Book five feels more like an afterthought clean-up tying up loose ends that "The Flying Warlord" failed to do so. Still the time paradoxes caused by Conrad is fun to follow. "Conrad's Quest for Rubber". The Exploration Corps are on a field expedition to study the midnight sun when Conrad recalls them to send them to the Amazon Rainforest seeking rubber. They bring disease that devastates the native population while also succumbing to the local illnesses and peril. Still Lord Conrad requires rubber and so they continue the quest. The sixth tale comes across flat except perhaps for die hard fans as the tale seems like a second aftermath in spite of the Time Lords deeper involvement. Though two of the reprints seem like afterward minor tales, fans will enjoy the time travel escapades of Lord Conrad mindful of the movie Norman's Awesome Experience, but also wondering why not package The Flying Warlord with the first three thrillers.

Blackcollar
Timothy Zahn
Baen
ISBN: 1416509259, $25.00

"Blackcollar". Three decades have past since the Ryqril invaders conquered the earth. The last hope, the Blackcollar warriors failed and either died, were captured, or fled in defeat, rumors being to lick their wounds on the isolated colony of Plinry. Now thirty years later, a fledgling resistance has formed. Amongst the newcomers is young Allen Caine, who has never lived on a free earth. His mission is to find the Blackcollar squadron and accompany them in a quest to locate and use five cached Warships. Blackcollar: The Backlash Mission: Allen Caine has come along way from his neophyte mission. He has since been trained as a Blackcollar and commands his own unit. His first mission as a leader is to visit a lab that produced the physical enhancer chemical Backlash. The assignment seems simple enough after his time on Plinry, but he will learn otherwise once in the Mile High City. In Denver, a bewildered and beleaguered Allen learns first hand that the local gangsters run the city and do not welcome armed outsiders; others want him to fail, even retired Blackcollars. Finally the elixir and its secrets reside inside an impenetrable stronghold that no one not even the Blackcollar veterans who thirst for their potion or the Ryqril have infiltrated. The reprinting of and merging of two entertaining 1980s science fiction thrillers into one book will please fans of Timothy Zahn and anyone who enjoys a besieged earth vs. all powerful alien invaders. Both tales are well written with Blackcollar more of a coming of age story while by the Backlash Mission, Allen has gained experience and training. Though the tale simplifies the good vs. evil adversaries, albeit these are Allen's tales, readers will want to peruse this fine collection.

Princess of Wands
John Ringo
Baen
ISBN: 1416509232, $25.00

Mississippi mom and loving spouse Barbara Everett believes she lives the perfect Christian life, but needs a break from domestic tranquility. However she never expected that time off would lead her to battle alien invaders using her Kung Fu skills. Though she works quietly, her efforts are noticed by a top secret group that handles supernatural cases for the FBI. This shadowy law enforcement team hires Barbara to join their spiritual squad. She soon finds herself working a paranormal case at a science fiction convention where a necromancer kills geeks, fans and writers in order to employ the brainless in a nefarious localized take over the convention scheme. Finally, Barbara visits nearby Gulfport, Mississippi to dine on Cajun food. However, instead she teams up with New Orleans Homicide Detective Sergeant Kelly Lockhart on stopping a demonic serial rape murderer the Bayou Ripper. All in the life of a soccer mom turned paranormal crime fighter. Though more like three related novellas, PRINCESS OF WANDS is a fantastic fantasy starring a wonderful heroine who just wanted a bit of excitement in her too perfect life and learned that sometimes you get what you prayed for. The interrelated tales are amusing, filled with action (some tongue in cheek), and contain a message that good always defeats evil. John Ringo is at his best with this strong Christian based fantasy that delivers its significant point through the adventures of the PRINCESS OF WANDS.

Bone Thief
Thomas O'Callaghan
Pinnacle Press
ISBN: 0786018119, $6.99

The serial killer removes the entire skeleton from his victims leaving behind skin, muscle and a form of identification. New York Police Department Lieutenant Detective John Driscoll leads the difficult investigation that with each new corpse the political suits and the "elated" media exponentially raise the pressure to stop the psychopath grows though neither group has altruistic motives. The Irish Catholic lead cop also struggles with his life outside the department. His beloved wife Collette lives in a vegetative state at home as she has for five years since the accident that also killed their daughter, but his religious beliefs will not allow him to pull the plug on her; and his attraction to his partner Margaret only makes John feel more guilt. Still he compartmentalizes his personal feelings into a back brain cell because John must concentrate on stopping this particular gruesome serial killer. THE BONE THIEF makes this an exciting serial killer police procedural though readers will wonder how John can keep his wife home (not just expense - think of the complexities of Terry Shiavo) though he is also a sympathetic character for trying to do right with his spouse. The story line moves quickly especially when the killer is performing his surgery and to a lesser degree during moments of John's lament. However, the use of a young teen hacker while the cops barely can turn on their machines seem double stereotypes from an earlier computer age (even an illiterate like me can surf the net). Still this is a tense thriller that fans who appreciate a novel killer will want to read.

Head to Head
Linda Ladd
Pinnacle
ISBN: 0786017171, $6.99, 384 pp.

After working Robbery/Homicide in Los Angeles and undergoing a horrible tragedy homicide detective Claire Morgan moves to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri where the biggest crimes are domestic disturbances someone stealing a lawn ornament, and x-rated phone calls. That all changes when a murder occurs at Cedar Bend Lodge which is owned and operated by the wealthy and charismatic Nicholas Black. The victim, a famous soap opera star, is found posed underwater sitting at a table covered with kitchen items as if she was waiting for a meal to be served. At first Claire thinks Nick is the most likely suspect especially when someone attacks her and puts her in the water to drown. She arrests Nick then and there she but he is released after cops prove with the security tapes he wasn't the person who attacked her. When she learns the relationship between the victim and Nick, she crosses him off her suspects list and he begins helping them profile the serial killer. The medical examiner discovers that it is the victim's body but someone else's face attached to the body. When another victim wearing the first victim's face is found in the place where they tape the soaps in L.A. is found Claire's past is exposed. Her boss is so livid he suspends her but she is later reinstated and finds herself in danger because she was the target all along. Linda Ladd has written a riveting and chilling thriller that is really two stories in one. The second story is about a child called Brat who is the victim of physical, sexual and emotional abuse who at the age of fourteen began a killing spree. He kills the victims and chops off their heads so they can keep his mother's head company. How this relates to the main storyline is an another great mystery written by an author who knows how to create two separate but parallel stories. HEAD TO HEAD IS memorizing and exciting reading and the sexual tension that exists between Claire and Nick adds an extra layer to this fantastic novel.

Forever Will You Suffer
Gary Frank
Medallion
ISBN: 1932815694, $6.99

Eight years ago, sexagenarian Walker suddenly drove over sixty miles an hour hitting head on the vehicle containing Rick Summers' mom Mari Anne and his sister Allison; their seat belts inexplicably opened a nanosecond before impact; both female Summers died. Walker walked away swearing he could not brake or steer the out of control car. Three years later Rick's dad remarried, but he never visits the Mount Moriah Cemetery near their hometown of Fair Lawn nor wants his son in his new life. Rick comes every anniversary to tell his mom and his sister how well he is doing, which he knows is a lie. Finishing his visit, Rick enters his cab, but quickly notices his human driver lying on the road dead replaced by a rotting female corpse once called Judith. Unable to escape, he is driven to the Fair Lawn home of Katarina "Kat" Petroska, whom he once loved. She is not there, but a hostile Meggan assumes Rick was stalking Kat who recently vanished. Hell has returned to Fair Lawn with Rick being the focus of one particular female resident with a memory longer than a lifetime and eternity to cause harm as she did eight years ago. This tense horror tale grips the audience from the moment that Rick turns to leave the cemetery only to hear the whisper "take care, Rick" but no one is there and never slows down until the final confrontation in Rick's hell. The frightening story line is action-packed with reanimated corpses doing harm to any one near Rick. Fans will keep the lights on all night as Gary Frank writes a scary thriller that leaves the audience constantly looking around to insure no invasions from the grave has occurred.

The Light Horseman
Marjorie Jones
Medallion
ISBN: 1932815457, $6.99

In 1917 as part of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign the Australian Light Horsemen brigade attacks the enemy lines at Beersheba. Dale Winters and his younger brother were amongst the soldiers who obeyed orders that all know probably mean their death. Dale lived while his sibling died. With the Great War over, Dale returns to the family station a broken man who feels guilt for surviving while his sibling, who followed him as kids and into the military, died. Arizonian Emily Castle always wanted to visit her Uncle Charles' Castle Winters Sheep Station in Australia as she always marveled at the tales he told in his letters. When her uncle dies, she inherits half the station. She travels to Australia looking forward to meeting the two boys Charles raised, but learns one died in the war and the other acts dead. Though half in love with the Dale of the letters, she knows this is not her romanticized champion. When Emily bets her half of their station on a horserace, she begs Dale to ride for her, but that would mean breaking a death pledge. This historical tale with a supporting romantic subplot is a timely terrific look at the human cost of war based on a real unit and their famous charge (see the movie The Lighthorsemen for more insight). The story line focuses on the mentally broken Dale and the woman who hopes her love for him nurtures him back to being whole. This gripping character driven tale takes no prisoners as to who truly sacrifices vs. who patriotically calls for others to sacrifice through the anguish of the battle fatigue syndrome protagonist. Only the patience and nurturing of a loved one can provide solace and even that may not be enough.

Lasso the Moon
Beth Ciotta
Medallion
ISBN: 1932815287, $6.99

In 1877, Paris Garrett travels to the dangerous Arizona Territory in hopes of fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a famous stage actress though she has no experience. When she feels down with no hope of achieving her goal, she thinks of her beloved late father who encouraged her to always seek to make your dreams happen. Joshua Grant left his first love law enforcement, which he hopes to return to soonest, but first must meet the stipulations of his late uncle's will. He must marry within two weeks or his odious cousin inherits the opera house. Though he does not want to own the opera house and detests giving up law enforcement even temporary he would rather be dead then let his relative gain possession. Still he has no one in mind until a talented songwriting dreamer arrives in town. Joshua knows she is a mistake, but he wants the wannabe actress so why not marry her. Of course he first must win her over while his cousin has other plans for her, him, and the opera house. LASSO THE MOON is an amusing historical romance starring two likable protagonists and a vile antagonist. Joshua has no idea what happened to his simple life feeling eh must be JINXED; first with the will and now with Paris whose CHARMED innocence and obsession somehow SEDUCED his heart. Fans will laugh at the escapades of the lead couple and hiss at the villain as Beth Ciotta provides a warm lighthearted nineteenth century romantic romp.

Troubled Midnight
John Gardner
Dunne
ISBN: 0312337213, $23.95, 272 pp.

In 1943 in Wantage, England, someone tortures before killing Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Weaving and his lover; the bodies found in her cellar. Concern over this homicide is extremely high because Weaving has been a key participant in the planned D-Day invasion of the mainland. Scotland Yard Reserve Squad lead the investigation as much into who committed the killings and what did they learn from the late military officer. In spite of RS chief Tommy Livermore's chagrin, the War Office Intelligence Liaison Curry Shepherd takes over much of the inquiries claiming security. He also persuades Woman Detective Sergeant Suzie Mountford to switch sides at work joining his team and in bed dropping Livermore for her new boss. Still the concern remains whether top secret Operation Overlord has been breached. This intriguing World War II espionage police procedural is a fine thriller that provides an interesting look at the pre D-Day planning. The who-done-it is more critical than just a double homicide investigation as the allies need to capture the culprit to learn what he or she might know and who they divulged that information to. In her fourth appearance, Mountford remains a bit weak needing male rescuing, but in spite of her seemingly pathetic skills John Gardner provides a fine historical spy story.

Perfection
Walter Satterthwait
Dunne
ISBN: 0312352441, $24.95, 352 pp.

Veteran cops who thought they had seen everything want to puke; some do. The killer removed the fat from the obese woman as St. Anselm, Florida detective Sophia Tregaskis thinks the murder reminds her of a flensing operation performed by whalers on whales. Her partner former NYPD detective James Fallon takes charge of the crime scene. The clues are few if any. Two more identical deaths of obese females follow, making it obvious that a serial killer targets overweight women. To aid the cops, psychologist Dr. Eva Swanson begins profiling the killer. As they dig for clues, James admires his partner for holding up and providing insight into the case, as the culprit is quite clever. As the city panics, the Mayor and police chief, encouraged by the demands of the media to catch the killer or resign, pressure the two lead sleuths. Sophia has learned so much from her veteran partner, the consummate professional not allowing anything to intrude on uncovering the identity of the killer except his desire for his much younger partner, but his top priority remains stopping the ritual-like murders before another victim surfaces. In this day and age in which serial killers are common in police procedural novels few match up to the centerfold Lector or the real things, but the "sophisticated" culprit of PERFECTIONS he comes reasonably close especially as he dines and wines on quality food and drink,. Readers and Sophia appreciate James professional and methodical sleuthing for instance lecturing a cop who carelessly parked his car on a crime scene lawn. Though the climatic final twist is somewhere in the realm of Rod Serling plausibility, fans, except overweight females, will enjoy this solid suspense thriller.

The Rainaldi Quartet
Paul Adam
Dunne
ISBN: 031235004X, $23.95, 320 pp.

In Italy, aging violin makers Castiglione and Rainaldi, Father Arrighi and police detective Guastafeste are players in a string quartet. The four men enjoy playing together as they respect one another though they can be quite caustic with one another; still they try to make as much time available to practice and perform. Rainaldi tells his friends especially Castiglione that he is on the trail of a great find, a priceless violin. However, instead of the glory and euphoria of a great find, someone kills Rainaldi. Father Arrighi performs the funeral attended by the other two men of their musical group as well as family and friends. Guastafeste investigates the homicide though he knows he has a personal stake that should probably exclude him from looking into the murder that he believes is tied to the rare violin. Castiglione assists him as a violin maker expert especially with his insight into construction. Clues soon lead the two men from their rural section of Italy to England, but uncovering the identity of the killing genius remains seemingly impossible even as the duet makes progress towards their objective. Though the whodunit is terrific it plays base to the rich textured musical perspective. The story line harmoniously blends the music with the murder mayhem without slowing down or neglecting either. Castiglione and Guastafeste are a wonderful pair, who at times are quite cutting with each other, as they follow clues in an effort to uncover the culprit who changed their quartet to a trio. Paul Adam provides a virtuoso performance.

Sorrow's Anthem
Michael Koryta
Dunne
ISBN: 0312340109, $22.95, 320 pp.

In Cleveland private investigator Lincoln Perry plays HORSE with Amy Ambrose when her editor informs her that an arsonist was taped burning down a house with a woman inside. The suspect Ed Gradduk eluded the cops, but upon hearing that name Lincoln is stunned as they were best friends as children. Several years later Lincoln adhering to his oath as a cop had arrested his pal. Still feeling guilty of betrayal though he knows he did the right thing, Lincoln wants to help Ed. He visits Ed's hostile mother and then his pal Scott Draper when Ed comes down the stairs of the bar insisting he never killed the woman regardless of tapes. Cops see Ed who flees; they drive after him but when he stumbles they accidentally hit and kill him. Lincoln believes Ed and decides to prove his friend's innocence to clear his name. With the help of his partner Joe Pritchard, Lincoln begins his quest not realizing that his path leads to a serial arsonist protected by those who could make trouble for Lincoln. The second Perry hard-boiled detective tale (see TONIGHT I SAID GOODBYE ) is a terrific who-done-it because of the hero's belief that though he did the right thing as a cop years ago, he failed his pal by not being there afterward; thus clearing Ed's name is an obsession heated by a need for redemption. The twists and turns of the arson-murder investigation is clever and plausible while quite entertaining. The key cast members, not just Lincoln, seem genuine especially characters like Ed's mom who holds Lincoln culpable for her son's downfall. Michael Koryta provides a deep mystery with a strong support cast and a powerful lead detective working the mean streets of Cleveland.

The Princess of Burundi
Kjell Eriksson
Dunne
ISBN: 0312327676, $23.95, 288 pp.

In Libro, Sweden, everyone is stunned when the mutilated corpse body of husband and father John Harald Jonsson, out on a job, is found in the snow. Based on the disfigurement, whoever killed the renowned cichlids tropical fish expert, passionately hated John. Death had to be a relief for the obvious evidence like three cut off fingers that shows he suffered while alive. Thus, homicide detectives Ola Haver and Ann Lindell, who comes off maternity leave to work the case, hone in on a forty-two year old troubled person, his family, and especially an acrimonious nutcase who apparently had a run in with John. However, proof proves difficult to come by making the two sleuths wonder if they are going down a wrong path. Reassessing what they know and suspect, Ola and Anna continue to search for the motive by someone who obviously detested the victim, but could it have to with his personal life or his work at the aquarium that led to this vicious homicide. This tranlastion of an award winning Swedish police procedural reads in many ways more like a deep insightful psychological thriller though the detectives diligently work the homicide. The characterization is top rate as the audicne undertsnads what motivates several key players while the support cast enhances that perception. Fans will enjoy the excitng tale and look forward to hopefully more translations of the works of Kjell Eriksson, perhaps THE ILLUMINATED PATH.

Crippen
John Boyne
Dunne
ISBN: 0312343582, $24.95, 352 pp.

In 1910 Camden, England, Scotland Yard Detective Walter Dew feels somewhat ill as he looks over the crime scene in the cellar of a family house. The victim is Bella Crippen, a former music hall singer under her maiden name Elmore before she married Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen. The obvious prime suspect is the husband, but he is nowhere in sight. A witness recognized jewelry that Crippen's female companion, who was not his wife, wore that belonged to Bella. The sleuth assumes Crippen is on the lam though possibly also dead if by some remote chance he is not the killer. At the same time that Walter heads the homicide investigation, in Antwerp, Belgium, Mr. John Robinson and his teenage son Edmund board the passenger ship SS Montrose to traverse the three thousand plus miles of the Atlantic to Quebec, Canada. In fact John is actually Hawley and Edmund is his lover Ethel LeNeve. Neither realize as they try to limit contact with the crew and other passengers that Dew continues to follow their trail. CRIPPEN is an intriguing historical fictionalized account of a real sensationalized at the time love-murder triangle. The tale moves back and forth between the present (circa 1910) and the late nineteenth century childhood of the title character. Though the insight into the pre-homicide Hawley is fascinating, that subplot also slows down an interesting Scotland Yard investigation. Still fans will gain insight into late Victorian and Edwardian England as well as what motivated Crippen to kill his wife and run off with his lover in an apparent crime of passion. Readers will appreciate this deep Edwardian tale, but struggle between the two appealing segues that take away from each other.

The Templar Legacy
Steve Berry
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345476158, $24.95, 496 pp.

In Copenhagen, Cotton Malone observes "Red Jacket" knock down and steal the purse of his former boss at the U.S. Justice Department Stephanie Nelle. Red Jacket races up the Kobmagergade but to avoid capture he jumps off the tower slicing his throat on the way down. Stephanie is shook up because she realizes this was no ordinary thief; he somehow knew her business involving her work as head of the DOJ's Magellan Billet. Cotton goes back to talk with Stephanie, but she leaves. A bit hurt, the former agent decides to sleuth as he assumes Stephanie did not want him probing into her official work. He soon finds himself studying the religious order of the Knights Templar that allegedly died out soon after its last master died in 1308 France. Behind that he learns that several groups feverishly search for the Great Devise that disproves the Resurrection and tears apart much of the heart and soul of Christianity. As he and new teammates interpret the clues, the current Templar Master Raymond de Roquefort and his supporters want them dead before they uncover the "Rosetta Stone" that will destroy Christianity. The action is non-stop from the moment Red Jacket commits suicide until the final confrontation with killer monks. Cotton is a courageous soul who meets his Muslim female counterpart while on the investigation. Religious conspiracy buffs will appreciate the complex abstruse puzzles that are part of sub-genre cloning of the Da Vinci Code. Though some of the rationalizations defending lethal actions seem stretched even for religious fanatics (another cloning device), Steve Berry keeps THE TEMPLAR LEGACY fresh by avoiding the usual dissing of Christianity, instead he provides an action-packed arcane thriller that will have the audience interpreting the enigmatic clues along side of Cotton and his pilgrims.

Skin Gods
Richard Montanari
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345470974, $24.95, 416 pp.

In Philadelphia, a vicious sly serial killer enjoys reenacting famous death scenes from movies. He films his work and then splices its content in with originals like Psycho. After adding his real gruesome take to a video, he returns the revised film to the store so someone can rent his "director's" cut. People who have seen Hitchcock's Psycho for instance are in for quite a shocking "director's" cut. Philadelphia homicide detectives Jessica Balzano and Kevin Byrne investigates the homicides though the latter works part-time as he still recovers from a gunshot wound. Since the killer's is talented with his filming and cutting, in between Kevin chomping on pain pills, the two sleuths look into the local film industry for clues to include a major producer and pornography movie makers. The two partners also have baggage from their personal lives as Kevin struggles to stay connected with his teenage daughter following his divorce and Jessica worries about her preschooler after tossing out her womanizing spouse. The serial killer makes this a strong thriller as readers can envision his splicing his work into classic film scenes. This makes for an electrifying investigation mostly run by Jessica. Though the two sleuths seems to be overloaded with personal baggage that slows down the case, fans of police procedurals or gimmicky serial killer tales will take pleasure in reading SKIN GODS and obtaining the two detectives' first case together (THE ROSARY GIRLS).

The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian
Robert E. Howard
illustrated by Mark Shultz
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345483855, $29.95

This anthology consists of the first thirteen (in chronological order of when released) Conan tales, which most literary historians agree were the start of the sword and sorcery sub-genre. The tales are well written and enhanced by terrific illustrations by Mark Schultz. Those who grew up with the Schwarzenegger films will find Howard's Conan a much more complete character (actually the Marvel Comic book series captured more of the original essence). The stories are exciting though they were written in the 1930s. The collection also includes much more information on the Conan tales including maps, an untitled draft and several synopses of potential future tales. The Miscellanea and Appendix sections are fun to read during spare moments as fans will gain an understanding of how creative the author truly was, but clearly the exhilarating stories is where the superb reading experience is at as that affirms Mr. Howard's greatness.

Party Girl
Sarah Mason
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345469569, $12.95

In England though several weeks have passed, event planner Isabel "Izzy" Serranti has not recovered from being dumped by her boyfriend. That coupled with feeling overweight has left Izzy lacking confidence in her abilities to hold the attention of a man. When she sees her childhood best friend, who inexplicably became her teenage tormentor, financier Simon Monkwell she babbles about food while he apparently fails to recognize her. Simon hires Izzy to perform a planner's miracle as his family estate Pantiles is in financial trouble, but to save it he must fool potential American investors that all is well. She would like to refuse him, but he is so handsome and debonair while she is oafish, but the reason she agrees is because she inadvertently gave away some Pantiles' insider information to her lout of an ex. Thus she hosts a weekend in the English countryside where investors, their wacko families, a tarantula and others interfere with the attraction between Simon and Izzy; however it is what caused teenage Simon to turn into a bully that remains between them. PARTY GIRL is a warm British chick lit romance starring a likable but unconfident lead female struggling to make a weekend right for the man she loves who she expects will mistreat her as he did when he turned thirteen. Izzy is an interesting protagonist coping with the families of her and Simon, other fractious souls like the help, the demands of the Americans, and SOCIETY GIRLS invited to the gala. Though the support cast at times overwhelms the tale with the baggage they bring to the weekend event, dizzy Izzy makes this a fun often amusing romantic romp.

Every Breath You Take
Judith McNaught
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345479904, $24.95, 334 pp.

Self-made millionaire Mitchell Wyatt assumed he was an orphan but is actually a member of the prominent Wyatt family, who looked upon his birth as an embarrassment. When his brother William learned about Mitchell, he engineered a meeting with his sibling. Mitchell quickly cares for his brother, his sister-in-law and his nephew Billy. When William disappears, Mitchell comforts his sister-in-law and Billy; not realizing the Cook County Attorney General believes he killed William and probably his father too. Kate Donovan is on the Caribbean Island of Anguillia waiting for her boyfriend of four years to join her, but meets Mitchell; they share a passionate interlude and Kate breaks it off with Evan when he arrives, but finds Mitchell returned to Chicago to answer questions about the murder of his brother. Kate thinks he deserted her and Evan tells her he used her to get revenge on his father who played a role in sending him away when he was an infant. She believes Evan and after a brief bitter exchange at a social gala Kate and Mitchell don't see each other for three years until another crime brings them together. Fans of Danielle Steel will appreciate the mainstream fiction EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE. The story line is loaded with suspense as the audience anticipates Mitchell's arrest and subsequently what he will do. The relationship between Kate and him feels more obligatory of the sub-genre than a genuine meeting of the hearts. Still reader will enjoy the tense tale pondering how it will end.

The Protege
Stephen Frey
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345480589, $24.95

Since taking over for the murdered CHAIRMAN Bill Donovan ten months ago, Everest Capital CEO Christian Gillette has several incredible successful ventures already. However, THE PROTEGE David Wright accidentally killed a prostitute during a bondage session. Complicating matters for the guilt laden second in command is that the Carbone mob has pictures that they use to blackmail him into revealing insider information on the CEO even as he wonders whether the gang wants control of the Vegas NFL team owned by Everest. At the same time, Christian uses his opposition to try to leverage information about his father a senator who died in a mysterious plane crash sixteen years ago. His efforts lead him to defrocked former CIA agent Norman Boyd who sells him a bill of goods as to what happened while in reality working for the Carbone crowd. Of course he still has a few deals to make worth millions to the company. Though too much is going on between the lead protagonist's personal life and business lie and that of some of his subordinates especially the person he has been mentoring, fans will marvel how well everything ties together in this tense financial thriller. In spite of too many subplots, the action-packed story line moves at a fast pace, which is a tribute to the talent of Stephen Frey. Overall this is a fine thriller from the moment the hooker's neck accidentally snaps with a haunting descriptive popping sound until the final crackling confrontation.

The Ethical Assassin
David Liss
Ballantine
ISBN: 140006421X, $24.95, 336 pp.

In 1985 in a trailer park near Jacksonville, seventeen years old Lemuel "Lem" Altick goes door to door selling encyclopedias. Though he makes good money, the job devastates his nonexistent social life and makes him feel middle aged so he plans to stick with it for one year and then find something more appealing like sleeping through college. Lem tries to sell his wares to Karen and the "Bastard" when someone kills both of them. Stunned into inertia Lem listens to Melford Kean explain that these two, as animal abusers, deserved death. Meanwhile police chief and self declared mayor of the trailer park Jim Doe investigates the double homicides, but seems more interested in keeping Lem quiet anyway possible. Apparently the killings interfere with the Mayor's fund-making rackets including a speed trap, the encyclopedia selling operation, and a hog farm where animals are brutally mistreated before being dumped in the "waste lagoon" that also serves as a human cemetery. Not sure which side is less psychopathic, Lem wants to live long enough to register in college and steal kisses from a bookselling peer. In the tradition of the zany South Florida (though this is few hundred miles north on I-95) suspense thriller, THE ETHICAL ASSASSIN is a wacky coming of age tale starring a bewildered teen wondering how he got into this quagmire. The story one told from the shocked Lem's perspective is loaded with puns, barbs, and satirical asides on life in Reagan America. The secondary cast makes for a wild time with loonies (whose names matter) aging the stunned teen. Sub-genre fans will welcome David Liss, who provides a fresh madcap mayhem to the Florida swamps.

Learning Curves
Gemma Townley
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345480031, $12.95

Harriet Bell, CEO of Green Futures, a firm that helps British companies provide environmental friendly services around the globe, is concerned with a brewing construction scandal in Indonesia. An earthquake destroyed over 500 homes many built to weather natural disasters after the Boxing Day Tsunami. Fingers point at the construction company Axiom with claims of corruption and bribes involving her former spouse's company Bell Consulting. She asks her daughter Jennifer to visit her father George who she and her mom have not seen in over a decade since he deserted both of them, to learn the truth using their MBA program as a means to get inside. Jennifer does not like the idea of spying on anyone let alone her father, but her mom plays on her conscience so she reluctantly agrees. However, nothing seems right as she tries to avoid her dad, digs for dirt on his company and meets and falls in love with lecturer Daniel Peterson. Using the environment as an underlying issue, LEARNING CURVES is an interesting boardroom romance with two other couples augmenting the relationship between the lead pair. Harriet and George are intriguing support players who stubbornly blame the other for the end of their marriage while their offspring learns a lot more than she bargained for when she joined the Bell Consulting MBA program. Gemma Townley provides a deep character driven tale of romance in the world of big business.

Magic Hour
Kristin Hannah
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345467523, $23.95

The media and the parents of the victims and even the survivors hold child psychiatrist Dr. Julia Cates culpable after a teenage patient of three years Amber Zuniga went on a rampage killing four peers. However, no one holds Julia to task more than she does herself as she keeps looking over what she did, trying to figure out what she could have done different to prevent the tragedy. In between the Pacific and the Olympic National Forest, Rain Valley is a tiny insulated town, but has a problem. Chief of Police Ellie Barton pleads with her sister Julia to come to the northwest to help a mute little girl who came out of the nearby woods; local assumption is the child was raised by wolves. Julia heads north to work with the child she names Alice. Local Dr. Max Cerrasin assists her as she tries to reach Alice and learn who her parents are while also rejecting the persistent courting advances of her new medical partner. MAGIC HOUR is a deep character driven tale that grips the audience once the depressed Julia leaves Los Angeles for the Pacific Northwest and never slows down until the final encounter. The exciting story line is driven by the emotional needs of Julia as much as by Alice. Who the child is and who her parents are lead to a fine mystery (similar to a real story from the early twentieth century) to a superb drama.

A Hole in Juan
Gillian Roberts
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345480198, $23.95, 240 pp.

It is been almost a month since Amanda Pepper and Mackenzie were married but now that the schoolteacher is considered family, her husband's kin send his nephew Pip stay with them for a while until he calms down and gets over his broken heart. Her spouse, a former homicide detective, is now in school studying to get his PH.D in criminology. He is a part time private investigator and Amanda is learning to be on call they can supplement her income from Philly Prep. Mischief Night is coming up soon but the atmosphere at the school is dark and foreboding as the senior students are not acting like themselves. Physics teacher Juan Reyes is complaining that equipment disappears and reappears and blames his students who think he is too hard and strict with them. Amanda is getting notes that point to something terrible happening at the Friday Mischief party at the school. Two female students who are supposedly best friends are constantly arguing and two males who were best buddies have a vicious altercation. Professor Reyes is seriously injured in what police think is an accident but is in reality a sadistic prank that viciously backfires on the students who caused it. All these happenings are linked but unless Amanda figures out what it all means, a terrible tragedy will occur. Gillian Roberts has written another exciting mystery that demonstrates how a mob can rule and force their collective mindset on another person. After reading this book readers will understand how a Columbine situation can happen if stops aren't taken to prevent it. A HOLE IN JUAN is a chilling and terrifying storyline involving crimes that are beyond comprehension yet seem plausible. The protagonist takes action making her a true heroine.

The Kill
Allison Brennan
Ballantine Books
ISBN: 0345485238, $6.99

Olivia "Livie" St. Martin tries to stop the man with the blue bird on his arm from abducting her older sister Melissa, but he just slaps the little girl away and throws Missy inside his black truck. As he drives off, Livie's parents hearing her screams race outside, but they are too late. Her mom hugs Olivia, but that was the last squeeze she ever received from her. Over three decades later, Olivia is Director of Trace Evidence and Materials Analysis at the FBI lab in Virginia when her former husband Dr. Greg van Burns informs her that the DNA of the man she testified abducted her sibling, Brian Harrison Hall, does not match a hair found on Missy's corpse. Hall is freed while Livie is stunned as the only thing that relieved her survival guilt was the conviction of her sibling's rapist-killer. Needing to learn the truth, she breaks office procedures by leaving the lab to do field work. Olivia quickly finds evidence that a serial killer is loose and has been for years; his last known victim in Seattle where she teams up with workaholic Police Detective Zack Travis to stop a clever psychopath and to figure out who killed Missy. THE KILL is a fast-paced character driven investigative tale starring a stunned heroine who knows the irony that her field of expertise exonerated Hall. The romance between Livie and Zack seems somewhat forced, as the investigation takes front and center as the crime lab guru and the homicide detective follow clues that take several intriguing twists. Fans of police procedurals with an overwrought obsessed star will want to read Allison Brennan's fine thriller and seek her two previous FBI tales (See THE PREY and THE HUNT).

Little White Lies
Gemma Townley
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345486862, $6.99, 320 pp.

Sick of living in Bath and wanting to taste swinging London, Natalie Raglan quits her job at an advertising firm and ends her relationship with her boyfriend. Once her ties to Bath end, she moves to London. However, just because she moved to the big city does not mean anything has changed except that Nat feels even more alone than ever. More embarrassing is that outside of bills, wrong numbers, and crank calls, the previous renter Cressida Langdon receives all the friendly calls and fun mail. However, the frustrating turning point occurs when Cressida receives an invitation to attend a gala at swanky Soho House. Unable to resist Nat decides to attend pretending she is Cressida. Rubbing elbows at bashes at the Soho House with the rich and famous is great, but it is dating investment banker Simon that makes Nat feels she is dancing on clouds for she loves him, but also feels part of her is in the pits of hell because he loves swinging urbane Cressida not mousy Natalie. This character driven tale centers on a lonely individual who remakes herself by "stealing" someone else's image. Natalie soon learns several life lessons on deception yet also believes that without it she would never have tasted love ("far better to have loved �"). Readers will empathize with Nat as she hobnobs with the elite, which was her dream until she met Simon who she believes fell in love with her Cressida persona not the real Natalie. Fans of contemporary fiction will appreciate Natalie's dilemma for she knows she must reveal the truth, but that will end her relationship with the man she loves as trust is important.

Murder at the Foul Line
Edited by Otto Penzler
Mysterious
ISBN: 0446696315, $13.95

Using real anecdotal examples from headlines over the last two decades Otto Penzler implies that modern day basketball and criminal behavior share the courts. Thus this marriage led to the fourteen short stories that make up the fine MURDER AT THE FOUL LINE. The contributors are a who's who of mystery though some are surprises as the sport link is not evident in their resumes. Each tale is solid with some contributions (those of George Pelecanos and Laurie R. King) being backboard shattering dunks that Chocolate Thunder would have relished adding to his repertoire. Overall a fun steady anthology with no air balls, but few fast break slam dunks; still sports mystery readers will enjoy the compilation as the violations by the protagonists lead to a winning series of shots.

All in One Piece
Cecelia Tishy
Mysterious
ISBN: 0892967978, $24.95, 307 pp.

After divorcing her wealthy husband and losing much of her income, psychic Reggie Cutter moves into the townhouse she inherited from her aunt Jo in Boston's South End. Jo was a psychic who helped the police on many cases and Reggie is following in her footsteps. Her life takes a dangerous twist when she gets hit by a car. Her upstairs tenant Steven Damelin sees the incident and believes it was t an accident not someone deliberately trying to kill her. After getting her fixed up Stephen talks about a deal that Jo was going to invest in and ask Reggie if she is interested. She puts him off. That night she hears strange noises and the next morning she sees blood dripping from Steve's apartment into hers; she opens his door and sees him lying on his floor, the victim of a gruesome murder. Since she is involved the police don't want her working the case. She intends to listen to them but she has a vision of Steve in water and a piece of wood hitting him. She decides to do her own investigation by interviewing plenty of suspects who had reason to kill him, and almost winds up getting killed by a murderer without mercy. ALL IN ONE PIECE is a charming amateur sleuth mystery with the eccentric cast of characters adding humor to this who-done-it. The protagonist is a down to earth person who thinks of her psychic powers as a tool to be used as one more investigative method while readers will look at her as the kind neighbor next door that everyone likes. Cecelia Tishy has a knack for creating a plausible mystery with a paranormal twist.

The Tenth Circle
Jodi Picoult
Atria
ISBN: 0743496701, $26.00, 400 pp.

Daniel Stone was the only white child who lived in an Alaskan Eskimo village where because of his race, the boys picked on him until he finally acted out by stealing, vandalizing property, fighting and a host of other petty crimes. When he was eighteen, he left Alaska and reinvented himself and now is a mild mannered comic artist; a stay at home dad to his teenage daughter Trixie, who he will protect at any cost. Trixie is in love with Jason who dumped her for another girl but she does everything in her power to get him back. At an unsupervised teen party, Trixie tries to make Jason but it backfires and she returns home telling her father he raped her. Jason is arrested and let out on bond but the lead detective on the case finds inconsistencies in Trixie's story. Just when they are about to drop the case, a date rape drug is found in Trixie's blood taken when she went to the hospital right after she claimed rape. Jason is now going to be tried as an adult but that is not the end of the story only the beginning. Jodi Picoult always writes an exciting thriller wrapped around a social issue and in THE TENTH CIRCLE the concern is date rape and how it affects the victim, the family and the suspect. The plot takes so many unexpected twists that readers have no idea where the storyline will finally take them. The audience will empathize with Trixie, a young adult who is facing issues her parents never dealt with and she struggles to deal with them on his own. This book is going to make the New York Times bestseller list.

Behold the Many
Lois-Ann Yamanaka
FSG
ISBN: 0374110158, $24.00, 304 pp.

In 1939 Anah's daughter Hosana dies; though she mourns her loss, Anah prays that the death will lift the curse. In 1913 Hawaii, young Leah comes down with Tuberculosis; her mother tries to hide the illness, but is caught. The child is sent to a remote orphanage in the Kalihi Valley in the Ko'olau Mountains. One year later her sister Aki joins her and not long afterward another sibling Anah is sent there. In 1916 Leah dies and subsequently so does Aki. Anah vows to stay there forever and the ghosts of the children who have died there including her two sisters communicate with her. In 1924, Anah marries Ezroh with plans to finally leave the orphanage. However, the ghosts are angry and jealous that she is able to go anywhere while they cannot. They try to stop her marriage, but fail; however she and her family are cursed by one of the spirits. Over the years Anah has several children, but never overcame the guilt of surviving nor of leaving. In some ways BEHOLD THE MANY is a deep historical tale with plenty of insight into Hawaii and how tuberculosis victims were treated. However, it is the relationship when they lived and after they died between the surviving sister and her two deceased siblings that make for an eerie ghost story. Anah's beliefs that she communicates with all the dead children at the isolated clinic seems very real though some skeptics will say she compensated for her losses. Though time moves too fast making it somewhat difficult to follow, fans will relish this strong ghost story.

The Good Life
Jay McInerney
Knopf
ISBN: 0375411402, $25.00

Luke McGavock detests his upper class hollow life so he decides to make changes to the chagrin of his wife Sasha, who insists she covers both of their needs with her activity to help the poor through elitist charity galas. Their teenage daughter enjoys the material life that his financial job covers. He quits his high paying Wall St. financial job seeking something meaningful. At the same time that Luke is going through a soul searching, publisher Russell Calloway and his previous stay at home wife Corrine barely know one another anymore though they raised twins that were initially sired through the artificial insemination of her sister. Corrine now wants to do something meaningful so she is trying to break in as a screenwriter. 9/11 changes everything as Luke and Corrine meet at a Ground Zero soup-kitchen. They are immediately attracted to one another but seek comfort that they know their respective spouses will fail to provide to them after watching so much death and destruction. They turn to each other and begin an affair with both wondering what is truly THE GOOD LIFE. The deep look at how 9/11 affected the social life of Manhattan's upper crust make for an intriguing drama until the affair intercedes and brings the plot back to soap opera realm. The key four characters seems genuine especially the before and after Luke and Corrine. Meanwhile fans will ponder the philosophical title in a world that is five degrees from a suicide bomber.

Perfect Weapon
Amy J. Fetzer
Brava
ISBN: 0758211058, $14.00

Government scientist Dr. Sydney Hale cannot believe how her life has turned upside down. Assailants broke into the top secret lab killing everyone except her. She managed to escape barely, but flees in denial as people she has worked with are dead. The Feds assume she is behind the break-in and homicides. Hunting with pals, Special Operations Jack Wilson notices several men shooting at a woman on the run. He fires at the goons, forcing them to retreat and regroup, but soon finds his three friends dead courtesy of the snipers. Jack vows revenge, but first catches up with Sydney to learn what she knows. Her story makes him wonder if perhaps she conceals her role in the original lethal incident followed by a fall out amongst criminals. Still he smells typical DC cover-up so plans to keep the cute female Einstein alive until he learns the truth. Initially wary of one another, they begin to bond and fall in love, but the only way to survive is trust and neither feels comfortable testing the waters. Readers will dive head first into this exciting romance thriller and not come up for air until the final confrontations with the enemy and between the two heroic protagonists. The action-packed story line starts off seemingly with brawn meets brain (some might classify it as beauty and the beast), but the audience will quickly realize that Einstein's female clone is in pretty good physical shape and the Marine can use the muscle inside his skull. Fans of espionage suspense thrillers will want to join the distrusting duet on the lam as Amy J. Fetzer provides what will prove to be one of the sub-genre's best of the year.

I Love You to Death
Amy Garvey
Brava
ISBN: 0758210396, $14.00

"My Love Life is Killing Me". With the ink not quite dry on her divorce papers, Alex looks forward to dating again, but is not sure how to take the dive. Her best friend comes through arranging a blind date. Things initially seem okay until her date dies in the men's room with undercover private investigator John looking into what happened. Alex wants to team up with John, but he wants to form a personal relationship only as he does not want Alex to get hurt. "Dial M for Mortified". With her coffeehouse Sacred Grounds grinding near bankruptcy, Darcy needs a gimmick to get customers to come in once; she feels most will return. She throws a "blind date night" bash that turns into a monster success. At her gala is reporter Noah, who Darcy is attracted to even if he seems more like someone who failed to have his first caffeine fix. However, everything changes when someone adds a homicide to their coffee. "Dead Men Don't Write Checks". Elementary school teacher Franny feels she is a chivalrous knight protecting her neighborhood from the developers like the Landry Foundation that bulldoze historical buildings in the name of progress. She decides she must confront the dragon in his lair so she wears her sexiest outfit and crashes the Landry Foundation's annual fundraiser to tear down CEO Theo. Shockingly it is attraction at first sight between Theo and Franny until one of the opponents dies during dessert. These are three amusing blind date romantic suspense thrillers with homicides to spice up the relationships between the protagonists. Readers will appreciate Amy Garvey's fun I LOVE YOU TO DEATH as long as they do not have a blind date on the horizon.

Bad Boys Ahoy!
Sylvia Day
Brava
ISBN: 0758212518, $14.00

Stolen Pleasures. Earl Sebastian Blake left the boredom of the Ton behind especially the narrowness of the inane rules to become a pirate; shockingly the blueblood became quite good as a bluebeard known as the notorious Captain Phoenix. When he captures a feral big mouth female, she stuns him by claiming that their fathers married them by proxy as her name is Lady Blake. She shocks him further as she rips his skin off with her temper that shows no fear of him; only his kisses shuts her up except for that desirable moaning. Lucien's Gamble. Womanizer Lucien Remington lives by the golden rule in which he has the gold so he makes the rule. He is a notorious womanizer who is considered a social pariah despite his wealth. However, his antics costs him his heart's desire, Lady Julienne La Coeur until dressed as a male she enter a private all men's club seeking her foolish brother. Lucien sees opportunity and seizes the moment as his body would recognize his heart's desire regardless of her disguise. Her Mad Grace. Hugh La Coeur prefers wine, women and wagering more than being an Earl. However, he finds himself stuck in a dilapidated mansion owned by a crazy duchess. However, though he wants to allude his hostess, Hugh wants to sleep with the companion Charlotte even though she obviously hides something from him; something that could prove dangerous to him if he learns what her secret is. BAD BOYS AHOY! contains three wonderful historical novellas starring strong females ready to battle against and on the side of the bad boys they love. The robust compassionate courageous women make for a fine time as they do not fear men who make other males shake in fear and ladies tremble in anticipation. This is a fine "Bad Boys" entry.

Crown of Stars
Kate Elliot
Daw
ISBN: 075640326X, $25.50, 540 pp.

When the Aoi crash landed on their return to Earth after centuries in the aether, the collision caused a cataclysm that led to earthquakes, flooding and the sun to disappear behind a cloud of dust. The people can't plant crops because the frost lingers and food is in short supply. New lands and alliances are formed and King Sanglant of Wendor is trying to bring his people together to ride out the after effects of the collision. When he consolidates his reign, he wants to annex Varree as it once belonged to the empire. Sanglant knows that he will not have an easy rule since many want what he has and the church refuses to recognize his marriage to the excommunicated Liaeth, a fire daimon who is not quite human but a woman he will not forsake. Relatives in his family who rule in their own realm want to conquer Sanglant's land and annex them into the Lady Sabella's dominion. The Ashioi, who are finally reunited with their exiled brethren, plan to invade the human lands in revenge for what was done to them. Fighting battles against their enemies, Liaeth must prove she is a worthy consort for her one true love while Sanglant tries to hold his country together. In a land where the creatures of myth and legend are very real, humans must learn to understand and if necessary fight those who want nothing less than all humans' dead. Political intrigue and battles abound in CROWN OF STARS but the love that Sanglant feels for his wife is the shiniest light in the heavens and gives him the strength to do what he thinks is right. Liaeth is a woman of incredible strength, power and beauty who battles deadly magical creatures, befriends people who reject her and learns that her strength and love for Sanglant makes her a formidable foe to his enemies. Kate Elliot concludes her series with a powerful and brilliant epic fantasy.

The Radioactive Redhead
John Zakour and Lawrence Ganem
Daw
ISBN: 0756402824, $6.99

In 2060 feeling at times extinct especially when he is on a case, Zachary Nixon Johnson is the last private eye on Earth. His assistant Artificial Intelligence HARV has been downloaded into his brain. Though helpful HARV seems to find ways to irritate Zach especially when he experiments on himself without warning the sleuth. However, this time his partner goes to far when HARV decides to find his feminine side and undergoes a sex change operation so that he is now the she HARA. Zach goes to the Oakland Kabuki Palace Theater and Dinette to meet with a potential client. Kabuki Droid Assassins try to kill him as part of the production The Revenge of the Forty-Seven Samurai. He survives the onslaught and manages to save the life of teen superstar Sexy Sprockets, who the People Against Talentless Acts (PATA) want dead. Things turn worse when the beleagured sleuth learns he is also the star of a new reality show Let's kill Zach so he asks his psi "niece" Carol to help him before realizing that she dyed her hair red same as Sexy and HARA; three redheads cannot be good for anyone's health let alone the world's last private detective. As always in a Zachary tale, zaniness rules as the last living private eye struggles with three lethal scenarios. The network's reality show stars him in a death role; PATA efforts to kill Sexy though he somewhat agrees with their cause; and finally dealing with three volatile redheads at the same time that could lead any male into suicide just to escape. The amusing science fiction mystery story line is lighthearted fun as the escapades keeping coming at Zach.

Retribution, Inc.
Geoff Cooper
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587671123, $30.00

In Brackard's Point, New York, guitarist Ronnie leaves the band Retribution, Inc. to attend the Full Sail audio production program in Florida. His departure leaves base playing singer Chuck and drummer Mark in need of a guitarist fast since they are the opening act for renowned Your Kid's On Fire at an upcoming concert. Mark tries to persuade Joey to leave Chaos Theory, but he refuses. Desperate, the duo tries an open audition hoping someone in Westchester, Putnam, or Bergen Counties can strum a guitar. Ernie the nerd looks anything like a fierce rock band member, but he plays angry punk rock with compassionate and skill. He learns his segues fast and apparently has the gig though whenever he plays his fingers bleed. However, when Joey becomes free, Mark wants to drop Ernie for the better imaged guitarist, but Chuck disagrees. Will the band break up over the selection of the third member or will they find a compromise? Neither Chuck nor Mark is ready for the destructive path their disagreement leads them to. RETRIBUTION, INC. is a tremendous lyrical portrayal of a local rock and roll band buckling under the stress of replacing a member that might simply end with the break-up as egos take control of the decision process. The story line though only involving four individuals runs the gamut of the five stages of group dynamics from forming (in this case re-forming), norming, storming, performing and adjourning; though that climax to the group seems overkill. Each of the four musicians is unique bringing different skills and personalities to the band. Fans will appreciate this dark look at the competitive egomaniacal nature of music band members even those who are just escaping garage grunge.

The Illustrated Stephen King Trivia Book
Edited by Brian Freeman and Bev Vincent
illustrated by Glenn Chadbourne
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587671085, $20.00, 404 pp.

Obviously for fans of the renowned author, this collection asks trivia questions involving King or his works, offers hints and ultimately the answers. His works are further broken down into separate chapters re the novels, novellas and short stories. Other chapters include his books written as Richard Bachman and the Dark Tower series. Finally, his movies, non-fiction endeavors and miscellaneous musings fill up three more segments of the lighthearted entertaining book. Fans of Mr. King will fully enjoy this seemingly complete trivia homage that digs as deep anything you can find; for instance asking which Red Sox player had his name misspelled in The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon?. The illustrations add eerie depth as well as posing additional trivia questions associated with them. Clearly aimed at Kingophiles like the SKEMERS (Stephen King E-MailERs), whose founder Michelle L. Revelle, provides an afterward, casual fans of the author will also enjoy this fun book. Of course adding to the pleasure, this reviewer trounced her spouse.

Fearful Symmetries
Thomas F. Monteleone
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587670534, $40.00

This is a terrific compilation of many of Thomas F. Monteleone's horror-dark fantasy tales published mostly in the 1980s (nine) and 1990s (fifteen) with two from this decade. Each entry includes a newly written "introduction" (more like background information/commentary) that enhances the reading and footnotes that though insightful and interesting can prove distracting. The stories run the gamut of horror and dark fantasy from obsession and revenge suspense to black magic and lethal monsters. Every contribution is gripping but especially thrilling is those (most of them) in which Mr. Monteleone avoids overindulging his morality gene such as "The Roadside Scalpel" and "Rehearsals". Some eerie scary illustrations by Matt Eames augment this fine anthology that fans of the author or the horror genre will want to read.

The Necromancer
Douglas Clegg
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587670712, $35.00

Justin Gravesend was born in Cwthshire, Wales in the middle of the nineteenth century to a grim mother and a fiery devout father, who firmly believed in using the rod. Unhappy at home and also feeling like something is missing from his soul, Justin turns to keeping a journal. As he grows up in hell under the abuse of his strict father Justin learns why he feels like a demi-person; his twin died during a plague. Fixated on his sibling, Justin digs up the grave to find his brother did not die from disease, but from a bullet in his head. When his father confronts him for breaking the commandments especially having sex, he clammy refutes their piousness with his knowledge of the homicide. Now understanding the value of knowledge and information, Justin leaves the coal mines and his fundamentalist parents to make his fortune and find a place where he belongs in the world especially when his uncle sends him to University where he meets the Necromancer in a brothel. Justin Gravesend has found his mentor into the realm of Chymera Magick and his path that will lead to Harrow House. This is a terrific prequel to the Harrow House novels as readers obtain an intriguing look at Gravesend through his late nineteenth century journal and a scholarly introduction to Necromancy by Rutherford University Professor Wandigaux. Together these segments give this strong "coming of age" horror tale a deep Victorian Era feel. Fans of the series will treasure this brilliant work while newcomers will go chasing after the rest of the series because this clever creative tale is not enough; fans will want the rest of the story.

The Folks
Ray Garton
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587670380, $40.00

After the fire ravaged his face, Andy Sayers came to live with his grandma in the remote village Pinecrest, isolated even from other towns on Mount Crag. Andy lives apart from the townsfolk not just because he finds their fundamentalist Christian control insidious but also because adults look at his face in horror. Still he has dated though his ex-girlfriend recently became the victim of a serial killer. He earns a scholarship to attend the local Hand of God College, which elates his true believing grandma that he will find Jesus there. On Halloween, Amanda Bollinger drives Andy to a nearby graveyard where she seduces him with her incredibly elongated tongue, but as he is in the midst of passion something wrong grips his testicles. He wants to run, but Amanda persuades him to come to the family mansion where he meets her family, a brood of people the result of incest with physical and mental disorders that would make a circus side show seem normal. Because of his scarred visage, he is the Chosen One to lead THE FOLKS of the Bollinger brood. Though the graphic details of the FOLKS may turn off some readers, fans of gothic horror will enjoy this tense thriller. The story line of to be or not to be a Bollinger takes a back seat to the sinister suspense laden atmosphere in which the audience expects bad things to happen to Andy. Several key members of the Bollinger minion have distinct personalities including the patriarch who wants to groom Andy as his heir, the sex predator Amanda, and a boy-man with strange ethics. Not a typical read, fans who appreciate something different in their horror tales will want to read this cross between Layton's Beast House and Browning's Freaks.

Fourbodings
Edited by Peter Crowther
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587670909, $40.00

"So Long Gerry" by Terry Lamsley. The flat is in a perfect location, the cost reasonable and the ability to move in immediately elates "mature" student Gerry Royal. However, ideal turns surreal when a stranger asks for Maggie; Gerry soon begins to wonder if he shares his flat with the previous occupant as her past seems to want to replace his present. "Langthwaite Road" by Simon Clark. When his friend Paul Robertson died on Langthwaite Road, Vic Blake begins researching the history of what he learns is a deadly place where in the last five years, eighteen people have died and thirty severely injured in car accidents. He soon believes that there is more to the road than just pavement. Guitar in hand and faith he is doing the right thing, he plans to exorcise Langthwaite Road. "In the Valley Where the Belladonna Grows" by Tim Lebbon. Sixteen years have passed since Mary last seen another human, but now a man offers her freedom. She rejects it. The next day another man arrives saying her spouse Sherlock wants her home, but she refuses having never forgotten his betrayal. Others follow until she ponders whether she should visit her apparently dying husband. "Stumps" by Mark Morris. In the garden of their new home, the Morgan family of four find polished "stumps". For no apparent reason, these stumps frighten the family patriarch Colin who begins losing his grip on reality as he believes his past has come calling on him from the graveyard. These are four interesting horror tales grips the audience because each one contains everyday people caught by something paranormal that initially seems so forebodingly normal.

The Eyes of the Carp
T. M. Wright
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587671115, $30.00

Kevin grew up in a household with seven siblings, his parents, and a menagerie of animals. He knew death when he was young as his dad had a tendency to back up without looking so was always running over a pet or two until the day he ran over his three years old daughter Doris. Forty years later on his deathbed, he tells his only surviving child Kevin that he wishes he never hit Doris. Over the years filled with death, Kevin learns to speak with ghosts who over time have become his only friends; phantasms like Ghastly William and Fat Leonard, his late dad or some other dead blood relative. He keeps track of his encounters in a journal, but when he looks back he wonders about his spouse; neither William nor Leonard can explain where she fits into his life as she seems just out of his reach even when they touch. THE EYES OF THE CARP is a complex character driven ghost story though readers will wonder if the phantoms are real or the imagination of an individual who has lost his mind. The journal entries make the circular plot that arcs to various points but never linear (even on the circle) difficult to follow and requires a one sitting read (the novella format is perfect for this thriller), but it is worth the time as the audience will find the logic behind what seems insane ramblings of a deluded soul whose mind is spiraling out of control fascinating. This terrific psychological ghostly tale will send readers seeking other such horror stories from T.M. Wright (see COLD HOUSE).

Black Fire
James Kidman
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587671069, $40.00

In Black Hills, Pennsylvania, seven years ago, eighteen-year-old high school student Eddie Farris killed his abusive father, a prison guard in what the teen later called The Showdown. Eddie has since become a macabre caricature of a boogeyman; everybody talks about him in a ghoulish way. The isolation started with his girlfriend Rachel fleeing Black Hills right after the lethal Showdown. Still over the next seven years the lonely Eddie tries to overcome the Showdown mental aftermath by following his psychiatrist's advice to write it down; though that has not proven a total catharsis, it helps. Eddie constantly wonders if things would have been different if his younger sister Mary did not die when she was four in an accident, but also believes his dad accidentally killed her during one of his abuser moments. After seven years away, Rachel returns home accompanied by her son, Eddie's child no one bothered to tell him about. She claims that his father is harassing her with increasingly threatening phone calls, but Eddie killed his sire in the Showdown or did he? He notices someone in the shadows stalking him, taunting him, threatening him. BLACK FIRE is a terrific tale that keeps the audience guessing whether Eddie finally lost his tenuous grip on sanity, is being set up by others to lose his mind, or his dead dad dancing from the cemetery. Thus, readers will consistently consider between psychological suspense and horror as James Kidman slowly delivers clues then and now by rotating between the present and the Showdown. Strong thriller starring an intriguing individual who at best has crossed the line between rational thinking and insanity as his past catches up to him now perhaps with something evil from beyond.

Friday Night in Beast House
Richard Laymon
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587670348, $35.00

In Malcasa Point, California teenager Mark physically fantasizes that one day he will date Alison. Mustering up his courage he finally asks her out; she accepts on the stipulation that he spend FRIDAY NIGHT IN BEAST HOUSE after it closes. Excited he agrees to meet her stipulation hoping this is the ticket to ecstasy even though he knows the day time tourist attraction has been the sight of several ghastly homicides. On Friday night Mark breaks into Beast House. He proceeds to hide in the Beast Hole hoping to quietly pass time and emerge as a hero in the eyes of Alison. However, Beast House earned its reputation for grisly inexplicable murders and soon Mark and Alison will learn even wet fantasies can turn nightmarish in the wrong environs. Richard Laymon's final Beast House tale is a terrific entry in a great series that like it predecessors (see THE CELLAR, THE BEAST HOUSE and THE MIDNIGHT TOUR) hooks the audience into a complacency that slowly turns into tension and suspense wondering what will happen next to Mark. The delightful protagonist slowly realizes how much trouble he is in as he learns the truth about Beast House. Not quite at the emotional roller coaster levels of the previous three novels; this tale is a tense gripping thriller that will have readers searching for the previous books.

Blue November Storms
Brian Freeman
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587671107, $30.00

In Beacon Point, Pennsylvania, the townsfolk named the high school football stars the "The Lightning Five" for their athletic exploits. Steven, Harry, Joe, Matt, and Adam were best friends and even built the Summer Place in the woods overlooking the nearby lake together. However, a girl died there, but instead of investigating what happened, the fearsome fivesome were treated like heroes. Two decades later, Adam, who the others thought was dead as he seemingly vanished, calls his friends to ask them to meet him at Summer Place. Adam never truly overcame the tragedy that haunts him still, much more so than his buddies. Excited over the prospect of seeing him for the first time in years, Steven, Harry, Joe, and Matt agree to a twenty year reunion at The Summer Place. The five meet filled with nostalgia and excitement, but also lingering is the one dark episode., However, a meteor shower suddenly attacks from the sky with unnatural blue stones hitting near where the quintet reunite. Not long afterwards the woodland animals go berserker trying to kill the trapped humans forced to retreat onto the roof of The Summer Place, an eerie reminder of the tragic pivotal moment in their lives with each remembering while wondering if they like the critters could turn into sociopath killers. BLUE NOVEMBER STORMS starts off as a deep psychological thriller in which the audience wonders what happened twenty years ago and why suddenly Adam reappears; however Brian Freeman sets the reader up as the tale digs inside the psyche and soul of the lead five, it twists into an old fashion B-movie horror tale (cross between King's Maximum Overdrive and the Ninja Turtles) yet retains that soul deep look at the ensemble as each wonders if the others will turn lethal. Brian Freeman provides a solid tale that fans will enjoy.

The Lost
Jack Ketchum
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587670216, $40.00

A bored or angry Ray Pye is a dangerous person. In June 1965 in Sparta, New Jersey, Ray, accompanied by his girlfriend Jennifer and his best friend Tim, goes camping when he sees two girls touching and hugging one another. He concludes they are lesbians, a sexual preference he abhors. He shoots and kills one and leaves the other in a comatose state. Four years later, the second girl dies. Neither Jennifer nor Tim snitch on Ray and no other evidence links the sociopath killer to the crime. Tim and Jennifer fear Ray and do anything he demands of them. Jennifer continues to have sex with Ray though he openly cheats on her all the time. When Katherine enters his life, Ray falls in love his style. However, she dumps him leading to a rampage that makes his previous homicides seem like a night at the opera. Jack Ketchum is a master of suspense and horror of the human variety. With each new novel he writes, Mr. Ketchum's plots seem to become scarier and scarier. THE LOST is horror at the edge of reality. The story line seems lifted from headlines making it even more frighteningly plausible. Readers deeply believe in what this Bram Stoker winner writes, there is probably a high correlation between installing new security systems and the release of a new Mr. Ketchum chiller.

Roll Them Bones
David Niall Wilson
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587670682, $30.00, 130 pp.

Big Ronnie demands his three childhood associates, who became his friends after the incident bonded them, Jason, Frank, and Lizzy return home to Random, Illinois to complete what they started years ago. They thought that had destroyed the horror, but as Ronnie has informed them, they failed to finish the job. This Halloween they must achieve what they did not do when they were preadolescents. Though years have passed, the incident when they were twelve years old still haunts each of them. Thus the trio race home to Ronnie's summoning. It has wrecked one's marriage and permeates every word of the horror novelist amongst them. Now the quartet knows they must confront it again, but each is wary as they know they ROLL THE BONES for the second time, but this time luck may not be with them and if not they will roll death. Readers will wonder from the start what did the foursome confront as kids and will meet shortly as adults. The tension builds up until the altercation, but then picks up even more suspense until the final watery climax. David Niall Wilson cleverly keeps the audience off balance for a while wondering if this is a psychological thriller or supernatural chiller until the author brings the readers and the quartet into the beginnings of the confrontation. ROLL THEM BONES is a magnificent tale about for some you can't go home while others may have physically left but never mentally departed.

The Hides
Kealan Patrick Burke
Cemetery Dance
ISBN: 1587671204, $40.00

Seventeen years old Ohio teenager Timmy Quinn has the uncanny ability to help homicide victims obtain a modicum of revenge by sharing his gift with the murderers. Over the objections of his mother sick of the visits from the curious, the desperate, and the crazies, he agrees to help his neighbor Mr. Knox with his burden, but explains that it is up to the spirit whether to communicate with Quinn; some have moved on while others just do not want to be seen by any living being. However, the case shakes him at a time when he is vulnerable with his parents splitting. His father asks Quinn to come to their ancestral home in Dungarvan, Ireland to especially meet his grieving paternal grandmother. Though reluctant to leave his mom behind, Quinn thinks this is the right thing to do so he travels across the Atlantic. However, instead of solace in the sea town, he finds the ghosts there much more gruesome looking than back in the States. He wonders why and who the brutal killer could be. He begins to investigate not understanding that he places himself in danger of being the next victim. Though the ending defies the Burke Law of paranormal-physics (as established throughout by the encounters) THE HIDES is a fantastic ghost story that grips readers from the moment a desperate Knox asks Timmy for his help and continues at a fast pace when the teen takes his skills to Ireland. The action-packed story line works because Timmy and his supernatural talent seem genuine so that the audience believes in ghosts and other apparitions. Horror fans will take immense "gruesome" delight reading Kealan Patrick Burke's solid chiller.

Captain Rakehell
Lynn Michaels
Delphi
ISBN: 097651852X, $14.95

Her parents and her twin brother Andrew demand she marry Napoleonic War hero Captain Lesley Earnshaw, but Lady Amanda Gilbertson refuses. Her memory of Lesley is that of a bully. She prefers to spend her time doing intellectual things though much of their communication is correspondence that Andrew serves as intermediary with Lesley's older brother Charles, a duke. About to leave the military Captain Lesley Earnshaw refuses his family's efforts to wed him to childhood pest Lady Amanda Gilbertson, who he assumes, is a loser having failed to find a match in three seasons with rumors that she has been waiting for his return. Besides not having any desire to be pursued by the nuisance, Lesley figures that the loser must be pathetically idiotic or ugly, and probably both. Lesley and Amanda set in motion separate brilliant schemes to avoid the other. However, instead, their perfect plots force them together in escapades and misadventures that allow each one to realize that life would prove tedious without the other as love begins to blossom between them, but identities remain hidden. CAPTAIN RAKEHELL is a reprint (under the name Jane Lynson) of a rousing Regency romantic romp. Sub-genre fans will appreciate the antics of the lead couple as their plots intermingle causing the opposite of what they first intended. The support cast adds to the amusement of two souls avoiding marriage to one another except their endeavors propel them together and in love. Lynn Michaels provides a fabulous historical that hopefully will also lead to the reprint of the sequel, THE DUKE'S DOWNFALL.

Angelos
Robina Williams
Twilight Times
ISBN: 1933353600, $16.95

Not to long ago, Brother Jerome past away, but in his mind he feels busier now than when he lived. Ironically he was a stay at home monk rather than a traveling soul as he is now especially when his friend Leo the live friary feline takes him on one of those weird adventures as his "dead" cat guide Quant. At the friary, the new guardian Father Aidan seems opposite to his reputation of being an easy going person; instead he is tight and sets strict rules that disturb the brothers. Unbeknownst to all the residents except Leo, Father Aidan is undergoing a faith crisis with no one human to turn to for help. Instead he finds some renewal with paintings, but to fully regain his lost soul he will need a feline miracle. However, Quant is to busy to show his Seraph soul to the skeptical Guardian. Brother Jerome, due to a freak accident, has exchanged places with the Ancient Crete Minotaur. While he resides in the Labyrinth uninterested in dining on teens, the bull relaxes at the monastery's modern day shed looking for some meat. ANGELOS, the sequel to the fabulous JEROME AND THE SERAPH, is a delightful fantasy that uses humor to tell a deep philosophical tale. The story line moves forward (stop quibbling - back in time too) as the audience, Jerome and Aidan receive a feline education that showcases the true meaning of relativity. Life including religious choices depends more on the era and locale than on the dogma. Robina Williams provides a terrific tale that the audience will cherish.

By the Sword
Mike Yorkey and Rick Myatt
Broadman & Holman
ISBN: 0805440739, $14.99, 320 pp.

During Passover, commandos assault the Jewish Bottstein family in their home in Jerusalem threatening to kill them or else. When pregnant Kareh chose or else they kill her and her unborn; the other members of her family including her three years old son were already dead. Other attacks occur in Jerusalem during the night. Washington National newspaper reporter Amber Robbins has covered the Middle East for two years, but has never seen or heard of such a coordinated slaughter as the Passover Massacre. While the West claims extremists caused the horrible destruction, Amber connects the massacre to recent bombings of churches and synagogues. Soon Amber identifies the fanatical sect Islamic Revolution behind the murders as the charismatic Ayatollah Hoseni demands a sea of Islam with no infidels anywhere; convert to Allah or die. While the attacks are spreading and growing in intensity, the West clings to its obstinate message that only a few are causing the lethal problems, but Amber believes otherwise; she feels Ayatollah Hoseni has powerful sponsors including Iran and perhaps even the royal Saudi family. This action thriller seems over the edge unless readers have read Richard Clark's Against All Enemies or Scorpion's Gate; if they have, BY THE SWORD suddenly seems plausible. Fans will appreciate this frightening tale that contains a strong cautionary message to beware because any extreme fundamentalist group can prove dangerous when they insist it is only their way (maybe Wal-Mart should call it the Hanukkah or Kwanza season). Amber is a courageous soul, but is clearly out of her depths in her opposition to the Ayatollah Hoseni and his powerful supporters.

Crazy Wild
Tara Janzen
Dell
ISBN: 0440242606, $6.99

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special operations and Low Intensity Conflict the Honorable William J. Davies orders General Buck Grant to shut down the Columbian job immediately. He wants three of the four agents to handle a potential terrorist act in the American Heartland where a Soviet nuclear bomb is headed. He also demands Buck not use that lunatic Creed Rivera, the ghost killer. However, Hawkins, Hart or Chronopolous are unavailable even if Buck could find any of them; thus he sends Creed without a leash leaving behind his comrade and the two terrorist killers they stalk. Outraged Creed flies to Denver to abduct the most dangerous woman in the world, Cordelia "Cody" Stark, who looks like the poster child for librarians rather than an international nuclear arms broker. However, as Creed stalks her waiting to make his move, three brutes attack her. With her cover broken and unable to shake Creed who saved her life, Cody flees knowing that if caught she will spend time in Leavenworth, but at least the map that everyone wants is stacked away in a terrific hideout in plain sight. The third "Crazy" tale is a wild romantic suspense starring perhaps the craziest of the foursome and the only woman for him, the courageous somewhat kooky Cody. The story line like its predecessors (see CRAZY HOT and CRAZY COOL) is fast-paced from the moment that Creed arrives in Colorado and never slows down until the final altercation in which all hell breaks loose with Cody in the middle. Fans of the miniseries and sub-genre readers will enjoy the tale of the "Blond Bimbo and the Bomb mostly due to the two "bad to the bone" protagonists.

Unplugged
Lois Greiman
Dell
ISBN: 0440242630, $6.99, 339 pp.

Chrissy McMullen went from being an Illinois cocktail waitress to a Los Angeles psychologist; between her two professions she considers herself an expert on the human condition. Her best friend Laney Butterfield works as her receptionist and there isn't anything she wouldn't do for her including finding her boyfriend Jeen Solberg who disappeared at a convention in Las Vegas for techno-geeks. This is a true test of friendship because she can't stand Solberg who she calls many derogatory names to everyone but Laney. Solberg's boss has not heard from him but isn't worried because in Vegas Jeen told him he needed a few days vacation time. Nobody else has heard from him either including his co-workers and next door neighbor. Solberg calls Chrissy to ask her to meet him at a designated location. When she goes to get her car two thugs abduct and manhandle her but she escapes. She learns that Solberg's boss thinks he embezzled, $500,000 dollars from the company but Chrissy is sure that is not true and he is in trouble. She asks questions and ends up turning herself over to the real perpetrator in return for letting the person he kidnapped go. Now Chrissy is alone with some very dangerous men and has no idea how to extricate herself from the situation. Lois Greiman's protagonist is a cross between Stephanie Plum and Harry Minor of the Mrs. Murphy series. Chrissy gets herself into zany, dangerous and unusual predicaments like Stephanie but she also has the savvy of Harry which allows her to extricate herself from potentially lethal situations without the help of a man. Lieutenant Jack Rivera is sticking to Chrissy in the hopes she will confide in him and like in UNZIPPED the sexual tension is so thick, one can cut it with a knife. The mystery is well written and readers will thoroughly UNPLUGGED.

Species
Michael McBride
Black Death
ISBN: 0974768049, $15.00, 305 pp.

Her architectural husband Brad Morris mentioned that the hollow leg bones on big dinosaurs seems from an engineering perspective impossible; thinking about it the pregnant Jennifer begins to theorize that perhaps an external organism attacked the mallow. However, her opportunity to prove her theory goes wrong with the entire paleontology team dead, but before dying Jennifer manages to call Brad to save their child. Several years later, pandemic destruction leaves few survivors. Brad and his son William meet a few other survivors as they make their way to sanctuary. Shannon, Jason, Nancy, her son Tim and her sister Cindy, and Trick stay alive while watching loved ones die horribly. Corpses are everywhere. None understand why they are the chosen to live when others died so horribly. In common they share a genetic mutation that has allowed them to become the survivors of the malady. The world they knew is gone and no longer safe for middle class people. One more death occurs while strange psychic powers blossom. The human SPECIES has taken the next Darwinian step of survival of the fittest. Michael McBride provides a fabulous end of the world thriller that grabs the attention of the audience from the moment of the initial tragedy and never gives readers a moment to catch their breaths until the final tragedy occurs. The action-packed story line is at first difficult to follow as several subplots involving the survivors occur, but that also enables fans to meet the key players and sense the big picture scope of the calamity as well feel the impact on the shocked individuals. Book one of the SPECIES trilogy is a winner that will have fans seeking out the next tale, SPECIES: THE HIVE.

The Conjurer's Bird
Martin Davies
Crown
ISBN: 1400097339, $24.00

In 1774, during Captain Cook's second expedition in the South Pacific, the crew captures the thrush-like Mysterious Bird of Ulieta. Cook presents the unique specimen, only one of its kind ever seen, to his highly renowned friend, naturalist Sir Joseph Banks, who was on the first trek. Stuffed and given a place of honor as the rarest creature in Joseph's collection, the bird ultimately vanishes at the same time his lover Mary Burnett, who disguised as a man sailed on the second trek, disappeared. Over two centuries later, wealthy collector Karl Anderson and his lover Gabriella persuades her ex, British conservationist John "Fitz" Fitzgerald, to search for the Mysterious Bird of Ulieta. Though he has not heard her voice in fourteen years and wants nothing to do with a search he catalogues with extinct species, the enthusiasm of his lodger Katya convinces him to agree. While Karl wants to add the bird's DNA to the Ark Gene project; American Emeric Potts searches for the valuable paintings that were reportedly encased with the lost bird. The two subplots rotate with the historical story line containing more energy perhaps because it is straightforward with fewer twists than the modern spin. Still the duality comes together nicely so that the audience receives a deep late eighteenth century slant inside a solid twentieth century thriller. Adding to the suspense is that the key casts in both eras seem genuine with many of the Cook crowd coming from real life. Martin Davies conjurers up the best bird investigation since the Maltese Falcon flew the coop.

Imposter
Davis Bunn
WestBow
ISBN: 0849944864, $19.99

FBI Agent Matt Kelly is stunned when he observes his mother killed by an apparent terrorist bomb. Unable to gain closure and told to take some leave to grieve his loss, Matt instead of relaxing is determined to find the culprit. Baltimore police officer Consuela "Connie" Morales rejects the sexual assaults of her boss; in retaliation for her refusal, her superior takes her off the street ands puts on internal desk duty. Outraged by the harassment and subsequent "unofficial" punishment, Connie decides to help Matt uncover the identity of his mother's killer. As they find clues, the dots seem to connect back to his father's military time in Viet Nam. His dad, a potential senatorial candidate, has received a major boost in the polls because of sympathy due to his wife's homicide; he demands Matt stop his investigation, but the Fed needs to know who and why. IMPOSTER is a terrific investigative thriller that grips the audience from the moment that Matt unable to not visualize his mom's death becomes fixated with the truth. The story line is loaded with suspense as he with the help of Connie finds each step closer to fulfilling his quest that much more dangerous and personal. The key cast is solid as the initially aloof Matt becomes ardent with his desire to know what happened while the women who enter his life during his pursuit soften him a bit with their beliefs in right and wrong yet also imbue him with courage and determination. Davis Bunn provides a powerful suspense thriller with the faith elements cleverly enhancing the superb story.

Dark Lord - The Rise of Darth Vader
James Luceno
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345477324, $25.95

After turning his back to the light, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker devastated his former compatriots Jedi Knights, but "died" during his confrontation with his friend and teacher Obi-Wan Kenobi. Out of Anakin's "death" arose Darth Vader, whose loyalty is to the Dark Lord Sidious as the former heir apparent has become the Emperor Palatine's prime executioner. While the Imperial forces destroy what is left of the failed Jedi insurgency, Vader goes after the three surviving Jedi Roan Shryne, Bol Chatak and Padawan Olee Starstone. As the trio flees, they know that when their former friend catches them, they will die. Still they elude the clone soldiers and stormtroopers as they search for a "safehouse" to hide the twin infants, Leia and Luke Skywalker, from their father in hope of improving the odds when the inevitable confrontation between light and dark occurs. DARK LORD - THE RISE OF DARTH VADER is a terrific follow-up to the novelization of the third movie. The key to the story line is the deep look inside Darth Vader, who comes across as a tragic figure struggling between what is left of his ever darkening soul and the seemingly unrestricted power of the force that tightens its addictive control over him. While the Jedi look to the future with protecting the next generation, the dark threesome wants to eradicate all resistance now. Fans of Star Wars will treasure James Luceno's latest entry as one of the best in the long running multiple series.

The Conquering Sword of Conan
Robert E Howard
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345461533, $15.95, 416 pp.

This particular Conan collection contains five of Robert E Howard's tales (Servants of Bit-Yakin, Red Nails, The Black Stranger, Beyond the Black River, and The Man-Eaters of Zamboula). Fans of the series know these are some of the best Conan escapades with plenty said on each. However, what make the compilation fun are the extras added on top of the thrillers. Included are early drafts of Mr. Howard's tales, an insightful essay the Hyborian Genesis that this reviewer found fascinating, and additional analysis of the recurring themes especially honor and death found in the Conan stories. As always the illustrations provided this time by Gregory Munches are top rate, but also seem so different than that of Gary Gianni's in Bloody Crown of Conan. Obviously targeting Howard fans, those who sword and sorcery fans who have not read the works of the founding father will also appreciate this anthology as the pride and courage of Conan stands out in every escapade in each of these incredible adventures.

Sword Across Time
Catherine Anne Collins
Treble Heart
ISBN: 1931742871, $14.99

New York magazine reporter, Tamara relaxes at her mom's home in rural Vermont, but feels compelled to search the attic. In her "quest" Tamara uncovers an ancient looking tome. She asks her mother Diana, a Wiccan witch, about the book. Diana claims the find is the ancient journal of Niumbe, the Lady of the Lake, High Priestess of Avalon. Though Tamara scoffs at that explanation, the rest of the story is even more ridiculed as her mother also insists that Tamara is Niumbe's descendent. Not long afterward in what she rationalizes is a coincidence, Tamara travels to Glastonbury, England on an assignment involving a Wiccan ceremony. She knows from Niumbe's journal that Glastonbury Tor is the alleged site where she fought Merlin over Excalibur. Private investigator Gavin Calder finds an ancient looking tome allegedly scribed by Merlin in his parents' attic. He takes it to his friend Mac, a bookstore owner, when Tamara enters Mac's shop carrying Niumbe's journal. Instantly Gavin and Tamara are attracted to one another, but both skeptics begin to ponder all the coincidences that brought them together. They wonder are they being manipulated to repeat the past or is fate using love to right the wrong. Using the Arthurian legend as a base, Catherine Anne Collins provides a delightful modern take as Tamara and Gavin must overcome skepticism, toss away logic, and control their feelings to battle each other or the diabolical enemy manipulating them as she did Niumbe and Merlin. The fascinating story line contains two plots that include flashbacks to Camelot and the modern day spin. Fans will wonder whether history will repeat itself or unite in love against a sly manipulative third party. SWORD ACROSS TIME will make believers of the Camelot crowd that Ms. Collins has had access to genuine Camelot journals.

Legacy of Morevi
Tee Morris and Lisa Lee
Dragon Moon
ISBN: 1896944299, $19.95

Off the coast of Ireland, Captain Rafe Rafton sails the Defiant through "The Graveyard of Lost Ships" that he learns is a space-time continuum; they end up in the Kingdom of Morevi where he helps the ruthless First Queen Askana Moldarin against her enemies from within and from neighboring Eyrie. He succeeds, saving her life and her kingdom, and becomes consort to the Queen (see MOREVI: THE CHRONICLES OF RAFE AND ASKANA). Rafe and Askana initially assume happily ever after as he is a hero to her people and to her. However, as he struggles to adapt to life in Morevi, he finds the influential Ladies of the Blood want him to go home; somehow they persuade his daughter Ahstari, the Second Queen, to join their cause of removing the foreign usurper. However, before he can consider what to do about his child turning against him, Rafe must lead a battle that he knows his side cannot win against the dangerous Southern Wood creatures and the deadly magic of Morevi's former allies the Elves of Arathelle. One mistake and Rafe will welcome death as a better outcome for him. This second tale contains all the exhilarating thrills and magical chills that made the first Morevi entry terrific. The superb story line hooks the audience as the adventures begin early and never slows down. Rafe, like the true champion he is, feels prepared for epic hostilities on the mundane and mystical planes, but also fears he lost his daughter to the pure blood movement that want him deported. His relationship with the First Queen is that of love, but that might not prove enough, that is if he survives the upcoming war. This is a great character driven action-packed fantasy.

Goddess by Mistake
P.C. Cast
Hawk
ISBN: 1930709323, $TBA

Thirty something high school English teacher Shannon Parker stops at an auction sale where she notices a vase containing a portrait of her on it. She wins the bid with a ridiculously low price tag due to a mysteriously appearing crack inside the vase. On her way home, Shannon is transported from her vehicle to a luxurious temple where her friend Suzanna calls her Lady. She soon learns that the vase was a portal that her "twin" the High Priestess of Epona Rhiannon used for them to switch places; Suzanna is actually Rhiannon's slave Alanna. Centaur ClanFintan arrives with his "horsies" to demand Rhiannon complete the hand-fastening ceremony that would have them married for a year. Shannon goes through the ceremony, but refuses to take any lip (or other body part) from a man built at least down there like a thoroughbred. Instead she treats him and others the same way she taught teenage hormonal maniacs in Oklahoma. As the transplanted Shannon and the shapeshifting centaur fall in love, she tells him who she is while they team up to battle malevolent demonic vampires and prevent the real Rhiannon from returning. The first "Goddess" book contains the enjoyable ingredients that make these mythological romances fun to read because the species of mythos seem genuine and the strong heroine is ready to battle; in this case her new society, her beloved, her "twin", and the vampires using the techniques honed in teaching wars with teenagers. This tale is amusing mostly due to Shannon's observations and quips yet it has its' serious moments too (for instance the worshipped Goddess learns that teachers are treated with contempt as those who can't and paid accordingly). Though the heroine adjusts too easily, fantasy romance fans will cast about seeking the remaining delightful Goddess tales.

Passarola Rising
Azhar Abidi
Viking
ISBN: 0670034657, $21.95

After leaving Brazil for Portugal and gaining financial sponsoring in Lisbon, by 1731 Bartolomeo Louren is ready to test his airship, the Passarola in front of His Majesty Joao V. However, Bartolomeo's flying machine angers Cardinal Conti who believes that if man was meant to fly, God would have given Adam wings. With the force of the Portuguese Inquisition, he forces Bartolomeo and his younger brother Alexandre to flee via their airship to France. French King Louis XV supports Bartolomeo's efforts to improve on the Passarola as the enlightened monarch sees great military advantage in fighting enemies on the ground from the air. Meanwhile the Acadmie des Sciences hire the siblings to measure distances to the polar circle, which they undertake. On the dangerous trek, Alex claims to have seen a great city, but no proof is offered and his older brother admits he never saw the phantom sprawl. After a return to France, Alex goes home to Brazil as the adventures are over for him, but Bartolomeo starts a new epic in India. Based on the real account of two eighteenth century brothers, PASSAROLA RISING is a superb historical fiction novel that brings to life the first half of the eighteenth century through the passion of siblings who want to soar through the sky. The tale is told in a look back memoir like manner by Alexandre, who romanticizes and worships his creative talented and daring older brother. Readers will enjoy the adventures of two daredevils defying church, royalty, and other powers of society to live out their dream even though for one of them it turns into a relatively short fantasy.

The Thrall's Tale
Judith Lindbergh
Viking
ISBN: 0670034649, $25.95

In 985 A.D., Eirik Raude is exiled from Iceland; he leads a party of his followers to settle in Greenland. Amongst those on the ocean faring journey is Irish catholic Katla, enslaved by Einar when he captured her during a raid. His son Torvard violently rapes her. Seeress Thorbjorg buys the battered young woman still wearing her rosary and nurses her back to health enabling Katla to give birth to a daughter, Bibrau. Thorbjorg becomes more of a mother to Bibrau, teaching her all she knows especially of Nordic mysticism. Katla misses her ability to openly practice her religion, which along with the violent way she conceived, lead to her hating her symbolic daughter. Bibrau knows her heritage including how all the other Greenlanders disdain her and how much her mother loathes her; she vows to use all that her mentor taught her to avenge all those who scorn her. THE THRALL'S TALE rotates the first person between the lead three females so that readers learn what motivates each one of them in a world where they remain outsiders and anticipate a tragic confrontation. The story line combines a strong look at the Norsemen colonies in Greenland at a time when Christianity is beginning to gain acceptance. It is this deep look at society in flux through the "victimized" trio that makes Judith Lindbergh's fine historical tale soar.

Bridge of Souls
Fiona McIntosh
Eos
ISBN: 0060747609, $14.95, 528 pp.

Though he wishes he could go back to before when he was a general in the Morgravian army, Wyl Thirsk courageously continues to live with his "gift" of life granted to him by the now late Myrren the witch. Myrren's "gift" is a spell that propels his spirit to occupy the body of anyone who murders him. Currently Wyl resides in the body of his sister Ylena while he continues his quest to kill King Celimus of Morgravia with a secondary objective to thwart the monarch's intention to marry Queen Valentyna of neighboring Briavel. Meanwhile Myrren's late father Elysius before turning to dust "assigned" young Fynch "mentored" by Knave the dog to annihilate the malevolent magician Rashlyn. These two quests will soon link up leaving a depressed Wyl and unconfident Fynch in mortal danger from two evil abominations, but failure leaves their countrymen at risk. BRIDGE OF SOULS, the final bodysnatching tale in the Quickening trilogy (see MYRREN'S GIFT and BLOOD AND MEMORY) is a fabulous epic fantasy that grips fans of Fiona McIntosh from the moment the boy magician Fynch and Knave communicate. The story line never slows until the final confrontation between good and evil. Though it is better to have read the previous tales to understand how things progressed to the bridge of no return, epic fantasy readers will appreciate the action-packed climax as Wyl tries to save the people of his nation and those of the neighboring country as well as the woman he loves in a desperate final gamut.

Heir of Autumn
Giles Carwyn & Todd Fahnestock
Eos
ISBN: 0060878908, $25.95, 450 pp.

Ohndarien is a city of peace where little crime exists and freedom abounds. The realm is governed by the Children of the Seasons, men and women who took the Test of Stone and those who are found worthy of the Heartstone. They wear a diamond in their chests that grant them magical powers. Prince Krellis of Physendria came to Ohndarien to conquer but instead but was persuaded by one of the Children Baelandra to take the test and when he passes it he becomes one of the Children. Krellis trains the army and governs justly so that the people and soldiers become loyal to him. When his son with his dying breath tells his father that Brophy was the one who raped a Faradan girl, Krellis exiles him. He is shipped to Physendira who intends to invade the Ohndariens. He becomes the Queen's champion in the deadly game Nine Squares. From there he travels to the island of Cinder to ask the Opal Empire to help them in the upcoming war. On the island is a potent weapon that if let loose could destroy the world. Once the Opal Empire realizes that Ohndariens were preventing the Legacy of Efflen from being used, they change sides and agree to help. However it will be Brophy who will be the one to save his homeland if he is willing to pay the price. HEIR OF AUTUMN is a terrific and spellbinding work of high fantasy. There is enough political intrigue, battle scenes and romance to keep readers' attention at an all time high. Told from the perspective of various characters, fans becomes so involved with the tale that they are unable to stop reading even for one moment because they want to see what happens next. The authors have an excellent sense of place that allows the audience to believe these locales actually exist.

No Present Like Time
Steph Swainston
Eos
ISBN: 0060753889, $13.95, 416 pp.

In the Fourlands several years have passed since THE YEAR OF OUR WAR, but now a rare challenge to a position in Emperor San's Circle of the immortal Eszai occurs. Shockingly the newcomer defeats Gio Ami, and replaces him as the Swordsman, Serein. Feeling humiliated by his defeat, as only the second immortal to lose

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